The final Mercury Retrograde phase of the year is over, the retrogrades of 2014 are finally behind us, and all the planets that drive the mechanics of daily life—Mercury, Venus, and Mars—are in fast-forward, quickening the pace of regular routines and, perhaps, making some of us wish that the wheels of life weren’t moving quite so quickly. But not to worry: For those seeking a crawl, Neptune is retrograde until November 16, Jupiter goes retrograde on December 8, AND Uranus remains retrograde until December 15.
But this week’s new pace isn’t necessarily about fastening your seatbelts, although being prepared for maximum warp would be a wise choice. The next nine weeks are about figuring how to find and maintain a wholesome balance in the midst of an end-of-the-year acceleration that not only ties together the loose ends of the last ten months, but also wipes clean the memory of the first half of the year when we were stuck in retrograde hell. What’s more, even if you are never in a hurry and have never had a Mad Hatter day in your life, you’re likely to feel the need to rush. So breathe deeply as often as necessary, and try to prioritize your time and energy. And when possible, encourage your fellow travelers to take life in comfortable strides.
The next few weeks are dominated by Mars, the archetype of the warrior who can be devoted to battle or to the service of a Greater Good.
Mars begins a conjunction to Pluto on November 4, a conjunction that is exact and separating on Tuesday, November 10 and lingers through November 18. This is a pernicious aspect that symbolizes the compulsive need to have it your way—and your way only. Brutal methods are often associated with this configuration. Try not to be dictatorial or insistent, and instead devote your efforts to peacemaking. The problem is that keeping the peace is impossible, if only because as soon as Mars moves out of exact contact with Pluto, Mars immediately moves into a square with Uranus, another difficult aspect that further fuels urges to use sheer brute force to achieve goals. And together, this entire bundle amplifies all the places and people in the world already inflamed with the madness of violence and war. Its power could be used to facilitate peace through creative solutions, but using that power positively will require great discipline and devotion to a Higher Power that can restore the sanity of everyone—not just addicts.
The Mars/Pluto conjunction happens at the same degree as the third Uranus/Pluto conjunction on May 20, 2013, and when Mars is exactly square Uranus it activates the same degree as the Grand Cross on April 21 of this year. Be prepared to revisit experiences, feelings, insights or encounters with people related to events that occurred at those significant points. Keep in mind as you reflect on the recent past that we are moving toward the sixth Uranus/Pluto square, which takes place on December 12. As soon as Mars triggers those points in the first weeks of November we will move inexorably toward that December date. These squares have catalyzed personal, political, individual, and collective movements for independence. And as this planetary cycle continues to unfold, so does the process of evolution. These are not easy times, but they are times that temper the heart and forge the soul.
On a softer note, the Sun and Venus are still traveling together, and their conjunction, in Scorpio, stimulates sensual desire and harmonious interactions in general. Unfortunately, they aren’t likely to generate enough beauty, even in Scorpio, to produce a healing balm for the world.
As the Mars situation unfolds, make every effort to be a peaceful warrior—try not to get angry on the checkout line, at the service operator, or with coworkers. Try not to smack the child, throw the cat off the bed, or kick the dog just because you can. Children and pets have no agency, which means when tempers boil over from frustration, they are usually the first to get blamed and punished. We live in a world where every act of love makes a difference, even if we can’t see an immediate result.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Listen to your intuition, but listen with a discerning ear that can identify the difference between wishful thinking and a strong hunch. Once you feel confident making that distinction, move forward. But also keep in mind that not every hunch works out. The sixth sense works best when it’s married to common sense.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Give yourself permission to be romantic about everything, not just relationships. Be idealistic, imaginative, sentimental, and most importantly, envision your positive participation—what you would like to give as well as receive. Clarity about your role is a fundamental step toward happiness.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Conversations with partners, personal or professional, can yield many beneficial results, especially if you are able to listen to what’s implied rather than what is directly stated. If you pay attention to the details, your responses can incorporate your opinions and simultaneously address the concerns of others.
Cancer June 22-July 22
It won’t be easy to tread lightly when it comes to essential differences between you and those you love. So rather than rush forward in the heat of the moment, be patient. Even if you can’t contain the need to take a stand, the notion of biding your time will have a positive effect—a five second delay allows for the possibility of looking before you leap.
Leo July 23-August 22
The emphasis is on hard work, and while some people think of you as a lion who only wants to fluff its mane, you know just how hard you are willing to work for what you believe in. Rather than embracing the limelight prematurely, make the time to consider your options, specifically how your current charisma could be best spent.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Yes, there are a lot of details in need attention, particularly financial information that should be sorted out before you move forward. I’m not suggesting you are in any trouble; I am simply advising you to be aware of all the different facets of your finances so that you can create solid, tangible stability.
Libra September 23-October 22
Whether it’s physical construction or psychic deconstruction, disruptions where you live—internal or external—could make it difficult to keep your balance. Rather than losing your equilibrium, take the time to settle down and settle into regular routines, especially activities at home with the power to keep you grounded and focused on what matters most.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
There is a lot that needs to be said, and holding back the tough stuff isn’t really the answer. So rather than hide your truth, figure out a way to express what you feel without making the other person bad or wrong. Your message may not be loved, but you will be respected for having the courage to be honest.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You have an opportunity to renovate your financial house, but it is going to take a lot of work to bring it up to par. Accept this challenge with the willingness to work as hard as necessary to accomplish your goal, but also understand that money won’t solve the deeper issues. As you balance your checkbook, also pay attention to how you can build your self-esteem.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Expect to find yourself in a leadership position–even if you’re on vacation and there are no followers. Mars is in your Sign, a position that increases vim and vigor. Use its presence to feed ambitions, but also use it to strengthen body, mind, and heart. We seldom think of Mars as a healing agent, but it has the power to stimulate dynamic growth.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Your mission is to avoid any form of negative thinking that would allow the brain worm to take hold. No brooding or endless ruminating over what could or should have been. Meditation, contemplation, and reflection are only useful when the mind stays clear and steers clear of harmful habits that undermine positive attitudes.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Read Aries, above, and add this: Continue to explore what it is you need to be able to trust your intuition. It isn’t necessary to act. What’s important is thinking through what it means to continue to trust even if you’re disappointed in the outcome.
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