Mighty Mars, finally free from the shackles of its retrograde, gathers no moss this week, and as Mars lets freedom ring, each and every day and night feels like another Independence Day. Renewed ambition is at the core of this liberating energy, so expect to feel revived strength and stamina that includes an emphasis on physically achieving goals rather than thinking about success. Also anticipate declarations from all sorts of fellow travelers seeking to break free from any negative ties that bind, individual as well as collective and factual as well as imaginary. But that’s not all. An eclectic air stimulates unusual passions, creating an environment that fires a desire for unfettered amorous adventures. It’s a wild week and it plays out in the forefront of an already too wild world stage. Breathe in this liberation but be careful not to get too intoxicated by it. Despite the many exciting distractions of the week, these are serious times which demand serious attention.
The source of ambition is two-fold: (1) There’s a trine between Mars, direct in Scorpio, and a Sun/Mercury conjunction, in Cancer, as well as (2) a trine between Mars and Venus, which is also in Cancer. This entire positive bundle gives birth to a desire for success through the practical application of thoughtful strategies. Cancer tends to be concerned with issues of safety and security; Scorpio likes to be in control; and the combination tends to focus on tangible plans that yield results. Both Cancer and Scorpio are Water Signs, which tilt this configuration toward expanded intuition. Let this powerful influence carry you forward—trust your hunches as you simultaneously commit to the hard work of making those goals real.
Probably the most interesting planetary pattern of the week (continuing from last week) is a square between Uranus, in Aries, and Venus, in Cancer. This square has the potential to arouse repressed emotions and nervous reactions to sexually charged experiences, but it could just as easily make you hungry for unusual encounters. Try not to be judgmental of yourself or others should you find yourself in a situation you may have previously dreamed of but never actually participated in. Venus/Uranus contacts are always about freedom—always—which means the potential for saying no outweighs the codependent habit of agreeing. It also means saying yes when you might otherwise bow out. Use the power of this contact wisely and you’ll be able to extricate yourself from a difficult situation or plant yourself in the middle of an exciting one. And if extrication is the furthest thing from your mind, before you expect things to last forever, remember my Venus/Uranus motto: Marry in haste, repent at leisure.
The square between Saturn and Neptune continues to push the boundaries between fact and fiction. We’re growing increasingly inured to falsehoods guised in constantly repeated sound bites that are intended to serve as hypnotic devices. It’s exhausting to have to wade through the plethora of distortions being broadcast daily, and it’s simply awful to accept the idea that so many care so little about the truth. Opinion rules, it seems, and the Saturn/Neptune square seems to be revealing just how easy it is to turn an opinion into “truth.” Neptune trines that Sun/Mercury conjunction, providing an air of idealism and inspiration. Just be careful not to become so enamored with a dream that you forget just how much work it will take to manifest the reality.
For the last week we’ve been in the grip of a Sun/Pluto opposition, and this week as Mercury conjuncts the Sun, Pluto also opposes Mercury. Sun/Pluto contacts are always about power and oppositions are always about tension and its release. Expect lots of people to blow off steam this week and, with the presence of Mercury, symbolizing communication, anticipate that many of those releases will be through words, words you might later regret. But it will be hard to hold back, especially as the urge to get “it” off your chest coalesces with the let-freedom-ring tone of the week. Many will be tempted to break the silence of discretion.
Recently a friend, musing on the state of the world, suggested that what we’re missing in the midst of our current cultural tumult is a world leader with the moral authority of Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mahatma Gandhi. I agreed, but soon realized that reaching the collective consciousness necessary to right this spaceship called Planet Earth requires more than a charismatic leader whose feet are securely anchored in ideals. Each of us needs to be that presence. Yes, we need to be inspired, and that may be one of the reasons that Facebook pages are filled with clichés meant to bolster body, heart and mind. And we do need powerful and courageous leaders who are gentle-hearted. But each of us also needs to be an inspirational leader in our individual lives, especially as we continue to make our way through the current waves of this massive evolutionary leap we seem to be in the midst of. So be that leader and demonstrate your courage by kindness and compassion.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Stay focused on the tasks at hand, whether your to-do list is filled with personal obligations or work responsibilities, or both. If you keep moving forward one step at a time, one day at a time, you will maintain steady progress that results in tangible accomplishments.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The focus is on communication, and while some of what needs to be talked about is sure to be challenging—even confrontational—there are lots of opportunities to clear up several misunderstandings. So show up, speak your truth, and patiently listen to others as they share theirs.
Gemini May 21-June 21
There are opportunities to make money, particularly if you can concentrate your time and energy on the projects that matter most. Yes, there will be distractions, but none of those interruptions has the power to override your efforts to get the job done.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re in the spotlight and nothing can dim that light, so rather than resist the attention, step into the brilliance and let it guide your way. Start by expressing yourself—all of you—and then let the power of that authenticity lead you to the next step.
Leo July 23-August 22
Expect surprising information to create spontaneous plot twists. I know you’re not a fan of out-of-control situations but most of the data is valuable. Some arrives from outside sources—family, friends or colleagues, but the majority is available through contemplation and inspiration.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Potent conversations with members of your community could lead you to make decisions you’ve been postponing. As you consider the ramifications of your choices, be clear about what you would like the fruit of your labors to be. Then, move toward those goals with confidence.
Libra September 23-October 22
There are money- and work-related opportunities if you’re willing to prioritize your goals and organize your efforts. Be careful not to let too many distractions derail your schedule. If you concentrate and do the heavy lifting now, you’ll be pleased with the results later.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Be confident in your ability to handle what lies ahead, but also remember to be humble about all there is to do. Be clear about what you can handle well and then be willing to delegate to others what they can do well—even if that’s just keeping up with the day-to-day necessities.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Take a deep breath, start gathering your energy and marshaling your forces. It’s just three and a half weeks until Mars moves into your Sign, and when it does you’ll need to be prepared for lift-off. So put your house in order now and you won’t be blown away later.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Rather than get stuck in a partnership standoff, diffuse the polarization by finding compromises that have the potential to benefit all the parties. If you focus your energy on what’s right for everyone—not just for you—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find workable solutions.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It’s a lot of work, and although it might seem overwhelming at first, you are totally capable of handling the load—and you might even have fun. So whether the work is personal or professional, don’t hesitate to tackle it. The more engrossed you are in the process the better the outcome.
Pisces February 19-March 20
You’re being asked to channel a lot of creative energy, and while you are certainly up to the challenge, it may feel as if you’re attempting to hook up an electrical outlet to a live wire. So take a breath, step away from whatever it is you’re working on, and give yourself permission to gain a much-needed perspective.