ahh, did you feel it? Uranus tucked tail and did an about face in the 9 PM hour PDT on the 6th–and I suspect for most of us it was a subtle but distinct shift. I really liked the way the energy shifted for me this hour, and I hope that retreat at the Aries Point was as positive for you, too. I honestly anticipated a much greater sense of disappointment, and perhaps that’s what happened to others–or maybe the point for me was you just can’t really anticipate Uranian results–isn’t that just the way it is? I think I felt it had brought so much energy, so much to celebrate, while in direct motion that its retrograde would surely bring a feeling of loss. I don’t mean to be mysterious, but what was lost for me was some debilitating worry and tension that had been with me for weeks–what a surprise–thanks, Uri!

There’s a Fist of God, apex Neptune with sesquiquadrates to Zeus and the South Node, that may be suggesting that illusion is at work–oh I hope not–saying that maybe what’s being presented isn’t what it seems to be, that our deeply Willful desires (Zeus) and experiences of the past (South Node) conflict–and perhaps the only way we can resolve them is through pretending the results are other than they really are. That’s possible, but I hope for most of us it’s a meeting of the past and Will that is resolved through ideals and the use of creative and imaginative energies. Usually the Universe gives us a choice, so let’s choose well. By 1 PM PDT of the 7th Mercury moves into quincunx with Neptune, which has of course been quincunx Saturn for some time, forming a Finger of God that may show us the way out of any delusion or deception. The message should be quite concrete, so if we’re open to seeing reality (Saturn) there’ll be no mistaking the meaning of what comes at us.

Vesta and Mars are trining Earth, which should be encouraging; this suggests the material situation is very clear, and that we can act to benefit ourselves while keeping our most important values in mind. A very good influence that we should all take advantage of, especially as we’re coming up on the Dark of the Moon preceding a Solar Eclipse, when we’ll likely lose our bearings temporarily–having everything in order before then is just good prep.

Odds and ends: Saturn in the 29th degree–reality presents itself, warts and all, and staring too long without reminding ourselves that things needn’t always be harsh is important, as too intense a gaze raises fear.

Venus opposed Neptune=all those Neptunian factors brought to love, relationships, money, talents, assets–if we’re likely to make a mistake in the next couple of days, it’s with these, possibly falling for illusion or distorted perceptions.

Pallas quincunxes Jupiter and sextiles Pluto=if we’re willing to be honest, and to adjust to social standards that we know are wise, we can refine our approach to interaction and socializing in a way that really puts us in harmony with our sphere.

For an excellent and thorough analysis of the moment of Uranus’ change in direction, see Today’s Link: http://www.starsoverwashington.com/2010/07/uranus-rx-station-00ari35-new-seeds-and.html