STORM CLOUDS have been building over the past few days, both environmentally and socially. There is increasing potential for dramatic events as we head into the coming week, due to the Aries Sun and Mercury both being conjunct the combustible dwarf planet Eris and also squaring catalytic Pluto in Capricorn. Adding even more dynamic energy to the tempest, Mars in Gemini is sextile Eris and quincunx Pluto.

Together, the Sun, Mercury, and Mars are triggering the effects of the long-term Pluto-Eris square, which is one of the planetary forces behind much of the social turmoil we are experiencing these days. Astrologer Steven Forrest writes that the Pluto-Eris square effect can also be seen in the current pandemic, which is compelling humanity to evolve beyond the perception that our individual actions do not affect the whole. This square is in effect throughout 2020-2021, and as Pluto slows now in preparation for going retrograde at the end of April, we are working more directly with its influence once again.

It will be vital for those who are awake and aware to focus on grounding and balance this week. As lightworkers, our job is also to call in the higher frequencies, link to our own higher selves, and ask for assistance from beings of Light. We will also want to hold the intentions for peace and positive transmutation of the energies that are manifesting at this time.

TO MANAGE these energies, it may be best to simply focus on one day at a time. I'll list below my thoughts about this week's aspects, day by day. But please note that the effects of certain aspects extend beyond the confines of a single calendar day -- in fact, those that involve Mars will be in effect at least two or three days on either side of the date on which they are exact.

Here are my brief interpretations of this week's aspects:

Monday
No major aspects perfect on Monday, but with Venus square Pluto the night before, relationship or financial issues that have surfaced continue to push our buttons.

Tuesday
Mars sextile Eris, Sun conjunct Eris, Sun sextile Mars: Any time Eris is involved in aspects, even when they are harmonious ones such as a sextile, people can be antagonistic. As forceful Mars and the Sun in willful Aries activate that Eris energy on Tuesday, tempers flare and selfishly-motivated actions are likely. We can use this energy in positive ways by putting our efforts into a cause that resonates with us, perhaps having new courage to speak our minds (Mars in Gemini).

Wednesday
Venus enters Taurus: A calming influence as the goddess of love enters the sign of The Bull, encouraging us to value peace and to seek beauty. 
Mars semisquare Uranus: Unexpected anger or erratic actions are always possible when Mars and Uranus interact. With Uranus in earthy Taurus, this could also manifest as surprising electrical weather or more volcanic activity.

Thursday
Sun sextile Jupiter: An encouraging aspect, this sextile can help us access hope, higher meanings, and something to believe in.

Friday
Sun square Pluto: Aspects involving Pluto often manifest as power struggles. With the Sun in individualistic Aries and Pluto in authoritative Capricorn, the clash between the people and their governments is centerstage.
Mercury conjunct Eris: At the very least, this conjunction represents a lack of tact. At worst, it manifests as a diatribe.
Mars trine Jupiter: This highly energizing aspect can be used to support any endeavor that requires courage and strong belief. 

Saturday
Mercury sextile Jupiter, Mercury sextile Mars, Mercury square Pluto: All areas associated with Mercury are highly activated and may be a source of challenges this weekend: communication, transportation, and our individual mental state. Freedom of speech can be abused, and there is a battle of words between individuals and authorities. It may be hard not to be drawn into quarrels, so take a break and take a power walk to move the energy in productive ways.
Mars quincunx Pluto: If we are compulsive and controlling, it becomes clear that such methods will not bring the results desired. We can't keep going down the same path and expect things to be different. An attitude adjustment is needed if we are to achieve our goals.

Sunday
Sun conjunct Mercury: Forthright communication, strong opinions, and the courage to speak our minds.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, you are drawn in many directions. A specific relationship may be very central to your life, or perhaps a creative project. Your mind is extremely active, which can support teaching and writing, as long as it allows you to express your individuality. While you are likely to feel very energized, you can also be pulled into conflicts with others. Such situations are meant to expose unconscious fears that need to be seen and transmuted. This may be a good year to meet with a therapist who can help you with this process of self-revelation and renewal. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, conjunct Venus, sextile Mars, conjunct Ceres, sextile Jupiter, square Pluto, conjunct Eris)

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• TUE: Mars sextile Eris, Sun conjunct Eris, Sun sextile Mars
• WED: Venus enters Taurus, Mars semisquare Uranus
• THU: Sun sextile Jupiter 
• FRI: Sun square Pluto, Mercury conjunct Eris, Mars trine Jupiter
• SAT: Mercury sextile Jupiter, Mercury sextile Mars, Mercury square Pluto, Mars quincunx Pluto
• SUN: Sun conjunct Mercury