This week, even Gandhi could be cranky. We’re at the midpoint of a
volatile planetary pattern that is at once pernicious as well as
necessary. Pernicious, because it’s no longer possible to contain
frustration, personal or collective, about the recession, and as that
anger spills over into daily life, brutal confrontations, personal or
collective, are probable. Necessary, because you can’t heal what you
can’t feel, and as the anger and frustration release, it will be easier
to identify the core emotions driving that personal and collective
aggression. Pay attention to reactions, yours or others, and do your
best to avoid acting out.
The source of the volatility is twofold. First, we’re still in the
release of the Mars/Saturn opposition, a tense interaction that tends
toward a harsh heart. Be aware, as this opposition separates, it gets
harder and harder to hold the line of patience. Second, as the steam
releases from the Mars/Saturn pressure cooker, Mars moves into a
conjunction with Uranus. There’s no good picture to paint about this
interaction. Mars is the planet of physical energy. Uranus is the
planet of the nervous system, and when they share the same space,
Geiger counters rattle as erratic and often explosive outbursts disrupt
and interfere with the routines of daily life. Before you jump in
headfirst, take the pulse of your situation. Listen to the heartbeats
of children and animals; they are often the best early warning system
about a situation that is about to go out of control.
I’m sorry to offer up such a dreary forecast. I’m still staunchly on
the side of positive progress and optimism, and I continue to view the
shift we’re in as highly creative and transformational. But making the
most of this opportunity for change means keeping it real about what
the causal level of corruption is and how we all participate in it,
consciously or unconsciously. The current brouhaha over bailout bonuses
is just a symptom of a much larger issue. It’s easy to be outraged by
the “fat cats,” especially when that outrage is fed by a voracious
24-hour news cycle composed of bottom-feeders who wittingly or
unwittingly antagonize a mob mentality. And while I don’t think the
bailout bonuses are fair, I never felt the salaries were either, and I
can’t help but wonder why nobody was outraged about those salaries ages
ago. Did everyone think it was fair that 1 percent of the population
was prospering while the rest were getting poor? Why are we against
unions and not against the drug cartels, legal and illegal, who run our
lives? And why aren’t we as infuriated by child abuse, the sex-trade
industry, sweatshops, and every other actual violation of our humanity
as we are by Madoff, AIG, or a war that continues to drain our coffers,
not just of money, but also of life?
This week, rather than act out, ask questions that go the heart of
your personal ire. Probe the deep, and you’ll expand your understanding
about what needs to change in you. Which is where lasting change always
begins.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that,
too.
ARIES March 21-April 19
Think of the coming week as mindfulness mediation, and you’ll have a
much easier time keeping your internal agitation from derailing your
external progress. Like all things, this, too, shall pass.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
There’s no need to let surprising interactions with friends upset
your determination to proceed. Yes, you may have to work out a
different schedule, but that’s no reason to scrap the whole
project.
GEMINI May 21-June 21
Try not to let work-related volatility disturb your equilibrium. Do
whatever it is you do to stay focused and calm, and then allow the
situation to unfold before taking any definitive action.
CANCER June 22-July 22
You’re going to have to take a stand, but that’s no excuse to cling
to an unreasonable position. Figure out how to find the solid ground of
compromise that will allow a beneficial solution for everyone.
LEO July 23-August 22
New ideas about your career motivate a new approach, especially if
you turn your angst into positive action. Be yourself, and your innate
creativity will solve the problem.
VIRGO August 23-September 22
The tension continues, but it’s not without possibilities for
resolution, especially if you listen carefully to what significant
others, personal or professional, say they need. Pay attention and
you’ll make progress.
LIBRA September 23-October 22
You’re right, your workload is overwhelming, but the only way
through it is to do it. So roll up your sleeves, put on a good
attitude, and just get to work.
SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Try not to let difficulties with friends turn into a standoff. Of
course you disagree — that’s the beauty of shared opinions. And
while agreement feels good, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in your
best interests.
SAGITTARIUS November 22-December
21
Disruptions, internal or external, make you uncomfortable,
especially if you’re already feeling vulnerable. Make every effort to
find and maintain your center, and then let that strength fortify
you.
CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
“Tough love” is not a synonym for harsh words, so be careful about
indulging in critical conversation. I’m not suggesting you lie. I’m
merely advising you to accentuate the positive.
AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Is it a money issue or is it an erratic financial flow that’s got
you in dither? Maybe it’s both, or maybe it’s neither. Maybe it’s a
lesson about your anxiety over how to create what you most desire.
PISCES February 19-March 20
You might want to wear a warning sign: I’m telling the truth, even
if it’s not what you want to hear. You might also want to explain that
it’s just not possible for you to hold back any longer.
