Uranus Stations Retrograde

Uranus Stations Retrograde - Rebel Yell!

"She don't like slavery, she won't sit and beg"

— Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
Billy Idol, Steve Stevens

Uranus stations retrograde this week, joining Pluto, Neptune, and Saturn on their retrograde, 'review missions'. The strength of stationing Uranus this week is seen in the highly idealistic, highly intellectual activity ostensibly geared towards providing assistance to others. However, the challenges that we're seeing this week aren't easily solved by just 'thinking things through', even with the sharpened intellect that is being offered. Mercury arrives in Virgo on Tuesday and activates the point of the last New Moon (August 22nd, 11:06 PM PDT 0° Virgo). Mercury quickly squares Uranus on Wednesday — while also completing an intense YOD configuration with Neptune and Pluto. Intellectual intensity is brought to bear on the initiative energy that was launched at the beginning of the current lunar cycle. The intensity is 'ramped up' by an incredibly impulsive Mars-Jupiter square that completes on Thursday. It's not easy to stay focused on just one thing at a time. Mars is stirring up Jupiter's idealism but, in Cancer, Jupiter would like to focus on tradition and stability and this creates conflicting imperatives since this week's main push is towards rebellious, intellectually innovative, and independent action. Our mental/intellectual activity is 'super-charged' but extraordinary responsibility needs to be manifested in order to make any effective use of this intensity. Saturn returns to Pisces on Monday for one last examination of the productive uses of compassion and intuitive vision. Saturn's return to Pisces does seem to help — at least marginally — instill us with some of the necessary responsibility. Nonetheless, there is a strong tendency to take impulsive, 'over-the-top', independent action. We may find ourselves losing sight of our interconnectedness and our intrinsic need for others — even when we're 'just trying to help'. Uranus and Neptune will step back into Taurus and Pisces, respectively. Their missions involve resolving issues of the past. But Pluto will not leave Aquarius again during its retrograde process, insistently keeping us focused on the ongoing Aquarian lessons that are reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things. Aquarius may certainly highlight independent individuality, but we are also reminded that we are all simply independent waves on the ocean of humanity. In essence, providing or offering aid to others must begin with compassionate connection and deep understanding, not simply an intellectual analysis of what seems to be needed. This week's intensity is building toward next Sunday morning's Pisces Full Moon Eclipse (11:08 AM PDT 15° Pisces/Virgo). Despite the independence and 'rebel spirit' in this week's atmosphere, the message at the culmination of the current lunar cycle will insistently keep us focused on compassion and sacrifice. There are important intuitive clues and messages popping up all around us that can help us to recognize our connection to others — if we are willing to pay attention. With grounded responsibility, we can let go of what isn't working and begin to find ourselves opening up to entirely new ideas and approaches that will ultimately help us to understand the interconnectedness of all things and our individual place within the larger context.

There is an idealistic inclination to offer help to others on Sunday. However, we may not fully grasp what is needed or how to offer help effectively. Stirred compassion may be channeled into productive channels of support for those in need on Monday. However, there may also be a tendency to simply try to 'take charge' — with questionable motives and minimal forethought. It is especially challenging to 'get our bearings' on Tuesday. Impulsiveness builds to unmanageable levels. Our mental/intellectual activity is super-charged on Wednesday — but hopefully not short-circuited! This is a day to look for outside help and avoid trying to do 'everything, all at once — all alone'. There is some help to stay focused on Thursday. It may not be easy to see in this environment but we need others more than we may think. We need to manifest extraordinary responsibility to make the most of the rebellious sense of freedom and independence that is being stirred on Friday. 'Over-the-top' independent action seems to be encouraged. The 'windows are rattled' on Saturday, signaling the potency of the upcoming culmination of the current lunar cycle. Despite the independence and 'rebel spirit' in the atmosphere, the message is to stay focused on compassion and sacrifice.