May 9, 2012

We’re under the influence this week, held in the sway of several powerful celestial forces, all of which manage to maintain the status quo: a consistent escalation of intensity, individual and collective, that isn’t ending anytime soon. (I know; just keep breathing, deeply.) Handling this acceleration is likely to challenge even the most conscious among us, especially over the course of the next few weeks as the stars emphasize partnerships of every denomination. Relationship issues are seldom simply easy, even when they work well. Eventually, every true meeting of the heart is certain to bring up differences. Whether those differences are political, emotional, financial, cultural, or spiritual, figuring out a skillful way to resolve the tension always takes a moment or two. And that’s the current task: Finding the cardio-resilience to make room for other, equally valid, points of view. Unfortunately, in times of stress many of us tend to revert to our default settings, standard emotional responses that no longer serve, yet seem like a safe bet if only because they’ve worked before. But given the current climate of transformation, those habituations could boomerang easily, especially if they override deeper, more authentic responses. Make every effort to stay conscious of where you might be reacting out of habit, and then do your best to move your response into present time.

Venus is at the epicenter of the intensity. The goddess of love and beauty still trines Saturn; she is in Gemini, the Sign of conversation, while Saturn, symbolizing knowledge born from experience, is in Libra, the Sign of relating. They are having a deep dialogue about alliances, which means many of us are also contemplating our personal and professional bonds. On May 15, Venus goes retrograde, and all week long, as she slows down in preparation for her “course correction,” certain areas of life are likely to feel stalled. She’s retrograde until June 27.

Venus Retrograde adds a deeper octave to the already ongoing relationship discussion, and as she revisits her path, it would be wise to revisit your patterns. The actual review doesn’t have to occur in person, but that being said, old lovers could get in touch, and they will definitely want to talk. The presence of Saturn will skew these exchanges toward the deep. Whether those tête-à-têtes will fan old embers or spark new flames is uncertain; what is clear, however, is that these dialogues provide opportunities for insightful intimacy. Gemini is also the Sign of siblings and cousins, which means several of these conversations could take place with family members.

And some of those Venus Retrograde conversations could be quite surprising. A solar eclipse on May 20 also occurs in Gemini, and because eclipses always tend to reveal hidden knowledge, and because Gemini just loves dispensing data, some of us may be saying or hearing things we always suspected were true but could never prove.

The best news is the continuing Sun/Jupiter conjunction, which is spreading its jovial light far and wide, supporting laughter as a potent remedy for healing hearts. Let this exuberant relationship enhance your heart’s resilience and keep you optimistic about your opportunities to transform.

May 2, 2012

The planets tilt the routines of daily life toward even greater intensity this week, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself increasingly skewed toward how things “should” be. These leanings could include opinions, decisions, or actions you never imagined you would embrace or embody; or, conversely, you might find yourself clinging to established positions with a fierce and poignant loyalty that refuses to be budged by reality. We’re in a process of transition, in preparation for an even longer process of transformation, and the next several weeks represent a “that was then, and this is now” threshold between what was, what is, and what will be. Figuring out how to move through these shifts is going to take skill. Transitions are often uncomfortable, especially when they require a change of mind or a change of heart – or both. Anticipate feeling vulnerable or exposed. Do whatever it is you do to protect yourself, but make sure you stay open to the potential for profound change. Personal pole shifts require courage, but they are almost always worth the energy and effort.

The astrological threshold we’re standing on opens into several years of squares between Uranus and Pluto, the two most powerful change agents in the astrological system. The first exact square is June 24, and while that sounds as if it’s too far in the future to have an effect right now, from the perspective of cosmic time, we’re already in it; Uranus and Pluto signatures are always present in times of revolution and evolution. Protest thrives under this influence, and as the next several months unfold, we are certain to see an increase in dissent. Expect those demonstrations to be more than political; personal revolutions are just as likely, as individuals chafe from restraints, real or imagined. Over the next several weeks, as this square tightens its grip, daily life will preview what needs to shift. Pay close attention to what you are resisting the most – that’s usually the first sign that something’s gotta give.

A Venus/Saturn trine adds a sobering and steady touch to the week. Venus is in Gemini, the Sign of communication. Saturn is in Libra, the Sign of relationships. And as they form a positive connection, we have opportunities to do the same, especially through conversations aimed at conveying important information. This trine supports heartfelt exchanges, but be careful not to be too blunt. And as always, consider your situation from the other person’s point of view before you make proclamations you might regret.

A Sun/Jupiter conjunction, in Taurus, provides an optimistic attitude that can also serve as a soothing balm to mounting tension. The core of this idealistic combination is joyous vitality. It also fosters humor. Laughter is the greatest medicine for the heart, so this week, when possible, lift your spirit by finding the funny – it’s almost always there.

April 25, 2012

It’s another week of planetary déjà vu so don’t be surprised if you feel as if you’ve been here (wherever that might be) before, or if you feel that you’re reading the very same column you read nearly two months ago. Mars is moving forward, and as a result we’re plowing through certain astral fields—again. But don’t let the familiarities or similarities fool you into thinking that this repeat performance is exact. There are too many variations on the theme to make it the “same old same old.” Pay careful attention to the details, as well as the differences, and use this time to make the necessary or desired course corrections. The skies are providing a strong current of positive energy, and as we are pulled along, there are real opportunities to make tangible progress toward your goals—whatever they may be. Just don’t expect instantaneous results. This dynamic signature occurs in Earth Signs, which are notorious for taking the appropriate amount of time to get the job done right.

The source of this powerful yet familiar pattern is a Grand Trine between the Sun, in Taurus, Mars, in Virgo, and Pluto, in Capricorn. We experienced a similar configuration in early March, when the gorgeous Venus/Jupiter conjunction, in Taurus, also formed a trine to both Mars and Pluto. While this week’s combination lacks the grace of Venus and the expansiveness of Jupiter, it is still extraordinarily vital, and has the potential to support whatever you are determined to bring into being. The planetary concentration in Earth Signs is the equivalent of a rich and fertile astral garden. The Sun and Mars provide the ambition, vigor, and determination to grow, and Pluto endows the entire bundle with the capacity to make exceptional efforts. You provide the seeds—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Make an extra effort to plant with a clear intention of what it is you want to grow. Also note: Pluto can tilt minds as well as hearts toward a ruthless attitude that wants success at any cost; the best way to avoid being sucked into a Plutonian vortex of fanaticism is to simultaneously cultivate a wholesome attitude toward the outcome.

As with any actual garden, those seeds will require careful tending: Sunlight, rain, and fertilizer are all necessary components for a successful harvest. So as you are planting your seeds, try to assess how much work will be necessary for your astral garden to grow. In some cases, all that’s necessary is a strong and clear intention. In others instances, a bountiful harvest is dependent upon time and energy. And in cases of collaboration, success relies on a combination of factors, some known and others often surprising. Whatever your personal garden plan might be, try to include an openhearted patch that grows genuine compassion and concern for the well being of your fellow travelers.

April 18, 2012

How do you spell “relief”? M-a-r-s D-i-r-e-ct. And how do you spell “be careful what you wish for”? A week of such rapid acceleration in almost every sector of life, that simply catching your breath will feel like a major accomplishment. Okay, I’m exaggerating—slightly—and as I wrote last week, Mars takes more than a moment to gain forward traction. But as the week unfolds, many of us are going to feel as if the sluggish, poky local train of regular routines has turned into a swift high-speed rail express. Concentration, determination, and mindfulness are the keys to keeping your “vehicle” on track. Distractions will abound, especially as everyone—even the animals—experiences the shift in pace. Interruptions will also be frequent—everybody, especially children—are likely to need assurance that all is well. Of course it is, primarily because even as the intensity intensifies, and nervous systems shudder from the shifts, beneath the astral hustle and bustle the planets are also providing a solid grounded foundation. As always in times of transition, set your internal compass on steady. And when possible, encourage and help your fellow travelers to do the same.

A Mercury/Uranus conjunction sets nervous systems on fire this week. Mercury, recently released from its retrograde review, entered Aries on April 16, where it immediately formed a conjunction with Uranus. Mercury symbolizes the mind, Uranus represents innovation, and when they share the same space, their perfect union engenders intellectual flexibility. This conjunction also produces a strong intuition, as well as a heightened capacity for conceptualization. Also anticipate a strong need for conversation; so many ideas are likely to strike you as more than a little interesting, you could find yourself talking to anyone who will listen—friend or stranger. What’s more, because both planets represent movement, you are likely to also need more than the normal amount of exercise and activity. But that’s not all: Mercury and Uranus were also conjunct from March 3 through March 23, which includes the first half of the recent Mercury Retrograde; don’t be surprised if you find yourself revisiting circumstances set in motion at that time.

And the déjà vu continues: Mars, transiting Virgo since November 2011, turns around at the position it occupied in mid-November, and as it does, some of us are likely to be revisiting situations, issues, and themes set in motion last year. As Mars gains forward momentum it will move through Virgo quickly, entering Libra on July 3, which I will formally dub “Mars Declares Independence From Virgo Day.”

Fortunately, Mars Direct also provides a solid foundation for daily life. As Mars turns around, it trines the Sun, a positive, powerful configuration that fully blossoms when the Sun enters Taurus on April 19. This trine signifies vitality, and because Taurus and Virgo are both Earth Signs, it fosters strong urges to get everything done. For the next several weeks, we are out of the retro-zone. (Venus goes retrograde on May 15, but that turn around seems light years away.) At the moment, there is no need to put anything on hold.

April 11, 2012

Listen closely and you’ll hear the sky shouting, “Earthlings, start your engines.” And don’t be surprised if you also hear a roar of approval resounding through the ethers. Just don’t let the antsy excitement of days prior to Mars Direct – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – fool you into false starts that might waste time and disqualify you from the actual “event.” Bide your time, and wait until Saturday when the final stretch of a nearly twelve-week Mars Retrograde is over, to put your bodies (and everything else) in motion. Mars “turns around” very late in the day on Friday, April 13, and these last few days of practiced restraint could irritate nervous systems, especially those already fried from trying to be as patient as possible. Most, if not all of us, are more than willing to put an end to the constant culling from the past and enter into new territory. So hold on for just a few more cosmic moments; relief really is in sight.

But nothing is simple, not even the end of a Mars Retrograde, for as Mars goes direct it’s likely to generate rhythmic disturbances, sending ripples through the regular routines of daily life. Don’t forget, many of us adapted to its “backward” motion – and got used to it. Now, as Mars moves forward, “normal” is going to shift, again, and that’s sure to take some getting used to. Mars punctuates this entire adjustment period by taking its time – a week or so – to gather momentum; so don’t be surprised if you feel suspended in time.

A Sun/Saturn opposition, while not directly related to Mars, exacerbates pre and post Mars Direct irritations this week. All Sun/Saturn contacts carry a serious signature, and this opposition, with the Sun, in Aries, and Saturn, in Libra, symbolizes the tension between the need to push ahead and the desire to weigh the consequences before taking action. Notice where you’re feeling willful, and rather than resent Saturn’s challenge, use it as a gauge. Not every impulse needs to be satisfied. Focus Saturn’s sobering intensity on projects that need precision.

Mars Retrograde turned the first three months of 2012 into an invitation (of sorts) to identify and confront persistent issues that previously seemed to evade a true process of transformation. And while many of us are still unconscious or in denial (I’m not naming any names – just sayin’.), many more of us found the courage to confront deeply entrenched patterns, even if that confrontation meant facing demons, both internal and external. Of course, there is always more work to be done, but that knowledge doesn’t diminish the work of the moment.

As Mars gathers forward-momentum over the coming weeks, it will provide plenty of opportunities to rebuild and replenish personal reservoirs of stamina, strength, and confidence. Use this time wisely by making your keyword “authenticity.” Align with the bravery of Mars and show up for your situation, whatever it might be. Conscious participation at every level of life is the positive key to so many of the problems we face, personal as well as collective. And also be aware that Virgo, where Mars has lingered for so long and will continue to traverse for the next several months, has the power to reveal the true interconnectedness of life, the ecosystem that underlies all of our interactions – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

April 4, 2012

For the next several weeks, the planets are rearranging their positions, providing a rare opportunity to experience the Wheel of Life in motion. And although it can be argued that this great karmic turning is always taking place, we seldom have a chance to witness as well as experience its recalibration so potently. Many of us could feel pulled in a new direction, as if caught by mighty undercurrents and powerless to override their strength. Others, compelled by new inspiration and aspiration, could experience an overwhelming desire to set their personal course toward what previously felt unachievable. Still more are likely to feel their feet on the ground for the first time in what has seemed like too long, and that groundedness is sure to give birth to a new sense of purpose and enterprise. Wherever you find yourself along this spectrum of adjustment, know that you are in process. The current astral rotation occurs in its own time, and there is no pushing it to hurry up nor negotiating with it to slow down.  

Mercury Retrograde ended on April 4, at 6:11 a.m. EDT. (I can hear that sigh of relief.) Mars Retrograde ends on April 13, at 11:52 p.m. EDT. (I can feel the anticipation.) But that doesn’t mean that either planet will gain forward momentum quickly. Mercury takes until Monday to resume its normal quicksilver pace. Mars takes much longer; it won’t be up to its competitive capacity until the end of the month. So continue to be patient and don’t expect any one area – especially the area you most need to budge – to move at a satisfying rate.  

The last several months of retrograde review, reflection, and reconsideration have been uncomfortable and disconcerting for several reasons. Mars, retrograde in Virgo, focused on details that couldn’t be overlooked or finessed, no matter how huge the effort to sweep them under the carpet. Mercury Retrograde amplified that Martian review, and added the extra element of instability, as Uranus helped to spotlight stagnation and atrophy. If you haven’t identified that one persistent repetitive pattern—or what I like to call the karmic red thread—that has held you hostage to patterns you’ve tried repeatedly to transform, keep looking. Use the forward, yet deliberate pace of the next few weeks to isolate that theme. Many of us have experienced it as that one issue of truth that must be faced. For some, that thread appears to be financial, but don’t be fooled by surface appearances; money could symbolize deeper issues of personal worth. For others, the theme is all about betrayal, but again, penetrate the depths of your despair, and be willing to explore your role in the dynamic. For even more, the retrograde red thread been deeply emotional, surfacing issues of longing for connection and meaning through love, home, and safety, as well as the longing to be seen and received fully by family, friends, or lovers. From a spiritual perspective, many have simply yearned for the deeper truth of the heart.

Mostly retrogrades are about frustration, especially when Mercury and Mars—the two planets that drive the mechanics of daily life are both in “reverse.” But nothing that occurs in the sky is ever solely about superficial indications. The shifts of the coming weeks allow all of us an opportunity to witness what occurs when individual responses to persistent personal themes coalesce into a collective mood. Gather your strength and hold true to your vision of what’s possible, and continue to put your soul power to the karmic wheel.

March 28, 2012

Past, present, and future merge in frequent déjà vus, this week, so frequent, in fact, that you’re sure to feel as if you’ve been “here” as well as “there” before. And chances are you have – just not in this dimension. Pay attention: It’s hard to know where memory, imagination, and prognostication meet this week. The planets are moving along diverse pathways, and while some of the planetary interactions display their power directly, others are subtle with nuance. Riding these different currents will require skill. Some of us are likely to feel as if history is repeating itself – and it is. Others could lose their balance, as routine reality morphs into the Dreamtime, causing psychological or emotional vertigo and dislocation. But for most of us, the challenge lies in figuring out how to hold onto a strong sense of personal direction as we simultaneously find the heart to be patient with our fellow travelers and with ourselves.

The dual Mercury and Mars Retrogrades are at the core of this dimensional convergence. Mercury ends its retrograde on April 4, and oddly, it goes direct exactly at the degree that Mars began its retrograde on January 23. This shared position is likely to have many of us revisiting events related to that specific time, particularly when it comes to travel, communication, contracts, and negotiations – all categories within Mercury’s vast domain. Don’t be surprised if you receive emails, text messages, or even packages sent to you or by you long before Mercury began its retrograde on March 12.

As Mercury starts to slow down this week in preparation for its “turn-around,” daily life is certain to slow to a crawl. And while that’s “normal” for the end of any Mercury Retrograde, this particular course correction could feel even more frustrating, because Mars is also slowing down in preparation for its turn-around on April 14. (Technically, it’s April 13, but so late in the day, it might as well be the next day. All of the sticklers about details please forgive my latitude.) By next week we will start to feel the undertow of Mars finally ending its review.

But Mars still plays a distinctive role in creating the multidimensional currents of the week: It opposes Neptune, in Pisces, an interaction that tends toward hypersensitivity. Be prepared to feel out of sorts, and anticipate a strong desire to self-medicate. This opposition has the potential to open up psychic channels, but that potential also carries the possibility of getting lost in assumptions, imaginary or actual.

It’s yet another week of learning to live comfortably in uncertainty, but don’t be surprised if it’s an opportunity you’d rather not take advantage of. Not only are we dealing with flashbacks and/or flash-forwards, we are also dealing with power issues, as the ongoing Sun/Pluto square turns exact and separating on March 29. Be prepared for everyone to want to be in control of everything. Also anticipate politics turning even more vitriolic—if that’s possible. The best way through these waves is to find your center of gravity and to hold on to it. So do whatever it is you do to stay centered, and then help those around you to do the same.

March 21, 2012

Don’t be surprised if you or those around you are speaking in harsher tones. Planetary patterns strike a strident chord this week. Gone is the soothing, throaty voice of Venus, who “speaks low when she speaks love.” She’s pulled away from her perfect union with Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto, and as she separates, her dulcet tones lessen (yes, I really miss her presence), causing hearts to grow less fond and interactions to turn more aggressive. Also be prepared for increasingly jarring interruptions and intrusions that fray nervous systems already overloaded from the intensity of the dual retrograde of Mercury and Mars. But that’s not all. Nervous systems are also challenged by unpredictable shifts of circumstance, some of which manifest as complete reversals of fortune (some for better, some for worse), and some that are simply breathtakingly senseless. It’s not an easy week. But it’s still possible to skillfully navigate the days and nights, especially if you’re willing to be kind, first.

Not only is Venus ending her brief and powerful participation in the Grand Trine between Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto, but Mars, still retrograde until April 14, is also pulling away, and as a result, the vim and vigor of the last few weeks–the “I can do anything” attitude–is dissipating. Remember, Mars has been retrograde in Virgo since January 23. (I know—who could forget?) And since that time we have been reviewing the details of things set in motion since mid-November, 2011. Don’t be surprised if you start to experience retrograde fatigue during these final weeks. Mars thrives on motion, and three months of Mars moving behind instead of ahead is taking a toll on even the most patient among us.

Mercury Retrograde is also upon us, but the good news is that this retrograde continues to be anything but normal. While the snafus associated with a retrograde are still likely to occur, the stagnant “why won’t anything move?” signature is missing. Lots of things are moving–even things you wish would hold still. And that’s because Uranus dominates how the retrograde plays out–at least for this week. Uranus is conjunct Mercury, in Aries, and on March 20, the Sun joined forces with both Mercury and Uranus, as it moved into Aries, signaling the start of spring.

Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication. Uranus represents innovation and invention. The Sun signifies the fire of life. And when all three combine in an astro mélange a trois, nobody and nothing is moving backward. Period. Especially not in Aries, the fiery Sign of forward motion and irrepressible action. This powerful alliance is sure to stir strong desires for reform and revolution of all sorts, not just political, although protests for freedom are likely to surge in frequency and intensity. Also expect personal protests, in the form of divorce or defiance. This triple conjunction inspires the need to break free from whatever enslaves, whether the shackles that bind are real or imaginary.

As you work your way through the week, do your best to make kindness your first response. It’s easy to forget, especially when the air is charged with revolution, that we are all in this caldron of change together.

March 14, 2012

Throw out the retrograde rulebook, seize the creative moment, and do your best to get comfortable with the idea of moving free-form through the routines of daily life. This week, we’re all making it up as we go along. And while the co-creative power of every moment always determines reality, the knowledge of that power usually rides beneath the surface of normal consciousness and regular routines. But not this week—so many potent moments play out simultaneously that even your multidimensional beanies with the special antennae won’t capture enough bandwidth to handle the potential for extraordinary experiences. I know…I sound like I am exaggerating, but this is the week to err on the side of wishful thinking. So think big rather than small, and visualize what it is you want to bring into manifestation. Then focus on all the details necessary to give birth to your dreams.

Both Mercury and Mars are retrograde, but even as they seemingly move behind instead of ahead, they are busy—really, really busy—and their hustle and bustle nullifies a large portion of the normal retrograde sluggishness. For those of you new to Mercury Retrograde, because Mercury symbolizes all things related to communication and travel, conventional astrological wisdom views retrograde phases as great opportunities to review the details of what’s already in motion and to refrain from starting anything new. But Mercury’s current position defies that warning: Mercury is conjunct Uranus, the planet of revolution; both are in Aries, the Sign of exploration; and their united presence is a powerful combination for ingenious innovation. This is a direct celestial invitation to “think different.” By the weekend, but especially by the start of the workweek and on the vernal equinox, the Sun joins this dynamic duo, and its light intensifies the need for intellectual freedom as it simultaneously amplifies the need for personal freedom. Be prepared to move, quickly, in all areas of your life, and let stagnation become a thing of the past.  

But the purely creative beauty of the week is a Grand Trine between Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Pluto, all in Earth Signs and all coalescing into a benign configuration that supports the potential to manifest the heart’s desire. Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, is already forming a perfect union with Jupiter, the planet of expansion; both are conjunct in Taurus, where they are happily fostering harmonious environments and joyous attitudes. The benefits of this radiant coupling are amplified by their trine to Mars, in Virgo, a positive combination that supports artistic endeavors. And despite the Mars Retrograde signature, which could signify a delay in the actualization of creative efforts, the entire configuration indicates the potential for success. But that’s not all. Venus, Jupiter and Mars also trine Pluto, in Capricorn, and that’s what super-charges the entire bundle. Pluto supplies the extraordinary power to tackle big plans and projects, and its presence makes possible all sorts of success.

Use this beneficent Grand Trine to visualize joy, yours or others, and don’t despair if it takes more than a moment to actualize those visions. This Grand Trine is in Earth, the astrological element that persists in its endeavors until the mission is accomplished.

March 7, 2012

It’s a wacky week, here on Planet Earth, with so many ups and downs and back-and-forths that simply surviving the multidimensional psychic flux requires surrendering any notion of “normal.” The planets are challenging the status quo, and as a result, many situations as well as states of mind regularly taken for granted simply evaporate at the touch (a condition that continues for the next several weeks). The good news is that life is exciting. But it’s also exhausting, especially as the constantly changing terrain makes it feel as if nothing is “for sure.” Learning to live comfortably in a state of uncertainty is always a huge challenge to hearts as well as minds. And for the next several weeks (really, several months) many of us will be facing just such a challenge as we work our way through an elaborate maze of personal and planetary transformation.

The epicenter of the wackiness is Uranus, in Aries, conjunct Mercury, also in Aries, as Mercury prepares to go retrograde on March 12. Uranus, the planet of sudden shifts, is infamous for catalyzing stagnant patterns. Mercury, the planet of all things mental, includes within its vast domain language, communication, commerce, and travel. During a retrograde phase, as Mercury seemingly retraces its path, regular routines go slightly screwy, especially this retrograde which runs currently with the ongoing Mars Retrograde. Mercury’s retro-review process is often experienced as interference, tangible and intangible, which poses problems in the invisible realms, as well as the actual day-to-day reality. Be prepared for everything from hardware to software, cell phones to landlines, Twitter to parcel post to experience snafus. Back up everything. Then, back it up again.

But also be prepared for Uranus to turn this retrograde into something completely different. First, we haven’t had to wait for the exact start of Mercury Retrograde to feel its effect – some people think it started last week. What’s more, Uranus is such a powerful force for innovation that even expecting the unexpected won’t be enough preparation for what we are likely to witness during the coming week, as many of us experience complete reversals of attitudes and goals. Don’t be dismayed if you’re tempted to ignore the Mercury Retrograde warning not to start anything new, and instead, feel the desire and passion to simply follow your bliss. Aries is the Sign of the pioneer, after all, and when Uranus stimulates that already adventurous spirit, the impulse to act is likely to override any warning to stay put.

The urge to move is also motivated by a unique grand trine between a Venus/Jupiter conjunction, in Taurus, Mars (and just for today, the Moon conjunct Mars, in Virgo), and Pluto, in Capricorn, all in Earth Signs, and all working together to help support extraordinary accomplishments, individual and collective. This grand trine is quite brilliant – literally, you can already see the Venus/Jupiter conjunction in the night sky. The power of this radiant configuration cannot be stifled, controlled, or curtailed. It symbolizes the power of the heart and the fundamental joy of love. Use it to manifest your heart’s desire, and to stand strong on the ground of what really matters most to you.

February 29, 2012

Start your backups, now. And don’t procrastinate. On March 12, Mercury begins its first retrograde phase of 2012, a phase that lasts until April 4 and a phase that runs concurrently with the continuing Mars Retrograde (which we already know doesn’t end until ten days later, on April 14). Because Mercury and Mars drive the mechanics of daily life, we tend to feel the effect of their simultaneous retrogrades quite keenly – so keenly, that non-believers often convert into astrological zealots. Mercury represents travel, transportation, commerce, and every little thing related to communication. Mars signifies mobility and movement, from moods to muscles to meetings. When they both seemingly travel in reverse, life on Earth resembles an obstacle course of technicalities and trivialities. Patience is a must during any retrograde phase, but especially this one. Skins, already thin from the grueling, yet subtle, effect of the last six weeks of Mars Retrograde, are likely to grow increasingly sensitive over the course of the coming weeks, as Mercury Retrograde kicks in.

While most of us know the Mercury Retrograde drill – review, reflect, and reconsider plans and projects already in motion – this Mercury Retrograde has a unique signature. Mercury goes retrograde in a conjunction to Uranus – a dynamic interaction that begins this week and continues for the first three weeks of March. I love this conjunction because it symbolizes the ability to “think different.” Uranus signifies invention, independence, and revolution; it catalyzes whatever is stagnant and in need of a creative shift. When it combines with Mercury, it stirs mental processes that help the mind to free itself from the shackles of convention. Until the retrograde begins on March 12, this conjunction is going to have minds moving at a breakneck pace. Just don’t lose sight of the speed bumps ahead. By March 9, as Mercury starts to slow down in preparation for its “turn-around,” many creative excursions could run into roadblocks.

This week, we are in the grip of a Sun/Mars opposition that is exact and separating on Saturday, which means we will be feeling its presence well into the beginning of the next workweek. This is a tense interaction that fuels egos and then temper tantrums as a way of assuaging frustrated ambitions. Unless it is really worth fighting over, just let it go – it will be good practice for the coming weeks, when frustration levels are certain to be challenged. Mars doesn’t make direct contact with Mercury during their shared retrogrades, but we will still feel its assertive presence.

Use this week for preparation. Back up everything, and don’t forget to include your tax information. Most importantly, do whatever it is you do to maintain an even keel, and if at all possible, help your fellow travelers to do the same.

February 22, 2012

Signs are everywhere this week, and they aren’t all astrological. A wide range of rich symbols are likely to materialize out of the blue, in all sorts of settings, and because their presence feels synchronistic, it would be hard not to think of them as messages from a living universe. Pay attention to who or what crosses your path. And don’t worry about missing the signals; they are plentiful, from red tail hawks in the park to baby lizards in the desert to a song that seems to be playing everywhere. The only work involved is figuring out what these messages might mean. If you need assistance, get your multidimensional beanie out of the closet, dust off the special antennae used for ET communiqués, and set your dials on receive. (Those of you new to this technique: simply imagine your favorite hat, add a set of TV ears on top, and you’re good to go.) Just be aware: You’ll need a strong set of filters. Intense emotions are part of the package, which might make it hard to discern the difference between what you’re feeling and what others may be transmitting.

The source of this heightened awareness continues to be a concentration of planets in Pisces. First, the ongoing Sun/Neptune conjunction is still transforming empathy into psychic intuition. This conjunction tends to manifest as super-receptivity, another reason why good filters are a must. Pisces is the Sign of melting boundaries, and when that urge to merge is amplified by Neptune, its Ruling Planet, the capacity to melt into another person is breathtaking. And that goes for the potential to get lost in situational merging as well. Under this influence, it’s possible to be so susceptible to suggestion that you take on the prevailing mood of those around you, without even noticing that you’ve lost your center.

Mercury is also in Pisces, and because Mercury symbolizes the mind and all its activities, its presence in Pisces is sure to be felt as intensified and inspired imagination. Allow yourself to dream, and don’t be afraid to dream big. The only problem with Mercury’s position is that it opposes Mars, retrograde in Virgo, an interaction that could lead to a restless, nervousness that spends itself as an argumentative attitude. This opposition lasts until Sunday, so do your best to avoid quarreling just for the sake of it.

As you attempt to receive and make sense of the signs this week, be careful not to get caught in Neptune’s illusions or delusions, which could feel real, but might only be familiar, unconscious projections. Instead, allow the psychic sway to facilitate a deep spiritual conversation — a dialogue with the invisible realms that enlivens your ability to see a different and perhaps more transformative perspective.

February 15-21, 2012

Don’t be surprised if your psychic cilia quiver with intensity this week – all the extra features of your personal intuitive antennae are likely to be working overtime in an effort to cope with a highly sensitive environment. Celestial interactions are stirring deep pools of psyche, and because those pools contain imprints from previous experiences, confusing memory for reality is probable. But it’s not just projection that dominates perception. Dreams and other inspired stories of the soul could have a visceral effect that would make it easy to mistake fiction for fact and illusions for actualities. Being able to recognize nuance is also essential, especially when handling certain tender situations. The inability to distinguish degree or tone could cause some of us to get lost in space, freeze from anxiety, or feel a deep sense of dislocation. Fortunately, the planets support staying grounded in the midst of this super sensitivity, no matter how expansive our personal or collective altered states might be.

Neptune is the main contributor to this week’s sensitive skin. On February 3, it moved into Pisces, its Home Sign, a position that amplifies the quality of empathy shared by both Neptune and Pisces. It also enhances that Piscean capacity to feel the deeper pulse hidden beneath the beat of surface reality. On February 19, the Sun also moves into Pisces, where it forms a conjunction with Neptune for the first time in approximately 150 years. Of course Sun/Neptune conjunctions have happened in other Signs over the course of Neptune’s 165-year orbit around the Sun (and therefore around the zodiac belt), but a Sun/Neptune conjunction in Pisces hasn’t happened since 1861. It’s a significant astral moment that has the power to stimulate a deep desire for mystic reverie. But be aware that this conjunction can also quicken a susceptibility to suggestion; be careful who and what you watch or listen to – you just might find yourself indiscriminately parroting the most recent input.

Saturn trines Neptune, and because Saturn’s natural tendencies lean toward the sober assessment of almost all situations, it can help to tether some of the more imaginative (dare I say “spacey?”) Neptunian musings. Use Saturn’s practical and pragmatic sensibility to keep your feet on the ground.

But no matter how strong Saturn’s pull might be, Neptune’s undertow is sure to be stronger. First, Mercury is also conjunct Neptune until Friday, a configuration that skews minds toward an over active intuition that can be easily distorted by projection and fantasy. (Mercury and Neptune are both infamous as astro-tricksters.) And second, by Tuesday, a new Moon, in Pisces, hits the reset button on emotional sensitivity, a condition that could send already overactive psychic cilia into spasm.

February 8-14, 2012

Passions run deep this week, and hearts long for the thrill of amorous adventures – an astral current befitting the days and nights leading up to the holiday of love. And because Uranus skews many of those feelings toward the eclectic, it would be wise to expect unconventional and imaginative ways of saying, “I love you.” But these fervent feelings are not limited solely to romantic longings. Those among us who are not inclined toward sending flowers or chocolates on Valentine’s Day, as well as those not pining for a partner or tormented by lost or unrequited love, could experience this passionate stream as creative surges. And those surges could be just as captivating and convincing as love-at-first-sight adrenalin rushes, because they have the force and spontaneity to displace habit and routine. Allow yourself to be swept away, and you just might discover or recover a piece of your heart that you didn’t even know was missing.

The source of this ardent energy is a Venus/Uranus conjunction, in Aries. Venus is the goddess of love, and when she transits Aries, she has a tendency to be direct about what she needs and wants. She also has a tendency to be impulsive, especially when she’s infatuated, which happens quite often and quite quickly. Uranus represents sudden shifts; it is the principle of revolution and change, and because of that it signals instability. This is why any combination of Venus and Uranus turns feelings of love erratic. But that’s not all. Venus and Uranus contacts are also deemed erotic. So don’t be surprised if you feel a strong desire to explore – if only in your fantasies. Polite astrologers of bygone days have always referred to the erotic yearnings of Venus/Uranus as “peculiar and strange inclinations.” These days, given just how much exposure most of us have had to all sorts of choices, it would be hard to define any inclination as odd. (Individualistic, perhaps, but odd – not really.)

But there is a rub: Connections formed under Venus/Uranus contacts don’t often last; it’s the infatuation that’s thrilling, not the possibility of longevity. If you must propose under this influence, go ahead, but wait a few weeks before actually saying, “I do.”

Of course, Uranus is the master of surprise, and because it only catalyzes what’s stagnant and in need of change, those who have avoided intimacy could find themselves moving out of seclusion and into inclusion and interaction. And while that sudden immersion in connectedness might feel awkward at first, the trick to handling this type of Uranian shift is staying as present as possible for the process.

From a creative perspective, the Venus/Uranus conjunction is sure to stimulate all variety of artistic endeavors, especially if you allow yourself to move out of habitual choices. Try a different tonal range or a different palate. Listen to new instruments, and experiment with unusual rhythms. Most importantly remember that life is the most creative expression of all and use the vibrant combination of Venus and Uranus to live with greater gusto. Be innovative, inventive, and willing to make the most of the moment, regardless of how fleeting its magic may be.

February 1-7, 2012

The Retro-Zone: Part 3

Daily life marches to an erratic beat this week, and as regular routines bend to unfamiliar rhythms, nervous systems are likely to strain from the stress of trying to adapt and adjust. Expect to be discombobulated, especially as time takes on a noticeable elasticity — some minutes seem to extend forever, while others blow by at the speed of light. Certain situations also seem to have a similar plasticine quality — some relationships feel as deep as the sea, while others seem as if they could disintegrate at the touch. This time distortion, coupled with the ongoing (and soon to be interminable) Mars Retrograde, has the potential to drive the efficient multi-tasker a touch mad, particularly if she is attempting to juggle several equally important missions. The best way to handle the pace, whether it’s thrilling or agitating, is to breathe deeply, and then to breathe again. And once you can feel your toes, try to remember that no matter how disconcerting the air may feel, it is actually possible to use time warps to your advantage.

The source of this week’s irregular pulse stems from the movement of Saturn as well as Neptune. (Oddly, it’s not Uranus.) And because Saturn represents the solid ground of reality, and Neptune signifies the fluid stream of consciousness, it’s the contrast between their sharply delineated domains that stirs the disturbance in personal and collective psyches. Saturn begins a retrograde phase on February 7 that lasts until June 25, and this week, as it “decelerates” in preparation for its “course correction,” a similar slow-down is likely to occur somewhere in your personal life. Saturn is in Libra, which means that some of the deceleration will occur in relationships. For some, that spells relief from constant friction or restlessness. For others, Saturn Retrograde could manifest as increased frustration, particularly when it feels as if others are failing to meet expectations. Be aware: Saturn Retrograde is an opportunity to review relationships, old and new, including and most importantly your relationship with yourself, and to make whatever adjustments are necessary or possible.

The more significant shift is Neptune’s entry into Pisces on February 3; it will stay in Pisces until 2026. It takes Neptune approximately 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun, which means it transits all twelve Signs of the zodiac during that time. It hasn’t been in Pisces since 1848. Neptune is the Ruler of Pisces, and when any planet transits its Home Sign, its qualities are concentrated and amplified. Pisces, and Neptune symbolize all altered states of consciousness, from the lowest states of drug and alcohol addicted states to the ecstatic states of mystical bliss – all driven by the desire to neutralize separation. So it wouldn’t be surprising for addictive appetites, both old and new to be stirred, especially at the beginning of this phase, or for meditation practices to gain increased popularity.

There’s no simple remedy for the intensity of this week’s astral shifts other than to embrace them: Allow the Mars Retrograde to focus on the details, the Saturn retrograde to refine your relationships, and Neptune’s entry into Pisces to feed your need for spiritual connection.

January 25-31, 2012

The Retro-Zone: Part 2

Nothing moves quickly this week, so put aside expectations of immediate results and instead spend some time adjusting your personal pace to a slower, more deliberate and sometimes hesitant beat. Mars, the planet that symbolizes motion, is seemingly moving behind, instead of ahead, and it’s the first of several planets to place us in the 2012 Retro-Zone. When astrologers say a planet is “retrograde” they mean that it appears to be moving backwards in the sky relative to Earth’s orbital position around the Sun. And although we know retrograde motion is an illusion, the effects often feel all too real. Any planetary retrograde phase is about review, reflection, and reconsideration, and because Mars symbolizes action, many of us will be revisiting a wide variety of previous choices. Unfortunately, neither retrospection nor introspection is a Martian strong suit so don’t be surprised if you’re resistant to examining past decisions. The biggest problem is likely to be frustration, yours and others’, as daily life turns into an obstacle course of second-guessing and changing plans. Be sure to set your personal compass on “patience” – we’re all going to need plenty of it to handle the Martian fall out.

Mars Retrograde began on January 23 and continues through April 14. (It actually goes direct close to midnight on April 13.) Approximately every two-plus-years, Mars goes retrograde for approximately two or three months. Mars symbolizes muscle in all its forms, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. For some, that translates into athletics and competition; for others, it’s about heart; for even more, the presence of Mars is experienced as ambition and the need to succeed. From a spiritual perspective, Mars signifies self-actualization, and is best understood as the arms and legs of the ego. Mars is the principle that allows us to differentiate from others and to individuate. It takes Mars 687 Earth days to orbit around the Sun. Add in the time of its retrograde phase, and every two or so years each of us experiences a Mars Return, when it returns to the position it occupied at our moment of birth. The first Mars Return occurs when we’re two years old; it’s the astrological explanation for the terrible twos, when we start saying “no.” And what we mean by that “no” is “I am not you.”

During the next several months of Mars Retrograde, we’re likely to hear a lot of “no’s,” particularly in the political arena, as more and more people regress to the terrible two’s and tantrums replace statements of policy. But Mars Retrograde is also just as likely to inspire mature resistance, and its power is best demonstrated by the ability to take a stand. Given the multitude of injustices in the world that require a strong united “no”, the next few months of Mars Retrograde could inspire an abundance of protests and demonstrations.

As the coming weeks unfold, merging your personal stride with the retrograde rhythm will take skill. And there’s no need to hurry; we’re only in the first week of a many month/many planet retrograde expedition, a celestial trek that’s likely to require almost constant tweaking to find the right attitude, inside and out.

January 18-24, 2012

The Retro-Zone: Part 1

We’re entering the Retro-Zone this week (and if this column came with sound effects, you’d hear the theme from The Twilight Zone or the sci-fi ringtone on the iPhone as you read along). On January 23, Mars begins a review that is the first in a series of planetary retrogrades that will last for nearly eight months. (I heard that “ouch.”) As each of the inner planets — Mars, Mercury, and Venus — makes a retrospective journey, it won’t even be a stretch to think of the coming months as an excursion into alternate dimensions of “sound, sight, and mind,” as The Twilight Zone puts it. And because Mars, Mercury, and Venus drive the mechanics of regular routines, when their backward motion overlaps (as it does this year), daily life resembles a “land of shadow and substance,” where the edges of “things and ideas” meet in the vast terrain of the imagination.

Frustration is the most obvious danger in the Retro-Zone, and even though we are only on the threshold, for the next several days, as Mars starts to slow down in preparation for its “turn-around,” moods are apt to reflect the change of pace. Pay attention: For most of the next eight months, nothing is going to move forward smoothly, a condition that will easily fuel meltdowns at all levels of emotional and psychic intensity. Mars signifies self-assertion, and because anger and rage can be found on the negative side of the assertive spectrum, plenty of people are going to be steaming about a plethora of delays and detours. Patience is the obvious antidote, but finding patience and holding on to it will take extra effort.

Another likely dimension of Mars Retrograde is an exasperating focus on minutiae. Mars goes retrograde in Virgo, the Sign commonly known for its obsession with detail. And certainly during this retrograde we will all be looking at every little feature of every little thing (until we can’t stand to look any longer). Please remember to be kind as you sweat the small stuff; most of us make mistakes, and what transforms those errors into lessons is the ability to groan and then to grow.

But don’t discount Virgo as merely the Sign of the Fussbudgets. Virgo’s deepest current is the recognition of an abiding interconnectedness. Pisces, Virgo’s opposite and complementary Sign, always gets the kudos for its mystical urges, but Virgo is no less mystically inclined. Virgo is the Sign where we recognize the sacred in its particulars; it’s the birthplace of ecology, where the interrelatedness of all forms of life is recognized and honored through service to all living beings. As part of its retrospective, Mars invites each of us to look at how we are connected. For some, that inquiry could translate into the need to establish new, stronger bonds. For others, old ties that no longer serve are likely to be severed.

At the core of Virgo lies the idea of an organic connection that unites all living beings, and as Mars lingers in Virgo for the next five and a half months, many hearts might be moved toward greater awareness of what unites us, as well as an increased desire to be of service to our fellow travelers.

January 11-17, 2012

So many predictions have been made about 2012, and so many of those prognostications seem so dire, I’ve been avoiding adding to the load. I often scan the news to see what’s bubbled to the surface during the transition from one year to the next, and it’s clear from recent headlines that we don’t need astrologers to tell us that we’re entering a pivotal year: 2012 is an election year in the United States, and many, if not most, of our elected officials still seem to be more interested in the power of the sound byte than the actual concerns of their constituents, a condition that tends to translate into false accusations and misinformation blaring so loudly and so constantly it’s easy to mistake the noise of media manipulation for reality. It’s also a condition that we have brought into being by our collective acceptance that sound bytes and staccato bits of information are the way to go – Twitter, anyone?

We also don’t need astrologers to tell us that we are still in the financial soup. The economy may show signs of health, but no one is talking about the credit card debt that still leaves many people gasping for air, the commercial real estate situation, the plight of students, the foreclosure miasma that is still given lip service and has devastated so many lives, or the unemployment disaster that continues to destroy so many lives. Health care is not only still a problem, but has never been so clearly the emblem of a much bigger issue: Many of us have forgotten to care about each other, and the common sense that would allow that concern has fallen out of fashion. Where is the reality TV show that demonstrates the benefits of kindness and makes altruism glamorous? Whenever I see a commercial for The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, I wonder what was it that tipped the scale of value to such an extreme that the perfection of form has so completely supplanted the significance of substance.

From an astrological perspective, there’s no telling what’s going to transpire this year because 2012 is a portal into several years of dynamic change, with Uranus, the planet of surprising plot twists leading the way, and Pluto, the symbol of change at the core, following just a hair’s breadth behind. When these two planetary archetypes unite in any arrangement, we experience profound upheaval. Time may have chosen the protestor as the 2011 person of the year, but last year’s turmoil was merely the tip of the collective iceberg. Yet as history evidences, the upheaval Uranus and Pluto symbolize is not necessarily negative; their interactions signify multidimensional revolutions that focus on issues of personal freedom as well as social justice.

So here are my predictions for 2012: “Social conscience” is its mantra. And while not everyone will be interested in chanting those words, one of this year’s red threads is recognizing where and when personal interests and collective concerns meet. Be aware: This mantra is a call to evolution, and while it’s not a new call, some of us will be feeling its necessity for the first time. Even experienced revolutionaries will need to take an inventory. There’s no longer room for polarization and exclusion. The success of humanity’s next dimensional leap depends on our ability to include the needs of all sentient beings. The only lasting revolution is evolution.

January 4-10, 2012

It’s a “hit-the-ground-running” start to the New Year, and like birds gathering seed before a storm many of us are going to be collecting the threads of a variety of plans and projects. There’s little more than two weeks left before we enter the retro-zone, an approximately seven-month period of seemingly endless retrogrades that will have most of us attending to the details of whatever we forget to take care of now. Even if you manage to jump the gun, you’re still going to need to pace yourself for the next couple of weeks. There’s no use showing up for what promises to be a strenuous period exhausted from the preparations. The good news is that there is plenty of positive planetary support for stamina and strength, as well as a strong spirit of cooperation. If you don’t have anything that needs your attention, ride the current of the next couple of weeks by pitching in where help might be needed. For those anxious about getting everything done, there’s nothing like a helping hand to soothe stress and lessen tension.

The source of strength this week is a Mars/Sun trine, a vital, vigorous configuration that supports ambition, determination, courage, and intentional activity. Even if you are not inclined toward competition, this is the astrological partnership that’s sure to make you want to win. Mars symbolizes action, and is believed to rule the muscular system. The Sun represents our essential vitality, and when the Sun and Mars work together, we experience surges of physical power. Put this dynamism to work by applying it to all those areas in your life that could use a nudge. Especially put your body in motion: Run. Walk. Hike. Stretch. Swim. Just move, and make the most of it, because by the 20th, when Mars prepares for its retrograde phase, very little is going to move easily.

Mars goes retrograde on January 23, in Virgo, at 23 degrees, and stays retrograde until April 13, when it goes direct, also in Virgo, at 3 degrees. Mars thrives on forward movement, and when it seems to be lagging behind, as it does during a retrograde, we experience all sorts of Martian challenges, challenges that range from mildly impatient frustration to absolutely unbearable frustration. (Not kidding.) And because Mars represents the warrior, as the retrograde seems to stall plans and projects, many of us could feel inclined to up the ante by getting angry in all sorts of situations where we feel stuck, blocked, or impeded in our process. But don’t misunderstand. While Mars Retrograde might bring out the devil in some of us, Mars Retrograde is not the devil. And while Mars may not like retracing its past, we can certainly benefit from the review.

During the next several weeks, utilize the positive planetary support of the Sun/Mars trine to stay focused on all the things in your life that are related to movement – cars, trucks, buses, bikes, shoes, skates, skate boards, and schedules of every denomination. Push, but not to the brink of exhaustion. Most importantly, start practicing patience for yourself and your fellow travelers.