Have you found yourself worried about what the future holds? Perhaps you’ve decided you can no longer tolerate the negativity spewing forth from the media like an eruption of darkness in the Soul of humanity? When the list of worldwide problems gets longer than a sane person can tolerate, what can you do? How can you find peace and calm?

We are under the influence of a hugely stressful planetary alignment that I have been writing and speaking about for some time. With the fiction of no less than seven planets sparing with each other from the end of July to mid-August, clearly, as Bob Dylan proclaimed in the 60s, “the times they are a changin’” again for us in 2010s! The same planets active in the 60s are involved now…and more.

It seems clear to me that we have come to a profound time of change – a time to reclaim our collective shadow (found in government, corporations, banks and more) and create a new story. However, the new story is not ready to be written until the Uranus/Pluto square tightens in late 2011-2015. Meanwhile, we are faced with the work of reclaiming our collective shadow.

What do I mean by “reclaiming the collective shadow?” According to C.G. Jung, our individual shadow is created when uncomfortable feelings, traumas, and difficult experiences are denied or resisted due to fear. These unprocessed energies then go into the subconscious and form our shadow. Humanity’s shadow contains the collective subconscious material of all of us that lies below awareness, yet strongly influences our collective beliefs and behaviors.

This summer the issues that are arising and will appear could be seen to be bubbling up from our collective unconscious. The bleeding earth which is gushing oil deep below the Horizon drilling platform is a perfect metaphor to awaken our consciousness. We may see other events appear that bring to light currents of past corruption, deception and greed. But, as I wrote last month, it isn’t about punishing the guilty (for we can all share that). It is about noticing what isn’t working, so we can create solutions.

How then can we find calm in the midst of chaos? Stay rooted in the truth that “all things work together for good.” The opportunity to make positive changes is alive and strong as long as we don’t fall prey to cynicism and blaming. That path is the path that leads to unhappiness, fear and powerlessness.

In your personal life, remain flexible and willing to innovate in whatever way your current circumstances suggest. Do not hold on to the way things were, because that will only cause suffering. Innovation means trying something new, like making purchases based on core values, not based on your egoic needs to prove your worth or sooth your unhappiness. Notice what you take for granted and be grateful for what you have.

When all around you is oscillating, the calm you see can be found within you. Remember to go within to find peace. Knowing who you are – your Divine, eternal nature – and connecting regularly to Spirit, ensures that nothing will knock you off your center because you are rooted in something deeper than any chaos can upend. Yes, you can find calm within the chaos!

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A Quote of Note

The universe is holographic, which means the whole is present in every piece. Therefore, as we address the shadow within us, we are addressing the shadow of the world.

~ Marianne Williamson, Everyday Grace

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Astrological Events

NOTE: These days contain strong energies that influence everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For more personal information, consult me or another astrologer.

Sat July 11, 3:40 PM ET – NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE at 20 Cancer, Sun in Cancer sextile Mars in Virgo, Mercury in Leo trines Jupiter in Aries

With only harmonious aspects, this Solar Eclipse may open up creative flow and a feeling of inner connection. Mars here aids by energizing and focusing the Sun’s desires and intentions. If this connects specifically to your chart (like it does mine), it is time to let go of insecurities and recognize the need to find balance between your giving and receiving. With the launch of my book, I can no longer hide behind silly egoic fears and still be a good steward of the message I carry. How about you? Where have your insecurities prevented you from giving your gift to the world?

“If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Cancer New Moon wishes relate to: home/family, safety, growing, intimacy/caring skills, feelings/moods, nurturing, and releasing insecurity.

Wed/Thu July 21-22 – Saturn re-enters Libra, Sun in Leo sextiles Saturn in Libra

After earlier tip-toeing into Libra and then retrograding back into Virgo, Saturn is back to stay until October 6, 2012. As it returns, it completes the cardinal t-square and ups the pressure of change. While in Libra, Saturn will test our relationships. Are we happy with our relationships? Do we need to bring more balance and harmony to them? Saturn’s aim is to bring more structure and stability to our relating with others.

Fri/Sat July 23-24 – Sun in Leo trines Uranus retro in Aries, Jupiter turns retro in Aries and squares Pluto

The Sun/Uranus aspect suggests unexpected opportunities for fun and entertainment. Even Jupiter’s station increases optimism and expands possibilities. But because Jupiter soon after squares Pluto, beware that pushing your opinions on others may cause power struggles. Have fun and chill.

Sun July 25, 3:37 PM ET – Full Moon at 3 Aquarius/Leo

Harmoniously aspecting most of the planets in the cardinal t-square, this lunation is all about higher mind and higher self. Look to reason and intellect to be strong.

Mon July 26 – Mercury in Leo opposes Neptune retro in Aquarius, Sun in Leo trines Jupiter retro in Aries, Saturn in Libra opposes Uranus retro in Aries

This is the final opposition (struggle) between tradition-loving Saturn and Uranus, the “change agent.” This does not mean we will now be stress-free, however, since Uranus will pull closer to transformative Pluto by mid-2011. In addition today, Sun/Jupiter opens up opportunities for success and enjoyment, while Mercury/Neptune suggests some foggy logic. Or is a secret being kept?

Sat/Sun July 30-31 – Mars conjoins Saturn in Libra and opposes Uranus

Fast moving planet, Mars joins the cardinal t-square just long enough to heat up the tension. Watch out for tempers to flare and be cautious of potential accidents. Earthquake and tornado activity could be in the mix.

Tue Aug 3 – Jupiter retro in Aries squares Pluto retro in Capricorn

This is a second meeting in little over a week. Whatever scandals arose before may still be in the news and/or additional economic revelations may leave us further disgusted with Wall Street.

Wed Aug 4 – Mars in Libra opposes Jupiter retro in Aries

Feeling pulled between two opposites could leave you stressed out and frustrated. Try to find some moments of peace or you will run the risk of over-taxing your body and your mind.

Sat/Sun Aug 7-8 – Venus in Libra opposes Uranus retro in Aries, Venus conjoins Saturn in Libra

The weekend calls for balancing your commitments to others with an urge to find new and more interesting company. Why not encourage your regular partner to do something wild and out of the ordinary?