Aquarium Age - Transformational Astrology

Hello to readers in Athens!

The planets provide a rocky ride this week, with plenty of ups, just as many downs, and an erratic pace that’s sure to rattle regular routines (not that anything is actually regular these days). And even though “expect the unexpected” has been the mantra of daily life here on Earth for far too long, it would be wise to take that cliché to heart and make it your mantra for the final few days of 2016 as well as the opening days of 2017. As we leave an historic year of far too many unprecedented events, there’s still a potential for even more surprises before the New Year begins.

The source of this week’s inconsistent pace is two-fold. First, we are in the midst of Mercury Retrograde. Infamous as the energetic signature for delays and detours, under the influence of a Mercury Retrograde phase, details from the past dominate all other concerns. And because many of those details are in need of resolution, our attention turns toward a review of recent (and sometimes ancient) history instead of the present moment. Anticipate reviewing and reconsidering decisions and plans already in motion.

The second source of the “time warp” is the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition that continues to generate surprising plot twists. It was exact on Monday, December 26, and normally, after an exact contact of any influence, and as the planets pull apart, we enter the separation phase — the time we feel the full thrust of that particular influence. But this Jupiter/Uranus opposition is anything but normal. (What else is new?) Jupiter and Uranus stay in close contact with each other until March, and because their opposition resembles a seesaw, we have two more months of unpredictable and often extreme highs and lows. (Psychic seatbelts remain necessary while navigating the daily grind until further notice.)

Jupiter symbolizes good fortune and expansion. Uranus symbolizes spontaneity as well as invention. Oppositions indicate tension, and when Jupiter and Uranus oppose each other, sudden reversals of fortune are possible, positive as well as negative. The tension generated by this Jupiter/Uranus opposition for the next several months will be most apparent on the political stage, but personal interactions are also affected, especially relationships mired in habitual patterns that no longer serve. Jupiter is in Libra, the Sign of partnership, and Uranus is in Aires, the Sign of individuation. Or in other words…I want to hold you forever but I also want to be absolutely completely free.

The good news is that Saturn, in Sagittarius, continues to sextile Jupiter and trine Uranus for approximately the same period of time, which means Saturn’s presence continues to act as a grounding rod while we’re in the midst of many wild mood swings.

And this week’s swings require a strong anchor because on Thursday, December 29, at 4:30 AM EST, Uranus goes direct, ending a retrograde phase that began five months ago on July 29. We always feel a bump when Uranus makes a “course correction” and this time is no exception. But this bump could be even more surprising than others for two reasons:

(1) Uranus goes direct in its opposition to Jupiter, and because Jupiter signifies expansion and excess, responses to Uranus Direct are certain to be extreme.

(2) Those extreme responses are also likely to be highly emotional, given that a few hours earlier, at 1:53 AM EST, there is a New Moon, in Capricorn, conjunct Mercury Retrograde, and as Thursday and Friday unfold, the Moon conjuncts Pluto, turning attitudes more than a little compulsive and controlling. But that’s not all. As the day progresses, that New Capricorn Moon squares both Jupiter and Uranus, making what is technically known as a mess (just kidding). Actually, that New Moon forms a T-Square with Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto, a configuration that is best spent under the covers with a good book or simply asleep. (Also just kidding.) The whole bundle makes for highly sensitive nerves and a need for clear and distinct boundaries.

You’ll need all the tools you’ve been using for the entire year to make it through these last days of 2016. Continue to build and maintain a strong internal compass that keeps you centered on what matters most to you. In my world, compassionate action is the key to making it through these waves of change, especially the extreme waves of upheaval that challenge all of us to find our best selves and to activate that “bestness” in the love and service of all sentient beings. 

To readers everywhere: Thank you for continuing to tune in each week! You are truly appreciated!

Today is the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year but also the day that marks the return of the light. For many, it’s the actual New Year, the physical foundation for all the seasonal celebrations of light, a transitional threshold between what was and what will be that’s been ritualized for thousands of years all around the world. Our ancestors built great monuments to align with this astronomical event. From Newgrange in Ireland to Stonehenge in England to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico (most unique among all discovered solstitial markers thus far) to the Goseck Circle in Germany to Tulum and Chichen Itza in Mexico to the Karnak Temple in Egypt to the Cerro del Gentil pyramid in Peru — enormous and almost unimaginable effort was made to mark this annual passage of the Sun.

In keeping with those monumental traditions, modern cultures have made similar efforts to establish enduring rituals and celebrations acknowledging the power of the sun’s light and its life-giving force. From candles on Menorahs to candles (and later lights) on Christmas trees to yule logs, and yes… to the unbelievable inflatables and dramatic scenes on houses and lawns — we imitate the return of the light, thankful for its warmth and hopeful that our rituals can align us with the Sun’s seemingly eternal cycle.

This year that craving for alignment with the durative fire of the Sun feels keener. Our planet, and all its inhabitants (including humans) as well as all the progress we thought we had made toward creating a more inclusive, more conscious global society now seem precariously perched on the edge of extinction. For those who didn’t vote for Mr. Trump, the world seems especially bleak — these seem truly to be the darkest days. But they are not. There have been many periods of dark days, and not just in the distant past, periods of darkness in recent history where we thought the light had failed, but it had actually endured.

2003 was also a dark year — it was the year we invaded Iraq and as Amr Moussa, the Arab League chief warned, a strike against Iraq would “open the gates of hell.” And it did. It was a war based on misinformation. Ultimately, it cost hundreds of thousands of lives and that’s not counting the survivors and their families who still suffer the wounds of war.

In 2003, I wrote about the despair of that hard year:

The seasonal songs of joy and peace are too starkly contrasted by the casualties of war…. 2003 was a hard passage for this planet and its fragile riders, and uncertainty about the future still lingers in the heart and mind.

No matter what politicians or historians tell about the causes of war, war begins at home. If we can justify violence against children, we can justify violence against nations. If we commit acts of cruelty against others or ourselves by our thoughts, words, or deeds, we can extend the same harsh judgment toward other cultures. The need to be right becomes brutal insistence; long-standing grudges turn into vendettas, and when retaliation is seen as the “normal” human response, it becomes a rationale for unspeakable acts. If the collective is a collection of our individual responses, then war is a reflection of our need to legitimize rage. As the Dalai Lama recently said, “War is legalized violence.”

And yet we survived those years and continued to grow, and while the current confrontation with our shadow seems even more overwhelming, it is not. The interplay between light and dark has always been part of life on planet Earth. Perhaps it is the fiber of a mysterious evolutionary process that grows our souls through suffering.

This week — solstice 2016 — the sky continues to signal the possibility for significant tipping points, and just like last week, those tipping points are best understood as “anything goes.” The source of this unpredictable atmosphere is the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition, an interaction that leans toward a seesaw effect and the potential to swing wildly to extremes. Saturn continues to be the good news (and how ironic is that?) as it sextiles Jupiter and trines Uranus. Although Saturn is in Sagittarius, a Fire Sign, and Fire Signs aren’t known for groundedness, Saturn never loses the full effect of its sobriety, and that consistency translates into much-needed practical, common sense.

Mercury Retrograde started on Monday, December 19 and ends on January 8. We know the drill — and for those who don’t, here’s the gist: Expect delays and detours in all areas related to communication and travel. Make patience your constant ally and use this timely wisely by reviewing and reflecting on what’s already in motion.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we’re under the influence of a combination of Venus/Jupiter/Uranus and yes…Saturn…a gigantic planetary bundle with the power to turn festivities more than a little romantic, especially if there is mistletoe. Be prepared for unusual encounters of the kooky kind, and because Uranus always signals eruptions of the odd and the eccentric, expect just about any kind of close encounter — even UFOs.

The day after Christmas the first Jupiter/Uranus opposition is exact and separating, and as the planetary tension generated by this opposition releases, so will human tensions, and situations you’ve done your best to control are likely to become chaotic. Exacerbating the chaos, on December 29 Uranus goes direct. Yes…the planet voted most likely to screw around with technology is making a “course correction” in the midst of Mercury Retrograde, a combination that’s more like a techno monkey wrench than any other. There’s nothing to do to prepare, other than keeping your patience pills handy.

As this week and next week unfold, it might be wise to keep in mind that we’ve been living in a mixed-up, muddled-up world for quite some time — maybe since the beginning of time — and certainly uncertainty has fueled all our efforts to survive. We’ve fortified ourselves against life’s uncertainties for so long, we’ve fooled ourselves into thinking we are in control. Perhaps that’s the most damaging conceit of our species.

When I remember that each and every day is a confrontation with life’s mysteries and life’s uncertainties, my body automatically takes a deep breath, as if to center itself in the truth of that realization. But that centering is never about passivity. We know Spirit through our acts — that’s what makes us change agents. But it’s time to acknowledge that we are all co-creating together — even with our ‘enemies.’ Yes…the best and the worst of us are co-creating reality together by everything we think, feel, say, and do. If we don’t realize that simple yet profound truth, we won’t be able to discover or build a new paradigm that includes even what we can’t understand, even what we hate. Wherever you have found it in your heart to integrate your personal shadow, it’s time to expand that process to include the collective shadow. Without an inclusive approach, changes don’t and won’t stick. Those of us aware of our fundamental unity need to keep that knowledge vital. When we live as one we change the world.

Hello to readers in Patna!

This week, we’re flying into a storm that lasts well into 2017, and as the astral turbulence increases, that old cliché, “Fasten your seatbelts…it’s going to be a bumpy ride” has never been more true. You’ll need a strong internal compass to hold you steady along a path of common sense — unrest, upheaval and uproar are certain to continue disrupting the routines of daily life, both personal and collective. Some will thrive on the intensity, glad for the opportunity to swing wildly to extremes, all the while taking stands for what they know to be true — but might not actually be a reality. Others will be dismayed as the brouhaha disturbs the festivities of the holiday season and sullies the start of the new year. Even more fellow travelers are likely to feel helpless in the midst of the political madness that’s sure to escalate and overwhelm almost all other concerns. We are at the end of a long year of startling events, and these last weeks present even more surprising plot twists. From a collective perspective, it’s best to be prepared for just about anything — from Russian hackers to Senate hearings to vote recounts to an entirely new US Presidential election — there’s simply no telling what’s gonna happen next. From a personal perspective, navigating the next several weeks not only requires common sense. It also requires embracing a philosophical attitude that supports the flexibility to go wide, high and deep in all attempts to glean an inkling of what’s goin’ on.

Several sources coalesce into this perfect storm.

(1)  Mercury Retrograde begins on December 19 and ends on January 8. For those new to Mercury Retrograde, here’s the gist: Approximately three times a year (although there are exceptions, such as this year when it happens four times), Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky relative to Earth’s position in its orbit around the Sun. Mercury represents language and communication as well as travel and commerce, and when Mercury seemingly retraces its path, all things within its vast domain seem to move backward rather than forward. Schedules go screwy, people are hard to find, normally reliable communication systems suddenly collapse, and frustration becomes the mood du jour, which leads to a great gnashing of teeth — a sound that can be heard quite clearly when computers freeze, printers die, smart phones turn stupid, and delays and detours make easy travel impossible. Mercury Retrograde is never a good time to start something new. And yes…I know…it’s a bummer.

The good news about Mercury Retrograde is that it’s a really good time to review, reflect and reconsider plans and projects already in motion, which means it’s a great time to take a deep breath and gain perspective on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. This Mercury Retrograde is interesting because it occurs at 15 degrees 6 minutes Capricorn, which is the degree in Capricorn that all the Mercury Retrogrades of the year have pointed to. I don’t have a logical explanation of this occurrence, but I am willing to go with my gut: All the retrogrades this year point to this moment because this moment is pivotal. I have no reasonable explanation of why, other than the realization that this Mercury Retrograde occurs on the day the Electoral College votes, and the decision that’s made is the culmination of a year that future historians might call The Year the World Lost Its Mind. And no…I am not being dramatic…every cabinet appointee named by Trump is clearly appointed to dismantle that specific department of the government. 

(2)  The potential for reversals of fortune is attributable to the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition (which has been building all month long) is within 30 minutes of exact contact on December 19 (which means it’s pretty close), and is exact and separating the day after Christmas. But I wouldn’t really call it a true separation, given that we are in the swing of its seesaw effect until March 3. Jupiter/Uranus contacts are infamous for surprising developments, and as this opposition sustains a prolonged crescendo for nearly two months, many unforeseen turnarounds are likely. From a personal perspective, plans and projects rise and fall, relationships turn on and off, and tensions are released. The constant flux of this opposition is at the core of an ongoing pervasive psychic anxiety that seems to be everywhere as people worry about everything from human rights to finances to climate change and all the other consequences of the Trump deconstruction plan. Yes…we were worrying about these things prior to Trump. It’s just that now it’s blatantly clear just how much is in such great jeopardy and we’re worrying even more.

(3) Saturn continues to act as a stabilizing influence in the midst of these astral mood swings, but it’s not likely to be able to dull the effect of Uranus, at least during the last weeks of December into the first weeks of January. Uranus is simply too powerful during that time.

(4)  Uranus goes direct on December 29, just in time for the New Year. Pay attention: Uranus Direct is the equivalent of Mercury Retrograde on steroids, if only because Uranus symbolizes all things related to electricity, and that includes all facets of technology, from software to hardware to tablets to phones, as well as actual electrical grids and human nervous systems. Communication patterns are disrupted and so are sleep patterns, and because this particular Uranus Direct happens in the middle of Mercury Retrograde, those relying on electronic anything, take heed: if you haven’t backed up your data yet, stop reading this column and do it now.

Next Wednesday, December 21, we celebrate the winter solstice, the return of the light in the northern hemisphere. Keeping in mind that all the festivals of the season celebrate the joy of that return, it’s possible even in the midst of the current madness to make time to acknowledge the message of nature: When the days are darkest, the light eventually returns. This is the cyclical pattern of our cosmic order and it always fills our hearts with gladness. (In the southern hemisphere, where the light is still strongest right now, it’s the same rhythm, but reversed.) So…although it would be wise to strap yourself in for the bumpy ride ahead, it’s also wise to celebrate the season of hope. Be of good cheer to your fellow travelers. Life is so much easier to handle when we live the truth of our interconnectedness.

Hello to readers in Normal!

The planets are busy this week and daily life reflects that activity. And because the world seems more than a little mad (and there’s not too much left to say about that madness at this particular moment), this week’s column is focused on the details of the daily hustle and bustle rather than on the deeper celestial currents shifting the course of life here on Earth. There will be plenty of time for that as the coming weeks and months and years unfold.

Mercury is twelve days away from its final retrograde phase of the year, which begins on December 19 and ends on January 8, 2017, which means you only have nine days to backup your hard drive, get important documents signed, sealed and delivered, or buy any kind of new electronics. (Nine days is not an arithmetic error as I explain below.) The ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition is tightening its grip in preparation for its first exact contact on December 26. Venus moves into Aquarius today, December 7, and by the time Christmas dinner is cooked and served, the goddess of love will be in a powerful relationship with Uranus that’s certain to turn even the most traditional feast more than a little quirky. But that’s not all. Underlying this astral activity, Saturn provides the voice of reality as it forms a positive union with both Jupiter and Uranus, adding ballast to an environment that could easily become more extreme than it already is (if that’s even possible). You’ll want to use Saturn’s discerning presence to help you make your way through this week as well as the next few weeks. Its wisdom, while sobering, has the potential to shed light on a lot of shadows and offer structure where things seem to be falling apart.

Here are the details:

Mercury Retrograde begins on December 19, just in time for last minute shopping and holiday travel plans. As many readers already know, there is a three-day rule about Mercury Retrograde, but for those unfamiliar with this modern urban sky myth, the three days before and after a Mercury Retrograde phase also fall under the umbrella of retrograde dos and don’ts. Travel tends to be adversely affected by Mercury Retrograde, so make your plans now and be sure to leave enough time to include unforeseen delays and detours. By this time next week, we will be in the retrograde slowdown, so be sure to backup now.

For those whose lives are dependent upon electronics, pay special attention: Uranus Direct begins on December 29, in the middle of Mercury Retrograde, and because Uranus “course corrections” always feel like their own peculiar time signatures, and because Uranus symbolizes all things technical, from your alarm clock to your phone to your navigation system to your Alexa to your cloud…backup, backup, backup, especially if you are making presentations or need electronic documentation.

The ongoing Jupiter/Uranus opposition exacerbates extremes, and while it’s hard to imagine that anything could be more extreme than it already is, daily life is likely to grow increasingly polarized on a wide variety of issues from the personal to the political. If you worried about the conversation around the dinner table at Thanksgiving, your concerns are likely to continue through the rest of the holiday season. This polarization symbolizes the conundrum of our current moment and we aren’t likely to come to any resolution soon. This opposition is exact on December 26, and because of the retrograde cycles of both Jupiter and Uranus, it lasts throughout December, January, and February, having its second exact contact on March 3, then returning for one final opposition on September 28.

Saturn provides stability in the midst of the Jupiter/Uranus swings. Saturn, in Sagittarius, trines Uranus, in Aries, as it simultaneously sextiles Jupiter, in Libra. Even on its own, the Jupiter/Uranus opposition has the power to polarize the already polarized! But Saturn mediates the seesaw effect of this opposition through discipline. Saturn symbolizes structure and organization. Uranus symbolizes spontaneity and rebellion. Trines symbolize cooperation, and when Saturn and Uranus work together, their positive force generates the possibility of great growth, especially when efforts are aimed at the highest good. When you add Jupiter to the mix, the overall indication is for good fortune, which we need right now. What’s more, this entire bundle provides the skill to handle difficult situations as well as the ability to persevere in the quest for freedom, something else we need right now. Saturn holds this moderating stance through December and January.

As the coming weeks unfold, use Saturn to stabilize all the areas of your personal life in need of structure or a framework that allows you to feel solid even in the midst of the current political and social storms swirling through daily life and often disrupting regular routines. Nothing is going to be normal for a while, but we’ve had great practice at coping with uncertainty over the last many years. And if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that kindness and compassion are the best allies in times of extreme change. Deepen your practice of goodwill toward your fellow travelers and you’ll embrace the true spirit of the times.

Hello to readers in London!

We’re in the countdown to the end of a long, intense and exhausting year. There’s a mere three weeks to the Solstice and the return of the light, but these next 21 days are the darkest days of the year in the northern hemisphere, and they are days best spent in quiet introspection and contemplation of what’s behind us as well as what lies ahead. But we are also only three weeks away from Christmas and the start of 2017, which means the next several weeks are a maze of festivals and celebrations, all of which easily, and in many cases, joyously distract us from more thoughtful pursuits. It’s the normal seasonal push/pull that occurs almost every year, but this year, given the intensity levels of the last several weeks, distraction is almost certain to trump careful consideration. The best advice I can offer is to do your best to find a balance between internal and external processes, but it might not be easy to follow that advice because a significant planetary interaction highlights the tension between these two inclinations, making it quite possible to feel as if you are up one moment and down the next. The willingness to embrace this year’s seasonal flux — and the planetary seesaw — just may be the best antidote for the push/pull. Allowing the flow rather than resisting it will keep you from going to extremes.

The astral seesaw and the astral indicator of this year’s seasonal tension is a powerful opposition between Jupiter and Uranus. We are in the grip of this opposition all month long because all month long, Uranus seemingly slows down in preparation for its course correction on December 29, when it goes direct. (More about that later in the month.) The Jupiter/Uranus opposition is exact and separating on December 26, just three days before Uranus Direct, which could turn the holiday festivities a little more than topsy-turvy. Be prepared for erratic rhythms. And be sure to include Mercury Retrograde (yes, another one to end the year), which begins on December 19 and ends on January 8, 2017. (More about that next week.) By the way, there are two more exact Jupiter/Uranus oppositions ahead: March 3 and September 28, 2017.

Jupiter, the planet of great good fortune, is in Libra, the Sign of relating. Uranus, the Che Guevara of the sky, is in Aries, the Sign of individuating. Jupiter/Uranus combinations are fundamentally optimistic interactions that tend to manifest as surprising twists of fate and reversals of fortune that provide antidotes to unreasonable situations. This combination also leans toward a love of freedom and a devotion to independence. For individuals, this opposition is likely to translate into a tug-of-needs — your needs versus the needs of significant others, personal or professional. And because Uranus is in Aries, this tug of needs is likely to be about the need for personal freedom. Simple requests like a call or text from a traveling spouse or child or business partner before bedtime could be perceived as an unreasonable demand, just as expressing a desire to know the day’s schedule could be seen as controlling. Conversely, a lack of interest in that schedule might be interpreted as a lack of passion or interest.

From a political point of view, the mounting tension of this opposition exacerbates the already polarized state of affairs, not just in the United States, but everywhere, as nations around the globe try to balance the needs of the one with the needs of the many — a process that is going to take much longer than this phase of Jupiter/Uranus oppositions. Keep in mind that this opposition is about tension and its release through unforeseen events. So many of the factors contributing to the current state of chaos were previously seen as unpredictable that I dare not even venture a guess about what can or will happen next. But one thing is for sure: There will be many more encounters with zealots and freedom fighters as well as innovators and inventors.

As this week and the coming weeks unfold, do your best to find your internal center — that still point within that is always in tune with the fire as well as the breath of the life force. Use that connection to inform your external activities so that intentions and actions are spiritually aligned. That alignment will help you find and maintain your balance even in the midst of the current extremes. That alignment also has the potential to help others find their internal/external orientation. Be an example to others by leading with awareness as well as kindness.

Hello to readers in Santa Monica!

Once again, I don’t know where to begin to assess the celestial situation and how its patterns are reflected in the goings-on of daily life here on Earth. At the moment, the planets have assumed staunch positions — Mercury is conjunct Saturn, Venus is conjunct Pluto, and Jupiter and Uranus are moving into a tight opposition — all of which indicate an unwillingness to bend. Voices of reason on either side of the great political divide are likely to substantiate that rigidity. Other voices are calling for moderation and acceptance, while even more are refusing to compromise for fear of normalizing the abnormal. It is a mess, but it is a necessary mess because the election opened up a wound — a boil, really — that’s been festering for a long, long time and its toxicity can no longer be denied. It’s not that we are suddenly a racist or sexist or classist society. We simply can’t pretend anymore that we don’t have a disturbing shadow of violence built into the bedrock of our history, and it’s not just the shadow of slavery. America was built on genocide — we decimated the Native Americans, relegated them to reservations, which were the concentration camps of that time, and it is not without astounding synchronicity that their descendants are choosing to say “no more” at Standing Rock this very moment when we can no longer hide the bigotry, prejudice and violence that’s been festering for so long.

All of America’s red threads, which are actually humanity’s red threads — — those persistent karmic themes that weave the fabric of reality and symbolize the issues that keep us suffering and separated — all those red threads are right on the surface of daily life where we can see them. Maybe not as clearly as we would like to or need to, but they are far too visible to ignore. The question is: What are we going to do about it? And how are we going to heal this toxicity? Earth hangs in the balance, with every species precariously perched on the precipice of extinction, including humans. What does survival look like in a world where the interconnectedness of life — the good, the bad and the ugly — is no longer hidden from view? A world where technology, with all its many flaws, has laid bare the contents of our conscious and unconscious minds, forcing us to figure out how to transform. These are not new questions, but thanks to Mr. Trump and voters on all sides of the great divide, they are questions that must be faced immediately, or we risk doing even more harm to ourselves and our planet.

Here’s the astrology:

A Mercury/Saturn conjunction has been operating since Saturday, November 19 and continues to be in effect until Monday, November 28. Mercury symbolizes the mind. Saturn symbolizes structure. And while this combination has the potential to produce mental might, it just as easily supports an obstinate mindset that refuses to yield to opposing points of view.

A Venus/Pluto conjunction has been in effect since Sunday, November 20 and lasts until Wednesday, November 30. Venus represents what matters most. She is the goddess of love and beauty. Pluto represents the process of death and rebirth, as well as obsessive/compulsive behavior, often manifesting as strong opinions that just won’t consider other ideas or values. When Venus and Pluto share the same space, their combined influence fosters fanatic love. The good news is their conjunction also indicates the potential for profound creativity if you can avoid the pitfall of polarization.

A Jupiter/Pluto square is exact on November 25, and as this fractious interaction intensifies during the days prior to Thanksgiving, you can anticipate lots of vying for power. But the full throttle of those power struggles is likely to be felt throughout the next day — Black Friday — as well as the entire weekend. What’s more, because Venus is also part of this interaction, retail therapy actually has the power to quell emotional upsets that can’t be intellectually processed or resolved. It will be hard keeping that credit card in your wallet.

The stubborn corker of the week is attributable to Jupiter and Uranus as they begin an opposition that lasts for quite some time. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, good fortune and excess of every denomination, is in Libra. Uranus, the revolutionary and significator of sudden reversals of fortune is in Aries. The opposition, which symbolizes tension, begins this week, is exact on December 26, lingers all winter, and is exact again on March 3.

Here’s why it’s the “corker”: While Jupiter/Uranus combinations are known as the “Thank the Lord” influence, the opposition is famous for feeding headstrong opinions that aren’t easily changed by outside information, even when the facts present a different picture. Sound familiar? Anticipate an even more stubborn determination to be right, something we don’t need more of in an already over-polarized atmosphere. The only good news about this Jupiter/Uranus opposition is its tendency to manifest as the sudden and startling release of tension. I can’t imagine what those plot twists might be, but I am hoping that whatever surprises are in store, they are beneficial for all and not just a chosen few.

Readers have written asking for good planetary news, hoping that the skies will provide a solution to the turmoil here on Earth. While other astrologers may have a different take on things, from my perspective there are no quick fixes available at the moment. That being said, and as difficult as the current astral climate is, it’s also a time of tremendous creative potential, if only because each of us has the opportunity in the midst of this madness to respond rather than react. It’s a chance to come from the heart, and that means negative patterns can be dismantled and new, positive ways of being in the world can occur. Those who are concerned for the well-being of their fellow travelers have an opportunity to transform those concerns into actions that will benefit all sentient beings.

Hello to readers everywhere--readers of all nations, races, religions, genders, ages, sizes and dispositions!

There is no one particular, specific astrological explanation for Hillary’s loss or Donald’s win. Of course, some astrologers will point to one or another stellar alignment as the reason for the outcome, and some of those sky watchers are likely to be right or nearly right in their interpretation of the astral influences on Election Day or on the day of the Primaries, or on any other of the days they deem significant. But as I often remind readers, if astrologers were always right we would rule. And while it could be argued that Ronald Reagan’s astrologer did “rule” and was mostly right, it could also be argued that Ronald Reagan’s trickle-down economics ruined the world and that we are still recovering from those policies. The best way to contextualize the outcome of this election through an astrological lens is to understand the magnitude of long-term planetary cycles and their influence throughout history. (I’ve written about these cycles before, but as a wise friend pointed out, some things need to be heard more than once.)

We are in the midst of a Uranus/Pluto cycle that began in the mid-1960s’. Every long-term planetary cycle is best understood when it’s compared to the phases of the Moon: The conjunction of two or more outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) can be seen as the equivalent of the New Moon; the first square between the planets is similar to the first Waxing Quarter Moon; the opposition is comparable to the Full Moon, with the final square in the cycle equal to the last Waning Quarter Moon. The beginning of the cycle sows the seeds for the future; the squares, both waxing and waning, reveal the conflict; the opposition illuminates what has grown during the cycle and ultimately what the harvest of that cycle is likely to be.

Uranus and Pluto are always about revolution. Uranus signifies the principle of rebellion and it catalyzes stagnant waters in need of change. Pluto signifies the principle of death and rebirth, and it signals the demise of systems that no longer serve. Both planets represent energy: Uranus is akin to active electrical impulses, which is why it is associated with the nervous system, and Pluto is, of course, nuclear energy, which is why it is said to produce change at the core. When they interact in any iteration, many aspects of daily life reflect the potent instability of their combined energetic signatures, an instability that highlights what needs to change, whether that transformation is individual or collective.  

Interestingly, Uranus/Pluto cycles are always about issues of social justice, and during their revolutionary cycle, movements are born and leaders emerge, if only because the intention of these movements is to remedy the ignorance that fosters the notion of inequality that separates us as human beings. During these cycles, the issues of feminism, racism, and every other form of bigotry (which we’ve created to exploit our diversity and punish each other for what we are afraid of and cannot understand) also always rise to the surface of daily life and demand our immediate attention.

To offer just a few examples of how a Uranus/Pluto cycle manifests: During the previous Uranus and Pluto cycle which began with three conjunctions between June 1850 and March 1851, Sojourner Truth wrote “Against Slavery and on Behalf of Women” in 1850. In 1851, she delivered her speech at the Woman’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, entitled “Ain’t I A Woman?” During the current Uranus/Pluto cycle, which began with a series of conjunctions between October 1965 and June 1966, Betty Friedan and Shirley Chisholm, along with many others, co-founded the National Organization for Women, and for the next several years following the exact conjunctions, the literature and activism of the Women’s Movement accelerated.

The Civil Rights Movement, led by Martin Luther King, Jr., also gained significant ground during the current Uranus/Pluto cycle, and just prior to the first Waxing Squares of this cycle, we elected the first African American President. But resistance took hold because of what that paradigm shift would mean for the African American community — no longer second class citizens — and a powerful resistance to that change in status raised the specter of racism in the United States once again. And that racism could and can be seen through the Birther Movement, championed by Donald Trump, as well as through his campaign slogan, “Make American Great Again,” a slogan that really means “make America white again.”

We are still in the friction of that waxing cycle which included seven exact squares, all which occurred between June 2012 and March 2015. There’s no need to reiterate what’s occurred during these years, but certainly we have seen the movements for social justice take on new life.

Over the last several years, and most recently the last several months, I’ve attempted to write about the palpable opposition to the current waves of change that this Uranus/Pluto cycle has set in motion. The 1960s’, for a brief moment in time, provided a glimpse of what the world could be like if we worshipped at the altar of transformation and creativity instead of at the altar of greed and selfish gain. But resistance to the waves of change set in motion by that transformational impulse was enormous and continues to be for many reasons, but none more simple than this: True transformation requires a real change of heart — change that translates into action. But hearts change very, very slowly. And as the waves of change took on greater and greater strength, the resistance to those changes took on equal strength, solidifying into the Silent Majority, a majority that went on to ossify in the evangelical ethos of Christian Fundamentalism, a culture that for the most part eschews science and embraces literalism. It’s the antidote to imagination.

The Silent Majority reared its head once again on Election Day 2016 and once again registered its resistance to change. Much has been written about the reasons for this resistance, most of them accurate assessments of the conditions giving rise to Trump’s success. But I’m not sure I could explain those reasons to a child who only wants to know why her lesbian aunt is afraid of being bullied or abused, or why her best friend is constantly harassed for wearing a hijab, or why her African American next-door neighbor moved away because crosses were burned on the front lawn. I don’t think a child would understand that we are in throes of a huge cultural and political backlash as white people make a last-ditch attempt to hold some ground. I’d rather say to that child: “Don’t worry. Sauron has taken over and it’s going to be a while before Frodo and the Fellowship can figure out how to get the ring to Mt. Doom.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple and neither was Frodo’s and Sam’s journey across the desolation of Mordor — something children will also intuitively understand.

We are a Fellowship of conscious human beings and the question we face all around the world is this: How do we find and maintain a view that will allow us to take a stand for what we know to be true, without fear of reprisal and without losing hope in the goodness of our fellow travelers?

Every sentient being deserves to be cared for and respected regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or country of origin. Social justice is love at the collective level. Understanding that love and knowing its value is the precious gold of all the hard work that’s been done by all the generations before us. But there is still hard work to do if we are to make the world a better place for everyone. And now the wisdom of social justice must include the very people who reject it — all the people who feel left out and lost in the despair of social and cultural isolation in a world that has changed too rapidly for them to keep up. No matter how hard they try, the world will never be white again. Nothing is as it once was, and the fear that petrified them into a voting block will cause great and destructive harm to everyone. But they don’t see that yet. They do not understand the consequences of their choices They will find out soon enough. Unfortunately, the rest of us also have to live with those consequences.

So each of us must figure out how to handle the coming difficulties. This is not about passive acceptance of the new order. It is also not about violence. The solutions are likely to be about education, so contemplate where your efforts will be best spent. It may be a picket line or a march, running for local office, or volunteering to teach. Just be aware that no one is going to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution — fifty million hearts are a lot of hearts and not every heart will welcome change. But many people will soon regret their decision to vote their anger because they won’t get their jobs back and they will lose what little support might have been possible through their government.

Those who truly want to be of service will need to put the I-told-you-so attitude aside. A superior, punishing tone won’t change anything. We are neither victims nor victimizers. We are agents of change. And as many of us know, compassion is the best antidote to fear. Compassion is never about permission. You can be compassionate and still take a stand against injustice — actually, compassion is a stand against injustice. So when you can — and in many cases it won’t be easy — apply kindness. We are still all in this together.

Hello to readers in New York City!

It doesn’t really seem accidental that Hillary Clinton, the first female candidate for President of the United States, ran against Donald Trump, the perfect embodiment of the white male perspective that has held women and minorities hostage for so long. He reflects the view of the disempowered who will do anything to hold onto their power. From an objective vantage point, Mr. Trump deserves a “thank you” for accelerating the cause of feminism. Without his egregious attitude toward women, the toxicity of sexism that has been endemic to a certain way of life would not have been so blatantly exposed. Thanks to him, it can no longer be denied. Of course, what we do to remedy the misogyny so many simply take for granted — men and women alike — is yet to be seen. And because the world changes very slowly, it may take several more elections to shift the paradigm. But to be sure, the passion play of this election makes it impossible to ignore just how much women are still feared and hated for their power.

Last week, the Dalai Lama published an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times about the need to be needed. As he sees it, altruism is the antidote to feeling culturally disenfranchised and cast aside by a society that no longer reflects what some once identified as key values. It’s an interesting take on moving out of frustration and into action. The Dalai Lama’s advice is applicable whether your candidate won or lost because it’s an approach that can help heal anxiety in a world that often seems to be spinning out of control.

www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/opinion/dalai-lama-behind-our-anxiety-the-fear-of-being-unneeded.html?_r=0

If the last eight years of planetary patterns have taught us anything, it’s that on this planet, transformation is the antidote to stagnation. Or as a dear friend once said, “On this planet, it’s grow or die.” Since 2008-2010, when the series of Saturn/Uranus oppositions tilted the world on its financial axis, we’ve been in a state of tremendous upheaval, upheaval that is world-changing as well as world-building, but upheaval that also generated a profound experience of physical and psychic dislocation. And that dislocation set the stage for the shifts of the seven Uranus/Pluto squares that occurred from 2012-2015, when just about every part of “normal” was set to “abnormal.” Those who were able to adjust to the shifts have managed to maintain their equilibrium, but that balance hasn’t been achieved without deep personal work and a commitment to growth. One only has to witness the yoga revolution to realize how deep the yearning is for a safe place. And while some may be cynical or snide about the intentions of that movement, people gathering together to meditate is always a good thing.

Those who resent and resist the need to adjust to the mighty shifts of recent years have suffered greatly over the loss of the world as it once was. Their nostalgia is reminiscent of an initiation into adulthood, when you have to leave behind certain behaviors because they are no longer appropriate. Some make this transition easily while others struggle, and that struggle can be witnessed through a multitude of situations where you just want to say: “Grow up.”

This week and during the coming weeks, each of us will need to find an internal balance capable of handling the next waves of upheaval. Again, whether your candidate is the loser or the winner, there will be a multitude of fellow travelers who will be disappointed and frightened and in need of a helping hand and a kind gesture to bridge the troubled waters. It may not be easy to comfort the opposition, but your efforts will make a genuine contribution to our collective journey — and that matters, greatly.

Hello to readers in Standing Rock!

There’s nothing easy about the personal or collective tension this week, which is why patience, perseverance and persistence are key for handling the flux, whether those oscillations are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. But those three P’s of emotional stability are likely to be out of reach for many of our fellow travelers, if only because we’ve been building to the political crescendo of November 8 for such a very long time and an interminable amount of time for many. Don’t be dismayed if you or those around you blow a gasket or two. It’s been a rough ride and few have been able to manage the political tension from a dispassionate perspective.

Anticipate that some may simply collapse from the stress and strain of an uncertain future. Not knowing what the outcome will be is its own kind of torture. In America, zealots on both sides of the election divide are at a far greater risk for meltdowns than zealots participating in previous Presidential campaigns. The rest of us — those who hope for a peaceful atmosphere no matter who wins — will need to up our game on self-soothing. Keeping a cool head in the midst of this madness requires self-awareness. Helping others keep a cool head requires a magnanimous attitude with the heart muscle to back it up.

The source of patience this week is a Jupiter/Saturn sextile, and although this contact won’t be exact until the summer of 2017, it is (as we used to say in the music business) “close enough for folk music” — I am grateful for its potentially soothing effect. Jupiter signifies a broad, inclusive perspective. Saturn signifies sober concentration. Sextiles indicate a positive union, and when Jupiter and Saturn work together, a grounded, philosophical approach is possible. Of course, in light of the political tidal waves breaking on the shores of our collective situation, accessing the full-throttle of this positive influence might take some doing, but at the very least just knowing it is there can add the ballast needed to get through the waves of the week.

And that ballast is probably necessary for some, especially in light of a Venus/Uranus trine. Venus is the goddess of love. Uranus is the god of spontaneity. And when they unite in a positive embrace, many mere mortals experience the ability to fall in love at first glance with just about everyone! Make the best use of this powerful, creative alliance by applying it liberally to any situation in need of a fresh perspective. And if you actually fall in love, just wait a bit before tying any knots. Remember the Venus/Uranus rule: Marry in haste, repent at leisure. (And by the way, that same rule can be applied to the Presidential candidates!)

A Sun/Neptune trine supports idealism, and while this enhances altruistic aspirations, it also indicates a high degree of sensitivity. Hyper-sensitivity is never easy to handle, and given the already roiling political climate of the week, this Sun/Neptune combination could exacerbate anxiety about who will win and what will happen next. The good news is that this trine can be used to amplify meditation practices. Use it to cultivate internal meditation practices, especially techniques designed to enhance a compassionate state of mind.

As always — and no matter what side you are on — do your best to embrace your fellow travelers. You don’t have to agree or even tolerate taunts. You only have to be willing to remember that we are all in this together, and healing the many problem areas of our lives, personal and planetary, is going to take patience, perseverance and persistence.

Hello to readers in Capetown!

I wish I had a different story to tell this week (and I so don’t want to write what I am about to write), but there’s just no denying that it’s another week of astral strife here on Planet Earth, and the routines of daily life reflect the planetary tension. Mars continues to be the star of this week’s planetary interactions, and that role plays out as another week of fractious human interactions. Anticipate lots of people to be grumpy and irritable. If you’ve managed to stay calm for the last several weeks — and if you have, that’s an emotional state close to sainthood, given the raucous political climate — this could be the week you reach your super-saturation point and start spewing pent-up feelings to anyone who will listen. Conversely, the added heat of the week could be so over-the-top that even the idea of fighting with anyone about anything would simply be exhausting. It’s anyone’s guess how most (or even any) of us will respond to the tension, but one thing is abundantly clear: all of us will need to figure out how to handle the stress of this ongoing volatile phase without contributing to the acerbic atmosphere.

Mars tightens its square to Uranus this week, and that’s the problem. Last Wednesday, October 19, Mars separated out of its conjunction to Pluto, and those who watched the third Presidential debate witnessed its brutal, vitriolic signature through the tone of that interaction. The Mars/Uranus square is an equally aggressive combination of stellar forces, and the intensity of it reaches its peak on Friday, October 28, late in the day when it is exact and separating. Both Mars and Uranus symbolize energy. In addition to aggression, Mars represents muscle and physical activity, which means many of us are likely to feel like restless spirits having endless fights. Uranus represents electrical impulses and the nervous system, and one of its chief concerns is freedom. Be prepared for declarations of independence from anyone who feels enslaved by an idea, a place, a person, or a misplaced sense of obligation. As Mars and Uranus clash and pull apart, almost everyone will feel called to take a stand for something. It won’t be easy avoiding conflict, so make sure you have a strategy for how you want to handle close encounters of the irritable kind.

It’s also important to be careful with your relationships this week — all your relationships — because the Moon ramps up the emotional intensity on October 28, forming a square to Mars and an opposition to Uranus, all of which has the potential to turn even the sweetest of interactions either bitter with resentment or sour with disappointment. Again, take a deep breath before you react, and breathe as deeply and as much as needed to at least support a neutral response if you can’t muster a positive one.

Also avoid launching into a litany of what’s wrong with someone else or taking a negative inventory of all your faults. Saturn, signifying the spectrum between harsh judgment and compassionate discernment, also plays a role this week, vis-á-vis a conjunction with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, in Sagittarius. A Venus/Saturn conjunction can dim the lights of passion, as Saturn’s stern view takes hold. But this very same conjunction can also help produce tangible creative results in artistic endeavors. Use it wisely and it will also help you solidify what you most value in your relationships.

A Sun/Mercury conjunction, in Scorpio, holds fast to a plethora of political opinions, especially as each day brings us closer to Election Day here in the United States. Hold forth, but as others do the same, try to be kind, patient and understanding when your opinions differ from others’. It won’t be an easy week but that doesn’t mean it is utterly impossible to navigate…skillfully. Do your best to integrate your highest intentions into action. Be kind to your fellow travelers. Everyone benefits from compassion.

Hello to readers in Montelimar!

Daily life continues to be a fairly rough ride and, unfortunately, the stresses and strains continue for the next couple of weeks. Anticipate mounting exasperation as difficult circumstances either evade reasonable resolution or implode or explode from frustration. And no matter what your position, situation or expectation, you’re going to need patience pills — lots of them — to tolerate the tension as the days and nights on Planet Earth play out. As always — and even if it’s harder than usual — do your best to be kind to your fellow travelers.

The source of this aggravating atmosphere is the ongoing Mars/Pluto conjunction, which was exact early this morning and now is separating for the next couple of days. We usually feel the brunt of a difficult planetary interaction as it separates, and that is certainly true for this one. Although it’s hard to imagine that life could get more difficult than it already is, it keeps getting even more difficult. A Mars/Pluto conjunction, at its best, manifests as success through almost superhuman efforts. At its worst, it’s all about the realization of power through the use of sheer brute force. Take care not to bully anyone out of your need to feel in charge or empowered, but also anticipate a strong need to stand up for yourself. This contradiction isn’t easy to handle, but it’s worth the try, if only because it’s bringing us to the edge of our individual and collective comfort zones, and it’s there that we truly grow into our ideals.

As the Mars/Pluto conjunction separates, Mars immediately forms a square to Uranus. This square is even more volatile than the conjunction, given that both Mars and Uranus need to move, a condition that translates into hasty reactions meant to alleviate stress and solidify strength. This is also a signature for the revolutionary who lets nothing inhibit the struggle for personal or political freedom, which adds yet another layer to an already volatile atmosphere.

A Mars/Uranus square also affects nervous systems, particularly the heart. Don’t be surprised if pulses turn erratic along with sleep patterns and other ways that nervous systems let us know who’s in charge. Breathe, deeply, and do your best to move into a more relaxed state. Again, it won’t be easy to quiet those nervous systems, but it will be well worth the effort, given the escalating external turmoil.

As the next several weeks unfold, avoiding that turmoil will take extreme care and consciousness, and while the entire Mars/Uranus/Pluto bundle supports superhuman effort, managing the power of this combination of astral influences requires skill. I know I startled several readers last week by taking such a strong stand against Donald Trump — it was something I felt I had to do. For while I am committed to compassion, I don’t think that compassion is about glossing over reality, making nice, or pretending something is other than it is. As I have written before on these pages, compassion isn’t permission. It is about consciousness that includes rather than excludes, through a process of acknowledging the potential in each of us for unspeakable, harmful acts.

Right now and for a multitude of reasons, inclusion is extraordinarily difficult. We are polarized and we are in a vast process of personal and planetary transformation, daily encountering one situation after another that challenges the ability to integrate the highest principles into reality. These last weeks have taught me to take my stand for what I know to be true. But they have also helped me understand at an even deeper level that the heartbreaking reality of how we treat each other, as well as how we treat our planet, are actually opportunities to grow. Outrage and anger are a significant part of this process, but so are sorrow and despair, especially for the shared reality of so much suffering by so many. May we emerge from this transformation with bigger hearts, hearts that are more capable and skillful at healing the turmoil of our world.

Hello to readers in Paradise!

Please don’t be startled by my tone. This week and next, astral activity supports strong opinions, coupled with equally strong stands, merged with a tremendous need to break free from the status quo, all of which translates into sayin’ it loud and proud. Even if I wanted to hold back, it wouldn’t be possible because holding back what’s on my mind would be like trying to keep my eyes open when I sneeze. It would also be dishonest.  The problem I face, and the problem many face in this extreme climate, is how to express strong opinions without causing additional harm, a problem not easily solved, but a problem that’s at the heart of the current astrological challenge — a challenge that is not just political.

We’re in the grip of a Mars/Pluto conjunction, in Capricorn, a conjunction that squares a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction, in Libra. As I warned last week, this Mars/Pluto conjunction can be a brutal influence that tends to turn even filtered air toxic with a need for power. Mars represents the warrior ready to take a stand and spend its might for right. Pluto signifies the transformer, whose presence signals the process of death and birth. Together they symbolize a brutal, almost superhuman force that will stop at nothing to achieve success.

As this week and next week unfold, the Mars/Pluto conjunction squares several planets — the Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter, all in Libra. Mercury and Jupiter are conjunct, and while this is normally a positive interaction that supports a wealth of ideas, especially about relationships, the square from the Mars/Pluto conjunction skews the entire combination toward a clash of ideas as well as ideals, a clash that easily devolves into a vitriolic world war of words. From a non-political point of view, these clashing configurations make personal peacekeeping next to impossible. Show restraint when you can and try not to pick on someone — even the dog or the cat — just to blow off steam. From a broader collective perspective, this entire bundle stirs such strong opinions that objectivity is also nearly impossible.

But it is the Mars/Pluto square to the Sun that adds fuel to the fire, and not just because this combination feeds the need to demonstrate power. The Sun is opposite Uranus, a tense interaction that exacerbates the struggle of freedom fighters to throw off the shackles of whatever enslaves and take an even more active stand for their ideals. Anticipate even more dynamic behavior from those struggling to support a specific cause, personal or political. Also expect to witness even more bizarre twists of fate during the remaining weeks of the campaigns, especially from Mr. Trump, who embodies the lowest common denominator of Uranus, in Aries — the self-serving narcissist who is concerned more about self-preservation than actual transformation.

Both candidates represent the shadows of our collective struggle to evolve. Mr. Trump represents the last gasp of the white male who, rich or poor, feels entitled to his view of the world regardless of how that view affects others. From gender issues to the environment to economics to global interaction, he speaks and acts as if he is in the know, because he has “heard” and because he doesn’t actually need facts to back himself up — his privileged position as a star affords him an insider version of the reality of the world.

It’s not just that Mr. Trump feels the way he does about women. (There are plenty of men who objectify women behind closed doors, which is probably why so many women feel the need to get a certificate in pole-dancing along with their MBA.) The problem is that he recognizes his followers are longing for a world they once thought was theirs and theirs alone, and his rhetoric, such as it is, preys upon the very real frustration and despair that the world will never be like that again.    

We are a childish, naïve country that has enjoyed a position of power that will also never be ours again. The world has changed and we need leaders who will pursue real solutions to our very real problems. I don’t have to like my leaders. I don’t need to share a beer or have dinner or even a cup of tea at the kitchen table. I want world leaders who can ride their ambition to a finish line that benefits all of us, not just the privileged few.

Hillary also represents our collective shadow. She is the powerful woman we love to hate. And we ascribe all sorts of nefarious activity to her and assume that she is involved in one conspiracy after another, and that her motives are only self-serving. She is not the devil. And everyone should be outraged that Mr. Trump would even say such a thing. Thinking Hillary is Satan is simply insane.

These candidates represent us — with all of our unresolved issues and still-unpacked baggage, and it is extremely uncomfortable to watch these unintegrated aspects of ourselves do battle. We are revealed through them and until we are willing to own that exposure in a way that allows us to integrate the shadow and grow beyond it, we will have to endure the current psychic dislocation. The world is not someone else’s mess. It’s ours. And each of us is responsible for cleaning up our small bit because we are our own saviors.

Hello to readers in Florence!

This week and for the next several weeks the planets reflect the mounting political tension, not just in America, but all around the world. Only 34 days remain until a new American President is elected, but the chaos of our current political, economic and existential situations are not just happening in the United States. We’re in a global crisis generated by vast divisions in perspectives, priorities and worldviews about how we can survive the stress of an entire planet trying sustain itself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The fascia of life’s vital force on the Blue Planet — the web that holds us together and in place — is trying to adjust and in many cases evolve. And part of that adjustment process is working through the massive resistance to change that seems to be having its moment, not only through Mr. Trump but others like him. The resistance to change — the shadow that has yet to be integrated into our collective consciousness — shows itself through the people who support the would-be leaders who are willing to say and do anything to consolidate power. And those supporters are the real threat.

From an astrological perspective, this embodied resistance to change is directly related to the seven Uranus/Pluto squares that occurred between June 2012 and April 2015. Those squares signify fractious interactions related to issues of social justice — race, gender, financial, and religious equality — and these interactions are part of an astral cycle that started in the mid-1960s, a cycle that’s best characterized as a period of unrest and upheaval that sparked and ignited change. (See previous columns for a more detailed explanation.) It’s not that racism or sexism or poverty or bigotry didn’t exist before this Uranus/Pluto cycle. It’s simply that those issues cannot be ignored during this planetary cycle. And even though history teaches that resistance is futile, the constant barrage of resistance takes its toll.

There’s no softening the toxicity of the current resistance to change — it is volatile, violent and detrimental to far too many. In the wake of the 60s, Ronald Reagan was the quiet voice of the Silent Majority and its resistance to social justice. Now it is the brash voice of Donald Trump, who speaks before he thinks, perhaps because he is channeling the unbridled energy of the hate mongers who don’t care what their words engender or the harm that occurs when ignorance is glorified and glamorized. In Shikasta, which was published in 1979, Doris Lessing called television the propaganda machine — and it still is. But it’s been superseded by a new, improved version: The Internet, the propaganda machine on steroids.

Mars is at the center of the tension for the next several weeks. Mars is the symbol for self-assertion, from the lowest forms of unspecified, global rage to the highest forms of self-actualization. Mars signifies the ability to take a stand for oneself. It embodies the ability to individuate and initiate, as well as to know oneself as separate and distinct from others. Among its many attributes, Mars also represents ambition and competition — it is the warrior, ready to fight for its beliefs.

Mars is currently in Capricorn, and this week it begins moving steadfastly into a conjunction with Pluto, also in Capricorn, a conjunction that’s exact and separating on October 19. This is a pernicious interaction that often manifests as the need to succeed at any cost, a need that often translates into sheer brute force and ruthless cruelty. Curiously, this conjunction occurs minutes away from the exact degree Pluto occupied during its seventh and final square to Uranus on March 17, 2015. Even more curiously, on Election Day Pluto will be only minutes past that exact position. It will be quite tempting to throw caution to the wind and spew forth under this influence, no matter what side of the great divide you are on. Do your best to keep your calm — the world is saturated with hatred; it doesn’t need more.

What the world needs now is love, and social justice is love made manifest through the collective. This is not some ancient hippie idea (although even if it is that’s fine — or should I say groovy?). Love is the answer as well as the antidote the world and her inhabitants are craving. It’s the great unifier. And it is winning, even if the current vitriolic tumult looks as if it’s trumping the good at heart. Love may not be winning as quickly as many would like, but those who already embrace a compassionate stance know the solution to our survival, personal and planetary, is in personal transformation, which is ultimately the transformation of the heart. Eventually enough hearts will move away from hatred and embrace kindness and compassion as a way of coping with the myriad issues we face as a planet. It’s only a matter of time because love is inevitable. As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote: “Love is the most durable power in the world.” And when we live that truth, every life and every day is a revelation.

Hello to readers in Girona!

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.

Hello to readers in Chimbote!

How do you spell relief? D-I-R-E-C-T.  And relief is what many will be experiencing this week as Mercury goes direct, at 10:31 PM PDT, September 21, and the technology ship of daily life finally rights itself. And yes, I can hear that collective sigh of relief as computers everywhere start running the proper software instead of outdated versions that mysteriously seemed to have worked their way back into the system under the chaotic cloak of Mercury Retrograde.

But that’s not the only reason this week feels utterly unstuck. Pluto goes direct at 8:02 AM PDT, September 26, and its forward motion makes Mercury’s winged sandals fly forward even faster than they usually do — and with greater skill. Be prepared for the pace of certain projects to resemble jet propulsion. But before you start dancing in the street, be aware of that old adage, “Haste makes waste.” Yes, regular routines are gathering strength and computers once again makes sense, but it would still be wise to think before you leap, rather than be swept away by this forward-motion astral tour de force.

Mercury ends its third retrograde phase of 2016 at 14 degrees Virgo, in an exact trine to Pluto at 14 degrees Capricorn. Mercury symbolizes all things related to travel and communication, and during a retrograde all things within its vast domain tend to go a little screwy (which is why smart phones turn stupid under the influence of a retrograde). Pluto signifies the process of death and rebirth, and therefore it is the symbol of transformation. Trines are positive, and a trine between Mercury and Pluto signifies the potential for penetrating intellectual pondering that is able to let go of an idea that has outworn its value. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself discarding old ways of thinking in favor of a new, deeper understanding. If you still stubbornly insist on an old idea with the hope that will survive this Mercury/Pluto trine, try to let go anyway. You just might find yourself entertaining a different and much-improved perspective.

Fall starts on September 22, and in keeping with the start of a new season, Mercury Direct coupled with Pluto Direct shifts the air and quickens the pulse of the day-to-day. We’re heading into the final months of this year — the harvest season of what we’ve put in motion, and much of this transition is likely to be spent taking stock. Embrace this process — 2016 has been an incredibly intense year, and now as we head toward the finish line, there are bound to be even more intense moments — moments both of retrospective insight as well as wildly creative moments that weave a fabric of profound connection. Some of these moments may involve bringing new ideas to life, while others could involve death. The key is to be present for all your thoughts and feelings, and when possible, to try and be present for others — family, friends and, as always, your fellow travelers.

Magic punctuates the days and nights of daily life this week, so don’t be surprised if regular routines have a slightly spacey feel or other-worldly quality. Some may find this dreamy air annoying, especially if normally reliable people or activities suddenly turn unreliable. Others might find this touch of magic utterly enchanting, especially those who rely on their intuition. For most, this is simply a great week for delving into an appreciation for alternate ways of knowing. Be open to calling in a shaman for help or consulting the I-Ching for guidance. Wherever you find yourself along this magical spectrum, it would be wise to prepare for surprising reversals of fortune. Just don’t expect those plot twists to be only negative — some are for the best, even if they don't look like it at first.

Several sources contribute to the unusual environment:

(1)  We are in the grip of a lunar eclipse, in Pisces, that occurs on Friday, September 16. During a lunar eclipse, the Sun overpowers the Moon, and conscious concerns override unconscious ones. The difficulty with this eclipse is that Mars, in Sagittarius, squares both the Sun and the Moon, which turns the event into a T-Square — and that spells trouble. Trouble because T-Squares are inherently fractious: Two (or more) are in an opposition and the other forms a 90-degree angle to both, forming three right angles crashing into each other — think dissonance rather than harmony. In this particular lunar eclipse T-Square, Mars is the fractious third party forming those right angles — and Mars is already the symbol for aggression.

Mars is always ready to take a stand, and this week it is ready to support either the practical concerns of the Sun, in Virgo, or the not quite as down-to-earth wishes of that Moon, in Pisces — or both. The solution to any T-Square is the empty angle, or empty Sign — the one without planets in it. In this case, it’s Gemini and that translates into communication as the solution to any difficulties that arise as a result of fractious interactions that seem to be getting out of hand. Information is going to be a big part of making nice this week, so pay attention to what’s being said. And try not to get caught up in gossip, rumor, innuendo, or just plain bald-faced lies meant to manipulate, deny or obscure.

(2)  Steering clear of embellishing the facts won’t be easy, because the temptation to obfuscate is at an all-time high, given that we are in the separating phase of the final square between Saturn and Neptune. This Saturn/Neptune square began in November 2015; the final one was on Saturday, September 10 — just last Saturday. (There won’t be another until September 2033.) Saturn is always the voice of reality, especially when no one likes what it has to say. And Neptune is always the magician, whose sleight of hand can easily befuddle and confuse. We’ve been in the thrall of this square for so long — too long, really — that many of us have grown inured to Donald Trump’s blatant manipulation and willful distortion of facts. While I know that politicians tend to work data to their advantage, that doesn’t make it okay to simply ignore the truth. Most of us know this, but not everyone is dedicated to acknowledging the facts, and increasingly opinion seems to overwhelm reality.  

(3)  But before I veer off into that wilderness…there’s a third contributor to this week’s magical atmosphere. We’re under the influence of a Venus/Uranus opposition, and even though this wouldn’t technically be thought of as a magical configuration, it is a highly creative and deeply erotic combination that could easily translate into falling under the spell of attraction. When Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, aligns in any combination with Uranus, the freedom fighter, we tend to experience a deep need for personal freedom that often expresses itself in unusual amorous adventures. Those reading this column for a while know the Venus/Uranus rule — Marry in haste, repent at leisure. And the reason for this rule is that Venus/Uranus affections often die down as quickly as they flare up. Have fun, but don’t confuse momentary pleasure, no matter how intense, with a long-term commitment.

Also be aware that this Venus/Uranus opposition stimulates the need to break free from whatever enslaves, which means breakups and breakdowns are probable, particularly unilateral declarations of independence. And those breaking free are likely to be muttering “I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore!” Go ahead, channel Howard Beal, but also do your best to be kind to those around you. We are all in this together — and that’s a fact.

Hello to readers in Los Angeles!

You may already be feeling the change in the astral weather — there’s a big shift this week as Jupiter enters Libra on Thursday, September 9, and as the planet of great good fortune changes Signs, our individual and collective focus changes with it. Bid Adieu to Virgo’s devotion to detail and all the niggling perfectionism that accompanies it.  And say Hel-lo to Libra’s passion for partnerships of every denomination, from spouse to lover to friend to just about any other interaction that requires intimate, vibrant connectivity.

Like I said: It’s a big shift. And powerful changes translate into big emotional reactions, so be prepared for lots of folks, including yourself, to be experiencing lots of feelings. Anticipate anxiety to be the dominant response, if only because we’re just beginning week two of Mercury Retrograde, in Virgo, a retrograde phase that lasts until September 21. And while Jupiter is shedding its concern with details, most of us are inundated with far too much to handle, and this move away from a detailed-oriented perspective could upset the ongoing retrograde review.

Jupiter’s change of Sign, and the resulting psychic and social adjustments that need to occur, are sure to disturb and disrupt the balance of power, individual and collective. Libra is, after all, symbolized by the scales, making it the Sign of balance. So it’s a sure thing that daily life, at least for the first month of Jupiter’s transit, will swing wildly to extremes. (I suppose this is hard to imagine, given that extreme is now the new normal.) Jupiter transits Libra until October 2017, which means there’s a lot of time to find, establish and maintain an equilibrium in any number of settings.

But — and this is a big but — Jupiter is the planet of excess, and its proclivity toward extremes is certain to make balance in general an ongoing issue for the next year. It might be wise to think of Jupiter, in Libra, as a fluid phase or process that allows for a wide range of small adjustments in the day-to-day.  It is also important to understand that many of those adjustments will be related to relationships of every configuration. I often remind Libra to think of relationship as a verb rather than a noun. A relationship is something you participate in, not a thing you own or possess. If you can wrap your head around relationship as an ongoing process, you’ll have a much easier time handling Jupiter’s journey through Libra — and just might learn something about handling the flux of intimacy.

So as the week unfolds, pay close attention to all your relationships. Notice where you swing to extremes, who or what you take for granted, or where and when you are judgmental or dismissive. Most importantly, contemplate how you can facilitate greater harmony in your day-to-day interactions with significant others.  A compassionate attitude coupled with a desire to demonstrate that kindness will help you to find and maintain your balance.

Hello to readers in Liberty!

It's a week of wobbling worlds, which makes this the perfect week to practice balance of all kinds — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. For some, the focus on balance translates into avoiding extremes, again, of all kinds, bad and good. There is actually wisdom in that old adage about too much of a good thing…so don’t forget the benefits of moderation. For others, establishing and maintaining balance might involve letting go, even if the circumstances are essentially positive and beneficial. Sometimes the willingness to release the outcome is the very thing that is most needed. If your creative process is true, you must be true to it, even and especially if you can’t see where you’re headed. For most of us, the need for balance will reveal itself in the small things of changed schedules, unanticipated interruptions or a niggling sense of dislocation in the midst of familiar activities and surroundings. Wherever you experience this week’s instability you’ll experience a need for balance. Make an effort to help your fellow travelers do the same. Everyone benefits from a helping hand, the receiver as well as the giver.

The source of discomfort this week is two-fold:

(1) Mercury began its third retrograde phase of the year on August 30 and it will stay retrograde until September 21. (And yes…there is another one that begins on December 19 — just in time for Christmas travel.) For those unfamiliar with Mercury Retrograde, here’s the gist: When Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky, all things related to Mercury — communication, travel, language, mail of every ilk, and commerce, including contracts of every kind — seem to move backward as well. That’s why during a Mercury Retrograde phase we tend to experience more detours, delays, snafus, and all other sorts of obstacles that impede forward motion.

The best use of a Mercury Retrograde phase is to avoid launching anything new and instead, to devote yourself to examining the details of what’s already in motion. Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, its Home Sign, and because Virgo is always about the details, this phase is likely to be extra-persnickety. Jupiter, also in Virgo, is conjunct that retrograde Mercury, and because Jupiter signifies the principle of expansion, the range of retro-detail is sure to be vast. Try to pace yourself through the slew of things that are likely to need your attention. And if the burden is on someone else, do your best to help out.

(2)  The second source of discomfort is a solar eclipse on September 1, also in Virgo and also exacerbating that emphasis on detail!  Solar eclipses almost always send a shudder through the world, for while they are completely predictable, they’re still weird — it’s just not right for the Sun to be overshadowed by the Moon. And by the way, our ancient ancestors in Mesoamerica as well as those in Mesopotamia were able to predict eclipses and saw them as powerful indicators of change and upheaval.

This solar eclipse has the potential to be exceptionally powerful because it forms a T-Square to the final exact square between Saturn and Neptune on September 10. The conjunction of the Moon and the Sun, in Virgo, forms an opposition to Neptune, in Pisces. The conjunction of the Moon and the Sun also forms a square to Saturn, in Sagittarius. The ongoing square between Saturn and Neptune has been and continues to be about knowing the difference between fact and fiction. And certainly we are bombarded daily with opportunities to discern the differences among propaganda, false narratives and authentic reports — the problem is being able to hear clearly, which is Saturn’s realm, rather than hear through the filters of what we want to hear, which is Neptune’s domain.

At worst, under the influence of this solar eclipse those already committed to veiling the truth will be spreading even more stories intended to distract, bamboozle and manipulate already agitated emotional bodies. Consider it an extended, endless episode of Wag the Dog. At best, this eclipse could reveal previously hidden information with the power to clarify muddy waters and provide vital details. And this is not just in the political arena. The power of this T-square is sure to be felt in individual lives. So if you’ve been telling tales to yourself or others or living a lie, get ready for a reckoning.

This T-Square could be viewed as an opportunity to see how prejudice creates false boundaries and how harsh judgment has the power to deepen the chasms that already divide. So where possible, be willing to bring down the walls of illusion that continue to separate us from each other.

As you read through the Sun Bursts this week, keep in mind that Mercury Retrograde and the solar eclipse occur in Virgo, which means they happen in the same sector of your solar chart, underscoring their effect.

Hello to readers in San Diego!

Keep your to-do list handy and get ready to check off as many items as possible. It’s a week of preparation, which means projects, big and small, require attention and that translates into beaucoup details. Not everyone will want to knuckle down and wrangle through the many-knotted situations in need of organization. And those who actually love a good mess…try not to be smug about it. One of the most important challenges of the week is skillfully embracing a spirit of cooperation that allows those in need to join those with know-how in a combined effort to take care of what needs taking care of. If someone can’t figure out how to use a smart phone and you’re a tech-wiz, rather than shaming that Luddite with an air of techno superiority, just fix the problem. Likewise, if you need help finding the right piece of equipment to make the fan work, just ask for it. It’s through and in all the little details of life that we build connective tissue strong enough to hold the big moments of emotional and spiritual stress and strain — moments when we really need each other and never need to ask.

The big news of the week is really big. First, Mercury Retrograde begins on August 30 at 6 am PDT — six days from the publication of this column, so if you’re reading it late, I hope you’ve already followed the standard retrograde advice: Back up everything now. And if you are concerned about specific elements of a project or plan, back up twice, and put all that work on a separate hard drive. For the retrograde novice, here’s the reason for this precaution: When Mercury goes retrograde (when it appears to be moving backwards relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun), all things within Mercury’s vast astrological domain seem to also move backwards. And that’s a problem because Mercury symbolizes three essentials of the modern world: communication, travel and commerce.

During a Mercury Retrograde, emails vanish into the same place that socks disappear in the dryer and snail mail simply evaporates — send two-day priority mail and it’s likely to get delivered two months later. Okay…I am exaggerating. But anyone who has tried to get a computer fixed under Mercury Retrograde or been caught in traffic or held hostage by travel delays and snafus knows I don’t have to stretch too far to start singing The Mercury Retrograde Blues.

Here’s the gist: Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to initiate anything new. It’s an excellent time to review, reflect and reconsider the details of all those plans already in motion. Be aware, there is a retrograde rule that warns about the three days prior to the start of a retrograde and the three days after it ends: These days are just as dicey for implementing new things.

But the really big news is that Mercury goes retrograde in a conjunction to Venus, which enters Libra on August 29, as well as a conjunction to Jupiter, which enters Libra on September 9. This is a powerful, positive trio of planets, and their combined influence bodes well for thoughtful as well as skillful communication. We may be repeating ourselves (as often happens during a retrograde) but we won’t mind because the presence of Venus and Jupiter make most of what’s repeated well-spoken, if not downright eloquent.   

But that’s not all. This Mercury/Jupiter conjunction takes place in Virgo, Mercury’s Home Sign, which amplifies all of Mercury’s nitpicking attention to detail. Expect to be dealing with lots of overlooked information. Jupiter’s presence not only expands the actual amount of details to deal with, but it also indicates a power to move many projects to a higher level of thoughtfulness through a higher level of thoroughness.

To top it off, two days after Mercury Retrograde begins on September 1, there’s a solar eclipse, in Virgo. During a solar eclipse, the Moon overshadows the Sun, and from an astrological perspective, that overshadowing symbolizes the power of unconscious patterns to override conscious intentions. As a result of this reversal, previously hidden material is revealed. The effect of an eclipse can be felt six weeks before or after the actual event, as well as on that specific date. Occasionally, it’s possible to track specific events, especially when they involve newly revealed data, but that might be difficult with this solar eclipse, given the enormous attention to detail that Mercury Retrograde insists upon.

Here’s the really good news: During the eclipse, that Mercury/Jupiter conjunction is exact, which translates into a Jupiterian optimism about sharing common goals and working together to integrate those ideals into practical action. Put the power of that conjunction to work for you. And when possible, help others to do the same. Be willing to embrace life’s minutiae and you’ll manage the next several weeks with grace.

Hello to readers in Hana!

Several potent planetary interactions coalesce to form an interesting week. It’s more than likely you’ll feel pulled in several directions simultaneously by these dynamic configurations. And while it’s not quite a marathon — we’ve seen busier and tougher weeks — managing this week’s flux requires the skill to handle more than a few challenges. So take as many deep breaths as necessary, and when possible, as many rest and relaxations moments as you can. You’ll need your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies to be in prime condition.

The ongoing Sun/Uranus trine was exact on August 16, and now as this positive alignment separates, we can expect even more drama. Don’t forget…this is the Sun, in Leo, and Uranus, in Aries, both Fire Signs with a penchant for performance. Their combined heat creates a desire for liberation from any situation that inhibits uncensored free expression, and that desire is often personified from an astrological perspective as a free-spirited revolutionary freedom fighter. We’ve been in the grip of this combination for the last ten days, and now as it pulls apart, some are likely to feel even more intensely inspired to break free from ties that bind, negative or not, real or imaginary.

Don’t be surprised if even the meekest make full-throated declarations of independence, especially on August 18, when the Full Moon, in Aquarius, opposes the Sun, in Leo, and sextiles Uranus, in Aries. Full Moons are notorious for emotional displays. Mr. Trump’s Mars, in Leo, is close to the exact degree of this Full Moon, so it’s likely he will make even more dramatic statements, if that’s even possible.

A Mars/Saturn conjunction, in Sagittarius, is the second significant influence for the week. This conjunction — in any Sign — is generally viewed as a pernicious signature, if only because the qualities of Mars and Saturn are at odds with each other: Mars wants to move; Saturn wants build. Mars wants to explore; Saturn wants to inhibit. At the negative end of the spectrum, this conjunction is about a tendency toward destructive energy which often manifests as physical injury. At the positive end of the spectrum, this combination finds redemption in the ability to endure hard work. Use the power of this conjunction wisely.

A Mercury/Jupiter conjunction, in Virgo, is the third important configuration of the week — and we love this conjunction because it’s all about good common sense that has the ability to reason through all sorts of obstacles. Mercury is Virgo’s Ruling Planet, and when it’s in its Home Sign, Mercury is happy, happy, happy, and in this case, free to commingle with Jupiter, the planet of great good fortune. Virgo is the Sign of ecology; it’s where we recognize the interconnectedness of all life forms. And the presence of these two benevolent forces — Mercury and Jupiter — in the Sign of the environment should stimulate greater concern about climate issues, as well as an appreciation of positive ideas and expansive plans that foster good attitudes toward the environment.

A Venus/Pluto trine continues to stir deep desires for love, especially romantic longings and liaisons. This trine doesn’t last long; it’s been in effect since Sunday, August 14 and only lasts until Monday, August 22. So gather ye rosebuds while ye may…or something like that.  

Mercury begins its next retrograde phase in thirteen days, on August 30, which means there’s plenty of time to back up everything that needs backing up. Early warnings are only worthwhile when we pay attention and follow through.

As the week unfolds and you feel the urge to break free and break through old patterns inhibiting your free expression, try to find a revolutionary approach to revolution. What would a new paradigm of change look like? Would it include kindness and compassion? Care for Planet Earth? What are the values and principles that can unify our efforts to make the world a better place for all of us?  And most importantly, how can we apply those attitudes and make a difference?

Welcome to readers in Koloa!

The status quo won’t work this week, and trying to hold onto what was in an effort to understand what is will be nothing more than a useless attempt to control the uncontrollable. Life, as we have been learning all along, is an uncontrollable mystery powered by forces bigger than anyone understands, and all attempts to make it make sense — including astrology — eventually fail. So rather than suffer over the pieces of your personal puzzle that just won’t fit, or the mosaic of the collective picture that appears aberrant, just let go. That’s right…release your grip. And in the letting go, allow yourself to experience a deep and abiding humility that knows better than to struggle in vain. We are all in a deep, rapidly shifting transformational process, and all that is actually required to make it through these waves is the willingness to grow — even and especially if we don’t know what the outcome will be.

The source of our heightened awareness of just how little control is possible can be attributed to the ongoing Sun/Uranus trine. This positive and powerful fiery interaction is exact and separating on August 16; it stays operative until Thursday, August 25. A Sun/Uranus trine, in addition to being the signature for liberation (see last week’s column on Uranus and independence), is also a highly creative force that burns away stodgy, stuffy and stagnant habits that no longer serve. And in the heat of this seeming destruction, the Sun/Uranus trine simultaneously sows seeds of new vibrant enlivened perspectives and attitudes. Either way, this Sun/Uranus process can be quite intense. But if you’re willing to withstand the heat, miracles can occur (yes…miracles), especially miraculous moments of realization coupled with positive action (and no…I am not exaggerating). The Sun is in Leo, after all, the Sign of creative self-expression. Uranus is in Aries, the Sign of individuation, and working together they ignite the possibilities of positive, generous-hearted change. Risk being completely and absolutely yourself and you’ll emerge from these next two weeks deeply aware of just how creative you can be.

In counterpoint to the vibrancy of the Sun/Uranus trine, we’re also under the influence of a Mars/Saturn conjunction. This coupling is in Sagittarius, the third of the Fire Signs, but given the contrasting signatures of Mars and Saturn, this interaction promises to be less beneficial. Saturn symbolizes structure, limitation and boundaries. Mars represents movement and muscle. And when they are conjunct or share similar space, Saturn tends to inhibit Martian motion, and Mars, also the archetype of the warrior, tends to get mad. The intensity of these conflicting impulses tends toward unbridled anger as a way of breaking free from inhibition, especially if those limitations are perceived as unjust. But all too often that anger expresses itself as a punishing attitude. So think before you speak or act, and in the best of all possible worlds, put off any harsh ultimatums until after Labor Day.

A Mars/Saturn conjunction isn’t only negative. Handled well, this concentrated energy is just that, and it can manifest as incredible endurance, the kind of staying power that can see something — almost anything — through to the end, even when finishing seems impossible. Aim this energy at tasks requiring great effort and you’ll put its power to good use.

This week is the perfect cosmic moment to stand your current situation on its head with the intention of embracing a new perspective. And while some of what shakes out could be uncomfortable, if you allow the process to unfold, some of what you uncover could be incredible. As always, be kind to yourself and to others. A generous attitude benefits everyone.

Hello to readers in Winnipeg!

The sky is super busy this week as the stars and planets array themselves in dynamic patterns, patterns that are reflected through the goings-on of daily life here on Earth. Don’t be surprised if there’s just a little too much to handle but more than enough enthusiasm to make the overload work. Also be prepared for the erratic time signatures of Uranus Retrograde to continue till the end of the week, as we also adjust to Saturn starting its slowdown in anticipation of going Direct on August 13. Expect the days and nights to unfold to a disconcerting rhythm — during the day, you’re riding high, fast, and easy, but at night you’re dipping down into a peculiar lethargy that seems hard to escape. Or just the opposite — no energy during the day, and all night long you’re breaking the sound barrier.

But that’s not all: Mars just moved back into Sagittarius on August 2, putting the emphasis back on the Fire Element and stirring passionate responses to just about everything. But there’s a glitch to that passion: As Mars moves deeply into Sagittarius, it also draws closer to Saturn, a combination of planetary energies that translates into an increasingly judgmental atmosphere. Be careful as pointing fingers dominate the airwaves — don’t indulge the desire to blame, and if someone starts blaming you, take a deep breath and wait until September to respond. I know — that seems like a long time, but this Mars/Saturn conjunction is exact and separating on August 24 and its pernicious influence won’t be behind us until September 3.

And there’s more: Over this week and the next several weeks it’s probable that situations seemingly under control go will go out of control, especially as emotions, long held under wraps, consciously or unconsciously, suppressed, repressed or denied, erupt on the surface of daily life demanding attention and in certain cases resolution. The secret to handling these eruptions is to realize that expressed feelings often change when they are finally spoken. Be prepared to speak your truth, but also be prepared to listen closely as others speak theirs.

Expect these conversations to be punctuated with declarations of personal independence, especially as we move into a Sun/Uranus trine, which begins on August 9 and is in effect until August 24. Sun/Uranus contacts are all about being liberated from shackles that inhibit free expression, whether those shackles are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Notice where you are bound to behavior that no longer serves or where you expect others to stay enslaved or refrain from rocking the status-quo.

Uranus is currently in Aires, Sign of the individualist and individualism. It began its entry into Aries in May 2010, retrograding back and forth until March 11, 2011, the day of the Japanese earthquake and the Fukushima Tsunami. Uranus stays in Aries until May 2018, which means we’re in the final phase of this transit, the phase where we begin to see the consequences of this influence. So it’s interesting that Donald Trump has emerged as the emblem for Uranus in Aries. He’s individualistic to a fault and to an extreme, and he is a potent reminder of all the negative qualities that Aries can embody when Aries believes only in the ego and the self — small s.

I like to think of Captain James T. Kirk as the perfect positive pop culture icon for Aries — boldly willing to go anywhere at any time, and then when he finds himself in a heap of trouble, reaching out for help from Spock, Bones and Scotty. What makes Kirk heroic is his commitment to an ethical and moral code greater than his own ego — something he must be reminded of from time to time, but something he always acknowledges as more important than ego gratification. Not true for Mr. Trump.

But what’s even more worrisome than Mr. Trump are his supporters who don’t seem to mind his lack of ethics, empathy and moral compass. I’ve wondered for quite some time, since Sarah Palin emerged on the scene, how it was possible for people to be so completely bamboozled and enamored of such a blatant disregard for facts. Then I watched The Brainwashing of My Dad, a documentary about Fox News and its consistent intentional misinformation. And then I understood. It’s worth watching because it helps us understand what’s happened to the demographic of white men disenfranchised by a rapidly changing world. It’s heartbreaking to witness the consequences of such callousness, a callousness we now see embraced by Mr. Trump and his supporters.

Selfish callousness is not the best of Aries. It’s the shadow. And we are confronting the power of that shadow not just in America but everywhere in the world that still adheres to the idea that we are separate from one another. It’s an old paradigm and it is dying a slow and painful death.

For those of us who know that we are simultaneously independent and interdependent, the work that lies ahead is countering the ignorant notion that each of us exists separately, that each of us is an island unto ourselves — there’s no such thing in this world anymore. From physics to metaphysics, we are all but drops in the same ocean. The ignorance of separation cannot be remedied easily. But we have to try as best we can wherever we are, every day, doing whatever it takes to stay connected through the small things. Doing that diligent work requires staying aligned with a personal “true north” — that guiding light that allows each of us to stay on course even if our path looks strange to others. Although in all honesty, the connected course to the future looks more familiar to most of us than the old paradigm of the angry individualist who sees conspiracy in every corner. In the reality of today’s world, the only conspiracy we face is a conspiracy of ignorance. Actual knowledge is the best antidote we can apply.

Hello to readers in Boston!

We’re caught in a Uranian time warp this week and next, so don’t be surprised if the days and nights unfold like a Mercury Retrograde on steroids. Uranus “course corrections” are almost always disruptive, and while it might be difficult to identify and isolate yet another disruption, Uranus Retrograde tends to have a recognizable signature. Besides resembling Mercury Retrograde and its dimension of miscommunication and constantly shifting schedules, Uranus Retrograde exacerbates a distinct level of dysfunction — problems with computers and every other kind of electronic device. Expect more than a few moments of techno anxiety, as everything from smart phones to tablets to servers to — dare I say it? — voice mails seem to have a life of their own, a life quite separate from yours. Breathing deeply is the best thing to do in the midst of this retrograde chaos. And don’t despair — even though it doesn’t seem like it, we’ve been through worse. So keep your phone charged and be willing to lend that charger to your fellow travelers, especially those less prepared and less equipped to handle this transition.

Uranus is best known as the symbol for sudden and startling shifts, and when it makes contact with another planet, or “turns around,” we feel its force quite keenly. (Just to be sure: Uranus doesn’t really change direction; it just looks as if it does relative to Earth’s solar orbit.) Astrologers link Uranus to revolution. It’s the archetype of the rebel, with or without a cause, hence my nickname for Uranus — the Che Guevara of the astral realms. It’s infamous for catalyzing stagnant waters, and its presence, by one or another form of contact, tends to disrupt the status quo.

But there’s a problem with the power of Uranus. Often under the influence of its retrograde phase, decisions made in a non-retrograde moment of revolutionary passion are reconsidered because the consequences of those decisions seem to take on a heightened clarity. That’s why my advice regarding Uranus/Venus transits is always: Marry in haste, repent at leisure. When the heat of the Uranian moment burns off, often what’s left is regret. And that’s because the feelings that rise to the surface under a Uranian influence are emotions, long repressed and in need of recognition, which once exposed and expressed tend to fade away rather than take root.

Uranus Retrograde continues until December 29, which gives us a long time to reflect on what’s been set in motion in our personal lives, as well as time to reflect on our collective situation, especially circumstances that have changed during the first six months of this year. To be sure, we will witness the consequences of some of those decisions. Be equally confident that some of those consequences won’t be easy to acknowledge, especially if you’ve participated in the anger and hatred that’s been unleashed over the course of the last several months. Don’t be surprised if you realize just how completely you’ve been swept away or been an unconscious participant in the waves of hate pounding the shores of daily life, not just in America, but everywhere.

And for those who don’t think that hatred of Hillary Clinton contributes to the negative climate, think again. Instead of hating Hillary, why not be outraged at how she is being treated? Hatred is of no use to anyone. Period. Anyone. One of the reasons I haven’t written much about the Presidential election is because I don’t want to deal with the self-righteous anger that comes my way when I speak my truth. I can’t imagine what it is like to be Hillary Clinton and be the brunt of so much vitriolic negativity. Isn’t there enough hatred in the world? Shouldn’t those of us dedicated to consciousness refuse to add more?

This week, as the seconds, the minutes and the hours of the days unfold to a Uranus Retrograde time signature, there is also positive support for staying grounded and focused, through a Sun/Saturn trine. The Sun, in Leo, reminds us that the physical sun shines equally on everyone, which is why a happy Leo is the most generous of Signs. Saturn, in Sagittarius, reminds us of the multitude of belief systems, which is why a happy Sagittarius respects a wide range of spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Use this positive configuration to strengthen your generosity of heart and mind.

Hello to readers in Austin!

You don’t need an astrologer to tell you we’re in for another wild ride this week — truth be told, no one needs anyone anymore to tell them just how crazy life is. It’s already too wild a ride for most of us, so wild you don’t even need to watch the news to witness how quickly societal structures are crumbling — unless you need evidence to substantiate your intuition that the days and nights on Planet Earth have turned into a bizarre refrain of unrealistic bombast and all too real suffering. The best way to maintain your equilibrium is to concentrate on acts of kindness and care. Those who have worked on building and maintaining a strong spiritual center need to step up to the plate (if they haven’t already) and reach out to others who have no way of understanding or contextualizing what’s going on. A gentle hand and soothing words have the power to quiet the heart, even in the midst of turmoil.

This week, an astral combination of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn stimulates a desire for peaceful negotiations. But that desire is compromised on several fronts. First, Mercury and Venus are conjunct in Leo, which translates into a fiery, dramatic intensity that Saturn can’t easily settle down. Don’t be surprised if creative solutions to persistent problems sound like extravagant proposals that have absolutely no chance of turning into reality.

Next…the ongoing square between the Sun and Uranus continues to inspire personal declarations of independence, and that need to be free is certain to engender breakdowns and breakups as well as breakthroughs. So don’t be surprised if your attempts at détente are rejected before they are even heard. This restless interaction will be over soon, so try not to make any life altering decisions you might later regret.

Third, although Saturn is quite happily supporting the creative efforts of Mercury and Venus, Saturn is also still locked into a square with Neptune, and this fractious interaction is at the core of what’s best described as a rejection of facts and a preference for fantasy. Saturn symbolizes the voice of reality. Neptune represents illusion and delusion, and while it can signify the highest forms of mystical bliss, Neptune is most commonly associated with the ability to be possessed by the projected desires and attachments of one’s mind. Put simply: You just see what you want to see. Period. And no amount of actual knowledge or information can change that point of view.

The combined influence of these three factors makes finding the right words to settle differences, nullify polarization and quell anxiety an impossible mission meant for another time, mostly because it means seeing through the illusion or delusion of your own projections and putting personal prejudice aside. But don’t let that stop you from trying. All efforts toward peace matter, no matter how small their effect. At some point we will reach critical mass and become less and less interested in distorting and manipulating reality for personal gain and much more interested in telling the truth — really: the truth.

You may notice as you work your way through the week that time seems to be unfolding with disparate signatures. You can attribute that to Uranus. On July 29 Uranus goes retrograde, a phase that ends on December 29, and as many of us know, Uranus Retrograde is strangely related to equipment of all kinds, especially technology. So back up everything now, please.  

As Uranus reviews the last several months of surprising developments, we review a plethora of startling plot twists that have disrupted the status quo. Retrograde phases are about revisiting decisions, reviewing those choices, and recognizing what needs refinement. It’s hard to refine responses to a crazy world in a crazy world where extreme is the new normal. But the difficulty of that task shouldn’t keep us from trying. Again, the best way to cope with the surreal is to remember the reality of kindness. In times such as these it is the small but nonetheless meaningful gestures of the heart that keep us sane and optimistic about the future.

The tsunamis of change just keep pounding the shores of daily life, and finding higher ground continues to require enormous effort, both individual and collective, effort that needs to occur simultaneously in several dimensions — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Very few are unaffected by the initial rush of these powerful waters. Most of us experience a deep impotence as we face the emergency tasks at hand. Yet where we are needed most is in the aftermath as the waves recede and the destruction becomes visible.

All of us have the power to change the world — all of us — because as we know, the world changes one heart at a time. There is no way to rationalize away violence and its consequences. The best use of our concern is to understand the causes of violence and do our best to eliminate the conditions that feed it. This is something each and every one of us can do, because we can all eliminate violence in our individual lives, the violence that lives in our emotional bodies and is expressed through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

To place our current situation in an astrological context, we need to review history. We are in a cycle that began in the mid-Sixties, when Uranus and Pluto formed a conjunction in Virgo that was exact in l965-1966, a time we recognize as a period of enormous upheaval in all areas of life, but particularly for the Civil Rights Movement and all the movements for social justice. (For those interested in correlating astrological cycles with historical ones, Uranus/Pluto signatures are always present at times of social unrest — you can read more about this in Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas.) Uranus represents revolution, and its presence catalyzes stagnant waters in need of change. Pluto represents change at the core — it signifies the process of transformation from one substance to another. And when Uranus and Pluto work together, they facilitate the necessary upheaval to engender a new paradigm. The consequences of this dynamic and difficult conjunction can be seen in the aftermath of the exact contact: During the late 60s and 70s, culture shifted around the world. We are still reeling from those changes.

In astrology, conjunctions between and among the outer planets, such as Uranus and Pluto, commence a cycle. (To place this in the reality of what we can see, think the cycles of the Moon.) From June 2012 to March 2015, there were seven exact squares between Uranus and Pluto, and those squares are the equivalent of a first quarter Moon in the cycle that began in the 60s. Squares signify friction. We are now in the aftermath of the fractious changes that occurred during this period of squares. The seven tsunamis of those three years are receding and the debris is what we are dealing with today as we struggle to cope with extremism becoming mainstream and the violence that engenders. While some are still reeling from the debris of the conjunctions of the 1960s, even more are reeling from the debris of the last couple of years.

One significant factor unique to our current situation is how rapidly information is shared on so many platforms. We witness these events in present time — they are no longer happening somewhere else. They are happening right before our eyes. We can witness the death of another human being, the blood of a fellow traveler as it spills out on our smart phone. It is horrifying. It is terrifying. It is unbearable.

Our fear and grief ought to be a call to action, not a call to reaction, but a call to marshal our forces for non-violent solutions. We know that the causes are far deeper than one issue — racism is real and has causes on both sides of the divide, causes that are fundamentally economic and educational. The cynical, amoral, capitalist political perspective that is only interested in preserving power is aimed at keeping poor people divided against each other on the basis of color. You can exploit everyone — white and black, young and old, male and female — if you can turn someone else into an enemy. When people are divided against each other they can be manipulated on the basis of fear. Those of us who recognize this must find positive ways to inspire the courage it will take to remedy this polarization.

Gandhi said that poverty is the worst kind of violence, something we should all think about as the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen into an abyss. According to Pat Buchanan in the documentary The Day the Sixties Died, the Republicans knew they had lost the culture war but they were clear that they had won the political battle of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, particularly as many Democrats, disturbed by change, attached themselves to the Republican Party to form the silent majority.

History repeats itself. But as the Maya knew, history repeats itself along a spiral, which allows for variation and, I hope, growth. We encounter the same situations but we don’t have to react habitually. We can reach for greater understanding, which we must do if we are to survive these waves and their aftermath.

I know many read this column as a kind of weather forecast, and so each week I try to provide a look at the astral currents. But we are in the midst of a gigantic storm and we need to remember that our individual lives are affected by that storm. We also need to remember that each of us affects the storm by our ideals and intentions as well as how skillfully we integrate our principles into action.

As the tsunamis and their aftermath continue — and these storms will continue for a while — do your best to hold fast to the notion that you can affect positive change simply by turning your respect for life into compassionate action, even when that means stepping into the shoes of the ‘other’ — a refugee, a child, a black man or woman, or any person of any color, or a cop, or your enemy. We are all in this together and violence against each other simply won’t work. Love will. And while most of us know that, we need to turn that knowing into action.  

Hello to readers in Melbourne!

Mighty Mars, finally free from the shackles of its retrograde, gathers no moss this week, and as Mars lets freedom ring, each and every day and night feels like another Independence Day. Renewed ambition is at the core of this liberating energy, so expect to feel revived strength and stamina that includes an emphasis on physically achieving goals rather than thinking about success. Also anticipate declarations from all sorts of fellow travelers seeking to break free from any negative ties that bind, individual as well as collective and factual as well as imaginary. But that’s not all. An eclectic air stimulates unusual passions, creating an environment that fires a desire for unfettered amorous adventures. It’s a wild week and it plays out in the forefront of an already too wild world stage. Breathe in this liberation but be careful not to get too intoxicated by it. Despite the many exciting distractions of the week, these are serious times which demand serious attention.

The source of ambition is two-fold: (1) There’s a trine between Mars, direct in Scorpio, and a Sun/Mercury conjunction, in Cancer, as well as (2) a trine between Mars and Venus, which is also in Cancer. This entire positive bundle gives birth to a desire for success through the practical application of thoughtful strategies. Cancer tends to be concerned with issues of safety and security; Scorpio likes to be in control; and the combination tends to focus on tangible plans that yield results. Both Cancer and Scorpio are Water Signs, which tilt this configuration toward expanded intuition. Let this powerful influence carry you forward — trust your hunches as you simultaneously commit to the hard work of making those goals real.

Probably the most interesting planetary pattern of the week (continuing from last week) is a square between Uranus, in Aries, and Venus, in Cancer. This square has the potential to arouse repressed emotions and nervous reactions to sexually charged experiences, but it could just as easily make you hungry for unusual encounters. Try not to be judgmental of yourself or others should you find yourself in a situation you may have previously dreamed of but never actually participated in. Venus/Uranus contacts are always about freedom — always — which means the potential for saying no outweighs the codependent habit of agreeing. It also means saying yes when you might otherwise bow out. Use the power of this contact wisely and you’ll be able to extricate yourself from a difficult situation or plant yourself in the middle of an exciting one. And if extrication is the furthest thing from your mind, before you expect things to last forever, remember my Venus/Uranus motto: Marry in haste, repent at leisure.

The square between Saturn and Neptune continues to push the boundaries between fact and fiction. We’re growing increasingly inured to falsehoods guised in constantly repeated sound bites that are intended to serve as hypnotic devices. It’s exhausting to have to wade through the plethora of distortions being broadcast daily, and it’s simply awful to accept the idea that so many care so little about the truth. Opinion rules, it seems, and the Saturn/Neptune square seems to be revealing just how easy it is to turn an opinion into “truth.” Neptune trines that Sun/Mercury conjunction, providing an air of idealism and inspiration. Just be careful not to become so enamored with a dream that you forget just how much work it will take to manifest the reality.

For the last week we’ve been in the grip of a Sun/Pluto opposition, and this week as Mercury conjuncts the Sun, Pluto also opposes Mercury. Sun/Pluto contacts are always about power and oppositions are always about tension and its release. Expect lots of people to blow off steam this week and, with the presence of Mercury, symbolizing communication, anticipate that many of those releases will be through words, words you might later regret. But it will be hard to hold back, especially as the urge to get “it” off your chest coalesces with the let-freedom-ring tone of the week. Many will be tempted to break the silence of discretion.

Recently a friend, musing on the state of the world, suggested that what we’re missing in the midst of our current cultural tumult is a world leader with the moral authority of Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mahatma Gandhi. I agreed, but soon realized that reaching the collective consciousness necessary to right this spaceship called Planet Earth requires more than a charismatic leader whose feet are securely anchored in ideals. Each of us needs to be that presence. Yes, we need to be inspired, and that may be one of the reasons that Facebook pages are filled with clichés meant to bolster body, heart and mind. And we do need powerful and courageous leaders who are gentle-hearted. But each of us also needs to be an inspirational leader in our individual lives, especially as we continue to make our way through the current waves of this massive evolutionary leap we seem to be in the midst of. So be that leader and demonstrate your courage by kindness and compassion.

Hello to readers in Madrid!

It’s here: Mars Direct starts today at 4:38 PM PDT, ending a long retrograde phase that began on April 17. And while jubilance is appropriate, before you start singing “At Last” too enthusiastically, combine a deep breath with an extra dose of patience — it takes nearly two weeks for Mars to gain forward momentum. So even though the seemingly endless but often necessary interruptions or modifications of the last two months are now a thing of the past, coming up to speed requires a stay-in-the-moment attitude. But don’t despair. Mars Retrograde doesn’t happen again until June 2018.  

Over the next two weeks the renewed vitality of the planetary hustle and bustle adds renewed vigor to the routines of daily life, some of which have frayed or suffered from the discombobulation of the retrograde. Anticipate a little buyer’s remorse as decisions based more on pent-up retrograde frustration than anything else are now seen in the new light of Mars Direct — Brexit, anyone? So if you’ve voted yourself out of a personal situation without fully understanding the consequences of your decision, you may find yourself looking for a remedy that does damage control.

And we might actually see reversals of fortune over the summer because as Mars gains forward momentum, Uranus — symbol for surprising and startling plot twists — starts to slow down in preparation for its retrograde, which begins on July 29. As Uranus retraces its steps, it coincidentally revisits the ground it covered since April 17, the very day Mars Retrograde began. Pay attention: As Uranus reflects on personal and collective decisions made from April through July, so will we, and many of us may find ourselves in the mood to change our minds. Significantly, on September 5, Uranus hits the exact degree it occupied for the Brexit vote on June 23, and it would not be out of the question to see a referendum on that decision. Of course, that change of heart and mind depends on many factors, but you never know with Uranus — it always has a surprise up its sleeve.

For those who don’t need millions of votes to influence how to handle difficult situations, the next couple of weeks pose challenges, but none of those challenges pose a threat to the stability of the global economy. That’s no reason to be cavalier — personal money matters could be an issue during the coming days and weeks, given the complications of the Brexit Effect.

Here are this week’s particulars:

A Sun/Pluto opposition indicates power problems with authorities, especially if those in control ignore the personal needs of individuals. The good news is that Jupiter intervenes as it forms a sextile to the Sun and a trine to Pluto, lending a positive mediating force that goes a long way toward keeping things real as well as fair. If you can avoid power struggles, this Sun/Venus/Jupiter/Pluto configuration can be applied to all types of creative endeavors with great success and satisfaction. For the next week, Venus is also a part of this entire configuration. Venus adds a touch of grace but also turns this combination sensual and sexual, so don’t be surprised if you feel inclined to indulge in amorous adventures.

The Saturn/Neptune square persists. Saturn symbolizes boundaries, and when it clashes with Neptune, who only wants to merge, we often experience the push/pull of that conflict as a clash between a need to please and a cold dismissal of emotional complexity. Personal as well as political boundaries are irritated by this fractious interaction, something Brexit makes quite clear.

I keep referring to the UK vote to withdraw from the EU because it is emblematic of so many themes that plague global culture, themes that are amplified by the Internet and its mixture of misinformation with bona fide data. As sound bites override statistics, and images obfuscate truth, many grow increasingly unable to tell fact from fiction. Fear and despair drive a need for easy answers — quick, dramatic solutions to a changing world where (to quote Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’) the first ones are finally last. And they aren’t happy about their diminished stature. We are at a tipping point, and even if it appears that consciousness is losing, it isn’t. We’re simply growing through our ignorance, a process that is mostly painful but nonetheless hopeful. So continue to be optimistic about the many challenges we are facing, and when possible, be kind to yourself and to each other, especially the strangers you meet along the way. They are also fellow travelers.

Hello to readers on Molokai!

On June 29, at 4:38 PM PDT — just seven days away — Mars, the astrological archetype for the Warrior, goes direct, ending a nearly eleven week retrograde that spanned two Signs (the first 8 degrees of Sagittarius and the final 7 degrees of Scorpio), and in its final lap, a retrograde phase that stirred the winds of war. Some of its battle cries have been external — US Diplomats urging strikes against Syria. Some, maybe even most, have been internal, as many struggle with anger generated by the senseless violence that continues to infect the world, as well as with frustration and feelings of helplessness that anything can be done about it. This particular Mars Retrograde underscored one of our most divisive cultural emergencies — the proliferation of guns — and is challenging us to find a new way, a truly innovative solution to the persistent problem of violence. Many will argue that this problem is simply a part of life — isn’t survival-of-the-fittest a natural component of evolution? I think we’ve evolved past the validity of that argument. Some of us may be stuck there, but the majority know that violence is a deadly virus we must do something about now.

Mars rules the Sign of Aires, and together both signify the power of an individual to know oneself as separate and distinct from others. Mars and Aries are the symbols in astrology that indicate individuation. The terrible twos, when children learn to push back and say “no” usually occur when the child has its first Mars Return. It takes Mars a little under two years to orbit the Sun and the same is true for its orbit through the chart. So when Mars returns to the position it occupied at birth, many children experience the need to flex their Martian muscle, push back and make “no” their answer of choice, simply because they can — an unconscious habit that unfortunately often carries over into adulthood.

These next several days, as Mars prepares to go direct and then actually moves forward, we are certain to see a lot of people taking stands on lots of issues, not just political ones. Expect many to say “This is how I see it — and this is the way it should be.” And most of the shoulds are reactions to the last several years of almost unbearable upheaval, personal and political, individual and collective. Keep in mind, we are still in the wake of those seven Uranus/Pluto squares that occurred between 2012 and 2015 — and it’s still a rough ride.

Much as the conjunction of Uranus and Pluto during the mid-1960s set the world on fire with changes that could not be controlled or curtailed, the power of this last set of squares fueled a similar cultural conflagration — and the heat of those blazes continues to singe the routines of daily life. What’s more, because information now moves at the speed of light, the lag time between event and reaction is all but gone. There’s no longer time to digest and metabolize — to think about — what’s taking place. We are in a constant state of aftershocks from volcanic eruptions taking place on the other side of the world or in parallel universes that have no immediate connection to our own, yet we feel them because the entire planet is tilting on its axis. And far too many of us lack the skills to negotiate the constantly shifting perspective — it takes mental, emotional, and spiritual muscle to respond rather than react.

This week and next, as Mars slows to a crawl, figure out how to handle the acceleration of so much change happening all at once. From my perspective, education combined with active compassion is one of the best solutions. It’s not enough to be angry. It’s not enough to have slogans. It’s certainly not at all enough to feel contemptuous of the fellow traveler who thinks the man in the clown suit is the real deal. The man in the clown suit with the funny hair is expressing a facet of the zeitgeist and he is riding high on that wave of rage. But don’t forget that despair and fear lie just beneath the surface of those waves. Rather than rant back or belittle, be kind, even if you’re suffering from compassion fatigue. There’s no way out of this cycle other than through it. And despite that Martian urge to individuate, we are all in this together.

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this week’s column — after the massacre in Orlando, and given the heavy air penetrating our collective hearts with yet another awful tragedy, it’s not possible to write a normal planetary weather report about the coming week.

The deluge of hate that has become a habitual disease infecting daily life around the world is too much for any of us to bear. This week it is Orlando, where so many were killed and wounded just two days after a gifted young singer had been gunned down. But this is a flood that includes Columbine, Newtown, San Bernardino, Aurora, Blacksburg, the Middle East and beyond, where thousands upon thousands upon thousands have been wounded and killed by hatred that refuses to see every life, each life — all life — as sacred.

I’m in need of a respectful silence for my fellow travelers who have lost their lives to violence as well as for their loved ones — family, friends and neighbors — whose lives have been shattered by the shrapnel of hatred, and for all of us, because every heart is wounded by hatred and hatred's violence.

Hello to readers in Amstelveen!

If you can keep your mind from wandering and can turn down its chattering and listen closely, you might be able to hear the sound of a huge transition underlying the goings-on of daily life. It’s not an obvious sound — the drone of political machinations drowns out much of the normal soundtrack of daily life. But beneath the angry outbursts and cries of despair, the Wheel of Life is turning and even though it’s creaking under the weight of all it must carry, it’s beginning to turn in a new direction. So take heart and take heed: We are on the threshold of even more shift, and much of what emerges over the course of the next several weeks — or months — is going to blow what’s left of your mind. Don’t worry — as always, even if some of these shifts are difficult, not every change is negative.

The source of mind chatter is a Mercury/Mars opposition. We’ve been under this influence since Monday, June 6, and will be out from under it on Monday, June 13. Mercury symbolizes all mental activities, which for some means everything, but the keyword here is “activities” — Mercury is always moving.  Mars, too, is all about motion. Oppositions represent tension and its release, which means this Mercury/Mars opposition is the epitome of monkey-mind, a mental state that scampers from one thought to another, as it simultaneously feeds the need to think about every little incident as if each one was a competition. Do your best to keep your mind focused on what’s important.

The Grand Mutable Cross is waning and even though that signals a lessening of tension, a component of that configuration continues through a T-square among Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. This aggregation has the potential to pull in several directions simultaneously, as exaggeration, symbolized by the Jupiter/Neptune opposition, collides with a stern “stick to the facts, please” attitude from Saturn as it squares both Jupiter and Neptune.

When I started this week’s column, I was going to write about the miasm that underlies this astral triple play of Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune as seen through the three candidates currently vying for the presidency of the United States. But I can’t. I don’t want to involve myself in the lava flow of anger that underlies this election. It’s not that I don’t understand the various sources of anger or that I think anger is wrong. Anger is always a healthy response against injustice. But anger isn’t going to provide solutions that shift the paradigm. Being angry is a good start, but eventually that anger must transform into practical, tangible strategies that can approach the problem from a new perspective. The goal is channeling the fire of that anger into creative efforts. Just railing against the problem won’t solve it.

Often, sadness underlies anger, and certainly there are a lot of reasons to be depressed about the state of the world. The New York Times ran an interesting editorial on the anti-P.C. voters supporting Trump. (See the link below.)  It’s an interesting piece on who his supporters are and why they all hate Clinton so much. They are grieving for a world they thought they once possessed, a world where they may have been poor and uneducated, but that didn’t keep them from feeling privileged.

The hatred for Hillary is so deep — too deep to make any sense of it at all, really. But it seems there’s always a need to blame someone, if only because it’s so much easier than trying to sort out what’s really happening or what’s still unconscious in our reactions. She’s the perfect projection screen for collective frustration. First, because she’s a woman. Next, because she is the story of the last 50 years of compromises and concessions most if not all of us have made in one way or another to survive. Trump supporters hate her because she is emblematic of what they have lost. Bernie supporters hate her because she is emblematic of what’s wrong with the system. But no one deserves to be hated that vehemently. She is not George W. Bush or Dick Cheney. She is not the devil — not even close.

We don’t live in a black and white world, and yet we insist on drawing lines in the sands of duality, judging and excluding rather than listening more intensely to each other, really trying to hear what’s being said. The problems of the world can’t be solved through a contest. Every individual has to cooperate with every other individual so we can learn to live together — that means wife and husband, child and parent, sister and brother, and so on. I know — that seems impossible at the moment. But we will inevitably move toward that view if only (as Spock might say) because it is the logical choice.

We are weeks away from the end of this retrograde cycle, and when Mars goes direct on June 29, many situations will shift — some with the speed of light and others with precise and deliberate grounded action. Think about what you want to put in motion when Mars moves forward, and as you do, try to put frustration and ideas of retaliation behind you. Mars signifies the warrior, and its direct motion could take some of the angry edge off of our interactions, personal as well as political. Let’s hope so, because that would lead to a better discussion of the issues we need to deal with.

www.nytimes.com/2016/06/01/opinion/campaign-stops/trump-clinton-edsall-psychology-anti-pc-vote.html

Hello to readers in Tulsa!

If you’ve got a cross to bear, but have been too shy to show it to the world, this would be the week to put it on display for everyone to witness. Even if you’ve been dragging it around like a barely visible companion (crosses are never completely invisible), this would be the week to dust it off and spiff it up. The planets are playing Guess My Sacrifice, and while I am not suggesting you display your afflictions with pride (although some will), I am suggesting that the days and nights of the week could devolve into endless competitive rounds of The Martyr with the Mostest. But winning won’t be easy, given that those in need are truly in need and those able to help are already overwhelmed by just how much need there is. As always, the best way through this week’s unusual astral signature is to do your best to practice kindness to yourself as well as your fellow travelers — even if the kindest thing is saying no.

A Grand Mutable Cross sets the sacrificial tone of the week. It’s a powerful configuration composed of the tension of two oppositions, as well as the stress of four squares. And because this interaction is as complex as it sounds, the various forces involved have a hard time finding resolution — each planet is pulling in its own direction and that makes it hard to find solutions that satisfy everyone. The good news is that Mutable Signs tend to be the peacemakers of the zodiac; they have the power to soften stressful interactions, making compromise possible — not probable, but possible.

Here are the players:

Opposition one: A Sun/Venus conjunction, in Gemini, is opposed by Saturn. This is probably the toughest component of all and it definitely lends itself to the notion of sacrifice. The Sun/Venus conjunction just wants to revel in the exchange of information, a delight that could benefit others or simply become gossip. Saturn opposes this need to “share” by pointing its critical finger at anything that resembles idle chatter. Saturn’s judgment could lead many to feel misunderstood or discounted, and that could lead to a lot of hurt feelings.

Opposition two: A Jupiter/Neptune opposition lends itself to flagrant exaggeration, some of which is in the service of a good cause, but most is simply embellishing the truth to serve a private purpose. Jupiter symbolizes the broad perspective. Neptune signifies spirituality. But both are given to grandiosity (a disorder that serves no one). Jupiter’s problem is excess, and that makes it a little easier to deal with: just tone it down.  But Neptune’s flaw is illusion, delusion, and worst of all, projection--three of those nasty little Shadow Dwarfs that Snow White keeps locked in the closet. Stick to the facts when you tell your tales; these days, reality is strange enough.

The tricky part of this configuration is that all the players also square each other which translates into a fractious atmosphere that has the potential to turn certain human interactions sour with disappointment, misinformation, or regret.

The Sun/Venus/Neptune square invites romantic idealism, and while this is a highly inspirational interaction, it easily ignores the truth of the situation in favor of wishful thinking. The good news (if you want to call it that) is Saturn’s consistent ability to keep it real. So even though you may balk at Saturn’s ability to spot the weakness in any structure, its presence could keep you from making a decision you might later regret.

Again, Saturn’s insistence on reality also mitigates the Sun/Venus/Jupiter square. Jupiter encourages the Sun and Venus toward extravagant language, gestures, and habits, but Saturn steps in and saves the day with practical questions about the consequences of such excess.

The squares between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune are indicators of the daily suffering occurring on planet Earth, as well as the efforts to solve our many problems. We live in excessive, polarized times: One day awful news is delivered about the plight of yet another species on our planet, and the next day, we’re privy to huge strides solving the problems of another. The news easily identifies that clash between the suffering endured by our fellow travelers, symbolized by the square between Saturn and Neptune, as well as the square between Jupiter and Saturn. Saturn continues to insist that we keep it real. The problem is finding a way to be inclusive.

On Saturday, June 4, the New Moon joins the Sun/Venus conjunction in an exact square to Jupiter. New Moons are always about new beginnings and planting the seeds for what you want to grow. This New Moon has the power to provide a new perspective on many old problems. But the solutions it plants need to be planted with the idea that each of us can make a difference in the world.

Every heart has the power to decide where to spend its love. You can consider the difficulties you’re currently facing as an unfair burden. Yes, there is suffering and life is unfair. But that reality doesn’t nullify efforts to overcome difficult circumstances, yours or others’. Naming injustice and doing something about it is how we change the world and make it a better place for our fellow travelers. Just be careful not to hate your enemy because hatred will only infect and corrupt the efficacy of your efforts to create peace.

And for those already carrying a heavy load of service to others, if you’re suffering from compassion fatigue, take a break and take care of yourself. Sacrifice isn’t about exhaustion. Sacrifice means to make sacred. Spend the currency of your big-heartedness well — take care of your fellow travelers, but don’t forget to honor your own needs.

Hello to readers in Kihei!

Once again, it’s hard to know where to start writing about the astrology for the week. The Grand Trine in Earth Signs continues to provide a positive backdrop to daily life. Mercury is direct. But Mars continues to disrupt regular routines, making a peaceful passage through the days nearly impossible, even if its disruption is only felt from afar and not through personal incident. As the next several weeks unfold, it’s important to stay true to yourself so that you can maintain an inner clarity even if you can’t find an external one.

Mars, retrograde in Sagittarius, is still the dominant force of the week as it continues to oppose a Sun/Venus conjunction, in Gemini. We’ve been in the tense grip of this opposition since last week. Mars symbolizes the ability to take a stand, for or against yourself or others. It’s the Warrior, and when it dominates daily life, many feel called to fight. The Sun, representing the vitality of the life force, feeds this need to do battle. And Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, also no slouch when it comes to taking a stand, has the power to amplify and magnify self-righteousness. The co-mingling of these forces tends to manifest as a restlessness that finds its release through confrontation and conflict. It also indicates a stubborn, recalcitrant streak that refuses to compromise, even though they are all in Mutable Signs, the peacemakers of the zodiac.

Mars enters Scorpio on May 27, and as it moves into a Fixed Sign — think “rigid” — it ends its opposition to the Sun. But there are a couple of glitches. First, be careful: As Mars separates out of this tense configuration, tempers could actually intensify. Second: Saturn, retrograde in Sagittarius, starts to oppose the Sun, in Gemini, the very next day, May 28. And because the Sun and Venus are in Gemini, the Sign of information, and because Sagittarius represents the probability of saying too much, this Sun/Venus/Saturn opposition is likely to designate words as the weapon of choice.  

Amplifying this war of words are the two Full Moons, in Sagittarius. One took place on Saturday, May 21, and the second Full Moon occurs on Monday, June 20. And in between these two bright lights, we are talking — a lot. This is a fairly rare occurrence — a Full Moon at the first degree of a Sign and a Full Moon at the last degree of the same Sign. Because Sagittarius is where we search for truth, and because Gemini is the Sign where we share information, the field between these two Full Moons could be seen as permission to say whatever you want regardless of the consequences.

The challenge this week is staying true to yourself even as you attempt to navigate polarized waters. You don’t have to bludgeon others with strong judgments or opinions, and it also isn’t necessary to be ashamed of how you see it, even if you disagree with the prevailing opinion or the trending idea. Simply make kindness your constant ally, and you’ll find a way through the intensity as you simultaneously help to make the world a more peaceful place to live.

Hello to readers in Becket!

I could cobble together a clever line or two about the difficulty of living in interesting times, or I could just quote Herman’s Hermits and suggest singing endless rounds of I’m Henry the Eighth I am, Henry the Eighth I am, I am because the second verse is the same as the first. Especially this week as daily life unfolds in pattern similar to last week and the week before that. But there is one important exception: Mercury goes direct early Sunday morning, May 22, and as its “forward” motion gathers momentum, regular routines resume with renewed vigor. Just be aware, Mercury Direct does not translate into an immediate x-marks-the-spot clarity. No way. It takes Mercury a couple of days to build its strength. More significantly, Mars Retrograde is still very much alive. And as it continues, so do the monkey wrenches of frustrating interruptions and obstacles. The key to handling this week’s amalgam of astral forces is to stay focused on the task at hand as you simultaneously commit to holding fast to the bigger vision. Or put simply: Straddle the universe of detail as you realize with increasing awareness that you are actually straddling actual universes.

In ten days, Mars moves back into Scorpio, continuing to retrace the path it’s followed since February of this year, and in keeping with astrological wisdom, that means we are looking back on the paths we’ve taken during that same period of time, both individual and collective. Mars goes direct on June 29, but as part of its overall review, before it goes direct, it revisits the degrees Saturn transited through Scorpio since February 2014 — talk about a retrospective. Yet even though that was a long time ago and much has happened since, certain situations continue to linger. Notice what’s been stuck on your personal screen that harkens back to your circumstances two years ago, but particularly to last summer when Saturn stirred the last degrees of Scorpio before moving into Sagittarius.

Mars represents the ability to stand in the world — it is self-assertion from the lowest forms of unspecified global rage to the highest forms of self-actualization. Mars symbolizes the warrior ready to do battle, sometimes just for battle’s sake. Not surprisingly, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump all have an extraordinarily strong Mars in their natal charts, and they are certainly doing battle. As Mars Retrograde continues, pay attention to what you are willing to go to battle for, who you are willing to defend, what and who you haven’t been willing to fight for and what that ultimately cost you.

The good news for this week is that the Grand Trine in Earth Signs also continues: Mercury, in Taurus (retrograde and direct), trines Jupiter, in Virgo, and both Mercury and Jupiter trine Pluto, in Capricorn. We should all thank the planets for this ongoing piece of “solid” astral ground. (Now there’s a contradiction!) This Grand Trine triggers the potential for thoughtful processes and clear communication about significant issues, especially themes carrying over from last year’s Uranus/Pluto upheaval. 

As you move through the week, continue to make patience your constant companion, and also try to be as compassionate as possible with yourself and your fellow travelers, especially those around you who have a hard time letting go of the past. Very few realize just how damaging grudges are to the heart. It’s always good to remember how quickly kindness can heal those wounds.

Hello to readers in Chitre!

The week is a hodgepodge of mighty efforts, strong intentions and dashed plans, so don’t be surprised if your coping skills are stretched to capacity. All week long, agendas, schedules, deadlines and every other iteration of plans encounter what those positive thinking New Agers deem “challenges” — which is nothing more than a polite euphemism for snafu. But despite the push-pull/stop-start rhythm of the week, there are plenty of opportunities to stay grounded in practical as well as pragmatic endeavors. Do your best to focus on what matters most to you and allow that determination to keep you from getting lost in a multitude of distractions. Be aware, some of those detours are certain to be more fun than hard work, and while I often write as if getting things done is one of the most important values, all work and no play isn’t good for anyone. Not only will it make you dull, but “no play” also means that brain and body never have a chance to process and release the stresses of daily life. So this week, concentrate your energy and efforts, but also take a moment to indulge in at least one fun distraction. Never underestimate the power of joy.

However, before you get lost in too much good news, here are the factors contributing to the I-don’t-have-enough-bandwidth-to-handle-it-all atmosphere.

(1) On Monday, May 9, Jupiter ended its retrograde (a phase that began on January 7), and now as it moves forward and gains momentum, so do we. Expect plans and projects that have been lingering or sluggish since the beginning of the year to slough off their lethargy. But there is one glitch: Jupiter Direct isn’t completely unencumbered — other factors mitigate its freedom, which means very little moves quickly immediately.

(2) After all, Mercury is still retrograde. That “review” doesn’t end until May 22. For those new to Mercury Retrograde: Three times a year, Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit around the Sun relative to our perspective here on Earth. Of course, Mercury is not actually in reverse, but during one of its retrograde phases, all things within its vast domain have a tendency to go off track. Within the astrological system, Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication, travel and commerce, so during a retrograde, mail gets lost, text messages evaporate, and negotiations often get stuck in a repetitive loop. The best use of Mercury Retrograde is reviewing what’s already in motion and making sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. The second best use of Mercury Retrograde is learning to embody patience as a worldview.

(3) The third culprit inhibiting the free flow of forward progress as well as the smooth flow of regular routines is Mars Retrograde, which began on April 17 and continues until June 29. Mars signifies muscles, movement, and might. It’s a forward-moving planet that thrives on goals, competitions, and tests of strength, and it’s not particularly interested in introspection. And when it’s moving behind instead of ahead, it can turn into a traffic-snarling, ambition-dampening buzzkill. Okay…maybe it’s not that bad, but Mars Retrograde certainly does not facilitate confident forward motion. Mars Retrograde tends toward pent-up feelings of aggression and anger as a result of thwarted efforts, and under a retrograde those feelings tend to intensify and leak out in any number of dysfunctional ways.

Interestingly, for the next several days the Moon is the only member of the astrological family that makes contact with Mars, and this lack of contact could lead to even more frustration. Without a connection to other planets, there’s no specific place for Mars to channel its energy, a condition we experience as scattered efforts. Today and tomorrow, the Moon, in Leo, trines Mars, and that direct, positive contact is likely to manifest as passionate and potentially volatile interactions. What’s more, in ten days, when we arrive at the full Moon on May 21, Mars conjuncts the Moon as it simultaneously opposes the Sun. This is a lot of contact, not at all positive, and it makes up for the previous lack of connection. So take as many deep breaths as possible, and remember, patience is the key to negotiating this Mars Retrograde obstacle course.  

The good news is another Grand Trine in Earth. Last week it was Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto. This week it’s Venus, Jupiter and Pluto. We love this! It’s a positive, grounded interaction that promotes good attitudes, a deep appreciation for beauty, and a love of love. What’s more, because this positive force occurs in Earth Signs, it provides a solid, stable and reliable foundation that holds firm, despite other contrasting and conflicting interactions. So as you move through the week, rely on this benign combination of influences to hold you steady, and also use it to inspire a fresh approach to applied compassion. Use its love for love as a way of reaching out to others and offering an authentic helping hand.

Hello to readers in Minneapolis!

It’s a complex week, with no specific guidelines nor hard and fast rules to manage the ins and outs of daily life. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are all retrograde, and the regular routines that normally dictate the ebb and flow of activities all seem to be a little leaky with detours, delays, distractions, and an overabundance of obstacles that make staying on track a challenge. The tried and true advice about this retrograde aggregation, especially when it comes to Mercury and Mars, is to steer clear of new endeavors and to concentrate instead on refining what’s already in motion. Clear, although standard guidance. (More about this below.)

But this week, several interactions challenge normal retrograde behavior.

(1) Today, the Moon, in Aries, is conjunct Uranus, also in Aries, and both form a wide but nevertheless active square to Pluto. This is a normally emotionally volatile combination, and because we are in the Retro-Zone, much of what erupts and breaks the skin of polite interactions is likely to be related to grievances rooted in unresolved issues from the past two years of upheaval. Contrary to the standard retrograde wisdom of “patience, patience, patience,” strong impulses to move into action are hard to ignore. Yes, this need to act can be seen as resolving situations already in motion.

(2) The conundrum of the week, however, is the new Moon on May 6, with its call to action. New Moons are always about new beginnings, and this new Moon, in Taurus, is almost impossible to ignore because it occurs in a trine to Jupiter, in Virgo, and a trine to Pluto, in Capricorn — all Earth Signs, all aligned in a powerful configuration known as a Grand Trine in Earth. All Grand Trines are good, but this Grand Trine is a truly positive influence for getting things done. But that’s not all.

(3) The new Moon is also conjunct that retrograde Mercury, and Mercury’s “backward” glance is at odds with the full thrust of the new Moon, making efforts to get something started feel more like two-steps- forward-and-one-step-back. It’s a frustrating rhythm that’s certain to propel some into major or minor meltdowns.

Recently, someone shared a post on Facebook about the “gloom and doom” that astrologers put forth about retrogrades. The writer was complaining about reading the same old advice and warnings, refurbished and reworked every time Mercury goes retrograde, and suggesting instead that astrologers adopt a more adaptive and positive attitude. My first reaction was to think: “Wow…I’ve been doing this so long that I have become the establishment. Yikes!” Then, as I brooded over this comment a little longer, I realized that it had touched a deep nerve about astrological wisdom:

Mercury Retrograde is probably the one astral occurrence that gets people who generally don’t pay attention to astrology to pay attention. It is the new urban sky myth, taking its place alongside Saturn Returns and even surpassing them in popularity and general awareness. Mercury Retrograde made me an astrologer when I realized its effect was simply undeniable. But as I have written many, many times, Mercury Retrograde is not the devil, and during Mercury Retrograde, life goes on. Does the world continue to function when Mercury is retrograde? Of course it does. Do we all get on with our lives during Mercury Retrograde? Of course we do. It’s just that functioning and getting on takes extra effort, especially when normally easy things become a gigantic pain in the ass. And you definitely need a good sense of humor to make it through.

The Internet creates the same problem for astrology as cable created for news networks: Its 24/7 cycle needs content — and lots of it. And astrology columns (like my own) or proliferating blogs about the stars and planets present the same conundrum facing early cable content: If you don’t have something to say, you simply have to make it up to fill in the space, particularly because content is devoured almost immediately. I’m not sure what the solution is to this content problem other than for readers to develop a discerning mind that can identify what’s valuable and reliable information. On one hand, it’s simply fantastic that everyone has a platform. On the other, not all that glitters is gold.

This week, as you wrestle to find and maintain a balance between the slo-mo rewind of Mercury Retrograde and the dynamic power of the Grand Trine in Earth, pay attention to what’s flourishing, and notice how you handle obstacles and interference. As always, be kind to your fellow travelers. Don’t kick the dog or scream at the cat because the wifi doesn’t work. Don’t blame the barista because you actually didn’t order the right brew. Simply be as patient as possible.

Hello to Readers in Shinjuku!

Mercury begins its second retrograde phase of the year early tomorrow morning, and as it “turns around” and joins a several other retrograde planets, it turns the next several weeks into a frustrating but nonetheless powerful review. Be prepared to spend more than a moment reviewing, reflecting and reconsidering plans and projects already in motion. Just be aware, this retrograde phase includes revisiting recent strategies as well as decisions made during 2015. This Mercury Retrograde joins Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, all retrograde, and the combined effect of this aggregation, particularly the Mars Retrograde, is sure to inhibit and interfere with the routines of daily life. Nothing is moving quickly — and even if you think it is, it isn’t moving as fast as it could. So keep those patience pills handy — you’re going to need them to handle the slog.

Mercury and Mars drive the mechanics of daily life. Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication and travel. Mars represents muscle and movement as well as drive and ambition. And when their retrospectives occur simultaneously, much of our time is spent working on what’s already happened. The problem is that neither Mercury nor Mars likes moving “backwards” and for the most part, neither do we, and the result is often a logjam of details and missed moments that has the potential to throw lots of folks into a dizzy tizzy about meeting deadlines and finishing on time.

Mercury Retrograde is never a good time to start something new. That being said, beginnings can’t always be scheduled according to astral wisdom. So if you must initiate a new endeavor, be patient with a process that’s sure to include delays and detours. The same is true for travel plans, and especially true for daily traffic patterns because those daily comings and goings are Mercury’s strong suit and retrogrades screw around with Mercury’s normally quicksilver pace.

Mercury Retrograde is a great time to sort through the details of just about everything with a fine-toothed comb. From contracts to closets to contacts, use this retrograde to pause and take stock of where you are, how you got here, and what you want to do next.

Mars Retrograde began on April 17 and ends on June 29. Yes, it’s a long haul, but it can be beneficial, especially if you can avoid pushing through perceived obstacles. If you’re willing to observe, witness, and dispassionately contemplate your situation, certain roadblocks can be turned into valuable opportunities for growth — but only if you can put aside your personal agenda and surrender to the moment.    

One of the most intriguing characteristics of this year’s three Mercury retrogrades is that they all end at 14 degrees of Earth Signs. In January it was Capricorn. In May it’s Taurus and in September it’s Virgo. All three retrogrades end pointing toward the position Pluto occupied during 2015, which means that part of this year’s retrograde process is seriously reflecting and reconsidering what was set in motion (from an individual as well as a collective perspective) during last year under the intense turmoil generated by the Uranus/Pluto squares. (For those new to this column, please search the archives for information on the Uranus/Pluto squares occurring between 2012 and 2015.)

All astrological interpretations depend upon the individual astrologer, something that the critics of astrology as far back as Cicero have always pointed out as one of astrology’s significant failings. It is undeniable that what and how we see the world is determined by our personal bias. I see retrogrades as opportunities for gaining perspective, even if the actual day-to-day of the retrograde is one test of patience after another. And often during a retrograde, as my teeth are grinding in frustration, I have to remind myself that life is not a race to a finish line, imaginary or real.

As you make your way through the coming weeks, give yourself plenty of time to review your choices. Be kind to yourself in this process, especially if you encounter regret about how you handled certain circumstances. Also be kind to your fellow travelers during this phase — friends, family, strangers at the grocery store — all of us are experiencing a similar review and the last thing any of us needs is a cold or recriminating glance or attitude. I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but most of us are doing our best even if it’s difficult to see. And kindness always eases stress.

Hello to Readers in Vienna!

This week, four planets — Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto — are retrograde, soon to be joined by Mercury on April 28, forming a powerful aggregation of astral energy I like to call the Retro-Zone. Last week, foreshocks, aftershocks, quakes, and tremors escorted us into the Retro-Zone, presaging much of what to expect for the next several weeks and months as we adjust to the new pace of daily life. I am not predicting the world will continue to physically wobble during this period. I am forecasting that internal quakes — mental, emotional and spiritual, major as well as minor — are certain to disrupt regular routines. Lots of folks could find themselves in a reactive state, unable to break free from standard emergency measures. But the old ways don’t work as well as they have in the past and in some ways they don’t work at all. We’re in a new world that requires the bravery of innovative responses. So find a fluid stance that allows you to roll with the shifts as it simultaneously supports your capacity for growth.

Mars Retrograde began on Sunday April 17, as did Pluto Retrograde. (Two notes: 1. See last week’s column for a detailed description and interpretation of that dual retrograde. 2. For those new to astrology, the planets aren’t actually moving backwards; they just appear to be, relative to our orbital perspective.) As Mars and Pluto “retrace” their paths, we revisit our recent history. Although in Pluto’s case, it’s more like revisiting ancient history repackaged as something new. With Pluto you always have to look beneath the particular circumstances to find the underlying theme or themes presenting themselves through a new set of circumstances. This is one way of understanding why “the same old same old” is such a common lament under Pluto’s influence. Pluto is unrelenting in stripping away what’s superfluous to reveal what’s causal. So as you review, pay attention to what you cling to as a “must be” and then question why you are holding on so tightly.

As Mars reviews its recent path, we reexamine where we have felt its influence. Mars represents themes of self-assertion, from the lowest forms of anger and global rage to the highest forms of self-actualization — and everything in between. Competition, ambition, and tests of strength and courage in all areas of life are part of Mars’ domain. Mars is retrograde until June 29, and during the next nearly three months, its retro glance reaches back to January 2016, which means we’re looking at what we’ve been working on since that time. Use this retrospective wisely by being open to the possibility that it isn’t always necessary to push to make something work right. One of the secrets of a Mars Retrograde success story is allowing whatever it is your interested in to unfold at its own pace.

Mercury Retrograde begins in eight days, which means there are only five good days (remember the Mercury Retrograde Three-Day Rule) to backup your files and documents. For those new to Mercury Retrograde: All things related to communication and travel tend to unravel during this phase. For seasoned Mercury Retrograders: Don’t be too blasé; this Mercury Retrograde is certain to be a tough one.

The good news is a Venus/Uranus conjunction, in Aries, an innovative planetary coupling that’s sure to stir more than a few urges. Don’t be surprised if you feel like taking a risk on love or if you notice someone is in hot pursuit of you. Just be aware, Venus/Uranus combinations are notorious for an exciting start that dampens quickly once the initial contact is past. My Venus/Uranus motto: Have fun, but don’t expect it to last forever.

Today and tomorrow are probably the toughest days of the week. The Moon, in Libra, squares Pluto as it simultaneously opposes that Venus/Uranus conjunction. This entire bundle indicates the potential for sudden, volatile flare-ups fueled by fanaticism that just won’t take no for an answer. This turbulent, tempestuous atmosphere is likely to set nervous systems on edge, so make a special effort to be calm and centered. And if possible, do your best to help others find the same reserve. Surely compassion and kindness are the most important components of any emergency survival kit.

Hello to Readers in Boone!

It’s here — the 2016 retrograde zone, when Mars, Mercury and Pluto join Saturn and Jupiter in a massive retrospective that persists in varying formations over the course of the next nearly three months, a retrospective that’s certain to interfere with even the best laid plans of gods and mortals. Delays and detours as well as snags and snafus dot the landscape of daily life, wreaking havoc on regular routines and creating chaos in schedules of every kind. It’s going to take a Herculean effort to muster the patience to make it through the constant repetition required to weather such a storm. It’s not that you aren’t being clear; it’s that others’ ears are clogged with cotton balls, or each of us seems to be attuned to disharmonic frequencies that make talking to each other — even normal conversations — akin to speaking in tongues.

These coming weeks require a strong internal center that holds you steady and true to your course — frustration and exasperation could pull you into situations you think are shortcuts but are actually a complex maze of distractions. Really…it’s a mess. But here’s the good news: It’s also an opportunity to play Blame It on the Stars, that fabulous, guilt-free game that requires no personal responsibility! So have at it: Late for work? It’s Mercury Retrograde’s fault. Can’t start the car? Mars Retrograde always does this. And so forth and so on. It’s simply a “get out of jail free” card for every conceivable thing that could and (according to Murphy’s Law) will go wrong.

Mars Retrograde begins on April 17 and ends on June 29. (For a visual, visit: mars.nasa.gov/allaboutmars/nightsky/retrograde/).
The ten days before and after its actual “turnaround” tend to feel as slow as molasses and this is why for the past several days many have felt as if something was retrograde. No one likes Mars Retrograde — not even Mars. Mars symbolizes muscle and movement as well as might and fight; it’s the archetype of the warrior, and warriors aren’t particularly interested in moving backwards across the battlefield unless in retreat.

Mars also signifies ambition and success, and its retrograde phase is not a good time to initiate new projects or set off on expeditions to explore new territory. It’s not that the project won’t happen (although some astrologers will disagree). The problem with initiating anything new under Mars Retrograde is all the obstructions to progress. Mars Retrograde is also not a good time to buy machinery, and this applies to tractors, cars, printers, refrigerators and other necessary household or business needs. And if you must purchase equipment of any kind, make sure you are covered for repairs, placements and accidents.

Mars is retrograde in Sagittarius, the Sign where we search for truth and seek to expand our horizons, internal as well as external. Global communication, travel and politics fall within the Sagittarian domain. Also included are philosophy, religion and all spiritual pursuits, in addition to classical traditions of all kind. Sagittarius, like its Ruling Planet, Jupiter, is a wide-band Sign that embraces the best of being human, as it simultaneously houses the shadows of its search for truth and meaning: Existential angst, and the futility that accompanies believing in nothing, is a Sagittarian theme; as is fundamentalism, when it is a reaction to finding too many truths. And instead of recognizing the beauty of diversity, fundamentalists cling to a one-way-and-one-way-only approach in an attempt to solve the dilemma of just how many belief systems offer the answer.

As Mars retrogrades through Sagittarius, examine how you take a stand for what you believe in. It makes no difference whether it’s religion, politics, finances, or love. No matter what the subject, during this retrograde, warriors of every denomination or political bent will be wont to throw their might around and flex their muscles. As you make your way through this Martian maze of belief systems, do your best to be a peaceful warrior — there’s simply no sense in adding to the already bellicose air pollution that’s poisoning the psychic climate. Commit your superpowers to the good, and whenever possible over the next many weeks, transform this Mars Retrograde into vital acts of compassion. Just don’t confuse compassion with permission — take your stand for what’s right, but refuse to condone or participate in violence of any kind — physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.

Saturn is also retrograde in Sagittarius, a cycle that began March 25 and ends on August 13. For the next several weeks, as both Mars and Saturn review their journey through the Sign of spiritual search, their combined presence deepens our existential journey. Embrace this process with the willingness to explore all your ideas about the way life should be, as well as your disappointment with how it is. This is a perfect concentration to examine your ideals and how to apply those standards with renewed vigor.

And there’s more.

Pluto Retrograde also begins on April 17. Mars Retrograde begins in the early morning and Pluto “turns around” in the late evening. And yes…this is as intense as it sounds. A dual retrograde on the same day is likely to snarl traffic — and I mean the cars may actual start to growl. But bristling postures aside, Pluto’s retrograde will endure for the next five months (it ends on September 26) and because Pluto is all about what lies beneath the surface of any interaction, we will be exploring our shadows, individual and collective, at an even more intense level. Keep in mind, Pluto symbolizes power in all its many manifestations, from finances to politics to personal opinion to media and any other instruments of mass influence. Also keep in mind, Pluto represents the deep psychological currents that inform belief and behavior. One of the key points of its retrograde is an examination of intention. Focus on exploring the roots of your motivation by determining what is or isn’t authentic for you. Notice especially what you are clinging to most, because this is where you will feel Pluto’s intensity most.

But that’s not all.

Mercury Retrograde begins the morning of April 28 and ends early morning May 22. (I hear that groan — go on, groan again — it’s information deserving of a double “Oy.”). But when it comes to Mercury Retrograde, you have to apply the three-day rule, the rule that includes three days before and after the actual phase. “Normally” (that’s a laugh) I would say you have until April 25 to back up all your vital information. But given the drag of these multiple retrogrades, backup everything now. For the seasoned Mercury Retrograder: You know the drill. For the novice: Mercury Retrograde challenges all things related to communication, language and travel. It’s never a good time to initiate anything new. It’s always a good time to review and reflect on what’s already in motion. More about Mercury Retrograde next week.

So…this week we’re in for quite a ride (next week too, but I’m trying to stay in present time), which is why I’m suggesting you play Blame It on the Stars. You could not find a better aggregation of astrological events to point the blaming finger at. And it feels much better to blame it on the multiple retrogrades than blaming yourself or blaming others. (Okay…some like to blame others, but judging someone else too harshly could cause a karmic boomerang effect, and really…who wants that?) So as the world wobbles, do your best to help those who feel as if they are falling off the edge. And if you feel as if you are falling off, reach out to someone for help. We are fellow travelers, even if it doesn’t always feel as if we are connected.

Hello to Readers in San Francisco!

It’s an anything goes week, so don’t be surprised if your week is colored by surprising plot twists catalyzed by out-of-the-blue bolts of lightning. Uranus, the astro-symbol for the unexpected and unanticipated, is lighting up regular routines with impulsive decisions designed to break free from the drudgery of mundane habits of every denomination. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing endless choruses of “I gotta be free ‘cause I gotta be me.” Also don’t be dismayed if a significant other, personal or professional, makes a declaration of independence that cannot be denied or ignored. What’s more, the reason these rebellions must be taken seriously is their link to more than a whim. Pay attention to all these attempts to cut the negative ties that bind — yours or others’. It’s a wild world we live in, and personal liberation, as well as social liberation, are a major part of the new terrain.

It’s a Sun/Uranus conjunction in Aries that sparks this deep need for personal freedom. Actually, this combination has been operative since Saturday, April 2. It is exact on Saturday, April 9 and continues to ignite the fires of freedom until Sunday, April 17. The Sun represents spirit — it’s the symbol for the life force. Uranus, in addition to signifying surprising twists of fate, also symbolizes the revolutionary who is willing to fight for freedom wherever that fight is deemed necessary. And when these two vital planets share the same space, they light up stagnant areas in need of shift, individual and collective. While it’s impossible to prepare for the unpredictable, it is possible to find an internal stance that allows you to cope with the changes. Find that flexible attitude and let it guide you through the coming weeks. Also keep in mind, sometimes simply speaking from the heart — speaking your truth — alleviates the need for action. It’s as if acknowledging and giving voice to your truest feelings is itself a catalyst for change — and it’s often enough to stimulate a much-needed transformation.

A Sun/Saturn trine grabs onto those Sun/Uranus sparks, making it possible to fan the fires of change without having the situation turn into a conflagration. Use this combination to make decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. It’s easy to think of Saturn’s capacity for limitation and inhibition as a negative force, but sometimes, especially in the midst of Uranian spontaneous combustion, Saturn’s need for a foundation as well as a framework can be quite beneficial (if not downright comforting) so apply these overlapping configurations to enable a firm hold on daily life.

The Sun and Uranus are in Aries, a Fire Sign, and Saturn is in Sagittarius, also a Fire Sign — hence this week’s fire theme. Fire Signs are passionate, creative, and deeply committed to what excites their imagination. When planets align in positive and powerful Fire Sign combinations, we experience the potential for burnout, if only because so much passion fuels even more enthusiasm, making it almost impossible to take a break. Do your best to find an even pace.

And be careful not to hold onto anything that’s simply too hot to handle. There’s a new Moon, in Aries, tomorrow at 11:24 AM GMT, and as it joins Uranus throughout the day, many of us are likely to encounter emotionally volatile circumstances. Try not to let your feelings fan the fires or inflame an already potential hot spot. Take a breath — take as many as needed — and then think about long-term solutions rather than short-term gratification. No matter how good it might feel in the moment to mimic Trumpenstein, try not to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind — that thing you always wanted to say and now you’re gonna say it — or indulge in conversations you might later regret. A new Moon is always a good time to plant the seeds of what you want to grow in your personal garden. Use this new Moon to envision a new phase of personal freedom.

This week as daily life heats up, be kind to yourself, your fellow travelers, and all the other sentient beings sharing Planet Earth. Remember: We all thrive on love.

Hello to Readers in Langebaan!

This week, it's important to make good use of time — yours and others’, personal or private. Mars is preparing for a nearly three month retrograde that begins on April 17 and ends on June 29 (although if you count the ten to fourteen days before and after the official dates, this retrograde phase is closer to four months). As Mars gets ready to downshift into ‘reverse’, the regular routines of daily life are plagued with time distortions, and as these disruptions grow increasingly frequent over the next couple of weeks, schedules literally fall through the cracks. Days, hours, minutes, and seconds take on a life of their own and the ensuing lack of chronological cohesion throws more than a couple of monkey wrenches into…well…just about everything. Don’t be surprised if you, someone you love, or even those you don’t, start running around like Mad Hatters in search of Alice’s tea party. Just keep in mind, these distortions can also make you early, so don't be impatient if you find yourself waiting because others are simply being on time.

Uranus exacerbates the already uneven pace of the week, turning it slightly more erratic, if only because that’s what Uranus does — it signifies surprises and instability. Uranus is currently conjunct Mercury, the planet that symbolizes communication and language. Uranus is in Aries as is Mercury, and their passionate alliance fosters mental might, coupled with the ability to conceptualize. Use this inspirational configuration for problem solving, especially when it involves problems in need of an innovative approach.

Uranus also continues to form a wide square to Pluto, in Capricorn. Remember, we’re still attempting to navigate the huge waves of social change generated by the last several years of Uranus/Pluto squares. Over the course of the next couple of days, as the Moon moves into a conjunction with Pluto and a square to Uranus, emotional reactions to those waves grow even stronger — if that’s even possible. As you monitor your reactions or others’, try to identify the issues highlighted by these squares, whether personal or collective, especially those issues that won’t be resolved easily or soon. I’m not being negative about the outcome — I’m just doin’ my best to keep it real.

A Sun/Saturn trine is the good news this week. Saturn just started its retrograde phase on March 25, which means this normally slow-moving planet is moving even slower. But despite that snail’s pace, Saturn’s trine to the Sun is a positive interaction that adds stability to this week and next. Don’t worry — even though Saturn symbolizes the tried and true, this particular Saturn/Sun trine is anything but standard. Both the Sun and Saturn are in Fire Signs — the Sun is in Aries and Saturn is in Sagittarius — two Signs that are always interested in adventure. This positive alliance provides enough grounded energy to hold steady on your course, even if that course is taking you into previously unexplored territory.

Just so we are clear, not everyone suffers under a Mars (or even a Mercury) Retrograde. Some actually flourish, because rather than fall apart at the slightest delay, detour or snafu, they just keep on going, finding solutions to whatever obstacles they encounter. Do your best to align with that creative perspective, and that mindset will help you manage the next several weeks and months skillfully. And as always, do your best to help your fellow travelers navigate the time distortions that lie ahead. A helping hand can transform difficulty into ease.

Hello to Readers Everywhere!

We’re crossing the border into retrograde territory this week, as Saturn, already slowed to a “course correction” crawl, goes retrograde on March 25 and stays retrograde until August 13. This nearly four and a half months of a Saturnian review promises to put some things — but not everything — in perspective. Saturn is the first of several retrogrades. On April 17 both Mars and Pluto begin retrograde phases, and on April 28, Mercury begins its second retrograde of the year. So take a deep breath and exhale slowly. For the next two months and more, we are reviewing, reflecting, reconsidering, reconnoitering, and reassessing plans, projects, programs, and partnerships already in motion. Make patience your constant companion — you’ll need plenty to navigate the delays and detours that lie ahead.

Retrogrades are never a good time to initiate new ventures, especially during a Mercury Retrograde, when communication can go awry and details ride the winds of discombobulation. Mercury Retrograde begins on April 28, and while that seems like a long time from now, given the three-week obstacle course that precedes it, it is wise to prepare, now.

Mars begins a two and a half month retrograde on April 17 that ends on June 29. Mars Retrograde is as disruptive (if not more so) than Mercury Retrograde because just like Mercury, Mars drives the mechanics of daily life, and when either Mercury or Mars spins “backwards,” chaos ensues. So, again, prepare now for what lies ahead. Wrap up details and don’t expect anything to move smoothly for the next couple of months. (Oh…I heard that groan.)

Saturn Retrograde has a different signature. It takes the long view, and its gaze is slow and meticulous. As it retraces its path, it assesses the data from a historical perspective. Mercury and Mars drive the goings-on of daily life. Saturn drives history. So when it “turns around” to review recent events, it simultaneously reviews cycles of significant events, and because its gaze embraces such a wide expanse, we are often unaware of Saturn’s retrograde effect.

For example, Saturn begins this current retrograde almost exactly opposite the position it occupied on September 11, 2001. During the second week of May, it will be exactly opposite the degree it occupied on September 11. This information isn’t meant to alarm anyone; it’s simply to suggest that during the next four-plus months of Saturn Retrograde, we’re likely to be dealing with even more consequences generated from the events of that fateful day.

Saturn also goes retrograde at nearly the same degree it occupied on October 14, 1987, the technical start of the financial crash in October 1987. Nearly 30 years and a couple of crashes later, we’re still struggling with a financial system that just doesn’t seem to work beneficially for the majority of Earth’s inhabitants. I’m not suggesting we’re in for another crash, although several financial astrologers would disagree. I think Saturn is once again asking us to look at history and learn from its lessons.

And this goes for personal histories as well as collective ones. What were you doing in 1987 or 2001? And if you were still in your formative years, what happened around you that shaped your world view? When current planetary positions trigger previous, potent degrees, we have an opportunity to reconsider the events of that particular cycle with the hope and/or expectation of gleaning information that helps to better navigate the current situation. Saturn is the teacher and it signifies the capacity to distill wisdom from experience — so be prepared for hard lessons and lots of homework.

Use this Saturn Retrograde wisely. Examine how you respond to extreme events, and if you need help coping with some of the feelings that come up during this cycle, seek the help of a counselor who can assist you in using those feelings to grow. My motto is “you gotta feel to heal,” but don’t confuse that with indulging negative feelings that harm yourself or others. What’s more, wrap your head around the thousands — if not millions — of displaced children and families who long for a safe shelter from this storm. If we want to end terrorism, we need to comfort those of us displaced by violence. Hate is never the answer to anything. And very few of us actually delight in violence. It’s learned behavior — an extreme reaction to extreme events. So help your fellow travelers whenever possible, knowing that it’s going to take time to heal the wounds of war with love.

Hello to Readers in Koge!

Hurry up and slow down is the mantra for this week and the next couple of weeks, as the pace as well as the structure of regular routines grows increasingly elastic. Several planets are slouching toward a retrograde, and as they move closer to their “turnaround,” a sense of urgency underscores normal activities. Even those who don’t know about retrogrades are feeling a push to get “it” all done. And as that unidentified yet manic urgency collides with an even wackier-than-ever world, daily life becomes, as the Temptations once sang, a ball of confusion. That’s what the world is today. Run, run, run but you sure can't hide…an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…vote for me and I'll set you free.

And the astral activity reflects the earthly turmoil. First the good news: On Saturday, March 19, the Sun moves into Aries, lighting up the vernal equinox and signaling the start of spring in the northern hemisphere. Aries is the Sign of adventure, and as the Sun ignites that adventurous spirit, you may find yourself longing for a new start and eager to explore new terrain of all types — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

But there is also a deeply emotional component to the week, brought to us courtesy of a lunar eclipse on March 23. This eclipse occurs in Libra, the Sign of relating, which means we’re likely to experience the eclipse effect in relation to a significant other, whether that “other” is a friend, foe, family member, pet, co-worker, or an acquaintance who challenges our equilibrium. Libra is all about balance. Eclipses reveal previously hidden information. And during a lunar eclipse, unconscious urges tend to override conscious concerns. That override easily challenges the normal flux, often causing extreme reactions. Go easy on those you love as well as those who love you. Finding a balance with equals capable of withstanding the tides of change is an ongoing participatory process that requires time, skill, and commitment.

But that’s not all. Saturn goes Retrograde on March 25. Since the start of March, Saturn has been occupying the same degree of Sagittarius — 16 degrees to be exact — and that continues until April 16. Saturn is a slow mover, so if you’re experiencing stagnation in a certain area of life, Saturn’s position could be at the heart of that stuckedness. Some things move quickly, but not things related to Saturn — systems, governments, organizations, and all the facets of life that provide structure are within Saturn’s domain. And when Saturn slows down, so do those support systems.

On the other hand, what could be driving the mania to push through at any cost is the coming Mars Retrograde that occurs on April 17. Yes…that is a month away, but in cosmic time, it’s nothing. And by April 5, Mars too slows to a crawl, sitting at 8 degrees of Sagittarius for more than three weeks.  Whatever it is you want to initiate, do it now. Get your plans, budgets, specs, look-books, Powerpoints, speeches, renovations, and all other materials together so that you are ready to go despite the long backward glance Mars takes from April 17 until June 29.

We are heading into what we are likely to look back on as the hardest months of the year. So hurry up and slow down and do your best not to be blown around by the escalating confusion. We will grow through this, especially if we help our fellow travelers along the way.

Hello to Readers in Neuquen!

It’s just another wonky week here on Earth, with lots of things continuing to turn inside out and upside down, while lots of folks continuing to try to make sense of a world that seems to spun itself into a parallel universe, where very little is as it once was. In the United States, we’re trying to understand how the Republicans lost control of their grand old party and handed over their belligerent base to their self-created Trumpenstein. And their dismay is so bad, it’s almost possible to feel sorry for them as they flounder in the chaos of Trump’s triumph. What are moderate Republicans to do? (Yes…I know moderate Republicans could be an oxymoron…but there are still some.) Are they to vote Democrat? Not vote at all? Or run a third party candidate? It’s hard to find answers if you’re a non-Trump, non-Evangelical Republican. Perhaps a savior with savoir faire will rise out of the mist and offer redemption — but as of Monday, it won’t be Bloomberg.

The struggle of conservatives deserves attention because it is reflective of a large segment of the collective that should be recalibrating its concerns to pressing global issues and simply refuses to do so. We have solutions to these complex problems, but we can’t implement them until we break down enough of the barriers that divide us and instead reach critical mass in our agreement that life on Earth needs to change. Even the Democrat who thinks the melting polar cap isn’t a problem has to get onboard the ecological train — and quickly. Humans, like all other species on the planet, also face the threat of extinction: Global warming isn’t a hoax created online. Income inequality isn’t an isolated issue; it is deeply woven through the fabric of racism, not just in America, but all around the world. Anywhere we exploit each other on the basis of color, gender, creed, or age, we are eating ourselves alive. The list of issues goes on and on and on and on, and no one reading this column needs to be reminded of all that needs to change. But I am repeating them because even those who are aware can lose the big picture in the struggle to survive the day-to-day. It’s easy to forget that our current situation reflects a much greater process. From an astrological perspective, we are in the midst of a deep revolutionary phase, symbolized by Uranus and Pluto, a phase where resistance is futile and evolution is the only intelligent response.

This week, that process is amplified by two eclipses: A solar eclipse that occurred yesterday and a lunar eclipse that occurs on March 23. There’s no need to worry if you didn’t know about yesterday’s eclipse. The effect of an eclipse can be felt from six weeks prior to the event until six weeks after. Eclipses almost always reveal something that’s hidden, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that what’s lurking in the shadows is bad. Yesterday’s solar eclipse took place in Pisces, a Mutable Water Sign, which is associated with feelings, boundaries, and mediating between the two — or the many.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself emotionally overwhelmed or, on the other side of the spectrum, unable to feel anything but numb. Expect that what might emerge from the shadows are authentic feelings about a certain situation you’re no longer willing nor able to deny.

The lunar eclipse on March 23 takes place in Libra, the Sign of relating. Libra is a Cardinal Air Sign, and that signifies action, particularly transitions based on ideas about significant others. Anticipate that some of the feelings brought to the surface by the solar eclipse are likely to be expressed through the intensity of the lunar eclipse, as Water gives way to Fire. Just try to avoid pointing too many fingers of blame and judgment — they could boomerang.

We get a preview of that lunar eclipse this week as the Moon moves into Aries, a Cardinal Fire Sign, and conjuncts Uranus, simultaneously squaring Pluto and trining Saturn. Yes…a complex bundle of emotional interactions with the potential to fuel strong reactions and even stronger power struggles.

There is still a strong concentration in Pisces — Mercury is conjunct Neptune, supporting intuitive hunches, as well as hypersensitivity to the environment. Venus moves into Pisces on Saturday, where she quickly moves into contact with Neptune, adding another layer to the already sensitive air. The Sun/Jupiter opposition continues all week long, inviting us to find balance in the big picture, symbolized by the Sun, even as we identify the particulars, symbolized by Jupiter.

As the week unfolds, each of us will have a lot to handle. So try to make kindness your first response. Remember, we are all in this soup together.

Hello to Readers in Saint Austell!

Hello to Readers in Kyiv!

Patience is the key to navigating this week’s unsettled astral waters. One moment the sea is flat, the next it’s alive, and before you can blink, huge waves are crashing on the shores of daily life. Don’t worry — the days and nights aren’t only about upset and upheaval (although given the state of the planet these days, that’s always a possibility). Regular routines persist, but huge currents — emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual — continue to turn the wheel of life in directions that no one can anticipate. We are in the midst of Earth-changing social, economic and political transitions, and as we witness these massive changes, many of us are also experiencing profound personal pole shifts. It’s no longer the soap opera As the World Turns.”  It’s now As My World Tilts. And getting used to a new perspective takes time, especially when certain situations keep on spinning. Don’t be fooled by those making all the fuss and sucking the air out of the room. There are more people interested in peace and justice than there are in anger and hatred. Peaceful warriors don’t get as much airtime because they aren’t as noisy or flashy. So continue to persevere in all efforts for positive change. As the I-Ching advises in Hexagram 43, Break-through…the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.

A Jupiter/Pluto trine continues to be a source of strength. Jupiter and Pluto are in Earth Signs; Jupiter is in Virgo, the Sign of organization and detail; Pluto is in Capricorn, the Sign of systems and structure. Earth Signs are always interested in grounded methods that embody the potential to produce tangible gains. Jupiter symbolizes an expansive perspective; Pluto symbolizes the process of transformation; and their combined effect is a desire to reform on the basis of solid, practical plans. This trine also feeds an almost fanatical need for power and leadership — and we can watch that manifestation through the politicians here in the United States who are making promises they can’t possibly keep. From a more individual point of view, this Jupiter/Pluto trine can be used to implement plans with long term-benefits.

A Jupiter/Saturn square is the source of this week’s shifting astral currents. Squares indicate fractious interactions. Jupiter (as mentioned above) is in Virgo. Saturn is in Sagittarius, the Sign that symbolizes the desire to synthesize instinct and intellect. The friction produced by this square could translate into an inability to digest and metabolize the constantly shifting tides of information, and the resulting dyspepsia. Don’t be surprised if watching the news gives you a stomachache as well as a headache, a heartache or any combination of the three — or all three. Keep in mind that all astrological interactions have a positive and negative interpretation, so despite the discontented discharges this square produces, it also provides the potential to persevere even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

By Sunday, the Sun, in Pisces, conjuncts Neptune, also in Pisces, and together they both square Saturn. The Sun/Neptune conjunction heightens sensitivities of every variety, so don’t be surprised if you and those you love are a tad more touchy. Also be prepared for cravings, also across a wide spectrum of desire. Neptune symbolizes addictive appetites, but this conjunction also fosters spiritual connection, making mystical experiences probable. The square to Saturn could inhibit some of those yearnings. At worst, Saturn produces the tendency to be judgmental; at best, Saturn provides the necessary discipline to either deal with the underpinnings of those addictive cravings or help you ground and transform your bliss into positive action.

Again, make patience your constant companion this week and you’ll handle the flux of daily life with skill and perhaps grace. And as always, be kind to the other sentient beings sharing your journey. Everyone wants and needs to be seen.

Hello to Readers in Mollet del Valles!

Set your internal compass on “true you” and get ready for another week of transition, another week of astral winds powerful enough to blow even the most steadfast off track. But don’t worry — only the blowhards will blow too hard. What’s more, these are not pernicious winds, although some might attempt to harness their power for ruthless purposes. These winds are simply strong, and handling their strength skillfully takes clear vision coupled with strong determination to move toward specific goals. Fortunately, stamina and endurance are part of the planetary mosaic which makes staying on track a bit easier. If you don’t have plans or goals you want or need to meet, you can also use the power of this week to replenish and restore your reservoirs of strength and endurance on every level — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Authenticity is the key to navigating the week. So figure out what that means to you and then be as genuine as possible in every situation and every encounter.

The strength of the week comes from several signatures. First, Saturn continues its wide trine to Uranus. Interactions between Saturn and Uranus tend to signal times that challenge the status quo — their recent opposition from 2008-2010 certainly did just that. Saturn symbolizes structure. Uranus signifies sudden and unforeseen developments, and even though the current alliance between Saturn and Uranus is positive, it is still about the dissolution of systems that no longer serve. You only have to watch the presidential candidates debate — especially the Republicans — to see just how much has already dissolved. (William F Buckley and Barry Goldwater must be in turning over in their graves.) And don’t misunderstand: Some things need to dissolve — quickly — if we are to improve the present state of the planet and its remaining species, including humans. Unfortunately, the process of dissolution is often debilitating to witness. It simply hurts the heart to see so much suffering and so much resistance to providing the necessary remedies.

Another source of strength and stamina is the sextile between Mars and Jupiter. This positive combination produces an active environment that’s infused with a desire for accomplishment, making it easy to pursue ambitions. But you don’t have to want success to make good use of this configuration. It also supports getting things organized and prioritized, things that have nothing to do with ambition and accomplishment, things like cupboards, closets, and digital calendars that just don’t seem to work. We’ve been under this Mars/Jupiter influence since February 4, and I, for one, will be sad to see it go, if only because it’s been such a beneficial ally.

Also this week, a Mercury/Venus conjunction supports a deep appreciation of beauty, especially when it comes to ways in which the mind works to appreciate abstract concepts. Also, because this conjunction occurs in Aquarius, some may be drawn to quirky as well as whimsical creative choices. Remember, this is the week to be true to yourself, and if striped neon leggings are your first choice, don’t be shy.

Jupiter and Pluto are closing in on their trine, which is exact on March 16, and as they close the distance, many will be inclined to flex power muscles. For some, this dynamic duo offers positive support for spiritual progress; for others, this trine supports the urge to exploit others for selfish purposes. Hmmm…. I guess we’ll be able to watch this one play out on TV as the candidates close in on the primaries and their desire to lead the free world.

I haven’t talked about the election in this column yet, mostly because a lot of it is too bizarre to delve into. A couple of elections ago, probably the second election for George W, I wrote about politics from an astrological perspective and a reader admonished me for mixing astrology with politics. I wrote back to her and said, “Let’s be clear: Astrology has always been a part of politics.” Think ancient Rome — and then think about choosing a good day to knock off a Senator. As long as there are predictions to be made about the powerful and the would-be powerful, there will be astrologers looking at the portents and making choices. But what’s more interesting at the moment is how the current candidates exemplify the zeitgeist, which is now too big to just be one thing. The right wing, the left wing, the moderate, the young, the old, and all the people of every race and religion and sexual orientation — everyone has a point of view and wants to be heard. All of which is great except there is no consensus about what might be best for all of us. Peace, shelter, food, education, safety, clean water, clean air, and of course, love immediately come to mind as best choices for everyone, but our differences continue to blind many to our common needs and shared reality.

But just because some are blind or oblivious doesn’t mean all must be. Do your part this week to remember that we are all in this together. As you attempt to be true to yourself, simultaneously honor the authenticity of others.

Hello to Readers in Neepawa!

Alert! Last week there was an astrology error in the Weekly Frequency — fortunately, that’s something that doesn’t happen often! I wrote that the Sun/Mars square was ending but I was a week early. My apologies to those who expected grumpy attitudes and irritated outbursts to have faded away by this week. If you’re reading this column for the first time, the Sun signifies vitality, Mars represents assertion, and squares signal friction — so a Sun/Mars square raises the specter of those Disney Dwarfs we seldom hear about — Angry, Irate, and Hostile — apparently all of whom now work for Trump.

This week, the good news is that the worst is over, and the best news is that by this time next week the Sun finally pulls away from Mars, taking with it the last vestiges of belligerence (although, honestly, last week was so busy I hardly noticed when it got too crabby). And because daily life continues to be extraordinarily busy (too busy to pay attention to anyone’s bad attitude, even your own), the cranky-pants signature of this final week of a Sun/Mars square might also go unnoticed.

The very best news is Jupiter, who grabs the spotlight all week long as it continues to sextile Mars and trine both Venus and Pluto. Jupiter is the planet of great good fortune, and when it forms positive alliances, we experience the increased ability to take a wide perspective, even in the midst of whatever we are engaged in, a perspective that often allows us to appreciate our own efforts as well as the efforts of others, a perspective that renews enthusiasm and optimism. (Unfortunately, the Mercury/Jupiter trine is over, and I must say I am sad to see it go, if only because it brilliantly inspires thoughtful musings as well as the cogent expression of those opinions.)

The Mars/Jupiter sextile is producing the potential for enterprises likely to have positive, fruitful outcomes, and often the most beneficial result of those endeavors is the creative freedom you can experience when engaged in plans and projects rooted in joy.  

The Venus/Jupiter trine has been operating since February 6 and continues through Valentine’s Day. Venus, as almost everyone knows, is the goddess of love and beauty, and as she aligns with Jupiter, the symbol for “more”, their sweet coupling could produce an urge to buy lavish gifts — so be careful not to spend what you don’t have. But this trine is most likely to simply express itself as the delight of romance and the joy of love. Give yourself permission to dive into the “love vibe.” (Anyone remember Earth Girls Are Easy?) And even if you’re not interested in a specific amorous liaison, allow yourself to fall in love with everything and everyone, and most importantly, fall in love with yourself.

The Jupiter/Pluto trine will be with us for several months. A trine is a positive planetary interaction that is strong and supportive. (In the astrological world, it’s often said that one good trine can make a positive difference in what otherwise might be a multitude of negative interactions.) This Jupiter/Pluto trine supports the desire for power and the need to lead, as it simultaneously feeds philosophical and intellectual leadership. Use it to your advantage by listening carefully to the opinions of others before insisting on your own way.

But that’s not all: A Saturn/Uranus trine which is not yet exact but still close enough to have a presence provides an indefatigable determination and endurance to handle almost any situation as it arises. The power of this trine needs to be wielded wisely, if only because it can become strident when left unchecked. Apply a healthy portion of humility to its strength and you’ll have an easier time using your superpowers for the good.

Humility is actually the key to navigating this week’s astral waters — there’s simply too much going on in everyone’s life and very few, if any, can handle it all without asking for help — and that includes all sorts of help--animal, mineral, vegetable, and spiritual. Humility allows the awareness that each of us is just one small drop in this vast and incomprehensible ocean of life — it helps us find and maintain proportion and perspective. Humility also helps us reach out to others in a sincere effort to help where help is needed.

Hello to Readers in Creve Coeur!

The pace of regular routines accelerates this week — the planets are forming potent combinations that not only support ambitious endeavors but also provide the potential for powerful insights that add depth perception to what might otherwise be seen as mundane events. This astral acceleration is likely to be a bit bumpy, and emotional bodies (yours or others’) might be upset by the surprising developments and unexpected outcomes that are part of the planetary package. But there’s no need to anticipate that those unanticipated twists and turns will be negative — they are simply unforeseen, a condition of these transformational times that’s becoming increasingly commonplace. As always, the best way through uncertainty is to stay confident in your ability to stay centered within. Then, do your best to integrate your principles into action.  

The power source is many-fold. (1) The Sun/Mars square is ending, but tremendous energy can still be found in its wake. The Sun represents the life force, Mars signifies ambition, and even though a square puts them at odds with each other, when the Sun and Mars combine, tall buildings can be leapt in a single bound.

(2) The ongoing Mars/Pluto sextile continues to bolster self-confidence as it simultaneously stimulates ambitious efforts coupled with the strength to turn those dreams into reality. This positive, powerful combination has been in effect since the second week of January, although you might not have felt it as keenly as you do now because Mercury Retrograde dimmed its edges. It continues until mid-February to feed the need to succeed.

(3) A Sun/Saturn sextile provides the potential for focus, perseverance and determination. The sober interaction can also enhance concentration, which makes it the perfect companion configuration to the Mars aspects listed above, even though Saturn does not actually make an aspect to Mars, it has the ability to stabilize the vitality of the Sun, which affords us the possibility of staying grounded in what we are working on despite distractions.

The source of this week’s potential for depth perception is a trine between Mercury and Jupiter that’s in effect until next Wednesday. This interaction stimulates minds as well as an optimistic outlook — something we could all use to restore our reservoirs of positive thinking.

In preparation for Valentine’s Day (but not lasting until the actual event), Venus is conjunct Pluto, producing strong — okay, fanatic — urges for love. This conjunction is so strong, especially given its connection to Mars, that even the most circumspect among us might be unable to resist the power of attraction.

As the week unfolds and the pace of daily life quickens, try to use the common sense of the Mercury/Jupiter trine to keep you steady, inside and out. The world is in such a profound state of change (we could call it As the World Wobbles) that many of us are finding it hard to stay grounded in a wholesome perspective on current events, especially collective events. But what’s needed is a positive take. So do your best to align with the astral potentials of the week, and of course, when possible, help your fellow travelers do the same.

Hello to Readers in New York City!

This week, it’s a “start your engines but don’t go too fast” frequency that seems to be a mixed message because it is. Mercury Direct began on Monday, January 25, and that “forward” motion freed-up a whole lot of plans and projects that have been on hold since the beginning of the New Year. But pushing ahead recklessly is never a good idea, if only because it may take a moment to gather the necessary components and participants to make positive progress. The best way through the next several days is to find and maintain your balance and, when possible, to avoid extremes.

As Mercury makes its course correction and shifts out of a slo-mo rewind and into a fast-forward pace, it sextiles Mars, squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto — a complex bundle of astral influences, yet not an impossible bundle if managed wisely. We’ve been under the influence of Mercury/Uranus/Pluto since last week, but this week, Mars joins the team and that makes a big difference in possible manifestations.

A Mercury/Mars sextile indicates the potential for busy minds that are focused on ambition and success. Uranus amplifies those ambitions with urges to act quickly — perhaps a little too quickly. For while any Mercury and Uranus alliance is inventive and innovative, this dynamic duo can also stimulate a type of nervous anxiety that simply wants to take action and do something — just about anything — in the hope of finding relief. What’s more, Pluto’s presence amplifies that nervous energy, as it excites the need to achieve just for the sake of it, a need that might be tempted to use Pluto’s ruthlessness to get its own way regardless of how that might affect others. Pay attention: Intention determines karma.

Mars also squares the Sun, a fractious interaction that lasts until mid-February. This square exacerbates the already restless environment, and because the Sun represents “spirit” and Mars symbolizes taking a stand, this square usually tries to satisfy its irritable disposition by picking fights. Both the Sun and Mars are in Fixed Signs — the Sun is in Aquarius and Mars is in Scorpio. Fixed Signs are notorious for holding onto their opinions even when the facts indicate otherwise. It’s useless to struggle with stubborn attitudes that are more interested in the thrill of the argument than actually sharing information to find out what’s true. So take a deep breath and do your best to maintain a wholesome attitude that’s more inclined to make love than go to war. Try not to pick a fight to establish your “superior” point of view. Instead, harness the vitality of this Sun/Mars interaction and apply it to endeavors that require determination and persistence.

Again, as this week unfolds, do your best to avoid extremes. Make “moderation” your daily mantra, and when possible, do your best to practice compassion, even if others are more interested in a fight. As always, remember to be kind and compassionate toward your fellow travelers.

Hello to Readers in Rancagua!

Since the start of the New Year — and really since the start of Mercury Retrograde on January 6 — the rhythms and routines of daily life have been a little more than slightly wacky, and this week, the madness continues to take its toll, even though the retrograde is almost over. Mercury goes direct on January 25, at 1:49 PST. Unfortunately, these final five days are likely to be the worst. Mercury is currently in a square to Uranus, and because Uranus signifies computers — and every other form of technology used to keep the digital universe spinning in cyberspace — meltdowns, mechanical or human, are probable. Keep breathing — it’s the only way through — and continue to keep it real by acknowledging just how hard it is for most to get through these retrograde snafus, and especially how difficult it is for those who don’t know they have Mercury Retrograde to blame.  

The source of this week’s difficulty is a combination of Mercury, Uranus, and Pluto. Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication, travel, and commerce. And when Mercury is retrograde, all things related to its domain tend to encounter delays and detours. Uranus signifies revolution and sudden and surprising plot twists. Pluto represents the process of transformation, especially the processes related to death and rebirth. So far, so good.

Mercury is conjunct Pluto for the rest of its retrograde phase, and even after it goes direct, it continues to travel in tandem with Pluto until February 6, when it gains full forward thrust. (Those familiar with Mercury Retrograde probably remember the wisdom of the three-day rule, which recommends waiting for three days after the retrograde to initiate new projects.) Mercury/Pluto combinations lean toward deep thinking and penetrating insight, but they just as easily fuel a compulsive need to cling to ideas. And it is not above the ruthless nature of Mercury/Pluto to motivate manipulating information to win. Mercury/Uranus combinations symbolize invention and the need to break free from intellectual bonds that inhibit innovation. Again, so far, so good.

Unfortunately, the square between Uranus and Pluto continues to fuel fractious interactions that manifest as extreme unrest, and when that unsettled energy coalesces with the already frustrated and uneven pace of Mercury Retrograde, daily routines collapse from the strain. Unfortunately, Uranus exacerbates the intensity of retrograde snafus, especially technology problems, turning mundane frustration nuclear. Try to avoid fixating on what isn’t going your way. Step away from whatever vehicle you’re trying to control, and breathe yourself into a less attached perspective. Sometimes letting go creates just enough space to make necessary adjustments without having to abandon the core of the plan, project, or idea.

It’s not easy to interpret each and every degree of the zodiac — that’s not usually what astrologers do. But recently, in response to my thoughts about Mercury’s year-long reminder about Pluto’s placement in Capricorn, a reader sent in an interpretation of that degree based on the The Sabian Symbols. First “discovered” by Marc Edmund Jones and Elsie Wheeler, The Sabian Symbols is a volume of esoteric interpretations for every degree in the zodiac. (www.khaldea.com/articles/pss_gkm1.shtml)

In that book, the symbol related to 14 degrees Capricorn is: In a Hospital, the Children’s Ward is Filled with Toys. Lynda Hill has a website devoted to the interpretation of these symbols and offers good information about how to understand them. (sabiansymbols.com/)

Again, I’m not sure what this means or why Mercury is “pointing” it out, but I think this Sabian Symbol bears contemplation throughout the course of the year. Many of our fellow travelers have experienced a loss of innocence as a result of recent collective changes, changes that have challenged many to maintain balance in a seemingly insane world. Even more of our fellow travelers, especially children in war zones, refugees who have no voice, as well as children in previously safe places are in need of deep physical and psychic healing. When children can’t play they are robbed of joy, the essence of a healthy heart.

So as the coming weeks unfold, think about how you might be able to bring greater happiness into your life and into the lives of your fellow travelers. We all need joy to heal.  

Hello to Readers in Oakland!

Note: There were lots of problems with this website last week, and many readers ordered subscriptions probably thinking that I was finally charging and that was the only way to receive the column. Not so. It was just a Mercury Retrograde glitch. The Aquarium Age has always been available by email subscription; I just finally moved the information about how to order a subscription to the top of the column. If you ordered in error, contact me for a refund. The Weekly Frequency will continue to be available online, free of charge.

It’s an interesting week of tricky Mercury Retrograde twist and turns, but it’s also a week that provides plenty of potential for positive creative collaboration. Patience pills to ward off retrograde frustration are still necessary — no matter how expansive the potential for teamwork might be, the retrograde still snarls actual traffic on the way to work, as it simultaneously triggers gridlock on the information highway. The good news is that many fellow travelers are in a good mood and leaning toward a generosity of spirit despite retrograde snafus. And that goes a long way toward making it easier to handle the week.

This is the second week of the first Mercury Retrograde phase of 2016. Mercury is conjunct the Sun and both are in a trine to Jupiter. We love this, even though a Sun/Mercury conjunction can tilt minds and hearts toward a subjective perspective. The Sun symbolizes spirit. Mercury signifies the mind, and when they share the same space, there’s not a lot of spaciousness between who we are and what we think. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make it difficult to see a situation from a variety of viewpoints. The good news about this conjunction — and why we love it — is its trine to Jupiter. Jupiter represents an expansive frame of reference that includes philosophy, religion, education, global communication, and all other aspects of life that extend beyond the reach of the “everyday.” Trines are positive interactions, and when the Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter unite in this constructive alliance, we have an opportunity to experience a wealth of ideas, many of which are grounded in common sense. This positive signature is in effect for most of the week. Use its power to open new perspectives, common ground, and collaborative efforts with a wide range of people and resources. Keep in mind, however, that Jupiter is also retrograde, which means some of what gets created this week is likely to unfold at a slower pace than you might desire.

A Venus/Jupiter square is also in effect this week, and while this combination of planetary energy indicates happiness, squares are fractious interactions that interfere with joy and tend to skew things toward irritation. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of your situation, focus on what works and how you can use those positive qualities to improve the overall picture.

A Mars/Neptune trine adds a current of altruism to the week, which is able to provide help where help is needed. It’s always important to keep in mind that although a complete end to war may not be possible yet, each of us has the power to end war in our individual lives. This positive combination of Mars, which symbolizes the ability to assert, and Neptune, which signifies the capacity for compassion, can serve as a much-needed balm for the narrow-mindedness that seems to prevail at the moment.

Saturn and Uranus are going to stay in close, positive contact with each other from now through March, although they won’t quite form an exact trine until December 24. But as they move together closely, we are likely to experience an increased determination to overcome challenges, both individual and collective. This Saturn/Uranus trine isn’t necessarily a panacea for all that ails. But it does provide the much-needed strength to tackle difficult, stagnant situations in need of transformation.   

Yes…readers of the Aquarium Age…it’s a good week! I’m not suggesting that swords will turn into plowshares everywhere and all at once. But any time any one of us can seize the moment and turn it toward peace is a landmark moment — and we should take advantage of those opportunities every chance we get. Even if you feel ineffectual in the face of all that “needs done” in your life or in the world, don’t let that stop you from being kind to yourself, to your family, to your pets, or to the dog next door who won’t stop barking. We are all sentient beings sharing the same planet, and all efforts to “make nice” move us toward a better world.