Astrology by Lauren

Mars is there, waiting to be reached. ~ Buzz Aldrin (Astronaut: Sun and Mercury in Aquarius sextile Uranus in Aries)

With Mercury coming up against Saturn these past few days, and Mars retrograde in Mercury’s sign, it’s all we can do to attend to the tasks set before us.  I have found myself focussing on minute details that consume hours of my time, but seem to make little progress.  And yet they have felt curiously satisfying.  It’s the inexplicable experience of cleaning and organizing one corner of a room, while the rest of the room is piled up with clutter and gathering dust.  

We can continue to try and clean up the gutters all over the world and spend all of our resources looking at just the dirty spots and trying to make them clean. Or we can lift our eyes up and look into the skies and move forward in an evolutionary way. ~ Buzz Aldrin

And then Mercury enters Aquarius (and sextiles its ruler, Uranus now in Aries) and the dynamic changes.  For with this simple shift of signs, there’s no longer this focus on minutiae at the expense of everything else, or that feeling of not being able to see the forest for the trees... for Mercury now entering Aquarius opens up a whole new vista of creative ideas, and possibility.  It’s like turning on the light, turning around and noticing the rest of the room, rediscovering that idea that you had previously put aside, and seeing the world from a whole new perspective.  It’s time to wake up out of our mental lethargy and revel in personal (and perhaps even mind altering) discovery. 

If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it. ~ Toni Morrison (Writer: Sun and Mercury in Aquarius sextile Uranus in Aries)

For the week of January 27th thru February 3rd, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

As things pile up at work, and neglected health issues come back to haunt you... it will come as something of a welcome shift, when Mercury changes signs today.  By feeling overwhelmed by stuff that you ‘have’ to do, as opposed to what you want to do, the creative fires have been somewhat sapped.  Now, it’s like a lightbulb gets switched on, and you can begin to reap some of the benefits of Mars being retrograde.  And yes, there are benefits.  By organizing your environment and schedule, you’re also freeing up your mind and psyche, creating avenues and vistas to the land of inspiration.  And as the week proceeds, do rediscover your passion, and allow yourself to be seduced thereby, but not to the point of utter distraction.  You’ll never get anything done that way.

Taurus

This week Taurus is learning the art of tactful diplomacy and restraint.  Which is not easy when Jupiter, a planet not that familiar with restraint, is hanging around in your sign.  Feeling rather enthusiastic about your new-found ideas as Mercury moves into your status sign, you may not realize how much of your own personal values are being assumed... not everyone may agree with your point of view or belief system.  As the week proceeds, use discrimination when it comes to issues of lust vs. love, jealousy and desire.  The green eyes are lurking.  Channel that passion into something wonderfully creative.  Or go out dancing.

Gemini

It is not like Gemini to dwell in the land of gloom and negativity. Realizing this, our often chatty brethren have been temporarily numbed to silence, lest they say something uncharacteristically bleak. So it will come as a refreshing surprise when your ruler Mercury, emerges from the critical saturnian realms, and out into the light of day once again, shaking off all that sense of fruitless malaise, and ‘too much stuff’ to do.  There’s nothing like some new or interesting news to shake one out of the doldrums, and maybe even allow you to see solutions for problems that you had not seen before!  Hello world, Gemini is back.  Allow the creative ideas to flow.

Cancer

The last few days were the sort where you’d rather be hiding out in a cave somewhere away from humanity.  You’ve had a glimpse of others’ ideas and plans, and there’s no other assumption, except that they’re obviously out to get you... intentionally or otherwise.  And now Mercury moves out of the realm of Saturn and into Aquarius, and suddenly things are not looking quite so bleary. You may even be privy to some exciting news.  And thank goodness for this change of sentiment.  The sun is shining again, and you realize that all those things that you were brooding about, are simply no longer relevant!  Look for solutions to problems to magically make their appearance.

Leo

In the 2008 Jim Carrey film “Yes Man”, Carrey portrays a curmudgeon, who decides to change his negative patterns by deciding to say “Yes” to everything, from bungee diving off a bridge, to taking Korean lessons, to learning the guitar.  It’s time for you to make the same transition from grumper “No” person, to saying “Yes”.... within reason, mind you (as in making sure you read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line).  When asked about the message in the movie, Carrey said: "If there is a message, it's just engage in life -- say yes more than you do no. Maybe a little bit more than you did before. And life turns out all right. Usually you regret the things you say no to."

Virgo

Going from having virtually no incentive, to a sudden desire and inspiration to tackle everything actually has many rewards.  That whole mind/body thing?  There’s definitely something to it.  If you are happy about what you are doing, you enjoy your work, and you pay attention to your lifestyle... it totally reflects on your overall outlook.  It’s like a big weight lifted from your shoulders.  With Mars traveling back through your sign though... you could inadvertently stir up feelings of impatience, competition or even jealousy later this week.  These may be based on past incidents.  However, when dancing or engaging with others, there are certain forms of etiquette that are expected: times when you lead, and times when you follow.  In this way one avoids treading on each other’s toes.  

Libra

You’ve been feeling somewhat concerned about someone close to you, someone that you feel responsible for?  It seems no matter what you say, they’re not going to be hearing you any way.  But that should change with Mercury entering Aquarius today.  It feels kind of like the sun is shining again, the flowers are blooming, and you actually have a few moments to do something that you want to do, instead of what you have to do.  Take advantage of them while you may!  But be wary of sinking into a well of wanton self-indulgence as the week progresses, and your ruler, Venus, is at cross purposes with Mars.  Channel that energy into a passion for your work (as opposed to passion at work), or challenge yourself with a dance class, or exercise with a friend.. it will keep cooler heads.  In more ways than one.  

Scorpio

If something has been weighing on you, be prepared to find a solution to issues, particularly those that have to do with home and work issues, to reveal itself.  Just realize that your ideas may not necessarily jibe with other people’s ideas, so be prepared to run it by them before you jump into anything too quickly.  Not that you’re jumping anywhere too soon with your ruler, Mars, in reverse gear.  If you find yourself in conflict with loved ones, remember that sometimes compromise is the better part of valor.  When in doubt, hug.

Sagittarius

Leave any bad news or negative vibes behind.  Today is another day.  If you have any regrets, some good news, or a solution to a problem could present itself this weekend, lifting your spirits.  Just make sure, when filling out any papers, that you tend to the details.  Think everything through before you sign on the dotted line, and all should be well.  The thing is, you’ve got your mind on bigger issues right now, trying to map out your goals... when you are looking at the sky, you might just trip over something.  On the other hand, opening yourself up to new possibilities is key right now, so clear the floor so you can keep looking up.  

Capricorn

You’re moving from a place of not wanting to take any chances, and not wanting to hear anything or say anything... to uncharacteristically saying yes to everything.  Just make sure you can afford what you are asking for.  Your sense of enthusiasm could run away with itself this weekend.  On the other hand, there are probably reasons for this celebratory mood.  Something new and different in the offing? Or maybe you’re just feeling like you got out of a jam, and the world is opening up in a good way.  

Aquarius

You’ve been feeling a little pressured these past few days.... well, that should be wearing thin now that Mercury is entering your domain.  You have a certain affection for the little fellow, who could either bring good news, or a pleasant surprise.  Or just a way out.  Likewise, Mercury just seems to thrive in the halls of Aquarius, where he is free to open all sorts of doors.  As a result you could be privy to revelations, or learn something new that can change your perspective on a matter.   There is no better way to solve a problem, then to alter your way of thinking about it.  Einstein said: “A problem cannot be solved with the same consciousness that created it.”  Allow your consciousness to be altered.  

Pisces

If you’re feeling at all confused or overwhelmed this week... just wait until Neptune moves into your sign the end of next week.  Neptune can be wonderful at times, but he is tricky.  Bringing us to the land of the divine, of compassion absolute, as well as the world of fairies and sprites... all the while leaving wisps of fog and smoke in his wake.  We’re all headed for some interesting times over the next several years.  In the mean time make sure you have all the facts before making any definite decisions or declarations this weekend.  Then roll out your yoga matt, and make 5 sun salutations in deference to the Lord of conscience, music, and enchantment, and welcome the mystical one back home.  

the above photo is by xedos4 who's portfolio can be found here:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1539