A change of air blows through daily life this week, and as those winds rustle the status quo, regular routines might be disrupted, disorganized, or discombobulated. So don’t be dismayed if you’re feeling disoriented. Some transitions are smoother than others, and this one is a little tricky if only because the fiery interactions of recent months being replaced by earthier ones, giving us all a chance to get more grounded.
But making the transition could turn the next couple of days a bit uncomfortable. We’re in the grip of a Mars/Saturn square that began pretty much at the same time as Mercury Retrograde began on September 17. Mercury Retrograde is bad enough without a fractious Mars/Saturn square to manage, so I simply decided to leave it out of the forecast. I don’t usually edit the bad news out, but the solar and lunar eclipses coupled with the retrograde were enough to turn anyone testy, and a Mars/Saturn square would seal the deal. But now because we’re in the separating phase of this contentious coupling, its need to chafe against something or someone—anyone, as long as there’s friction—is likely to dominate its final few days. If you’ve made it this far without a meltdown or blowup, try to keep your cool just a moment longer. There no need adding to the already hyper-excited atmosphere of opinion and self-importance, which are two of the signatures of this square.
The good news is we are also under the influence of a Jupiter/Pluto trine which also began pretty much with Mercury Retrograde—but again, I don’t think it was as pronounced as the other interactions occurring at that time. (That maybe a rationalization, and I apologize to those who may experience this as revisionist astrology.) This positive, productive interaction won’t be exact until mid-October, and will persist for the entire month. Jupiter signifies an expansive, inclusive approach to life, and when it is in Virgo, an Earth Sign, Jupiter tends toward practical, tangible concerns related to health, productivity, service, and the environment, among other things. Pluto, currently in Capricorn, has been taking all of us to task, particularly when it comes to corporations, by demonstrating their immense entitlement, prerogative, and sense of privilege. The positive field of this Jupiter/Pluto trine can produce constructive intentions that translate into beneficial action. Remember, each of us the leader of our personal revolution/evolution, and every time anyone is involved in positive efforts for change, the balance of power shifts, even if only incrementally.
For some reason, and I am not quite sure why, whenever I get to Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius, I’m at the end of the column and running out of steam. But here are some ideas to consider about Saturn’s transit through the Sign of the seeker:
Sagittarius is the section of the zodiac where we search for truth, contemplate belief systems, celebrate classical traditions, and point our arrows to Higher Aims. Pluto’s journey through Sagittarius from 1995-2008 brought fundamentalism and all its myopic literalism, born of chronic misunderstanding and fear, to the surface of daily life. In the United States it was primarily Christian fundamentalism. Now it is fundamentalism of every variety. Since Pluto’s transit of Sagittarius, we’ve been attempting, at least from a collective perspective, to understand how to include a wide variety of belief systems, some of which posit violence and hatred as a way of life. There is no “one-way and one-way only” that will save us from ourselves. My hope is that as Saturn turns its discerning eye toward the issues of literalism, we will gain greater insights and clarity. Saturn won’t be able to clean up the religious mess, but it will provide support for thoughtful processes that could allow a deeper appreciation of how we can shift the emphasis away from what separates us and concentrate instead on what unites. Saturn is a stern taskmaster but also our greatest teacher. Sagittarius symbolizes our desire to synthesize instinct and intellect, as well as the aspiration to integrate the material with the spiritual. The combination of these astral forces could bring greater understanding about our next evolutionary steps.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Saturn is journeying through your Solar House of belief systems, inviting you to use your discernment by applying it to your beliefs. Be open and stay open to examining even your most preciously guarded truisms. If you use this time wisely, and have the courage to face your doubts, you will transform faith into knowing.
Taurus April 20-May 20
As Saturn transits your Solar House of transformation, you’re likely to be confronting many areas over which you have no control. Rather than resist this process and make yourself crazy for the next several years, relax into it. I know that sounds simpler than it is, but practice will make it easier and easier to let go.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Saturn’s transit through your Solar House of relationship is going to ask you to examine all your partnership habituations. As part of this process, some of those relationships, especially those built on the quicksand of co-dependence, could fall away. While others, built on the bedrock of equality and care, are sure to get stronger.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Saturn is in your Solar House of health and service, posing the following questions: How well do you care for yourself? How well do you care for others? There are no “right” answers to these questions, but plenty of time to observe your patterns and make any necessary improvements.
Leo July 23-August 22
As Saturn transits your Solar House of self-expression, you could find yourself hyperaware of the impression you want to make on others—and where you may need to up your game to achieve that goal. While I don’t suggest you indulge in self-consciousness, I would advise you to notice what aspects of yourself you’re most inclined to want to change.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Saturn is journeying through the deepest sector of your Solar Chart, the Solar House of the home. During this phase you’re more than likely to feel a need to move or renovate your environment in a way that provides greater safety and security. Keep in mind, this process also includes improvements to your internal center.
Libra September 23-October 22
Saturn is transiting your Solar House of communication, and as it brings its clarity to all your communiqués, you’re likely to find yourself choosing your words carefully in an effort to choose them wisely. Good—there’s much to be said for intentional conversation aimed at creating greater clarity.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
I’m sure on some level you don’t really care about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius because you’re too busy celebrating its exit from your Sign. While there is reason to be happy, don’t spend too much money on the party. Saturn is transiting your Solar House of personal finances and part of this journey is bringing your finances into better balance.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Saturn’s transit through your Sign is all about a deep identity crisis, and while I can’t promise easy sailing, I can guarantee a process of self-examination that will eventually manifest as greater maturity. Embrace the inevitable, and allow Saturn to help you grow.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Saturn in journeying through your Solar House of the unconscious, the vast ninety percent of the mind that speaks through dreams, symbols, metaphors, and other forms of non-concrete language. Don’t despair—while this dialect might be difficult at first, it offers a treasure trove of insight and understanding.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Saturn is transiting your Solar House of community, offering opportunities for you to solidify your commitment to greater participation and engagement with colleagues, neighbors, and others with whom you share common ground. You don’t have to jump in headfirst—take your time and let yourself get comfortable with what this process reveals.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Saturn is at the very top of your Solar Chart, and its transit through this sector of career and recognition invites you to consider what you would most like to accomplish. Before you measure your success in dollars and cents, consider gauging your efforts in non-material values—it just might provide a more accurate assessment.
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 © 2015 by Ralfee Finn