It's Astro-Logical -- practical advice for conscious living ---> Issue #78

Mercury in Gemini has formed the
departing square with Neptune in Pisces
at 18°. This lasts through early June.

This is what it looks like to an Astrologer.

The theme of this pattern

Your conscious mind (thoughts, ideas, communication)
is strongly colored by your subconscious (imagination.)

Who are the players
and what are they doing?

Well, last time I wrote about Mars in Cancer and Uranus in Taurus -- two planets in fall, two planets hindered by the sign (the general climate) in which they are traveling. Here we have the opposite situation: two planets in the signs they rule -- Mercury in Gemini and Neptune in Pisces. They are both in signs where they each get along great; they can operate freely; they are exceptionally happy and able to be themselves.

The problem here is these two may not be happy with each other. Each, by "being himself" can create circumstances where the partner is not comfortable. Imagine a relationship where one person is very cerebral, restless, curious, etc., ... and he wants to talk, share the news, tell stories, have a conversation. The other is introverted, quiet, subtle, private and wants to meditate, think his own thoughts, focus inward, be reflective and self-analytical.

So -- while one is chattering away, lively and full of excitement, the other deliberately puts on his headphones and closes his eyes. (Great situation. Right?) One wants to "kick around ideas," brainstorm, have a debate, discuss some new concepts he's come up with today. The other wants to work on his novel, or his new song, or write in his journal. So while one gets settled in for a few hours of give-and-take discussion ... the other goes to his room and closes the door. (But that doesn't stop the chatty one. He's perfectly willing to shout.)

One wants to get out, move around, see if he can top his personal best at running a half-mile, then try a new restaurant and maybe take in a show or roam around at a crafts exhibit or flea market -- and he wants company, dammit!! The other wants nothing more than a quiet evening at home, where he can Netflix-and-chill with a great bottle of wine and some snacks he invented just for the occasion.

Now ... consider that these are both parts of you -- two Inner Selves, each of whom you cherish, and value and want to satisfy, etc. How well are they getting along? How comfortable are you? See what I mean?

Now, it's possible these two can get along -- sort of. Except one is working from a perspective of conscious knowledge, logic, things he can describe and explain, things he can put into words -- where hopefully someone else can understand what he's on about. The other however, works with feeling, emotions, memories, intuition, inspiration, spiritual issues ... and things that are conceptual instead of richly detailed, things he imagines -- but finds hard to explain, things that are better suited to art ... or journeying ... or symbolism -- and sharing those, even if he wants to ... is a challenge. Even if each is trying to cooperate ... there are still problems.

What to expect?

• Great ideas that feel wonderful -- and that you understand clearly enough to satisfy you -- but you have a hard time getting someone else (anyone else!!) to comprehend (or see the potential!!) the way you do

• An extremely creative mindset, full of ideas and fantasies, but what it envisions is too artsy, too fanciful, too idealistic, not practical enough to work with in physical reality ... or it costs too much, or you can't get backing from more conservative thinkers, or you can't explain your concepts well ... because language itself is too limited, etc.

• A mind full of visions, dreams, possibilities, desires -- based on wishful thinking ... the way you want things to be ... more than you care to admit, but you're reluctant (or downright unwilling!!) to compromise them enough to fit in the constraints of "harsh reality" ... and the limits and "small-minded thinking" you have to cope with ... there

• A mind whose attitude swings from ecstasy and excitement and visions of what all is possible ... if only ... to paranoia, unfounded fears, anxiety, depression and catastrophizing

It can be thrilling on the upswing ... and exhausting on the downhill. And that's kind of where we're all traveling -- for a while. Enjoy the trip -- because that's what it amounts to. But try not to hang your future on important decisions ... until things settle down some and you can think clearly -- at last. Realize that for a little while, you may be lost in wonderland ... where nothing is exactly as it seems.