Year: 2018

“The rule of no realm is mine. but all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. As for my part, I shall not wholly fail in my task if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower in the days to come. For I too am a steward.” J.R.R Tolkien

“Mars reminds us that spiritual life is not some passive, safe, wimpy tour; it is bold, active, heroic and completely engaged adventure.” Caroline W. Casey

As with all retrograde periods, the upcoming Mars retrograde (from June 27 – August 28) provides a good time for some reflection – this time on the wise  use of power both individually and in the world.

Mars governs the ability to feel animated and inspired about being assertive. It governs the use of energy  and the understanding of how to allocate appropriate energy to accomplish tasks. It governs the ability to discern what is wise to pursue or not  pursue at any time. It governs the ability to stay energized through setbacks and challenges.

Under this influence lingering frustrations and hostilities – normally kept under wraps – may rise to the surface. This can provide clarity about situations which need some further form of resolution or understanding.

Mars with station at 9 degrees of Aquarius. This placement is the sign of the enlightened warrior in our time. It is the sign of the visionary and the humanitarian as well as the sign of stewardship. As Matthew Fox wrote, “Strength must be redefined not as power-over but as power- with.”

The Sabian symbol for the Mars station is,” A man who had been made to be the embodiment of an ideal is made to realize that he is not that ideal.”

 

 

“Life is the only way
to get covered in leaves,
catch your breath on sand,
rise on wings;

to tell pain
from everything it’s not;

to squeeze inside events,
dawdle in views,
to seek the least of all possible mistakes;

and to keep on not knowing
something important.” Wislawa Szymborska

Neptune the planet of the sea god and ruler of dreams, metaphysical journeys and creativity, is a strong player this week – stationing retrograde on Monday. This, in addition to the beneficent trine to Jupiter, provides a good time for spiritual  growth, artistic pursuits and being in touch with higher aspirations for yourself and the world.

But the sometimes stormy god Neptune also rules fog and thus the possibility of  illusion, deception and confusion may be about. It may be more difficult  to separate fact from fiction due to Neptune’s haze. It bodes well this week to make an effort to avoid  the pull of unproductive  thinking and habits.

The Sun enters the sign of Cancer on Thursday- marking the time of the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The sign of Cancer rules mothering, nurturing,  home, family and the kind of safety, security and protection those things can provide.

Mars and Venus – the lovers in mythology- oppose each other at this time while strongly aspecting the Lunar Nodes of fate and destiny.It is wise to be in touch with the higher meaning of love now – to move away from old models of competition and conflict and  strive to work instead through cooperation and collaboration in creative ways.

The Sun will be aspecting Uranus -the futuristic planet of innovation and discovery. It  is wise now with these two planets in the signs related to safety and security, to think about what matters now and to work in innovative ways to bring about any changes that are necessary.

One of the Sabian symbols for this week is,”During a silent hour a woman receives a new inspiration which may change her life.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill