Author: Lynne Conant

This week finds us feeling a little icy. Four planets in Capricorn tend to eliminate any feelings of compassion that we might otherwise feel. It seems that we think that people get what they deserve…but really people get what they think they deserve, maybe? The Moon in Scorpio allows us to investigate the underworld of deep seated emotional entanglements. Why isn’t it easy to use free will? Free will requires that you become independent on every level. This is not an easy task. But start with just one situation and work your way into applying free will more successfully over time.

Someone once asked, “how much free will do we have?” The answer given was, “less than we think we do but more than we’ll ever use. To use free will, you have to have to change yourself. You are like a puzzle piece and those around you are the pieces with whom you are connected. It’s hard to change your shape. But if you do then the others will have to fit around you and they will have to change too. It isn’t so easy.

We have been conditioned psychologically as well as physically by our ancestors. Both their strengths and weaknesses are embodied in us. Little by little we can determine new and more successful approaches to problem solving. We don’t have to rely on what comes easy for us but are free to create a new solution. This is a good time to analyze those traits that might be holding us back from complete enjoyment and satisfaction in our lives.

Good fortune follows the courageous one.

Form is very important now. Some how the wrapper is what gets people interested. We have to determine if there is any substance but we must be attracted first. Venus, Sun and Mercury in Capricorn want substance. They like things with lasting value. These 3 planets combine to bring intelligence, power and beauty together in a durable package. Mature ideas are developed and bring forth applicable creations.

Mars in Leo is opposed to Neptune and Jupiter in Aquarius. Personal experience triumphs over the illusions of the masses. We must learn to rely on our own judgment. Only then can we take responsibility for the results of our own efforts. When we question ourselves all the time it indicates a lack of confidence and this is communicated in our interactions with others.

Neptune conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius shows the confusion that the general public in undergoing. There is the need to expand our options but at the same time a danger of overexpansion. Neptune occludes our ability to see clearly. Sometimes we just have to forge ahead even when things aren’t clear but we have to do it responsibly.

Pluto square Saturn threatens to give us an upper cut if we don’t pay careful attention to the passing of time. To postpone is just as dangerous as to accelerate. Timing is always at the basis of true success. Be at the right place at the right time. This is in your control.

Practical matters are in the forefront of your plans and actions. The Moon in Taurus wants comfort while the Sun in Capricorn is more concerned with the status derived from professional accomplishments. Mercury in Capricorn can be cold and cut through all the social niceties. Venus in Capricorn meshes this combination of planets in Capricorn and provides some decency to getting what you want. Lines are drawn in the sand.

Mars will spend a total of about 9 months in the sign of Leo. This will instill a sense of enthusiasm and ardor into the project. What is happening now is deeply important to your entire being. Mars is opposed by Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius so take care that you don’t go off the deep end with some of your unfounded suspicions. You don’t want to seem unrealistic and/or unreasonable.

Saturn will be in Libra for the better part of the next 2½ years. This will give you a chance to dig into personal relationships and identify what has worked and what hasn’t worked. This is a golden opportunity to change your persona and attract many new things and people into your life. Although this is sometimes a painful catharsis, in the end it will be well worth it.

This week we have many planets in winter signs. These signs, Capricorn, Aquarius & Pisces, show maturity. This is the time to reap what you have sown. The Sun is in the last degrees of Sagittarius and will enter Capricorn. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, is symbolized by father time. Suddenly, we realize that time passes quickly and that we must focus on the things that must be done to ensure that we reach our goals. There is a sense of urgency.

The Moon, Jupiter and Neptune are all in the sign of Aquarius. This creative combination allows us to think out of the box. It gets us to freshen up our tired persona that we project into the world. We change the things that are no longer working for us.
This also creates an opportunity for expansion socially and intellectually. It brings new people into the picture. This makes life much more interesting.

Pluto in Capricorn is square Saturn in Libra. People are becoming less tolerant and more violent in getting their point of view across. Still there is some sensibility that prevails and this allows you to voice your objections without fear of reprisal. Don’t let bitterness ruin your chances for getting the prize that you have worked long and hard for. Keep working and don’t take anything personally.

It’s difficult…if not impossible to change your nature. Your nature is your nature. But overtime it might be possible to make some small changes that can improve your whole life. Planets influence you the way you receive the planetary influences. So possibly you can change the receiver. The receiver is your rising sign (ascendant). One of the twelve signs of the zodiac shows how you receive the planetary influences. Each sign possesses characteristics that are shared by those who have the same sign rising. Signs are either masculine or feminine. Masculine signs act, feminine signs react.

All signs belong to a season; spring, fall, summer or winter. Signs are cardinal, fixed or mutable. Signs are fire, air, water or earth. All of these characteristics influence the way that you view your own life. How you see it is how it is. Spring signs have a youthful approach to life right on through the winter signs which show a mature approach to life. All the seasons have a purpose. There is a time for every purpose under heaven. We evolve through the seasons of life. We evolve from youth to old age.

But basically after all is said and done, we act in a way that conforms to our own nature.
It is that nature that leads us over and over again to the human condition of survival. We can survive using our own resources or we can survive at the expense of others. The former is the preferred behavior but depending on our evolution we act either on the higher nature of humanity or the lower nature of the human race. That is where we find the ability to use free will. We can choose our higher nature. By taking the high road, we upgrade our destiny.

Both choices cause suffering, but one is infinitely more bearable than the other depending on your own nature.

This week you may feel like pulling up the entire foundation upon which you have built your thinking but it is only a temporary frustration that will resolve itself in the near future. Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn is responsible for this feeling of disorientation. It requires that you take a second look at your values and decide if any adjustments need to be made.

Saturn is square to the Mercury & Pluto conjunction which will result in careful examination of current trends and events. It is these trends in the collective public persona that help us to determine which ideas will and will not succeed. Everyone has to be able to predict the future to some extent. We need to be able to anticipate what will be in demand. If we can provide these services, it will be profitable.

Jupiter & Neptune are conjunct is the sign of Aquarius. This could lead to overextending yourself on many levels. Expansion is a good thing if we have the infrastructure to support it, otherwise it will lead to collapse.

There are no planets in water signs at the moment. This tends to produce a cynical and unsympathetic attitude. Always try to put your feet into the other person’s shoes. Hopefully, we can gain some insight and compassion and this will lead to inner peace and happiness.

Time waits for no one. Don’t vacillate between lethargy and enthusiasm. Now is the time to gain control over your actions. You are in a good position to make beneficial judgments. Listen to your gut. Certainly instincts can be dead wrong, but now you can count on your intuition. Spontaneity is well prepared.

Expect chaos to be the norm. Uranus is going direct so you will see a sudden increase in the uncontrolled impulses of your fellow man. There will be lots of protests both national and international. Springs will be popping out of the heads of the masses. Try and keep your head while others are clearly losing theirs.

Lots of planetary aspects with the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune & Pluto) will create events that will come to the attention of the world. Generally, many changes are taking effect behind the scenes. These changes will become evident in the coming months. There influences will be felt for years to come. Stay flexible as all situations can be used to your advantage. Granted you may have to change your own personality and character. This can be enlightening and an opportunity to grow emotionally and spiritually.

Finally, some lighter planetary influences. You should begin to feel a release from nagging circumstances. Move on to the cheer of this coming holiday season. Lots of planets in air & fire signs give a more superficial and lighter approach. Air is theoretical and fire is enthusiastic. These influences are nicely realized throughout the month ahead.

The Moon, Jupiter & Neptune are in Aquarius therefore you may expect a deviation from the norm. Aquarius always designs an unusual solution to society’s problems as a whole. Saturn is in trine to the Moon so you may feel like holding back but forge ahead as you will have the support of those around you.

The Sun in Sagittarius gives a jolt to your energy level. Lots of adventures await you so don’t hesitate to take the first step. Venus square Jupiter gives rise to a competition between two beneficial opportunities. Choose carefully and use foresight to determine which is best for you.

Saturn square Pluto continues the trend of upsetting institutions that have not changed in eons. These changes are always painful to begin but will later reap benefits for the general population. Look for ways to become part of the solution.

This week calls for a strong stomach. The inequities abound. But have faith as all of these concerns will be addressed in due time. There is an air of secretiveness. This comes from having 4 planets in the sign of Scorpio. You may also be meeting people with absolutely no flexibility in their thinking. I think they call this stubborn. Never mind trying to make any convincing arguments. Just wait until next month when they will be more willing to compromise.

Big decisions will be made in the face of growing opposition. Unfortunately, not every situation can wait for cooperating influences. Tempus fugit. Institutions may fall as influences beyond our control may dictate policy. Think of a tidal wave. The momentum is powerful and nothing can interfere. Situations, too, must run their course.

There may be some surprise element attached to this week’s happenings. Promises have been made and these demand action. If you get what you want using pressure, don’t be surprised if this tactic backfires. The sheep refuse to be herded. As a friend once put it, “here’s nothing, keep it well”. Empty promises could foil even the best laid plans.

Rely on your own thinking unless it has been proven that there is a better way.

Breaking up is hard to do…it seems that established organizations have difficulty making any significant changes until now. With the help of Saturn in Libra squaring Pluto in Capricorn, it will be easy and necessary to make changes. You can either use your free will to make the changes or they will be made for you. Fewer options are available in the latter case. Take the initiative to make practical and intelligent choices.

You feel emotionally charged this week with so many planets in water signs. It’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to making decisions. Motivate yourself and do whatever needs to be done to get the job done. Decisions regarding other people’s money could play a roll. Treat other people’s money as if it was your own. Don’t waste resources that cannot easily be replaced.

The Moon Leo is conjunct Mars in Leo and this creative combination leads to visions of future possibilities. Leo is a very independent sign and you will resist any encumbrances that are imposed. Better that the Lion is not awoken as his fierceness may lead to damage that can’t be repaired. Leo the Lion is not to be played with.

Sometimes it’s better to move on. Don’t hang on to situations that no longer serve your purpose. This may cause angst but will be worth it when you are involved in something that brings you a lot more satisfaction and joy.