This week’s question comes from Maggie in Christchurch, New Zealand:

I have recently felt drawn to “watch where I am walking,” so I started looking into transits, in particular my transits. I have yet to decide if this is a good thing or not. … My concern is this: There have been a few dates that have stood out as being “risky” in that I see the potential for an accident or illness. Being a single mother of five, I believe being forewarned is being forearmed. On December 22, there will be Sun conjunct Mars and Pluto, Mercury trine Saturn, Venus conjunct Neptune and Chiron, and Saturn conjunct Uranus. … Other dates of concern are December 10, 11, and 15. Am I reading too much into these transits, or am I being prudent? Your advice is deeply appreciated.

Neith’s response:

Hi Maggie, first I’d like to thank you for your kind words about Real Astrologers and what Pat and I are doing here. It’s always a pleasure to get great feedback from our readers.

What I see as an issue for you is how all your Aries planets are being contained, as it were, by other planets and signs. With your ruling planet Mars in “steady as she goes” Taurus semi-sextile to Saturn in Aries, you are less assertive than most Aries people. However with your North Node in Aries conjunct your Sun and Mercury, being assertive and a self-starter are right and proper for you. Having your Venus conjunct Saturn in the first house and Pisces Rising can present an image to the world at large of a rather subdued personality and lead people you meet to underestimate your naturally spirited self.

The first transit of Saturn conjunct your natal Pluto in Virgo is likely weighing on you now, and when it is exact in the last half of November, you will get an idea of issues you will be dealing with over the next year. However, natal Pluto is part of a grand trine with Mars and the Moon, so you may find this Saturn transit will open new doors relating to your career goals. Keep in mind that Saturn always demands we work for his rewards and you will be fine.

Honestly, I believe all Mars transits for you are more in the nature of a wake-up call to be true to your Aries self. Yes, Mars can make us irritable and feisty, but for Aries people that is a challenge not a threat! My suggestion would be to start celebrating your Aries and surprise a few people.

Pat’s response:

Maggie, I can understand why you might be concerned by the transits you are about to experience, but I also can tell you that one of the hazards of being an astrologer is that we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to looking at our own charts!

You will learn as you advance your studies in astrology that the biggest question we face is how a particular energy will manifest. There are nearly unlimited possibilities. This is especially true for complex transits with more than one planet involved.

Like you, I have Uranus in the seventh house close to the Descendant, and what often happens with transits to my natal Uranus is that my relationships are disrupted in some way. That said, there is no reason not to exercise some extra caution around that time. A few years back, during a “risky” Mars transit, I ran across the highway in high-heeled boots, fell, and sprained my ankle. You can hardly blame Mars for that, can you? As an astrologer, I should have been the first to stop myself from doing such a stupid thing, which would have been imprudent at any time.

The good thing about Mars transits is that they don’t last long. The bigger issue I see for you is that you are having your Uranus half-return with transiting Saturn and Uranus in opposition. Normally during the Uranus half-return — also known as the midlife crisis — we break out of routines and situations that have prevented us from being our authentic selves. It’s common to shock our friends and family with our behavior during this transit, as they don’t understand why we’re doing such radical things. But for you, it’s a necessary part of your personal growth.

With Saturn inhibiting this energy, you may encounter more pressure than usual by people who want you to stay where you are because it’s in their best interest. When we suppress our growth to please others, that energy sometimes does spill over as an accident or illness in order to get our attention. I would definitely take Neith’s advice to heart and let your Aries out to play.

Best of luck to you!

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