"When you make people angry, they act in accordance with their baser instincts, often violently and irrationally. When you inspire people, they act in accordance with their higher instincts, sensibly and rationally. Also, anger is transient, whereas inspiration sometimes has a life-long effect."

— Peace Pilgrim

Mercury arrives in Aquarius at the beginning of this week, setting a highly engaging and intellectual 'tone' for this Friday's Aquarius New Moon (2:58 PM PST 20° Aquarius). Adding to our engagement and intellectual excitement, Venus makes a trine to Uranus on Wednesday. Upon arriving in Aquarius, Mercury makes an extremely potent conjunction with Pluto. The initial energy burst on Monday may feel quite [...]

"The Osage have this lovely phrase: 'Travelers in the Mist.' It was the term for part of an Osage clan that would take the lead whenever the tribe was venturing into unfamiliar realms."

— David Grann

We are likely to struggle with disorientation and feelings of vulnerability this week. The effects may keep us on edge and potentially put us on the defensive. What is most difficult to understand is how important it is to reach out and connect with those around us. Our vulnerabilities may tend to keep us feeling as though we need to isolate — stay locked in our 'cocoons' rather than embrace the new freedom that we are being offered. Both Mars and Mercury square Chiron this week, which gives us gentle but firm [...]

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

— Mother Teresa

This week's waning 'dark of the Moon' period, ahead of Thursday's Capricorn New Moon (3:57 AM PST 20° Capricorn), is especially confusing and 'dark'. Mercury makes the third square to Neptune, stirring up a swirling fog of confusion and creating some bouts of impulsiveness and impatience. Nonetheless, there are 'seeds of inspiration' offered. These 'seeds', when planted, will help us make the most of the new landscape that is on the horizon. Plenty of intuitive clues are offered when we stay patient and maintain an 'attitude of gratitude'. We need a great deal of [...]