It’s hard to know where to begin. I’m overseas, currently in France, writing this on the Sunday before the US Presidential election, and by the time it’s published on Wednesday morning, November 9, the results of the election will be in, and the next phase of unrest will have already begun. Or better put, the results are likely to ratchet up the already too high levels of intensity and those levels aren’t going to calm down anytime soon—and we knew this would happen no matter who wins. Like many readers, my nervous system has been on tenterhooks these last many months, wondering what would happen next, and now even as the crescendo is finally here, my nervous system is still stretching to handle the tension, because no matter who wins, the pronounced and prolonged polarized state of The Union is certain to continue. This means the question we must now face head-on, as individuals as well as a collective is: How do we make the necessary massive cultural transition that unifies our disparate points of view and creates a peaceful planet? This is true for all of us no matter what country we inhabit, because just about every country has reached its emotional, economic, political, and psychological tipping point. The frustration of a stagnant status quo is no longer tolerable on any side of the polarized political divide, especially when that stagnation refuses to recognize just how much the world has changed and just how much we need to change with it.
It doesn’t really seem accidental that Hillary Clinton, the first female candidate for President of the United States, ran against Donald Trump, the perfect embodiment of the white male perspective that has held women and minorities hostage for so long. He reflects the view of the disempowered who will do anything to hold onto their power. From an objective vantage point, Mr. Trump deserves a “thank you” for accelerating the cause of feminism. Without his egregious attitude toward women, the toxicity of sexism that has been endemic to a certain way of life would not have been so blatantly exposed. Thanks to him, it can no longer be denied. Of course, what we do to remedy the misogyny so many simply take for granted—men and women alike—is yet to be seen. And because the world changes very slowly, it may take several more elections to shift the paradigm. But to be sure, the passion play of this election makes it impossible to ignore just how much women are still feared and hated for their power.
Last week, the Dalai Lama published an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times about the need to be needed. As he sees it, altruism is the antidote to feeling culturally disenfranchised and cast aside by a society that no longer reflects what some once identified as key values. It’s an interesting take on moving out of frustration and into action. The Dalai Lama’s advice is applicable whether your candidate won or lost because it’s an approach that can help heal anxiety in a world that often seems to be spinning out of control.
If the last eight years of planetary patterns have taught us anything, it’s that on this planet, transformation is the antidote to stagnation. Or as a dear friend once said, “On this planet, it’s grow or die.” Since 2008-2010, when the series of Saturn/Uranus oppositions tilted the world on its financial axis, we’ve been in a state of tremendous upheaval, upheaval that is world-changing as well as world-building, but upheaval that also generated a profound experience of physical and psychic dislocation. And that dislocation set the stage for the shifts of the seven Uranus/Pluto squares that occurred from 2012-2015, when just about every part of “normal” was set to “abnormal.” Those who were able to adjust to the shifts have managed to maintain their equilibrium, but that balance hasn’t been achieved without deep personal work and a commitment to growth. One only has to witness the yoga revolution to realize how deep the yearning is for a safe place. And while some may be cynical or snide about the intentions of that movement, people gathering together to meditate is always a good thing.
Those who resent and resist the need to adjust to the mighty shifts of recent years have suffered greatly over the loss of the world as it once was. Their nostalgia is reminiscent of an initiation into adulthood, when you have to leave behind certain behaviors because they are no longer appropriate. Some make this transition easily while others struggle, and that struggle can be witnessed through a multitude of situations where you just want to say: “Grow up.”
This week and during the coming weeks, each of us will need to find an internal balance capable of handling the next waves of upheaval. Again, whether your candidate is the loser or the winner, there will be a multitude of fellow travelers who will be disappointed and frightened and in need of a helping hand and a kind gesture to bridge the troubled waters. It may not be easy to comfort the opposition, but your efforts will make a genuine contribution to our collective journey—and that matters, greatly.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
There’s nothing to do—no river to push, no deal to negotiate—there’s only waiting and letting the situation unfold on its own. That will not be easy, especially because you can clearly see how it “should” be. Your perspective aside, if you stay open to the creativity of the moment, you might be surprised by what evolves.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Channel your extra energy (notice I didn’t say “anxiety”) into your career ambitions and you’ll make good progress toward your goals. Just be careful not to be too ruthless in your pursuit of happiness and success. Those you meet along the way have the potential to be quite helpful as this process proceeds.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The challenge is not letting anyone or anything interfere with a good attitude toward self-improvement. So even if significant others are grousing about all the things that are wrong, pay them no mind. Lots of people need to vent right now, and the key to not being infected with negativity is holding fast to what you know is good for you.
Cancer June 22-July 22
One of the best ways to manage tension generated from a tumultuous environment is to find a balance between hard work and positive social interactions. So when you’re working, immerse yourself and devote your efforts to excellence. And when you are not working, immerse yourself in the refreshing waters of a good time.
Leo July 23-August 22
Your relationships with significant others are rearranging themselves—with or without your participation. So rather than resist this process, embrace it by examining what your needs are, especially the need to be seen and to feel safe. You don’t have to be militant about your desires. You simply have to be aware of what’s essential and why.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Yes…there is a lot going on and interactions with significant others demand a great deal of time, but it is also important to focus on your needs, particularly when it comes to work and health issues. Don’t put off reexamining your work habits as well as your self-care patterns. The more you do to create balance in all areas, the better you will feel.
Libra September 23-October 22
Channel the excess energy of the next several weeks into creative endeavors and you’ll find the perfect outlet for any personal intensity or anxiety. Whether it’s music, mosaics, painting, potting, or poetry, if you concentrate your efforts creatively, you’ll be amazed at just how much transformative personal power you can generate.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin and then extending that comfort into your external situation, whether that’s your home, apartment or a room at the monastery. Wherever you are, be proactive about what you need to feel safe, but also what you need to feel empowered and happy simply to be you.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Take a deep breath—you’re about to start talking and you’re probably going to stay talking for at least a couple of weeks, which some would classify as a long time. Now I’m not saying you’re talking trash, although that might happen once in a while, but I am saying that you’ll need to breathe between paragraphs—if only to catch your breath and carry on.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Despite the tumult of the rest of the world, this is an opportune time for you to make new contacts that will expand your professional world. Be as social as possible and network as much as you can. You may not see an immediate result (although that’s possible) but you will see long-term beneficial results from what you put in motion.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Seize the moment and lead the way—especially your way—through the brouhaha of the week. You are in a leadership role and people are counting on you to be an example of the best way to handle the intensity. I realize this can be a tremendous responsibility, but you’re up to the task: You have the energy, insight and imagination to make the right choices.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You can’t help but wear your heart on your sleeve—at least for a couple of days—but don’t confuse the ability to experience your feelings as permission to get lost in the drama. Do your best to find a balance between acknowledging just how emotional the situation is and the need to find a compassionate stance that can defuse some of the negativity.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-212-222-3232, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com. Copyright © 2016 by Ralfee Finn