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The heavens are hyperactive this week, and even though the planets aren't actually suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder, many of us are likely to have a hard time staying focused, especially as emotional bodies, already overloaded from so many weeks of intensity, hit their super-saturation point and hearts and minds strain to absorb one more drop of stress. Frustration is also probable, given that we're in the midst of a dual retrograde, a condition that awakens the Inner Hal in almost every machine from the laptop to the toaster. But don't despair; while this rebellion seems intentional, artificial intelligence isn't taking over—yet. (Although you could find yourself wishing it would so you could bypass the endless hours of tech support that don't seem to make one bit of difference when a machine has a mind of its own. Alas, we're still in charge.) Rather than bemoan the retrograde obstacle course, be determined to seize the creative power of the moment.

Several factors contribute to this week's intensity.

We're in the first week of a Mercury/Uranus dual retrograde: Mercury is retrograde until August 8, and Uranus is retrograde until December 13. Both planets "turned around" in tandem, as well as in a trine to each other. And even though a trine is a positive interaction, retrogrades always pose problems. Mercury signifies language, communication, and travel. Uranus represents technology, and the combination indicates snafus involving electronics and technology. Don't drop your phone off a cliff in a hissy fit of frustration. It's not the phone's fault that the satellite connection is down or that the network is exhausted from overload or that too many pictures are clogging your hard drive.

Oy...oy...oy pretty much covers the effect of Uranus Retrograde combined with Mercury Retrograde. But if I must elaborate: Uranus also symbolizes instability, which is one of the reasons it's infamous for spontaneous and often startling plot twists that tend to manifest as complete reversals of attitude and perspective. Given that Mercury is often as squirrely and unstable as Uranus, especially when its retrograde is linked to the planet of the unpredictable, this dual retrograde has the power to humble even the mightiest of transformers. You'll need huge stores of tolerance to handle the dual retrograde, so pace yourself.

But this week, you'll also need equally deep reservoirs of compassion to handle the Mars/Uranus/Pluto T-Square that is exact and separating today, and over the course of the next several days. When an astrological interaction is exact and separating, we feel the full thrust of its power. Unfortunately, this T-Square is a pernicious interaction that easily justifies violence as a first defense against angst and frustration. Mars doesn't back down easily, and when that defiance couples with the aggravation of the dual retrograde, the need to discharge pent-up feelings is likely to translate into all sorts of aggressive behavior.

As the week unfolds, do your best to resist habitual reactions. We are not machines, and our co-creative power always allows opportunities to make conscious choices. There's never been a better time to kick any unconscious habit, especially if that habit is kicking the dog or anyone else who happens to be in your way. Stay mindful of your reactions and everyone will benefit—even you.  

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