NorthPoint Journal:  Your guide to planetary energies for November 21 to 27, 2016 By Pam Younghans

NorthPoint Journal Your guide to planetary energies for November 21 to 27, 2016 By Pam Younghans Highlighted Aspects MON: Last Quarter Moon 12:33am PST (8:33am GMT), Sun enters Sagittarius 1:22pm PST (9:22pm GMT), Sun semisquare Jupiter TUE: Sun semisquare Pluto, Mercury sextile Jupiter WED: Mercury conjunct Saturn THU: Jupiter square Pluto FRI: Balsamic Moon 12:47am PST (8:47am GMT), Venus conjunct Pluto, Venus square Jupiter SAT: Mercury square Chiron, Mercury trine Uranus, Mercury trine Ceres SUN: Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus THE SUN changes signs on Monday, moving from the emotional extremes of Scorpio to the visionary but potentially self-righteous idealism of Sagittarius. The Sun's month-long journey through fiery Sagittarius, which lasts until the solstice on December 21, usually corresponds with a greater generosity of spirit and tolerance, in keeping with the various religious holidays and celebrations underway. But Jupiter, the planet that rules Sagittarius, is under extreme pressure right now, so we may not have that same "joy of the season" that we've come to expect at this time of the year. THIS PRESSURE on Jupiter comes in the form of a square aspect with Pluto. Technically, this aspect is exact on Thursday of this week, so we are at the peak of its influence now. But, when two slower-moving planets are involved in an aspect, we feel its effects over an extended period. We've been working with the influence of this specific Jupiter-Pluto square since early November. In general, Jupiter acts as an amplifier -- whatever this largest planet touches becomes exaggerated, growing larger and louder than before. When Jupiter interacts with ambitious Pluto, especially in a contentious square aspect, the result can range from a minor conflict of interests to head-to-head power struggles. AT THE CORE of this conflict are clashing belief systems, differing opinions about what justice and equality mean, incompatible perspectives on what constitutes progress, and an inability to find common ground. We are quick to heed the battle cry when we feel our ideals are being threatened. We come face to face with narrowmindedness, both in ourselves and in others -- although, of course, it's always easiest to blame outside of ourselves. Ultimately, an attitude shift of major proportions is required for there to be a successful outcome, and for us to gain the growth required by any square aspect. Due to the planets' retrograde (backward motion) phases, this Jupiter-Pluto square will repeat two more times over the next several months, with specific weeks when its effects are the strongest. Here are the dates to watch (using a four-degree orb of influence): 1. First square, exact November 24, 2016 (active from November 1, 2016 through December 29, 2016) 2. Second square, exact March 30, 2017 (active from February 23, 2017 through May 1, 2017) 3. Third square, exact August 4, 2017 (active from July 5, 2017 through August 27, 12017) The tension of this aspect will ultimately push us to redefine what we believe in. It will reveal feet of clay, and the weaknesses in existing social and political structures. VENUS becomes tangled in the Jupiter-Pluto web on Friday, which can translate to power struggles within relationships or over values and financial issues. This is not the best time to confront a loved one, unless we want to spend the day in frustration. And, we may be missing important pieces of the puzzle right now, that will be needed if we are to find workable solutions to the problems. We also enter the Balsamic phase of the Moon on Friday, a time when the Moon sheds very little light in the darkness. This is a time of release as we prepare for the new lunar cycle that begins on November 29. THANKFULLY, a Mercury-Uranus trine provides some glimmers of insight on Saturday. This aspect helps us be more openminded, more available to intuitive information, and more willing to conceive of new possibilities. Mercury also trines the dwarf planet Ceres on Saturday. This aspect helps us communicate with our hearts instead of just our minds or our egos, and will provide opportunities for healing if we are in the place to soften and allow. IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year finds you challenging the status quo. Your needs to express your opinions and to bring about change are heightened, and your "need to be nice" filters are not as strong as usual. Still, you have the ability to be tactful and to move situations in a positive direction, if you take the time to pause and ground. You are weeding out what no longer works, to make way for greater stability in the future. Yours in peace, Pam   Copyright Pam Younghans 2016. All rights reserved.