Just keep moving, even if it feels as if you’re going nowhere, because despite an inability to see the path beneath your feet, or make sense of what’s right before your eyes, or have a clear picture of where you will eventually land, every moment is still alive with purpose and intent. As Willie Nelson sings, “Still is still movin’ to me.” And while some things might appear stagnant, and others might appear as if they are dissolving, and even more might appear as static on the screen of life, we are still in motion, and at the moment moving through huge transitions and trying to find a clear broadcast signal so we can receive instructions on what’s next. (Okay—the instruction part is a little dramatic but nonetheless true.)
Normally, the focus of this week’s column would be on the positive influence of this week’s Sun/Jupiter conjunction, in Libra, because it’s an optimistic alliance that speaks to an expansive, creative attitude, especially when applied to relationships of all types as well as relating to one another in a joyous way. Certainly we need that frequency more than any other right now, and to be sure, that uplift is available. But we are also in transition and everyone—cats, dogs, birds, fish, plants, and people—can feel the heaviness hanging in the air as we move through the changes. We are in the midst of important transitions—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual—individual as well as collective.
However, the focus of this week’s column is on the shadow of that Sun/Jupiter conjunction, in part, because our pal Mars, archetype of the warrior, just entered Capricorn, forming an immediate square to both the Sun and Jupiter, in Libra. This is a fractious interaction that stimulates a need to succeed that interrupts and supersedes the good manners and polite concerns about all the participants in any situation. Anticipate more than a little elbowing to get to the top.
But that’s not the only reason to look at the shadow. Libra’s scales—its astrological symbol—signify life’s natural flux, and while many rail against the constant oscillation of these scales, especially when that flux manifests as the need to weigh every bit of information before taking action, it’s in that constantly adjusting quest for the perfect balance that we develop the skill to handle transitions. It’s also where we learn to let go and allow a Higher Power to guide the way.
Those scales are not blown about by the wind—even if it seems that way to some. Those scales tilt in response to our every thought, word and deed. Remember, the universe is reading all the data all the time and rearranges itself according to our picture of reality. And most of us, if not all, are unaware of the constant weighing, adjusting, measuring, and balancing that’s occurring all the time. We think we are in control, that we are making decisions based on current information in present. But we are not in control and no decision is made unilaterally based on the pure and unsullied data of the moment, which is why surrender can often provide such great relief. It’s the antidote for control issues because it is the first step in understanding that something far greater than our intellect or our desire determines the outcome—and I’m not talking about supernatural beings. I’m talking about the individual and collective aggregation of all our thoughts, words, and deeds. The only thing we can do is show up, stay present, be authentic, and make choices based on what our hearts already know is best.
Recognizing the power of the collective as we simultaneously surrender the need to control is not a passive stance and I’m not suggesting passivity as a solution to individual or collective problems. I’m simply suggesting that this is a good week to contemplate the wisdom of letting go. Many are feeling the sludge of frustration as certain situations won’t seem to budge. Others are feeling a paralysis in the face of transitions that can’t happen soon enough. And even more are experiencing the bitterness and disappointment of injustice after injustice after injustice because we have yet to reach the critical mass of collective consciousness necessary for a true change of heart. How many more people have to die before we realize the toxicity of hatred is not just poisoning those in battle—it’s poisoning all of us. Every heart suffers when one heart is lost to cruelty and violence. So even in the midst of these transitions, when so much seems to hang in the balance, make the extra effort to be kind to your fellow travelers. Your efforts will make a difference.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction stirs expansive feelings about partnerships of every variety, but don’t be surprised if some of those emerging emotions take you on a trip down memory lane. Yes, the retrogrades are over but the heart remembers everything, and sometimes that translates into holding onto a fire that long ago lost its heat. Letting go might mean opening up to a new and just as passionate connection.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction stimulates an impressive amount of work-related activity—you’re busy, very, very busy. The good news is that you have the strength and stamina to handle the workload. So even if you’re feeling tired and questioning your capacity as well as your ability to handle these increased demands, take heart. You’re up to the task and there’s plenty of support should you need it.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction enhances creativity as it simultaneously inspires your imagination to take flight. By all means, embrace this positive force and engage in as many creative pursuits and projects as you can. Just be aware that taking on too much could dilute the process. So take flight, but be alert to what authentically calls you and ignites your passion. Then devote yourself whole-heartedly to that pursuit.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction produces a strong need to feel grounded, and while I realize this combination occurs in the Air Element—the antithesis of groundedness—that doesn’t mean you can’t make this influence work for you. Think about how you can create greater stability in your external world, but also and perhaps more important, how you can generate internal stability through a strong, vibrant center within.
Leo July 23-August 22
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction stimulates the need to talk—a lot—about everything, especially your creative ideas. But before you squander this super power on chit chat or dissipate your ideas through idle chatter, spend some of this currency carefully articulating what it is you really want to say. I’m not suggesting you get uber-serious and forget to laugh or have fun. I’m simply advising to spend your words wisely.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction excites lavish tendencies which could motivate you to spend more money than necessary or more than you actually can afford. So take a deep breath and see what lies beneath these fantasies: Are you compensating for a lack of self-esteem? A sense of worthlessness? A need to prove that you are better off than you actually are? Deal with the causal level and you’ll get a good return.
Libra September 23-October 22
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction—in your Sign—creates a lot of exposure: You are front and center no matter what you’re doing because you’re doing it in a huge spotlight. You can resist this powerful force or you can embrace it—the choice is yours. Resist, and you just might set off a chain reaction that boomerangs by making some things worse. Embrace it, ride the waves (something you’re already familiar with) and you could emerge successful.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction creates an internal seesaw that has the power to send you soaring to the heavens one moment and crashing down to earth the next. The only real danger in this flux is the temptation to say more than necessary, especially when you’re frustrated with the situation. It is, as always, about taking a deep breath, allowing yourself to exhale slowly, and assessing the situation before you share.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction shines a bright light on your neighborhood as it simultaneously expands the scope of your perspective. Anticipate a renewed appreciation for familiar people, places and things. Also expect the possibility of forming new alliances, even if those interactions seem testy at first. Sometimes the people who annoy us most have the most to deliver by way of stimulating self-reflection.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction arouses a new level of ambition, especially in the career arena. Let your plate be filled with new plans and projects, but also be cautious about making too many commitments, so many that you can’t possibly deliver the goods. Choose carefully by making sure each project or task is in keeping with what you do best—this is the time for your devotion to perfection to help you shine radiantly from within.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction stimulates a spiritual quest, and while you may not be interested in adopting a particular philosophy or subscribing to a specific religion, you are likely to feel called to this exploration. You could reject the spiritual component of this journey and simply sample different cultures and different traditions without including their fundamental views of the world, but that would be difficult to pull off.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Sun/Jupiter conjunction generates a new cycle of transformation, so don’t be surprised if you’re drawn to new courses, workshops and other avenues of personal growth. As you probe the possibilities, remember to use your discretion and discernment—lots of enthusiastic promises are made in the passion of the moment and not every technique is a miracle cure. Indeed, sometimes miracle cures are not the best remedy.
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