Aquarium Age - Transformational Astrology

I’m not sure it is possible to express the depth of Planet Earth’s transformational process—words won’t do it justice—but I will try nevertheless because it affects all of us more than many of us may be aware. As Pluto retrogrades back over its recently trodden path, we are revisiting patterns, themes, and problems that have obscured forward progress, personal and planetary. Yet this review is not just of the last several months; it’s a review of personal and planetary growth that has occurred over the last fifteen years. Yeah, I know, that’s a lot, which is why it feels so momentous and overwhelming. It’s also why it is important to put this process in perspective. Many of our fellow travelers are feeling as if they’ve regressed to a previous state of consciousness, one they thought was long gone—but we have not truly regressed. Some of us are revisiting areas we’d thought we’d worked out, but the current resurgence of those issues is just to make sure all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted so we can confidently move forward, while others are wrestling with issues that are still in dire need of transformation—stagnant relationships, emotional extremes, unresolved rage, or grief—all of which need to be worked on so they can be worked through.

This week, frustration with this Plutonian process reaches a particularly intense crescendo as Mars in Leo continues to oppose Pluto in Aquarius—an already pernicious, ruthless interaction—and that opposition can turn into a messy battlefield of clashing ambitions. The Moon joins Mars today, May 24, turning the entire interaction deeply emotional, which could cause many of us to say and do things we might later regret. So put the blaming finger in your pocket and resist the temptation to blame all the things that aren’t going your way on someone else. I’m not suggesting people shouldn't take responsibility for their actions; I’m saying that this is not the week to insist on someone else taking the blame for your disappointment or the credit for your success. Pluto is always about learning to handle power and when it is opposing Mars and the Moon, the temptation to blame others is hard to resist.

But resist we must, because blame isn’t going to change any hearts or minds—it just makes people bristle with resentment and resistance or it feeds their shame, neither of which contributes to positive forward motion. So it is incumbent upon each of us to find a way to move through this ruthless force without amplifying Pluto’s brutal hardheartedness.

All of this information distills down into regular life on Planet Earth as a reason to exercise caution as you go about regular routines: avoid getting into arguments—they will turn into brawls. Be sure to exercise discretion when you are stating your case—words are easily weaponized under this influence. Mostly importantly, be nice. Ruthless behavior boomerangs into instant karma under an influence like this, so follow the golden rule and do unto others as you would like others to treat you.

Jupiter is in Taurus in a square to both Mars and Pluto, a position that amplifies the intensity rather than mitigates it. All three of these planets are in Fixed Signs, which means no one is inclined to surrender the certainty of their positions. We've been in this pernicious energy since May 17, when the Jupiter/Pluto square was exact and separating. On May 20, the Mars/Pluto opposition was exact and separating. The Moon intensifies all of it today, and thankfully the entire bundle is behind us by the end of the month.

It's not easy looking back on fifteen years of change, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel like quiet introspection is something you’re trying to avoid. Be kind to yourself and others as you wrestle with what to leave behind. It could be that confronting old demons engenders a new take on a persistent problematic situation. Old physical or psychic injuries might be rising to the surface of daily life and interfering with the free flow of plans and projects; or old issues of the victim/victimizer dance could be polarizing new relationships just as this dance had previously sullied old partnerships; it could be that belief systems you once thought were cutting edge are losing their efficacy amidst the glow of new techniques and a plethora of innovative information about old habits.

Pluto’s fifteen-year journey through Capricorn wasn’t easy and its departure won’t be either. Capricorn is the Sign of structure, systems, and order, and in many instances, Pluto has revealed the uselessness of old paradigms of power, personal and collective, and while that lack of relevance can be quite startling, if you have nothing new to replace your old views, it can also be quite disconcerting. So be kind to your fellow travelers—even the ones who have opinions that are hard to take. If compassion were easy to embrace, we would almost always choose to be kind to one another and to the planet we inhabit, and to all the other species who share the planet with us.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

Aries March 21-April 19
If you channel your energy into creative projects you’ll have a much easier time handling the intensity of the week. I’m not suggesting denial (although in some instances that might work); I’m advising you to steer clear of any skirmishes because they could turn into full-fledged battles, which would be a waste of time and effort.

Taurus April 20-May 20
The disturbances of the week could turn into conflicts at work or at home as you try to reconcile where your efforts will best be spent. It is possible to divide your time evenly; but so much is going on and so many family members need your time and attention, it won’t be easy to meet all their needs as well as your own—but you can do it.

Gemini May 21-June 21
Potent conversations with friends, family, and significant others might leave you dazed and confused about what your next steps are. Rather than make a plan, let the situation unfold and as it does, gather the information you need to make an informed and intelligent plan about what you want to do.  

Cancer June 22-July 22
It is a financial issue but I wouldn’t go to battle just yet given that almost everyone is feeling squirrelly about money right now. You don’t have to avoid the topic but it might be wise to sidestep any decisions or promises until things quiet down—they will eventually, so be wary of quick fixes and make patience your constant ally.

Leo July 23-August 22
The Moon is in your court but don’t let emotional responses overwhelm your common sense. You are extraordinarily charismatic at the moment, and yes, there are tangible career gains to be made if you can shine your light without hesitation. But remember to be humble and to empower others to also step into the spotlight.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Try not to let your frustration turn into a brain worm—there’s no need to compulsively chew on negative thoughts. Yes, there are obstacles to overcome but whether they are real or imagined, dwelling on them isn’t going to make them go away. Instead, focus your precious mental energy on staying present in the moment.

Libra September 23-October 22
The secret to your success is staying confident in your ability to handle yourself with skill and charm. It won’t be easy calming people down and helping them to get grounded but you can do it. The only thing to avoid is the need to insist on your way. I’m not saying you’re wrong; I’m suggesting that compromising will be hard but necessary work.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Read Taurus above and add this: be careful how you divide your time. Before prioritizing career responsibilities, first prioritize your family obligations—they are ultimately more important. Then you will have a good guide for prioritizing your career tasks. You’ll get it all done, so don't waste any time worrying you won’t.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The tension of the week could engender several difficult conversations about how to handle difficult situations. Before you blow a gasket, remember that everyone is experiencing the current intensities, which are making many of us more than a little testy. Breathe, as often as you can, and avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
It could manifest as a financial issue, but it’s more likely to manifest as an issue of values—your values versus the values of others—and that could lead to the need to make serious decisions. Try to stay on topic. It may not be easy to concentrate, but if you make staying focused your prime motivation, you’ll avoid many hassles.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’re likely to experience anxiety regarding the financial worries of significant others. I’m not suggesting you ignore those concerns or dismiss them. It is important to acknowledge the source of anxiety and then take steps to rectify anything that needs attention, and then to quell those concerns with tangible information.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Rather than starting negotiations on a belligerent note, take the high road, understanding that everyone is stressed, and then figure out how to manage the situation through a compassionate lens. You won’t lose your case; you’ll strengthen it because you won’t be putting people on the defensive—and right now that’s very important.