Mercurial Messages through the Zodiac
The world may look grim or serious with thoughtful Mercury, expansive Jupiter, serious Saturn and transformative Pluto all in Capricorn as 2020 begins. We are called to be grown-ups, not stiff and stuck in our ways but dynamical and responsible adults. It helps to look back on the big cycles of personal and cultural history to remember what we’ve survived, learn from and thrived upon. Believe that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice,” from the great Capricorn, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Although this seriousness walks with us all month, on January 3 Mars enters Sagittarius and brings a hopeful restlessness. January 10-15 could instigate a major turning point in our personal or political history, as Venus enters sensitive Pisces, the moon is eclipsed, Uranus turns direct, and Saturn conjuncts Pluto exactly, all precipitating our resistance to disfunction and need for change. It will help us to believe in our ideas and ideals so we can guide the change towards constructive goals. Mercury enters Aquarius January 16, squares Uranus January 18, and opens new possibilities.
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)…If there is tension in your work, instead of rebelling, take the lead and turn the challenges into a good opportunity. Don’t take on more than you can efficiently do; discern what’s specifically your job and organize the rest. You are needed, even if you don’t know it yet.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)…Although you may often prefer comfort and familiarity, challenges arise which call you out of that comfort zone to learn, expand and come to understand, rather than just avoid the difficulties. Offer your levelheadedness rather than take sides. Encourage the practical next step to nurture collaboration.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)…Your relationships may hit a turning point; you may need to untangle psychic or financial snarls and repair porous boundaries to help people walk forward together, because they want to, not because they have to. Don’t push people away, but do return to your center. Talk it through.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)…This month could bring a turning point in all partnerships. Be careful not to jump into self-protection, or forget to negotiate for your needs. Play this like a strategic game and work towards the best for all sentient beings. Hold the vision of a win-win scenario.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)…Look for the lesson buried within difficulties. Some questions around health or work may need a new pathway created. Patterns of work and daily life need to be adjusted to move out of some struggle and into healthy collaboration. Don’t give up or give in; do be flexible.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)…If crisis occurs, don’t just settle for short-term solutions; work towards balance. Balance your busy mind with creative process. Balance your capacity to love with your ability to analyze and repair, and balance how you use your right brain and your left brain, your mind, heart and body.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)…You may experience a shift in the foundations of your life, however you define that. Look to the literal foundations of your house, foundational concepts, philosophy or self-understanding. Ask big questions and look for real answers, however uncomfortable, so you can build upon solid ground in the future.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)…Become aware of the quality of your thinking, noticing the way people hear your words. Your ability to focus is a gift, and your obsession is a challenge; exercise your thoughts wisely. If you tend to alienate others when you speak, ask if that serves you, and then adjust so that your intentions are more transparent.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)…We all need your ability to roll with the punches, to adapt and make the best of any situation. This month you may need to be the Jack of all trades; events call upon your stamina and your versatility, and your ability to talk to all sides in the situation. Use your skills.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19)…Circumstances may precipitate a subtle, if fundamental, shift in your self-identity, but this could be truly positive. Take an opportunity to claim your ability, your perception, and be proud of exactly where you are at this point in time and place. Perceive yourself with fresh eyes and others will see you more clearly.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)…You may need time on retreat, but don’t isolate this month. So much is going on inside you, going on behind-the-scenes in your organizations and community, that it could be tempting to withdraw. Instead, it’s good to bring this all to consciousness and out on the table to share experiences and build connection.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)…Over this next year you get a chance to build your sense of personal authority through healthy relationships as you follow through on responsibilities within your community. Crisis will tend not to happen to you directly, but around you; you don’t have to solve problems, just show up for people.
