Each time I sit down to write this column I always ask myself, “What stories are the stars telling this week?” And because the sky often tells more than one story at a time, the task of translating planetary patterns into a coherent picture requires holding a strong enough eye and ear to sift and sort through major and minor interactions in the hope of identifying the key themes. Because my eyes and ears tend toward emotional and spiritual stories and because I’m more concerned more with causes and consequences than I am with quick fixes, I lean away from the mundane.
Or as a friend once put it: “You don’t encourage dinner with a gorgeous stranger unless the dinner conversation will benefit all sentient beings.” So true—but that doesn’t mean I don’t think romance isn’t important. I just believe love stories encompass a wide range of affections, from the boldly passionate and hot-blooded to quietly and abidingly heartfelt and enduring. You don’t have to be “married” to another human being to feel the power of love’s commitment. A true companion can have four legs and purr or four legs and bark. We can also be wedded to work, friends, creativity, a cause, or a practice—there are as many ways for hearts to engage, as there are stars in the sky.
This week, the planets continue to tell a story of subtle sensitivity. Mars and Mercury are still traveling in tandem through the Sign of Pisces, and on Monday, when the Sun moves into Pisces, it forms an immediate conjunction to Neptune, the planetary ruler of Pisces. Pisces signifies imagination and receptivity. Its domain is as vast as the sea, and its worlds are built on feeling, which is why the problem Pisces always faces is establishing strong shorelines and sturdy boundaries. All Water Signs face this issue, but Cancer can hide beneath its shell and Scorpio can simply withdraw into the deep. But the Piscean call to empathy doesn’t allow a complete withdrawal. The Mercury/Mars conjunction stimulates a need for action, but be ware of acting on assumptions – get the facts first, especially because the Sun/Neptune conjunction feeds a hypersusceptibility to suggestion, which could exacerbate that tendency to assume. This entire Pisces bundle is likely to make it difficult to discern the difference between wishful thinking and intuition. And unfortunately, Jupiter squares the Sun, amplifying the inclination to exaggerate the situation. If you start to feel overloaded or overwhelmed by this Pisces concentration, spend your excess energy dancing. Pisces rules the feet, and dancing is its best remedy.
We’re always telling stories – even when we thinking we aren’t. And because Pisces and Neptune are the poet’s planets, imaginations are apt to tell sensitive stories this week. Make it a point to listen to all that’s being told. Listen to your body, and notice what you hear deep beneath what’s being said. And pay attention to your dreams – sleep’s stories are often the way hearts reveal treasures that might otherwise lie just out of reach.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Stay true to your vision, and strengthen your determination to transform those dreams into reality. I’m not suggesting living in a fantasy world; I’m advising you to stay aware and attuned to your heart’s desire.
Taurus April 20-May 20
How can you share your gifts with the world, whether than means helping a neighbor, participating in your community, or moving your career to the next level? By being true to your vision.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Be bold, but also continue to be about the potential to turn your vision into reality. It’s your confidence that will continue to persuade others to participate in your plan.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Use your doubt to fortify your faith by facing all the questions you have about the validity of your vision and dreams. If you can summon the courage to confront any flaws, you’ll find the appropriate remedy.
Leo July 23-August 22
Continue to let your heart lead the way, and don’t worry about accommodating the values of others. Use this time to refine and hone your value system, and you’ll remain confident in your choices.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Resisting your romantic inclinations will feel like trying to keep your eyes open when you sneeze. So rather than wasting energy on the impossible, give your sentimental self permission to indulge.
Libra September 23-October 22
Be responsive but not reactive. And while that might require thoughtful effort, if you can avoid making standard choices, and instead, stay present to what’s needed, it’ll be easier than you imagine.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Words of love have the power to transform, especially when they are grounded in authenticity. Let go of any need to control the outcome, and simply speak from your heart and express what is most true, for you.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’re still in a hibernation phase and I’m still advising you not to worry about it. Listen closely to your internal rhythms, and you’ll know when it’s right and appropriate to end this retreat.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Give your internal poet permission to say everything you’ve always wanted to say but were afraid wouldn’t be “right.” Not every work will be a gem, but that won’t diminish honesty’s healing effect.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Trust your imagination and allow it to inspire a wealth of new ideas. Not every idea has to be or will be turned into a reality, but don’t let that inhibit your flow – in fact, let it strengthen it.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Relax into the flow, and allow yourself to imagine. Just remember to stay present through the dreaming. Pay attention to these flights of fancy, and you’ll gather important information about yourself.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail Ralfee@AquariumAge.com. Copyright © 2013 by Ralfee Finn