Change Is... ~ 09 October 2007

Change is one of those inevitable things so often embraced only when life circumstances force a person’s hand. Presently we have Jupiter squaring Uranus for the last time in a triptych of patterns. The nature of the pattern suggests that “unexpected” changes pop up on one’s personal radar and must be expeditiously addressed. After all, Mercury goes retrograde on Friday (or Thursday, depending upon planetary placement). I meant to address this yesterday while the Moon in Virgo filled the pattern in as a t-square, but I was too busy organizing my own changes.

The operative word above is addressed. This does not suggest the need for rapid, broad sweeping changes that lack preparation. Actually, since the Jupiter/Uranus pattern commenced in January of this year so the imminent changes are those that have been on the “to do” list for some time. Given that this year has been as it has for most folks, some essential changes probably dropped back in line because of more immediate priorities. Now it would seem imminent has stepped forward to the spot in priority line occupied by immediate.

It’s not about the other shoe dropping, really. It’s about conjuring up a fluid time slot in which the next door of opportunity may open. Sure it might seem that the delayed dental work turned into an active toothache or the swimming pool went dry without topping off the water. The situation at hand has likely been percolating (or possibly ignored) for quite some time.

The changes while mundane in nature can be addressed with the optimal influences of Jupiter and Uranus. Jupiter regulates belief systems and Uranus provides consciousness alternatives that fall in the “Huh, I would have never thought of that” category. First, it’s time to reclaim a basic operating philosophy. Jupiter would have it that a person adopts an optimistic view of conditions at hand... not so much as the “It’s all good,” claim so casually tossed about in today’s jargon. It’s more that a person sets out to find a solution to the shifting sands under their feet that works and allows for promising progress in life, but first believes that can happen. Often, when a person cannot see a positive outcome to building circumstances that will demand changes, the resulting resistance to avoid doing what one does not want to do prevents creating solutions that do work.

Jupiter despises being told what to do. He was lord of the gods and dished out the dictums. In that consideration, two things come to mind. When facing change, unless you’ll accept the suggestions of others, don’t ask for them. Similarly, make it clear when discussing your situations that you are or are not receptive to input. Given Jupiter’s gaseous nature, sometimes you just have to blow off some steam. Second, Jupiter requires options. Being told there is only one way or you have no choice offends his sensibilities. He now travels in his own sign, Sagittarius, which loves to say things like “The only way is...” The key phrase for success: option oriented reality. Make life a multiple choice scenario. Like a multiple choice test, one or two of the provided answers are simply ridiculous. But the other two require serious consideration.

Uranus completes this threefold pattern in retrograde motion. This reversal suggests asking what details, facts, hints, clues or inspirations were ignored since the start of the aspects in January. Review what was going on each time the issue at hand appeared earlier this year. Where were you? With whom did you speak and about what? What brilliant concepts blazed like lightning in your brain and did you relegate to the back burners? Chances are a clue or two that would serve you well presently have been previously presented. If not, take a look at things from a new light. Put a different spin on things. If you normally sit in a certain chair to ponder problems, try rolling on your Pilate ball and see how that goes. If you normally mediate outdoors, either change locations or move indoors. Unless you happen to be a superstitious baseball player engaged in the playoffs, alter your daily routes through your neighborhood. Vary the daily drill to create a fresh point of view.

Beyond variances in basic life matters, strive to work problems out differently. If you’re fond of abstract logic and whimsical inspiration, honor Saturn in Virgo by applying a common sense reality check. If you tend to think in linear, methodical manners, shake it up and reach for some zany ideas that just might work.

What if you don’t get your new strategy in place before Mercury retrogrades later this week? Well, two things. Go to the Scorpio nature of Mercury. Ask yourself all about you basic bottom line. Get clear on minimums and emotionally commit to creating alternatives that meet those mins and more. Then, go back to any incomplete transaction, failed communication or lost connection and do what you can to acquire a response. One thing about Scorpio for sure: It wants a yes or no answer, no matter what. Given that he’s still early in Scorpio and will retrograde back into the negotiation-savvy Libra, if the first response is not successful, or fails to produce the desired outcome, consider what leeway exists to create a win-win for all parties and remain well above your bottom line.

There is progress out there. Like any good movie plot it helps to put the clock in motion. Consider it propitiation to Saturn to apply a reasonable time line to fulfilling the necessary objectives of change. As the wisest of the masters utter in the face of Jupiter and Uranus, “Good Luck.” And as lottery commercials report, “To win, you gotta play.”