Showing posts with label Theresa Touhey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theresa Touhey. Show all posts

Monday, December 29, 2025

Regaining Direction and Taking Action


Regaining Direction and Taking Action

January 2026 Astrology

By Theresa Touhey

Posted on 2025-12-29



This is the month when some of us may start asking the question, “Have I been hypnotized, mesmerized by what my eyes have seen?” from the Natalie Merchant song Carnival.

We are beginning to slowly wake up after a long stretch of feeling underwater, or standing on muddy shores, with Saturn and Neptune in Pisces and Uranus in Taurus.

Last summer, we caught a brief glimpse of the energy coming in 2026 and beyond, when Saturn moved into Aries alongside Neptune and Uranus dipped into Gemini. But all three planets retrograded back into their previous signs, and collectively it felt like sinking deeper, with limited visibility and little sense of what lay ahead.

That begins to change in January, when Neptune ingresses into Aries. Will this feel like a sudden shift in perception? For some, yes, depending on your personal chart. For most, it will be gradual, since these outer planets do not change signs all at once. Saturn enters Aries on February 14th, followed by Uranus entering Gemini on April 25th. We are slowly moving into a cycle dominated by fire and air, which will be fully activated when exalted Jupiter in Cancer moves into the bold, expressive sign of Leo on June 30th. This is a year of major change, social recalibration, and a renewed focus on authenticity.

We are moving away from a collective victim mindset and reclaiming individual agency. Recently, in a Reddit discussion about social trends connected to Neptune, I wrote:

“We will see shifts in how people identify themselves and far less groupthink when Neptune goes into Aries. The ‘Me Too’ movement gives us a partial preview. It exploded in October 2017 when Neptune was in Pisces and Uranus was retrograde in Aries. Women shared individual stories, some shocking, but they were all woven together, making it difficult to define boundaries or know where to focus. With Neptune in Aries and Uranus in Gemini, a similar movement might look very different. Less about merging into a collective identity and more about clearly defined personal boundaries.”

In short, we are all going to grow some balls. This does not mean everyone will feel empowered all the time, or that difficult things will magically stop happening. It means there is greater ownership in how you respond to what life throws at you. It also does not mean people stop helping one another. Quite the opposite. Instead of shared suffering becoming the endpoint, the focus shifts toward action. “You need help, I will give you this,” rather than, “I am going through the exact same thing.” Action begins to matter more than reaction.

A clear example of this energy is MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. On September 5, 1980, Candace Lightner founded MADD after her 13-year-old daughter was killed by a repeat DUI offender. At the time, Neptune was in Sagittarius, a fire sign associated with truth, belief systems, and moral judgment. Rather than becoming lost in grief, there was a decisive move toward action.

Lightner’s advocacy led to major legal and cultural changes, including standardized drinking age laws across the United States, lowering the legal blood alcohol limit from .15 to .08 percent, and the inclusion of alcohol treatment in sentencing. Neptune did not act alone. Pluto was in Libra, supporting reform through fairness and law, while Uranus in Scorpio helped expose root causes and demand transformation.

I know many people feel uneasy about the changes coming in 2026. I wanted to offer this example to illustrate how Neptune in Aries emphasizes the individual without tipping into selfishness. Individualism here is about authenticity and initiation. If you see a problem, you work toward a solution. You start somewhere. You do not wait for consensus before taking responsibility.

That is my broader take on Neptune in Aries. Do I think it will be better than Neptune in Pisces? No. But I do believe it will be different, and deeply consequential over the next 13 years. Still, this article is about January 2026. Neptune’s ingress sets the tone, but it is not the only story unfolding this month.

January energy supports clear thinking, planning, and taking practical steps toward what you want to build.
January energy supports clear thinking, planning, and
taking practical steps toward what you want to build.

Ingresses and Full and New Moons for January

  • Mercury ingresses into Capricorn on January 1, 2026 at approximately 3:11 PM CST
  • Full Moon in Cancer on January 3, 2026 at approximately 4:03 AM CST
  • Venus ingresses into Aquarius on January 17, 2026 at approximately 6:44 AM CST
  • New Moon in Capricorn on January 18, 2026 at approximately 1:52 PM CST
  • Sun ingresses into Aquarius on January 19, 2026 at approximately 7:45 PM CST
  • Mercury ingresses into Aquarius on January 20, 2026 at approximately 10:42 AM CST
  • Mars ingresses into Aquarius on January 23, 2026 at approximately 3:17 AM CST
  • Neptune ingresses into Aries on January 26, 2026 at approximately 11:35 AM CST

Since the month begins on a Thursday, I am grouping the first few days with the following week. This breaks January into four parts, each running Sunday through Saturday.

January 1st through the 10th – Two of Four Cazimis

We begin the month with Mercury entering Capricorn and leaving its debility in Sagittarius. Mercury in Capricorn is excellent for planning, organizing, and thinking long term. Capricorn energy is ambitious and structured, so it is no surprise that New Year’s resolutions became associated with this time of year.

With Mercury, Venus, the Sun, and Mars all in Capricorn, there is strong momentum to move forward, provided you take responsibility for your own actions. The main challenge is that you may lean toward being overly cautious or conservative in your projections. Capricorn values practicality, but that does not mean avoiding all risk. Calculated risks are still part of the equation.

Mercury begins the month in a square to Saturn, which can feel mentally heavy or pessimistic at times. This is one reason it can be helpful to set intentions slightly ahead of the calendar year, allowing ideas time to settle and perspective to balance. Saturn does offer discipline and high standards, so the key is not to lower your expectations, but to stay committed to what truly matters to you.

Mercury is also square Neptune, which can heighten imagination and vision. This can be inspiring, but it comes with a caution. Avoid idealizing a goal, situation, or person without fully acknowledging the sacrifices required to follow through. Dreams need structure this month.

On January 2nd, Mercury separates from its square to Saturn and begins an applying conjunction with Venus. This marks the start of a new cycle around shared values and practical planning. It is an excellent time to have meaningful conversations with loved ones about finances, commitments, and long term goals.

The Full Moon in Cancer occurs on January 3rd. Even if your resolutions are still fresh, this Full Moon invites reflection. Full Moons represent culmination and awareness, so taking stock of past accomplishments can be just as valuable as focusing on what lies ahead. Understanding what you have already built gives you emotional grounding as you move forward.

This Cancer Full Moon highlights themes of home, family, and emotional security, balanced against responsibility, ambition, and public roles. That polarity is further influenced by the upcoming Venus cazimi on January 6th, which brings values, relationships, money, and commitments into sharp focus.

The energy surrounding this Full Moon is generally optimistic. Still, with Jupiter in Cancer influencing the lunation, there can be a tendency toward excess. Overindulging or overspending is possible, although Jupiter’s retrograde motion may help you pause before reaching for another chocolate chip cookie.

While the Full Moon sets an emotional tone, it is the cazimis that truly define this week. Conjunctions signal the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. A cazimi occurs when a planet is within 17 minutes of arc of the Sun’s exact center, placing it in the heart of the Sun and amplifying its vitality.

The Venus cazimi takes place on January 6th at 10:36 AM CST. Venus governs attraction, relationships, values, and harmony, but here it operates through the no-nonsense lens of Capricorn. In relationships, this can show up as a more pragmatic approach to partnership. It is an ideal time to define roles, responsibilities, and shared expectations.

While this may feel managerial on the surface, the underlying intention is harmony through structure. Creating systems that support both people can strengthen bonds. Even something as simple as keeping shared spaces tidy and aesthetically calm can become a joint commitment.

The next cazimi occurs on January 9th at 5:41 AM CST, involving Mars. Action and motivation take center stage. Even though this falls on a Friday, you may feel unusually driven, especially if your efforts align with your goals.

With Jupiter in Cancer opposing these Capricorn cazimis, there is a risk of taking on too much or getting sidetracked by nostalgia while sorting through old belongings. At the same time, Mars is tightly conjunct Venus, increasing creative and physical energy. This could manifest as a creative project, a renewed spark in intimacy, or even conception.

If you are in your fertile years and not trying to have children, you may want to avoid setting the mood with Let’s Get It On this week, Marvin Gaye optional.

Full Moon in Cancer on January 3, 2026 @ 4:03 AM in Dallas, TX, USA
Full Moon in Cancer on January 3, 2026 @ 4:03 AM in Dallas, TX, USA

January 11th through the 17th – Relationship Talks

Much of the previous energy continues this week as Mercury joins the conjunction of Mars, the Sun, and Venus. The concentration of personal planets in Capricorn can motivate many to take greater ownership of their relationships and career paths. You are not only thinking about the future, who you want to be with, and where you want to go, you are actively having conversations with those closest to you.

The key to using this energy well is not to engage in debates for the sake of winning. Instead, listen, think, and reflect. This is supportive energy for building bridges and seeing multiple sides of a situation. It is about recognizing patterns and getting to the heart of what is actually going on.

For example, you may have once enjoyed a pet name your partner used early in the relationship, but now it feels irritating. Is it really the nickname, or is it pointing to something deeper? Do you feel unseen, or like your partner is not taking the relationship as seriously as you are? If you can identify why being called “sweetie” suddenly bothers you, the conversation can shift toward what needs to be realigned. Sometimes it comes down to uneven division of responsibilities, interruptions during conversations, or not feeling fully heard.

These are worthwhile discussions, but they should be approached with care. Lead with curiosity rather than accusation. You can make real progress in your relationships this week through honest, heart to heart conversations. Be mindful of absolutes like “always” and “never,” and resist the urge to point fingers.

On the evening of the 12th or the morning of the 13th, there may be an emotional breakthrough, either with a partner or within your own inner landscape. With the Moon in Scorpio opposing Uranus in Taurus, alongside the Capricorn personal planet lineup, insights can arrive suddenly. This can bring renewed excitement to relationships if you finally understand what has been causing tension. In some cases, the realization may be about something you have been avoiding within yourself, a protective wall that has limited vulnerability. You may recognize that you have been carrying an old hurt long past its usefulness.

For those who are creatively inclined, this energy can also be channeled into artistic or demanding projects. Inspiration may come in bursts, so it is wise to write ideas down and return to them later if the timing is not right for full execution.

On the 17th, Venus moves into Aquarius as the Moon continues through Capricorn.

Over the following week, this multi-planet conjunction shifts into Aquarius, opening the door to innovation and fresh perspectives. If you have been feeling stuck, uncertain, or overly cautious about taking risks, this marks a turning point. The energy begins to move from earth to air, encouraging experimentation, new approaches, and forward thinking solutions.

January 18th through the 24th – Two More Cazimis

This week is highly active, featuring a New Moon in Capricorn along with the Sun, Mercury, and Mars moving into Aquarius to join Venus.

And there is something else already in Aquarius. Pluto. It is very much part of this conjunction.

Capricorn Moon energy often expresses care through behind-the-scenes effort, taking care of details, and handling responsibilities without needing recognition. The heightened sexual and creative energy of the previous weeks may feel more grounded now, but that does not mean passion disappears. After the conversations and realizations that have unfolded, this is an excellent time to approach old problems in new ways and to change structures that have begun to feel stagnant or restrictive.

Here is where Pluto becomes especially important. With this New Moon influenced by Pluto, questions about your direction, circumstances, and desire for change come into sharp focus. Saturn’s influence makes it easier to step back emotionally while still addressing deep issues in a practical, constructive way. If therapy has been on your mind, this is a supportive time to begin. There is a sense of persistence and follow-through tied to this New Moon, meaning sustained effort can lead to real results.

Use this New Moon to revise long-term plans, make necessary adjustments, and create accountability for what you have already set in motion. Even with the emotional detachment that Capricorn and Aquarius can bring, it is important to remain aware of jealousy, possessiveness, or subtle power dynamics. These feelings may surface through others, or they may point to internal blocks that have kept you from making meaningful changes. The work here is to transform those emotions into something productive.

For example, if you find yourself feeling envious of coworkers who have advanced or friends who have started their own businesses, ask yourself why. Rather than focusing on comparison, redirect that energy toward clarifying what you want for your own career. You may realize you are in a line of work that no longer brings satisfaction. This is about taking ownership of your path instead of measuring yourself against someone else’s timeline.

Aquarius energy can be difficult to grasp. It is detached yet humanitarian, independent yet deeply concerned with the collective. What it offers is the understanding that while we are all part of something larger, each person has a distinct role and unique talents. Trying to fit in or constantly comparing yourself to others does not make you more connected. It often pulls you further away from your true calling.

The Moon and Sun enter Aquarius on the 19th, followed by Mercury on the 20th and Mars on the 23rd. These planets are supported by Saturn and Neptune, making this stretch of the month especially important for reconnecting with your hopes and dreams.

Your imagination can carry you far this year, provided you give it structure and commit to action. You might benefit from using a physical calendar, which are likely on clearance right now, to map out your plans. Or you may prefer a spreadsheet or document that allows you to track progress. The key is not letting this energy dissipate.

Aquarius also encourages innovation in how you stay motivated. You may need a reward system, scheduled check-ins, or digital reminders to keep momentum going. Exploring project management tools or instructional videos could help you design a system that works for you, rather than forcing yourself into one that does not.

My mother used to say, “shit or get off the pot,” and that pretty much sums up this energy. If you feel trapped in a loveless relationship or a job that drains you, this may be the moment that requires bold steps. With the personal planets in Aquarius and support from Saturn and Neptune around the 19th and 20th, this is a powerful window to make meaningful changes.

On the 21st, the Mercury cazimi brings clarity, focus, and the ability to articulate exactly what you want. Communication may come rapidly, through writing, conversations, or an influx of messages. In mundane astrology, this can coincide with fast-moving announcements or overwhelming news cycles.

Two days later, on the 23rd, we experience the Pluto cazimi. Pluto cazimis occur once a year and tend to affect the practical realities of daily life. This can be an intense day, prompting you to repair something, confront an issue directly, or take a closer look at a lingering concern.

There may also be tension with authority figures, including a boss, which can feel especially frustrating on a Friday. If possible, avoid power struggles and ego-driven conflicts. It is also wise to stay away from risky environments on this day.

In terms of leadership, whether corporate or governmental, expect public displays of control or dominance. The energy favors taking charge, which can be constructive on a personal level when boundaries are respected. Unfortunately, those in power often assert authority by disregarding existing frameworks, and this influence may be especially visible now.

New Moon in Capricorn on January 18, 2026 @ 1:52 PM CST - Dallas, TX, USA
New Moon in Capricorn on January 18, 2026 @ 1:52 PM CST – Dallas, TX, USA

January 25th through the 31st – The Fog Lifts as Neptune Ingresses into Aries

We now circle back to Neptune as it moves from watery Pisces into fiery Aries. When Neptune ingresses into its new sign on the 26th, Mars in Aquarius is energized and supported. This can be a powerful time to get involved in a social cause that genuinely matters to you. There is no shortage of issues that need attention, so follow what you feel passionate about rather than trying to fix everything at once.

Neptune also governs creativity and the arts. If you have been thinking about taking guitar lessons, learning pottery, or exploring another creative outlet, this is an ideal moment to take that first step. Inspiration feels more actionable now.

By this point in the month, with personal planets having clustered first in Capricorn and then in Aquarius, you may notice increased clarity, motivation, and desire. Instead of your ideals feeling vague or out of reach, you may be able to give them form and direction. This is a time when you can stretch beyond self-imposed limits and discover what you are actually capable of building.

The personal planets, alongside Pluto, emphasize the final week of January. This is empowerment that does not lose sight of the collective. It is about committing to relationships that have depth, taking responsibility for what truly matters to you, and acting with intention. It is about knowing your place within humanity without sacrificing your individuality. And most importantly, it is about using your own voice and perspective rather than drifting, unfocused, or getting lost at sea.

Recap of January 2026

January’s astrology supports focusing on yourself without losing sight of your role in society. It is a month to revisit your dreams and begin turning hopes and desires into concrete action. With Mercury active throughout January, communication matters, especially in close relationships and partnerships.

For some, the Venus and Mars conjunction may coincide with meeting someone new or rekindling passion. For others, this same energy can show up as creative motivation or the drive to start a project you have been thinking about for some time. Depending on your personal chart, themes around fertility or expanding your family may also be activated.

Even though January opens with a Full Moon, most of the month is well suited for working on resolutions and personal goals. Ideally, you set intentions in December and are now using this practical, self-focused energy to move forward with clarity and purpose.

I hope January helps you start the year feeling motivated, grounded, and aligned with what truly matters to you. Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and productive New Year, with many blessings.

Theresa Touhey
Compiled by http://violetflame.biz.ly from: 

Monday, June 23, 2025

Why Does the World Feel So Crazy While I Feel Fine? An Astrological Perspective

Why Does the World Feel So Crazy

While I Feel Fine?

An Astrological Perspective

By Theresa Touhey

Posted on 2025/06/23





Sometimes, taking a broad view of the world can be helpful. There’s a lot of noise out there about the fate of countries and the Earth itself, and it can feel heavy and overwhelming. My goal here is to help make sense of what’s happening through an astrological lens in a way that’s easy to digest. When we take a step back and look at the big picture, the details become part of the whole instead of generating fear and chaos on their own.

Please know, I’m not downplaying the details, many of which are tragic and heartbreaking. But widening our perspective can help us understand the energy behind the current dynamics in the world.

The first thing I want to clarify is the difference between mundane astrology and your personal astrology. While “mundane” can imply something dull, in astrology, it refers to the world, and right now, the world is anything but dull. Mundane astrology is the branch that focuses on countries, governments, and society at large. It reflects the overarching energy around us. Personal astrology, on the other hand, is much more individualized and may feel very different from what’s happening on a global scale.

Let’s face it, the world has always been a little crazy. Think about it. Earth once had giant reptilian beings dominating its surface. If that’s not out there, I don’t know what is. Earth has always been a wild place. From the age of dinosaurs until now, we’ve gone through dramatic climate shifts, we’re hit with around 17 meteorites a day, and we’ve endured countless wars and conflicts. And yet, we’re still here, celebrating birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and all kinds of shared moments. Even during the worst of times in our brief recorded history, people still fell in love, helped their neighbors, built communities, and had children. Life keeps moving forward, even in harsh conditions.

On a personal level, your birth chart is a microcosm of all of astrology. It’s unique to you. Transits that impact the world can affect you very differently than they would a nation. For example, if you have a tight conjunction in your natal chart to one of the fixed stars such as Capulus, Aldebaran, or Algol, your life will reflect that energy in ways that differ greatly from how it shows up in a country’s chart.

Let’s explore these stars a little deeper.

With fixed stars, we usually work with an orb of 1.5 degrees or less, and we typically only consider conjunctions because of the stars’ great distance and how they’re projected onto the flat wheel of an astrological chart. If you don’t have a tight conjunction to a planet or angle, that fixed star energy generally doesn’t activate in your chart. Fixed star conjunctions are rare. I have a few in my own chart, but none to the ones mentioned here.

Capulus in a natal chart can offer clarity and focused action. It may also bring quick temper or rash decisions. However, with maturity, this energy can support effective, purposeful outcomes.

Aldebaran challenges integrity. It brings moral dilemmas and the temptation to compromise one’s position. If someone lacks integrity and goes against their better judgment, the consequences can be harsh.

Algol, especially in a woman’s chart, can grant powerful passion and productive intensity. But for some, it may manifest as obsession or vengeance, which can lead to personal downfall.

Why focus on these three stars? Because two nations that have been in conflict since their inception, Israel and Iran, each have major placements involving them.

Capulus is conjunct with Israel’s Sun in Taurus. This adds a raw, martial intensity to the nation’s identity and fuels a primal drive for survival. It makes sense that about 50% of Israeli citizens have served in the military in some capacity, compared to just 6% in the United States.

Israel also has Aldebaran conjunct its Mercury. Like Capulus, Aldebaran is a Mars-related energetic force, reinforcing a chart signature of conflict, defense, and moral conviction. Mercury governs communication, and Aldebaran infuses that communication with themes of survival, cultural defense, and ancestral rights.

Together, these placements suggest a nation whose identity is shaped by both force and principle, where vigilance is vital and communication revolves around the right to exist.

Now let’s look at the Republic of Iran. Iran also has Capulus in its chart, conjunct the Midheaven, or MC, which represents public image and global reputation. Alongside that is Algol, which has the nature of both Mars and Saturn. This makes the projection colder, more austere, and tied to themes of punishment, extremism, and relentless force. Algol is also associated with literal and symbolic beheadings, making it one of the most feared stars in mundane astrology.

While Israel’s Aldebaran-Mercury combination fuels persuasive and defensive messaging, Iran’s Capulus-Algol MC gives it a more defiant, revolutionary, and martyr-based presence on the world stage.

With both nations carrying these intense fixed star signatures, it’s no surprise that conflict often arises when activating transits occur, such as the recent Mars square Uranus.

No Kings Protests during the Mars – Uranus Square

As we’ve seen, these stars operate differently in national charts versus personal ones. And while these two countries may continue to clash off and on, you, as an individual, still have the ability to lean into the more evolved expressions of these same energies.

With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to the outer planets and their broader impact on the collective.

The cycles of these planets vary greatly from one to the next.

Uranus tends to stay in each zodiac sign for about seven years, while Neptune spends around thirteen to fourteen years per sign. But the big wildcard is Pluto. Its orbit is elliptical, which means it varies widely by sign. Uranus completes all twelve signs in approximately 84 years, Neptune takes about 165 years, and Pluto, being much farther from the Sun, takes roughly 248 years to make a full circle.

Depending on its position in the sky, Pluto can remain in one sign anywhere from 12 to 30 years, as follows:

Pluto in Aries lasts approximately 30 years
Pluto in Taurus lasts approximately 30 years
Pluto in Gemini lasts approximately 30 years
Pluto in Cancer lasts approximately 25 years
Pluto in Leo lasts approximately 18 years
Pluto in Virgo lasts approximately 15 years
Pluto in Libra lasts approximately 12 years
Pluto in Scorpio lasts approximately 12 years
Pluto in Sagittarius lasts approximately 13 years
Pluto in Capricorn lasts approximately 15 years
Pluto in Aquarius lasts approximately 20 years
Pluto in Pisces lasts approximately 25 years

With such variance, it’s rare for all three outer planets to change signs within a short time frame. However, that is exactly what we are experiencing now, which is one of the reasons why the world feels so unsettled.

Pluto settled into the sign of Aquarius on November 19, 2024, although it had already been moving back and forth between Capricorn and Aquarius since March 23, 2023. Pluto spent about sixteen years in Capricorn, a sign associated with traditional structures and long-term goals related to power and authority.

A few years after Pluto entered Capricorn, Neptune moved into Pisces on February 3, 2012. Neptune and Pisces naturally resonate with one another, but for many, this was a period of confusion and disillusionment. It often felt like we were drifting in a fog, unsure of what was real. When Neptune had entered Aries on March 30, 2025, some people began to feel as though the fog had finally lifted.

Uranus has been in Taurus since March 6, 2019. Uranus brings innovation, while Taurus prefers stability and comfort. During this time, technologies like Zoom and AI expanded rapidly, supporting new ways of working and living. Pluto’s time in Capricorn helped reinforce those structures, giving them staying power. On July 7, 2025, Uranus will move into Gemini, another shift of energy in a relatively short time period.

We are leaving behind a period defined by introspective, receptive, and traditional energy. Pluto in Capricorn, Neptune in Pisces, and Uranus in Taurus emphasized home, structure, finances, and the desire for security. This doesn’t mean everyone personally resonated with that energy, but it did shape the collective tone.

Now, within less than a year, these three outer planets are shifting into signs that emphasize action, extroversion, and individualism: Pluto in Aquarius, Neptune in Aries, and Uranus in Gemini. It feels as if something primal has awakened. The world is becoming louder, more restless, and more reactive. There’s a noticeable shift from passivity and conformity to boldness, rebellion, and even aggression. When the outer planets move into extroverted and masculine signs, tensions often rise and conflict can erupt more easily.

We are already seeing signs of this transition: protests, international tensions, and shifting alliances. The summer of 2025 will likely be active, but this doesn’t mean it will all be negative. These three outer planets are forming a minor grand trine, which creates supportive flow between them. While the energy can still be jarring, it also offers momentum and cooperation for those able to work with it.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably heard me say that the whole world could be on fire, but your life could still be just fine. I know that may sound strange. If you are in a place experiencing active conflict or facing serious disruptions to your life or social status, of course things won’t feel fine. But not all battles are visible or global. Some people will experience loss and hardship. Others may feel more energized, inspired, and ready to grow.

Finding your direction during energy shifts

There are two additional planets to consider here: Jupiter and Saturn. Known as the social planets, they reflect how we relate to society, goals, and collective frameworks. Right now, they are in very different conditions.

Saturn is in Aries, a sign where it is considered to be in its fall. Saturn governs structure, responsibility, and limits. Aries is about impulsiveness, independence, and drive. Together, they challenge us to take responsibility for ourselves. This energy can be harsh at times, especially when rules are enforced through authoritarian means. But it can also help us gain clarity and focus. It invites us to see through distractions and direct our energy toward meaningful goals. However, that same push to move forward can also create restlessness if not channeled wisely.

Jupiter, on the other hand, is exalted in Cancer. When Jupiter is in Cancer, there is a deep focus on home, family, connection, and emotional security. This placement is often seen as auspicious and nurturing. But like all energies, it has a polarity. For some, it may heighten sensitivity or the urge to fiercely protect their home environment. It’s important not to view any placement as inherently good or bad, but to understand how it tends to express itself depending on circumstances.

With all that said, there are many people who could have a fantastic summer, even with the world in flux. For example, if you are a Cancer rising, Jupiter is currently transiting your first house while Saturn is transiting your tenth. This creates a focus on self-direction, personal growth, and career goals. You may have lucky encounters or a renewed sense of optimism, even if things don’t go according to plan.

In terms of business or ambition, you may feel ready to take bold steps. You’re more willing to take risks, but you’re doing it with strategy instead of fear. Saturn’s placement can help you stay grounded and practical, while Jupiter’s support helps you see possibilities beyond your current limitations.

For Cancer risings, the three outer planets are also working behind the scenes to support your growth. Uranus is moving through your twelfth house, which can bring sudden insight, especially on spiritual or subconscious levels. Neptune in Aries is helping you reconnect with goals and dreams that feel more actionable. Pluto in Aquarius, moving through your eighth house, is asking you to rethink your relationship with shared resources and how you want your money or influence to impact the world.

It is important to remember that external chaos has always been around. It just may not have been in your backyard. The United States birth chart is having a lot of activity, and due to the past eight decades of the United States’ involvement with world affairs, the disruption of the U.S. is reverberating throughout the world. But this doesn’t mean all of the tensions are due to the United States. The shift of energy will impact each country differently, as well as each person.

Please know I am not downplaying anyone’s negative experiences with what is happening now. But at the same time, I think it is important to have perspective. From 1969 through 1973, the outer planets transitioned from introspective and passive energy into the active and initiating fire and air energy. This was the time of the Vietnam War; an energy that polarized the United States and ravaged a beautiful country. Just like then, collectively we will see war, conflict, tension, injustice, displacement, and the harsher side of humanity.

However, individually, we may experience some of the same things that my family experienced back then. My father had significant career growth during this time, which led him to own his own business. My parents’ friend group largely expanded, and as a family, we would attend pool parties and neighborhood get-togethers. Even though the nightly news was filled with frightening images of combat, I learned to dance, lost my baby teeth, and played outside with my friends. Life went on. And so did death, including the passing of my great aunt Sadie, whom I adored, and my uncle Sonny, a one-time professional wrestler.

I’m not telling you to bury your head in the sand. But I also believe that you are here to live your life. Change is hard. Nations fighting, whether with one another or internally, is always heinous. It is important to recognize what you can change and what is out of your control. Not enjoying your life is giving in to the external chaos and the power brokers who don’t want you to be happy.

Instead, I recommend looking at your own chart and understanding how the external influences of the planets will impact you over the next couple of years. Just like in the 1970s, the energy will eventually settle down. Disputes will be resolved. And the 24 hour news will find other subjects to cover.

Lean into the positive side of these energetic shifts. They can help propel you toward your dreams, connect you with others, and open your mind to new perspectives. The world may feel chaotic, but when you tune into your personal astrology and focus on your heart’s desire and path, you may find that this is your time to rise, to lead, to love, to heal, or to begin again.

Theresa Touhey