.Aquarium Age

For the week of December 24-30, 2008.

This week, the sky offers a striking contrast between the surface
and the deep. Planetary patterns appear simple and so do earthly
interactions. Yet hidden in that minimalism are powerful and profound
signatures, and as those forces combine with the seasonal emotional
undertow, the week unfolds with heightened intensity. Expect meltdowns,
yours or others, as coping mechanisms are put to the test. And be
aware, you may not need a specific reason to decompensate. 2008 shifted
paradigms, personal and collective, local and global. And the soul work
necessary to integrate those shifts is mighty. So while external
festivities and celebrations may seem like irresistible opportunities
to self-medicate, from an astrological as well as a practical
perspective, this final week of the year is best spent sorting through
the changes of 2008 in preparation for what lies ahead.

One source of power and simplicity this week is a Sun/Mars/Pluto
conjunction, which is joined by the Moon late in the day on Christmas.
Sun/Mars/Pluto interactions generate a tremendous amount of energy, but
because the power to control and succeed drives this current, you might
find yourself overextended, overwhelmed, and overtaxed. The solution is
to let go of the need to have the holiday be anything other than what
it is. Unfortunately, a Venus/Neptune conjunction that longs for
perfection may make it harder to relinquish attachment to a specific
picture of holiday reality. Fortunately, a two-fold source of power and
simplicity also kicks into gear, as Mercury/Saturn trine provides
clarity and depth, and by Saturday, a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction
supplies heaping servings of common sense.

About ten years ago, I wrote that Christmas celebrates a simple
truth: Each of us is a divine child, born fragile and delicate, pure of
heart, and magnificent with unfathomable promise and potential.

Daily life makes it difficult to stay in touch with that spark of
divine light. We struggle to survive, maintain, and cope with modern
life, which increasingly grows more complex and convoluted. We have
more information than we can possibly integrate or digest, and
seemingly far more responsibilities than we can handle. At sea in a
world where we must stay in control, we grow up quickly, and we
encourage our children to do the same. Naiveté is seen as a
failing; innocence, a useless flaw in a ruthless world.

And yet the divine child in each of us stays alive and active, even
if we are unconscious of its presence. It dwells in our hearts, feeds
our imagination, fires our desire to believe. It allows us to hope. No
matter what scars of bitterness or brokenness our hearts may bear, this
divine child endures. Its innocence nourishes and sustains our
resilience, a resilience that supports the potential to survive
suffering, no matter how brutal, and to return to life. When we nourish
the divine child within us, we look at the world through eyes of wonder
and awe, humble and curious about what lies ahead. Willing to try again
and again.

Christmas celebrates our innocence. And innocence is non-sectarian.
As is joy, happiness, love, and the wish for peace and prosperity. So
regardless of your religious affiliation, take a moment to celebrate
the divine child. Honor its strength, acknowledge its wisdom, respect
its innocence. Make a commitment to help it to mature into a
compassionate heart, open and vulnerable, and despite the challenges
and complexities of life, skillful at maintaining hope and love.

If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.

ARIES March 21-April l9

This is not the time to tune out on career issues, so even though
the year is coming to a close, stay vital and present for significant
ideas or developments.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

It’s a thoughtful week that’s best spent contemplating what you’ve
learned and how to integrate those lessons into conscious, intentional
action.

GEMINI May 21-June 21

Try not to let differences of opinion with partners, personal or
collective, no matter how intense, turn into full-scale battles. When
the egos cool off, the situation will resolve.

CANCER June 22-July 22

Conversations with family and friends could prove enlightening,
especially if you’re willing to both speak and listen from the heart.
Stay open, and you’ll be pleased with what you discover.

LEO July 23-August 22

Yes, you do have a lot of work to do, so rather than resent all that
needs to be done, embrace it. A gracious attitude begets gratitude as
well as a positive frame of mind.

VIRGO August 23-September 22

Love is in the air — all kinds of love, from the romantic and
passionate to the sublimely spiritual. Breathe it in, deeply, and let
its joy heal your heart.

LIBRA September 23-October 22

You’ll take better care of others if you take good care of yourself.
Do the things you enjoy and you’ll avoid holiday co-dependence.

SCORPIO October 23-November 21

You’ve got a lot to say and holding back isn’t an option. Tell the
truth but try to be compassionate, and you’ll find a way to maintain
integrity as you navigate the intensity.

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December
21

Despite the climate of doom and gloom, you have opportunities to
shift your personal financial situation into a positive gear. Seize the
moment and you’ll make tangible progress.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19

This is your time and you are in your element, so have at it and be
all you, all the time. Don’t worry about failing — you’re growing
and that’s what matters.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18

Refuse to brood about the ghosts of Christmas past, and instead,
focus on your blessings. A positive attitude will strengthen your heart
and soul.

PISCES February 19-March 20

Even if celebrations tend to be overwhelming, allow yourself to
enjoy time with friends, family, lovers, pets, and plants, and you’ll
replenish your inner reserves.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

East Bay Express E-edition East Bay Express E-edition
19,045FansLike
14,611FollowersFollow
61,790FollowersFollow
spot_img