So how did you experience the weekend’s Sun-Neptune conjunction in Pisces? Anything from psychic/emotional sensitivity and creative openness to denial/overindulgence or depression falls on the spectrum for this aspect, which was exact yesterday and will take a while to work itself out. Meanwhile, the gears of the astro-machine are beginning to clang a little in preparation for two inner planet stations at the end of the week.
The first of the two is Mercury stationing direct in Aquarius on Friday, Feb. 28 at 9:00 am EST. That means that as we get into the workweek, you’ll likely begin noticing things getting a little glitchy (in fact, you might be noticing this already).
Second will be Mars stationing retrograde in Libra the next day, at 11:34 am EST March 1. With its much longer retrograde period, you could say we’ve been in the storm period for Mars for a little while now.
To have two inner planets changing apparent direction in just over 24 hours makes them parts of the same main event — an event that could translate into some confusion, or things not going as planned, or repeated changes in mind, mood, direction or desire. If ever there was a week to keep your eye on the big picture, keep your knees and attitude loose, and be prepared to surf the waves you’re given, this is one of them.
It’s okay to plan, just have a plan B as well (and maybe a plan C). Be aware of your options and seek workarounds as needed as opposed to ‘permanent’ solutions. Remember that even if things don’t go as planned, they could actually go better, even if a bit strangely. You can still create positive outcomes; just look for the openings that allow you to move things forward.
Mars stationing retrograde also begins the processes leading up to the grand cross in late April. Eric has written about this configuration in the premium members’ editions on Planet Waves on Fridays, warming up the territory and giving us time to orient ourselves on the energy that’s slowly building. He has described it as experiencing the “real” Uranus-Pluto square; that is, this spring is shaping up to bring this era-defining aspect into full potency.
That might sound intimidating, especially if you’ve been having a hard time letting go of whatever Uranus-Pluto is urging you to release. Even when we know it’s time to let go of things that are not serving us, the prospect can invoke real fear.
Related to that, we have another major aspect in the middle of the week: Jupiter square Uranus, exact Wednesday at 2:29 am EST. This is an iconoclastic, liberating aspect — but as just mentioned, liberation terrifies some people. If you are more curious than afraid (including afraid that your judgment might not be accurate enough to do whatever you’re called to do), the sky is urging you to accomplish something truly inventive.
What happens when you’re less concerned with outcomes than with the experience of being alive? Sometimes patience equals the ability to see the unexpected solution in time to create a positive workaround — as with retrograde Mercury. But when is ‘patience’ actually the fear of living beyond your parents’ limitations?
Amanda: Thank you for helping us to anticipate any “clanging” in the week to come and gear-up for it. Nevertheless, let us not preclude the possibility of a smooth shift, thanks to your proficient procrastination!
oldwethen — i hear you! i haven’t found most of the Rx itself to be too chaotic, but so far both the pre-Rx and pre-direct storm phases have had noticeably earlier warm-ups than for some retrogrades. i’ve enjoyed the “self-healing electronics” phenomenon a few times in the past. it definitely beats shelling out lots of cash.
Great tips about keep the knees flexible, and having lots of backup plans, Amanda! I have to say, though, I really envy anyone who needs to be warned at this stage of the Mercury Rx that “you’ll likely begin noticing things getting a little glitchy (in fact, you might be noticing this already)”! This Mercury Rx has been amazingly demanding (the most neutral adjective I can come up with) for me and for many people I know. I’d like to paraphrase Eric’s wise advice, which has gotten me through many a Mercury Rx, and this one above all others: if something looks broken, don’t put a lot of energy into fixing or replacing it right now, as that will probably just make it worse. My printer, scanner and cell phone have, in fact, healed themselves with a little benign neglect, as have a few peculiar human interactions.