The planets continue to unlock key positions on the Wheel of Life this week, and as the karmic tumblers fall into place, daily life is punctuated by a series of cosmic clicks. For some of us, this alignment translates into poignant “ah-has” that provoke a deep sense of being in the right place at the right time. For others, especially those whose lives are cluttered with superficial concerns, the possibility of opening locked situations exacerbates existing anxieties. For still more, the collective situation will continue to be something quite separate from personal life, an unfortunate perspective that’s likely to increase anxiety as well as confusion. Many more, keenly aware of just how accurately the current cultural milieu mirrors personal concerns, may be too aware, particularly if the possibility of transformation feels hopeless.
With so much of our world in need of creative remedies, it’s easy to feel ineffectual and to fall into despair. But each of these planetary positions has the power to unlock a new point of view, and the entire planetary combination has the power to support radical changes in core beliefs. All that’s required to make the most of this moment is the humility to shift away from the tried and true and to instead embrace a sense of adventure about a new approach, even if that approach is still in the process of forming.
Here’s the planetary picture: Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct, in Aries. Saturn and Mars are conjunct, in Libra. With the exception of Jupiter, all of the planets occupy the zero-degree point of Aries and Libra. Both conjunctions oppose one another. Pluto, at 3 degrees Capricorn, squares both sets of conjunctions, and is in an exact square with Jupiter, at 3 degrees Aries.
Okay … those are the technical details. Oppositions and squares symbolize tension and stress, but squares are active angles, which means we should be prepared for all sorts of events to focus the intensity, and because Uranus is part of the picture, those events could be sudden and swift. Be aware: Pluto is the facilitator of these surprising plot twists, which means they are also not likely to be smooth or polite. When Mars, Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto form pernicious interactions, violence is probable, and that violence is not limited to physical brutality; it also includes emotional, mental, and spiritual cruelty. For those of us committed to non-violence, coping with this aggressive astral air will require renewed determination to work for peace at every level, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Pernicious planetary interactions tend to intensify already destructive situations, which means we can expect increased violence in the Middle East and in all other areas of the planet suffering from the extremes of war. We can also anticipate racial and gender tension to increase, not just in the United States, but also in other areas of the world where gender or the color of one’s skin can be used as a rationalization to deny one’s humanity.
As the week unfolds, do your best to make a positive contribution. When possible, lend a helping hand — and, as always, try to be kind.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
ARIES Yes, relationships are a lot of work, but they can also be rewarding. Concentrate your attention on partnerships that yield beneficial results, and you’ll make good use of the intensity.
TAURUS Indulge your desire to hibernate. There’s nothing wrong with hunkering down at home, under the covers, with good food and relaxing entertainment.
GEMINI Heartfelt conversations with friends stimulate innovative ways of dealing with a stagnant area that you have been unable to shift. Listen carefully to what emerges from these exchanges.
CANCER Be forthright about what you want, but don’t expect every wish to be fulfilled. The point of the exercise is to learn to be comfortable expressing what you need.
LEO Your innate generosity has the potential to be a powerful antidote for aggression. Take the time to be kind, and your gift of heartfelt compassion will be returned without hesitation.
VIRGO You’ll find a positive solution if you’re willing to consider alternative points of view. You don’t have to agree with or adopt a position you don’t believe in; just stay open and be flexible.
LIBRA Mars moves into your Sign on July 29, and while I’m not saying you need an anger management class to handle the God of War, I advise you to develop a strategy for healthily managing your intensity.
SCORPIO If you harness the excess energy of the week and focus it on career concerns, you will be able to make tangible progress in refining your goals — and, in certain instances, actualizing them.
SAGITTARIUS You have an opportunity to turn the travails of the week into gold. So follow your intuition, refuse to be corrupted by negativity, and move forward with exuberance.
CAPRICORN Continue to take charge, but also try to be compassionate. Lots of people are experiencing difficulty, and not everyone is at skilled at handling difficult situations.
AQUARIUS Allow your significant other, whether lover or friend, to offer understanding and support. Relying on others is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of love.
PISCES While there are several opportunities to improve your finances, the best way to improve your mood is to continue to concentrate on creative projects.
