Aquarium Age, Blogs

The Aquarium Age: Oct. 12-18

By Ralfee Finn

A profound sense of psychic dislocation underlies regular routines this week. Nothing is normal—not…one…thing—and frankly, it’s been so long since anything was normal that normal has simply become an artifact from a bygone era that hardly anyone remembers. You know…those days of yesteryear when politicians at least pretended there was a moral and ethical code of conduct and people actually looked to their leaders to model good and appropriate behavior. The noticeable decline of civility within the political arena in America has been going on for quite some time, thanks in large part to the religious right and their legion of talk-show radio hosts who thrive on accusation, innuendo and misinformation, daily feeding a demographic that eschews science in favor of a literalism that blinds them to science’s value. But the post-Tea Party rhetoric of the current political playing field resembles a tawdry soap opera or better yet, a reality show entitled “The Real People of Dante’s Inferno” (better known as Hell), where every fear is larger than life and every larger-than-life fear is projected onto Hillary Clinton, who bears the brunt of so many projections it’s hard to see her actual faults and talents clearly. What’s more, these episodes from the netherworld are brought to the screen by a current of hatred that elevates Mr. Trump as it simultaneously disturbs the collective global equilibrium, frightening even those who know that “normal” was lost decades ago.

Please don’t be startled by my tone. This week and next, astral activity supports strong opinions, coupled with equally strong stands, merged with a tremendous need to break free from the status quo, all of which translates into sayin’ it loud and proud. Even if I wanted to hold back, it wouldn’t be possible because holding back what’s on my mind would be like trying to keep my eyes open when I sneeze. It would also be dishonest.  The problem I face, and the problem many face in this extreme climate, is how to express strong opinions without causing additional harm, a problem not easily solved, but a problem that’s at the heart of the current astrological challenge—a challenge that is not just political. We’re in the grip of a Mars/Pluto conjunction, in Capricorn, a conjunction that squares a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction, in Libra. As I warned last week, this Mars/Pluto conjunction can be a brutal influence that tends to turn even filtered air toxic with a need for power. Mars represents the warrior ready to take a stand and spend its might for right. Pluto signifies the transformer, whose presence signals the process of death and birth. Together they symbolize a brutal, almost superhuman force that will stop at nothing to achieve success.

As this week and next week unfold, the Mars/Pluto conjunction squares several planets—the Sun, Mercury, and Jupiter, all in Libra. Mercury and Jupiter are conjunct, and while this is normally a positive interaction that supports a wealth of ideas, especially about relationships, the square from the Mars/Pluto conjunction skews the entire combination toward a clash of ideas as well as ideals, a clash that easily devolves into a vitriolic world war of words. From a non-political point of view, these clashing configurations make personal peacekeeping next to impossible. Show restraint when you can and try not to pick on someone—even the dog or the cat—just to blow off steam. From a broader collective perspective, this entire bundle stirs such strong opinions that objectivity is also nearly impossible.

But it is the Mars/Pluto square to the Sun that adds fuel to the fire, and not just because this combination feeds the need to demonstrate power. The Sun is opposite Uranus, a tense interaction that exacerbates the struggle of freedom fighters to throw off the shackles of whatever enslaves and take an even more active stand for their ideals. Anticipate even more dynamic behavior from those struggling to support a specific cause, personal or political. Also expect to witness even more bizarre twists of fate during the remaining weeks of the campaigns, especially from Mr. Trump, who embodies the lowest common denominator of Uranus, in Aries—the self-serving narcissist who is concerned more about self-preservation than actual transformation.

Both candidates represent the shadows of our collective struggle to evolve. Mr. Trump represents the last gasp of the white male who, rich or poor, feels entitled to his view of the world regardless of how that view affects others. From gender issues to the environment to economics to global interaction, he speaks and acts as if he is in the know, because he has “heard” and because he doesn’t actually need facts to back himself up—his privileged position as a star affords him an insider version of the reality of the world.

It’s not just that Mr. Trump feels the way he does about women. (There are plenty of men who objectify women behind closed doors, which is probably why so many women feel the need to get a certificate in pole-dancing along with their MBA.) The problem is that he recognizes his followers are longing for a world they once thought was theirs and theirs alone, and his rhetoric, such as it is, preys upon the very real frustration and despair that the world will never be like that again.

We are a childish, naïve country that has enjoyed a position of power that will also never be ours again. The world has changed and we need leaders who will pursue real solutions to our very real problems. I don’t have to like my leaders. I don’t need to share a beer or have dinner or even a cup of tea at the kitchen table. I want world leaders who can ride their ambition to a finish line that benefits all of us, not just the privileged few.

Hillary also represents our collective shadow. She is the powerful woman we love to hate. And we ascribe all sorts of nefarious activity to her and assume that she is involved in one conspiracy after another, and that her motives are only self-serving. She is not the devil. And everyone should be outraged that Mr. Trump would even say such a thing. Thinking Hillary is Satan is simply insane.

These candidates represent us—with all of our unresolved issues and still-unpacked baggage, and it is extremely uncomfortable to watch these unintegrated aspects of ourselves do battle. We are revealed through them and until we are willing to own that exposure in a way that allows us to integrate the shadow and grow beyond it, we will have to endure the current psychic dislocation. The world is not someone else’s mess. It’s ours. And each of us is responsible for cleaning up our small bit because we are our own saviors.

Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

Aries March 21-April 19
Stand firm in what you know to be the best solution, but also stay open to the ideas of significant others, personal and professional. You may not agree with all their suggestions, but listening will lessen the tension and broaden your perspective.

Taurus April 20-May 20
Hold fast to your principles even if you encounter resistance. I’m not suggesting you dig in (although that is something you do well). I’m simply advising you avoid expedient decisions that may serve in the moment but won’t have the best long-term results.

Gemini May 21-June 21
As always, you must choose: Be buffeted about by the unsettled winds that are ruffling more than your feathers. Or you can use these restless winds to inspire creative endeavors with the power to enhance personal transformation. It’s simply up to you.

Cancer June 22-July 22
Trust your gut, and if you feel like hunkering down at home, do just that. There’s no need to engage in any arguments or difficulties of any kind—not even with significant others who are likely to be more than a little needy. Honor those needs, but also honor your own.

Leo July 23-August 22
The conflicts are likely to show themselves in the details of regular routines, especially if some of those habits interfere with spontaneous bursts of creativity that need immediate expression. There’s no right way to handle this erratic pattern other than staying true to you.

Virgo August 23-September 22
As long as you are staying practical about what you can afford, there’s no need to get rattled about money. Yes, there are specific expenses that require attention, but they don’t have to break the bank. Be clear about your situation and you’ll make good choices.

Libra September 23-October 22
Anticipate more than a few testy moments with significant others, personal and professional, as you struggle to find the balance in honoring your needs without denying the needs of those you love. Stay open hearted and you’ll stay clear and centered.

Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’re going to speak your mind, so rather than trying to hold back, hold forth. Just make an extra effort not to use your words as weapons—they are unusually powerful right now. Apply the appropriate filter, and if you blurt something hurtful, make your apology just as powerful.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
There’s no amount of money you can throw at this problem to facilitate a quick-fix. So rather than needlessly spend your savings, let go and figure out how you can shift your attitude about the entire situation.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
There are plenty of career opportunities available to you but handling those openings skillfully is a real challenge. So take a deep breath and rather than push too hard, let the situation unfold on its own. You won’t miss the right moments.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
It’s an internal crisis that manifests as a struggle between what you think and what you want to believe. There’s no right answer, so put aside the need to find the solution, and instead, surrender to this process. Appreciate this challenge and you will grow in massive leaps.

Pisces February 19-March 20
It’s an emotional week with lots of clashes with friends over what matters most. Rather than holding fast to one position and one position only, open up to the possibility of a multitude of solutions, any of which can help you to achieve your goals.

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 October 12, 2016.