Tension, frustration, and overload sweep through emotional bodies
this week, and as these mighty currents coalesce with personal and
collective situations, emotional bodies are sure to move into overload
and overwhelm. And it isn’t likely anyone is going to be “over it”
anytime soon. You can say you’re letting go, but that doesn’t actually
mean you are releasing the stress and strain or practicing
non-attachment, skillfully. It’s going to take concentrated effort and
expanded awareness to override the intensity, internal or external. It
will also take determination to find and maintain a peaceful stance
that will do no harm. Rather than drowning in a sea of reactions,
devote time and energy to figuring out how to breathe your way to
conscious and considerate responses.
The first source of stress is Mercury Retrograde — and this
one is packed with snafus, mechanical, technical, and communicational.
(Yes, I know there is no such word, but, hey, Mercury rules language,
so I guess that means I can make up a retrograde word.) Retrogrades are
never a good time to update or install software, or change your
voicemail message. It also wrecks havoc with contracts, negotiations,
and traffic. (And today, as I write this, especially traffic.) Terrible
retrogrades demand drastic measures, so don’t hesitate to take your
patience pills. (Just don’t resort to heroin — the retrograde
will be over by September 29.) Remember, Mercury Retrograde slows the
pace of daily life, which should create opportunities to reflect and
review. Unfortunately, when the
slow-mo-rewind-go-over-the-details-one-more-time pace of the retrograde
turns glacial, frustration morphs into intolerance. Give up the need to
hurry and instead, make nice.
But the true source of tension is the third exact contact of the
Saturn/Uranus opposition, which occurred yesterday, Earth time (and,
measured by cosmic moments, is still occurring). This opposition
signifies the dissolution of the status quo and the resistance of the
status quo to that decompensation. And we are definitely in the
resistance stage of the breakdown process. To say that this opposition
represents unrest would be an understatement. It would also be an
understatement to say the current political and cultural turbulence is
going to end anytime soon. When the structures of society are forced to
change because they no longer serve, chaos is probable. (But that
doesn’t mean it will lead to civil collapse.) From my astrological
perspective, we’ve been living in chaos since the last time Saturn and
Uranus opposed each other in the 1960s. That series of oppositions also
challenged the status quo and the status quo has been resisting ever
since. The religious right and the glorification of Reagan are actually
responses to the last Saturn/Uranus cultural revolution; we could
contextualize what’s happening right now as a continuation of what
started then. And while I’m not suggesting (although I want to) that
the solution is wearing flowers and love beads, making love instead of
war might move us out of the mess we are in.
This week, put a flower in your hair and do your best to believe in
the power of love.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon sign, read that,
too.
ARIES The solution to your most immediate dilemma is figuring
out how to reconcile seemingly oppositional forces. Consider taking no
“unnecessary action,” and rather than forcing the situation, allow it
to unfold.
TAURUS You can blame the retrograde for what seems like
interminable delays. Or you can praise the retrograde for providing
opportunities to review and reconsider certain choices. It’s up to you
— but I’d go with gratitude.
GEMINI Time is once again what’s needed to gain perspective,
so continue to take daily life at your own pace. Rather than rush from
one responsibility to another, do whatever is necessary to maintain
your mental health.
CANCER Spontaneous conversations reveal startling
information, and your reaction is likely to be deeply emotional. Be
authentic about what you feel, but try not to get lost in the
process.
LEO Be determined to find a peaceful resolution and then
quiet your mind and allow your intuition to guide your choices. I’m not
suggesting miracles. I’m simply advising listening to your heart.
VIRGO It’s all about calling in your deepest wisdom —
and then following that inner counsel. Just be prepared to be inspired
to make some previously unconsidered and definitely unconventional
choices.
LIBRA As Mercury reviews the details of recent weeks, the
secret of your success will be not allowing that review to devolve into
an inner litany of regret. Stay open to what you can learn, but refuse
to brood.
SCORPIO Your normally deep waters run even deeper this week
as you take in your immediate environment at a new level. Give yourself
enough time to digest the information and you’ll make the appropriate
adjustments.
SAGITTARIUS Try not to let strong feelings about your career
circumstances throw you off track. Yes, the situation is intense, but
you have an innately optimistic attitude to pull you through.
CAPRICORN Be in the moment, stay in your integrity, and
resist the temptation to try to control the outcome. As hard as it
might be, simply let the situation unfold in its own time and its own
way.
AQUARIUS The challenge is staying objective, and while this
sounds like a “can do,” maintaining neutrality may not be possible when
you factor in strong emotions. Make “keepin’ it real” your mantra, and
you’ll do fine.
PISCES Once again, it’s all about refusing to position
yourself as a victim. So rather than concentrate on the “cost” of
certain relationships, focus on what you’re learning about yourself and
others.
