Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: June 1-6

By Ralfee Finn

If you’ve got a cross to bear, but have been too shy to show it to the world, this would be the week to put it on display for everyone to witness. Even if you’ve been dragging it around like a barely visible companion (crosses are never completely invisible), this would be the week to dust it off and spiff it up. The planets are playing Guess My Sacrifice, and while I am not suggesting you display your afflictions with pride (although some will), I am suggesting that the days and nights of the week could devolve into endless competitive rounds of The Martyr with the Mostest.

But winning won’t be easy, given that those in need are truly in need and those able to help are already overwhelmed by just how much need there is. As always, the best way through this week’s unusual astral signature is to do your best to practice kindness to yourself as well as your fellow travelers—even if the kindest thing is saying no.

A Grand Mutable Cross sets the sacrificial tone of the week. It’s a powerful configuration composed of the tension of two oppositions, as well as the stress of four squares. And because this interaction is as complex as it sounds, the various forces involved have a hard time finding resolution—each planet is pulling in its own direction and that makes it hard to find solutions that satisfy everyone. The good news is that Mutable Signs tend to be the peacemakers of the zodiac; they have the power to soften stressful interactions, making compromise possible—not probable, but possible.

Here are the players:

Opposition one: A Sun/Venus conjunction, in Gemini, is opposed by Saturn. This is probably the toughest component of all and it definitely lends itself to the notion of sacrifice. The Sun/Venus conjunction just wants to revel in the exchange of information, a delight that could benefit others or simply become gossip. Saturn opposes this need to “share” by pointing its critical finger at anything that resembles idle chatter. Saturn’s judgment could lead many to feel misunderstood or discounted, and that could lead to a lot of hurt feelings.

Opposition two: A Jupiter/Neptune opposition lends itself to flagrant exaggeration, some of which is in the service of a good cause, but most is simply embellishing the truth to serve a private purpose. Jupiter symbolizes the broad perspective. Neptune signifies spirituality. But both are given to grandiosity (a disorder that serves no one). Jupiter’s problem is excess, and that makes it a little easier to deal with: just tone it down. But Neptune’s flaw is illusion, delusion, and worst of all, projection–three of those nasty little Shadow Dwarfs that Snow White keeps locked in the closet. Stick to the facts when you tell your tales; these days, reality is strange enough.

The tricky part of this configuration is that all the players also square each other which translates into a fractious atmosphere that has the potential to turn certain human interactions sour with disappointment, misinformation, or regret.

The Sun/Venus/Neptune square invites romantic idealism, and while this is a highly inspirational interaction, it easily ignores the truth of the situation in favor of wishful thinking. The good news (if you want to call it that) is Saturn’s consistent ability to keep it real. So even though you may balk at Saturn’s ability to spot the weakness in any structure, its presence could keep you from making a decision you might later regret.

Again, Saturn’s insistence on reality also mitigates the Sun/Venus/Jupiter square. Jupiter encourages the Sun and Venus toward extravagant language, gestures, and habits, but Saturn steps in and saves the day with practical questions about the consequences of such excess.

The squares between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune are indicators of the daily suffering occurring on planet Earth, as well as the efforts to solve our many problems. We live in excessive, polarized times: One day awful news is delivered about the plight of yet another species on our planet, and the next day, we’re privy to huge strides solving the problems of another. The news easily identifies that clash between the suffering endured by our fellow travelers, symbolized by the square between Saturn and Neptune, as well as the square between Jupiter and Saturn. Saturn continues to insist that we keep it real. The problem is finding a way to be inclusive.

On Saturday, June 4, the New Moon joins the Sun/Venus conjunction in an exact square to Jupiter. New Moons are always about new beginnings and planting the seeds for what you want to grow. This New Moon has the power to provide a new perspective on many old problems. But the solutions it plants need to be planted with the idea that each of us can make a difference in the world.

Every heart has the power to decide where to spend its love. You can consider the difficulties you’re currently facing as an unfair burden. Yes, there is suffering and life is unfair. But that reality doesn’t nullify efforts to overcome difficult circumstances, yours or others’. Naming injustice and doing something about it is how we change the world and make it a better place for our fellow travelers. Just be careful not to hate your enemy because hatred will only infect and corrupt the efficacy of your efforts to create peace.

And for those already carrying a heavy load of service to others, if you’re suffering from compassion fatigue, take a break and take care of yourself. Sacrifice isn’t about exhaustion. Sacrifice means to make sacred. Spend the currency of your big-heartedness well—take care of your fellow travelers, but don’t forget to honor your own needs.

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 as you exhale, let go of the idea that you have to keep pace with the collective intensity. Yes…there are important tasks at hand, but you don’t have to get everything done at once. Just breathe until you can find a comfortable personal stride.

Taurus April 20-May 20
The New Moon facilitates a new approach to finances. While this is not quite a “hallelujah” moment, it is an opportunity to assume a new level of personal responsibility about your resources and how to handle them. Used wisely, this could be a chance for less stress and more freedom.

Gemini May 21-June 21
You can see your situation as a cross to bear or you can view it as a gigantic puzzle that has the power to provide a new perspective—it’s up to you, as always. As you choose, remember this rule: The universe rearranges itself to accommodate our picture of reality. Think big, Grasshopper, but also be realistic.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Before you make decisions about where you want to spend your time and energy, pay close attention to your priorities. And before you decide what those are, take a moment to tune in to what’s occurring beneath the surface reality of daily life. You could discover that something deeper is calling you.

Leo July 23-August 22
You’re in the midst of a pivotal moment and although you know how powerful it is, you’re questioning whether you’re brave enough to face it. You are, especially if you discard pretense and rely on your innate courage to show you the way. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Virgo August 23-September 22
It isn’t always easy for you to take a stand and hold to it—you’re far too aware of the interconnectedness of every decision to make one lightly. Yet you have to choose, and although your choices could cause uncomfortable ripples, you’ll eventually be pleased with what you set in motion.

Libra September 23-October 22
It won’t be possible for you to avoid conversations about important subjects. So rather than hide or attempt to delay, be willing to show up, stay in the moment and tell your truth. Just avoid ultimatums or pressing significant others for responses. You’re in a process that requires time.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
Whatever your burden might be, contemplate the possibilities of transforming your situation. I realize it’s not possible to shift some circumstances, but that doesn’t mean you can’t change your attitude. Find a new perspective, and you’ll open up the possibilities.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Jean Paul Sartre wrote: Hell is other people. There may be moments when you know exactly what he meant. But even though relationships with significant others, personal as well as professional, present difficult challenges, being alone might not be the solution. Rather than run away, face the problems.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s a lot of realities to corral and try to fit into a coherent whole picture. If you can identify the most important concerns of each person or situation, you’ll be able to find the ground of compromise. Think of creating the biggest possible picture without the clutter of unnecessary details.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’re balancing several situations simultaneously, and each has a different emotional component. Make a heartfelt assessment of where your energy and time would be best spent. Be careful to avoid expedient choices—this phase is all about feeling, deeply, what matters to you the most.

Pisces February 19-March 20
Use the tensions of the week to inspire an entirely new and fresh approach to old situations you can’t seem to transform. Instead of seeing yourself burdened, understand that all the difficulties have been opportunities for growth. Yes…I know that sounds like a cliché, but clichés are what they are because they are true and often wise.

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 3, 2016.