Astrology by Lauren

We spoke about a firestorm brewing a few weeks back.  This is it.  This week is rife with astro weather and activity.  On Friday Uranus stations Retrograde in Aries while square Pluto.  This is a long-term aspect that will continue to affect us in greater and lesser intensity for years, bringing all sorts of revolutionary changes.  But when it is triggered, as it is this week by Mars in Libra forming a cardinal t-square, we will see the flames being fanned.  And when planets station, such as both Mercury and Uranus are this week, it’s like a period of intensity, when the things represented by the stationing planet come to a head or reach a point of overwhelming consequences.  Uranus is associated with energy: electricity, technology, computers.  With the Summer heat blazing in the Northern Hemisphere with record high temperatures, it would not be unusual to see power overloads, or more blackouts, as out-moded systems become overloaded and strained.  

Uranus is also associated with freedom: civil rights, rebellion against the status quo, alternatives and the freedom to change.   And certainly in the sign of Aries, the need for energy independence, the need for reforming our way of doing things comes home to roost.  It’s no longer a matter of stuff happening to other people... it’s happening to everyone.  Even the CEO’s of the fossil fuel companies are being affected.   Yet despite knowing the moral consequences of their profit, they continue to create excuses, or promote lies and subterfuge in order to continue to reap their short-term gains.  

This smokescreen of lies that is being promoted, this ring of invisibility is a keynote of Neptune in Pisces, which is currently exactly square the Nodes of the Moon in Gemini/Sagittarius, the signs associated with the media.  This cloak of invisibility and obfuscation has been thrown over the very real issue of climate change, over the way interest rates have been manipulated by the financial industry, and even over the recent protests, which have been virtually blacked out by the media.  But if you can’t see something or don’t know about it, does it stop you from being affected by it?  

“So far, we have 20 victims recorded with names and 60 bodies at a mosque.  There are more bodies in the fields, bodies in the rivers and in houses... People were trying to flee from the time the shelling started and whole families were killed trying to escape.” witness in Tremseh, Syria (7/12/12)

Mars turns up the heat, and adds a sense of urgency.  And where the heat is going to be turned up depends on where the friction is to begin with.  More mass killings occurred yesterday in Syria where militias and the army continue to execute civilians.. and then deny it despite numerous witnesses to the contrary of tanks and artillery descending.  Some 16,000 people are thought to have been killed since the uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s regime began in March 2011.  There have also been massive protests over the past week in Saudi Arabia, in Kabul, Afghanistan, in Spain, in the West Bank, in Cairo, Egypt, and in Mexico City where tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the city last weekend protesting the recent election, accusing Enrique Pena Nieto of buying votes and the media.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~ the Buddha

If there is no friction, then there will be no fire.  But Mars can ignite even the most benign-seeming of sparks.  So in our own lives, we would be wise to pay heed this week.  Do not engage in or aggravate the friction and fireworks, but do observe.  Things will and can move quickly in this weather, so know when to move out of the way of flying objects and potential wrath.  These aspects require a great deal of patience, and a willingness to adapt to changes as they arise.  The more resistant, angry or resentful you feel, the more difficult this time will be.  What this time is good for is being motivated and taking the initiative to implement much needed changes that are probably long overdue.  Mars just increases the urgency of needing to implement that change.

The station of Mercury on the 14th, immediately after Uranus’ station, may or may not add to the mayhem.  Misunderstandings and confusion, and things needing to be repaired, can just make things even more complicated.  However, what Mercury retrograde can be excellent for are periods of down time, and creative reflection and introspection.  This station of Mercury shines benevolently on Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus indicating that these 3 weeks (through August 8th) can be a personally creative and illuminating period of time.  But in order for this to happen, you will need to create the space that allows you to access that.  Kind of like the magic trick of staying in the eye of the storm.

the above photo of “Hurricane on Earth” is by Photokanok of freedigitalphotos.net

the photo of the woman with tears, is from Syria News; the other two protest photos are from Spain and Ramallah

For the week of July 13th thru the 20th, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

Uranus stations in your sign of Aries today, and is doing so in the arms of a Cardinal t-square and your ruler Mars in Libra.  So if you find yourself locking horns, or in a heated debate that totally distracts you from your original intention, you can thank your ruler Mars for dragging you into this arena.  Avoid allowing other people to draw you into their battles, or to take the bait.  You will be particularly sensitive to issues of injustice and inequality.  However, do observe, and be nimble enough to parry when necessary, but also know when to refrain, be patient, and stay out of the line of fire.  Even the smallest of sparks have the capacity this week of being fanned into a major conflagration.  Keep it cool.

Taurus

With Venus still in Gemini, Taurus could well be inclined to want to spend money.  And though usually when Mercury stations retrograde it is not advised to make large scale purchases that you could later regret, this relationship between Mercury and Venus is one to pay attention to.  It’s not so much about spending, buying, owning... as it is about understanding what makes you happy.  What pleases you.  What makes you smile.  It may be a certain color, a fabric, a scent, a book.  Something for the kitchen that has endless possibilities.  And as Mercury stations in Leo this week allow your mind to wander into the past, to reminisce on earlier happier times, and things you used to like to do.

Gemini

Your ruler Mercury stations retrograde this week, and although this may cause some eye-rolling in anticipation of the usual delays and miscommunications, this Mercury retrograde has some hidden gems.  With its exact sextile to Venus at its station, and the aspects to follow, this can be a particularly creative and enlightening period.  Mercury retrograde periods are good for taking time out.  We’re so busy doing stuff all the time, that we rarely stop to appreciate and assess what we have accomplished and where we are.  Nor do we allow ourselves to make space for creative inspiration.  And the introspective, wool-gathering of the retrograde Mercury is just such an opportunity.  

Cancer

In the area of your life where you expect and need the most stability and tranquility: your home, family and personal life, things could be somewhat challenging this week.  This may be because of a responsibility that is weighing on you, or even a sense of temporary isolation that leaves you feeling disconnected.  It’s also getting to the point that you realize that some sort of change is inevitable and can no longer be avoided.  Perhaps you’ve been conforming to a role or obligation that you don’t really feel that comfortable with.  Changes and/or compromises are well in order. And even though change is not necessarily something you dive into too easily, you may well feel like you are being compelled to do so by circumstances beyond your control.  

Leo

Saturn in Libra, the Saturn of civil disobedience, comes up against your ruler, the Sun, this week.     Some of your core beliefs could be challenged this week, and it becomes apparent that you can no longer ignore the truth when it is staring at you so blatantly.  Another way of demonstrating this is through realizing that sometimes Conscience transcends all, especially if circumstances are obviously unfair or unjust.  As Mercury stations in your sign this week, allow yourself to also make some space in your life for creative flow and self-expression.  It will be those moments of personal introspection that bring enlightenment and realization.  

Virgo

Your ruler, Mercury, stations retrograde this week.  This can bring some of the usual denizens along the lines of misunderstanding, and things not working.  But this retrograde period has some special perks too, if you will only allow it some space.  Think of the next several weeks as something of a time out.  We spend so much time doing things, sometimes you just need a little time to assess.  Allow your mind and imagination to wander, to daydream and reminisce.  This is a good time for quiet study and inward reflection.  Your intuition, and sensitivity to those things that are hidden and unspoken are heightened as well.  Find your own inner peace in the eye of the storm.

Libra

Between Venus’ retrograde last month, and Mercury’s for the next three weeks, you may notice people reappearing from out of the past.  In a good way.  These are people with whom some special bond was forged in the past.  And are welcome guests in your present as well.  You will need all this support as you could be feeling a little pressured this week to perform, even though you’re not necessarily feeling up to it.  You can’t be all things to all people, without running yourself into the ground, and becoming resentful in the process.  Use the Martian energy to motivate yourself to make much overdo changes, but also pace yourself and prioritize all your conflicting obligations between career, partners, home and personal needs.  There are only so many hours in the day, and so many places you can be at once.  Pace yourself.

Scorpio

Those things that you’ve been shoving inside the closet, or keep putting aside for a better time, may just come back and haunt you this week, as necessary and inevitable changes can no longer be avoided.  However, pace yourself. You can work so hard this week, or take on so much that you can become utterly physically exhausted.  This applies to both physical work, as well as taking a stand over an issue, an organization or with an individual, who can present as extremely willful and domineering.  This is a good week to remember that even the smallest of sparks can ignite into a pretty wild fire.  It’s all about moderation, and not engaging when you don’t need to.  Remove yourself from the line of fire, and find your own eye of the storm in which to wait it out.  

Sagittarius

One of the advantages of these progressive times of change, is being able to hitch a ride on that wave when it comes and go with it.  For Sagittarius, the wave of change brings all sorts of opportunities and potential if you can just ride that wild bronco.  It appears as if all systems are go for Sagittarius, if you can manage this.  So take a chance.  Step out of your comfort zone, and be willing to explore what the world has to offer you.  You’ve got the energy, the excitement, and the right people in your life who are supporting you.  So go out and grab that ring.  The world continues to unfold.  

Capricorn

Conflicts between what you have to do, and what you would rather be doing arise.  Resentment can build up from having to do certain things that you feel take away from who you want to be with, and what you really want to be doing.  Perhaps you are torn between wanting to achieve some goal, maybe at the expense of a relationship, or at the expense of your own health and emotional well-being.  There is an internal battle raging that could be projected outside of yourself.  Could be you are just being way too hard on yourself.  Yes, there is room for change, but sometimes you just need to sit with things, allow them to unfold and see what that looks like, instead of impulsively jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Aquarius

Caught between the shackles of responsibility and an urge to be free, it feels like the universe is trying to tell you something.  Although Aquarians are known for taking the path less traveled, they can also be amazingly entrenched and stubborn.  Therefore what the universe is saying, could feel somewhat scary as well, for it has something to do with the necessity for change and transformation.  This requires a certain willingness to step out of your usual comfort zone, if you really want to be true to yourself.  But in order to be truly free requires the very difficult task of being willing to clear out all the old psychic and psychological baggage.  Then the freedom that comes can be simply exhilarating.

Pisces

You have more energy, and it seems more resources to be able to do more and take on more challenges.  Actions taken to move toward achieving a cherished goal goes well this week, even as you are leaping gracefully over hurdles that may temporarily be in your way.  Think freedom, exploration, and possibility.  With Uranus stationing and sextile your ruler Jupiter this week, some sense of enlightenment can descend upon you, some realization, some wonderful opportunity.  A sudden inspiration arises, or perhaps an unexpected solution presents itself.  Go with the serendipity of it all.  It can take you places.