It’s another week of powerful upheaval here on Planet Earth, and staying balanced in the midst of these seemingly endless shifts requires a strong mind and a steady heart, especially as highly charged planetary alignments continue to exacerbate too many already inflamed collective hotspots. From eruptions to explosions to extreme weather events, the world is wobbling. And its tremors are not only manifesting as part of our combined communal process; there are just as many personal emotional emergencies requiring attention and care, which means meltdowns are probable, yours and others’, particularly children of all ages.
While I don’t usually recommend watching the news to gain insight, it might be a worthwhile exercise to tune in if only to gain perspective on just how volatile life has become for so many. You don’t need to watch for more than a nanosecond. Gaining even a brief glimpse of current global turmoil might inspire efforts to soothe local tumult.
The dominant source of astral heat is a Grand Trine, in Fire, among Uranus, in Aries, Jupiter, in Leo, and Mars, in Sagittarius. The Fire element is characterized by passion and daring—Aries thrives on excitement, Leo loves romance, and Sagittarius lives for adventure—and when all three Fire Signs combine in a positive formation, their joint influence ignites fervor everywhere. And when that formation is composed of the “Three Amigos” of Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, well…”fasten your seatbelts” is an understatement. Any Mars/Uranus configuration feeds the need for revolution, and when Jupiter amplifies that need, the entire bundle produces tremendous amounts of energy, making it possible for groups as well as individuals to exert extreme effort—demonstrations in Hong Kong, for example. Individual demonstrations are also possible and some of our fellow travelers are sure to experience the same need for freedom from whatever enslaves, whether those shackles are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Don’t be surprised if you or someone you love declares independence and presents a personal bill of rights.
Those declarations could carry a sharp edge, given that the Sun, in Libra, opposes Uranus and simultaneously sextiles both Mars and Jupiter. The Sun signifies the life force, or spirit, and when it opposes Uranus, struggle and strife mark the fight for freedom. The Sun’s sextile to Mars and Jupiter indicates exaggerated or rash responses, and the entire bundle has the potential to escalate power struggles because…and hold on for it…the Sun also squares Pluto. It’s simply a mess of intensity that doesn’t bode well for the skillful or graceful handling of disagreements. A small, indulgent spark could intentionally or unintentionally ignite a conflagration.
Patience would be a key to handling any small and/or large flare-ups, especially disruptions that occur as a result of Mercury Retrograde. Mercury begins its last retrograde phase of the year on October 4 and stays retrograde until October 25. Here’s the drill (and apologies to those who already know it by heart or learned it the hard way): Back up everything today. Don’t download new software or buy new hardware if you don’t have to. Also try not to initiate new projects or plans and instead concentrate on reviewing the details of what’s already in motion. Lastly, anticipate delays and detours when traveling or making travel plans, and also expect mail, electronic and whatever it is we used to call mail before computers, to disappear into the same place the socks go in the dryer.
Most importantly, because this week and next week are so volatile, make an extra effort to be kind to your fellow travelers. Everyone—everyone—is under tremendous stress, even if it is the stress of success and the fear it will vanish. Stress often sparks strong reactions that can’t be taken back. So stay calm, be present, and remember we are all in this intense fire together.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Your current situation presents as a relationship issue, but before you can clean or clear it up with any significant others, you have to first work through several key points in your relationship with yourself. Be willing to look deeply at what is being mirrored to you, for while the reflection may not be exact, it will still help you to create greater self-awareness.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’ve been in a fairly long process of sorting through dysfunctional behavior in order to create a fresh, healthy perspective that allows you to stay balanced. It isn’t easy giving up old survival systems that have outlived their usefulness, and discovering new ways of problem solving often takes longer than anticipated. Continue to take your time, and don’t worry about the outcome—you have what it takes to succeed.
Gemini May 21-June 21
It is, actually, a relationship issue, and as you struggle to define yourself in relation to your associates, don’t be too quick to discard difficult characters. I’m not suggesting you welcome a fight; I am advising you to listen closely to opposing points of view. Understanding the opposition will create greater opportunities for you to create a win/win solution.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Authenticity is the remedy for a standoff or a meltdown with partners, personal or professional, who are asking you to put their needs before your own. But being real isn’t synonymous with giving in. And resentment doesn’t help anyone, especially you. Be clear about what you’re willing to do with a joyous heart, and why it feels good to be of service.
Leo July 23-August 22
You’re on an adventure, to be sure, and you have no idea where it is going to take you—and you don’t really care, as long as you are free to say what’s on your mind and in your heart. Go ahead and have at it. If you stay centered in your innate generosity of spirit, your need to be free won’t cause harm to anyone, including you.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Worrying, especially worrying about money, only creates more worry—and you can’t deposit anxiety in the bank. You can address those financial concerns with positive action, especially activities that “spend” your anxiety by putting it to good use. Whatever your financial situation might be, don’t give in to negativity. Stay positive and you will make tangible gains.
Libra September 23-October 22
You can turn the Wheel of Fortune to your benefit if you’re willing to simply rejoice in being you: Not you in relation to another and not you in relation to work. This celebration is just about having a relationship with yourself that’s honest, caring, tender, and appreciative of all you do. Love yourself first, and the rest will follow.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Tibetan Buddhists often talk about the value of freeing the mind from the fetters of an ignorant perspective. “Ignorant” is understood to mean ignorance of the true nature of reality, which is transitory and impermanent. When we forget that everything changes and we cling to one thing or another, especially mental constructs, we suffer. Explore the basics of this philosophy and you might have an easier time letting go.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’re in the leadership role, and while the responsibilities attached to that position might feel overwhelming at times, you are actually qualified to take charge. Besides, holding back would be impossible right now. Embrace this role and allow it to help you actualize your potential—potential you didn’t even realize you had.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re ruminating about the many different areas of life that you feel are in need of a shift. Good—let yourself think about how you can improve the quality of your life. And while you’re at it, think about how those improvements would be beneficial to others. You don’t have to put the needs of others before your own, but it would be wise to consider the effects of your choices
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The oppositional energy you are experiencing might be coming in the form of a specific person or situation, but your ability to move through the polarization requires an internal shift in perspective. Consider that it is really philosophical freedom that you are after and you’ll have an easier time discerning what you are up against.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s not so much a financial crisis as it is a crisis of values. You feel the need to break free from the pattern of conforming to the values of others but you’re not sure if it’s safe for you to have a confrontation over key issues. If you’re clear about what matters to you, you’ll be able to hold steady and true to your position without a disruptive or angry breakup.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264,
write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com. Copyright © 2014 by Ralfee Finn