Idiosyncratic planetary patterns make daily life oddly disconnected.
And while it is true, the pernicious winds of recent weeks have lost
their bluster, foreboding about what lies ahead still has a tenacious
hold on hearts, minds, and souls. The stamina to forge ahead on certain
projects is there and readily accessible, but enthusiasm is measured,
and there’s a reticence to get too excited about the possibilities. But
that’s not all. To make matters worse, even though the next Mercury
Retrograde phase of the year is still two weeks away, regular routines
seem strangely out of sync — the Internet icon indicates you’re
online, but try as you might, you can’t download the necessary
information. And that frustration has the potential to sour moods and
attitudes. There are two essential elements to navigating this next
phase. The first is patience, with yourself, with others, and with the
process of change itself. The second is faith, in you, in others, and
especially in the notion that while these are troubled times, they are
not more than we can handle.
A Mercury/Uranus sextile is at the heart of this week’s erratic
pulse. Normally, I would extol the virtues of this combination because
it stimulates inventive ways of thinking. Period. And I’m still
sticking to that interpretation. But neither Mercury nor Uranus is the
most stable of planetary symbols (when they interact in any
configuration, sentient nervous systems stretch and struggle to
integrate the energy). And because this sextile comes at the end of
several weeks of difficult Uranian interactions, we could feel more
disconcerted by its presence than moved to innovative behavior. So
don’t be surprised if you find yourself testy and suspicious when
someone suggests a new way of doing just about anything.
A Sun/Pluto trine does provide a deep well of strength, stamina, and
the determination to move forward despite obstacles. The Sun is in
Taurus, a Sign devoted to tangible, practical results. Pluto is in
Capricorn, another Earth Sign that shares the same love of sensible,
effective means and methods. Unfortunately, a Mars/Pluto square has the
potential to turn this square into a propensity for sheer brute force.
Please remember to be kind — we’re all in need of respect and
consideration.
But the problem with harnessing that down-to-earth potential is the
ongoing Jupiter/Neptune conjunction. For while this conjunction
supports altruistic dreams, it can just as easily diffuse the power of
those ideals through excess — too much concentration in one area
and not enough in another, for example. Or the squandering of energy on
ideas that are illusory. Also be aware that this conjunction feeds
addictive appetites as a way of coping with the stresses and strains of
daily life. So if you’re prone to satisfying your hunger through
excessive use of drugs, alcohol, sex, or shopping — although not
too many people are indulging that appetite — try to substitute
healthy ways of managing the tension. Be creative — write, paint,
pot, play music, or find other, healthy ways of spending your
energy.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that,
too.
ARIES March 21-April 19
It’s simply a good time for public recognition of your efforts, so
don’t shy away from the spotlight. Be proud of your accomplishments,
but also remember to be humble, and several doors of opportunity will
open.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
It’s your time to lead, which means it’s your time to inspire others
by your example. Make your decisions wisely and you’ll also inspire
lasting loyalty and respect.
GEMINI May 21-June 21
Pay attention to your dreams, sleeping or waking, because hidden in
those excursions are creative gems that you can make good use of now,
or at some point in the not-so-distant future.
CANCER June 22-July 22
Embrace positive and productive interactions with significant
others, personal or professional, and you’ll be pleased at how easy it
is to weave new plans. Just be sure to keep a realistic attitude about
what’s possible.
LEO July 23-August 22
You really must concentrate on your career this week, even if you’re
retired. The Sun is shining too brightly on professional endeavors to
let this opportunity slip away.
VIRGO August 23-September 22
It’s a good time to gather your internal resources, and then to
allow this process to strengthen your sense of self. Use this phase to
establish and maintain your equilibrium and the results will last.
LIBRA September 23-October 22
There could be squabbles with partners over needs — your needs
versus theirs. I’m not suggesting codependence, but if you want to keep
the peace, find the solid ground of compromise.
SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Listen closely. Powerful conversations with significant others,
personal and professional, or with friends and family, deliver valuable
information that could help you to transform a difficult situation.
SAGITTARIUS November 22-December
21
I’m not suggesting you give up your innate capacity for fun. But if
you stay focused on specific projects, you’ll make good, steady
progress that will allow you a sense of accomplishment.
CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
You feel as if you have to choose between pursuing a creative outlet
or dealing with practical matters at home. But if you prioritize your
energy, you’ll be able to find time for your responsibilities as well
as your joy.
AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Try not to let your frustration with the emotional issues of others
tilt your internal equilibrium toward a brooding or futile attitude.
Rather than become embroiled in the turmoil, find healthy ways of
dealing with it.
PISCES February 19-March 20
While some of your intensity is diminishing, you still have a strong
need to express yourself. Continue to be passionate, but also be aware
that others may have a similar need, and when possible, listen
compassionately.
