As if there wasn’t enough to keep us busy, last week’s Cardinal Grand Cross has split into two T-Squares and this changes the dynamics as we get a one-two combination of whatever it is we have coming at us individually and collectively. However, having just kicked off the summer season with our Independence Day celebrations, we must remember that freedom is not free and true freedom is a state of mind rather than an external condition. This year is more than half over now, and it’s already felt like at least three years. Acceleration is still not at maximum yet so it’s up to us to slow down, individually and endeavor to improve the quality of our own lives, inner and outer before we can tell anyone else what to do. In fact, it is really better to not tell anyone else how to live unless they are little people who need our guidance and discipline. But judging from what’s going on here in California, some new trends are beginning that are not really new ideas at all; they are simply old ideas that can be found in any of Adele Davis’ books and re-packaged into a new form. Everything in moderation, including moderation.

My father is clinging to life still, but not for long. Thank you all so much for all of your good thoughts and prayers, they really keep me going to live a life I’ve never lived before, in a place I left long ago and returned to. I am taking up residence in Sonoma, CA but will return to Bellingham when the time is right to collect my things and cats and say goodbye. Big changes for almost everyone I know in one form or another, and it’s all a part of life. I also want to say a very special thank you to all hospice workers and caregivers…as a friend of mine said, you all make something potentially scary and tragic into something beautiful.

Be well, my friends.

Aries (March 21- April 19): Activity is reaching critical mass now as the planets that were all bunched up a while ago are now fanning out and starting to create a cacophony of noise. Your Ruler Mars in swift-thinking Gemini gives you the ability to make expedient decisions that are not impulsive; there is a difference. Mercury in your sector of Creative Expression/Children squares up with Jupiter in your sector of Finances/Resources. Looks like you may have overshot the bank account, or are about to. Take a breath, it’s not the end of the world. Even these days of tightened belts, there is always money somewhere.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): You sure don’t have much time to do anything other than what you’re doing! Even though there are many events and invitations you’d like to attend, your nose is to the grindstone and your ability to visit is just plain short if you are of working age. Jupiter in your sign really wants to help you fan out a bit more but Mercury in your sector of Home keeps you sort of restricted to work and housework. It’s all you can do to care for yourself right now, but this should ease up by next week. Eat some ice cream.

Gemini (May 21- June 20): Your Ruler Mercury in your sector of communicating comes to loggerheads with expansive Jupiter in your sector of Endings. Well, now. Since you are always flying off in at least three different directions at any one time, you may get a signal or two dropped as this week will be very demanding for you and you are likely to space out a commitment resulting in someone getting upset. You hate it when people are upset with you, but don’t try to talk yourself out of a jam; this week it will be less of a hassle to just say, “Yeah, I screwed up.” Then leave it at that. Keep it simple.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): This week is very active as the planets who were previously all jammed up in one or two signs are now fanning out and the consequences of previous decisions are starting to make themselves known. You’ll need to think back a couple of months and put the pieces together so that you can gain a true understanding of what’s going on without wasting energy on emotional upheavals. Be careful to not alienate others, but also get a grip on the roles you and others have formed and if you want changes, make them happen.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Swift-thinking Mercury in your sign forms a difficult aspect with benevolent Jupiter in your sector of Friends/Goals. You may feel really confused about where you’re going due to recent events pressuring you into major decisions; don’t panic or feel threatened. You have some time to reassess and adjust where it’s needed, but see how this week goes before you do any extreme tweaking. You’ll gain a lot of information this week that you don’t want to miss out on.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21): A wild week is upon us once again, but for different reasons than last week. Methods of doing things come under scrutiny due to Mercury being in a difficult angle with Jupiter. As the planets continue to fan out after having been all smashed up in one or two signs for months, different horizons present themselves and you will have to make some choices based on the information you have collected. Don’t fret and fuss and try to get a consensus about it since others’ opinions will only frustrate and confuse you. You can play this card all by yourself and still come out well!

Libra (September 22 – October 23): You Cardinal signs are still feeling quite a lot of confusion and frustration as last week’s Cardinal Grand Cross has now broken in two and formed two T-Squares. This splits all that energy into two different roads, leaving you at a crossroads and not knowing which way to go. Don’t panic or feel like you have to split yourself into several people; wait until you have the information you need to make an informed decision, then act. Crazy times for adjustment, reflection and slowing down rather than allowing ourselves to be forced into speeding up.

Scorpio (October 24- November 22): Lots of stuff happening to pique your interest and maybe even have you tempted to paint yourself blue and dance naked around a bonfire! Fortunately, your normally calm demeanor will automatically calm others down, but you need to watch out for your own stress level and keep it to a minimum. Mercury in your sector of Career gets into an argument with expansive Jupiter in your sector of Relationships. More juggling to be done, but you can do that. If through delegating, others aren’t doing their part, you’re going to have to get hard-handed.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 20): This week sees a load of activity at a level that will make your head spin. Communicative Mercury in your sector of Expansion runs up against your Ruler Jupiter’s position in your sector of Work/Health. This is going to be a frustrating week for trying to get ahead due to the drags of reality. What is normally easy to do won’t be so easy so make sure you have plans for some funmanship to offset the angst!

Capricorn (December 21 – January 20): Oppositions and T-Squares all over the place offset by some nice trines and sextiles. Got it? Ha, didn’t think so. This week is going to be a major mix of ups and downs both big and small. You’ll have to juggle, and while you’re at it, learn to dance, too! Dancing your way through the week will be much better than struggling and getting all bent out of shape about things. Your sharp eye will catch a lot of things to feel grumpy about, but it really is better for your overall health if you can just take a breather and put it all in perspective.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 20): This week is going to see you ducking for cover as Mercury in your sector of Relationship gets into an argument with expansive Jupiter in your sector of Home. Jupiter will win, of course, since he is much bigger but Mercury will offer up a loud and long argument. Your mind will try to analyze it all and try to see some rationality in it, but you won’t find any because it isn’t rational; it is reactive. What to do? Go buy some toys that do fun stuff like light up and fly and…oh wait, that would be fireworks! Just go and have fun, okay?

Pisces (February 21 – March 20): Dive! This week you really won’t want to be on the surface because that’s where all the conflict is going to be. You’re better off staying under the radar this week so you won’t get all riled up with everybody else’s stuff. Of course, if you live with anyone else, you’re going to get all riled up so let’s say forewarned is forearmed! Last week’s Grand Cross has split into two separate T-Squares, and it’s a darned good thing you are the sign of two fish going in opposite directions as you may be called upon to negotiate or even take sides. Sigh. It just doesn’t quit, does it?!