Polarized planets indicate the potential for subjective points of view this week so don’t be surprised if you encounter more than a few attempts to skew the data in a specific direction. Yes, it is possible say that bias already infuses most opinions, especially when it comes to politics. But this week, the need to “make it so” has a zeal that’s hard to ignore. Call it “might for right” or simply call it a “bully pulpit,” but whatever you call this atmosphere of strong opinions, best be ready for confrontations.
The antidote to this atmosphere is objective discernment—they ability to see clearly, delineate the facts, and avoid having to shame or otherwise denigrate your opposition. For those inclined toward action, make every effort to employ skillful means when dealing with difficult people or situations: Know your audience and gauge your methods with wisdom and compassion. There’s no need to make human relations anymore prickly than they already are.
The source of conflict is a Mars/Saturn opposition. Mars ends its transit through Taurus and begins its transit through Gemini on May 11. This week, as Mars moves through the final degrees of Taurus, it starts an opposition to Saturn, a tense interaction that is exact and separating on May 15. Gemini is the Sign of information, communication, travel, and commerce. Mars is the planet of war, but before it shows its purely bellicose side, Mars is mostly the planet of self-assertion—it symbolizes the ability to take a stand. Sometimes taking a stand is necessary, especially if it helps to clarify your needs, desires, intentions, and values. But taking a stand purely for the thrill of battle isn’t the best use of power, and ultimately only bites you in the ass.
Sagittarius is also a Sign of information, and like Gemini, has a wide bandwidth. Its extensive reach includes global communications and all belief systems, including all religious, spiritual, and philosophic traditions. Saturn is the planet of structure, but it is also the planet of limitation and authority. And when it clamps down on a free-wheelin’ Martian need to skew the facts to its own advantage (which can happen when Mars is in Gemini) clashes are probable.
Fortunately, there is also good news this week, although it comes with surprising developments that may be startling at first glance. A Jupiter/Uranus trine begins this week and continues to exact contact on June 22. Regular readers of this column know just how much I love this “thank the lord” interaction. And I love it because it signifies the possibility of sudden bursts of good fortune from surprising sources. From my perspective, it’s always good to be reminded that no matter how much you think you’re in control, you’re not.
The only thing we have control over is how we handle each moment of every day. We can choose to be reactive, act out of habit, and perpetuate the same unconscious (and in some cases conscious) negative patterns. Or we can bring awareness and consciousness to our situation and do our best to create new habits. And even if some of our attempts to do so are awkward, that’s okay. Awkward moments powered by good intentions usually don’t blow up. So this week if you find yourself polarized with someone over information, figure out how you can keep the peace without surrendering your point of view. It is an alchemical challenge, but a worthwhile one, if only because the difficulty of finding a positive solution forces the brain to consider new options, a process that can dissipate old mental habits that are no longer applicable.
And of course, even if it is hard to do, put a little more love in your heart and make an effort to be kind to your fellow travelers.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
It’s probably safe to assume that conflicts may arise with family members and/or co-workers over strong differences of opinion about how to handle certain situations. While I am not suggesting you stifle your point of view, you might want to consider breathing deeply before you speak. There’s no need to go to war, and every reason to consider other points of view.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Disputes over money are seldom easy, but they can often be resolved with a calculator and plenty of patience. Disagreements over values aren’t usually resolved so easily because trying to quantify what matters most is almost always a matter of opinion. Stay open to the possibility that your values are shifting, and even if they aren’t, you’ll manage to maintain a somewhat neutral stance that will allow you to at least consider what others have to say.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The challenge is certain to present itself as partnership issues: Either you feel inhibited by your partners’ choices or they feel confined by your need to act as a free agent—and this challenge includes personal relationships as well as professional alliances. It won’t be easy finding middle ground, but if you can muster enough curiosity to imagine yourself in the opposing position, you’ll neutralize a large portion of the tension.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Refuse to allow the Brain Worm—that famous parasite that compulsively chews on the same information in hope of a different answer—to steal your time, energy, and disposition. Yes, life can be unfair, and yes again, bad things can happen. But brooding over those events won’t serve you or those you love. Be determined not to succumb to negative thinking and then do your best to actualize a positive attitude.
Leo July 23-August 22
Be bold and take the lead, but also use your super powers for the good—encourage others to be similarly confident in their opinions and ideas even if they differ from yours. And while it may not be easy tolerating certain points of view, if you rely on your innate generosity of spirit and make a concerted effort to be inclusive rather than exclusive, you’ll emerge from this challenge with renewed enthusiasm for your fellow travelers.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The key to successfully navigating the minefield of differing opinions is to step back from having to be right or to control the outcome, and let the situation unfold in its own time. Yes, this may be a frustrating process because there is much you would like to accomplish. But having the patience to allow others their own process will have exponential beneficial results.
Libra September 23-October 22
It is all about the conversation or conversations with significant others regarding your need for safety and security. You may think that you’ve been clear about your concerns, but that may have only been about the big picture and not your day-to-day needs. So before you present an ultimatum or respond to one presented to you, take a step back. Breathe deeply for as long as it takes to feel strong, and then move into action.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Read Taurus, above, and add this: Try not to let differences of opinion about money—fees, allocations, salaries, tips, and shared expenses—become a battleground. If you can’t find the solid ground of actual numbers, then it’s likely you are arguing about a different issue. Spend as much time as necessary trying to figure out what you’re really arguing about, and then get to work finding positive solutions.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s a partnership problem and resolving the issue or issues is going to take time and careful consideration of your significant other(s). One of the difficult pieces of this puzzle is your feeling like the “heavy” if you insist on your way and your rules. Another piece is that your partner(s) may be bending the facts—or at least you think that’s what’s happening. Step back, get some perspective, and then use your innate humor to reduce the tension.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You can obsess about the details of what you should or shouldn’t have done, or you can gather wisdom from your experience, delineate the lessons to be learned, and then make a commitment to integrating that new knowledge into your responses. Of course, it sounds like hard work—and it is. But your willingness to grow will help neutralize any harsh self-judgment. It will also lessen the temptation to project that judgment onto others.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It is a challenge of expectations: On one hand, you may be required to live up to unrealistic expectations. Yet on the other, you may be setting goals that are either too high to reach or too low to inspire you into action. Here’s some help: Be realistic, but set goals for yourself that will require you to grow. If you satisfy your own need for excellence, the need to please others will become increasingly less important.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Your situation appears to be a conflict about how to best spend your time and effort: Career obligations and possible professional advancement, or responsibilities at home that are necessary and important to take care of? It is possible to find a compromise solution that enables you to excel at work as well as do whatever needs to be done at home, but finding that solid ground of compromise requires a dispassionate approach to both.