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The astral air prickles with electricity this week, prompting emotional bodies to bristle with a full range of intense reactions. Expect to feel unsettled or hyper-vigilant as you attempt to attune to these various celestial currents. Just be careful not to blow your circuits—the dominant planetary configuration is directly linked to nervous systems, and too much input could disturb or disrupt your equilibrium. For some, this dynamic atmosphere provokes panic, especially if anxiety about an uncertain future fuels fear and other negative attitudes. For others, simply handling the vacillations of daily life takes a toll, particularly on those committed to helping others to cope with extremes. But the week isn't only bleak. The same dominant theme—a Mercury/Uranus trine—also provides opportunities for extraordinary clarity, and for those who manage to keep a positive perspective, viable creative solutions may seem to appear out of the blue.

The trine between Mercury, retrograde in Leo, and Uranus, retrograde in Aries, disrupts the routines of daily life as it simultaneously inspires a fresh approach to the same-old-same-old. This is a fiery, powerful alliance with the potential to spark and ignite invention and innovation. Mercury symbolizes all intellectual aptitudes and abilities. Uranus signifies revolution and rebellion. Both planets are in Fire signs, positions that amplify magnetic, dynamic, and often dramatic exchanges. Mercury/Uranus contacts enhance brainpower, and ideas flourish under this influence. Expect lively conversation, as Jupiter, in Gemini, sextiles both Mercury and Uranus, positively supporting this already strong tendency toward discussion. Just be aware that Jupiter tends toward exaggeration and excess, and when it is in Gemini, the sign of information, the subjects of communiqués of all sorts, from a personal tête-à-tête to a transpersonal lecture, are certain to range far and wide.

The only problem is that both of these planetary dynamos are currently retrograde—it's not a small glitch, if only because plans and projects initiated under a retrograde tend to take much longer to come to fruition, with the inevitable delay of desired results engendering more than a little frustration. Trust your intuition, and be patient. Eventually—Mercury goes direct on August 8—some of those lightning flashes of inspiration could turn into tangible realities.

The Uranus/Pluto square continues to provide an irritating undertone to personal as well as political interactions, particularly activities and attitudes mired in stagnant perspectives that refuse to acknowledge what's needed to facilitate positive transformation. Try to notice where you might be holding on to a position that has outlived its usefulness.

For the next ten days, a Venus/Saturn trine supports emotional sobriety. Saturn is currently in Libra. (It enters Scorpio on October 5.) This trine was also operative from the end of April through most of May so don't be surprised if you find yourself revisiting relationship themes and issues from that time.

Mercury and Uranus, while exciting, have a direct effect on nervous systems, and those less skilled at handling the intensity are certain to feel their electrical systems achieving maximum capacity. Do whatever it is you do to stay calm and centered and encourage others to do the same.

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