Weekly Frequency
July 1, 2009

Copyright © 2009 by Ralfee Finn.

Not new, but still current,
      "Don't confuse the Dow with the Tao"

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For the last several months, every time I sit down to write this column I am perplexed about what to write. I have the format down: Identify the themes, describe how they play out, and then, offer up practical advice about how to handle the news. Or as a good friend once said, “Ralfee’s column:  First paragraph – life sucks; second paragraph, life sucks; and so forth until the end, which reads, ‘Here’s what you can do about it. And be nice.’” Okay…maybe it’s not that simple or succinct. But as I face the astrological picture for the coming weeks and months, I feel the need to break free from that format. Most of us already know we are living in exceptional times, and the current planetary patterns reflect that intensity. What the stars indicate for now and for the future is a highly charged, transformational time that is going to be deeply uncomfortable. But nothing is a fait accompli. Earth is a free will planet, and the outcome – or what we would call history – is determined by individual choice. It may not look that way at times, but nevertheless it is so. So…as the coming weeks and months unfold, as you continue to read this column – or any other astrology column – please keep in mind, astrologers interpret symbols as best they can, but how those symbols transform into life experience is neither uniform nor predictable. We are all (astrologer and reader) actually making “it” up as we go along – and while that’s a whole lotta uncertainty, in the end, it is a very good thing. True healing comes from staying on the field of action, no matter how uncomfortable, and allowing the necessary transformation to occur.

And we are definitely standing on a field of action. Uranus goes Retrograde today and stays that way until December 1st, and as it “turns around,” Uranus sextiles Mars from the 1-13. Uranus represents kinetic energy, Mars symbolizes physical energy, and when they work in unison, they generate sheer physical power. Much of that power will manifest itself as innovation, but also be prepared for sudden twists of fate, personal as well as collective.

We end this week with a Lunar Eclipse on July 7th. Even though we understand the science of eclipses, eclipses still signal a reversal of the “normal” order. And given the already Uranian pulse of this week, this eclipse translates into even more upset. As regular routines fall apart, be prepared for nervous systems, yours or others’, already on overload, to blow a fuse or snap a circuit breaker.

While I don’t think the planets cause events, I do think there is an inexplicable correlation between celestial and terrestrial cycles. I enjoy the mystery of astrology because it invites not just the mind, but also the soul, to participate in the dialogue between heaven and earth – and that’s a conversation we can all benefit from.

If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon sign, read that too.

Aries  March 21-April l9

It’s a matter of balance, and the best way to maintain your equilibrium is to expect the unexpected. Take nothing for granted and you will handle what happens with skill and grace.

TaurusApril 20-May 20

External uncertainty could trigger internal angst, especially if you’re looking for guarantees about your future. Rather than worry, stay present. If you show up in integrity, the future will take care of itself.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Try not to let the values of others determine where you stand within yourself. Yes, it’s important to consider diverse points of view, but it’s better to use those perspectives to develop your own informed opinion.

Cancer June 22-July 22

New information about significant others could jolt you into impulsive choices. I’m not suggesting your reaction is “wrong,” but it would be wise to consider the consequences of your decision before making choices you might later regret.

Leo July 23-August 22

It’s the same old question: When is co-dependence just another word for kindness? There is no standard answer; there is only the one that works for you. Think about how you can be loving without losing your identity.

VirgoAugust 23-September 22

Take advantage of opportunities to repair or mend fences with friends or associates. This isn’t so much about reversing your stand as it is about using the solid ground of compromise to work beneficially for everyone.

LibraSeptember 23-October 22

Make “synthesize” your personal mantra, and you’ll hold onto a unified perspective. The situation is not as oppositional as it first appears. Work on softening your extremes and you’ll find positive solutions.

ScorpioOctober 23-November 21

You can call your current situation a crisis of faith or you can consider it an opportunity to shift out of old mental patterns and into a new mindset. This is a no-brainer: Give up what doesn’t work.

SagittariusNovember 22-December 21

The eclipse will reveal new information about how to handle your financial situation. I am not saying you will win the lottery, but you could use this new knowledge to implement a fresh approach to money.

CapricornDecember 22-January 19

The Lunar Eclipse in your Sign provides the potential to alter your perspective on several relationships. That doesn’t mean the partnership must end. This is about shifting your role, and then allowing a new relationship to emerge.

AquariusJanuary 20-February 18

What’s that saying about “all work and no play?” I’m not suggesting you stop working, especially if you love what you do. But it might be interesting to take a break, if only to refresh your perspective.

PiscesFebruary 19-March 20

You may be experiencing confusion distinguishing the differences between friends and lovers. Focus on the qualities that bring you joy in either role, and you’ll access greater clarity about what matters most to you.

June 24, 2009

Fasten your seatbelts. Or should I say tighten them? Uranus goes Retrograde on July 1, which means this week and next are going to be more than a little bumpy. I can already hear the collective moan: “More than the last few weeks, with all the mishegas and madness so many people have been facing?” Yes…much more, because when Uranus changes direction, daily life increases in intensity, and little earthquakes, personal and collective, send shudders through regular routines. Be prepared to be off-center, and more than a little disoriented. Anticipate sleep disturbances, and also be prepared for pulses to exhibit erratic rates. The stars incline, as the saying goes, they do not compel. But Uranus, the planet that symbolizes breaking the rules, often breaks that rule, if only because we tend to experience such dramatic extremes before and after it changes direction.

Uranus signifies shift, so when it “turns around,” which it does once a year, for approximately five months, we tend to experience turn arounds as well; its “revolutions” become our retrospectives. The current retrograde phase lasts from July 1 through December 1, which means for many of us, the next five months of Uranus Retrograde translates into a reexamination of decisions made over the course of the last five months (February-June), especially decisions made in haste or in the heat of the moment. Love affairs you thought were kaput could be rekindled. Projects you thought were lost are suddenly revived with new enthusiasm. Out of the blue, you’re offered an unanticipated promotion. Just be aware, when Uranus goes direct in December, all the positions reversed during its retrograde phase could be reversed again. Uranus is, after all, the planet of startling plot twists.

There is no way to prepare for Uranus Retrograde, other than to practice yoga on every level – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – for flexibility is the best way to handle surprising events. What Uranus always does, whether it is moving backward or forward, is catalyze whatever is stagnant or stale. Uranus abhors the status quo but only if the status quo has hardened into an untenable rigidity. The good news about Uranus is that its presence is so blatant, it’s hard not to notice what it is trying to shake loose from either a personal or collective perspective. Pay attention to your resistance or where you are clinging to a position, political, philosophical, or financial, and you’ll be able to identify what Uranus is catalyzing. Remember, resistance is futile when it comes to Uranus, so make sure you’re willing to surrender what is no longer vital in your life.

We’ve been the midst of so much change for so long it seems almost impossible that the ante in this game of stress could get any higher than it already is. Nervous systems already fragile from prolonged states of adrenal emergency need tender care during these times. So be kind to yourself, as well as your fellow travelers during the coming week. A small gentle gesture can soothe an anxious heart.

June 17, 2009

A mixed bag of celestial signatures coalesces into yet another week of earthly intensity, and because so much is happening at once, it won’t be easy to prioritize time and energy. Fortunately, grounded discipline is a part of this planetary mix, but you will still need to keep your wits about you. With all that’s going on, it will be all too easy to become distracted or overzealous. What’s more, issues of power and control form the baseline of the week, as the idealistic need for personal freedom motivates spontaneous leaps of faith, but a potent need to control the outcome interferes with the purity of free expression. While these astral contradictions are confusing, they are also exciting, and it won’t be easy saying “no.” And that could lead to overextension or exhaustion. You’ll need discernment to navigate these crosscurrents, and don’t be surprised if you feel yourself pulled in opposite directions. Focusing on specific issues, rather than polarizing or withdrawing in overwhelm, will help to synthesize these seemingly disparate forces.

The Sun continues to trine the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction, and as it does, it continues to shed a bright light on ideals, as well as what inhibits the integration of those highest principles and keeps them from becoming reality. This trine also fosters keen imagination, which means many of us may be feeling deep levels of inspiration. But because of Chiron’s presence, many of us may also be at a loss as to how to express those insights.

The ongoing Sun/Uranus square provokes the desire to break away from whatever inhibits personal freedom, imagined or actual. This rebellious signature encourages independence from whatever enslaves, internal or external, so be prepared for lots of people, including you, to take a stand for liberty.

The problem with this universal urge for self rule is that the Sun also opposes Pluto, a difficult interaction that persists until the end of the month. Sun/Pluto contacts are always about issues of personal power, particularly issues of power related to a father or a father figure. This could be a hard time for President Obama or other leaders who carry collective paternal projections. What’s important to recognize in the midst of this opposition is just how invested you are to giving your power away to such a father figure. This opposition also has a tendency to encourage despots, big or small. As Sun/Pluto opposition collides with the Sun/Uranus square, arguments, if not brawls, over who has the power are probable.

The very good news of the week is that Saturn trines the Venus/Mars conjunction, providing a grounding rod of realism. Apply the strength of this interaction liberally to any situation that seems to swing between extremes. This is a faithful and enduring signature that could turn lusty infatuation into a permanent condition.

As the week unfolds, try to think before you leap. While Uranian spontaneity is exciting and creative, it can also exacerbate power struggles. I’m not suggesting you defer your personal liberation. I’m simply advising discernment as an appropriate attitude in the midst of so much shift.

June 10, 2009

Daily life is still off-the-charts busy, this week, and it’s not just because Mercury Retrograde is over and everyone is still making up for lost time. All the planets are engaged, and that translates into action, which could turn the days as well as the nights hectic. These astral interactions are a smorgasbord of potentialities, running the range from the deeply esoteric to the deeply erotic. The good news is that because there is so much going on, no one will be left out – there is definitely something for everyone.

The ongoing conjunction of Neptune/Jupiter/Chiron continues, but this week, there is a new dimension to consider. The Sun trines all three planets, a position that further amplifies the idealism of this conjunction. Much has been written about this conjunction, and while I am thoroughly on board for the “higher” frequencies of this signature, I am also aware (as many of you are as well) that in order for a true transformational shift in consciousness to occur, what is unconscious must be identified, its role, recognized, and then its power, integrated. It’s not just simply a matter of wishing the economy would recover. It is fundamentally a matter of analyzing what went wrong, not in an effort to restore the old pattern, but to find an antidote for the toxicity of the failed system in order for a new model to be created. So while the Sun’s trine to this altruistic conjunction may illuminate its idealistic essence, what the Sun may also do is illuminate the repressive, callous shadows that impelled us to this collective moment in history. Again, true change begins with the individual, which means each of us has the power to change our participation in the old paradigm. Baby steps do not necessarily mean useless or ineffectual steps. Also keep in mind, Mercury continues to square Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron, which could make clarity an issue.

The good news is that Mercury also continues to sextile Uranus, supporting creative, innovative ways of thinking about all varieties of subjects and situations.

The best news this week is the ongoing Venus/Mars conjunction. Both are in Taurus, the Sign of sensuality and sexuality, and as the gods of love and sex continue to form a perfect union, mortal libidos are sure to go off the charts. Venus and Mars have been traveling in tandem for several weeks, so this may not be news for you, but this week (as well as last week), they have both been in a trine to Pluto, a positive alliance that is most commonly interpreted as a proclivity toward procreation (or at least trying to). If you are not so inclined, the power of this trine can be aimed at creative and artistic endeavors, but it will take a Herculean effort. That being said, Pluto’s presence clearly indicates transformation is possible. So while it may be difficult not indulging those sexual urges, this trine can be used to make powerful personal shifts. (Hmmm…how do you spell “tantra”?)

June 3, 2009

A non-stop marathon of planetary activity turns this week, and the next several weeks, into a powerful astro-drama that’s sure to challenge all of us, even those astral athletes who thrive on prolonged periods of intensity. Every member of the astrological pantheon has a part to play, and as their roles run the range of probable manifestations from negative to positive (and just about everything in between), one thing is guaranteed: you won’t be bored. The best way to navigate this planetary pace is to find a comfortable stride, preferably one that allows you to take breaks when necessary. Keep in mind, just because daily life is intense, it doesn’t have to be extreme.

Several factors contribute to the quickening. First, the ongoing Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction in Aquarius continues to inspire altruistic goals. But I’ve been looking closely at how this energy seems to be manifesting, and I’ve decided that Chiron’s presence is skewing this conjunction toward the deeper wounds of what keeps us from concretizing those ideals. But those wounds are hard to see because the causal level of greed and fear is so deep and because too many of us still believe that greed is good. This is why I think the effect of the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction feels more like “hopeiness” than actual hope. (I didn’t come up with the idea of “hopeiness” although I wish I had. My cousin’s friend recently suggested that Stephen Colbert should make it a new word of the day.) We want change – yes we do – and when we see or hear President Obama speak, we think we are changing. But actually, some things are staying the same or getting worse. Certain detainees will never be tried. And now, along with resuscitating the banks with our tax dollars, we have legislation that gives the banks permission to charge as much interest as they want and gives us permission to carry handguns in state parks. This is not hope; this is hopeiness.

Second, Mercury, now Direct, and gathering forward momentum, squares the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction. This interaction could provide the necessary friction to ask real questions about how to make real change. So don’t be afraid to ask what it will take to truly transform and insist that our president do the same. It would be a huge disappointment to so many if Obama became the next symbol of the status quo. Fortunately, a Mercury/Uranus sextile is also operating, which means innovation is possible, if not probable. Aim this energy at problem solving, and you could surprise yourself with positive, inventive solutions capable of tangible transformation.

Good intentions are a good start, but unless those intentions turn into action, all the words in the world won’t make a difference. Which is why it’s important once again to remember that each of us is a powerful agent of change, and that true and lasting change happens one person, one mind, and one heart at a time.

May 27, 2009

The planets are in transition this week, and so are we. Some of us are steeped in preliminary work, setting the stage for what lies ahead, but wishing for more time. Others of us are already hip-deep in organizational details, unable to postpone action, despite all admonitions about Mercury Retrograde. Even more are feeling the consternation of patience, waiting like a horse in the gate to simply get started, but for one reason or another the “race” keeps getting postponed. Most transitions tend to be uncomfortable, and this one is no different. The best way through is to gather your strength as best you can, and also to know, by this time next week, you’ll already by in overdrive.

Mercury goes Direct late in the day on May 30th, so don’t expect a strong forward push until Monday, June 1st. While this retrograde hasn’t lasted that much longer than other Mercury Retrograde phases (they usually last about three weeks), it does somehow seem longer. Maybe it’s the lengthening days as we approach summer, or maybe life just feels stretched. Or perhaps this retrograde seems longer because during the entire retrograde, Mercury has been so bloody busy, a situation that continues even as the retrograde ends. This week, Mercury squares the ongoing Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction. And while this conjunction is generally idealistic, the square from Mercury could have tongues wagging but words failing to convey any actual meaning. Mercury also continues to sextile Uranus, a positive interaction with the potential to keep minds actively engaged in creative innovation, a condition that could prevent the Jupiter/Neptune/Mercury proclivity toward gossip.

It’s only the presence of Mercury that turns the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction toward chitchat. On its own, this conjunction is all about an expansive idealism aimed at generous, humanitarian endeavors. It’s basically just what’s needed, given our current global circumstances, because this is the type of astral configuration that supports positive efforts to make the world a better place to live. Chiron’s participation can skew the interpretation of this conjunction in along several storylines. First, Chiron indicates the need to acknowledge and address the wounds of our collective greed. Next, Chiron signals the need to shift out of the idea that we are driven by animal appetites, which is the justification for the idea of the survival of the fittest. Third, Chiron also indicates that it’s time to release personal and collective identification with your wounding and move into an identification with our healing – and I don’t mean the Rapture. I’m talking about taking the very real knowledge we have about what we need to do to make the world a better place for all of its inhabitants and put it into motion. Chiron’s presence is about concretizing our ideals through action. The time for talking about change is done.

As the week unfolds, Mars moves into a trine with Pluto, a configuration that translates into extraordinary amounts of energy, and another reason the astral transitions of the week are uncomfortable. While it won’t be easy waiting until the retrograde is over, be patient, and by Monday, the shift will feel solid and smooth.

May 20, 2009

The planets are aligned in simple patterns this week, and their simplicity offers opportunities for clarity. Don’t get me wrong – the seemingly incessant intensity of daily life does not disappear. We’re still in Mercury Retrograde, after all, which translates into an unrelenting need to pay attention to the smallest of details. But overall, we get a little break, and if you’re as tired as I am, the lack of astral complexity is a welcome relief.

We’re in the last ten days of Mercury Retrograde, which means we’re in the last ten days of a slo-mo, rewind review of most, if not all, things in our individual lives related to communication. Conversations, letters, emails, contracts, negotiations, term papers and everything connected to computers – if language is being used at all – is certain to have suffered during this retrograde. Mercury goes Direct on May 30th, but we probably won’t feel the keen wind of its forward motion until June 1st or 2nd. Remember, the don’t-initiate-anything-new-rule still applies for three days after Mercury turns around. So try not to let frustration motivate you to jump the gun.

But there is good news about the last days of this Mercury Retrograde phase. First, from this week until the middle of June, Mercury squares the Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron conjunction, a powerful interaction that amplifies altruistic endeavors. As Mercury squares this conjunction, it activates imagination, as it simultaneously stimulates inspiration. Be prepared for lots of ideas, all of which could have a strong visual component capable of revealing the entire design in one great flash of brilliance. This square also stimulates conversation – lots, and lots of conversation.  So if you are a writer, spend your words on paper before they slip away through dialogue or idle chatter.

The second bit of good news is a Mercury/Uranus sextile, which is also in effect through the middle of June. This positive union generates an inventive mindset, as it simultaneously encourages all sorts of interests, from the technical to the intuitive. This is one of my most favorite interactions because it provides the potential to shift out of stagnant patterns. It also provides the energy to break free from intellectual habituations that inhibit rather than enhance creativity and transformation. The best news about this Mercury/Uranus sextile is that it has the capacity to amplify the altruistic intentions of the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction by providing dazzling flashes of how those humanitarian longings can be concretized. Remember, Uranus embodies the thunderbolts and lightning of change, often thought to be guided by divine intention. And those Uranian thunderbolts have the power to illuminate previously unseen or unconsidered choices.

It’s a good week to clarify confusing situations, even and especially those circumstances that seem mired in muck. You’ll need to be direct and precise, but you’ll also need to be patient with yourself and others.

May 13, 2009

The normal rhythms of daily life disappear this week, and in their place, a wide variety of mood swings sets the tone of daily interactions. For some, the absence of the familiar might make it hard to maintain a strong personal center. For others, that same lack could feel like a lot of permission to break free. Yet others are likely to experience the mind-numbing monotony of putting one foot in front of the other without ever getting anywhere. Okay…maybe life this week won’t be as dramatic as all of that. But we are in Mercury Retrograde, an astrological cycle that makes it impossible to rely on the regular routines of daily life. And that could be disconcerting, disorienting and discombobulating.

Mercury began its second retrograde cycle of review on May 7th, and will continue to retrace its path until May 30th. Mercury Retrograde is always about delays, detours, and snafus, related to travel, commerce, and communication. And while it is never a good time to initiate anything new, Mercury Retrograde is always a perfect time to review the details of plans and projects already in motion.

But it’s not Mercury that’s manipulating the week’s moods. We are also in the midst of a Jupiter/Neptune conjunction, a mystical convergence that tends to manifest as a devotion to altruistic, humanitarian ideals. Jupiter symbolizes expanded awareness and the quest for spiritual knowledge. Neptune represents imagination, as well as empathy, sympathy, and receptivity. And when these two planets share the same space, kindness and consideration abound. We like this conjunction, mostly because the world can always use a stronger dose of humanitarian concern – especially right now, at this particular moment in history, when the contractive grip of anxiety snatches the breath from so many. All attempts to think about good solutions are a welcome addition to consciousness, personal and collective.

But this conjunction is not without its shadows. Chiron is exactly conjunct both Jupiter and Neptune. Chiron, nicknamed the “Wounded Healer,” symbolizes both the split between instinct and intellect, as well as the potential for healing that schism. On the negative end of the spectrum, its presence could manifest as cynicism born of the recognition of how hard it is to actualize altruism. Yet on the positive end, Chiron’s participation could also engender a true optimism that sees the gap between imagination and reality and leaps into action anyway.

Unfortunately, from the 9th to 22nd, the purity of the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction is sullied by a square from the Sun, a fractious interaction that is likely to provoke excess and extravagance as well as emotional meltdowns, especially if unrealistic expectations aren’t met. But this square just as easily builds the muscle necessary to do whatever it takes to turn dreams into reality.

This week, instead of allowing retrograde frustration to determine your mood, use your time constructively. Contemplate how you would make the world a better place to live for yourself as well as for others.

May 6, 2009

Nothing is moving quickly this week or for the next couple of weeks, so if you are looking for a speedy anything or want instant returns or gratifications of any kind, you’ll need to travel to a parallel universe. The planets have a pace of their own, and attempting to force this natural rhythm will only result in frustration. So rather than wasting time or energy resisting or insisting that daily life be anything other than it is, take a deep breath, exhale, and do your best to adjust to the astral pulse. While the deceleration may feel awkward at first, within a couple of days, you’ll be wondering why you were so intent on pushing so hard.

The source of this slowdown is Mercury Retrograde. From May 7 to May 30, Mercury is in its second retrograde phase of the year. For those of you unfamiliar with Mercury Retrograde, here’s the skinny: Mercury represents all things related to communication and travel. Three times a year it appears, at least from our perspective on Earth, to move in reverse. And during those retrograde phases, all things within its vast domain also seem to move behind rather than ahead. Phones of every ilk, documents of every dimension, and mail of every denomination fail to perform to perfection, which means messages vanish into the void.

Computer crashes are probable under a Mercury Retrograde, so be sure to have a backup plan, especially if you aren’t backed up. Same with travel plans. Try to solidify your arrangements before the retrograde. And during the retrograde, be prepared for delays and detours. While Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to initiate anything new, it is an excellent time to review, refine, and reconsider anything already in motion.

Given the reflective nature of Mercury Retrograde, the next few weeks would be a good to time to contemplate the state of the nation, from a personal as well as a collective perspective. The first few months of 2009 have been months of significant shift. Although its immediate hold has lessened, we are still in the grip of the Saturn/Uranus opposition, a configuration that symbolizes confrontations with the status quo. Saturn signifies structures, Uranus, revolution, and when they oppose one another, certain facets of society tend to tumble. Just as an example, the last time we experienced an opposition between Saturn and Uranus was in 1965 to 1967, a time of tremendous social upheaval, when social mores disintegrated in a cultural revolution that was undeniable. We are in just such a stage, now. And just as consciousness was the cutting edge of change during the Sixties, during the current cycle, consciousness continues to be the cutting edge of change.

As Mercury Retrograde unfolds, instead of devolving into frustration or anxiety about the technological failures or traffic jams, contemplate what current cultural mores are in the process of disintegration. We are living through a paradigm shift, and the more we can see what’s occurring through a broad perspective, the easier it will be to adjust to the changes.

April 29, 2009

Don’t be dismayed if you can’t find a clear signal or consistent thread to guide you through this week’s wormholes of moods and attitudes. The sky is an odd hodgepodge of astral interactions. On one side of the celestial sphere, the strong, decisive trend toward hard but efficient work continues. While on the other side, passionate, yet compulsive, sexual urges delight and distract. And in yet another not so distant galaxy, Mercury prepares for its second retrograde phase of 2009, and as its preparations decrease the “normal” speed of light, the pace of daily life here on Earth begins to decelerate. But that’s not all. A Jupiter/Neptune conjunction continues to inspire vision quests, personal and collective, aimed at true transformation. These disparate planetary patterns could be disconcerting or discombobulating, but that doesn’t mean the picture is necessarily negative. Set your internal compass on positive, and that conscious intention will lead you through the maze.

The source of strength is a trine between the Sun, in Taurus, and Saturn, in Virgo. This positive combination tends to lean heavily in the direction of solitude and self-reliance; its potential for determination is undeniable. And even though it feels as if this is the place for me to add a disclaimer or qualifier, there simply isn’t anything “wrong” with a Sun/Saturn trine. Use its power wisely and you’ll access the potential to steady and stabilize the week’s wobbles.

A Venus/Mars conjunction, in Aries, continues to fuel amorous appetites as well as passionate pursuits. When Venus and Mars share the same space, they give birth to sexual and sensual urges, as well as intense emotional expressions. Anticipate declarations of adoration and affection, and while those pronouncements may come mostly from the heat of the moment, others come straight from the heart and are likely to cover a wide range of love interests, from the personal to the political.

Mercury goes Retrograde on May 7, and as we approach the turnaround, time distortions could make regular routines feel increasingly disorienting. Mercury will stay retrograde until May 30, which means the entire month of May is going to have a rhythm all its own. For those of you new to Mercury Retrograde, this phase tends to interfere with every thing related to communication and travel. So start your backup, hard drive engines, now. Also, if you are making travel plans, book those reservations before Monday, May 4, and you’ll have an easier time navigating the delays and detours of a retrograde.

Fortunately, a Jupiter/Neptune conjunction turns the air considerate, and while this configuration is no panacea for all that ails, it definitely takes the edge off by providing the potential for idealism and genuine concern for humanity. Just be aware, this conjunction is not a perfect union, especially if you’re struggling with addiction as a way of coping with stress. But if you can corral this optimistic energy and aim it at a good attitude, you’ll find real support for active compassion. And that would be a welcome addition to any week.

April 22, 2009

Idiosyncratic planetary patterns turns daily life oddly disconnected. And while it is true, the pernicious winds of recent weeks have lost their bluster, foreboding about what lies ahead still has a tenacious hold on hearts, minds, and souls. The stamina to forge ahead on certain projects is there and readily accessible, but enthusiasm is measured and there’s a reticence to get too excited about the possibilities. But that’s not all. To make matters worse, even though the next Mercury Retrograde phase of the year is still two weeks away, regular routines seem strangely out of sync – the Internet icon indicates you’re on line, but try as you might, you can’t download the necessary information. And that frustration has the potential to sour moods and attitudes. There are two essential elements to navigating this next phase. The first is patience, with yourself, with others, and with the process of change itself. The second is faith, in you, in others, and especially in the notion that while these are troubled times, they are not more than we can handle.

A Mercury/Uranus sextile is at the heart of this week’s erratic pulse. Normally, I would extol the virtues of this combination because it stimulates inventive ways of thinking. Period. And I’m still sticking to that interpretation. But neither Mercury nor Uranus is the most stable of planetary symbols (when they interact in any configuration, sentient nervous systems stretch and struggle to integrate the energy). And because this sextile comes at the end of several weeks of difficult Uranian interactions, we could feel more disconcerted by its presence than moved to innovative behavior. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself testy and suspicious when someone suggests a new way of doing just about anything.

A Sun/Pluto trine does provide a deep well of strength, stamina, and the determination to move forward despite obstacles. The Sun is in Taurus, a Sign devoted to tangible, practical results. Pluto is in Capricorn, another Earth Sign that shares the same love of sensible, effective means and methods. Unfortunately, a Mars/Pluto square has the potential to turn this square into a propensity for sheer brute force. Please remember to be kind – we’re all in need of respect and consideration.

But the problem with harnessing that down-to-earth potential is the ongoing Jupiter/Neptune conjunction. For while this conjunction supports altruistic dreams, it can just as easily diffuse the power of those ideals through excess – too much concentration in one area and not enough in another, for example. Or the squandering of energy on ideas that are illusory. Also be aware that this conjunction feeds addictive appetites as a way of coping with the stresses and strains of daily life. So if you’re prone to satisfying your hunger through excessive use of drugs, alcohol, sex or shopping – although not too many people are indulging that appetite – try to substitute healthy ways of managing the tension. Be creative – write, paint, pot, play music, or find other, healthy ways of spending your energy.

April 15, 2009

Here’s the good news: Even in the midst of the madness there are opportunities for strength and clarity. Here’s the bad news: The tumult of recent weeks continues, and as it does, daily routines continue to beat to an erratic pulse. Expect disruptions, and anticipate feeling more than a little stretched, as nervous systems strain to maintain. Also be prepared for those around you – loved ones, as well as strangers – to also be overwhelmed by the intensity. But also be aware, the planets are providing plenty of potential to think through any crisis as it plays out, which translates into the ability to make grounded choices about how to handle the intensity.

The source of stress is the on going Mars/Uranus conjunction. It’s exact April 15th, and as it starts to separate, dynamic releases are probable. Mars symbolizes physical energy. Uranus represents kinetic energy, and when these two share the same space, their combined force creates an unstable atmosphere. That instability tends toward volatile excess that translates into meltdowns, personal and collective – something we’ve already seen too much of in the last several weeks. On a less violent level, this conjunction also signals a need to hurry through almost everything, big or small. As the excess energy produced by this conjunction spills over, the atmosphere turns antsy, so don’t be surprised if you’re feeling agitated for no “good” reason.

Fortunately, a Mercury/Saturn trines provides a thorough, thoughtful mindset, which supports a feet-on-the-ground attitude that encourages positive action. Mercury is in Taurus, Saturn is in Virgo, both, strong practical Earth Signs. As a result, we’re likely to feel that actual accomplishments are possible. Keep in mind, this potential for success isn’t only material. Yes, it’s good for business, but this trine between the planet of intellect, Mercury, and the planet of structure, Saturn, engenders the solid ground of clarity in a variety of endeavors.

A Sun/Pluto trine provides deep wells of strength, as well as determination. This is a positive union between the brightest planetary light, the Sun, and the deepest, Pluto, so don’t waste this powerful combination. It is best spent when it is directed at specific goals. Again, these aims don’t have to be professional or financial. They can just as easily be a desire for greater understanding or a greater capacity to integrate spiritual awareness into altruistic action.

As you move through another intense week it might be handy to remember that we are in the grace period of the ongoing Saturn/Uranus opposition. The next exact opposition isn’t until September 15, which means we won’t start to experience the next full throttle level of its intensity until mid-August. But just because the tension is lessening, that doesn’t mean the lessons of this opposition are dissipating. This opposition is dissolving the status quo. We have no control over this disintegration and the falling apart of certain structures, personal and collective, cannot be stopped. All we can do is respond with consciousness and the determination to learn, so that we can grow new structures, better suited to our needs.

April 8, 2009

This week, even Gandhi could be cranky. We’re at the midpoint of a volatile planetary pattern that is at once pernicious as well as necessary. Pernicious, because it’s no longer possible to contain frustration, personal or collective, about the recession, and as that anger spills over into daily life, brutal confrontations, personal or collective, are probable. Necessary, because you can’t heal what you can’t feel, and as the anger and frustration release, it will be easier to identify the core emotions driving that personal and collective aggression. Pay attention to reactions, yours or others’, and do your best to avoid acting out.

The source of the volatility is twofold. First, we’re still in the release of the Mars/Saturn opposition, a tense interaction that tends toward a harsh heart. Be aware, as this opposition separates, it gets harder and harder to hold the line of patience. Second, as the steam releases from the Mars/Saturn pressure cooker, Mars moves into a conjunction with Uranus. There’s no good picture to paint about this interaction. Mars is the planet of physical energy. Uranus is the planet of the nervous system, and when they share the same space, Geiger counters rattle as erratic and often explosive outbursts disrupt and interfere with the routines of daily life. Before you jump in head first, take the pulse of your situation. Listen to the heartbeats of children and animals; they are often the best early warning system about a situation that is about to go out of control.

I’m sorry to offer up such a dreary forecast. I’m still staunchly on the side of positive progress and optimism, and I continue to view the shift we’re in as highly creative and transformational. But making the most of this opportunity for change means keeping it real about what the causal level of corruption is and how we all participate in it, consciously or unconsciously. The current brouhaha over bailout bonuses is just a symptom of a much larger issue. It’s easy to be outraged by the “fat cats,” especially when that outrage is fed by a voracious 24-hour news cycle comprised of bottom feeders, who wittingly or unwittingly antagonize a mob mentality. And while I don’t think the bailout bonuses are fair, I never felt the salaries were either, and I can’t help but wonder why nobody was outraged about those salaries ages ago. Did everyone think it was fair that one percent of the population was prospering while the rest were getting poor? Why are we against unions and not the drug cartels, legal and illegal, who run our lives? And why aren’t we as infuriated by child abuse, the sex trade industry, sweatshops, and every other actual violation of our humanity as we are by Madoff, AIG, or a war that continues to drain our coffers, not just of money, but also of life?

This week rather than acting out, ask questions that go the heart of your personal ire. Probe the deep, and you’ll expand your understanding about what needs to change in you. Which is where lasting change always begins.

April 1, 2009

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself channeling the ghost of Howard Beale this week. More than a few of us are already mad as hell, and as the week unfolds, last week’s restive wind turns fractious and agitates the already irritated air. Expect certain interactions to turn sour, especially if expectations about what those contacts should yield are unrealistic. Also anticipate disappointment to turn moods bitter and attitudes acrimonious. Part of the problem of facing our problems is that the illusions we’ve been clinging to are dissolving. As so often happens when illusions are destroyed, those of us identified with the façade have no idea how to handle reality. Even if you’re willing to admit what we are experiencing is the inevitable consequence of an ideological system gone bad, finding a new solution unsullied by the toxicity of the old one is going to take time. And because our culture is based on an  “I want it all and I want it now” state of mind, personal and collective frustration is likely to spill over. Pick your confrontations wisely and do your best to be considerate of your adversary. Remember, the greatest illusion of all is that we are separate.

The celestial source of irritation is a Mars/Saturn opposition that is exact and separating on April 4th. Mars is the principle of movement and likes to push forward. Saturn represents stillness and the need to carefully consider the consequences of action. Oppositions signify tension. Which means this opposition is sure to manifest as tests of strength over whose interests should be put first, yours or your opponents’. Be aware this opposition could also symbolize a test of will – the will of the people vs. the will of the government or the will of the individual vs. the will of the ruling class. It will be not easy to soothe this volatile interaction or to hold on to the idealistic idea of inclusion, because as Mars pulls away from Saturn, it’s only a matter of cosmic moments – next week, to be precise – that Mars moves into a conjunction with Uranus and the need to be absolutely free overrides cautious consideration.

Interestingly, while everyone is busy taking his or her stand, Jupiter draws closer to a conjunction with Neptune. Technically, this conjunction does not begin until next week (April 9) but because Jupiter is expansive and Neptune always has boundary issues, it’s likely this influence will kick in a little early. Which is good, because Jupiter is the planet of harmony, Neptune symbolizes empathy, and when they share the same degree of the astrological circle, we experience more than a fair degree of altruistic inclinations. Just be aware, Neptune is also the destroyer of illusions, which means as it combines with Jupiter, we will be challenged to discard lip service about compassion and move into a genuine concern for others that shows itself through action.

Use Jupiter/Neptune to be a peacemaker. Mediate, arbitrate, negotiate, and then do whatever you can to soothe and calm the agitated air of daily life.

March 25, 2009

Very little is quiet this week. Bodies, minds, hearts, and souls are stirred by restive astral winds that unsettle the already nervous air. We’re in the midst of several transitions. Obviously, the major shift is seasonal, and like most seasonal transitions, it’s unstable—warm one minute and cold the next. The rest of the shifts are just like the weather—all over the place, as moods and attitudes also vacillate between hot and cold. Expect interactions, internal or external, to be uneven, disconcerting, contradictory, and by the end of the week, more than a tad testy. Especially as resistance, yours or others, wells up to defend against the tides of transformation. Be aware, this resistance won’t be logical. While most of us say we want change, it’s true, not a lot of us are comfortable with the interim uncertainty between what was and what will be.

Mercury moves into Aries today, and as it does, it forms a conjunction with the Sun, and a square to Pluto. Mercury represents all intellectual activities, and when it is in Aries, it seeks adventure and turns minds eager to engage in quick-witted repartee. When Mercury is conjunct the Sun, objectivity takes a backseat to personal opinion. When that subjective conjunction squares Pluto, minds tend to dream big, especially about how to establish and solidify long-term personal goals. In other words, this entire configuration could easily serve a selfish urge to create a personal power base. So use this Sun/Mercury/Pluto bundle to ratchet up your personal planning power, but try not to assume that everyone will want to create your personal vision.

By Monday an edge invades attitudes as Mars, in Pisces, begins an opposition to Saturn, in Virgo. This opposition, exact and separating on April 4, lingers through April 11, which means we’re in for a couple of weeks of difficult dealings. Mars is the principle of movement – it wants to go where it wants and do what it wants when it wants. And Mars isn’t at all interested in discussing options, which is why it isn’t very happy in Pisces, a highly sensitive Sign, that’s interested in making empathetic choices based on mutual sympathy and kindness. Mars is a fiery, dynamic force that seldom considers the ramifications of its actions. But its frustration in Pisces is nothing compared to the misery of an opposition to Saturn. Saturn signifies limitation and discipline and its powerful presence inhibits the Martian freedom to move.

As Mars and Saturn oppose one another, we’re likely to assume a similar stance with any person, place, or thing trying to control our activities. Be aware, Mars/Saturn interactions have the potential to provide endurance, but they also manifest as tests of strength, and in some instances, sheer brute force. Don’t push so hard that your determination to succeed ultimately turns destructive to yourself or others.

As you make your way through the week try to keep in mind that all of us are under the same sky, all of us are under the same astral influences, and all of us could use a kind and considerate word.

March 18, 2009

Venus, currently retrograde, in Aries, has empowered me to speak boldly: I’m tired of all the bad news. I’m fed up with the media’s blaring 24/7 pronouncements about the recession. I’m particularly done with political bickering. And I’ve had it with pundits, preachers, and prognosticators – even astrological ones – who swear the economic Armageddon is at hand. I refuse to be bombarded any longer by a negative story line. Yes, the situation is bad. But what I want to know is what are we doing about it? When Aries (and we all have Aries somewhere in our personal chart) gets irritated and impatient it barks with frustration, which turns its natural candor brazenly blunt. I don’t know about you, but I’m done with the drama. I want a story that tells the truth without the toxicity of fear.

Venus is Retrograde in Aries until April 17, and except for a brief touchdown in Pisces mid-April, Venus spends most of her time in tempestuous, adventurous, and outspoken Sign of the warrior – not the worrier. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself taking a strong stand, made stronger by a direct declaration of your opinion, which of course, you will not only feel entitled to but will also feel is completely correct. Don’t expect agreement, and don’t expect disagreement to alter your point of view, which means there’s no need to send me an email offering a counter point of view. Aries clings quite adamantly to its perspective.

And here’s mine: The media keeps referring to this recession as if we’ve been in a halcyon period of milk and honey abundance for the last several decades. Hel-lo? Did I miss something? Most of us didn’t strike it rich in the high, fast, free, and easy financial world. Most of us have been in a constant struggle to survive, especially as the spending habits of a small minority jacked up prices on necessities, especially rent and food, not to mention oil and health care. Since Reaganomics, normal life (whatever that is) has become increasingly expensive, as our system, bloated on its own greed, continued to devolve. Those of us who weren’t in the small echelon of the rich, attempted to maintain a personal status quo through plastic, which on one side of the coin was a god send, but on the other, was a ring of hell Dante could never have imagined. But if you listen to the media, none of that struggle existed. From the infomercial point of view, we’ve gone from an Ozzie and Harriet to Road Warrior over night, and at any moment there will be riots in the street.

Yes, we are at a crucial period in our collective history, symbolized by the Saturn/Uranus opposition, and the coming Uranus/Pluto square. But I refuse to make the worst possible scenario my picture of reality. From an astrological or a purely terrestrial point of view, our current crisis is cyclical. We’ve been through this before. From a spiritual perspective, these are the times that grow the soul. And that’s a story worth telling.

March 11, 2009

This week, the air turns feverish with all sorts of fancies, which spark a variety of love affairs that ignite imaginations, yours or others, young or old. Not only are we on the threshold of spring, when bodies, minds, hearts, and souls start to surge with seasonal urges, but Venus, goddess of love and beauty, also dominates the astral action and stirs a desire for love – all kinds of love from the passionate to the Platonic to the pubescent. It’s actually a nice break from what has felt like a non-stop, there-isn’t-anything-else-to-talk-about financial migraine that’s been hanging on since the Saturn/Uranus opposition started in late September. And while this week isn’t a complete break from the madness – Venus is after all also the goddess of m-o-n-e-y – it is definitely a change of air. So breathe, deeply, and make the most of this phase by pampering and indulging your desires.

Venus is retrograde in Aries, the Sign of physical adventure, as well as the Sign of individuation. She began her seemingly backward journey on March 6 and won’t go direct until April 17. Aries is a Fire Sign that symbolizes action, ambition, competition, and impetuous behavior motivated by impulse and instinct rather than reason or logic. It is the Sign of spring when (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) the days get longer, the sun warmer, germination begins, and so does the strong need to get physical. Aries is best known as the explorer who needs to physically climb the mountain or sail the sea to discover new territory. Aries is not the Sign that will cultivate that new territory.

When Venus is in Aries, love at first sight is a probability. Understand, these infatuations aren’t necessarily destined to burn as embers – they can flare up and die down quite quickly. Aries likes romance and often loses interest, especially if a relationship gets bogged down by mechanics. As Venus retraces her steps during this retrograde, you may find yourself revisiting old affairs or old affairs may be visiting you. What’s more, because she is in Aries, some of those encounters could be Dangerous Liaisons. So pay attention and don’t get yourself embroiled in a situation you can’t escape.

Venus is also the goddess of creativity and her fire easily translates into a creative intensity that is sure to keep you concentrated and focused on projects already in motion or help you to give birth to new ideas and concepts.

Venus began her retrograde journey in a sextile to Jupiter, in Aquarius. We love this because positive Venus/Jupiter contacts foster grace and harmony, as well as the desire to be happy. And happiness is something we could really use right now. Use this warm-hearted interaction to be cheerful and kind to yourself, as well as your fellow travelers. You won’t be betraying anyone by allowing yourself or encouraging others to be happy. Remember, whatever we focus our attention on becomes our reality. And right now, an optimistic, positive outlook would be a welcome perspective.

March 4, 2009

This week, the planets signal upheaval, and as they do, nervous systems turn cranky. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself roaring like a lion. We’re in the midst of a disconcerting flux that’s sure to ruffle feathers as well as fur. Attitudes, yours or others, are likely to range from manic ambition to hypersensitivity to stubborn resistance to unbridled rebellion. What’s more, interruptions, big, small, significant and not so very important interfere with even the best-laid plans. The good news – and there is always good news – is that while the planets are weaving complex patterns that challenge the ability to stay steady, a strong creative streak also runs through the week, providing lots of opportunities to transform difficult situations through imagination.

The ongoing Saturn/Uranus opposition is still the major source of disruption. It’s been at the epicenter of recent challenges to the status quo, financial and otherwise. And although the range of direct influence is waning, this week, the Sun conjuncts Uranus and opposes Saturn, which re-stimulates this already over-stimulated combination. A Sun/Uranus conjunction symbolizes the need for personal freedom, which is why it is always tends to manifest as rebellion against whatever enslaves. When the Sun opposes Saturn there is a natural tendency toward pessimism, a perspective that could easily translate into escalated conspiracy theories about the economy. Call me crazy (and I know some of you will) but it seems pretty clear that capitalism ain’t working any better than communism, making it just as clear that we need a new system, one capable of addressing the complexities of what we are facing. The old system won’t work because it doesn’t meet our needs, which is why it’s getting harder and harder to raise it from the dead. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that we need no system. We need solutions that recognize and address individual needs as well as global needs.

A Mars/Mercury/Neptune conjunction exacerbates irritability and the tendency to overstate or exaggerate, often to the detriment of others. So don’t gossip or grouse your time away. If you don’t have something good to say, be quiet. Silence in these days of constant conversation could be a welcome and soothing experience.

Venus, goddess of love and beauty, gives birth to the powerful creative current of this week, and the next several weeks. Venus will be retrograde from March 6 through April 17. Except for a brief touchdown in Pisces, from April 11 tp 24, Venus spends most of her retrograde phase in Aries, a placement that ignites passionate love of every denomination, as well as a position that revels in romance, again, in a variety of venues. Be prepared to fall in love, but also be prepared for old flames to flare up.

Venus turns around in a sextile to Jupiter, a positive alliance that can be used to amplify the laws of attraction. Jupiter is the planet of great good fortune, and when it unites with Venus, we have opportunities to form beneficial alliances as well. Allow yourself to align with this already positive planetary partnership, and you’ll find it easier to maintain a generous, compassionate attitude.

February 25, 2009

A compassionate astral air continues to inspire altruism this week but finding a way to channel that idealism isn’t likely to be easy. It’s not easy staying positive amidst the constant blaring of bad news. But like the stars, I’m still holding fast to the idea that it’s possible for us all to make it through these waves. Don’t get me wrong. The current financial deterioration has caused and continues to cause real decompensation, personal and collective, as well as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. As a consequence, hearts can’t seem to unclench from the stress, and that tight grip translates into a no-spending-even-if-you-have-it attitude. Which only makes matters worse. Many of us — and not just people struggling to make ends meet — have slipped into a strange paralysis, afraid to make a move because no one knows what will happen next. But if we are going to transform the situation, we have to wake from the panic-trance. A negative mindset isn’t going to take the risks required to come up with inventive solutions that will make a difference.

A Jupiter/Mercury/Mars conjunction in Aquarius, the Sign of philanthropic pursuits, continues to power the potential for a true generosity of spirit. This week, Mars and Mercury will conjunct Neptune, forming an aggregation that could exacerbate the current paralysis, especially if you are just waiting for the answer to present itself rather searching high and low for the right remedy. You have to give the universe something to work with. After all, Earth is not a passive planet.

The stimulus package will help, but frankly, I keep thinking we also need to be making local stone soup. For those of you not familiar with the story, Stone Soup is about three tired and hungry soldiers on their way home from war who wander into a town looking for something to eat. The townspeople, afraid they won’t have enough for themselves or that the soldiers will eat all their food, lie to the soldiers and say they have to no food to share. So the soldiers decide to make stone soup. They put a kettle with water on a fire in the middle of town, and put stones in the kettle to cook. After a while, the soldiers talk about how the soup would be better with seasoning or possibly carrots, cabbage, or potatoes, and with each “if only we had…” the townspeople, now fully engaged by the magic, start contributing all the necessary ingredients to make a perfect soup. Et voilà – a feast is created for everyone, and all the scared townspeople realize that once you know how to make soup from stones, you never have to worry about being hungry.

In the current climate of scarcity the disparity between the haves and the have-nots grows increasingly clear. Some of us can barely scrape together a kettle and stones, while others have the necessary ingredients to prepare a wholesome meal. So if you can afford it, don’t hoard it. Practice local generosity, and allow the current of altruism to inspire good works. Real acts of kindness have the power to move all of us into positive action.

February 18, 2009

An altruistic air continues to drive astral activity this week, but the planetary theme song shifts away from the purely collective hymn of the “Age of Aquarius” to the slightly more personal mantra of “All You Need is Love.” It’s a subtle shift that’s likely to deepen a personal commitment to being of service and actively working for change. It could also encourage lesaffaires de coeur. So don’t be surprised if your impulses are driven by instinct rather than intellect. The good news is no matter where you focus your attention or spend your energy, positive, passionate enthusiasm is going to power your choices.

A concentration of planets in Aquarius continues to place the emphasis on how to make a positive contribution to community. The primary source of this motivation is a Mercury/Jupiter/Mars/North Node conjunction that sextiles Venus, in Aries. This entire bundle fuels musings on love and beauty, as well as creativity as an expression of the heart. From a collective perspective, this interaction manifests as many and varied artistic expressions of beauty, from poetry to cosmetics to music to lighthearted comedies delicately aimed at self-awareness. From a more personal perspective, it’s still all about artistic expression, but it’s also a strong sexual appetite and a desire for sensual pleasure.

There is also a Chiron/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius. This configuration is a little more difficult to delineate, in part because Neptune is always slippery and therefore hard to grasp, but also because Chiron, whose nickname is the Wounded Healer, is a heavenly body that leans heavily toward the esoteric, not that Neptune isn’t just as mysterious. Neptune represents imagination, receptivity, sympathy, and empathy. Chiron, symbolized by the Centaur, represents the split between animal appetites and spiritual aspirations. As these two travel together in Aquarius, we are likely to experience strong longings to make a difference in the world, while we simultaneously struggle with how to live the truth of that idealism. It’s never been easy to actualize the notion that the needs of the one are the needs of the many. Perhaps what this conjunction signifies is the critical mass that’s needed to shift the existing paradigm, which seems to value individual success more than the well being and health of the collective.

The Saturn/Uranus opposition also continues to emphasize change. Saturn is in Virgo, the Sign of Ecology, and Uranus is in Pisces, the Sign of consciousness. We’re only a few days away from the second exact conjunction in the current series of five. The next one occurs on September 15, 2009. During the last series (1965-1967) the positions of Saturn and Uranus were reversed. Saturn was in Pisces and Uranus was in Virgo. That period in history was driven by social consciousness that culminated in a wide range of cultural revolutions. What we forget about that time is that it had to be lived.

The current period in history – the one we are living – is also driven by social consciousness, and it, too, will culminate in a wide-range of cultural revolutions. But that result is hard to envision when you’re struggling through the uncertainty of the moment. The future is never as clear as the past because it’s busy being created by our response to the present.

February 11, 2009

Concentration is the name of the planetary game this week. By Saturday, Valentine’s Day, five planets – Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, the Sun, and Neptune – are lined up in the Sign of Aquarius, suggesting a celestial strength that’s sure to manifest as the deliberate desire to focus on a particular plan or project. Be prepared to chew on your favorite subject like a dog chews on a bone. Also expect many of those compulsive efforts to yield positive results. Most importantly, the majority of those purposeful missions are likely to be funded by altruism aimed at community service, which means good works can be derived from good intentions. While every day is a good day to make a difference in the world, right now is an especially good time to be an agent of change.

The star of the week, and the source of probable positive results, is a Mars/Jupiter conjunction. Jupiter symbolizes the urge for expansive, harmonious aspirations. Mars represents physical power, and when they share the same space (they are conjunct until the end of the month) they enhance our power to concentrate on specific ambitions. And since concentration is already the signature of the week, this conjunction amplifies the already existing potential to direct time as well as energy toward specific goals. Be ambitious, be bold, think big, and be determined to overcome obstacles.

The only obvious obstruction to this week’s focused mindset is a Sun/Neptune conjunction, also in Aquarius. The combination of the Sun and Neptune inclines toward the mystical, and as part of that spiritual bent, tends to dial up increased sensitivity. Be prepared for you or those around you to be more than a little susceptible to suggestion. If you’re feeling good about your prospects, protect that attitude by turning off your TV or radio off. You don’t need fear-mongers bringing you down or corrupting your sensibilities.

Last week’s column ended with the suggestion that readers allow love to steer the stars, a bit of advice that provoked someone to write in and ask how that was possible: Are we guiding the stars or are the stars guiding us? I love this question, because it goes to the heart of our relationship with the sky. Most of us tend to think that the planets make things happen, and certainly the language used to describe planetary activity is causal.  But to define astrology as only causal is to deny our role as co-creators of reality. What if the universe does rearrange itself to accommodate our picture of reality? Or, as it says in the Emerald Tablet: “That which is above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that which is above, working the miracles of one.”

If we are co-creators (and I’m puttin’ my money on the idea that we are), then astrology would represent a symbiosis between heaven and earth, a mysterious relationship, to be sure, but also a powerful one, that would never allow us to give our power away to the stars.

February 4, 2009

This week, and the next several weeks, the planets promote a joyful desire to be of service. I won’t go so far out on a prediction limb to declare this the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, but Jupiter does align with Mars — and several other planets — in the altruistic Sign of Aquarius. Since any time is a good time for the mind’s true liberation, this celestial concentration is certain to inspire endless choruses of the “Let the Sunshine In.” Anticipate a much-needed, mid-winter change of astral air that attunes internal and external soundtracks to a hopeful, positive spirit capable of responding to life’s vicissitudes with harmony and understanding.

On February 4, Mars joins Jupiter, the Sun, and Neptune in Aquarius (Chiron and the North Node are there, too), the Sign best known for its egalitarian approach to life, as well as the Sign symbolizing humanitarian concerns, social justice, and philanthropy. But the riddle for those born under Aquarius is how to balance those idealistic leanings with the very human desire to be special. Keep in mind, we all have Aquarius somewhere in our birth chart, which means most of us wrestle with the need to be unique somewhere in our individual lives. And that might just be what impels Aquarius toward invention and innovation. It may also be what inspires its reputation for being zany, wacky, and more than a little eccentric. Of course, not every Aquarius marches to the beat of a different drum or lives an I-gotta-be-me-I-gotta-be-free iconoclastic life. But almost all are adamant about everyone’s right to personal freedom and happiness. And as the planets concentrate in Aquarius, most of us are likely support that conviction.

On February 5, the second opposition between Saturn and Uranus is exact and separating. This configuration signifies the dissolution of the status quo. The first opposition was on November 4, 2008, and certainly that day dissolved a long-standing Western cultural paradigm, as it simultaneously celebrated a new model. Saturn represents social structures — government, corporations, and the like. Uranus always catalyzes what’s stagnant — even if a dormant state is comfortable. Oppositions denote the tension inherent in the push as well as the pull of polarization. Be aware, there are three more oppositions: September 15, 2009, April 26, 2010, and July 26, 2010.

From a transformational perspective, a deep creative river runs through the current series of Saturn/Uranus oppositions. Its current is mighty, and that translates into the potential to seek inspired solutions to the disintegration of structures that no longer serve. We have opportunities, personal and collective, to reach past normal, standard responses. Social Band-Aids based on expediency won’t work. And there’s nothing left for hedge funds to hedge their bets on. Our societal and cultural structures require new vision if we are to remedy our deep personal and collective dilemma.

Over the course of this week and the next several weeks, allow yourself to be moved beyond the contraction of uncertainty and anxiety into the fresh air of invention and imagination. And when possible, allow love to steer your stars.

January 28, 2009

This week, three planetary patterns converge in an inharmonious alliance, and while any one of these configurations could be disconcerting, the combination of all three is sure to make daily life more than a little confusing. Expect to be discombobulated especially when it comes to “time,” so don’t be surprised if you’re early one moment and late the next. We’re between eclipses, celestial events that always create a time warp. We’re also at the end of a retrograde, shifting from slo-mo rewind to fast forward. And we’re in the countdown to the second exact Saturn/Uranus opposition, when history tends to repeat itself. Anticipate reactions to this week’s time wrinkles to cover a wide range of emotions. One moment, attitudes are broad and expansive, but a moment later, they are nervous and thin. And all the while (and here’s where it gets really slippery) subtle undercurrents exert powerful pressures that are sensed more than seen and felt more than … well, I’m not sure what because the whole point is you can’t quite put your finger on it.

There was a Solar Eclipse on January 26 and there will be a Lunar Eclipse on February 9. Eclipses send shadows across the sky, altering the “normal” patterns of day and night, so don’t worry if you can’t quite get your bearings. Also don’t be dismayed if your enthusiasm drops down a notch or two from uberidealism to nuts and bolts pragmatism. Lunar eclipses always turn consciousness toward practical concerns, and that grounded-ness will be needed in the days to come as we get to work attempting to solve problems, personal as well as collective.

The first Mercury Retrograde phase of the year ends on February 1, but don’t expect communication efforts or travel plans to return to normal until Tuesday, at the earliest.

On February 5, the second Saturn/Uranus opposition will be exact and separating. All week long, as tension generated by this opposition mounts, we are likely to experience the same sort of fluctuations in the financial markets as we did during September/October 2008. What’s more, the presence of the Moon, which squares both Saturn and Uranus during this second contact, exacerbates emotional stress, and that could translate into strong reactions fueled by the intensity of the moment. Do your best to be your best during these extreme moments. Remember, this opposition is about the dissolution of the status quo; it symbolizes a process that rattles stagnant structures and systems that no longer serve the collective good and will continue to do so until we find transformative solutions.

Fortunately, all week long a Mercury/Saturn trine turns minds logical, thorough, and direct, as it simultaneously provides opportunities for insight and understanding. So rather than worry, think, deeply, about how you can make a difference in the world. Collective strength is only as potent as the power of individuals to digest and metabolize awareness into action.

January 21, 2009

It’s the day after President Obama’s inauguration and here we are: Hopeful, but still reeling with anxiety about the future. A new positive, thoughtful world leader is promising to lead us through the dire darkness of our personal and collective situations to safety. But some of us can’t quite help but feel as if we are in an extended episode of Lost, where back-story and future-story are merged in a powerful miasma of uncertainty. On Lost, they’re trying to find the island. On Earth, we’re trying to find the bottom. It’s a curious cultural conundrum: We want to be saved from ourselves—from our fear, our financial dysfunction and our personal and collective lack of positive vision for the future. But we’re operating (at least most of us are) from the assumption of a guaranteed entitlement to certainty, as if life once was and is always supposed to be predictable, reliable, and good. Not that I want to paint a purely negative picture. I’m actually a lot less gloomy about what lies ahead than many of my fellow astrologers. I just think that clinging to a rigid picture of what reality should be doesn’t leave a lot of room for addressing and transforming what is.

This week, personal and collective ruminations are guided by several equally intense astral patterns. (1) We’re still in the first Mercury Retrograde phase of 2009; it lasts until February 1st. When Mercury retraces its path, we get a chance not only to comb through the details of whatever is already in motion, and but also to reconsider and perhaps readjust our attitudes and approaches. This particular retrograde also permits a recalibration of expectations, personal and collective (2) There’s a solar eclipse on January 26th, an event that tends to warp time, so don’t be surprised if you’re feeling out of sync, either minutes ahead or hours behind. During a solar eclipse, the Moon overshadows the Sun, an event that symbolizes unconscious desires dominating conscious ones. Often information previously hidden by the bright light of day is suddenly revealed, so be prepared for several surprises.

But that’s not all. (3) On February 5th, the second opposition between Saturn and Uranus will be exact and separating. This is a similar signature to the first exact opposition on Election Day, and it is likely to translate into more manic market fluctuations. Please do not confuse the Dow with the Tao. Financial markets are never a measure of ultimate worth. And as Lao-tzu advises in Tao Te Ching, “Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.”

Oppositions signify tension and tension pulls as well as pushes. So as the intensity of daily life increases, take the time to notice what draws you in and what repels. If you do, you’ll find a way into understanding how this opposition is affecting you. Also try to keep in mind, while these are tough times, they are also potent times, bristling with creativity and opportunities for transformation.

January 14, 2009

It’s Mercury Retrograde – and I’m glad. (Words I never thought I would write, but words that are true.) Glad because I feel as if I have complete permission to recuperate, not just from the opening days of the New Year, but more importantly, from the last two months of the old one. A lot has shifted since Mercury last enforced a review, and while the end of the year is usually the time for quiet reflection, for many of us too much was happening too quickly to simply sit during the Solstice season and do some very necessary thinking. Brooding, maybe, especially as the economic picture turned gloomier than even Dickens could have imagined. So I’m glad to have a Retrograde that will allow me to process through what still remains to be understood, digested, and metabolized into consciousness. And during this particular Retrograde, the possibilities for understanding and refining on the basis of that understanding are great.

For those of you new to astrology, Mercury signifies communication and travel. Three times a year, it appears as if it is moving backward across the sky. And when that occurs, it seems that all things related to communication and travel seem to go awry. Which causes such a great gnashing of teeth, I’m sure they can hear the collective frustration on Mars. But despite the delays and hassles generally blamed on Mercury Retrograde, this phase does have a beneficial side: The pace of life slows down, which seems to provide the time to review, reflect, and reconsider what is already set in motion. Which is why I’m so glad it’s here and that I have nearly three weeks – it lasts until February 1 – to hear myself think.

And here’s what I’m thinking about this week, as Mars, the Planet of the Warrior, moves into a trine with Saturn, the Planet of Authority, as well as a sextile with Uranus, the Planet of Change, all of which coalesces into a strident “might for right” unless its force is channeled into non-violent efforts: November’s election ended an eight-year “reign of the bullies,” whose “bring it on” mentality just wanted a fight, and whose belligerence gave permission to all despots, powerful or petty, to exacerbate rather than soothe existing polarization. Now that we have a “convenor” in the White House, perhaps we can start to listen to disparate points of view and find creative, peaceful ways to settle our differences. The problem is settling down the bullies won’t be easy, for what we know about bullies is that they are often more afraid than the rest of us. And given the current climate of anxiety, extra effort is needed to calm all of us down, not just those who are most afraid. A positive interaction between Mars, Saturn, and Uranus can supply an indefatigable effort to work for peace, especially if we are willing to slow down and practice patience with others and ourselves.

So rather than despair about the normal retrograde snafus, welcome Mercury’s review and use it to think deeply about issues that concern you, both personal and collective.

January 7, 2009

It’s the second week of the New Year, but many of us are still reeling from the extremes of the holidays. Whether it was the weather, the economy, the Middle East, or emotional eruptions that challenged the volcanic power of Kilauea the intensity of has seemed unrelenting. Fortunately, from an astrological perspective, there’s a break in the onslaught of violence, as this week, the planets arrange themselves in a quieter, and somewhat gentler picture of reality. The good news is that as daily life takes on a slightly less frenetic pace there will be ample opportunity to reflect on what was revealed.

The source of this change of pace (as many of you may have already guessed) is the first Mercury Retrograde phase of 2009. From January 11th through February 1st, Mercury seemingly retraces its path and all things related to its vast realm seem to move in reverse as well. From cell phones to Bluetooth networks to junk mail, communication devices of every kind are vulnerable to frustrating and often unexplainable glitches. Also, negotiations, contracts, court papers, and other written documents suffer from innumerable changes and revisions. And as if all that isn’t enough, travel and traffic detours and delays are probable.

When the mechanics of the world go awry, the best thing to do is to settle in, get comfortable, and take a closer look at the details of what’s already in motion.

The best news of the week and of the retrograde is that as Mercury retraces its path, it maintains a close relationship with Jupiter (at least for most of its retrograde phase) and that combination supplies a steady stream of ideas as well as the ability to express opinions and insights eloquently. (Looking ahead, the inaugural speech should be exceptional.) A Mercury/Jupiter conjunction also signifies good old fashion common sense that can be applied liberally to almost any and every situation.

Jupiter just entered Aquarius on January 5th, where it will stay until January 2010. I always like to say Jupiter symbolizes great good fortune, and while that is true, Jupiter is also a symbol a big, fat, happy planet with a broadband frequency that ranges from philosophy to religion to harmony to humor to the quest for existential truth. Aquarius is the Sign of an egalitarian perspective that is simultaneously concerned with social justice, humanitarianism, and a desire to live in the big picture, as that picture relates to communities, local and global. Jupiter’s transit through Aquarius will be a powerful anchor for keeping our priorities clear about the necessity to help each other through the next waves of personal and planetary shifts.

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