AstroCast: July 31 – August 6, 2018

There is great value in interpreting transits in terms of phases within an entire cycle rather than by focusing only on the specific transit by itself. One reason for this is that it clarifies the kinds of choices we will need to make if we are to choose a higher path for ourselves. Two aspects occur this week that mark the last quarter “crisis of consciousness” closing phase of their respective cycles. One is between the volatile yet pioneering forces of Mars in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus and the other between the loving, joyful and creative Sun in Leo with wide-visioned, truth-seeking adventurer Jupiter in Scorpio. Correlating to the sense that something is dying with respect to the archetypal motivations and needs of the planets involved, this is a time of reflection on what the cycles have brought and also to make choices about what is important to take into the next cycle. (See the cycle phase data below and also the soon to be released Jim Sher interview with Kevin DeCapite.)

On August 1, retrograde Mars in Aquarius forms a third quarter waning square to Uranus in Taurus. This is the second of three squares over a period of several months due to the Mars retrograde cycle so this “crisis of consciousness” process is longer than usual. Mars archetypally represents the will and energy we need to act on our desires and ambitions. It is the spark that initiates the creative spirit to burst forth in life. In Aquarius, the Mars force is directed towards service to humanity. It needs unfettered freedom to create collaboratively with others in innovative ways that move society forward into a harmonious future. Uranus is the archetypal Iconoclast that generates disturbances in “common consensus” reality. It is how we respond to these disorders that reveals our openness to new ways of being. Uranus in Taurus brings its awakening force to our sense of values by agitating the rhythms of life to expose the myth of certainty.

As we look back over the current cycle, we may see how Mars connecting with Uranus at the important phase points triggered us to express our uniqueness in new and unpredictable ways. This forceful energy pushing us out of our comfort zones can be so frightening we may have quickly fallen back into our ruts after the periods of amplification. But if we heeded the call to break free from our programming, beliefs and societal norms, then we are now solidly on the path to expressing more fully our true nature as loving beings. This last phase of the Mars/Uranus cycle may bring about events that trigger the need to embrace uncertainty so we can remain free to create in unfettered, truly innovative ways. The third quarter square in particular represents the point in the planetary cycle when inertia sets in because what has been accomplished can now be done by rote. Thus a catabolic or breaking down process must begin to harvest the energy and wisdom of our achievements but also eliminate the waste of conditioning that locks us into tired patterns. If we allow the natural dying process to happen we open space for something new to emerge.

On August 6, the Sun in Leo commences the closing phase of its current cycle with Jupiter in Scorpio, which offers a great opportunity to examine how a particular cycle has played out on a societal level as it has correlated strongly to the explosion of the “MeToo” movement on a global scale. The cycle commenced with the conjunction in October 2017 that correlated to the newly breaking Harvey Weinstein scandal but we only had a faint understanding of the magnitude of the problem at this stage. By the “crisis of action” first quarter square, eyes were now wide open as multitudes of people had spoken out out about their experiences. The decisive action taken was the launching of the “TimesUp” legal fund and lobbying campaign. The moment at the opposition correlated to Harvey Weinstein being charged with first-degree rape while at the same time many companies were making changes to protect employees. Now, at this ‘crisis of consciousness’ moment there is yet another exposéon the insidious behavior of a powerful entertainment industry executive that widened its scope to report on the full blown culture of sexual misconduct he presides over at his prominent corporation.

The crisis before us now is in the need to decide how we want to go forward as a society with full knowledge of what is going on. As more and more are empowered to come forward and tell all, will we devolve into greater sexual corruption and the inertia of doing exposé after exposé without seeing the wider perspective of evolutionary development or will the much-needed changes come to pass? It is up to us to make sure the door for true productive change in laws and ethics take place and we evolve into more loving and respectful relationships. As we look forward to the next cycle, can we let go of our attachment to the pain, suffering and bitterness, yet still retain the individual and collective empowerment the process of sharing our truth and having it acknowledged has instilled in us? It is that empowerment unencumbered by the past that will catapult us to freedom and have more positive, creative experiences in life. This is the “crisis of consciousness” crossroads we are at now as a society.

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Here’s the data for the major aspects this week as well as significant dates in the planetary cycles mentioned herein (Pacific Time, rounded to the nearest whole degree unless otherwise noted). Depending on the speed of the planets involved and other factors, the most intense period of influence can be in effect for days or longer applying to and separating from the exact alignment. Alignments between the slowest moving outer planet can last for years.

August 1 – Mars square Uranus at 3°Aquarius/Aries at 7:41 p.m.

August 6 – Venus at 0°Libra at 4:28 p.m.

August 6 – Sun square Jupiter at 14°Leo/Scorpio at 4:28 p.m.

Current Mars/Uranus cycle significant phase dates:

Conjunction – “New Seed”: February 26, 2017 at 22°Aries;

First quarter square – “crisis of action”: July 17, 2017 at 28°Cancer/Aries;

Opposition – “Fulfillment”: December 1, 2017 at 25°Libra/Aries;

Third quarter square – “crisis of consciousness”: three passes in Aquarius/Taurus, on May 16, 2018 at 0°, August 1, 2018 at 3°and September 18, 2018 at 2°;

Cycle ends with next conjunction at 29°Aries on February 12, 2019.

Current Sun/Jupiter cycle significant phase dates:

Conjunction – “New Seed”: October 26, 2017 at 4°Scorpio;

First quarter square – “crisis of action”: February 10, 2018 at 22°Aquarius/Scorpio;

Opposition – “Fulfillment”: May 8, 2018 at 18°Taurus/Scorpio;

Third quarter square – “crisis of consciousness”: August 6, 2018 at 14°Leo/Scorpio;

Cycle ends with next conjunction on November 25, 2018 at 4°Sagittarius.