"IT'S COMPLICATED." That's my first – and perhaps best – response to the question, "What's happening with the planets this week?"

The prevailing influence, without question, is a stressful T-square that forms in the last half of the week. Over the last fortnight, two other T-squares have been in effect, and so we have already been dealing with considerable friction. With unpredictable Uranus at the apex of both of those T-squares, there has been a buildup of tension that has found a release point in surprising and even shocking ways.

The T-squares we've been working with over the past two weeks involved planets in fixed signs, and activated the influence of the Saturn-Uranus square. Accordingly, the obstacles we've encountered and the disruptions that have occurred have hopefully helped us break free in areas where we have felt stuck or stagnant. And, if our journey through these energies has been successful, we have gained a new level of detachment and objectivity that will serve us well going forward.

THIS WEEK'S T-SQUARE is different in that it involves planets in cardinal signs: the Sun in Cancer, Pluto in Capricorn, and Eris in Aries. And, it is activating the longer-term Pluto-Eris square, which will be exact for the fourth time on August 27.

All T-squares create significant tension and sometimes crisis situations. Cardinal T-squares, especially, seem to activate a sense of spinning our wheels, as there is so much energy on the move that we can be drawn in many different directions at once. The growth goals of a cardinal T-square include greater self-discipline, patience, attention to proper timing, and thoughtful planning.

THE DWARF PLANET ERIS will be positioned at the all-important apex of this week's T-square. The planet at the apex (at the base of the "T") determines how the tension of the configuration is ultimately released. 

We know from recent history that Eris – named for the goddess of Discord and Strife – is often associated with social unrest, usually motivated by the need to rebel against unfair treatment. This is also one of the core manifestations of the Pluto-Eris square, an influence that we have been working with since 2019.

WITH PLUTO AND ERIS now within one degree of being exactly square, the pressure of that dynamic aspect is already building. We are seeing strong reactions among those who feel controlled or manipulated by those who wield power (Pluto in Capricorn) along with an insistent demand that individual rights be acknowledged and respected (Eris in Aries).

As the Sun activates the Pluto-Eris square this week, we may see new levels of injustice being revealed, with strong reactions from those who have been affected. Controversies that arise under this influence have the potential to create even greater divides between peoples, if we do not handle situations with great awareness.

Eris is said to be the feminine equivalent of Mars, representing the Martian qualities of assertiveness, aggression, desire, and anger. It is also worthwhile to note that Eris tends to act without consideration for the long-term consequences – which is perhaps why there is such a strong lesson in this T-square about discipline, patience, and right timing.

AS ALWAYS with a T-square, solutions may be found, at least in part, by embodying the highest-vibrational qualities of the "missing sign" in the configuration – the sign that would provide the "fourth leg" of the table and provide greater stability. The tension of a T-square is due in part to the feeling that the table could fall over at any point.

In this week's event, three of the four cardinal signs are represented: Cancer (Sun), Capricorn (Pluto), and Aries (Eris). The missing piece of the puzzle, the fourth cardinal sign, is Libra.

The qualities of Libra that we will want to call upon this week include cooperation, tactfulness, idealism, intelligent objectivity, and fairness. And at the same time, we want to be very sure not to default to the shadow qualities of the sign of The Scales, which include indecisiveness, co-dependence, avoidance of confrontation, and ambivalence. We will especially want to be aware of any time that a strong desire for harmony causes us to abdicate our own truth and values, when we find ourselves tempted to say "yes" when our intuition is telling us to say "no." 

ALTHOUGH these intense T-square energies are certainly the strongest of the week, there are other planetary aspects also in play. Some of them will feel supportive, but others will add even greater complexity to the mix. Here is the list of the most important aspects in effect this week, with my brief interpretations of each:  

Monday

Mercury trine Jupiter: Of all the days this week, Monday should be the best for conversation and for writing, as optimistic Jupiter supports Mercury in verbalizing its truth and expressing its ideas.

Tuesday

Venus conjunct Mars: This alignment between the two planets of attraction and love in heart-centered Leo supports us in connecting with others. It is easier to work together, as there is also a sense of playfulness and joy that accompanies the interaction. Be careful of impulsive spending, whether physical or emotional. 

Wednesday

Moon in Virgo: With no significant outer planet aspects exact on Wednesday, we can look to the Moon's sign for advice on how to best navigate the day. The Moon in Virgo supports our ability to analyze situations, which helps us find solutions and enables us to more clearly see the next steps on our path of growth.

Thursday

Sun trine Neptune: It is easy to feel compassion and empathy today. We may also be especially drawn to home and the safety and support it represents.

Mercury semisquare Mars: Minor irritations can get in the way of clear thinking and direct communication. 

Venus quincunx Neptune: Hopes are disappointed as our perceptions of a loved one are proven to be unrealistic. Be wary of a tendency to try to rescue someone or to play a martyr role.

Friday

Sun square Eris: One half of the T-square becomes exact.

Pluto trine Ceres: We are more able to understand the motivations of others and ourselves, as we see the common need for love and acceptance.

Saturday

Venus trine Eris: This aspect empowers the feminine to take concrete action in the direction of its desires.

Sun opposite Pluto: The other half of the T-square becomes exact.

Sunday

Venus quincunx Pluto: Fear of not being accepted or a fear of being disappointed can interfere with relationships. Be aware of a lack of personal boundaries that causes you to take on responsibility for another's well-being.

Mercury semisquare Venus, Mercury semisquare Ceres, Mercury quincunx Saturn: Of all the days this week, this is probably the one that is least supportive of healthy communication. Words either come out sideways or are not received well.

Mars quincunx Neptune: This is a frustrating day where it is hard to know exactly what actions to take. Our physical energy is also somewhat depleted. Be aware of how unfulfilled expectations are undermining your confidence. Do your best to set new, more realistic boundaries with others. 

Sun sextile Ceres, Venus square Ceres: The desire to connect with loved ones, especially family, is enhanced today – and yet, the age-old conflict between our personal needs and the demands of family members is also strong. Better clarity may come on a later day with regard to how to resolve these issues.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Your spiritual growth is a priority this year, and it will be supported in many ways by the universe. If you are an artist, you may also find that your ability to envision and imagine is enhanced. However, this is also likely to be a year of great change in your sense of personal identity. These changes represent an opportunity for you to transmute any anger you may have repressed or suppressed. It is a good year to take part in personal therapy or to engage in other forms of soul-searching, perhaps through a shamanic process. (Solar Return Sun trine Neptune, opposite Pluto, square Eris)

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: Mercury trine Jupiter
• TUE: Venus conjunct Mars
• THU: Sun trine Neptune, Mercury semisquare Mars, Venus quincunx Neptune
• FRI: Sun square Eris, Pluto trine Ceres
• SAT: Venus trine Eris, Sun opposite Pluto
• SUN: Venus quincunx Pluto, Mercury semisquare Venus, Sun sextile Ceres, Mercury semisquare Ceres, Mercury quincunx Saturn, Mars quincunx Neptune, Venus square Ceres