by Lauren Coleman, astrology by lauren
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
..And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
~Kahlil Gibran (The Prophet)
On Wednesday, July 21st, Saturn enters Libra, where it will remain for the next 2 years. Saturn made a brief 5 month preview the end of last October through the beginning of April of this year. That was just getting us ready. This is the real thing. Libra is the sign of partnership, marriage and agreements. It is a sign that is a stickler for equality and fairness, and mutual respect. Therefore partnerships, relationships, contracts and agreements that are lop-sided, with too much power on one side or the other, where the individuals involved grow in each other’s shadow, will either fail or need to be reorganized.
Karma is the tendency in the universe to restore the equilibrium. Therefore, Saturn, the planet of Karma, is exalted in Libra, the sign of balance and harmony. Those relationships that are based on a weak foundation and out of balance, will probably dissolve, while others, that are ‘meant’ for one another will find each other, and those that are already strongly bound in loyalty and steadfastness, will be drawn even closer together over the next two years.
Saturn’s first major aspect in Libra is to face off with Uranus the rebel crusader on the 26th of July. Saturn’s need to control and conserve is battling it out with Uranus’ need for change. Most of us have already been feeling this. One side wanting to hold on to what is familiar, with the other itching to leap off into the unknown. As a consequence, there is going to be a lot of drama over the next several weeks, as things or people that we no longer need, or are simply in the way will have to be let go, in order to make way for some Grand Reconstruction that is taking place. Some will not be too happy about this, and will feel that they must fight tooth and nail to hold on to what they have, what they are familiar with, even as it becomes apparent that what they once believed to be true, what they once relied on, is no longer valid or available.
And while some people are going to be holding on fiercely, others are going to be there hammer in one hand, divorce papers in the other, ready to break down the crumbling, out-worn structures, and move on. Libra can agree to disagree, or it can devolve into open warfare and enmity. Or at least a lot of lawsuits. With Saturn now in Libra, all this Cardinal Cross/square stuff is in the air, and old stuff and people will be falling by the wayside any way. So if you’re going to get involved let it be in the rebuilding process. Then you can help to create newer, better alliances and structures that you like, ones that can really be relied on, and that are based on mutual respect and equality.
Aries
As Saturn enters Libra, Aries is going to be compelled to redefine their relationships, and reevaluate expectations. You just might find that others’ expectations of you are intolerable or overly demanding and controlling. Partnerships are strained and tested. Some will end. It becomes evident that you will have to rely on yourself. Other people have their own agenda, and their own ways of doing things. And will simply not be there for you. Rather than getting mad and wanting to get even, think of this as your grand opportunity to do what you’ve been wanting to do any way! It’s been high time that you do your own thing, and create the changes in your life that allow you to do that. New partnerships, new more meaningful alliances are going to be formed in the future, as old alliances and agreements that are holding you back, are breaking down now. What will become apparent is that you can no longer tolerate people that are bent on squelching your fire, or threatening your individual self-expression. And it will also become evident that banging your head against a brick wall is pretty painful. It’s time to look at Plan B.
Taurus
Some grand change is afoot in the work place, and you may just be situated to prove that you can be depended on. It will be difficult, because you have other, more creative and progressive ideas about the ways things ought to be handled, and you secretly wish for the opportunity to show what you can really do. But you’re probably going to have to settle for making changes within the context of someone else’s structure. However, you’re being given more authority to do so. And this is a good thing. For some Taurus’s, work will feel like it is turning into a terrible, tedious grind. You may begin to wonder if it is worth it, and you’ll be biting at the bit. Others will be working hard, shoulder to the grindstone, trying to rebuild an ailing business. And if you are, indeed, mentally, psychologically, and physically overloaded, you could reach your tipping point. On top of this, Twinkies, coffee and Rolaids, are not a prescription for health. Overwork, poor eating or health habits, not getting enough sleep, or accumulated stress are going to manifest in such a way, that you are going to be forced, no matter what, to take better care of yourself and your body. And if this means making drastic changes in your habits, diet and daily routine, in order to do so, so be it.
Gemini
Saturn entering Libra is actually a bit of good news for Gemini, although it may entail something of a balancing act, and maybe a bit of compromise. The good news is that some of the stress in the home and family, as well as your emotional outlook is going to be lifted, giving you a more positive outlook. The new stress that you are going to be feeling has to do with juggling different people, or priorities in your life. Gemini has been discovering that by networking or creating a united force, things can get accomplished that you couldn’t do on your own. You’ve been working at getting a cherished dream launched, and it will eventually, but now you are meeting up with some delays, and other responsibilities that demand your presence and attention, such as the needs of your children, or some piece in the puzzle that doesn’t seem to be cooperating, such as funding. The truth is, a lot of what you are involved with is cutting edge, and not everyone will understand what you are trying to accomplish or do. However, if anyone knows how to juggle responsibilities, and people, and make new ideas palatable even to the most conservative critics and donors, it’s Gemini. It just may not be as much as you had hoped for.
Cancer
This may seem like a silly thing to do when you feel that the world is coming to an end, but maybe you should try redecorating. There is some sort of amazing opportunity hovering around you that could free up your life in some wonderful way. But you stand transfixed by your own fear. It may not seem at first that this is such a great opportunity, and making yourself visible, may in fact appear to be pretty scary. And those fears or weaknesses, those things that seem to be holding you back are precisely what you need to be working on. That’s what really needs the facelift. It may feel that your personal responsibilities are feeling overwhelming and preventing you from taking advantage of opportunities, or that you just don’t believe that you are capable of living up to the status or reputation you feel you ought to have by now. So, redecorate something: you, a room, the patio. Paint it some wonderful color, and let that be a reflection of what needs more power and stability. It is time for you to be creating a firm and solid foundation in your life. Making your personal life safe, secure, dependable, which is really a metaphor for taking care of your inner house, your own psychological makeup. In order to be truly successful in the outer world you’re going to have to learn to believe in yourself first. And Saturn is going to be showing you where that work needs to be done, in order to make this happen.
Leo
Something may have come to light over the past several weeks that has profoundly affected your whole point of view. Some of which you are finding very difficult to accept. As a result you are finding it’s not so easy to get your ideas or thoughts across to others. People don’t really understand you. And if people don’t understand what you are trying to say, or where you are coming from, you may be inclined to withdraw into yourself, maybe even become a little down in the dumps. You’ve probably been keeping too low of a profile lately, and trying to keep things to yourself. This can become very burdensome. It may become apparent that what you had always assumed to be true in the past, may be based on some false assumptions. On Friday, the 23rd, the Sun, the ruler of Leo, enters its own sign, and will shine favorably on Saturn in Libra. And this should help you to feel a lot more confident, and improve the state of your mind and well-being. It will also help you to realize that maybe you really can rely on others to be there if you need them.
Virgo
The good news for you is that Saturn is leaving Virgo. For the past few years you’ve been working hard and carrying a heavy load. You were also being confronted with who you are, what you want to do with the rest of your life, and whether or not you want to stay on the same path, or make some adjustments. Chances are you’ve had to make quite a few changes with few resources. And you’ve made quite a few self-discoveries along the way, about what you like and what you don’t like. What needs to stay and what needs to go. Now you’re being encouraged to make changes in your life, to step outside of your comfort zone. But you’re also going to have to take into consideration the amount you are willing to invest. This is a time for Virgo to downsize, to tighten their belts and to cut unnecessary spending down to the minimum. You are going to have to make some hard decisions that will set your priorities straight, even if at first these may seem to be working against your best interests. Change balanced with financial pragmatism. This is the key.
Libra
It seems you are being freed up to pursue a career option that has been in the planning or preparation phase for some time now. The people in your life are off doing their own thing, and they’re depending on you to keep it all real. Mean while, you are making a whole new start on your own, a new beginning, and it’s time for you to step up to the plate, take the reins, and show the world that laid back Libra has the stuff that it takes. It may seem that you have all these new responsibilities piling up on your plate, as Saturn moves into your sign, but you might just find that you like it. This is your time to decide which direction you want your life to go, what sorts of seeds you want to be planting right now in order to give the results that you desire in the long run. In the process, over the next few years, you may break ties, change directions, or consolidate plans, as you find yourself becoming more ambitious, self-directed and self-disciplined. Right now other people are seeming a little erratic and unpredictable (ummmm… nutsy putsy?), sometimes throwing an occasional monkey wrench into your plans. What you need to remind yourself about, is that they need all the space you can give them right now… the more you respect their freedom, the more they will respect yours.
Scorpio
All things must come to an end eventually. The next few years is a time in which Scorpio will be releasing and letting go of the unnecessary elements of their lives. Ambitions, goals and even careers change in the process, as you realize that your life is never going to be the same. A part of you stands in trepidation and even a little fear, as you are launched into what feels like unknowable territory, foreign soil, with nary a paddle or a map to guide you. Some things, some people, you may cling to nostalgically. But the truth is, there will be no going back once the transition is begun. And these people who you are parting from, these things, no longer have any place in your life as it is now. There will still be a few necessary details to take care of over the next few days… but by August, it will be time to focus on wrapping things up. Through the middle of September you’ll be doing a lot of de-cluttering, throwing stuff out, tying up any loose ends, getting ready for a new start. But first, as Saturn enters Libra, it’s a matter of wrapping your head around the idea of just letting go of your past.
Sagittarius
As Saturn enters your Solar 11th House, you will begin to sift through the numerous relationships in your life. For one thing it will begin to be apparent who is there for the long haul, and who is just a fair weather friend. Who is relevant for who you are now, and what you want to accomplish, and who may be holding you back. People who stick with you are those that are meant to be with you, with whom you have a strong connection. For the next few years you’ll be dividing the chaff from the wheat. You’ll be hearing a lot from old friends as well. This is part of the sorting out process. Revisiting people from the past, reliving your journey through your life…. where you have been, what you have accomplished, and where you are now. In some respects you feel like you have achieved a lot. But now what? Where do you go from here? You’re going to find that some of your previous goals are no longer going to be relevant. That’s because this is a transition period in which you are going to be reassessing your hopes and wishes for the future.
Capricorn
As Saturn comes to the highest point in your Solar chart, you’re going to be feeling like you are being pulled in two. And it’s pulling on your last nerve as well. You feel like you’ve been outed. Maybe even betrayed. On the one hand, people with whom you live, relatives, or the home situation are pushing for some sort of change, maybe even some sort of drastic change… but this is making you nervous and fearful as you are trying to maintain the status quo and your public image. You’ve been working so hard to achieve the reputation that you have, to make some sort of mark in your career, or to fulfill goals, and you were finally getting to the point where it was showing some sort of results. You don’t need anyone else trying to undermine your reputation. You can do that well enough on your own. The problem is there is so much going on right now, so many changes occurring, that it’s hard not to get pulled into the maelstrom, and thrown into the dark underworld of desperation. And at some point you’re going to have to concede that you’re not going to be able to prevent things from changing any way. So rather than be part of the problem, see how you can be part of the solution, and become a facilitator and a leader, rather than an obstructor.
Aquarius
You also feel like you are being pulled in two different directions. Maybe 3 or 4. New information, new news, has you somewhat confused. Suspend judgment. There’s a lot of mayhem going on in the world these days. To make the most of the next few years you will have to open yourself up to the idea that you don’t know everything, and that there is still more to learn. And you will learn most through diplomacy, and a willingness to accept people for where they are. There are many sides to situations. And although some things appear to be very unfair from the outside, there may be something else going on. Over the next few years you are going to be coming to terms with who you are, and how you fit in within the community. How you belong, what your role is, and how you wish to be seen and known by others. As Saturn first enters Libra, you could be filled with a sense of great discontent and agitation, and a feeling that you need to make some sort of change, or about face. However, sometimes compromise is the better part of valor, especially if you want to maintain the peace.
Pisces
You’ve been really wanting to promote a new creative idea, it started out really well, and was received with a lot of enthusiasm. But niw with Saturn entering Libra, resources and opportunities seem to be rendered unavailable. Could very well be the economy. Or it just may be that progress is being temporarily delayed. There’s a lot of drama going on, and it would probably be best to keep a low profile for now. But it will often seem over the next few years that finances have this way of being very unpredictable, as will be your expenses. It takes a certain amount of zen detachment and acceptance to stay in the eye of the storm, and acknowledge that that’s just the way things will be for a while. Saturn entering Libra can also mark the end of a part of your life, or a way of life. People may depart, things change, and experiences have a way of bringing home your own or someone else’s sense of mortality, and a desire to plan for any and all future eventualities. As a result, what you are learning now about handling finances, and marketing yourself in the world, and planning for the future, in the long run, is going to benefit you tremendously. You’re discovering and defining your value within the context of the community in which you live, and that’s a really smart thing to do.
