By now most of us are feeling the energy generated by the transiting T-square involving Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto. We have addressed the challenges presented by this alignment in previous columns – the opportunity to create some new and exciting activities, the need to take responsibility for the choices and the necessity of getting rid of attitudes and behaviors that are rigid, authoritarian, fear based and controlling. It certainly sounds interesting, but it can also be very difficult and stressful. One way that I have been experiencing this alignment is by paying attention to ‘the flow’.
The flow is a term that people use to describe a state of being in which we are in synch with what is going on around us. We’ve all had the experience of being in the right place at the right time. Doors of opportunity, fulfilling relationships, positive reinforcement and recognition just seem to come our way wherever we are. That’s being in the flow. It’s as if the universe is smiling on us, often for several days or weeks in a row. Right now I am not feeling the flow. Or, rather, it seems to be coming at me rather than with me. Several clients in the past few weeks have shared with me that they feel incredibly excited, inspired, courageous and energized (Jupiter and Uranus in Aries), while simultaneously feeling burdened with increased responsibility, guilt or fear (Saturn in Libra). Many people are feeling the pinch financially through loss of job, foreclosure of or the need to make fundamental changes in their orientation to life (Pluto in Capricorn). You may feel bombarded by confrontations, power struggles and the push-pull of hurrying to do something exciting only to crash into a wall of resistance. It’s as if the flow is three converging streams of energy, all coming together at a single point in time yet running in three different directions and at three entirely different rates.
One piece of good news is that this month Saturn finally moves away from its opposition to Uranus, which has been with us on and off since October 2008. This is also the final month of Saturn squaring Pluto. So much of feelings or experiences of being limited, stuck or involved in ongoing power struggles may lighten up. The overall impact of this alignment, however, will continue to be worked with and worked through for at least two years to come.
So how do we deal with this alignment that seems like the ultimate cosmic push-pull? For one thing, don’t try to control it. Try not to feel overwhelmed with what may feel like limitless choices compounded by limited time, energy and resources. Have a plan. Saturn likes things to be defined and goal oriented. Give Saturn its due. That will provide a sense of direction or directions that we would like to accomplish. Be creative. This is a great time to try something new. That could mean starting a new activity or it could mean doing something familiar in a new way. Hopefully, the big picture goal and the new, exciting activity will coincide. Be patient. Several of the components of this alignment are impulsive and can get edgy when they meet resistance to their intentions. They may tend to give up and move on to a different activity and wind up spinning their wheels and accomplishing nothing. Be willing to let go of parts of our life that have become stagnant or boring even if they feel comfortable and safe. We may have established a need for a certain person, activity or situation, but it has long ceased to actually provide a sense of accomplishment, meaning or satisfaction. If we dig deep enough, we are likely to challenge long-held, traditional behaviors or even a core sense of identity which is counter to who we really are.
The challenges right now are enormous. The letting go may feel excruciating. But the potential to create a new self and a new reality for the self to function in is limitless. Don’t be afraid as that will only lead to stuckness. Have courage and realize that the energy to work through our difficulties and challenges is at hand. This is a time to make major, significant changes in our lives. If enough of us do that in a real and meaningful way, it is just possible that a new concept and definition of consensus reality will be emerging a few years down the line.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
The full Moon in Aries on the 23rd could bring challenges. Your sensitivity and emotions will be heightened. However, you could feel stifled in your attempts to release them. Or, if you do express them, you may feel as if no one cares or is providing any emotional support. Growth for you comes from complimenting your increased emotional self-awareness with an improving ability to be emotionally self-nurturing.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Your aesthetic sensibilities and creative inspiration are stimulated, especially in early month. In addition, you could feel you self drawn to some type of humanitarian service. Either creativity or service could, in turn, lead to a greater ability to be more vulnerable and open in a significant relationship. That openness, if it is matched by your partner, could lead to a sense of transformation for both yourself and the relationship.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is a time to focus on personal issues and your inner life. In early month, spend time reviewing your relationship to yourself as well as those closest to you. Later in the month is time to refine relationships with family members. You could also focus on doing things in your home that enable things to function more efficiently.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
It’s time for new beginnings in your work. Changing jobs, even industries, or simply starting a new project or developing a new attitude could be part of the energy package for you this month. These changes, may cause you to feel exposed and vulnerable, especially if you make them in an overt and obvious manner. Focus on the change and excitement of something new can help overcome feelings of insecurity or self-consciousness.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
When the Sun enters Libra on the 22nd, it activates the transiting T-square and tightens the web of energy. Many of these challenges for you will be mental, either in terms of your state of mind or your relationships. Growth for you this month comes from creating new ways of expressing yourself so that the stability you like as well as the changes you are going through, receives the proper amount of time and energy.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Your analytical mind, always present and strong, is at a peak level this month. This is great for problem solving, but not that useful in dealing with emotional or psychological issues. The new Moon in Virgo on the 8th, however, provides both the energy and the impetus to become more tuned in to your inner being and right brained, intuitive information. Growth comes from balancing the information.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Lighten up in early month. Take some time for youself even it’s for something relatively superficial. You may have been under a great deal of stress for a while and although getting a makeover or buying some new clothes won’t solve any problems, that type of activity could help bring balance to your life. Later month brings some energy to focus on financial matters.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
The two planets of creativity and relationship, Venus and Mars, transit into Scorpio this month. These events should increase your desire for a deep, meaningful, emotional connection as well as an increased need for sexual activity. They could also increase your drive and desire for creative expression. Growth for you this month comes from integrating your masculine and feminine energies in new ways.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Early month could continue to bring challenges in the financial aspect of your life. Financial setbacks could be exacerbated by the necessity of letting go of even more of your material security. Late month, however, can bring a return to a more spiritual way of perceiving and living. This will allow more of your innate optimism and generosity toward others to compensate for any sense of loss.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
As usual, you are right in the thick of the challenging T-square. Growth for you this month comes from letting go even more of your need to control a situation or its outcome. Surrendering the need for control can bring the awareness of spiritual support. Work at becoming more receptive to others. Developing more nurturing skills will make it easier to let go of control.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This month may provide a slight respite from some of the stress you’ve been feeling. Your co-rulers, Saturn and Uranus, leave their opposition in early month. You may start to feel as if the two dichotomous parts of your nature, the need for control and stability (Saturn) and the need for friendship and freedom (Uranus) can finally be satisfied without negatively impacting each other.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Your social, romantic and artistic natures are strongly enhanced this month. In early month, powerful feelings of devotion and compassion combine to bring relationships to a higher level of functionality. This is followed by desire to physical activity that could be anything from dance to sexuality. Growth for you this month comes from being willing to share parts of yourself in warm, loving and creative ways.