Astrology: Cruelty and Egotism Override Compassion

     The I Ching (Ancient Chinese Book of Changes) advises that we are all on the path of spiritual evolution, some far behind us and others not.

     At this time when Saturn in strong water-sign Scorpio is trine Jupiter in water-sign Cancer, you may be challenged by certain earth and fire signs (perhaps your own) that are inclined to dismiss empathy for entrenched solipsism.  The I Ching advises us to follow our path without looking at their spiritual progress or lack of it.   

    It is a difficult time in the world while Uranus and Pluto continue a tense struggle, and there is often less peace and mediation than discord, anger, and inability to see "the whole picture" personally and politically.

    What we seek, according to the I Ching, in the company we keep and in ourselves, is the place beyond egotism, and the support of those around us.  If we find ourselves cheerleaders to others' need for approval, but are not, ourselves, supported and uplifted, we must question whether (according to the I Ching) the relationship is based on "entrenched egotism" (as the I Ching describes it), or fundamental unity.
    According to Abraham Maslow, psychologist, there is a heirarchy of needs in which it is difficult to reach our goals if we do not have shelter or protection.. Countless people, including in developed countries, find themselves in this plight -- without a home, a place to peacefully rest, a sanctuary from the world.
     Yet those who are privileged often cannot comprehend this.
     Ultimately, the I Ching advises, we must seek the higher self, the empathetic self, the being in each of us that is able to try to understand the plight of others with burdens we may never experience.
     It is imperative to try to remember how they must "feel" (water-signs) and the desperation that can come over a person -- for no matter our fortunes, we are all, in some way, a breath away.... Without this "remembering," fire and earth can lead to indifference.

Astrology: What do you read, watch, listen to?

The moon has moved into the sensitive sign of Cancer, enhancing intuition as well as nurturing instincts (and the need to be nurtured). The I Ching, an ancient Chinese book of wisdom, speaks of  paying attention to how people we meet nourish themselves: from the food they eat, to the words they listen to, to their entertainment.
       We become our intake. Pulitzer Prize winning writer Annie Dillard says her fine writing is a result of taking in what enriches her life.
       This is a time to consider:  What do we listen to? Watch? Eat?  Is it nourishing or "junk"?
       The sun and two planets are still in Taurus, a sign that, as mentioned previously, indicates beauty as well as indulgence. At the same time, planets in Gemini insist on haste and are easily distracted.  The difference can create confusion.  A solution to ground and heal our lives is taking time to nourish ourselves with healthier food and beautiful, thoughtful conversation, music, entertainment.
        Try not to let Gemini and Aries' impatience push you to go faster.  Because Pluto's continuing square to Uranus is extremely tight at present, speed could be dangerous.
         Instead, let the tensions I've described here be released by Gemini's clever conversation, humor, and other self-expression like journal or creative writing or the music of Taurus.