Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: June 29 – July 5

By Ralfee Finn

It’s here: Mars Direct starts today at 4:38 PM PDT, ending a long retrograde phase that began on April 17. And while jubilance is appropriate, before you start singing “At Last” too enthusiastically, combine a deep breath with an extra dose of patience—it takes nearly two weeks for Mars to gain forward momentum. So even though the seemingly endless but often necessary interruptions or modifications of the last two months are now a thing of the past, coming up to speed requires a stay-in-the-moment attitude. But don’t despair. Mars Retrograde doesn’t happen again until June 2018.  
Over the next two weeks the renewed vitality of the planetary hustle and bustle adds renewed vigor to the routines of daily life, some of which have frayed or suffered from the discombobulation of the retrograde. Anticipate a little buyer’s remorse as decisions based more on pent-up retrograde frustration than anything else are now seen in the new light of Mars Direct—Brexit, anyone? So if you’ve voted yourself out of a personal situation without fully understanding the consequences of your decision, you may find yourself looking for a remedy that does damage control.

And we might actually see reversals of fortune over the summer because as Mars gains forward momentum, Uranus—symbol for surprising and startling plot twists—starts to slow down in preparation for its retrograde, which begins on July 29. As Uranus retraces its steps, it coincidentally revisits the ground it covered since April 17, the very day Mars Retrograde began. Pay attention: As Uranus reflects on personal and collective decisions made from April through July, so will we, and many of us may find ourselves in the mood to change our minds. Significantly, on September 5, Uranus hits the exact degree it occupied for the Brexit vote on June 23, and it would not be out of the question to see a referendum on that decision. Of course, that change of heart and mind depends on many factors, but you never know with Uranus—it always has a surprise up its sleeve.

For those who don’t need millions of votes to influence how to handle difficult situations, the next couple of weeks pose challenges, but none of those challenges pose a threat to the stability of the global economy. That’s no reason to be cavalier—personal money matters could be an issue during the coming days and weeks, given the complications of the Brexit Effect.

Here are this week’s particulars:

A Sun/Pluto opposition indicates power problems with authorities, especially if those in control ignore the personal needs of individuals. The good news is that Jupiter intervenes as it forms a sextile to the Sun and a trine to Pluto, lending a positive mediating force that goes a long way toward keeping things real as well as fair. If you can avoid power struggles, this Sun/Venus/Jupiter/Pluto configuration can be applied to all types of creative endeavors with great success and satisfaction. For the next week, Venus is also a part of this entire configuration. Venus adds a touch of grace but also turns this combination sensual and sexual, so don’t be surprised if you feel inclined to indulge in amorous adventures.

The Saturn/Neptune square persists. Saturn symbolizes boundaries, and when it clashes with Neptune, who only wants to merge, we often experience the push/pull of that conflict as a clash between a need to please and a cold dismissal of emotional complexity. Personal as well as political boundaries are irritated by this fractious interaction, something Brexit makes quite clear.

I keep referring to the UK vote to withdraw from the EU because it is emblematic of so many themes that plague global culture, themes that are amplified by the Internet and its mixture of misinformation with bona fide data. As sound bites override statistics, and images obfuscate truth, many grow increasingly unable to tell fact from fiction. Fear and despair drive a need for easy answers—quick, dramatic solutions to a changing world where (to quote Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’) the first ones are finally last. And they aren’t happy about their diminished stature. We are at a tipping point, and even if it appears that consciousness is losing, it isn’t. We’re simply growing through our ignorance, a process that is mostly painful but nonetheless hopeful. So continue to be optimistic about the many challenges we are facing, and when possible, be kind to yourself and to each other, especially the strangers you meet along the way. They are also fellow travelers.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Take a deep breath and get ready for a quickening as Mars, your Ruling Planet, moves forward and puts many projects on a fast track. The best way to acclimate to the new pace is to first prioritize your goals and then to prioritize your time and energy around those goals.

Taurus April 20-May 20
Mars Direct stimulates stagnant partnerships in need of revitalization, and as it does, you’re likely to feel the need to make a new kind of contact. Don’t be shy about shifting your partnership priorities. I’m not suggesting a divorce. I’m simply advising you to stay open to a new attitude.

Gemini May 21-June 21
As Mars moves forward, you’ll need to make way for powerful surges inspiring you toward greater awareness regarding health issues, specifically how to take better care of yourself. This is important, given that Mars’ momentum also increases your workload.

Cancer June 22-July 22
In addition to taking care of your physical world with greater care, Mars Direct could reveal your romantic tendencies as well as your determination to turn infatuation into action. Have at it—just be sure to stay present for the wide range of feelings that are likely to emerge.

Leo July 23-August 22
Mars Direct signals an end of what’s best described as an extended period of personal hibernation—and now you’re moving out into the world and there’s no stopping you. So rather than resist, prepare. Get a haircut, a new outfit, and a positive attitude that engages life with joy.

Virgo August 23-September 22
Be prepared for lots of issues to rise to the surface of consciousness as Mars’ forward motion stimulates a need to clean out and refresh areas of life best served by activity. You’ll need strength to handle this process because it requires taking an internal inventory of what needs to shift for you to experience greater personal peace.

Libra September 23-October 22
Mars Direct provides the energy to straighten out financial matters, particularly those related to partnerships, personal as well as professional. This process is supported by an even deeper theme—yes, something is more important than money. It’s a chance to build solid self-esteem.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
As Mars moves forward, you’re likely to experience renewed energy about making progress in all the areas of your life where you’ve felt tired or where your efforts wouldn’t make a difference. It’s time to dispel that lethargy and get busy revitalizing those places with a new attitude.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars Direct shakes off that tendency to brood like a dog shakes off water after a swim. The difference between you and Fido is the ability to get those around you wet. Rather than dump your concerns on others, use this forward motion to regain your normally positive disposition.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Mars’ forward motion invites you to analyze your involvement in community activities. Pay attention to what inspired you, deepened your commitment or put you off participating at all. This is an opportunity to know yourself and your needs at a deeper level—make the most of it.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
Use Mars’ forward motion to clean up the lingering details of various professional obligations, and then hold on tight as it gains momentum and moves you into increased activities in your community. You don’t have to join an organization—you have the skill to ride this wave on your own.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Take a deep breath, and as Mars Direct expands your horizons, allow yourself to take in the new view. Yes, some of what you’ll see could be disconcerting, but don’t let that stop you from also beholding the beauty. Stay open to this new perspective, and those around you will also benefit from your expanded field of vision.
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

This article was originally published on June 29, 2016.