This week opens with a rush to action and closes with more of the same. Even though the bulk of the week takes place in the waning lunar phase, there will be a very active pace and an atmosphere of busy engagement. It’s all due to antsy Mars, who this week interacts with both expansive Jupiter and unique Uranus to create big ambitions, impatience with conventional methods, and fast-moving conditions. Further, Uranus throws in its own spice during the weekend, along with condiment comments from Mercury and Pluto. There’s quite enough here to keep the house rocking in a hot pepper sort of way, and then comes the New Moon on Sunday to further amp up the voltage. Anybody tired of a lagging pace over the last few weeks should be more than entertained for this one.

Monday finds us chomping at the bit to charge into action. A feeling of abundant enthusiasm infuses the atmosphere due to Mars and Jupiter. On this day, these two planets arrive at an exact square (or 90 degree relationship) within the circle of the zodiac. This means that from our vantage point on Earth, these two bodies stand at points which would form two corners if inscribed in a circle. This formation is well known to evoke the powers of the planets involved in an outward and vigorous manner. Mars connotes active energy and bold pursuit of objectives. Jupiter stands for expansion of horizons. The combination will bring out the desire in us all to surpass present boundaries and reach for a more challenging experience. Clearly, this can be a healthy impulse if it does not go too far. For many, the problem this day will be just that — the invitation to go too far. Hold onto sanity and the early part of this week can bring meaningful progress in career and exercise, as well as increase of positive mental attitude. But watch out for 9 - 10 pm EST Monday when the Moon by virtue of squaring Mars intensifies feelings to the point of breaking.

The scene doesn’t cool much for Tuesday. There’s still a big head of steam powering a surge to accomplish important objectives. Some will lose their way on this, verging over into a willful attempt to simply have it the way they want it. There are sure to be conflicts of will both on Monday and Tuesday for the stubborn. Beware this from late Monday EST until 3 pm EST. Conversations will go more amicably late on Tuesday night.

Fortunately, Wednesday is a new day and a new month. The Moon conjuncts Saturn just before 8 am EST, slowing everybody down for a moment of meaningful reflection, and the day gets off to a more sober start. Lucky connections then start happening, and go on happening, right through the day and into Thursday. Actual fun shapes up - which is a good thing in case anybody has forgotten. Positive spiritual vibrations indicate good connections to be had on Wednesday and Thursday in community and neighborhood, in business, and in romantic love. Compatibility will abound and common interests will surface, making Wednesday and Thursday good days to sow seeds which might spring to life after the New Moon on Sunday.

Next up is hot-natured Mars, who interacts with wacky and wild Uranus on Friday. Yep, another square, indeed, making the end of the week a mixture of all the nice stuff in the last paragraph and sudden departures from the norm. Here come the curve-balls. There will definitely be some, especially late on Thursday night and early on Friday. Anybody whose temper has been close to the breaking point may lash out, so don’t push creatures in this condition just now. The desire for independence and for freedom of self expression is overwhelming while Mars and Uranus sit in square to one another. That covers the period Wednesday to Sunday of this week. Therefore, leave others plenty of room if an uproar isn’t wanted. Many confrontations will happen, some of which can be therapeutic by cleansing the air of suppressed tensions.

There is a slight reduction of excitement overnight from Friday to Saturday, but then along comes Uranus. Sunday evening this planet will make a direct station, shifting from apparent backward motion to direct. According to many astrological theorists, the direct and retrograde stations are the most powerful application of astrological energies which exists. This means that the nature of Uranus will be extremely prominent this weekend, bringing out the desire for creative change in all of us and causing the environment to mirror that theme in unusual events. Mercury and Pluto will add intensity to world events this day, conjoining in Capricorn to focus attention on governmental and political affairs. The natural environment is likely to be affected as well, Capricorn being connected through its ruler Saturn with rock and stone. Earthquake and mudslide areas are likely to experience increased activity along these lines, especially on Sunday. Transportation may be hampered for a variety of reasons. All around us the world and its people will be going through fairly dramatic transformations. In many cases this will be a good thing, for tensions built up over the course of a long time will be released so that they can be channeled into a better, more appropriate direction.