The Alchemy of this Week

When the Ecuadorian shamans came to DC, many things confused them, but not the Washington Monument. When they saw it, they said, "Oh. That's for the star people." Indeed!

Some people won't even notice the energy of this week. Tuning in to planetary configurations requires an ability to focus, to drop down deep into oneself, to listen in every way it's possible to listen.

Some people will feel the energy, but immediately create a personal story to "explain" why they feel whatever they're feeling - jumpy, energized, out of control or whatever. Still others among us will feel the energy and remind ourselves, over and over again, that this is a big moment in the sky, hence a big moment for we puny humans. No matter how high fallutin' we think we are, we are incapable of separating ourselves from the dance of the planets, I assure you. Ha. We're such a funny species, believing ourselves to exist outside of nature. How would we do that?

I've read extensively about the configurations taking place this week, taken in the interpretations expressed by my very favorite astrologers. I think of all of them, Eric Francis' Planet Waves is the best bet for a comprehensive interpretation. He is not a public astrologer; you have to pay for his forecasts, but they are top notch.

For free, you get my interpretation.

Have you read anything about the old art of alchemy, the process by which lead is transformed into gold? Isaac Newton was a passionate practitioner of the Art, oh yeah. Joseph Campbell, among others, believed the Art was metaphorical, a description of the process of human evolution. We human beings are pretty good at transforming the metaphorical leadenness of our lives into something resplendent, burnished, shining and precious.

We work so hard, each in our own way, to become "better" (whatever that means). We study, practice, delve deep into our personal issues seeking a better understanding of what holds us back. We change habits, households, jobs, vocations, relationships - all because we believe these changes will help us become smarter, more accomplished, kinder and more fulfilled.

Change is hard, but change is good. Even more important, change is inevitable. In Chinese medicine it is believed that if circumstances do not change, disease will result. Some of us tilt into change on a regular basis, others among us hang tight to what was, out of fear or because the discomfort of change is something we would prefer to avoid. Most people do a little of both, depending on the situation. 

This week, what's going on in the sky sets the stage for radical, beautiful, life-enhancing transformation. You can't sail without wind, or write without a keyboard (or pencil), etc. no matter how much you might want to, but this week, if you're meant to sail, a beautiful wind will kick up. If you're meant to write, you'll be inclined to pick up your favorite pen and get to it. If you're meant to dance, the Pandora radio algorithms will offer up the best selection of music for you.

Rise to the occasion, people! This week you can spin straw into gold.

The surfeit of creative, life-enhancing energy available this week feels dangerously exciting because it is so potent. Purification, transmutation, transformation of a very profound nature is within our reach. Open your palms, let go of what's heavy or toxic so as to receive what is rightfully your highest expression of beauty, balance and delight. You will not regret it, believe me. Digging in your heels will not help. This is a week like none other. Seize this moment, please?

Shalom.