Capricorn-Cancer Oppositions

Capricorn-Cancer Oppositions- Progress Vs. Safety

"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."

—T.S. Eliot

There are a swirl of sensitivities that surface this week while we try to adapt to a new environment. We struggle to understand and make use of the first signs of 'new growth' as we move forward into the New Year. The emphasis has shifted to the action-oriented Cardinal Sign energy. We are trying to push forward on new initiatives but can quickly find ourselves 'tugging on the shoots' when we don't see things happening fast enough. Tension builds, despite the waning Moon. The triple conjunction of Venus, Mars, and the Sun in Capricorn tightens and forms oppositions to the retrograding Jupiter in Cancer by the end of the week. The first challenges come through vulnerable egos attempting to advance a personal agenda that will bring about the sense of security that seems to be paramount. We may be inclined to try to use considerable 'personal power' — charm, manipulation, or even violent 'strong arm' tactics. The Capricorn-Cancer oppositions keep us working to find some sense of safety, while Saturn and Neptune (in Pisces) continue to whisper, "Let Go". Ultimately, faith in 'the process' is the best route to avoid setbacks or creating unnecessary 'wreckage'. Self-discipline is important — both in order to maintain progress and also to avoid impatience. There is a delicate, albeit powerful, growing force at work this week that seems to know its way 'just fine' without any sort of manipulation or 'force'. The second challenge comes mid-week with an easy-going atmosphere that may help to ease the pressure but can also lure us towards tempting distractions and encourage us to forget the need for self-discipline. If we begin to sense that things are 'falling into place', it is important to guard against any sort of arrogance or self-righteousness. While most of the distractions aren't seriously threatening, the potential for 'losing the plot' can not be ignored. Saturn's influence continues to be extremely powerful this week and, in Pisces, is working to (slowly and deliberately) establish deeper connections to our individual sense of truth, demanding that we discard unworkable, idealistic beliefs that are actually prolonging the hemmed-in and rigid conditions that we are actively struggling against this week. Of course, it is may seem somewhat paradoxical to consider that Saturn might have a role to play in removing rigid restrictions. But what we are actually dealing with this week is a challenge to Jupiter's belief structures — the oppositions from Mars, Venus, the Sun. (And coming soon: next week's Mercury-Jupiter opposition to drive home the message.) As Jupiter retrogrades in Cancer, our instincts can encourage us to try hold on to the safety of the past — outmoded ideas and beliefs — rather than fully embracing the expanding horizons that are developing before us in this New Year.

Sunday's energy is quite challenging to direct effectively. We need to stay 'hyper-alert' in order to adapt to changing circumstances and recognize the long term impacts of irresponsible action. We may be a bit too focused on pleasing others on Monday, undercutting our overall confidence. There is a sense that a show of weakness will cause us to lose the approval that we're craving. Tuesday's humility smooths over most of the ego vulnerability. Self-discipline is important — both in order to maintain progress and also to avoid impatience. Wednesday's generally easy-going atmosphere can quickly lure us towards tempting distractions and encourage us to forget the need for self-discipline. Acknowledging any sensitivity will help to navigate any upcoming 'bumps in the road'. We face some some extreme feelings of vulnerability on Thursday that are difficult to ignore or escape. The more self-discipline and circumspection that we can manifest, the easier it will be to 'right the ship' going forward. There is a strong imperative to take action on Friday. We have opportunities to build cooperation and compromise if we can stay objective. Moderation and self-discipline are crucial on Saturday. We'll do better to spend more time listening than talking.