Woman doing Yoga; Photo by Robert Benjil; March 6, 2011. |
By Elizabeth Michaud
Structure is sometimes a difficult concept to embrace in our
lives, coming as it does with rules and regulations. Many of us feel
frustration or resistance when we confront boundaries, especially if we are
driven by inner purpose or passion. Limitation is often accompanied by a deflating
sense of powerlessness, and we tend to miss the beneficial lessons of being
restricted or reigned in.
Mars (the planet of
action) and Saturn (the planet of form) will conjoin in Scorpio on August 25, proceeding the New Moon, making this aspect influential now through the end of the month. What we have
is an opportunity to actively manifest our desires, but that may not be what it
feels like to many.
Saturn's gifts do not come easy; we have to work for it. It
is in the effort and struggle that we learn, we grow humble, and we strengthen
our resilience and our competence.
As astrologer Liz Greene wrote, "The frustrating
experiences which are connected with Saturn are obviously necessary as they are
educational in a practical as well as a psychological sense. Whether we use
psychological or esoteric terminology, the basic fact remains the same: human
beings do not earn free will except through self-discovery, and they do not
attempt self-discovery until things become so painful that they have no other
choice."
Mars in Scorpio is
focused and driven by passion. There's a depth of intensity in the astrological
atmosphere as Mars transits this fixed water sign, a potential to dig deep into
previously feared or avoided areas of our life.
Willpower is a potent tool
right now, making it a great time to set goals or quit bad habits. So much can
be healed when brought to the light, and Mars in Scorpio suggests a fearless
(and sometimes ruthless) ability to face our shadow material.
But fear and anger
may seem to loom as Mars, the forceful warrior, meets Saturn. When we are overly
assertive, we inevitably encounter confrontation. Saturn is reminding us of our
structure -- the organized civilization we are a functioning part of, the
larger environment in which we play a role.
When we act purely on our own
desires, without consideration for others, we create a ripple effect of
selfishness. If you feel like you are meeting unnecessary obstacles, ask yourself
what good is served by the current course you are on. Saturn wants us to
succeed, and this transit is a clue in to where work needs to be done.
During a recent yoga
class, one of my teachers reminded us to stay "inwardly focused; outwardly
sensitized." That seems to be a message of this Mars-Saturn conjunction.
How can we contribute to building a healthier structure and releasing toxic
baggage? How can we act in integrity, for the greater good?
Elizabeth Michaud is a writer and astrologer based on the New England coast. She is a contributing writer and editor at Planet Waves.net, and has been studying astrological cycles for 15 years.
Elizabeth is available for personal readings and can be reached at elizabeth@planetwaves.net
Elizabeth Michaud is a writer and astrologer based on the New England coast. She is a contributing writer and editor at Planet Waves.net, and has been studying astrological cycles for 15 years.
Elizabeth is available for personal readings and can be reached at elizabeth@planetwaves.net