This week is the second most significant in 2015, astrologically speaking, with several shifts and a lunar eclipse, the last of four in a row.

The first shift is the Sun’s entry into Libra, the fall or spring equinox, depending on whether you’re north or south of the equator. In Western culture, the equinox is considered the first day of fall, but I view it as mid-autumn. We’re now in the final descent into the dark days of winter.

The two key associations of Libra are personal relationships and diplomacy, which is just a large-scale relationship between nations. Many of the same principles apply: listening and responding, give and take, negotiating and compromise. The point is to achieve balance and harmony, but getting there often requires conflict. That’s one of the ironies of Libra. The “peacemaker” would rather avoid conflict, so to get what she wants, she uses subtle strategies such as reverse psychology and other manipulative measures. That might be a good approach in diplomatic and professional alliances, but it may not work so well in personal relationships. At least not for me. I tend to see right through that sort of thing and, depending on the situation, it can feel disrespectful.

That’s the sort of relationship issue that could come up this week. Minor differences quickly could turn into major ones, and major differences could end up in a messy outburst or an infuriating standoff. If you find yourself in a situation like this, it probably will be best to step back and let it go, at least for now. This week’s aspects create a perfect storm for conflict and misunderstanding serious enough to damage relationships permanently. On one hand, Mercury retrograde in Libra would seem to be a good time to bring up unresolved issues from the past. On the other, given this week’s volatile aspects, the risk is too high that the outcome of such a discussion would not be to your benefit. Stepping back will be all the more difficult under Mars aspects fueling irritation, annoyance, and a temptation to deliver stinging sarcasm.

Venus, the ruler of Libra, is still in Leo, the sign of warmth, affection, and creativity but also of pride and self-centeredness. Past hurts and perceived slights are on our minds early in the week as Venus makes a jarring inconjunct with Chiron on Tuesday (late Monday in western time zones). Not quite 24 hours later, she makes a trine with Uranus in Aries, which could bring some levity and a surprise or two. It’s possible that someone with whom you have an issue will take the initiative to make amends, although don’t expect a formal apology. Then, the only thing you can expect with Uranus is the unexpected. The situation may require an immediate response, but if you can remember to stop and think, you’ll likely have an advantage. One thing I always try to keep in mind is that the person making the phone call has the edge. So unless you really have to take a call, let it go to voicemail, think for five or ten minutes about what you want to say, and then call back.

Once the Sun enters Libra on Wednesday, Venus and the Sun will be in mutual reception. This sounds lovely, but with Mercury retrograde in Libra, it’s likely that the relationship issues I mentioned above will be magnified. It’s going to be hard to maintain a sense of humor, but that, and a little good will, should go a long way. I’ve been in an annoying exchange in a video editing project that, of all things, involves an image of Buddha. I have a feeling that if the current planetary configuration wasn’t so tumultuous, I’d think it was hilarious. If there is a bright spot, it’s in the Sun’s snappy sextile with Saturn later in the day. If you’re working on a project requiring concentration and focus, Wednesday will be productive. Collaborative projects also should work out fairly well, despite the challenges of trying to work with others while Mercury is retrograde.

Thursday and Friday are the most difficult days of the week. On Thursday, Mercury squares Pluto. This is the second contact in a three-part square, but this one is particularly potent, as it takes place just as Pluto is turning direct. The first pass occurred on September 9. I wrote back then that information might surface that wasn’t intended for the public, and that events at the time could blow up at the second pass on September 24. Stories I’ve been tracking include Hillary Clinton’s e-mail scandal, the ongoing mystery of the downed Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, and the civil war in Syria. The latter is particularly worrisome. While the world is preoccupied with the refugee crisis, little attention is being paid to events that could lead to an escalation of war in the Middle East. At the same time, the stage is being set for another major terrorist attack, possibly a false flag that will be blamed on “operatives who entered Western countries as refugees.” Pluto returns direct on Friday (late Thursday in western time zones).

Also on Thursday, Mars enters Virgo. This is a disciplined, hardworking, and exacting Mars. However, there’s also an increased risk of harsh words escalating to conflict and aggression. Epidemics also may break out, a danger that will increase as Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune move in and out of conflicting aspect with one another. When Mars squares Saturn on Friday, roadblocks and irritation increase to the boiling-over point. By that time, we’ll also be in the pull of Sunday’s eclipse, which is ruled by Mars. This also is a high-alert period for earth events.

Sunday’s eclipse also is the Supermoon of the year, when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in 2015. According to some, increased gravitational pull can trigger earthquakes and magnify storms. I’m not convinced, but I have an open mind and will be in observation mode.

Speaking of which, I’m reading an article in The Mountain Astrologer about the upcoming Saturn-Neptune square, which makes the first of three passes on November 26. The author, astrologer Jason Holley, quotes a passage from Notes of a Native Son, a collection of essays by novelist and social critic James Baldwin published in 1955:

“People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster.”

That thought is a perfect expression of a square from Saturn in Sagittarius to Neptune in Pisces, and it’s also something to contemplate as Pluto returns direct this week.

Wishing you all much love and courage,
Pat

© Pat Paquette, RealAstrologers.com, 2015.