(11 August 2024)  The transits this week look unsettled.  With Venus now moving well past last week’s benefic conjunction with retrograde Mercury, collective sentiment may become less harmonious.  This could manifest as a greater unwillingness to compromise and an urge to insist on one’s own interests, no matter what the cost.  Without the influence of Venus, interactions may become more goal-oriented, as aesthetic and empathetic considerations are pushed to the background.  Moreover, Wednesday’s conjunction of Mars and Jupiter at 22 Taurus will focus attention on the necessity of action and the importance of intentions. This blending of Mars (action, courage) with Jupiter (wisdom, optimism) is usually constructive as human agency is directed towards ethical and positive ends. As an added twist, the conjunction will occur in close conjunction with the north node of Uranus.  This dose of Uranian energy is likely to ratchet up the energy level and could introduce a measure of independence and rebelliousness.

However, this week’s Mars-Jupiter conjunction exactly aligns with Saturn (23 Aquarius).  Saturn introduces a very disparate energy into the mix as it is a naturally malefic planet that has the potential to create setbacks and disappointments.  At its best, Saturn can uphold tradition, discipline and social order as it acts as a anchor to prevent flights of fancy or irrational behaviour.  And this could well be the case this week as Saturn’s preference for order will try to resist Mars’ urge to act and satisfy its instinctual needs. While the tension in Saturn-Mars relationship can serve to keep a lid on excesses, there is nonetheless the elevated risk of conflict and disorder at both the individual and societal level.  This tension could easily spillover into the political realm (e.g. the US election campaign) and into financial markets.

This Mars-Jupiter-Saturn alignment will be highlighted on Wednesday as the Moon forms a T-square pattern whereby it is opposed by Mars and Jupiter and receives the full-strength square aspect from Saturn.  Interestingly, the latest US inflation data will be released on Wednesday.  The coincidence of this alignment with the CPI report increases the likelihood of a negative market reaction.

Another transit worth watching is the Mars-Venus square.  This will move into closer range at the end of the week, although it is not due to be exact until next Thursday, August 22.  The blending of Mars and Venus generally intensifies energy and can make social interactions more dynamic and extraverted.  Athletic endeavours may also be favoured under this combination. There may be more sexual tension in the air with this pairing, although the square aspect is said to be more difficult and could lead to unfulfilled wishes or even regrets.

Due to presence of these tense aspects, this is not a great week to initiate new projects unless the aims of the tasks find a way to integrate the divergent energies of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.  Tasks which involve intense physical effort, stamina, and risk-taking could do well in this regard, especially if they adhere to the high ethical standards of Jupiter.