Neptune in Pisces - The end of the Dream

I know I said I was going to discuss Mars next, however, Neptune stepped up to the plate instead, so I guess Neptune it is.

As we discovered before, Uranus moved into the sign of Aries early this year and will remain in Aries until 2019.

Neptune is also in the process of changing signs from Aquarius to Pisces which will be complete in February of 2012. It will remain in Pisces until 2026.

Pluto moved from Sagittarius to Capricorn in 2008 and will stay in Capricorn until January of 2025.

With these three “big guns” all changing signs within the span of a few years one doesn't have to be a genius or a psychic to figure out that we, as well, are living in a time of tremendous change.

Neptune

The planet Neptune is what is called a Gas Giant. It is a swirling mass of methane and helium gases surrounding a central core of ice and rock. It lives about 4.5 billion km from the Sun. Neptune travels around the Zodiac in approximately 165 years and will stay in a sign for about 14 years.

In the mundane world Neptune has been given the rulership of all substances that have no shape of their own, IE all liquids and gases. Neptune rules all things that are not real, like our imagination. The entertainment industry, the media, alcohol, drugs, make-up and everything else that promotes the idea that something is better, or even worse than it really is, has also been given to Neptune.

But, Neptune is the planet that also represents our highest potential as a human being and as a human race. According to Webster; potential means, “that which can come into being, possible – latent.” Because Neptune represents what is possible or latent within us, not what actually is; whether we will actualize our full potential or not, is often the burning question.

Take Neptune in Libra for example. All men (Neptune) have the capacity to be fair, to compromise, and to play nice with others (Libra). We all have the ability to live a more balanced life. But that doesn't necessarily mean that all men are fair, diplomatic or willing to compromise and some are downright mean. Many people's lives are dangerously out of balance; physically, financially or emotionally.

Neptune transits are typically times of quiet contemplation, creativity, daydreams and imagination. But Neptune can also indicate a period of time when we feel so threatened, vulnerable, overwhelmed or disillusioned that we simply shut down altogether.

Activities begun under the sponsorship of Neptune usually never turn out as we expect because Neptune represents an area of life where we are not entirely in control, even though we might think we are, and things are never quite what they seem to be. With Neptune we are very often in the position of having to trust; in ourselves, someone else or the universe with no guarantees that our trust is justified. That is often very difficult to do especially when we feel that we have been let down before.

It might help to remember when dealing with Neptune, that nothing is as wonderful, or as horrible as we imagine it might be. Never assume and always be willing to be surprised. Often we assume the best in man only to discover the worst, disillusionment with mankind in general can follow quickly on the heels of that discovery, if we allow it. On the other hand, we can assume the worst and very often be delightfully surprised by man's capacity for heroism, compassion, kindness and love. We must often just trust that, no matter how things work out, we will learn a valuable lesson in the process.

Pisces

Compassion, empathy, kindness and love are words most often associated with Pisces. So are; victim, martyr and slave. While these words may describe some of the personality traits we see evident in the children of Pisces, they are not what Pisces is all about. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac and as such is assigned the task of bringing things to a close, wrapping things up and moving on. Pisces is all about endings. Pisces is all about knowing when to quit.

When we reach Pisces we have reached the point of no return; we have done everything we can do, been everywhere we can go, learned everything we can learn, wrung all possible meaning from a situation, and it is time to move on to something else. When Pisces reaches the point where all these criteria have been met, it's done and it can walk away with nary a glance over its shoulder, no apologies, no excuses, no explanations and often no warning.

It doesn't much matter whether we are at the top of the heap, the bottom of the pile or somewhere in the middle when our Pisces moment strikes. It is said that the alcoholic cannot recover until he reaches rock bottom. For him Pisces represents rock bottom, the point where he finally understands that he can't live this way anymore and begins the process of “turning his life around.” Likewise when you have climbed to the top of the mountain and there is literally nowhere else to go, the only option left to you is to find another mountain to climb. For those “somewhere in the middle,” there is often the realization that although they have come a long way, they are climbing the wrong mountain. For many this light bulb comes on only after they have been fired, laid off, divorced or otherwise pushed off the mountain.

But nobody can decide for another when the point of no return has been reached. Many will get divorced only to turn around and marry a clone of their ex. They may get fired from one job and go out the next day to seek the same job with a different company. We may sigh, shake our heads and attempt to wake them up to what we see them doing, but it is often like talking to a wall. Why? Because although the light bulb may have come on for us a long time ago; they haven't yet reached that point. Reaching that point is very much an internal process, only the person involved will know when they get there. No matter what we think, say or do, they will be done only when they are ready to be done.

Not all of us have planets in Pisces but we all have a Pisces point somewhere in our lives. A place that represents the end for us. For example if we have Pisces in the area of life that represents our career, then we might be willing to do, or put up with, all sorts of crazy stuff until it begins to affect our career choices or becomes public knowledge. When that happens it is over for us and we are done. If Pisces is in an area of life that represents our ability to communicate, when the lines of communication shut down or there is nothing further to discuss or say, it's a pretty clear signal to us that our association with whatever is over. It can also be a signal to stop talking or thinking about it and start doing.  If Pisces is in the area that has to do with our ability to enjoy life, when things stop being fun for us it is almost always a signal that it is time to pack up our toys and go home.

Neptune in Pisces

What about Neptune in Pisces? Every sign has a planet that “rules” it. When Neptune was discovered someone decided that it should be the ruler of Pisces. When a planet is in the sign that it rules it is said to act strongly so we can probably say that Neptune will be strong in Pisces and act with confidence.

We can play a bit with the key ideas of Neptune and Pisces. Pisces has to do with endings and Neptune represents our illusions. We could say that this time may signify the end of our illusions. Or perhaps our time of quiet contemplation will come to an end and we will actually do something instead of just thinking about it. If we have been living in a fantasy world, maybe that will come to an end and we will be forced to wake up and deal with reality. Maybe our feelings of vulnerability and lack of control will end and we will be empowered to take back control of our own lives. Maybe we will finally find a way to end (Pisces) our dependence on foreign oil (Neptune).

Lately there has been a lot of media hype (Neptune) about the “end of the world” (Pisces). Will the world end when Neptune completes it transition into Pisces in 2012? Maybe? Maybe not? Do I think the world will come to and end in 2012? No I don't. But if by chance it does, I don't really think that you and I will have a whole lot to say about it. People have been predicting the end of the world almost since there have been people. So far they have all been wrong. I am no Bible scholar but I believe that it is written somewhere that; “No one will know when the end will come.” To me that means no one, not you, not me, not even Nostradamus.

Neptune in Pisces does indicate that during this time all men have latent within them the ability to demonstrate compassion, empathy and kindness to its fellow man. Will we actualize this potential over the next 14 years? Can we? If we do, will they?

During the next 14 years, as Neptune travels through Pisces, it will visit everyone's Pisces point or ending point, offering each of us the opportunity to stop (Pisces) being stupid (Neptune). Stop (Pisces) living in a dream world (Neptune). Stop (Pisces) believing things that are not true (Neptune). Why? Because we have something important to do that requires a clear head, a firm grasp on reality, and the willingness to put our nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel and get 'er done. These thoughts point directly to the next major player in our little celestial drama, Pluto in Capricorn.

Next: Pluto in Capricorn

Jupiter in Taurus - Opportunities for Peace and Quiet

Let me take a minute to thank those who have expressed their interest in this blog and have left comments. At this time I am unable to respond to you individually because I cannot post comments on my own blog. Aaaargh! Hopefully I can figure out how to fix it.

Jupiter in Taurus – Opportunities for Peace and Quiet.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It's orbit around the Zodiac take approximately 12 years, spending about 1 year in each sign. Jupiter entered the sign of Taurus on June 5, 2011 and will stay there until June 11, 2012. We are 1/3 of the way through Jupiter's transit in Taurus so, if your natal planets are in the early degrees you have probably already felt some of Jupiter's effects. Let's see what they might be.

Whereas Saturn had a bad rep with the old time Astrologers, Jupiter, it seems, could do no wrong. It was call the “Greater Benefic” and was thought to dispense goodies wherever it went, kinda like a giant Santa Claus in the sky. This was a bit short sighted of the old timers, in my opinion, because while getting the nod from Jupiter does have its perks, it can also send us riding for a fall. But we'll get to that in a bit.

What Jupiter does do, is provide us an opportunity to expand our horizons. To do more, have more, be more than we ever thought was possible. However, since more and bigger does not always equate to better, or is sometimes even wise, Jupiter can also offer us the opportunity to hoist ourselves onto our own petard through; overconfidence, egotism, pride, arrogance, laziness, waste, and just plain foolishness.

So what part does Taurus play in Jupiter's little drama? Taurus is the process through which we gain our sense of serenity and stability in this crazy world. Patience, simplicity and naturalness are Taurus's gifts. Peace and quiet are its goal. Worry, uncertainty and complexities are its antithesis. As a hedge against uncertainty, Taurus sets about stabilizing its outside circumstance. His needs are pretty basic; a nice home in a safe neighborhood, a secure job with benefits and a retirement package, a dependable car, plenty of food in the fridge and money in the bank. With these things firmly in place, Taurus can kick back and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

The downside of Taurus is it's willingness to settle for safe, but boring. Given Taurus's need for routine and security, life can too easily become dull, falling into a spirit deadening same ol', same ol' rut allowing laziness and complacency conspire to keep it there.

What is the one thing that we all do, almost from the moment of conception and don't stop doing until we die? Accumulate stuff. Our parents discover we are on the way and the first thing they do is to begin to gather the stuff we will need when we finally get here. A crib, bottles, blankets, tiny little outfits too cute to pass up, toys, clothes and diapers, lots and lots of diapers. When we finally arrive, we grow and change, necessitating the need for more and different stuff, and so it goes throughout a lifetime. We write wills so that when we die our stuff ends up in the right hands. Obviously our stuff is very important to us.

Pick up any pop Astrology book and start reading about Taurus, you probably won't have to read far before you come across the word materialistic. Taurus's need for stability and security can sometimes translate into a need for stuff. When Jupiter is in Taurus we may suddenly need lots more stuff. My grandson just celebrated his first birthday, you wouldn't believe all the stuff he got. Shopping therapy is a common balm employed to sooth Taurus when its nerves are shattered.

Whether Jupiter's transit through Taurus is a benefit or the bane of our existence depends mostly on the overall tone of our personality. If we are normally a bit of a hot head or a risk taker, Jupiter's insistence on a more patient, conservative approach may actually be a good lesson for us, even though it drives us nuts in the process. On the other hand, if we are already pretty set in our ways, Jupiter's transit through Taurus can encourage us to become even more rigid, perhaps edging us into pigheadedness, short sightedness and obstinacy.

One thing is certain, however, when Taurus is highlighted, some area of life slooooows dowwwwwn. Everything seems to take longer than expected, maybe a lot longer with Jupiter. For those of us who want quick and now, it may seem like we are suddenly slogging through the proverbial “molasses in January.” Unanticipated complications arise, a simple matter becomes a major sticking point when egos collide, and the CEO who needs to sign off on the deal has suddenly decided to take an extended vacation in Tibet. What do we do?

Jupiter's contact with any of our natal planets normally takes about two weeks to complete. Who can't wait two weeks? Maybe it's time for a little vacation ourselves. If we can't leave for two whole weeks perhaps a weekend in the mountains, a spa day, or evenings spent puttering around in the yard. Maybe we need to open that book we bought months ago but haven't had time to read, or invite the new neighbors over for a barbecue. Anything but sitting around fussing and fuming because our life isn't going according to plan. When we heed Taurus's call for some R&R we come back revitalized and refreshed, ready to tackle the world again.

Jupiter's transit through Taurus will have the biggest impact on those with Sun, Moon, Rising sign or other planets in Scorpio, Leo and Aquarius. You may want to re-read the two paragraphs above. The temptation here is to try to bully your way through the log jam. With Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries, finding a suitable compromise may prove to be impossible, especially when all concerned seem hell bent on having their own way. Backing off may be a wiser tactic to employ although it may prove difficult to pull off gracefully, if you have already issued ultimatums

For those with planets in Cancer and Pisces; tending to our own business and allowing the rest of the world to drift on by may be a valid option. Avoid any tendency to eat or drink too much, though. Bad habits, once started, can be extremely difficult to break once this mood has passed. Cancers may have the opportunity to talk some sense into a rebellious family member, if they are willing to be patient and wait for the right time. Although the peace gained may be only temporary at least it's something. However, “peace at any price” may not be in your best interest in the long run.

For those with planets in Virgo and Capricorn; it will never be easier than right now to present your pet project to the powers that be. The old guard isn't looking for anything new or innovative, just to make what is already in place work better. A realistic, efficient and business-like approach to things could very well be a ticket to success. Laziness and inertia are the enemies here, if you fall asleep at the switch, there may not be another chance for awhile. Don't blow it.

For those with planets in Sagittarius or Libra. Taurus has no patience with Libra's indecisiveness nor Sagittarius's inability to commit and might be tempted to manipulate the facts a bit to get a firm commitment from either one of them. Don't do it and don't fall for it, in either case, your credibility may be irreversibly damaged when the truth finally comes out. Promises made to keep the peace are valueless because the only thing you can count on right now is that loyalties will change.

Next: Mars in Leo - Acts of Self-Confidence

Saturn in Libra - The Reality of Relationships

Saturn entered the sign of Libra on October 30, 2009 and will remain there until October 6, 1012. Since Saturn's transit through Libra is almost half over a lot of you have probably already felt it's affect. Hopefully this will help you understand what was going on.  For the rest of you who haven't yet had this "delightful" experience, pay attention.

Most of us believe that there is only one reality, what is real, is real. Right? Would it surprise you to learn that there are actually two realities? The one “out there” and the one we carry around in our heads.

The one we carry around in our head was imprinted on us at birth and is represented by our natal planets. The one out there encompasses the lessons we learn as we grow-up, transiting Saturn. For example.

Let's say that in our limited experience of life (reality) puppies are cute and cuddly. Then one day we pick up a puppy and it bites us. Now we have a new reality to contend with. Not all puppies are cute and cuddly, some puppies bite. How do we deal with this new reality? Do we become afraid of all puppies and vow to stay away from them forever? Or, do we ignore this new reality altogether and continue getting bitten by unfriendly puppies? Or perhaps if we are wise, we begin to exercise some caution around new puppies. Perhaps getting to know them a bit before we try to cuddle them.

Transiting Saturn presents us an opportunity to do a reality check, to perhaps use some caution because reality, as we know it, is about to take a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Saturn has garnered a “bad” reputation over the millenia because most of us don't like facing reality all that much.

Nor do we especially appreciate Saturn's other gifts; hard work, discipline, limitation, boundaries, and maybe most importantly, responsibility.  We all have limitations, we all have boundaries, or need them. Saturn represents our skeleton. Without our bones we wouldn't be able to do any of the things that we do. We would have no form. Saturn is also all about focus. We can only truly focus on one thing at a time. When we focus on one thing we naturally limit our ability to focus on other things. But, putting all this stuff aside for a moment, Saturn wants only one thing for us and that is to be the best we can be. How do we do that? By applying Saturn's strategies of; hard work, discipline, responsibility, setting boundaries, focus and reality testing. We in essence “get serious” about our life.

So what about Libra? Libra is the process through which we create peace, balance, and harmony in our lives. Through our relationships, art, the appreciation of beauty, also through compromise, diplomacy and plain ol' good manners. Libra urges us to use our “inside voice” and please, don't make waves. Libra is also big on sharing.

All is not sunshine and light with Libra though as it can be overly concerned with surface appearances, assuming that; if things look OK, they must be OK. It also worries a bit too much about what other people will think. Libra wants to be liked/loved and will sometimes go to extreme measures to up its “likability” quotient.

So how do we combine Saturn with Libra? Since Libra has to do with art and artists let's say for example that we have always had some vague yearning to be an artist, perhaps we have natal planets in Libra. So one day Saturn comes along and says; “Prove it. Be an artist, paint something.” Saturn always demands proof through manifestation of something concrete in the real world.

If we respond strongly to Saturn's demand for proof, we purchase some paints, brushes, canvases, all the tools of the trade so to speak. We throw the Mother-in-law out of the guest room and set up our studio. If we have never painted before we may want to take some lessons. We schedule some time every day to focus on our painting. We put a lock on the door, turn off the phone and inform our family that we are not to be disturbed except in the case of dire emergency and we stick to our guns no matter who whines, cries or objects. And, we paint, and paint, and paint.

Now comes the hard part, reality testing. We bring our paintings to class. Are they any good? Do we actually have the talent we thought we did? Does it really matter to us what others think? Yes? No? Maybe? If our reviews are good, we are encouraged to keep at it. What do we do, however, if the reviews are bad? Do we keep trying to improve or become discouraged and quit? Have we really done the best we can do or can we do better? Unfortunately Astrology alone can't answer those questions only we can. Saturn is very good at testing our resolve though. How badly do we want it? Are we willing do devote a portion of our lives to our art with no guarantee of ever becoming “good” at it? If so, we have earned the right to call ourselves an Artist whether or not the world agrees.

Now that we see how Saturn works we can apply it to the other processes of Libra. Do we want good relationships? Prove it. Do we now understand that good relationships, like art, don't happen as if by magic they require focus and tending? Good relationships are hard work. Are we willing to put in the time and energy required to make our relationships the best they can be? Are we willing to accept at least half the responsibility for the state our relationships are in right now and do our share of the work to make them better?

Do we want peace and harmony in our lives? Prove it. Are we willing to create a space where peace and harmony can exist? Can peace and harmony exist amidst confusion, dirt and clutter? Can peace and harmony exist if we surround ourselves with negative or angry people? Can peace and harmony exist if we ourselves are negative or angry? Not likely. What do we do? We clear out the clutter. Set boundaries with the angry, negative people in our lives. And work on resolving our own anger issues.

What about balance? There is an old Native American blessing, it goes; “Walk in balance on the earth.” Are we walking in balance? Do we take more than our share? Or are we always giving and asking nothing for ourselves? Do take care of our bodies giving them adequate rest and nourishment or do we burn the candle at both ends? Do we treat ourselves with respect and require that others do the same. Or, do we bounce from pillar to post trying to be everything to everyone? Do we spend too much time socializing never giving ourselves any quiet time? Or, do we isolate ourselves from our friends and loved ones and spend too much time alone? Are we too dependent on others to take care of us? Or are we so hyper responsible that we can't ask for help when we need it? If we recognize any of these signs of imbalance, Saturn asks; “What can I do today, right now to restore my balance?”

After all is said and done, Saturn in Libra literally means labor (Saturn) of love (Libra). So what is your “Labor of Love?” If we are going to labor over anything, it might as well be something we love.

It is also vital to note that while Saturn is transiting Libra it will be opposite transiting Uranus in Aries. What does this mean for us? Simply put, when Saturn shines the light of reality on our current situation, we can't flinch or run away. Well maybe flinch a little, but no running. With as much grace as possible we take our share of the responsibility for creating this reality. Once we have done all that Saturn stuff we will begin to become aware of what we need to change, and, we gather our courage to begin the process of changing it.

Those most affected by Saturn in Libra will be those who have their Sun, Moon, Rising sign or planets in Libra, Cancer, Capricorn or Aries, again. It is clear that between Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra the next year or so will be a pivotal time for these four signs.

What it boils down to, in plain language is the old conundrum; “Do I stay or do I go?” This can apply to just about any area of our lives but highlighted right now because of the connection to Cancer and Capricorn are the areas of life defined as inner life (Cancer) and outer life (Capricorn).

Is whatever it is, important enough to me that I want to really work at it (Saturn in Libra) because I really haven't been the best I can be. Or, if I have gone as far as I can go (Saturn-limitation/boundaries), would it be better to “cut my losses” now and start over somewhere else? (Uranus in Aries) If I stay, will it be possible for me to get some of the things I want? (Uranus in Aries) If I go now will I be sorry later? (Saturn in Libra). Another question we might want to ask is can I really change enough (Uranus in Aries) to make this work? (Saturn in Libra) Do I even want to make these changes? And, how much of myself (Uranus in Aries) am I willing to compromise to make peace? (Saturn in Libra). Can I realistically live with that compromise?

Because of the connection to Cancer and Capricorn, our decision, whatever it is, is going to affect our family and our dependencies (Cancer) as well our career and ability to be self-sufficient (Capricorn). And, no matter what we do someone is going to think that we have done the wrong thing. Are we going to say; “I don't care, I have to do what I have to do” and risk alienating those we depend on for support? Or, are we going to try to please everyone else and risk losing an important piece of ourselves? Or hopefully, grow up (Capricorn) and learn to take care (Cancer) of ourselves.  Making it less important to us if others approve of our choices or not (Saturn in Libra).

In a very real sense we are giving birth to something in us (Uranus in Aries) that, if we do it right, will forever change the the way we see ourselves and the way others see us. We need to muster all the reality testing skills we have (Saturn in Libra) so we don't blow it.

Our planets in Sagittarius & Leo will have the opportunity to learn some people skills while Saturn is in Libra as well as practice the fine art of diplomacy, negotiation and compromise. That is if they don't turn tale and run the other way or walk out in a huff. Hey guys, you can't always have it your way.

Our planets in Aquarius & Gemini will want to gather as much information as possible before they make any decision. Aquarius may take a while to make their stand but once the do, they will never back down from it, ever. Gemini on the other hand may dither around forever and never be able to commit to any course of action.

Our planets in Pisces & Taurus may find this reality stuff way too upsetting. Issues may pop up for them which require some real lifestyle adjustments. Whether they will actually do it or not is another matter. Pisces doesn't like disharmony in itself or others, but is often too willing to sacrifice itself to keep the peace.  Thereby making itself a victim of it's own inability to set some boundaries. While Taurus hates all change and just wants to be left alone to do its thing. They may have a pretty good grasp on the reality of their situation but often can't muster the energy or enthusiasm to do anything about it. Or, on the other hand, they can stubbornly demand that they can have their cake and eat it too.  They are often willing to change as long as nothing changes?????  In other words, they will eat the "healthy" cake as long as it looks and tastes the same as the "unhealthy" cake.  :)

Next: Jupiter in Taurus - Opportunities for some peace and quiet.

Uranus in Aries – The courage to change

In March of 2011 Uranus took it's first tentative step into the sign of Aries. It will remain there until 2019.

So what does Uranus in Aries mean? In order to discover this we need to break it down and understand what each part means individually.

Uranus is the planet of individuation. Uranus says; “I demand the right to be different.” Anywhere in our lives that we have let our past define us, or settled for a “society approved” life is ripe for this sort of rebellion.

Aries can be a firebrand, anyone who has met an Aries knows that. More importantly though, Aries represents a process, a process that we all must go through if we are to survive. That process is the acquisition of courage. How do we acquire courage? By successfully meeting challenging situations, stress in other words. Unfortunately, we cannot become courageous by hiding in the closet every time the skies turn threatening. In order to attain courage we need to get out of the closet and deal with what is threatening us. We start with small things and as our courage and confidence grow we begin to take on bigger and bigger challenges.

With Uranus in Aries then, we are in the process of acquiring the courage to be different, to do differently than we have ever done before. Being different is scary no doubt about that. In Aries we are being instructed to feel the fear and do it anyway. The maintenance of our individuality requires it.

I recently had a client who as Uranus transited into Aries; quit her job of 25 years, sold her home and moved halfway across the country to a city she had never even visited and knew no-one, to start her own Internet business. Another lady I know; announced she was gay, divorced her husband, entered a committed relationship with another woman and is now pregnant with “their” child. All within the last several months.

Do the changes demanded by Uranus always have to be so traumatic or dramatic? Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on how far we have strayed from honoring our natal Uranus. Our natal Uranus represents our inborn need to be different, to be unique, to defy authority, to be our authentic selves. If we have allowed the “herd instinct”, the “powers that be”, or our own fears to hold too much sway over our lives, if we have settled for a life that has society's stamp of approval but no hint of our authentic self anywhere in it. Then when Uranus hits, the shake-up can be truly spectacular as we demand a do over.

If, as with the second woman in my example above, we already have a pretty good grasp of who we are and what we want, Uranus in Aries can signal it's time to go for it. “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Be brave, be who you are and be amazing. More power to you.

My daughter and I were talking the other night and she said that she was feeling the need to “re-invent herself.” For me that statement just about says it all. If you too are feeling this need but don't know even where to begin you might try this. Begin to say “yes” to the things you have always wanted to try but were too scared. And, “no” to those things you never wanted to do anyway but would have usually said “yes.” Then see how you feel. Scary? You bet! But, if your heart pounds and your palms get sweaty, you're probably on the right track.

Obviously we also need to apply a little common sense here as well. There are risks and there are RISKS. Driving down a mountain road with a belly full of beer in a car with no brakes is never a good idea no matter how exciting it may be. We are, after all, trying to re-invent our life, not destroy it.

While Uranus in Aries can restore our sense of self and lead us back to what makes us special it can also incline us to go to extremes. To drop the atom bomb on a mosquito. Throw the baby out with the bathwater. Go off “half cocked” as my Dad likes to say. Is it really always necessary to tear our lives to shreds to gain a little freedom? Don't get me wrong, change is never easy. Re-inventing ourselves is hard work. But, do we need to make it any harder than it needs to be?

Do you really need to get a divorce because you've suddenly realized (Uranus) that your spouse irritates the hell out of you (Aries)? It might help to realize that you are not alone, your partner is having a Uranus in Aries transit as well and maybe wants things to change just as badly as you. And, would it surprise you to discover that your spouse may find some of the things you do pretty irritating as well? Perhaps some counseling might be in order to provide a safe, non-threatening place to get these things out in the open so you can see if they can be worked through before you sign the divorce decree.

Did the first woman in the previous example really need to yank her life out by the roots to start an Internet business? Not for me to say, apparently she thought she did.  But, when I saw her she was plainly shell shocked and lonely. She might as well have had “What have I done?” tattooed on her forehead. She was looking for me to provide her assurance that she had done the right thing. Unfortunately, I couldn't do that because right or wrong really didn't matter anymore, it was already done. The best I could do was to advise her that she had just had major surgery on her life and she needed to breathe, to give herself time to heal, to acclimate to her new surroundings. She needed to get her feet back on the ground before she could start putting down new roots.

Uranus transits always bring with them a sense of urgency, a feeling that it is now or never. This is especially so with Aries whose impatience is legendary. Since Uranus takes 84 years to transit the whole zodiac it is true that, for most of us, this particular opportunity will never come again. This fact alone makes it very important that we get it right the first time if we don't want to spend the rest of our lives cleaning up the mess we made. On the other hand, Uranus will remain in Aries until 2019 so we have plenty of time to figure out what we need to do to get it right.

As Uranus moves through the sign of Aries over the next 8+ years it will form relationships (aspects) with our natal planets. We can expect to see the most activity during the time those aspects are in affect. Because Uranus moves so slowly an aspect can remain in effect anywhere from several weeks to several months. Activities tend to peak as the aspect becomes exact then taper off as the planet moves on and we are left to assimilate our new circumstance, or pick up the pieces.

The changes heralded by Uranus in Aries will have the most profound, perhaps even life altering, affect on those who have their natal Sun, Moon, Rising sign or planets in Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn.

Aries may feel they have finally come into their own and are eager to heed the "call of the wild" but may need to temper their impetuousness with a little wisdom.  Just because something is different doesn't necessarily mean it's better. Libra may find their relationships and people skills put to the test. Cancer and Capricorn may need a lot of hand holding and moral support to get through this period. For all these signs learning to dealing with anger, either your own or other's, may become a big issue. Especially if the anger has been repressed, a common problem for Libra, Cancer and Capricorn.

People with natal Sun, Moon, Rising sign or planets in Gemini and Aquarius may find they are finally given the chance to do something they have always wanted to do anyway.

People with natal Sun, Moon, Rising sign or planets in Leo and Sagittarius may find their natural exuberance enhanced, for better or worse. You may be great but you may not be as great as you think you are right now, try not to go overboard.

People with natal Sun, Moon, Rising sign or planets in Virgo and Scorpio may find that Uranus' call for change inconvenient at best and irritating at worst. Health, physical or emotional, may become an issue. Nothing wrong in asking for help, if you need it.

Next: Saturn in Libra - The Reality of Relationships