THE ATMOSPHERE is highly charged this week, even electrical in nature. We always expect pyrotechnical displays in the U.S. in early July as the nation celebrates its Independence Day, but this year the planets are promising fireworks on a larger scale.

Behind this week's explosive energies is a challenging "fixed T-square" configuration formed by Mars in Leo, Saturn in Aquarius, and Uranus in Taurus. In an astrology chart, a T-square looks exactly how it sounds – in this case, Mars and Saturn stand at the ends of the crossbar on the "T," while Uranus anchors the bottom of the stem.

A T-SQUARE represents instability, friction, and disharmony. It is hard to maintain objectivity under this influence, as we feel provoked to react in some way.

According to astrologer Bil Tierney, in his book Dynamics of Aspect Analysis, a T-square like this one, which involves planets in fixed signs, presents "many lessons that test our expression of fixed desire, willful emotion, and attachment to what we personally value. The urge to retain whatever is possessed is very powerful." The karmic lessons of a fixed T-square often have to do with accepting and respecting another's values, even if they are contrary to ours.

URANUS is at a very pivotal position in this T-square, and is called the "apex planet" in the configuration. This gives rebellious Uranus added influence in this week's affairs, adding even more unstable and surprising energies to the mix.

Mr. Tierney explains that apex Uranus inspires "a strong inner drive to instigate sudden and radical disruption of the current status quo" and provides "an enormous overload of nervous electrical tension." Those who are most affected by this energy feel "an urge to break down and shatter whatever impedes them from actualizing their unique ideals or aspirations."

For Uranus at the apex of a T-square involving fixed signs, Mr. Tierney writes that those who feel this influence tend to "detach from the influence of others and instead independently pursue their own original course of action... Their awakening insights are attuned to their sense of values and can create intense turmoil in their relationships." 

THE SOLUTION to the tension of a T-square is said to be held in the qualities of the "missing sign" of the formation – the sign that would, if activated, create a full cross and actually add some stability to the situation. In this week's fixed T-square, that missing sign is Scorpio.

If we were to invoke the higher qualities of Scorpio, to help balance out the energies this week, what might we call upon? To find those traits, we need to observe Eagle, which is the higher-vibrational representative of Scorpio.

Here are some of Eagle's qualities, representing the tools we will want to keep handy this week: Clear vision, the ability to see the details but also the broader view. Deep honesty with self and with others. Emotional intelligence and the courage to see truth, even if it is uncomfortable. Focus, determination, and resilience in the face of change.

WHILE ANY T-SQUARE would be significant, this one is especially powerful because it activates the energies of the Saturn-Uranus square. This is the influence we're working with throughout 2021, which is manifesting in part in the social unrest we're experiencing. We see the effects of this square in the struggle between the past and the future, between the status quo and progress, between the need for form and the urge for freedom, between the politics of divisiveness and the more enlightened policies of inclusion.

In my mind, this Saturn-Uranus square represents a grand-scale Cosmic Experiment. The hypothesis for this experiment is that humanity is capable of much more than what we have revealed up to this point, especially in terms working together for a common cause, side-by-side with those who represent different values and opinions. But, to get to the hoped-for conclusion of this experiment, this square is showing the myriad of ways in which we let conflict divide us.

AS MARS IN LEO activates the Saturn-Uranus square this week, passions are strong and reactions can be melodramatic. This influence will be in effect all week, but perhaps strongest on the days of the exact aspects.

The first of these is the Mars-Saturn opposition on Thursday, which represents feelings of deep frustration when our desires appear to be blocked. This can be a somewhat depressive influence, where it can feel like we're never going to get what we want. But, remember that it is just a stage in the process – and certainly a time when moving into the longer-term perspective of Eagle will be very helpful.

Then, when Mars squares Uranus on Saturday, we may see radical responses, difficulty in impulse control, and unexpected turns of events. Breakdowns are possible with this aspect, but may be seen through a positive lens as a necessary step toward achieving a longed-for breakthrough.

(Note: The last time Mars activated the Saturn-Uranus square was in mid January, when Mars was conjunct Uranus in Taurus and square Saturn. Events this coming week may relate directly back to that time frame.)

CONTRIBUTING to the possibility of breakthroughs this week is a Jupiter-Uranus quintile that perfects on Saturday. A quintile is known as an aspect of magical potential. This one, in particular, can inspire new and creative practical solutions to existing problems, perhaps arriving in surprising ways.

Any harmonious Jupiter-Uranus aspect can be seen as hopeful. This one invites us to believe (Jupiter) in a more enlightened future (Uranus). It encourages us to be generous (Jupiter) with our allowing of individuality (Uranus). It also offers the potential of another leap (Jupiter) in consciousness for humanity (Uranus).

HERE ARE THE MOST NOTABLE ASPECTS for this week, with my brief interpretations of each:

Monday

Mars sextile North Node: This aspect encourages individual action to support the higher good. It also helps us be more accepting of another's point of view.

Venus quincunx Jupiter: A tendency to self-indulgence or overconfidence can get in the way of finding the fulfillment we seek.

Tuesday

Mercury semisquare Venus: Not the best time for a conversation, as we feel self-conscious and may not easily find the right words to convey our meanings.

Wednesday-Thursday

Mars opposite Saturn: See above.

Friday

Mars trine Chiron: Self-confidence grows as we stay present in the moment and find a way to feel joy today. 

Saturday

Jupiter quintile Uranus: See above.

Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune: Be wary of a tendency to try to "save" another person, or to not see them clearly.

Sun quincunx Saturn: Efforts to take charge backfire, as others may feel dominated instead of cared for. Hurt feelings, defensiveness, and withdrawal can result.

Mars square Uranus: See above.

Sunday

Sun square Chiron: Feelings of vulnerability may be strong. Be kind to yourself and others today. Be a loving parent to the part of you that feels insecure or fearful.

Moon square Saturn (6:06 a.m. PDT), conjunct Uranus (9:40 a.m. PDT), and square Mars (10:28 a.m. PDT): The Taurus Moon is activating the energies of the T-square today, so emotional fireworks are possible. Overall, we can anticipate that the effects of the T-square will be strong all weekend.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, you could tend to take on responsibilities that are not truly yours. If you do, an inner restlessness will remind you of your need to be more independent. Attempts to care for others may be met with resistance, or you may find that someone is not respecting your ability to take care of yourself. Be sure to make the time to self-nurture in healthy ways this year. (Solar Return Sun quincunx Saturn, sextile Uranus, square Chiron)

In peace and with gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

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

• MON: Mars sextile North Node, Venus quincunx Jupiter

• TUE: Mercury semisquare Venus

• THU: Mars opposite Saturn    

• FRI: Mars trine Chiron

• SAT: Jupiter quintile Uranus, Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Sun quincunx Saturn, Mars square Uranus

• SUN: Sun square Chiron