You’ll need to keep your wits about you for the next several weeks. We are in the midst of an astral convergence where several planetary patterns meet, merge, and diverge in a powerful junction of potential. As is often the case at a crossroads, choices must be made about what direction to take next, but the problem is almost every option feels weighty with unpredictable consequences. And because the collective direction feels suspended or paralyzed with uncertainty, personal decisions suffer from doubt and hesitation. Oy. It’s a dilemma, and it’s not getting solved any time soon. So make patience, as well as moderation your allies. As the Taoist sages might advise, during certain times of crisis and upheaval, it is often best to take no unnecessary action.
Several themes contribute to the atmosphere. First, the ongoing Jupiter/Uranus sextile is exact and separating on May 21. This sextile has been sending bolts from the blue for the last several weeks and will continue to shake things up another several weeks. Yet while this sextile is volatile, its signature has everything to do with Divine Providence, which, strictly translated, would frame recent upsets as painful but positive. But this would hardly be an argument to present to the people in China or Myanmar who survived the earthquake and cyclone, but lost their lives. The sudden deadly power of Mother Nature gives birth to a unique perspective on the fragility of human life — what a fleeting gift it is. And the waves of grief emanating from that region of the world are sure to affect us all.
The second converging pattern is really three-in-one. Mercury goes retrograde on May 26, and as it prepares for its second review of the year, it trines Neptune, as Neptune goes retrograde about half an hour after Mercury. Mercury Retrograde is best spent reviewing, reflecting, and reconsidering previous choices. Expect certain areas of life, particularly communication and travel, to be littered with detours and delays. Normally, you could assume a trine with Neptune would facilitate inspired thinking. After all, Mercury symbolizes all things mental and Neptune represents intuition. But they are both “turning around” and that could throw thinking and insight into a tizzy of projection. Don’t assume or presume you understand all the details of any situation. Instead, stay open, but take your time acting on hunches you’re sure you can validate with “fact.”
The third contributor to the uncertain air is Pluto. On June 14, Pluto will retrograde back into Sagittarius, where it will stay until November 26. Pluto’s pull feels inexorable, despite its demotion to a planetoid, and over the course of the next five months, we will be revisiting many of the themes and issues of the past thirteen years. It’s one last look, and it is bound to be insightful.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April l9
Conversations are key to successfully navigating the astral convergence. Share your thoughts with others, but also listen carefully to their responses. Even if you don’t like all of what’s said, the advice will be heartfelt.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Financial matters play a major role in your current situation, but that doesn’t mean all the news is bad. Probe how to create greater stability and you’ll make strong tangible gains.
Gemini May 21-June 21
This is one of those times when it’s important to know the difference between gut feelings and wishful thinking. There is no foolproof way to discern the difference other than to notice where your ego is invested in a specific outcome.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Yes, there are important questions to ponder, but compulsively chewing on the details won’t provide clear solutions. Let go of your need to solve the puzzle and turn the entire situation over to a higher power.
Leo July 23-August 22
Whether or not you have talent is not the issue — the crux of the matter is how you want to spend your gifts. Take your time, contemplate your options, and don’t feel pressured to make a premature decision.
Virgo August 23-September 22
While certain relationships may continue to confound common sense, the issues still require attention. So rather than dismissing the difficulties, face the situation with an unstinting desire to own your part of the problem.
Libra September 23-October 22
It’s a crisis of faith and not one that is easily solved, so rather than grasp at straws, make every effort to examine the various pieces of the predicament. You’re right, it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Be prepared to be pulled in several directions simultaneously and you’ll handle the diverse demands on your time and energy with ease. Just don’t take on more than you can handle or make promises you can’t keep.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s a relationship intensive that requires you to improve your ability to create conscious partnerships. Pay attention to what motivates your behavior and you’ll move through this process with skill.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
While you’re tired from the constant exposure, there are still a few more situations to resolve before you can back away from the spotlight. Focus on the details and you’ll easily wrap up those loose ends.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Several opportunities to take creative leaps are likely. While I’m not advising you to say “yes” to any and all invitations to try something new, I am suggesting flexibility as a way of overcoming anxiety.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Don’t worry about what happens next, and instead, honor your need to hunker down at home and rest. You’ve been going nonstop and now it is simply time to replenish your reserves.
