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The turbulent seas of change get even rougher this week and next, as several planetary configurations make the already too intense days and nights on planet Earth even more intense. Expect controversy and confrontation, both individual and collective. Frustration and ensuing temper tantrums are probable. And because of that, those tried and true patience pills won't be enough to handle the interruptions, interference, detours, and delays that punctuate the ongoing unpredictable atmosphere. All of us—perhaps not the saintly—will need to think before we speak and breathe before we leap into reactions we're likely to regret the very moment we start to go off on a tirade. A neutral stance would be the best position to assume, especially if you're caught in the middle of conflict.

The week unfolds as a series of astral speed bumps—all of which are strong enough to take any of us off track. (1) On July 14, Mercury goes retrograde, and (2) on July 13 Uranus goes retrograde. Yes, I know I've listed them backwards, but that's completely in keeping with the signature of this dual retrograde—they really act as one. Most of us know the Mercury retrograde drill, but that's no excuse for failing to back up your information. Those of you new to Mercury Retrograde, here's the skinny: Mercury Retrograde negatively affects all things related to communication and language. Translation: All mail sources from the snail to the email have problems, as do other all other sources of connectivity from phones to scans to documents to negotiations to travel.

But this retrograde is particularly problematic because Uranus symbolizes technology and that means your smart phone is certain to turn stupid. And it will take enormous effort to resist the temptation to throw your iPad or any other electronic device against the wall, in the lake, or off the mountaintop. We always feel an etheric bump when Uranus throws its weight around, but because the essence of Uranus is unpredictability as well, there's no telling how we will experience the jolt.

On July 15, a Sun/Saturn square is exact and separating. This square is traditionally interpreted as a pessimistic interaction that could lead to hypercriticism—but really, given the degree of intensity, who wouldn't be pessimistic? From a positive perspective, this combination can serve as a sobering buoy amidst a stormy sea.

But it is Mars that poses the biggest challenge to stay afloat on these shifting seas. On July 9, Mars began a square to Pluto as well as an opposition to Uranus, forming a T-Square that culminates on July 17 and 18. T-Squares are laden with tension, and when they release, we experience their full effect. The energetic signature of the Uranus/Pluto square without the presence of Mars is revolution. Uranus and Pluto want to take it to the street. Mars easily agrees, and its famous need to lead, win, and get physical exacerbates ego conflicts, power struggles, and discord of every denomination. Keeping a cool head will require constant effort. Navigating these waters successfully will require an abiding trust in the idea that positive solutions are possible even when we can't see the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's enough to know that peace is the wisest choice.

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