Daily Astrological Currents

The Sun joins Venus and Mars in humble, process-directed Virgo this morning. Mercury, ruling Virgo, is approaching a quincunx to Pluto, which is bringing the lessons of self-approval and self-assurance to a powerful culmination. If we spend too much time criticizing the efforts of others (in order to elevate our own efforts), we'll miss the message that the Universe is sending. With enough confidence in ourselves, we can find the generous spirit to graciously offer our service to others. Of course, before we can offer service to others, we need to be sure that we have taken care of ourselves. At this 3rd quarter lunar phase, we begin to bring together the powerful lessons surrounding self-worth and self-esteem. Once these lessons have fully taken hold, we will find ourselves in the position of effectively serving others.

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Weekly Summary

"I am my own special creation."

— La Cage Aux Folles
Jerry Herman

This month's transits of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars through Leo have placed a powerful emphasis on "The Show". But in connection to the transits of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces, the Leo activity has repeatedly formed balanced quincunxs, or Yods. With Leo as the focal point, creativity is enhanced, especially by the influence of Neptune in Pisces. However, both Leo and Capricorn are far more concerned (than Pisces) about how our creations are received — increasing the need for approval, appreciation, and acknowledgement. At times, we may even be tempted to bend our 'performance' to suit the crowd, in order to gain approval. However, the determined will power of Leo makes that especially difficult. The challenges to our ego-based need for approval may be quite significant. Ultimately, though, the message from the Universe is to focus on self-approval and build our inner sense of confidence and self-worth, rather than give away all of our power by seeking reassurance and approval from others. The rewards of this process are increased self-confidence and an auspicious turn towards taking practical, tangible action, emboldened by our new sense of self-assured confidence. Mercury is the last planet to activate the Leo/Pisces-Capricorn Yod, and that happens this week. This represents a turning point in our thinking and accompanies the arrival of Mars, Venus, and the Sun into pragmatic, process oriented Virgo. Each of these bodies begin working toward an invigorating trine to Uranus, culminating with next Friday's Virgo New Moon (3:37 AM PDT 6° Virgo). This is the week to set our intentions for tangible progress ahead of that activating, pragmatic New Moon.

The week begins with a potent Moon-Chiron conjunction in Aries, ruled by Mars in Virgo. Independence is tinged with pragmatism. A strong surge of confidence on Monday is buffeted by increasing self-doubt and insecurity as the day wears on. Staying on track requires significant self-discipline. We turn an important corner on Tuesday and finally begin to fully recognize that we need self-assurance and not just assurance and approval from others. Wednesday offers the opportunity to truly shine in a broadly optimistic and cooperative atmosphere. The optimism continues on Thursday but a bit of competition may encroach on the collaborative spirit. It may be difficult to share our spotlight. However, with self-assurance and humility, we will be able to continue the cooperative spirit. The Sun arrives in process-directed Virgo on Friday. Pragmatism aims to lend a hand to others. However, we can only effectively help others once we have first seen to our own needs. By Saturday, we finally begin to shift our focus away from approval and begin looking for respect. It becomes far more important to make tangible progress, rather than worry about who gets more credit and approval.