The stars and planets are as busy as Santa’s elves this week, and the hustle and bustle of daily life here on Earth mirrors the hubbub in the sky. For those that thrive on being busy, rejoice! Your moment is now, as schedules, appointments, meetings, and deadlines drive intensity—just be prepared for plenty of changes in plans and projects. Also be aware: A deeply emotional component underlies all the action, and on certain days, feelings effortlessly override reason and/or common sense, which could result in melodramas—and these meltdowns aren’t limited to over-stimulated or disappointed children.
Those of us not riding the waves of holiday excitement are likely to attune to the deeper seasonal currents of the week, celebrating the winter solstice and its quiet reminder of the return of the light. Of course, there are likely to be a fair number of fellow travelers who, bummed by the pressure of the season, are likely to be found muttering, “bah-humbug” as they stumble through gatherings or prepare their caves for hibernation. And given the astral interactions of the next two weeks, cocooning isn’t such a bad choice, especially if you are prone to angry rants or get easily rattled when others let loose. I’ve already suggested this in the last couple of columns, but I’m saying it again: Unless you have to take a stand because not taking one would violate your principles, make nice for the next couple of weeks; violence will be of no benefit to anyone, including you.
Here’s the astro-skinny:
Uranus went direct yesterday. Generally when Uranus shifts, we experience an etheric bump. This jolt could occur as a dynamic event. But it is more than likely to manifest as an escalation in the need to break free from whatever enslaves, particularly relationships—of every denomination—that hold us hostage to the past. And that’s because Mars, currently in Libra, the Sign of relationships, is in an opposition to that “forward moving” Uranus. (It also squares Pluto, but more about that later.) Mars is transiting Libra for nearly eight months, and the first dynamic contact it makes is this opposition. Uranus is in Aries, the Sign of the individual. Oppositions signify tension. And when Mars, symbol of the fighter, faces off with Uranus, symbol of freedom, declarations of independence dot the landscape. From a personal perspective, this opposition challenges partnerships built on inequality. From a collective perspective, it feeds the rebel with or without a cause. The opposition is exact and separating on Christmas Day, which is probably when we will feel the brunt of Uranus Direct. Christmas Day is rarely as perfect in actuality as it is in our imaginations. Do spend a moment (when you’re not reveling) to figure out a strategy, now, for handling family interactions; they could go “south” at the drop of a wrong word.
Unfortunately, Mars also squares Pluto. That pernicious interaction adds a touch of ruthlessness to the entire bundle. And while this Mars/Uranus/Pluto combination could supply extraordinary strength, resisting the temptation to squash or squelch others will take a super human effort. Turn the other cheek, and refuse to engage in cruel rebuttals. The Mars/Pluto square is exact on December 30—make an early resolution to avoid brawls and brouhahas of any kind.
Venus begins her retrograde phase on December 21, and her retrospective lasts until January 31, 2014. This is a fairly benign review, although it is likely to interfere with last minute shopping. We aren’t likely to feel stifled by Venus Retrograde or challenged to overcome huge obstacles, if only because the Mars/Uranus/Pluto combination is challenge enough. But Venus ends her retrograde in a conjunction to Pluto and an opposition to Jupiter at the same degree as the fifth exact Uranus/Pluto square on April 21. This is an interesting synchronicity that bears paying attention to; notice how Venus Retrograde ends and you’ll discover a thread of how that fifth square will play out.
Last, and by no means least, the winter solstice occurs on December 21, at 12:11 PM, EST, just a few hours before Venus Retrograde. I love the true seasonal New Year simply because we celebrate it with festivals of light. (Yes…I am assuming a northern-hemisphere-centric point of view; my apologies to readers Down Under.) And despite its growing popularity, the winter solstice is still unencumbered by individual and collective expectations. The Sun reaches its “standstill” and so do the dark days, yet, it is an invitation to reach deep down into our roots, to be still, and to gather strength for the coming year.
Finding that still point won’t be easy this week, but it is entirely worth the effort, if only for a moment, to feel the deep and abiding change of season; to feel yourself to be a part of a planet, spinning in space, held in place by a brilliant star whose light gives life to all. As the coming weeks unfold, try to remember that the Sun doesn’t discriminate; it shines its light on all sentient beings. Allow your light to follow the Sun and whenever possible, embody the true spirit of the season by illuminating the wonder of life through generosity and kindness toward your fellow travelers.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Rather than assuming a strong stance, soften—even if it looks like a revolutionary war, it probably isn’t. As hard as it might be to actually accomplish, if you let the situation unfold on its own, you will ultimately be in a better position to understand what your role is.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Uranus is certain to stir deep rumblings in your unconscious, and whether its presence is felt through dreams, visions, or a discomfort that moves you into a deep internal search, you don’t have to find all the answers on your own. Ask for help when it is needed, and you might be surprised by the positive response.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Expect unexpected encounters with friends and acquaintances—past, present, and perhaps, future. And don’t be surprised if old feelings rise to the surface and rekindle passions you thought were long gone. You don’t have to act on these feelings, just stay open to the possibilities and allow the potential of the moment to stimulate a new process.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Uranus could facilitate several surprising career developments. And for those of you not interested in professional opportunities, these startling plot twists could easily take the form of increased participation in projects and plans that benefit others. Whatever your situation, be ready for increased recognition from others.
Leo July 23-August 22
You won’t be able to tolerate the mundane task of daily life if you don’t enliven those regular routines your creativity and imagination. You need to explore exotic locales, and it doesn’t matter whether those locations are exterior or interior. Just giving yourself permission to have an adventure will heal a multitude of petty complaints.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Your personal revolution has to do with taking a stand for what matters most to you and then doing whatever it takes to hold that ground. I’m not suggesting insurrection or battle of any kind. I’m just advising you to be able to identify what is ultimately valuable in your life—and why.
Libra September 23-October 22
You can push the river, or you can turn off your mind, relax, and float down stream—it’s up to you—and while this may sound like a no-brainer, it won’t be easy letting go of the need to control the outcome. Just remember, true partnerships are based on mutual rhythms that eventually coalesce into a shared perspective.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Work-related issues could take several surprising turns, but don’t use that as an excuse to brood about your situation. Instead, use those plot twists to rethink your strategy. If you keep your attitude fresh, you’ll stay open to the potential of each situation, and that could yield unexpected positive results.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Express yourself without hesitation. Uranus ramps up your creativity, and even if some of your ideas seem farfetched, pay attention to your imagination and immerse yourself in the process—you never know where the creative thread is going to lead you and you won’t find out if you don’t participate.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Uranus stirs the bottom of your psychic pond, the deep waters of memory and imprints that lie beneath the surface of daily life. And while its disruptions are uncomfortable, they are also valuable, especially as they bring to light old patterns in need of rehabilitation. Be willing to work on these patterns, and you’ll eventually find your footing.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It is all about communication, especially conversations that catalyze new perspectives on a variety of old issues. Don’t be afraid to ask the big questions, and even if the answers aren’t what you expect or desire, stay on the field and continue the dialogue. The data gathered from these interactions is certain to be mind-blowing.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Yes, your situation is about money. But at a much deeper level, it’s about your ability to stay true to your values regardless of how others assess the viability of those standards. Hold your ground, but don’t enter into a full-scale stand-off. The solution is finding the middle ground of compromise that honors the needs of everyone.