The Aesthete

Sparks Will Fly!

The Cancer New Moon Precedes Sun's Entrance Into Leo. RAWR!

by Shelley L. Ackerman

The heat is on: literally, figuratively, and astrologically.

And now that the chart of NYC is about to be fully activated, animated, and up for excitement and adventure, we should be jumping for joy, right?

Well yes, if only cooler heads were to prevail. But as a rule, we’re a distracted lot, and at this point, if we’re not careful and willing to throw some restraint into the mix, things this week can get down right explosive.

There’s been some evidence of this explosiveness and accident-prone energy already: As soon as Mars entered Libra (July 3rd) and began applying to square Pluto (exact on July 17) and oppose Uranus (exact on July 18th), Con-ed workers went out on strike; on July 7th, there was a transformer explosion that ignited a minivan and then torched an apartment building on 56th Street and Lexington Ave., and a number of water-related accidental deaths of small children (whose parents, in each case, lost track of them for a minute or two) in and around the New York area. These in addition to the water-electrocution incidents involving kids in Missouri and Tennessee. WHAT is going on?

Mars in hard aspect to most any planet yields heat, agitation, and motivation, but it doesn’t have to be negative. Mars to Uranus is often wild, shocking, and frenetic, but it can be extremely brilliant and creative, as is the case with comic actor Robin Williams, known for his non-stop sparkling improvisation and riffing. But what makes the hard-to-manage Mars/Uranus planetary combo work so well for Williams, is that he is focused on perfecting his art.

The Sabian Symbol for the degree of Thursday’s new moon also speaks of electrical storms and lightning, further adding to the “sparks flying” image of Mars/Uranus. On the positive end of the spectrum, for those who have been pushovers, a balance can be struck and they may more easily establish an equal footing-situation with others while those who tend towards being explosive at every turn, may actually bother to reflect and gain some objectivity before responding rashly. Pluto in the mix guarantees that whatever transpires will be transformative and powerful. The message from the universe is to be very present during times of stress and to strive for sober and wise responses. Makes sense?

Happily, the Sun enters royal, creative, and fun-loving Leo (its own sign) on Sunday July 22 at 6:01 am. May the good times roll.

 

HOROSCOPES FOR JULY 16TH TO 22ND 

ARIES: There’s no pussy-footing around the fact that this week marks a defining moment in your life and in your evolution. There’s plenty of stress to go ‘round for everyone, but as is often the case, there’s more to be gained by not taking the bait. Instead, think of the annoying “Pollyanna” who may come at you at the most inappropriate time, as a messenger of good who has appeared to stop you from walking on a live wire (think Forrest Gump in Vietnam saving Lieutenant Dan). Above all else, count to ten before starting the ignition- literally and figuratively, and remember that many in your path do have your best interests at heart.

ARIES Dos/Don’ts: The rent is too damn high and the city is too damn crowded. Add to that the summer heat, and hot-headed Martian types (along with the rest of us) who are hard-pressed to keep a lid on it should run, not walk, to the NY Open Center for some Anger Management with Rachel McDavid, licensed marriage and family therapist, who will undoubtedly help you take the edge off and teach “new ways to respond to emotional triggers by owning our feelings, setting boundaries, and communicating our needs.”

TAURUS: While many in the zodiac are experiencing the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and are being knocked around like pinball machine balls in an earthquake, you can actually slip in and benefit big time as the “save the day” guy (or girl) in a crisis. Spotting and seizing opportunities while others are succumbing to chaos is not demonic, it’s just plain smart. And lord knows, you’re entitled to spoils of war providing you disseminate those gains wisely.

TAURUS Dos/Don’ts: A gift for your tum tum is the food, glorious food discounted all over the Apple. Restaurant Week begins July 16 and goes thru August 10th (so it’s almost three weeks), in which the prix fixe options rule. Not bad for visiting guests. And for your listening pleasure, on July 17, some free Viennese Chamber Music, courtesy of the Washington Square Music Festival at St Joseph’s Church. Divine.

GEMINI: Friends, Romans, and most Countrymen are likely to get a wee bit testy this week, so be forewarned and take some extra tolerance pills. While you’re at it, please make sure that you don’t (due to impatience and distractedness) accidentally become one of the worst offenders. A friend, teammate, or group you’re in cahoots with, can actually be a tremendous support for a message and/or initiative that you wish to put out there. The reverse is true as well. You’re in a place to make a difference for a lot of people. How cool is that?

GEMINI Dos & Don’ts: Visually-oriented Geminis, in a reflective and contemplative space (courtesy of Mercury retro in Leo) through August 8th, could get a lot out of The Seeing Lab, and refine their face reading skills. So get a leg up on Fall 2012 and hone those rusty life skills. 

CANCER: Though few of us are as gorgeous and funny as Sofia Vergara, or as winning as Tom Hanks, or as spiritually adept as the Dalai Lama, (all three Cancerians BTW), when taking the high road, we Moon Children have an uncanny knack for making life better and more comfy for everyone around us. This week promises to challenge the best of us, and as the most sensitive members of the cosmos, you can expect to be called upon (July 17-20) early and often. Fret not, as angels are seeing to it that the emotional energy and effort expended in and around the home and hood will not be forked over in vein. 

CANCER Dos & Don’ts: Ancestral melodies linger, so set the tone for the week on July 16th when Frank Sinatra, Jr. honors his iconic Papa at 8 PM in an evening entitled Sinatra Sings Sinatra at Town Hall.

LEO: A timeout from slaying one dragon after another is in order as you focus on the careful rewriting of your script as it were. This week of prep and inner work is tantamount to your making the most of the Sun’s annual foray into your sign, which begins at the crack of dawn on Sunday July 22. A surprise guest or communiqué from an overseas contact or a legal eagle could throw some unexpected but interesting content into the mix, however know that all is falling into place for the grand entrance you’re about to make in a week or two or three.

LEO Dos & Don’ts: The sign of Leo is so much about becoming one’s own authority and carefully selecting which battles to pursue. The above is masterfully put forth July 17th to 29th at the 20-year revival of MEN'S LIVES by Joe Pintauro (directed by legendary actor Harris Yulin) at The Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. Stuck in the city? No problem: Spyro Gyra at the Blue Note on July 17th to 22nd.

VIRGO: It’s hard for mercurial types to remain calm and centered as your ruling planet is busy kicking up every freakin’ memory you’ve ever had, good, bad, and indifferent (all up for review, some processing, and healing, no doubt). And while everyone around you seems to be at their wits end and calling upon YOU for a reality check, you may be challenged to come up with any answers. The good news is, you don’t have to answer the phone, and if you need a mental health day break from work, by all means take it. Standing up to a banker or an ogre at a financial institution is totally appropriate and will ultimately work in your favor.

VIRGO Dos & Don’ts: Got a little bee in your bonnet? Love 60’s rock? On July 20th, Beyond the Beehive One Girl’s Journey through Rock with Ronnie Spector, an evening of stories, images, and songs at the City Winery should take good care of it and you.

LIBRA: You’re coming out of your shell (a major theme for the next several weeks) in a big way, and as such, need to summon up all of your marvelous social skills, not limited to but especially including “grace under fire.” As crafty peacemaker and veteran mediator, you may be able to diffuse the most intense and potentially explosive situations with just the right language. Nice work if you can get it... and you can get it if you try.

LIBRA Dos & Don’ts: For a super treat: through July 21, see legendary triple threat performer Ben Vereen (and fellow Libran) at Below 54 (the former site of Studio 54). There’s no one like him, or like you for that matter.

SCORPIO: Staying out of the line of fire is generally not your first choice (why miss all the fun?), but it may be the best option this week as you ready yourself for the Sun’s exquisite entrance to the top of your chart. If you think about it, mid-late summer is often when you come into some professional glory and shine the most, so why tempt fate, as the little buzz you get from said antics is just not worth the risk. Anyhoo, some behind-the-scenes maneuvering early on the 17th could throw some extra coinage in your coffers. Go for it. 

SCORPIO Dos & Don’t’s: You deserve a break today (heck, most days) so be transported any Tuesday to Sunday afternoon (times vary daily through October) at a Tour of the Cloisters Medieval Gardens which include horticultural, architectural, and historical information and inspiration galore.

SAGITTARIUS: Though we acknowledge the solo-flying trapeze artist that you may be in your heart of hearts, truth be told, your best interests and outcomes are now achieved by, with, and via partnerships and through alliances with the right group(s) — at least for the time being. And while there’s no doubt that the quirks and rhythms of others take adjusting and getting used to, it’s truly the only way to reach the next set of goals. The sun’s entrance into your 9th house of journeys and philosophy will be extra meaningful this year as you’re about to especially find joy in questioning your core beliefs more than usual.

SAGITTARIUS Dos & Don’ts: July 19: News-loving centaurs could sink their hooves and teeth into She’s Making News: A conversation with Emmy-Award Winning CNN Anchor (and author) Soledad O’Brien at the Museum of Broadcasting/Paley Center for Media. Up for more of a less demanding but still meaty story (and a free trip to the Rome of yesteryear), then on Monday July 16th check out: Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Bryant Park at 8 pm (bring your blanket and set up anytime after 5 pm).

CAPRICORN: Though Gandhi never quite said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” it’s damn good advice and apropos to all that you’re experiencing now. Your home, life, professional life, and relationship life are shifting big time (yes, you already know that), but what you may not be fully aware of, is that you, yes YOU, hold the key to the entire shebang. None of it can move forward without your either consciously (or not) being on board. Know that while you’re entitled to your “moods”, that it’s best to not make these times of change any tougher than they need to be.

CAPRICORN Dos & Don’ts: Since Saturn-ruled Capricorns are well on their way to becoming experts in the art of rebuilding from the ashes, on Saturday, July 21st, Alec Baldwin will host Detropia, by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing at Guild Hall in East Hampton. Detropia is a “poetic” film about Detroit’s “fall from grace and how the next chapter in its tale is being rewritten.” Say what you will about the recently remarried Baldwin, but the mega-gifted hotheaded actor-activist always puts his time and money where his mouth is. An inspiration to all.

AQUARIUS: There’s no choice but to place any stress, agitation, and recent loss(es) into a “big picture context” as it’s the only way to go. And besides, your big picture context is expanding to the point that you probably need a larger computer screen and TV to contain it all (Wait till after Mercury retro – Aug 8, to purchase). But honestly, who better than an Aquarian to lead the way for the rest of us into a broader world view of time, space, evolution, and where humanity — especially those we dearly love — is heading toward? It’s your job, baby.

AQUARIUS Dos & Don’ts: Going off the beaten path may get you where you really wanna go: July 20th at The Open Center Tarot and the Cup of Receptivity: Awakening Intuitive Ability with Ellen Goldberg MA could get you thinking (and feeling) on a whole new level. Goldgerg’s reputation as therapist, coach, and divinator is stellar ‘round these parts. And if you’re upstate, July 20th to 22nd, many mainstream doctors in the medical and mental health are surprisingly respectful of acclaimed psychiatrist and reincarnation expert Brian Weiss. He presents “Same Soul/Many Bodies: Tapping Into the Power of Love”, and Past Life Regression Therapy Training July 22-27 at The Omega Center in Rhinebeck, NY.

PISCES: Here’s a question for ya: When all is said and done, what truly makes you feel safe? Is it money, food, a soulful merging with a partner, a family/home life that you can count on no matter what? The truth is, that all of the above matters a lot, but what if all of that were constantly stable with no bumps or shake-ups along the way? We’d learn nothing and never grow. What’s really key is that you retain the ability to chart your own course, regardless of what’s thrown at you. And after what may be a rocky week, the sun will (on Sunday July 22nd) enter your 6th house of day-to-day proceedings positioning you for the next four weeks to quietly, creatively, and effectively shift and steer the wheel in the direction of your choosing.

PISCES Dos & Don’ts: In the mood for socializing, chowing down, and rubbing elbows with supporting the Madison Square Park Conservancy? Then partake in the many dishes at the Flatiron Chefs event on Tuesday July 17th at Madison Square Park. And/or wax poetic the whole weekend long, July 20th and 21st (rain date Saturday, July 28th) and bring a blanket, sunscreen, an appetite for food, drinks, and books, and some prose of your own to read on open mike and you’re all set for NYC’s Second Annual Poetry Festival on Governors Island, Colonel Row.