WE ARE DRAWN into
reflection this week, due in part to retrograde Mercury being a
prominent participant in the week's proceedings. The Messenger Planet
sets up circumstances that compel us to review and rethink all that has
transpired recently. As we ponder the past, we are being given the
chance to re-imagine
and reshape our future. We will have the opportunity to implement the
awareness we gain once Mercury again goes direct on December 6 -- the
same day as our next New Moon.
Monday's
Mercury-Mars square is an indicator of tension and irritation. With
this aspect, it is tempting to judge ourselves or others (Mercury in
Sagittarius), especially if we feel there has been too much passivity or
lack of direction (Mars in Pisces). The effects of this square get
stronger throughout the day, as Mercury and the Sun get closer to their
alignment, which occurs in the very early
hours on Tuesday.
On
Tuesday, we can expect more of same -- but even more amplified, thanks
to Mercury's alignment with the giant planet Jupiter. But at the same
time, we have a Mars-Saturn sextile in effect, which should help us
focus our scattered intentions.
WE ARE ALSO WORKING
with the more significant influence of a Jupiter-Pluto semiquare this
week, a longer-term aspect that perfects on Wednesday. With this being a
hard aspect, we need to explore the challenges it represents, and the
hoped-for learnings it will provide.
In
one corner of our boxing ring, Jupiter in Sagittarius wears a robe of
many colors, representing the expansion of our experience to encompass
many cultures and life perspectives. As Jupiter travels through its own
sign, our desire to find meaning in our life experience is magnified. We
feel encouraged to follow a dream, to live according to our
philosophical ideals, and to gain freedom from
restrictive beliefs and oppressive propaganda.
In
the other corner of the ring, Pluto in Capricorn wears robes of somber
black and gray, symbolizing the controlling and coercive potentials of
governments and social institutions. Ultimately, Pluto in Capricorn
reveals the dark underside of ambition and power, leading to major
transformations in the structures of society. Until that shift occurs,
we become increasingly aware of the shadow, and
of people in positions of authority who have feet of clay.
As these two planets face off this week, there may not be a knock-out, but punches will be thrown.
RELATIONSHIPS AND ALLIANCES are center stage when the third and final Venus-Uranus
opposition occurs on Friday. This disruptive aspect has already
occurred twice in recent months, on September 12 and October 31. It
symbolizes the breakdown of a bond.
Friends, lovers, associates, or countries that were once considered
inseparable now find themselves eager to part ways.
It
is interesting to note that Venus was in Scorpio and Uranus was in
Taurus for both of the prior aspects. Scorpio and Taurus are both fixed
signs, and often stubbornly refuse to budge from the familiar. But for
this final opposition, both planets are in cardinal signs: Venus in
Libra and Uranus in Aries. Cardinal signs initiate new processes and
look forward, not back.
This
shift in modalities alters how the dynamics of the opposition unfold,
and brings about movement that had previously been blocked. Conflicts
will likely play out in the courts, since Libra rules the law, while
Aries rules individual rights.
RETROGRADE MERCURY
re-enters Scorpio on Saturday for just a brief two-week stay. When a
retrograde planet returns to the sign it recently left, we have to
assume that there are greater purposes at play. Mercury in Scorpio is
adept at uncovering secrets and investigating the truth of any matter.
No doubt there is more information, that still lies
hidden, that must be revealed before we can move forward again.
Also
on Saturday, a creative biquintile between Jupiter and Uranus occurs.
This aspect is generally uplifting, helping us break out of old habits
and be open to new experiences, new insights, and new life perspectives.
These
new ideas could be significant and potentially life-altering.
A Mercury-Uranus quincunx aspect that is in effect Saturday night and
Sunday morning indicates the adjustment we'll need to make on a mental
level to accommodate the new beliefs.
HONESTY AND INTIMACY resurface as topics
of interest when Venus returns to Scorpio on Sunday. Having experienced
Venus in this sign for most of September and all of October, we may
feel like we're back in familiar territory. But Venus has completed its
retrograde phase and is now looking to the future, ready to apply what
it has
recently learned about self and other. We will continue to deepen our
understandings about what we value and who we love while Venus moves
quickly through Scorpio (until January 7).
A
contentious Sun-Mars square is also in effect on Sunday, so it could be
a rather challenging day for any kind of mutual effort. In many ways,
this aspect will repeat the themes that began the week, when Mercury was
square Mars. Opinions are strong and yet we can find it difficult to be
direct, choosing instead to act passive-aggressively. Built-up tension
is released explosively around the
time of the Moon-Pluto square (5:30 p.m. PST), so this would be a good
time to punch a pillow or go for a power walk.
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You
feel the power of your beliefs this year, and yet may find it difficult
to channel your energy productively. To gain insights into how to
proceed, tap into one of your greatest resources -- your ability to take
compassionate action, often in response to a deep emotional commitment,
such as to family or to others about whom you care deeply. As you find
appropriate outlets for your inspirations, you find renewed joy and
personal fulfillment. Using your skills of communication -- whether in
writing, teaching, speaking, or listening -- will also enhance your
sense of
meaning this year.
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