Mars and Venus, by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1485. Although there is much symbolism in this painting, the simple message is that love conquers all.

Most of this week will be a build-up to Saturday’s Full Moon in Leo. It’s going to be especially interesting to observe the effects of a Full Moon so close to an opposition of Venus and Mars.

Venus and Mars sometimes are referred to as the “cosmic lovers,” and this week they are opposed – she in freedom-loving Aquarius, and he in commanding Leo. The Sun and Moon can also represent male and female, and in this case, the feminine Moon will be aligned with masculine Mars, opposite feminine Venus and the masculine Sun.

Saturn, the planet of commitment, is retrograde, and he’s in Venus-ruled Libra. I have a feeling that there’s going to be a lot of reassessment this week, and those who perceive they are in a confining relationship are going to feel like rebelling. The response may not be pleasant, but it will create an opening to discuss more fairness, equality, and personal freedom in relationships.

Still, an opening is simply that; it’s an invitation to discussion and negotiation, not a guarantee of getting what you want. And you’ll need to keep your ego in check. On one hand, it will be easier with Mars retrograde, but the Sun is an ego planet, too, and with Sun and Venus in conjunction, she may be a little too “self-oriented” for her own good.

On Saturday, I wrote a short post about choosing how to respond in situations reflecting conflicting planetary energies. If you choose to defend your ego – including your ego’s need for an ill-defined concept of freedom – you could end up shooting yourself in the foot. Stop to think about what you’re defending and why. Is it just a need to be right, or is it something on which your survival depends?

If you can get past the ego issues, this configuration of planets could be wonderful for love and romance. For some, it could be very sexy.

Diane will have a complete report on this Full Moon on Tuesday or Wednesday, so check back then.

The only other significant aspect this week is the square between Saturn and Pluto, the second in a series of three. The square is exact on Sunday, but we’ll feel it all week, especially on Wednesday, when the Moon in Cancer forms a T-square with Saturn at the apex. You may feel a sense of sadness or powerlessness for a few hours.

Saturn and Pluto are outer planets and thus the square between them applies more to the collective than to individuals. But the Moon in Cancer throws personal consequences into the mix. When titans collide, innocent bystanders can get caught in the crossfire.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat