As the week begins, we are still in the wake of last Friday’s heavily charged Full Moon. The tension has eased off a little, but there’s still a sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Mars continues to stir up conflict as he squares Saturn on Monday and then crosses the degree of the Full Moon at 21 Sagittarius. Even powerful aspects such as the Saturn-Uranus opposition or an eclipse can pass unnoticed until the energy is triggered by another transit. Trigger-happy Mars often fulfills that role, so do be prepared for shakeups through Wednesday.

Of course, not all conflict is bad. Often it’s exactly what we need to wake us up and move us out of our comfort zone so that we can find our edge. That is where growth takes place, and Sagittarius is all about growth and expansion. On Tuesday, Mars sextiles Neptune, which is uniquely situated in a position indicating a window of opportunity to heal deep wounds. If you can bear some temporary discomfort and possibly even pain, the breakthroughs could be breathtaking.

The Moon in Virgo on Thursday also may prod and provoke as she opposes Uranus, conjoins Saturn, and squares Mars. Again, there won’t be anything new here, just another possible episode in an unfolding story.

Sunday is the Solstice, when the Sun enters Capricorn. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is Midwinter, a holiday that goes back to times as ancient as humanity itself. For many people, this is a psychic gateway and opening on new beginnings. Indeed, new beginnings in our life often have their seeds in our darkest hours.

Much love and holiday blessings to all…

Pat

Image: This phenomenal image is a composite taken by Italian photographer Danilo Pivato on the Winter Solstice in 2005 overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in Santa Severa, Italy. For more of Danilo’s astronomy images, check out his fabulous website, Beyond the Moon. Copyright 2005, Danilo Pivato.