Need to defend, being stalked, under attack–at least, that’s what we may feel like as energies face off across the Aries/ Libra axis. When did our zeitgeist shift so firmly away from that intellectual and Collective bent we enjoyed when so much clustered in Aquarius and Pisces? Sure, they’re not empty by any means, with each sign still holding two heavy hitters apiece; but with the swifter-moving, everyday energies of the Sun, Venus, and Mercury now in Aries, and Libra anchored by Saturn, Earth, and Zeus, it may be time to re-tool our approach, as a cool but all-inclusive embrace just doesn’t do it anymore. Factor in the pull of Pluto, with Ceres less than four degrees from conjunction (and if you’re aware of the story of their negotiation, it may make you highly conscious of the way the imminent meeting of these two colossal gods should bring forward an exceptionally interesting power situation), and don’t forget about now-direct Mars in Leo, an energy of Self-interest that must have the attention of others in order to feel successful, and we see that, all together, there’s some high energy interaction brewing. For some this will take the form of a healthy and necessary Self-assertion that will get them what they want (or on the road to it), for others it’s bringing a stand-off against equal-but-opposite interests, and for still others it encourages a quagmire-style power struggle that may don the clothes of a relationship but which beneath that cozy cardigan is wearing the jumpsuit of exerting the personal Will on others. Now if that didn’t make you laugh (or guffaw, or ‘tsk’) I don’t know what will.

The Virgo Moon gives us an atmosphere where criticism comes too easily; channel that focus on detail toward preparing your taxes, taking inventory of your stash, or finishing that 3,000 piece puzzle of the sky–you’ll be glad you took that vow of silence, whether or not you actually use the time to accomplish anything. By 10:00 PM Sunday the 28th Pacific time, and lasting for about three hours, we’ll see the Moon apex a Finger of God, base Neptune/ Chiron sextile Venus. With some attitude adjustment (the quincunx) we can infuse circumstances with a sense of love and caring that springs from a willingness to meet ideals and allow healing (and that is what I mean, ‘allow healing,’ as so often we will not allow it, holding tight to our hurt like it’s a stuffed zebra we won at the fair, like it shows how we beat the rip-off carnival of life and gained for ourselves a plush and unusual companion to hug at night).

So don’t walk out into the world this weekend expecting (or even armed for) a fight–that might only attract others who are responding in kind–instead exercise your authority and skill in an area that is unambiguously your own, and remain conscious and cordial during encounters. Refusing to draw weapons at the slightest slight will help keep things in reasonable perspective, as the quincunx between Mars and Ceres may bring way too many egos, as well as those believing they have a natural right to intrude, out to play.

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