Planetary congestion along the celestial superhighway could result in terrestrial gridlock over the coming weeks. It isn’t really possible to avoid, dismiss, or deny these “traffic jams”—they are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—and they are certain to manifest in ordinary as well as extraordinary ways. Given that this time of year is already supercharged with a wide range of needs, expectations, and disappointments, handling this astral clog is going to take extreme patience. Of course, it would be wise to remember that this is the season of goodwill and good cheer, and with that knowledge, to practice, whenever possible, as much kindness as you can muster. Compassion is always a good antidote to overwhelm.
Several astral conditions contribute to the congestion. The first is purely seasonal: In the northern hemisphere, these are the darkest days of the year, when the natural inclination is to go deeply internal to consolidate as much strength as possible for surviving the barren cold of winter. These shorter days do favor introspection. But in the southern hemisphere, the opposite impulse occurs; there it is the season of expansion and growth, when the bright light of longer days lingers and the external world is illuminated. In either case, we are still processing the old year in anticipation of the new one.
And the planets are busy: Jupiter is preparing for a retrograde phase that begins in two weeks on December 8 and ends April 8. But even as the planet of expansion “slows down,” it’s busy. By the weekend, it will begin a trine to Venus that is exact on December 4 and lasts until December 9. This is a positive interaction that fosters joy and love. Be aware, it could also encourage extravagant spending, so be careful not to overextend by spending more than you can afford. The inherent happiness of this alignment will amplify celebrations and festivities. Also keep in mind that a Venus/Jupiter trine is a highly creative combination that could inspire you to make gifts and decorations rather than buy them.
Saturn is in the last weeks of its transit through Scorpio, a journey that ends on December 23. As Saturn winds down through Scorpio, it will distill the last two years of its effect into the final few weeks. Saturn symbolizes structure—it gets down to the bones of things. Scorpio represents “other people’s money,” which translates into partners’—personal and profession—finances, debt, inheritance, and other aspects of fiscal obligation. Everyone has Saturn and Scorpio somewhere in their birth chart, which means all of us have been experiencing Saturn’s probe into our financial arrangements with others. Also be aware, that Scorpio signifies the values of others and how we measure ourselves against those values—for example, personal mores versus cultural ones.
Which brings us to the most important contributor to the congestion: the tightening grip of the sixth (and next to last) Uranus/Pluto square, which is exact and separating on December 15. As you may know, these squares signify revolutions as well as revolutionaries with a unifying cause: social justice. And while it may not look as if social justice is advancing, it is, even if we can’t see tangible progress because we are still in the midst of this current phase of shift, still figuring out how to heal hate and fear, still figuring out how to love one another regardless of our differences.
During the coming weeks, make an effort to choose peace. Be as kind as you can to those you love, as well as to those you barely know. For some, the end-of-the-year pressure is simply too much. So if your wheels should start spinning and you feel you can’t get anywhere, just take a deep breath—the energy will eventually even out and flow with greater ease. And when possible, make your world—our world—a better place by extending a helping hand to your fellow travelers.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
If you can remember that the past creates the present as the present creates the future, you’ll strike the perfect stance for navigating the current congestion. You’ve been through quite a few shifts this year, and even though there are more to come, your attention is best spent in the moment, staying present.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Although there are aspects of your external situation you would like to change, it is clear that you are standing on solid internal ground. Allow yourself to be buoyed by that strength, and you’ll be able to not only handle difficulties with a good attitude, but you’ll also be genuinely available for the good stuff.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Confrontations with significant others have a clarifying effect, especially if you’re able to identify what it is that you need as well as what you are willing to give. Be clear about your boundaries, but also stay open to the possibility that you may be defending a position you no longer need.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Yes, there are issues with significant others, and yes again, those issues need to be worked through. But don’t let those dangling threads keep you from moving forward in other, less encumbered directions. If you can maintain your balance through this process, you’ll find greater clarity about how to handle intimate relationships.
Leo July 23-August 22
Don’t fret about Jupiter Retrograde in your Sign—it simply means the thrill will last a little longer! Just try to avoid using that “extra” time as an excuse to slack off. Hard work, coupled with the presence of Jupiter, planet of enthusiasm and good fortune, has the potential to deliver long-lasting beneficial results.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Here’s the good news: Jupiter is keeping your mood optimistic and your attitude positive. Here’s the not so good news: The home improvements continue, even though you’re tired of the process. Try not to get bogged down in the details, but don’t lose interest just yet—the results will be worth the effort.
Libra September 23-October 22
Surprising and heartfelt communications with significant others, personal and professional, could stimulate yet another new perspective. Yes…I know you’ve been working on relationship issues for quite some time, but don’t give up just yet. This is a positive growth spurt and much can be accomplished.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Good work and/or career opportunities have the power to shift your mood in a more positive direction. Seize the moment, and refuse to brood over unresolved issues from the past. Instead, stay present, and set your sights on what would make you happy and then do whatever it takes to actualize those desires.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Let your light shine brightly, and even if you don’t feel like it, give yourself that extra push to participate in the seasonal festivities. So put aside petty differences, stop brooding over situations you have no control over, and be determined to make the most of the moment.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, give yourself permission to relax, completely. There’s nothing more to do—all that’s left is for you to allow yourself to be pleased with a job well done, and then from that place of accomplishment begin to envision what’s next.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Take a deep breath, gather your strength as well as your skill, and get ready to move forward at an entirely different pace. You are about to move into a leadership role that will propel you forward. So before you leap into action, make one last assessment of what you learned and how you want to apply it.
Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s an emotional week (So what else is new?), but you’re in a really good spot to handle the ups and downs, which means the interruptions don’t have to be more than a nuisance. Do whatever it is you do to stay steady, but also know that the change you feel in the air is real, and soon you’ll be in a different frame of mind.
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 © 2014 by Ralfee Finn