Quote of the week

“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems – not people; to focus your energies on answers – not excuses.”

― William Arthur Ward

Mars is the flavour of this week, so let’s go deeper into the essence of the God of War. Many of you would know that Mars is one of the malefic planets of our system, along with Saturn. And, on 5 April, both of these malefics will join in a conjunction.

Last time this happened was 1 April 2020 – at that time, the world was newly into the life of lockdowns. While the initial honeymoon period of lockdowns was somewhat refreshing for many, by the time Mars and Saturn made a conjunction, people were starting to feel inner tensions and frustrations rise by that lack of freedom and personal authority. Some hate violence started to be seen around the world too.

Before we get too worried, I might point out an important reflection from Macrobius (390-430 CE) from his Seven Books of Saturnalia. He writes that the malefic planets are still worthy of our reception because nothing from the Prime Mover could ever be that evil. However, the difficulties caused by the malefics are usually a result of our own excessive nature and personal mismanagement.

So, hopefully last week’s square of Venus to the Nodes and her conjunction with Saturn may have helped you minimise your desire to want more. Hopefully you’ve been able to create more space to live sustainably and with greater ease. This week will test out how effective you were at culling your excesses – whether that be your desires, needs, projects, jobs, possessions, ambitions, etc. If you haven’t managed to do so and find yourself stressed out by how much is on your plate, then this week will see the inner frustrations grow and possible outbursts. Look at where 22 degrees of Aquarius is in your chart as that house will indicate the area that’s causing tensions and see what things you could let go of to ease your load.

Within the root of the word Conscious is to cut (-skei). I believe this is the highest expression of Mars whose essence is to cut; to sever that which does not belong to the Conscious Self.

Frustrating as it is, the Mars Saturn conjunction can be great if you need to push yourself to the limit to get something done. Hard labour and grinding away at an arduous task can be things you can do to make the most of this malefic convergence. 

The severing nature of Mars, and the contracting nature of Saturn will also support you to make some difficult decisions that you’ve been deliberating on. Both are dry, matter-of-fact planets that don’t care much for what others think, but focused on real results.

Of this combination of planets, Reinhold Ebertin (The Combination of Stallar Influences) states: “An act of violence, the occasionally wrong use of extraordinary energy, undergoing great efforts and toil. A violent or forced release from tensions or strains, the stage of challenging others for a decisive contest or fight. Injury, accident, deprivation of freedom.”⁠ These are some things to watch for, though things may not necessarily be so severe in reality. It could feel more like an internalised frustration or irritability for a few days.

Mars will also be squaring the Nodes this week, highlighting tensions, frustrations, resentment and anger as key emotions this week. This could be the fuel for inner work to help you reflect on aspects of yourself that you may need to integrate into your awareness. Find ways of releasing these tensions, for example through physical movement. The last thing you want is to have a pent up Mars blowing out of control and doing something you may regret later.

And the risk of saying something you regret is also there, as Mercury will be sextiling both Saturn (7 Apr) and Mars (9 Apr) as well as squaring with Pluto (10 Apr) – all of which shows a potential for explosive amplification of one’s inner frustrations and need for reform. You may feel like getting a few things off your chest but make sure it’s not done reactively. The impulse to take immediate action will be great but this needs to be balanced with careful consideration of future consequences. Remind yourself that the sense of urgency could be a fabrication of your ego – allow yourself some time to review your decisions. Sometimes, being too proactive could create more work than you really need to do. 

The First Quarter Moon in Cancer on 9 April will also add to the urgency to take action, especially on matters to do with the home/domestic front and care-giving themes. Gardening and domestic duties on this day could be a good strategy as this can keep you physically active, working autonomously (without the risk of causing any conflict with others), make you feel productive and ground you in nature. On top of this, if you follow Moon gardening principles, you’ll know that the garden loves a waxing moon in Cancer.

Having said all of this, Venus will be entering her exalted sign of Pisces on 6 April, and possibly tempering the heat and severity of the Mars/Saturn aspects this week. Although these planets don’t make any contact, the fact that Venus is strongly placed and in co-presence with the benefic Jupiter, will help bring an element of joy and happiness despite what’s going on. The most important thing to remember is to limit your desire-nature and any excessive need for expansion. Ask yourself, do you really need this? This will go a long way to help you maintain greater ease, composure and productivity.

If you have a prominent fixed sign signature in your chart (Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, Scorpio), this week’s transits are centred around you.

Go well, and take care.

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See you next Sunday for the next installment of planetary news.

Shu xx