"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

— Harriet Tubman

Pluto stations direct at the beginning of this week, just in time to 'square off' with Mars for the second time (out of 3 Mars-Pluto squares). Pluto's direct station helps us to recognize the power of our individual ability to create change. However, with Mars in the 'mix' emotions are running especially high and the intensity may have us demanding more change than we have the power to effect all at once. At some points this week, we may be tempted to [...]

"Character is Destiny"

— Heraclitus

The nature of the retrograding Mars as a Spiritual Warrior begins to reveal itself this week and we begin to learn how to modulate our efforts. The focus is on allowing the future to reveal itself, rather than spending enormous effort trying to create the future we desire. Last Thursday's New Moon (4:00 AM PDT 25° Virgo), in a tight trine to Saturn, laid down a set of rules and restrictions. Now, we must work within those rules in order to make any progress at all. There are many times this week when [...]

"Intent is what can make a man succeed when his thoughts tell him that he is defeated."

— Carlos Castaneda

There are plenty of shifts and changes to navigate this week. Venus leaves moody Cancer for brassy Leo and Mercury leaves practical Virgo for diplomatic Libra. Jupiter turns direct on Saturday and prepares to take another run through the powerful gauntlet set up by Pluto and Saturn. Perhaps most notably, Mars turns retrograde in Aries, taking down our energy levels and our determination to "forcibly create the future". Although Aries is most often considered an impulsive and headstrong sign, with Mars retrograde, we have the opportunity to explore the Spiritual Warrior nature of Mars. As Mars retraces it's path through [...]