Mars-Saturn Square

Mars-Saturn Square - Control of Energy

"Does the road wind up-hill all the way? Yes, to the very end."

— Christina Rossetti

The Mars-Saturn square dominates this entire week. Mars is slowing down to turn retrograde next month (September 9th) and, as it slows to go retrograde, gains increasing power and energy. We feel strong imperatives to achieve our desires and "create the future" through sheer force of will and our independent actions. However, in a square to Saturn, Mars in Aries is restricted, hemmed in by rules, regulations, and the 'power of the establishment'. The overall thrust of this week's activity sets up a determined conflict between individual autonomy and the restrictions of a powerful establishment authority. While there is certainly a great deal of danger of frustration and resentment, this challenge asks us to use self-discipline and methodical planning and strategy, rather than simply try to take what we want when we want it. We need both determination and flexibility. There are a couple of helpful, if somewhat fleeting, aspects this week that encourage us to take a broader philosophical perspective and use creative inspiration to build bridges of understanding and cooperation. Venus' trine to Neptune on Thursday opens promising doors of compassion and understanding. Even though Mars in Aries may have us focused on what we want, the Venus-Neptune trine allows us to understand more about what others want and enables the sharing of creative vision. By Saturday, Mercury in Virgo completes a trine to Jupiter in Capricorn, further encouraging us to articulate our vision and expand opportunities for communication. A philosophical perspective helps us to see the 'bigger picture' despite the fact that this week's imperative is really all about staying laser-focused on our own aims and desires. We can be most productive if we avoid any impulsive or reckless actions and stay focused on channeling the intense amount of energy through a self-disciplined, well-planned approach. It is only through methodical planning and deliberate action that we will be able to avoid extreme frustration.

Sunday's Scorpio Moon and Virgo Sun helps us to begin to make the most of the Mars-Saturn square. We can more easily understand the necessary process and recognize the value of deliberate timing. As we look for ways to develop strategies and undertake planning, we need to pay close attention to any sign of weakness in our plans. Monday's atmosphere is well suited to initiating new planning but we should not get out too far ahead of ourselves — or our allies and associates. There are reminders, on Tuesday, of the inescapable fact of interconnectedness. If we cannot resolve our need for others, we may find that some hidden hostilities are exposed. Self-discipline is somewhat difficult to muster on Wednesday. There are strong temptations to recklessly and impulsively grasp for what we want. Thursday's Venus-Neptune trine begins to encourage a more collaborative approach, encouraging us to take time to understand the creative vision of others. There is some danger of territorialism and defensiveness on Friday. We'll do better to approach the day with flexibility and a sense of discovery. The potential for a frustrating standoff is most extreme on Saturday. However, under the VOC Moon, much of the importance and focus of our message may be lost.

Read Today's Forecast