“Intelligent resistance keeps the true self alive.”
—Mary Pipher, Reviving Ophelia
Well, that was one wild lunar eclipse last Friday. But now that it’s over, the sky’s all calm—not! Though I wish that were true, we’re still stuck in the weirdo zone of eclipse season (in addition to being irked by retrograde Mars and Mercury) as we approach the final eclipse of the year on August 11. Mars and Uranus, the “complicators” of the last eclipse, remain up to no good this week. Did you or your loved ones experience sudden health problems? Did you receive a text message that made you so mad you cussed at the screen and excused yourself from a lovely sushi dinner to freak out in the bathroom? Expect the plot of those stories to thicken, especially on the 1st when Mars and Uranus clash in a square angle. This aspect is associated with physical accidents and heated altercations, so pay close attention to your surroundings and move slowly Wednesday. However, a Mars/Uranus square can also push you to bust out of ruts and form new habits. Speaking of habits, be vigilant against addiction relapses, as there’s risk of backsliding on boundaries now.
On the 7th, Uranus joins the retrograde club. Though a retrograde by an outer planet like Uranus doesn’t affect us nearly as much as nearer, “personal” planet retrogrades, we’ll still notice Uranian themes (individuality, innovation, freedom, and surprises) arise about five days before and after the planet’s direction switch. Despite a maelstrom of retrogrades and a sky that wants us to sweat out toxins and let go of the old, this week does contain sweet windows for new beginnings: On Tuesday, Venus and Mars form an ultra-romantic trine (strong from the 6th to the 8th), one that’s also good for business innovation. Venus spends its final days in healthy-yet-critical Virgo, bringing stress and even conclusions to relationships as it moves into a new sign. On the 6th, Venus slips into Libra until Sept. 9. Venus is pleased to lounge in Libra, a sign that it rules. In Libra, Venus loosens up and becomes more chatty, less perfectionistic. With a Libra Venus, we’re more likely to enter new partnerships and strengthen existing bonds.
THE AWAKENER
Ah, Uranus: planet of shocks, shake-ups, and surprises. Even if astrology alerts us that Uranus is about to rock our world, we can never predict from which direction its chaos will hit. Beyond exclamation point-heavy events, though, Uranus also represents freedom and resistance. It’s The Awakener that reminds us who we are at our core, and what we need to live authentically. Compromise is fine, but you can’t always slog through situations that don’t support you. At its best, Uranus doesn’t do things differently just to be contrarian, but to give a voice to individuality and our unique will—which doesn’t always align with what the crowd is doing. Uranus truly cares about groups of people, yet isn’t afraid to go its own way or stand out. (Uranus is linked to The Fool Tarot card.) Unconcerned with how things have traditionally been done, bold Uranus seeks a better, fresher way instead. Because Uranus is currently in Taurus, we may consider these Uranus issues in the context of money and physical health. An uptick in Uranian themes this week will have us examining our place within groups. Unfortunately we can’t change others; fortunately we can change ourselves.
YOU CAN PLANET
On Wednesday the 1st, Mars squares Uranus. Use caution around cars and sharp objects. Everyone’s on edge, so choose your reactions carefully. In fact, people are irritable for the next couple days because of a cranky minor planet named Eris. The Sun and Moon form a trine angle that supports accomplishments. An Aries Moon (that lasts until Thursday night) is good for takin’ care of business. Thursday the 2nd calls for adjusting your goals. Uranus-related issues begin popping up today, and continue to request our attention until the 12th. Emotions are profound and insightful this evening. On Friday the 3rd, the Moon is void until about 1 p.m., best for daydreaming and relaxing. You may have an “A-ha!” epiphany in the evening that unlocks new strategies. Disappointment is also likely, though; others may let you down or hurt your feelings. Saturday the 4th heaps on challenges! Be prepared to put in more effort than expected. Though you can connect with new people and creativity abounds, the evening looks tricky. On Sunday the 5th, consider how much you’re sacrificing and what you’re receiving in return. Is it balanced? You can acquire things you need today (just keep the receipt, as Mercury’s retrograde). On Monday the 6th, Venus moves into Libra. The Sun squares Jupiter, so don’t overpromise, overspend, or overextend yourself. A romantic window starts today and lasts until the 8th. Seek pleasure, but maintain realistic expectations. On Tuesday the 7th Uranus goes retrograde, which could drop shocks. However, a Venus/Mars trine makes today ideal for fresh relationship developments, financial progress, and even a hot date.
spacewitch@seattleweekly.com
