We are rapidly approaching a most unusual planetary alignment that represents a shift in our collective direction. This alignment is known as a trine, which is the astrological term for planets that are located 120 degrees apart. The term "trine" refers to the triplicate nature of the alignment since 120 x 3 equals 360 degrees in the circle. Trines are considered to be favorable alignments in astrology as opposed to the square (90 degrees). Squares typically represent challenges, and growth through adversity, whereas trines often indicate gentle influence and progress without struggle.  

This alignment is coming up in the third week of July will include three outer planets aligning in the three water signs. On July 17th (exact) Jupiter will be at 4 degrees, Cancer (cardinal water); Saturn will be at 4 degrees, Scorpio (fixed water); and Neptune will be at 4 degrees, Pisces (mutable water). [I have discussed the modes (cardinal, fixed, mutable) in previous articles and they are not especially relevant to this conversation, but to quickly summarize; cardinal signs are initiators, fixed signs are those that act on initiation; and mutable signs are those that repair or conclude the process.]   

This alignment is rare considering the likelihood of it happening with such precision. Jupiter moves around the zodiac over the course of 12 years, so it is back where it was 12 years ago. Saturn takes roughly 29-30 years to accomplish the same journey and Neptune makes the entire trip in 164 years. So the odds of this happening are, indeed, rare. For these three planets to land in this position is a phenomenon that will not be repeated in our lifetime. It is unusual. So what does it mean astrologically? How will this impact us?  

As I mentioned, trines are soft or favorable alignments that bring about gradual and easy motion with regard to our collective progress. So what does all of that mean? How will we see this? What does this alignment provide?

Jupiter represents expansion, optimism and growth. Saturn represents the presence of responsibility, accountability, and doing the right thing. Finally, Neptune represents our ability to dream and shift our consciousness. Consciousness in this context, refers to our sense of what is right or wrong. It also symbolizes what we will tolerate (or not). When we combine these three planets and their influence we can easily see a "large (Jupiter), responsible (Saturn), dream (Neptune)" emerging.   

This may be indicative of how we allow our lives to unfold. Do we tolerate irresponsible politicians any longer? Do we allow wars to take away our children? Do we allow our money to go to bailing out greedy corporations? Where do we draw the lines of tolerance?  

All of these questions and many more are coming up under a new-found, heightened scrutiny. We are no longer willing to settle for some of these practices. We have felt shackled by events and yet we also know that we cannot allow this to continue. The presence of this alignment allows us to shift the dialog in constructive, responsible ways. How does this play out in our lives? Quite simply we need to turn inward and be responsible for our inner core. We need to live a new dream in a big, responsible manner.  

We need to return to our homes and repair the damage that has been done during this state of constant distraction. This is true on the national (US) level as well as in the personal realm. We need to repair our planet, our infrastructure, our own roofs, and our own societal fabric. This graceful alignment may not be felt with a sudden shift, but rather with a slow gradual motion. Since these planets move slowly we should not expect to wake up in the morning and see the effects readily apparent. In short, this may be seen as the time for repair and consolidation. This represents a simple re-consideration of our true values; our efforts; and our actions.  

The planets do not compel us, rather they impel. This simply means they guide us towards the right decision rather than force us. This slow gradual shift in our collective thought allows us to view concepts and processes through a different set of lens. The lens of our current time should be in alignment with our current needs and abilities. If that is out of sync, the universe will urge us to correct. And correct it we will.

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Week of July 1st       

A fairly dramatic week awaits as the Sun clicks into the middle degrees of Cancer and directly opposes Pluto (the great restorer) and sits in a difficult angle to Uranus the rebellious upstart. A planetary alignment such as this usually spells out some sort of event that forces change. Although the changes may be less apparent than they are with an eclipse, the gradual applying pressure of planets moving closer by degree does point to the pathway forward. Pluto and Uranus at this point, have already been at their apex in relationship several times over the last few years. They have brought about a significant shift in the landscape of the world. We have seen a major overhaul of large institutions, churches, and a general restructure of daily life for millions of people. "A new way to live," has been the theme. If we were to look back 10, or even 6, years we would see a dramatically different work force, economic structure, and political landscape.

Week of July 8th       

The week begins with the Sun, Moon and Mercury all conjoined together near the middle degrees of Cancer. This may be a wonderful experience since it brings light (Sun), emotion (Moon) and communication (Mercury) into a lively dialog, but it also puts them all in opposition to Pluto. So even though the conversation may be animated it may also lead to a bold new direction. Whenever Pluto is involved you can expect a leaky roof. And we all know that a leaky roof cannot remain. Repair is necessary. With rebellious and innovative Uranus in the mix this can yield great results or dramatic shifts. Despite a tendency to deliver startling events, Uranus can be a marvelous inventor. New technologies, medicines, and cultural shifts in the arts are very likely. Remember the 60s? This was a time when Uranus and Pluto joined together and gave birth to a generations of true rebels. Now with a similar flavor in the air, the same potential exists.

Week of July 15th      

The big news this week is the grand water trine. A trine is an astrological term for when two (or more) planets form a 120 degree angle between themselves. This is considered a harmonious and pleasing angle. This particular trine takes place with three major outer planets; all in water signs. We'll see Jupiter at 4 degrees Cancer (cardinal water), Saturn at 4 degrees Scorpio (fixed water), and Neptune at 4 degrees Pisces (mutable water). The water signs represent our emotions. This, uniquely human trait, allows us to inter-relate with others and is an intangible characteristic that we all share. It is one of the things that makes us unique (as far as we know) among the animal world. Love and affection are as much a part of our emotional make-up as anger and aggression. We do have a choice in how we respond. The trine tends to favor the softer, more pleasant side of the emotional spectrum, so we can embrace this as a period of constructive change that brings out the best in all of us. Hallelujah!

Week of July 22nd        

We should still be basking in the glow of the grand water trine, but we are also going to be feeling the energy of Mars as he slips in to an exact conjunction with Jupiter at 6 degrees Cancer. Although Mars typically does not do so well in Cancer as a rule (it is in its "fall" or weakened mode), the influence and motive still exist in some manner. This also places Mars in opposition to Pluto at the same time that it is conjunct Jupiter, so the impact of this transit will be large. Jupiter expands the theme and aggression can be a by-product. Mars opposing Pluto usually means a sparky conflict of some sort and these have been known to be dramatic in the past. Aggression is the word of the time. Mars will be moving closer to a direct opposition to Pluto over the next several days.  

Week of July 29th        

This week Mars will make his presence known. Mars tends to bring out aggression, action, anger, and ambition. So there are many positive and negative aspects to the red planet. We don't always know which Mars will show up though. Since the red planet will be opposing Pluto and squaring Uranus, I think it will be an aggressive transit, unfortunately. The Middle East may be talking too loudly now and we have to turn our attention in that direction. It certainly will be about our relationships with other countries or our relationships in general. When I talk about these trends, I use the Sibley chart for the action. The Sibley chart is based on the birth of the United States and is set for 5:08 PM on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia. Since the US is such a large player on the world stage we can expect our actions and actions towards us o be large as well.  

A wise person heeds astrology; a fool accepts it blindly. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Contact me for a professional reading. Accuracy and confidentiality are guaranteed ~ www.chrisflisher.com chris@chrisflisher.com