We hear it, think it, learn it, it hurts and then it heals–what is it? An astrological riddle, posed by some message, communication, or thought represented by Merc’s conjunction with Chiron. It is something from the past–Merc also conjoins the South Node–and it requires us to respond or adjust to matters we’ve been ignoring, denying, or that have enraged us (qnx Black Moon Lilith). Something painful is dealt with, understood, or healed permanently–and this will no longer support delusions or fantasies that were antithetical to our highest values and those things we honor (Neptune contra-parallel Vesta). Any gaps are soothed by the late Cancer Moon.

Today’s word image is a vignette: a politician scores a stunning victory, and on leaving the stage encounters a dog and gives him a good kick. We can’t blame circumstances for our behavior; sometimes we’re winning and still act like an a**hole. This needs to be our mantra today: Win, but don’t be a jerk about it.