On July 13, 2012 at 9:50 AM Greenwich Mean Time, a little before 1 AM PDT, Uranus begins a retrograde phase. On July 15 at 2:17 A.M. GMT, Mercury begins its retrograde phase. This 3-day period between the 13th and 15 marks a key time, a turning point for change, in starting new projects, or for making progress in some area of life your are already working on. Whatever areas of life that were activated by the May eclipse will now experience an upsurge in energy, pressure, and focus.
Uranus in the early degrees of Aries indicates a prolonged period for making changes and taking action in whatever areas of your life require it. Depending on what area of your life Uranus is transiting, this aspect marks a turning point and a broader and more prolonged period of radical change. It is essential for our soul development and ultimate life purpose to use your energy wisely or feel the brunt of the energy acting upon you.
Uranus is at 8° Aries increases the likelihood that change will come in surprising and sudden ways. In case it was not already evident in your life experiences, Uranus in Aries has been manifesting in rather peculiar ways. The energy of this transit is based on need to change. How have we been living our lives and what do we need to do now to make the necessary adjustments and changes that we have been reviewing during the recent transformative period? What has been revealed for us? What issues, relationships, patterns of behavior, and anything else related to the way we live, are now demanding our attention and calling us to make major adjustments in how we live?
When we look at the archetype connected to Aries, we want to look at the polarities inherent in that archetype. Keeping in mind, this energy manifests, on a spectrum between extremes. Consider the different ways we experience the energy of Aries, and see if you can identify how these qualities are manifesting in you, your relationships, and other areas of your lives. What in others, triggers Mars-like energy in you or annoys you about others? Look to the traits in others that are bothering you the most right now, and you might find the Aries and Uranian qualities that are activating suppressed or controlled emotional responses in you and in what you project on others.
Positive Traits and Tendencies of the Aries Archetype: Initiators, adventurous, want to lead, and are often the first to get the ball rolling. They can rally others to action. They are energetic, dynamic, fearless, and can be charming and charismatic. Competitive, driven, a sheer force of nature. Have a great deal of strength and endurance, and can outlast most in anything they set their sights on. Bold, with a great deal of stamina and inner strength. Love action, physicality, playing the game. Fearless and excited by new adventures. Self-motivated and self confidant. Love of life. Work as hard as they play. Romantic and playful. Determined, dynamic, and daring. The fiery dragon.
Negative Traits and Tendencies: Impulsive, temperamental, pushy, and coercive, outspoken, even bossy and judgmental. Aggressive and sometimes foolhardy. May appear arrogant and domineering. Spurred on to new adventures rather than finishing up what they start. Argumentative, ego-centric, has to have the last word. Can become narcissistic. Impulsive and rash. Thoughtless and self-centered. Pushes self beyond their own physical limits; needs to learn to breathe.
Using this Likert Scale The spectrum shows possible levels of manifestation of each quality. We range on the spectrum in how we experience the trait, acting it out consciously or responding/reacting unconsciously through our behavior, attitudes, emotional expressions, and choices.
Positive Negative
10 5 0 -5 -10
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Passionate Obsessive, overbearing
Determined Compulsive
Self-Confident Arrogant
The growing edge for Aries-like people is one of balancing and channeling their strengths, enthusiasm, and energy. They need to learn to be more aware of the needs, opinions, choices, and desires of others. As a leader, Aries can be counted on to get the ball rolling and to get people excited, but not necessarily to finish a long-term process.
In looking at some of the characteristics of Aries, it becomes easier to understand how there is a need to incorporate more of their positive traits into their behavior patterns and lessen the effects of some of their negative qualities. Since there is a tendency to overlook other people's points of view, opinions, wants and needs, Uranus will have a tendency to join forces with the nature of Aries by projecting their feelings, opinions, and force of will on others. Rather than seeking balance in themselves and in their own activities and approach to life, they may be more demanding of others. There is a tendency to overlook anyone else's point of view.
For all of us, this will be a time when, if we have not been making the necessary changes in our attitudes and lifestyles that are required, we tend to blame others, or seek change externally. We may project this into political or social responses, blaming others, warring against others outside our comfort and thought/belief zone. The real issues, however, demand internal change. Changing the external conditions may be part of what is needed, but whatever changes occur externally will have no effect or will have negative effects if there is an not an attempt made to change from within. Change within will evolve into change without. As we think, so it will be. Keeping our thinking locked in negativity, worn out patterns or beliefs, or harmful habits will also lead to negative expressions in the world around us.
In those areas of your life where you have resisted change, expect the need for change to be more immediate and physical in nature. When we refuse to see the nature and basic truth of a situation that is out of control, beyond our reach, in need of repair, or challenging in some other manner, changes will occur to affect how we live, how we understand life and how we use our energy.
Areas in opposition to Libra, an air sign, indicates a fundamental polarity and struggle in this area of our lives it is about the balance between ourselves and others. On one hand we struggle to maintain our sense of independence, autonomy, self worth, and an overall sense of being true to ourselves. On the other hand, we seek to get along with others. We live in a relational world and much of our own growth as individuals comes through our relationships and ability to connect and relate to others. The challenge in seeking balance is always about exceeding our limits in either area. We might ask ourselves where we are overextended, unappreciated, or disconnected. Also ask yourself which areas of your life seem to be in balance right now, and what qualities, beliefs, behavior or decisions have added to its, and made change possible.
Most of us have undergone major transformation over the last couple of years with Pluto (the Great Transformer) transiting Capricorn. The movement and energy of the archetypes of Saturn, the Great Teacher, and Pluto, the Great Transformer have slowly but surely woken within us, a greater awareness of issues and events that have forced us to recognize systems and patterns that are not working for our good, the good of all humankind, and the good of the planet. Beginning within our own lives, development, and ways of living, the energy we feel calls us to turn the soil over so we can plant the seeds of new growth.
We have been prepared and readied for this time. Whatever seeds we have considered sowing, whatever choices we have made, whatever changes we have envisioned and started, and whatever lessons we have learned, have all prepared us to test the waters for new growth. Whatever we have resisted or determined we could “live with,” will now become increasingly uncomfortable. If we haven’t been ready to make the changes, we will now face tests and challenges not of our own choosing. Anything we have neglected or hidden about our true desires and feelings in order to be acceptable to other people, to fit in or to avoid change, we will now have to confront or be confronted about.
Along with Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn is completing her passage through Libra. In whatever area of life you find Uranus/Aries, Pluto/Capricorn, and Saturn/Libra, (the T-square) in your chart/life, you can expect to see and better understand how these changes have been and are taking place. The retrograde phase of Uranus tracks back over the recent changes and areas of your life that have been most affected. This weekend (July 13-15) marks a key period, a decisive time regarding what we need and want to do about change and choices. The retrograde period provides you with time to examine how the changes you have made are working or not. Pay particular attention to your inner senses (dreams, emotional responses, feelings, questions, doubts, fears). This is a particularly good time for any practice that allows you to bring your body, mind, spirit, emotional being into alignment, and for using your physical energy to create peace and serenity in motion.
In any area where you have compromised your basic sense of who you are, your values, or anything else you have done to seek peace at the cost of your own health and emotional well-being, you now discover why that does not work, and why you have no choice but to change. It is not the time anyone can hide their heads in the sand and pretend things are all right if they are not. Most of what requires our attention lies within us so it gets more difficult for us to hide from the truth of our reality. Whatever our challenge, those who resist change and those who have embraced it, we all experience the aftermath and insecurity that arises when we leave the threshold of decision, choice, or inaction and begin our new journey.
If we have chosen to begin on a new path, we enter the realm of the unfamiliar and we have to learn anew about our energy, resources, and potential. We also learn once again, how we adjust and adapt to change. For those who have resisted change, the struggle is compounded by having to face the issues, signals, and inner truth that we have tried to ignore. We remain reluctant strangers on the doorstep, seeking answers about where to go and what happened. If we can tune into anything akin to a sense of relief, renewed energy, or even the chance to rest and ponder, we begin to see the gifts inherent in recent or potential losses. We have been cut loose, and now must discover a new way to approach life, but more importantly, to get to know ourselves again.
As Mercury enters retrograde, you may have noticed in your own life and in the behavior of others, a growing sense of urgency, stress and pressure. What is important now is to recognize that things do not operate according to our schedule. Whatever is in process will happen in its own good time. Whatever is meant to be will be. Whatever is not meant to continue or endure, will pass away, and, or disappear. Wasting our time, energy and resources trying to push against the tide is useless at this point. Avoid the fatalistic attitude that nothing ever happens or you should not sign papers or make decisions when Mercury is retrograde. Whatever is meant to come to fruition will. Instead, be temperent, observant, and cautious. Avoid rushing into decisions, making rash judgments, Avoid trying to force anything for the sake of expediency or comfort. Use retrograde times as opportunities to ground yourself more solidly in your intentions while allowing yourself time and discernment to work through any fears, questions, and choices.
Mercury at 12° of Leo indicates an area of life where we are making something happen, creating and setting plans into action. For example, if your have Leo in your 10th house, Mercury is affecting your thinking and communication about that which you consider your soul purpose, your career, or life’s mission. If Leo were on your ascendant, Mercury would be changing the way you are presenting yourself and/or how others are perceiving you. Leo in the 7th house might be working through your marriage and partnerships, bringing new opportunities and moving you closer to making some decisions. Examine that area of your chart where Mercury is currently transiting, and see what this looks like in your life.
Mercury forms a sextile aspect to Venus as it goes into its retrograde phase. Venus is in 12° Gemini, and Mercury is in 12° of Leo. Sextiles represent opportunities, and so we may now be considering a variety of aspects to many decisions we are making. Do not be surprised by the questions that might come up from your subconscious, through your dreams, or in some unexpected and surprising way. Any questions that now arise may be crucial to the success of any projects or decisions currently under consideration.
Using this period of time to reevaluate, to get clarity, or to allow ideas to root and and connections to be made, will be fortunate and beneficial. Given what might arise during Uranus's retrograde phase, this might be a time when hidden pieces of the puzzle and questions and doubts will become clear. Expect the unexpected,. Positive surprises are sure to be a benefit art the groundwork is laid for your plans, changes, and new focus. Venus having recently completed a retrograde phase through Gemini (April 17-18, June 10 -11), is now approaching that same spot at12° of Gemini. This is where Venus where she meets Mercury. Whatever you set into motion in early May, will become manifest in early August.
Our actions speak louder than words, now more than ever. What we put our energy into is now opening new doors for us. As we have released and let go either by choice or not, we have been broken down, stripped of our baggage, and released from the past. We may have left much of what we know behind us, and now we will find new opportunities opening up. This has probably already begun for those who ride the cutting edge. I listen to my friends who are caught off guard by some of the changes occurring in their lives, seemingly unaware how important it is that there is still much to be released. Whatever is not working, is falling apart. Whatever we value, we are faced with, and find ourselves struggling to do what is necessary to mend fences, heal and learn patience, or identify within ourselves what it is that we need to see inside that we are looking for outside. Especially some of the most evolved, talented, and aware among us still find it hard to release into the power of the unknown. Our plans fall apart before us, and we do not see the path. That does not mean the path is not there, it simply means we need to open our eyes to see where we have arrived. And then we need to be at peace, and let the river flow and carry us with it or dabble our feet in the waters as we abide in peace.
If we have been turning our backs on our own desires, health, and needs, we will now be reminded how necessary it is for us to make the changes required for living a healthy, productive, happy, and peaceful well-balanced life. Having our dreams come true, in this case, will require that we commit to living in balance with those closest to us. We will not be able to force our will on others and have positive results. Conversely, we will not be able to put our own needs and concerns aside for the sake of keeping peace or getting along for the sake of getting along.
Living within the present and being at peace with what is, is not a passive road. Accepting what is includes making choices to move beyond that which endangers us. Our health, our sanity, our security and safety, not to mention our divine call to create and give purpose and meaning to our lives---none of this can exist or thrive within an atmosphere of turmoil, violence, trauma, and extreme and chronic stress. Being at peace and being present, require taking action on our behalf and to set an example for others for whom we are responsible. We teach by example, and we condone by inaction. Take action on your behalf and on behalf of those who trust, love, and follow your example. Harmonious relationships with others, within ourselves (body, mind, spirit, emotions), our work, our art, and living our dreams, all demand that we live more consciously, intentionally, and more honestly from our true intentions.
For the next few months Uranus will be retrograde, and for the next few weeks Mercury will be retrograde. In whatever area of your life requires that you make change, develop new skills, or reexamine how you are living and what you need, you will now feel more pressure both from within and without. In whatever area of your life you are not living according to your core truth, you will feel the need to first of all be honest about it, and second, of all, to make changes. The nature of the universe is change. And the nature of that change is dynamic. Change or be changed is the equation. You get to pick. Or the choices will be made for you. I know which option I prefer.
The current nature of this universal call for change and transformation is now being activated more immediately and strongly by the movement of the archetypal energies of the more fast-moving inner planets. Uranus (Uranus takes 7 years to pass through a sign, but its energy is related to things happening suddenly so it brings change quickly), Mercury, and Venus which are are beginning to activate, unmask, question, propel us forward. This is ongoing within the context of the archetypal energy of the slow-moving outer planets, Saturn and Pluto that have been working us over for the last few years. What arose in our awareness and experience, and what demanded your attention and claimed your energy, is now being clearly revealed through the way you are living, what you are seeking through your intentions, what you are creating and building up, and how you are using your gifts on your own behalf and for the good of all humanity.
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| Beneath the Surface Catherine Al-Meten |
We have a responsibility to heal ourselves so we can help heal our communities, nations, tribes, and planet. Instead of acting out of our woundedness and suppressed feelings, emotions, and unfulfilled desires, we need to seek inner truth and healing. We need to stop blaming others, projecting our violence on others, turning our rage into hurtful words and actions. We need to tap into our ability to heal and extend love, understanding, and tolerance to others. What we project into the world will come back as a reflection of who we are. Let us reflect the Divine Light that forms the seeds within our souls to plant love, beauty, peace, and understanding wherever we go and with whomever we meet.
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