You don’t need an astrologer to tell you we’re in for another wild ride this week—truth be told, no one needs anyone anymore to tell them just how crazy life is. It’s already too wild a ride for most of us, so wild you don’t even need to watch the news to witness how quickly societal structures are crumbling—unless you need evidence to substantiate your intuition that the days and nights on Planet Earth have turned into a bizarre refrain of unrealistic bombast and all too real suffering. The best way to maintain your equilibrium is to concentrate on acts of kindness and care. Those who have worked on building and maintaining a strong spiritual center need to step up to the plate (if they haven’t already) and reach out to others who have no way of understanding or contextualizing what’s going on. A gentle hand and soothing words have the power to quiet the heart, even in the midst of turmoil.
This week, an astral combination of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn stimulates a desire for peaceful negotiations. But that desire is compromised on several fronts. First, Mercury and Venus are conjunct in Leo, which translates into a fiery, dramatic intensity that Saturn can’t easily settle down. Don’t be surprised if creative solutions to persistent problems sound like extravagant proposals that have absolutely no chance of turning into reality.
Next…the ongoing square between the Sun and Uranus continues to inspire personal declarations of independence, and that need to be free is certain to engender breakdowns and breakups as well as breakthroughs. So don’t be surprised if your attempts at détente are rejected before they are even heard. This restless interaction will be over soon, so try not to make any life altering decisions you might later regret.
Third, although Saturn is quite happily supporting the creative efforts of Mercury and Venus, Saturn is also still locked into a square with Neptune, and this fractious interaction is at the core of what’s best described as a rejection of facts and a preference for fantasy. Saturn symbolizes the voice of reality. Neptune represents illusion and delusion, and while it can signify the highest forms of mystical bliss, Neptune is most commonly associated with the ability to be possessed by the projected desires and attachments of one’s mind. Put simply: You just see what you want to see. Period. And no amount of actual knowledge or information can change that point of view.
The combined influence of these three factors makes finding the right words to settle differences, nullify polarization and quell anxiety an impossible mission meant for another time, mostly because it means seeing through the illusion or delusion of your own projections and putting personal prejudice aside. But don’t let that stop you from trying. All efforts toward peace matter, no matter how small their effect. At some point we will reach critical mass and become less and less interested in distorting and manipulating reality for personal gain and much more interested in telling the truth—really: the truth.
You may notice as you work your way through the week that time seems to be unfolding with disparate signatures. You can attribute that to Uranus. On July 29 Uranus goes retrograde, a phase that ends on December 29, and as many of us know, Uranus Retrograde is strangely related to equipment of all kinds, especially technology. So back up everything now, please.
As Uranus reviews the last several months of surprising developments, we review a plethora of startling plot twists that have disrupted the status quo. Retrograde phases are about revisiting decisions, reviewing those choices, and recognizing what needs refinement. It’s hard to refine responses to a crazy world in a crazy world where extreme is the new normal. But the difficulty of that task shouldn’t keep us from trying. Again, the best way to cope with the surreal is to remember the reality of kindness. In times such as these it is the small but nonetheless meaningful gestures of the heart that keep us sane and optimistic about the future.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Rather than get sucked into turmoil of having to be in control, keep your mind focused on how to implement creative inspiration into every aspect of your life. Let go of the need to be in charge and instead open to the idea that relief and resolution are likely to come from unexpected places.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Follow your urge to stay at home, comfortably tucked under the covers in front of the air-conditioner or just as comfortably ensconced in your yard. Give yourself permission to take care of you, and you’ll replenish your inner reserves.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Conversations with significant others—spouses, siblings, business partners, or best friends—have the potential to clear up previous misunderstandings or misconceptions. But accessing that potential means putting aside projections and really listening to what’s being shared.
Cancer June 22-July 22
There are real opportunities for you to make tangible gains in the pursuit of financial stability or in the arena of self-esteem and self-confidence. Either way, this is a chance to make positive progress in your attitude toward yourself. Remember, money is just one way of measuring success.
Leo July 23-August 22
You are in the spotlight and the lighting couldn’t be better. Make the most of this glamorous moment by putting your best foot forward and allowing yourself to shine. Only one word of advice: Be sure to focus your attention on helping others to sparkle as well—generosity is your strongest asset.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Your mindset is much improved, and that mental strength helps you reconsider recent decisions, especially words said in the heat of the moment that you now regret. Take a deep breath and allow this new internal perspective to inspire ways to make peace.
Libra September 23-October 22
It’s all about community—either increasing your participation in already established activities or creating a new environment that best suits your needs. Move into this experience with a commitment to sharing your gifts with a wider audience, especially those who will benefit from your talents.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The focus is on recognition, specifically, you acknowledging what you would like to accomplish. This could be career related but it doesn’t have to be. And it’s not difficult—it’s about you opening to your creative potential and deciding how you most want to spend that currency.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The stage is set for you to own your authority, but before you start pontificating, leave your hubris at the door. True power always knows its limitations, and when those boundaries are acknowledged, authentic growth occurs. So take a deep breath, exhale, and own your voice.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Even though the world seems to be spinning out of control, it’s okay to relax and be grateful for what you have accomplished. Give yourself permission to count your blessings, knowing that gratitude will only increase your appreciation for all aspects of your life.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
There’s real potential to make potent and powerful connections with significant others, so if you’re thinking of hiding away, this is not the right time to hibernate. Rather than hide your love away, wear it loud and proud by demonstrating your appreciation for those you love.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Seize the moment and do your best to integrate inspiration into action. Walk your talk, but more importantly figure out how you want to help others. Develop a strategy for implementing that plan and then let nothing stop you from turning that dream into reality.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-212-222-3232, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com. Copyright © 2016 by Ralfee Finn