The Daily Astro for July 17, 2013

by Valerie Sylvester

TODAY’S ASPECTS:

It took me a while to figure out what I was going to say today. I sat, pondering, for quite a while, then all of a sudden, searching for a sign, then this song popped into my head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOvfctgwnug .

In case you don’t click the link, it’s to a Delfonics’ song:

“Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time?”

My whole process, as well as the song title, jibes with the topic du jour—Uranus’ move retrograde today at around 13 degrees Aries. This happens in the middle of that whomping huge Water Grand Trine discussed yesterday. Uranus, the Medici of Mindblowers, when retrograde (which is kind of a contrary motion, when you think of it), is often more powerful than when direct in its ability to lob super-wacky curveballs stright between the eyes. I was born with the Sun in Aries at today’s retrograde degree (woo hoo!), with natal Uranus retrograde, angular and the focal point of a T-square. So hmmm…this energy feels oddly familiar to me. Which doesn’t meant it’s necessarily easier to deal with, I ‘m just recognize it more quickly!

When outer planets move retrograde, I find a useful comparison is with the Major Arcana in Tarot. Something important is brewing, but it’s working –at first–from the inside out. It’s related to the patterns, cycles and themes that animate our lives, or is intimately connected with our mission or to those Big Moments that define us. One of the things that happens with a retrograde Uranus is the rebellion starts from within. We’re stockpiling our Weird Reserve. It’s not exactly quiet desperation, but more like a “soft revolution”—at least at the onset. Then the energy builds and builds, and when it reaches critical mass, explodes out and makes others say “Why did that happen out of the blue?” Of course, all this edgy energy has been mushrooming, but since it was an internal process, nobody really noticed.

There’s often a zig-zaggy, restless, uncontrolled feel to Uranus energy. Uranus moves are spasmodic, erratic, and unpredictable. This is not necessarily comfortable for people who don’t move fast or are frightened of change or new ideas. Keep some of the Bach Essences Rescue Remedy on hand for stress release during this transit (Uranus goes direct on December 17).

If you have any planets or chart points from around 5-15 degrees of Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn), you’ll most likely feel this energy making a kamikaze hit on you or your immediate environment. That’s not to say others won’t feel it. Since Uranus is in square mode with Pluto, another outer planet, this will cause shock waves to echo through the collective, so all of us, in some way, will experience the “shock of the new”. These two are paradigm shifters! Mercury, the “mind” planet, is stationing to turn direct on July 20, as Uranus, the planet of the “higher mind”, begins retrograde season, so here’s the deal: Let go of all that bizzy-buzz-buzz scuttling around in your brain. You know the answer. Maybe you’re just afraid to ask the question out loud. We get distracted sometimes so we don’t realize that those zaps of inspiration actually mean something. Uranus doesn’t work in a linear fashion, which is the way most of us were taught to think.

Here’s Uranus: you’re walking down the street and –ZAP! You get a zinger flash of insight that rearranges all the furniture. Presto-chango, it turns you inside out and bars the old path, forcing you to move those shoes in a different direction.

Probably some place that kind of freaks you out.

So under this Uranus influence, you may want to do some crazy shit. Or at least ruminate about it until you can’t stand holding it all in. Just remember that things that materialize in your life during a big Uranus turnaround may not be permanent. Sometimes people show up for a short time to show you the way, get you started, introduce you to new friends that you need for the next phase of your life, or to boot you into high gear. Then they disappear. Uranus rules Aquarius, and Aquarians often have a whole passel of friends but get super-close to only a few. They’re change agents, so sometimes they need to disappear and recharge the batteries or readjust their antennae.

Note: When Mars, action planet, in Cancer, moves into closer range to square Uranus in Aries,( July 31- August 1 is the peak time), it’ll be all too tempting to let loose and fly off the handle. Since we’re dealing with Mars in Cancer, people who are still nursing resentments and grudges from childhood may go off, motherland or homeland defense types may feel threatened, and those with axes of all kinds are far too ready to grind them. If people feel their home, family or way of life are threatened, they’re going to act out. Clannishness and mistrust of “the other” can lead to tragedy under this influence.

Today’s other aspects include a Moon/Uranus inconjunct at 8:17 AM EDT, so the early hours today find us a little jittery at the prospect of dealing with continuous change or renovation in the areas of life where we find Scorpio (where the Moon sits) and Aries (home of Uranus). We may have to make some uncomfortable adjustments that require starting over or making an emotional break from something we’ve become very attached to.

The Moon sextiles Pluto at 8:46 AM, though, which is like a gentle version of an emotional Roto-Rooter. We get closer to truth, and it heals our souls, as indicated by Moon trine Chiron at 9:48 AM EDT. I’m getting a “powerful gentleness” from this morning’s aspects, a sense of invisible support that helps buoy us as we ride the waves. We may be able to articulate our feelings better after 10:30 AM EDT (I instinctively started writing today’s Astro after this time) as the Moon trines Mercury in Cancer. Ideas pop up from the depths,morph and grow; we may feel connected to the reservoirs of information contained in the general consciousness of humanity.

Of course, the Water Grand Trine is in full flow today as Jupiter trines Saturn at 1:31 PM EDT and then trines Neptune at 8:14 PM EDT. This combination works well together, with Jupiter trine Saturn on the eternal seesaw of expansion/contraction as Jupiter whooshes forward, rising like a helium balloon, and Saturn, karma cop, reminds us that the atmosphere can sometimes get too thin and remembers to leave a trail of breadcrumbs so we can find a way back. Jupiter trine Neptune enhances fluidity, opens us to healing, tilts us to the positive, opens all floodgates to release the power of the imagination. We find that things don’t seem so impossible today; that dreams can come true if we take a chance and are willing to do the work. Any time you spend alone today will be worthwhile—we need some quiet time to process the intense energies currently at work. If you feel overwhelmed, just STOP whatever you’re doing, close your eyes, and take a few moments to center yourself. Since Mercury’s moving direct soon and Uranus is retrograde, we may find that “information overload” from all sources, particularly technology, may be too much for us to absorb today. It’s definitely a case of TMI! Disconnect if you need to, and just disappear for a while. Get back in touch with your own rhythms.

THE SYMBOLS:

Sabian Symbol for today’s SUN: “Contentment and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports.”

Kozminsky Symbol for today’s SUN: “A marksman having failed to hit the bull’s-eye in eight shots strikes it in the ninth.”

The Keyword for the Sabian Symbol is: “Repose . “

The Keyword for the Kozminsky Symbol is: “Undaunted.”

I can’t think of anything I’d rather do today than live the Sabian Symbol—hang out on a davenport and just read all day. I’m there! It’s particularly apt for the Jupiter/Neptune leg of the Grand Trine. Jupiter goes big and luxe and Neptune always enjoys a comfortable retreat. The softer energies of the Water Trine give us a little breathing room before we hit some of the more stressful aspects ahead in the next month or two. Take advantage of this interim period. This image also reflects the slow-it-down aspect of retrogrades. Sometimes we need time to refresh and reinvigorate. We gather information (reading) that may prove useful when things pick up. This card reminds me of the 4 of Swords in the Tarot, which also turned up in the Daily Draw. It’s time to be still. Quiet time is necessary now. On the down side, this Symbol illustrates the classic “couch potato” paradigm and can indicate spending too much time inert, indulging in mindless distractions, wasting time, becoming complacent or lazy, not using our energies properly, and basically not living up to our potential.

The Kozminsky Symbol also reflects our Water Grand Trine. The marksman has faith and believes that he will hit the target, even if it takes a long time, which reflects the Jupiter/Neptune part of the trine. He is also disciplined enough to keep practicing until he achieves his aim (that’s the Saturn part). This is a “never say die” spirit, someone who ultimately succeeds. “Undaunted” is an excellent keyword, as it shows strength of character and confidence. It’s also related to the idea of visualizing what you want in order to eventually achieve your goal, so it involves active imagination. He “sees” the arrow hitting the target. The number Nine relates to the final cycle, the sum of all cycles, and the way things “wrap up”. The marksman has completed his task and is ready to move on to the next challenge, the next stage in his evolution.

THE DAILY DRAW:

“Detox”. The Devil is connected with Capricorn, and with Pluto currently transiting that sign, we’re coming face to face with our collective shadow. Pluto eradicates, eliminates and chews right down to the bones. There’s no escape. The Devil tells us our bad habits will do us in, and that they stem from fear, shame, and everything we’ve ever repressed. We try to offload the gunk onto other people, but lately even that hasn’t been working . With Uranus retrograde in Aries squaring that Pluto, the pressure’s on and we can’t hide in the dark any more. The Four of Swords shuts the door on previous habitual activities and lets us know we can’t use them as a crutch. This relates to any and all obsessions, compulsions or addictions that have us in their grip, including eating disorders, drug and alcohol problems, sexual addictions, and those feelings of shame, self-loathing, and fear that possess us. Since we’re dealing with Swords, we may find that our “mind chatter” increases uncomfortably.

We need to stabilize from a still point in order to break free from negative manifestations. We need to detox from our own thoughts and emotions, and so may need some time alone or in retreat. We have to detach ourselves from our usual routines, friends, and hangouts –as these are part of the problem. Scapegoating may increase as people try to avoid going within; don’t get hooked into this energy. This is a difficult combination and may indicate hospitalization, institutionalization or being exiled or removed from a position due to some sort of impropriety or collapse –which is why my keyword for this pair is “Detox.”