Astrology: Overwhelmed by Details

If you are suddenly feeling increasingly overwhelmed by accumulated tasks, blame Mars in Virgo (sign of details). Mars (action) will be impeded by this demanding earth sign until December 8 when it moves into more harmonious Libra, removing the cloud of tasks that must be done NOW.

    Venus is concurrently in Sagittarius, which prefers running, swimming, dancing, laughing, traveling -- or --when still -- thinking about philosophy. Meanwhile, the Sun and two planets continue in Scorpio, and two other planets in Pisces and Cancer -- all water signs -- reluctant to be stuck at a desk, trying to organize papers, and one detailed chore after another.  

    Scorpio urges us to try to understand our "Shadow" self and to swim the deep waters of the unconscious and dreams.  Pisces is inspiration and intuition, and Cancer -- more feeling, nurturing, and often -- drawing  into a protective shell -- like its symbol the crab -- when overwhelmed by earth's demands.  

     While the sky has been filled with squares and oppositions, and we are just past an intense Solar Eclipse, there is a temporary break in the form of trines (positive aspects) between water planets, and the passing Sagittarius moon trine Aries Uranus.  

       Detailed tasks, therefore, must be taken slowly, in small sections -- with as many breaks as possible to honor Sagittarius' need for levity and Scorpio water-planet rejection of frenzy.  

       Water offers calm. Taking even a few minutes to focus on what soothes and brings you joy will increase dopamine levels, offsetting the stress. The resulting calm will continue during busywork, lengthening telomeres and extending youth and health -- in spite of difficult circumstances.

Astrology: Harmonious Water vs Intractable Earth Aspects

An abundance of constellations in water continue to dominate the sky.  Several of these transits create harmonious aspects between planets.
     Again, water is intuitive, spiritual, and flowing.
     But there also are several inharmonious aspects between these water signs and current fire and earth transits.  This causes the kind of tension that arises when you least expect.
      You might be at a picnic, for example, and an argument will suddenly crop up. Or you'll be relaxing at a beach, and someone will want to go home.
      The way to deal with this is known by those who practice Akido, and that is to flow. Instead of dealing directly with an attack, an Akido practitioner will roll with it, unbalancing the attacker.
      It may be difficult to arrive at a compromise with those affected by the critical, sometimes intractable nature of current Venus in Virgo or a stubborn Taurus moon.
      But the nurturing, flowing nature of Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio can carry away disagreements and dispel trouble and bring relaxation.  

Mercury Retrograde, Moon in Pisces

The only water transiting the sky and affecting everyone's chart is Moon in Pisces. The moon represents how we feel, and Pisces is one of the most emotional, if not the most sensitive, signs. You may find yourself feeling sentimental, or wavering in a decision to let a relationship go. And because we tend to be inclined to perceive more of the positives than negatives of the past, you may long for what has come before, instead of remembering it as it really was. Better to concentrate on the positive perspective inherent in moon in Pisces, and to look forward to future possibilities. Pisces can help us tune into our intuition. The next day or two as the moon travels through Pisces could be well-spent focusing on this positive side of Pisces and the intuition that comes with it, to tune into what you want from your life in the next six months. Write it down. Spend a few minutes looking at the night sky, or in nature, clearing your mind and letting intuition come through. And if you feel like crying, it's healing to body and spirit, which has been scientifically proven: literally releasing toxins from the body.
Concurrently, Mercury is retrograde again. There may be missed emails, confused messages and conversations, most of which are beyond control. Mercury retrograde can be frustrating, but it's better not to struggle against. Just to make sure, double-check your texts to make sure you and your friends/family are "on the same page."
Finally, the sky continues to be one of positive trines and conjunctions, which I'll discuss further in my next post.

Moon in Taurus

The moon has moved into Taurus, inviting you to indulge yourself, slow down, and take it easy. The earth sign Taurus is a sign of beauty, luxury, and comfort in your environment. If you surround yourself with beauty and a relaxing environment (buy a flower, burn a candle, treat yourself to a massage, and relax with dimmed or amber light), you will feel the healing essence of Taurus.... Take a long walk. We live in turbulent, and for many of us, harsh times. Taurus asks that we give ourselves a break and surround ourselves with what sustains us. Have a relaxing meal, schedule a 5-10 minute worry time, and list your concerns, especially if your chart tends to have the kind of air or fire signs that run our minds in circles, thinking of problems.
Earth signs are protective. If you have earth signs in your chart, they will tend to ground you as if you are surrounded by an invisible shield. They will also make you practical. Consider yourself fortunate if your chart contains at least one, or several, earth signs.
Concurrent with this Taurus moon, Jupiter and Pluto continue to progress through Capricorn, another strong earth sign, and this creates a beneficient trine between these planets.
During this era of great change on a planetary level, find ways to surround yourself with earth. If you are able, try to get away to a natural area, wilderness or park, take a walk and observe the scents and sounds around you. We are part of the earth, and being in natural areas (away from concrete, stress and bills), we will feel the earth begin to restore soul-loss and heal our overall well-being.