Astrology by Lauren

May 10th ~ 17th

It’s the minorities that count.  It’s the minorities that have always changed the world, by rebelling; by fighting, and then by awakening the masses. ~ Oriana Fallaci

On May 20th, Uranus in Aries will perfect its third of the seven squares its going to be making to Pluto in Capricorn.  This week, the Sun and Mercury will agitate these planets just enough to let us realize that our world is changing in some sort of remarkable way.  And so are we right along with it.  It will carry us aloft whether we are willing to ride it or not.  It will be much easier if we ride it willingly.  The changes are occurring on many levels.  We will see their effects in the mundane world, through the politics, the economic instability, climate change and the realization that structures that we have been depending on are no longer adequate.  The ways of doing things the way we have in the past, are becoming antiquated, and perhaps even self-destructive.  They must change for the sake of our own survival.

The changes in the outer world could not and would not happen if there was not an internal shift to precede it.  Think of it as an awareness.  A shift in consciousness.  A realization.  Once you attain a certain level of enlightenment there is no going back.

And here we are in the wake of a Solar Eclipse, heading for another Lunar Eclipse on the 25th.  Eclipse season is often a time of change, correction, new beginnings predicated on the realization that there is a new normal, a new paradigm.  These are shifts in the pattern of time.  Perhaps we are making a new commitment in the light of any recent revelations, changes of circumstance or endings.  It could be like renewing a vow or believing in something, believing in yourself.  

Also, as the “inner” planets and the Sun move into Gemini over the next few weeks, they will initially come up against Neptune which is slowing down for its Retrograde station in June.  The first of these inner planets to do so is Venus, which entered Gemini on Thursday and perfect its square to Neptune on Monday.  Mercury enters Gemini this coming Wednesday, and will make its approach to Neptune as well.  As these planets make these shifts to the sign of words, communication and ideas, we may begin to feel our world unravel and become less focused.  We begin to question our resolve, question what is true, what is the fantasy, the dream, and what is the reality.  We are going to be inundated with information over the next few weeks, and it’s up to us to translate and sift out the misinformation from the truth, to discriminate between what we want to be true and reality.  This is another sort of shift.  A realization that things are not what you had thought they were.  Be open over the next few weeks to alternatives, and the willingness to change your mind, or have a backup plan if necessary.

the image of “footprints” is by Darius Turek whose work can be seen on 123rf.com.

For the week of May 10th thru the 17th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday, among other things, was about prioritizing those things which are more meaningful to you.  Think about those things that are most valuable to you.  Also think about the ways that you value yourself.  How do you sabotage your own self-worth by listening to negative internal dialogues about ownership and money?  As the Uranus/Pluto comes to perfection on the 20th, you will be urged to embrace what it means to be authentically you, and to honor that.  For those who are identifying with Uranus in your sign of Aries, you will not tolerate anyone or anything limiting your freedom, your rights, your need to simply be yourself.

Taurus

Venus has just shifted into moving sign of Gemini.   And as Venus comes up against Neptune this week, your initial reaction to some of the information you receive, may have you wondering if you can afford this.. or this.  And it may feel like you have a hole in your pocket where the change keeps slipping through.  Some things simply feel worth it, as we step out for a bit of rest for a few days.   You are being beckoned to pay attention to your dreams, your ideals, and explore the ways that you have been ignoring these in your distraction. You are also being asked to prioritize those things which are most meaningful to you.  And there are simply some things that do not carry a price tag.

Gemini

The past gets stirred up and agitated over the weekend, as you begin to realize that you are not in Kansas any more.  Some truths may be revealed or uncovered if you but dig deeply enough.  And sudden events and disclosures can change the picture, just enough.  Mercury shifts into your sign this week, which will eventually bring clarity, but not without initially coming up against Neptune the end of next week.  This could feel a bit like you are lost in time, space or translation for a bit, before enlightenment and resolve descends.  But this is also a new beginning, arising in the wake of the Solar Eclipse.  Be willing to let go of the old order in order to be able to embrace the new paradigm, whatever that may be.

Cancer

Eclipses are like powerful New Moons, beginning a phase of new beginnings in which we plant seeds of intention that will hopefully later bloom and manifest in fertile soil.  Taurus is Cancer’s wishing sign, and there are a few more critical days to explore what initiatives you need to make, or commitments, in order to make your hopes and wishes a closer reality in these changing times. Perhaps you can begin with letting go of any self-defeating tendencies that keep you from achieving your dreams.  The secret to living the life of your dreams is to start living the life of your dreams today, in every little way you possibly can. ~ Mike Dooley

Leo

Inner realizations were planted during the weeks of the prior Mercury retrograde period, that are now unveiling themselves in your waking conscious mind, and it’s like a veil is being lifted from your eyes.  You stand bewildered in a world of swiftly changing paradigms, that are trying merely to remind you of how valuable you really are in the scheme of things.  In the light of any recent changes, revelations, or realizations, happily commit yourself to new goals and challenges.  

Virgo

It is soon becoming evident that the world is changing, and you right along with it. Take what you learn and what you discover, and apply it to any future goals that you would like to achieve.  Also, be willing to leave behind any out-worn beliefs, judgments, prejudices or perceptions that are preventing you from growing or evolving.  Do not be dissuaded the end of next week if you feel that some of your plans begin to unravel.  It will be time to sift out that misinformation, or the things that you wistfully wanted to be true, from the reality of a situation.  Be willing to be able to change your mind, or at least have a backup plan at the ready.

Libra

Your ruler Venus has shifted signs, and is now traveling in light and airy, and curious Gemini.  And at first there may be a sense of malaise, disillusionment, or even despair, as your ideals conflict with with prevailing wisdom, and it seems to be difficult to fulfill idealistic notions about friends and relationships with others.  Perhaps boundaries are being blurred.  Perhaps you are preferring not to deal with reality just now, and that’s okay too.  Sometimes we all need a few days respite, to dream, wonder and escape, before we return to the real world once again.  In your meanderings, wherever you find yourself, allow yourself to be fascinated.

Scorpio

The Solar Eclipse in Taurus has beckoned Scorpio to be more open to giving and receiving with an open heart, seeking to nurture more peace and harmony in your relationships with others.  This may involve a certain amount of compromise and being willing to simply accept people for who they are, where they are.  We are all on this wave of change together.  So it is important to look about you, and see who is riding that wave with you.  Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.  All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.  We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. ~ The Elders, Hopi Nation.

Sagittarius

In this world of changing paradigms, you want to make sure that you are fit as a fiddle to be able to keep up.  The Solar Eclipse is asking Sagittarius to pay attention to their health: eat real foods, made from real ingredients, and take the time to enjoy and savor your food in the company of others.  Do be aware that there could be some initial disappointment with others as Venus, the planet of partnership and love has just shifted signs.  Whatever conflicts in ideology will be resolved, but it will feel like you are working at cross purposes for a few days. Some new information related to work, or your job description may be changing up the picture somewhat.  Be prepared with a backup plan if necessary.

Capricorn

Capricorns can be terrible worriers. The Solar Eclipse has beckoned Capricorn to release any blocks that may be standing in the way of you fully enjoying yourself.  In your desire to purge yourself of unnecessary clutter in your life, also explore the ways that you may have been depriving yourself.  How can you make more time for those things that you enjoy doing and that motivate you?  See how you can allow more space and time in your life for art, music, beauty and nature. It’s time to give a nod to your inner child, and recognize the ways that you’ve been ignoring them.

Aquarius

The Solar Eclipse has been asking Aquarius to pay attention to their home, family, and personal matters. In a world that is constantly changing, look at ways that you can create more serenity, more peace and beauty in your immediate environment.  What is standing in the way of spending more time with and connecting with family?  The paradigms are swiftly changing, and the awareness of this is just beginning to hit home this week.  Do be aware that there may be some happy news by the end of next week, which will help to lift your perspective and outlook.

Pisces

This Solar Eclipse was filling you with the desire to communicate with others. You are feeling like you have something very important to say, but with the Gemini planets lining up against Neptune in your sign of Pisces it could feel like you don’t have the right words, or the right way of saying it.  Just allow yourself to feel in the moment.  What you are hearing may be conflicting with what you are feeling, or intuitively sensing to be true.  Without jumping to conclusions, it may just be better to put some things up on the shelf for a bit, until the truth of things is revealed.  You are being inundated with information, and perhaps a bit of commotion.  Allow things to settle before you can discriminate between what you would like to be so, and the reality of a situation. 

May 3rd ~ 10th

When one door closes another opens; but we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the new one opened for us. ~Alexander Graham Bell

There is a Solar Eclipse on May 9th(10th) in the sign of Taurus. It is an annular eclipse, meaning that the Moon is far enough away from the Earth to block the Sun just enough to allow a halo of solar light to bleed out from beyond the Moon’s shadow.  This particular eclipse will be visible in Northwest Australia, the Southern Pacific and Hawaii.  

Like all New Moons, Solar Eclipses are indicative of New Beginnings.  Often these solar eclipse new beginnings are predicated on, or  coincident with something ending, or needing to be released to the gods, in order to then be able to move on with our lives, on a new footing, a new path, a new way of being.  This seems to be even more significant with the South Node attending eclipses, such as this one is.  It is probably this latter piece of the puzzle that gave them their reputation as a harbinger of doom steeped in mythical forebodings.  But endings need not necessarily be a negative thing, and the insight and awareness that accompany eclipse season can also border on sheer revelation.   

These can be, and often are, times of correction, in which the perspective or focus shifts from one paradigm to another.  This can be due to specific events which at first feel like we are being taken off course, when in actuality we are being redirected back on track.  It’s kind of like a universal GPS system.  But perhaps the most significant events that happen at this time, are those within our own minds, when and where we are given the opportunity to fulfill, purify or ignore karmic obligations as they arise.  And they often do seem to arise during these fateful periods.  It’s kind of like when the ball is now in your court, what do you do?  How do you handle it?  Do you embrace it as yours?  Or do you revile it and seek blame?

The Taurus/Scorpio axis which coincides with these current set of eclipses is an axis that has to do with reciprocity; exchange; commitments; agreements; value; attachment; ownership; consummation; transformation; and the portals through which souls pass on to their next journey.   This Taurus Solar Eclipse is a time to make new commitments or renew our vows to do so, within the light of any recent revelations, changes of circumstances or perspectives.  With this comes the necessary acceptance that an old order is passing, and this is the new reality, whatever that may mean for you.  

There are also a series of healing aspects this week, as the Sun, Mars and Mercury in Taurus will activate the sextile between Pluto and Chiron, the half-comet, half-asteroid centaur*.  Through these gates we are being shown the tools we need to heal ourselves of wounds inflicted recently, or even those festering from lifetimes ago.  We all have deeply ingrained ways of responding, acting, seeing, based on our present state of mind and point of view.  This is actually a safer time than most to honestly look at ourselves, face our fears, our darkness, whatever may be festering or seething, and allow these to heal by shedding light on them and applying the correct antidotes.

Chiron is symbolic of the bridge that can be built between our lower rational conscious mind and our higher, more spiritual mind experience.  Chiron brings us the means to build this bridge.  Whether he arrives as a guide, a teacher, an advisor, a therapist, a healer, a priest, an initiator or elder... working with Pluto, he is giving us the tools to not only heal our wounds, but to embark on the path to the cessation of suffering.  In this way we have the capacity to create some sort of remarkable shift in our lives.

*A centaur is a small body that orbits the Sun between the planets Jupiter and Pluto, and crosses the orbits of one or more of these outer planets.  Chiron travels between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus.  Scientists believe that Chiron came from outside of our solar system, and may some day leave again.  

The image of an annular eclipse was captured by the Hinode Satellite in January 2011, courtesy of NASA.gov

The image of a “Solar Eclipse over Alien Lake Landscape” is by Angela Harburn whose portfolio can be seen here courtesy of 123rf.com.

For the week of May 3rd thru the 10th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Make a commitment with this Solar Eclipse that is arriving this week, to see how one hand gratefully washes the other.  Sometimes out of fear we act defensively, or hold on dearly to what we have, for fear that someone will come and take it all away.  In this way we may be holding on too tightly and are disrupting the natural flow of give and take.  Look at ways that you may have been too attached to material things, with too much emphasis on monetary value, or possession.  In some way, you will be able to gain the security that you desire.  But in order to do so comes the realization that something will need to be relinquished, sold and/or given up.  Having that realization is the first step.

Taurus

The Solar Eclipse in Taurus the end of next week is relevant for all Taurus people, but will be especially powerful for those Taurus’s born between May 7th and the 13th, or have 15-23° of Taurus rising.  All Taurus rising people born with up until 26° of Taurus will feel this one strongly though.  This is because the eclipse will be falling in the sign associated with yourself, your environment, and with new beginnings in general.  Do realize with the South Node at this angle as well, that some sort of sorting out, some sort of unraveling, and divesting needs to take place first, before you can make that new start.  See how complacency, habit, attachment and a fear of letting go has allowed you to get into a rut in the first place, and is preventing you from moving on with your life and growing.

Gemini

It is time to release your past, say goodbye, as you pass through the gates of this eclipse season, in order to be able to prepare and commit yourself to a new beginning.  There may be some difficulties from Saturday through Monday, if you dwell to much on the past, on what was, on what you once had or did not have.  It is essential at this time to focus on what is in front of you, and not look forlornly back.  This will only hold you back and prevent you from fully utilizing this extraordinary time to heal.  On the 9th, Venus, the lesser benefic, will be entering your sign.  This along with Jupiter also in Gemini, will help to brighten the day significantly over the next several weeks.  

Cancer

With the Solar Eclipse in Taurus next week, much support comes from friends, groups you belong to, and identify with.  Those that are there for the long haul will continue to be part of your new paradigm, but those that are no longer relevant, and whom you have outgrown, could very well end in the light of this Eclipse season.  We are all being shown where we have undermined our growth through some sort of attachment or misplaced loyalty, out of sheer habit, or because that is what we are used to.  With the South Node in Taurus we are being asked to move on and move away from those things we no longer need, and make new commitments to friends, groups or relationships, within the context of our new life.  

Leo

This is an important eclipse for Leo since it falls in the area of the chart that has to do with your career, your status, your reputation, and goals that you have set for yourself.  With South Node traveling here as well, you are being asked to look at those things that you are attached to, those ideas, concepts, or things, that you need to relinquish, in order to make a new start, a new commitment to a new future.  There is a lot of promise here, but recognize where you may have got yourself into a rut in some way, and/or need to detach yourself in order to be less limited and encumbered.  A lot of this Eclipse is all about making our lives simpler and more streamlined.

Virgo

In order to make some sort of new commitment, you are being asked to be willing to let go of some sort of old concept, or something that you are attached to, but that has some how also become something of an albatross, and a headache.  Sometimes what we are holding on to is more of a concept, a belief that has become outmoded and is really no longer relevant to current circumstances.  See how your perspective or personal prejudices or judgments about others, have some how been limiting your outlook.  And thereby also limiting your growth and future possibilities.  If you find yourself in a conflict of ideology, try seeing how you can reach some sort of compromise that everyone can feel comfortable with. 

Libra

If it comes to your attention that you had not paid that bill after all, or that you owe someone something that you had not been aware of, pay up.  You are being given the opportunity to purify your karmic debts in some way through the doorways of this eclipse season.  Doing so will allow you to move forward unencumbered and much lighter than when you first entered.  This is also true with allowing yourself to let go of those things or circumstances that are proving to be more costly than they are worth, but you cling to them because you are attached to them, and you gain a certain comfort from knowing they are there.  It’s about making your life simpler, making a commitment to a life less complicated and less encumbered by debts and baggage you no longer need, and are merely weighing you down.

Scorpio

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday will be particularly relevant for the signs of Taurus and Scorpio, especially those Scorpios born between November 9th and the 13th, or have 16-22° of Scorpio Rising, although anyone with Scorpio Rising will probably feel this one, especially in the area of their interpersonal relationships.  One of the most important keys to the Taurus/Scorpio axis is the cycle of reciprocity: the artful dance of giving and receiving with an open heart, where one action refreshes and invigorates the other in a healthy relationship.  You are being given the opportunity here to make a new start, to release any fears about not having enough, or giving too much, or being taken advantage of.  Release those clogged channels of who owns what and how much, and keep those karmic books balanced.  Something needs to end in order to make that new beginning.  Then you will both be able to freely share the fresh running water of the mutual communal pond.

Sagittarius

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday is in a sign associated with health and healing, as well as the development of useful skills.  If you have been undermining yourself with less than healthy habits or routines, this is your opportunity to regroup and create a much healthier lifestyle and/or work environment.  Do realize, that in order to make a true start, something will probably have to be given up, such as bad habits, streaks of self-indulgence, or a tendency towards lethargic inertia.  Sagittarians need to keep moving, and require their optimum health in order to achieve this!  See what is keeping you from soaring.

Capricorn

You are certainly feeling pro-active this week, and like you can get a deal accomplished.  Especially if you set your mind to it!  You have been in the process of reinventing yourself for a while now, and you’re beginning to see the fruits of your labors.  Your main challenge this week is making sure that everyone is on the same page.  You have a very definite idea about the way that you want things to transpire, and you will find yourself being very sharply focused this week, especially from Saturday to Monday.  Just make sure that others have a copy of the plans as well to avoid miscommunications.  This is not a week to dwell on the past, or worry about the future.  Focus on what is in front of you right now.  For that is where your attention needs to be.

Aquarius

You can make a brand new start with the upcoming Solar Eclipse next Thursday/Friday, provided you are ready to accept that this is predicated on a whole new paradigm.  Think of it as a time of major housecleaning, both figuratively and literally.  Wherever you have been accumulating clutter, wherever you have been hoarding, and fearing the need to let go, wherever you have been stuck in a rut, get out the giant trash bags and load them up.  This is a time to divest yourself of those things that you are lugging around and no longer need.  This includes past memories, resentments, and stuff that is simply no longer relevant for where you are right now.  Make a commitment to make your load a little lighter.  You will appreciate it.  

Pisces

Healing comes through a willingness to simplify your life in some way.  Focus on those things and those people that are most meaningful and pressing to you right now, and be willing to delegate the rest to someone else.  Your schedule requires a little triage right now.  Relieve yourself of obligations that are cluttering up your life.  It may be that old news, old familiars resurface during eclipse season.  If that is the case, see how your own experiences can help to placate, and heal others.  Chiron, the wounded healer, is currently traveling in your sign, bringing you the necessary tools to not only heal yourself, but to be the better able to help and heal others as well.

April 26th ~ May 3rd

They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried. ~ Tim O’Brien

There is a story by Tim O’Brien, called “The Things They Carried”, based primarily on his experiences during the Viet Nam War.  There are parts that are rather poignant, in which he describes what each soldier carries in his rucksack (love letters, photographs, compresses and ammunition), and there are those other things he describes, such as guilt, sadness, cowardice, blame and perhaps some mixed relief that they, the soldiers, survived.  

In the wake of the Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on Thursday, the Sun (ego) and Mars (anger, resentment, will) will perfect their oppositions to Saturn (containment, denial, limitation) this week, while nodding to Neptune (compassion).  This is symbolic of the malice, resentments, guilt, and shame that we carry, and may not even be aware that we are carrying, and may have even been carrying perhaps for years.  The Eclipse was revelatory.  Those things we carry are disclosed, spilling out of the rucksack of our lives, even as we try desperately to shove it all back inside.

But in a story, which is a kind of dreaming, the dead sometimes smile and sit up and return to the world. ~ Tim O’Brien

There was a story I read, about an unsolved hit and run case from 45 years ago, that resulted in the death of a 4 year old girl.  A man, now 62 years old, was finally identified as the driver of the car that failed to stop after hitting the little girl.  His family had conspired to vouch and protect the then teenage boy.  He had been drinking with his brother who had passed out in the back seat.  He hit something he thought was an animal, he said.  He lied.  The man will not be charged.  The statute of limitations has expired.  Yet he has carried the story of the little girl’s death with him throughout his life.  Just think of the damage this knowledge does.  The lack of peace.  

There was another story I read about today, in the light of the Lunar Eclipse, about the collapse of a factory building in Bangladesh.  It collapsed while hundreds of mostly young women were working inside.  Working inside a building that had visible cracks and had been condemned the day before.  As I write this article, dozens have died, and hundreds are still trapped beneath the rubble.  Bangladesh has a long history of deadly and hazardous working conditions, where the people work for pennies to make the clothes that westerners will wear.  Which is why Western corporations use these young women, barely girls, as chattel, as less than worthy, as less than, because they work cheap, as a way to keep the profits at the top where the CEO’s languish, and the young girls live penny to penny, merely surviving.  Taurus/Scorpio is the nodal axis of reciprocity as well as the lack of it.

The chief weapon of sea pirates, however, was their capacity to astonish.  Nobody else could believe, until it was too late, how heartless and greedy they were. ~ Kurt Vonnegut

With North Node and Saturn in Scorpio we are directly confronting (among other things) the issue of wealth and power being concentrated in the hands of a few, and the ramifications of this.  The collapse of the factory with all of the women inside was a direct consequence of this.  With the South Node in Taurus we are being shown where we have undermined our development in our society through our attachment, greed and grasping: those things that we simply cannot let go, where we are complacent, where we are too attached to material things, to ego, to acquisition, to ownership, possession, too much baggage, too much stuff.

Through the North Node in Scorpio we are being given the opportunity to heal.  The Sun in Taurus will trine Pluto and sextile Chiron next week, both healers, both revealing.  Acknowledge the need to purge, to relinquish those things that we have been carrying for perhaps many years (Saturn), to simplify our lives, to clean house, to distinguish between need and greed, to relieve ourselves of albatrosses and situations or things or circumstances that are proving to be much too heavy to carry, and much more costly than they are rewarding.  To purify.  To be free.

For the week of April 26th thru May 3rd, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

This is a good week to explore what are those things, that baggage that you’ve been carrying or holding on to, perhaps for years, and needs to be relinquished. Rather than fruitlessly butting your ram horns against a wall, and getting your fleece all tied in a knot of resentment and frustration, take the higher road.  Do realize that it’s not worth expending all this energy that you really don’t have right now, any way.  Focus on healing, not agitating the murky waters of shame and loathing, and find a safe retreat in which to wait the time out.

Taurus

The key to this week is in pacing yourself.  I know this is so unlike you, but with Mars in your sign the impulse might be to go full steam ahead.  Just be aware that the faster you go the more behinder you will get, as various obstacles, and/or individuals, seem to present themselves, tripping you up on your mission.  This is a good week to divest yourself of those things that you’ve been holding on to, but no longer need.  Seek to simplify, de-clutter, and clear out the excess.  Think of it as making your load a little lighter.

Gemini

The one transition affecting Gemini this week is that your ruler Mercury is shifting into the sign of Taurus.  This is the sign of peace and serenity, and it will certainly seem to be feeling this way as the week progresses.  Just be aware, that with Mars and the South Node of the Moon, sitting here, that they’ve already been agitating up all sorts of stuff from the past.  So be prepared to have a meeting with some of the accompanying ghosts and denizens that are being unearthed in their wake.

Cancer

If anyone knows about carrying stuff around, it’s Cancer.  They don’t like to let anything or anyone go, even people that are not particularly good for them.  Even those cranky ones filled with all sorts of resentments.  This might be one of those weeks when you might want to reform that tendency.  It’s time to clean out that Facebook friends cache, go through that contact list, focusing your valuable networking time on those who inspire and support you, while weeding out the rancorous and resentful.

Leo

It could rather feel like you are being burdened right now, or worse still, that you are not receiving the help and support that you need.  Feeling burdened and worn out, you start the week rather wiped out, or simply too tired to care.  Do be aware that both healing and solutions are just around the corner.  As the week progresses, rather than succumbing to the discomfort and limitations, decide what part of your life needs to be transformed in order to effect a healing, and then take the steps to do so.  

Virgo

As your ruler, Mercury, moves into Taurus on Wednesday, you may be thinking about traveling, or broadening your horizons in some remarkable way.  With Mars in Taurus, just be aware that there are liable to be some cultural or ideological differences with others, that are not likely to be easily reconciled.  Since there is nothing gained by trying to compel others to see your point of view, think of this as more as a learning experience.  Take notes.

Libra

When doubts set in, and it seems that your problems are insurmountable, focus on the tasks that are in front of you.  The Dali Lama is quoted as saying, “If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it.  If you can, there is not need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.”  If you don’t have a problem.. then don’t worry.  If you have a problem and you can’t do anything about it... don’t worry.  If you can do something, then do it...and stop worrying.

Scorpio

Just be aware that you have no control over other people’s behavior.  The only behavior you can control is your own.  If people are acting in an adversarial or aggressive manner, instead of feeding into the hostility or taking a defensive stance, take heed, and either bid a hasty retreat, or act “like a log”.  There are a myriad of ways to make a situation even worse than it already is.  Think of ways that you can take the higher road, and respond with dignity and self-control in all situations.

Sagittarius

You can get a lot of work done this week, if you concentrate and direct your focus.  However, do be aware that if you don’t take a break now and then, you will find yourself drained.  If you are feeling under the weather, see what adjustments you need to make to allow for more down time in your schedule, or make other improvements in your daily life.  With Saturn traveling in Scorpio these days this is a time to relinquish those things, habits, indulgences, situations that you have outgrown any way.  

Capricorn

There are times in life when you may need to make compromises.  It may not be all that easy, especially if you feel that your integrity is being compromised, or you are being forced to do something against your wishes.  But not living up to your promises and taking care of responsibilities are probably only going to create more problems over time.  If some part of your life needs to be changed or reformed in some way, see what steps you can take to make a positive difference.

Aquarius

This is one of those weeks in which it certainly feels like heavy demands are being made of you.  Do be aware that part of this equation has to do with the fact that people expect a lot of you, because they see you as someone who can get things done.  Which is also why they expect you to shoulder the blame.  Instead of loading up on resentment, try fooling them all instead by stepping up to the plate, and proving to them all that not only are you able to juggle everything they’re throwing at you this week, but you’ve cleaned the house, baked a cake, and ploughed the fields as well.  

Pisces

If you are at all motivated, it’s to position yourself in such a way that you can help to relieve some of the suffering in the world, in your environment, in your everyday encounters with those that you meet.  There seems to be a lot of pain, anger and frustration right now.  If there is anything any one person can do to be of service, heal, give of your time and energy, or simply be present... this is one of those weeks that it will be so very much appreciated.  See what you can do to defray the negative energy, oh wise Pisces people.

April 19th ~ 26th

There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people. ~ Howard Zinn

There was the bombing at the Boston Marathon by the Chechnyan youths hiding in plain sight, senseless and heartbreaking.  Then that bill requiring background checks for gun ownership, that was defeated in the US Senate, thanks to the influence of the “Gun Lobby”.  This is despite the fact that 90% of Americans want background checks, and despite the pleas of the parents of Newtown, CT, personally meeting with Senators with their still bleeding hearts staining the floors of the Senate.  Glaring confirmation that the Senate works for the corporations, not the people they are supposed to protect and represent.  There  was the terrible earthquake on the Pakistan/Iran border (7.8 on the Richter scale!) devastating the populace there, destroying lives and homes, which virtually coincided with the terrible explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas that leveled houses as much as 5 blocks away from the plant.  Meanwhile 23 simultaneous coordinated bombings spanned across the beleaguered country of Iraq killing at least 50 people and wounding hundreds others.  This coming on the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion, and just before Iraq’s provincial elections tomorrow.  The first in the country since 2010.  All this within just a few days.  Our Mother cries in despair.

The Sun has been traveling with Mars, the planet of violence, anger, fire and explosions, in fiery Aries this past week.  On top of this, Pluto rolled in his lair, exposing the dark underbelly, which has been revealed with all of its corruption, its wounds, and broken infrastructure.  And as Pluto stationed Retrograde last week, he did so coming face to face with oncoming radical Uranus in Aries.  Mercury, the messenger, the town crier, carried the light from Uranus in explosive Aries, to the crumbling infrastructure of Pluto’s domain these past 3 days, just crying out, “Look at this, and this, and this....”  

We are being asked to look, not just to weep and wring our hands in mourning, facing off with what appear to be insurmountable and powerful forces beyond our control... We are being asked to look, and face, these underlying wounds, the weakness in the infrastructure, our relationship to violence, to power, to corruption... so that we can heal them.  So that we can fix them.  Pluto retrograde periods are times each year, where we are being beckoned to reclaim our own power.

Dignity does not come from avenging insults, especially from violence that can never be justified.  It comes from taking responsibility and advancing our common humanity. ~ Hillary Clinton

The Sun and Mars are shifting over to Taurus over the next few days, the sign of peace and tranquility.  One would hope for a welcome respite.  However, there is also a Lunar Eclipse next week (April 25th), at the Full Moon, in the Pluto sign of Scorpio.  Lunar Eclipses are like culminations, and times of crisis, where situations reach a steamy point of no return.  Situations are exposed, revealed, and laid bare, as the cosmic adjuster shows us what needs to end in order to heal, to move on, to be relieved of our pain.  

As we enter Eclipse Season this Spring, the events associated with Taurus (where the South Node of the Moon now travels) are indicative of past attachments and a sense of complacency, that are now being challenged and needing to be reassessed.  Opposite Mars we are being asked to reassess our relationship to violence, our own seething rage, and hatred.  This is a very Karmic Full Moon, with the Moon conjunct Saturn, in that what seeds planted in the past, become manifest through the portals of the Scorpio Lunar Eclipse.  The North Node in Scorpio, is symbolic of the soul’s behest.  Where we need to do the work that will allow us to grow and evolve.  With the North Node in Scorpio we are also being confronted with such issues as the wealth and power being concentrated in the hands of a few, and the consequences of relinquishing our own power, for the sake of ‘keeping the peace’, that sense of complacency, or not wanting to rock the boat.  Scorpio is a sign that is transformational.  It is nothing less than embracing and recognizing the need for even revolutionary changes.   

There are many ways to protest, many ways to spread awareness, and to be actively involved without violence, revenge, pain or seeking to do harm.  Honoring the sign of Taurus, the sign of music and rhythm as well as peace, and Neptune which dances with Sun/Mars this week, softening and melting our hearts in compassion, I present one of my favorite protests that have become quite popular in Spain, and are floating about the internet.  This is a video from 10 months ago of one of the flamenco flash mob protests in a bank in Andalusia, Spain, where the singer makes reference to the evils of the banks, and how they are squeezing the money out of the pockets of the people in Spain: “Since you have money, it makes you unbearable, These are the things of the nouveau riche, You have lowered my salary and raised the price of everything... I’m not going to love you even if you cancel my interest payments. Olé!”  Well done, flamenco artists of Spain, well done.

Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world. ~ Voltaire

For the week of April 19th thru the 26th, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

The best way to put out a fire when in the woods, so I was told, was to throw some dirt on it.  That’s kind of what it will feel like with your ruler Mars entering earthy Taurus tomorrow.  It should help to cool things off a bit, but not without having already had a glimpse of the raging hell fires of Hades’ realm.  Aries hates to stand on the side lines looking in. With the Lunar Eclipse approaching pragmatic Saturn next week, look for practical ways to heal, rebuild, and make a difference.  One that you can realistically participate in.   How are you with castanets and a nice red pair of character shoes?  

Taurus

This upcoming Lunar Eclipse will be quite potent for Taurus.  Those Taureans most affected by this eclipse are those born between April 22nd and the 28th, and those with 0-10° of Taurus Rising.  There could be a sense of being cut off from others, or from someone in particular, that has left you feeling somewhat bereft.  On top of this you are feeling a bit like people are either criticizing or leaning on you at the moment, which only inclines to one wanting to dig in their heels even further.  This is a time of change, but it is also a time of growth.  Pay attention to what is being revealed through the door of the Eclipse this week. See how you can make your life more streamlined, and less cluttered.  Think in terms of simplicity.  Before you can plant a new garden, you first need to pull up the weeds.   

Gemini

It is amazing how things can shift so swiftly, changing the whole picture from one minute to the next.  What becomes evident are the underlying weaknesses that need to be addressed, and can no longer be avoided.  But with this realization that some sort of change needs to be made, and a sharp shift in perspective, can also come a welcome sense of relief and freedom.  After the weekend keep communications open, and also be open to possibility.  Share your plans and dreams with others, there may be some things that you hadn’t previously considered, that can work in your favor.

Cancer

This upcoming Lunar Eclipse next week is revealing to you how important it is to you to need or be needed by others.  If you have children, or are in a loving relationship with someone, this will just be confirmation of feeling needed by another.  Your protective instincts are being drawn out, as it becomes evident that this world can sometimes be a pretty scary place.  Try to discriminate between fear and reality, and try not to read into things too much.  Eclipses can be somewhat reactionary in their effects, which is why it would not be a good idea to act on your instincts. Things often look more frightening and more insurmountable than they actually are with Scorpio Moons.  

Leo

There has been way too much energy with aggressive Mars traveling in the heart of the Sun.  Positively this should have brought Leo a modicum of courage and assertion.  It could also feel like you are burning out and burning up.  It could even manifest literally as pain or inflammation.  It will almost be a relief as the Sun moves into the cool and stable sign of Taurus later on today.  Having a sense of security will become increasingly important to you over the next several weeks.  If things are unsettled at home, or in your personal life, see what steps you can take to create a sanctuary of peace, both for yourself and others who may need this as well.

Virgo

We take so many things for granted.  Seeing how things can change so suddenly gives one an appreciation of just how precious each day is.  And can change our whole perspective, as well as our priorities.  Look for opportunities, or connections that arrive after the weekend.  It is a good time to plan for all eventualities, and take care of those lingering details, but it is also a time to start looking towards the future with a positive attitude.  A contract, an agreement made, a business deal perhaps?  A refreshingly optimistic outlook, and an open heart, can open doors of opportunity.  

Libra

In the face of grief and tragedy, one realizes the necessity of being prepared.  Just in case.  Whether it’s re-writing that will, or getting all the insurance papers in order, one just never knows.  This Eclipse also begs us to explore those things that we are so dead set attached to, and whether we really need them?  What things are cluttering up your life and your surroundings?  This Eclipse is also about simplicity: paring down, and divesting ourselves of those albatrosses that prove to be more trouble or are more costly than they are worth.  It’s a matter of priorities.

Scorpio

This Lunar Eclipse almost begs you to reconsider how much stress and responsibility you are willing to take on.  It may just become apparent that certain limits will need to be set.  Know that you also have permission to be able to say no.  Even though it may not be apparent to you, you are evolving in some way, and along with those inner changes, there are changing priorities and expectations.   Situations and relationships change as well.  If conflicts arise in the light of this Full Moon eclipse, see how you can arrive at some sort of peaceful compromise without losing your integrity in the process.  Whatever you do, don’t lose your cool.  This is an opportunity for you to play the adult, and set the example.  If need be, just walk away.  Scorpios most affected by this Eclipse are those born between October 26 and November 1st, or those with 0-10° of Scorpio rising.

Sagittarius

Through communication you have the opportunity to improve an existing relationship, so keep those avenues of communication open!  This is what will help you to ride through even the most stressful of weeks.  If you are feeling overloaded or anxious this week, try some stress reduction techniques that have worked well for you in the past: whether it’s a yoga class, meditation, or deep tissue massage, it is important to keep those inflammation levels down to a manageable simmer.  So roll out the yoga matt, or seek out a peaceful retreat in which to lick your wounds, and cool the embers of your soul.

Capricorn

Change.  In order to grow, it becomes evident that some things need to be relinquished, purged or released. Especially those things that you’ve outgrown, and/or no longer need.  If you want to plant a garden, you first need to prepare the soil, pull up the old weeds, and make the soil arable and ready for the new seeds.  So it is periodically in our lives that new shifts and paradigms are revealed.  Capricorns don’t usually like things to change too much.  They like the things they already know, and are accustomed to.  But if you have outgrown your situation, sometimes it is necessary to face the fears of the unknown, and bravely face the future with all the possibilities that await you there.  

Aquarius

It is going to be feeling rather like there is a bit of commotion in your personal or home life over the next several weeks.  See how and where you may need to either set limits, say No, or take care of some very necessary repairs, or adjustments.  If it isn’t obvious yet, then perhaps in the light of the Full Moon Eclipse you will see what needs to be taken care of, cleaned out, or purged in some way.  Sometimes it’s simply a matter of priorities, and being willing to part with those things that are no longer necessary in your life.  There are also issues here about how and where you are needed most.  You may have to make some adjustments over the next few weeks.  

Pisces

There seems to be a lot of pain in the world these days.  See what you can do to effectively be a sanctuary of healing and comfort to others.  Use your natural capacity for compassion, healing and empathy to support others as they are going through challenges.  Also see how you can bring greater awareness to a cause dear to your heart by using your imagination or your natural talents in a productive way.  Not for nothing, but Pisces people often have a talent for music and/or dance... time to dig out the old flamenco shoes!