Soul Food: Mars & Uranus in Taurus

I’m sitting on my patio in Mexico, listening to the sound of my fingers tapping against the keyboard and the plump drops of rainfall melding together in a soothing harmony. I pause and think about the rain and where it comes from and where it’s going. Next stop: deep into the Mexican soil that will sooner or later become fresh mangoes, cacti, and vibrant green palms. Crops will yield an abundant harvest that not only feeds the people but the families of farmers whose livelihoods depend on a bountiful season. And then its remnants will become nourishment for the wild creatures that roam the night until those remains feed the soil–let the cycle begin anew.

After living in Portland, I’ve seen plenty of rain, so why am I being sentimental about this exotic Mexican rain?

Mars entered Taurus this past week (the day the angry mob of terrorists stormed the US Capital to be exact), adding a little passion and emphasis to a longer-term astrological influence: Uranus in Taurus. Since 2019 the planet of upheaval, radicalization, and alternative culture has traveled through Taurus. Cautious financial management, long-held traditions, personal values, and hedonistic consumption are all Taurus-related themes. The energy of Uranus is the antithesis of Taurus in many ways: where Taurus strives to preserve and uphold, Uranus presses to dismantle and change. The very nature of the pace of each is entirely opposite, Taurus is viscous and cautious whereas Uranus is abrupt and chaotic.

Unless you’ve been on a year-long silent retreat or fled to a cave when things got tough in the last year, you’ve probably noticed that these polarizing forces have been hard at work trying to push forth their agenda, only for the other to slap down any progress and click “revert.” It seems there are two sides: one that wishes to conserve and maintain and the other wishes to change entirely and make progress. Uranus is set to stay in Taurus through 2026, so this isn’t over in the slightest.

Taurus is an Earth sign rooted strongly in the value of security and maintaining one’s resources and comfort. Uranus is causing disruption to Taurus things. This astrology is manifesting quite literally (like most of the major transits of 2020) in a disruption to mother earth, our natural resources, and what it requires for humanity to prevail. Taurus energy is fixed, meaning it has a hard time adapting to change, despite change being the only option to preserve life.

Let’s add another layer. In December 2020, Saturn entered Aquarius where it will be for about 2.5 years. Saturn carries a restrictive energy and since it’s at home in Aquarius, it is quite powerful. For the next year, Saturn and Uranus will be in a tense square (90° angle) to one another. When planets square with one another, they create friction and it usually manifests as two forces trying to knock the other out of the spotlight. However, this can be used productively if the two are consciously integrated.

We humans are in for a rude awakening if we cannot work with the restrictions that are upon us and learn to change. The results of overconsumption and overpopulation are here. Whether we are ready or not, we must face the music of greed, gluttony, and self-servitude.

Saturn in a progressive sign like Aquarius creating tension with Uranus in a conservative sign like Taurus could bring more political turmoil, natural disasters, and quite literally a food shortage. Humans have disrupted the planet for too long and now we are apt to see the supplies that keep us alive dwindle. The word to remember is “adapt.”

So where does rain come into this?

Rain is life and a reminder that life will prevail. Whether humans are apart of the picture, Mama Earth will regenerate and care for herself, even if we aren’t apart of that image.

Rain cleanses. Even when change is uncomfortable, it’s often the only option. The next time there is a storm in your life, consider the blessing that there is an opportunity to release and find a new path.

Rain nourishes. I encourage you to ponder what it means to live a nutrient-rich life. Are you filling your days with junk or do your actions feed your soul and the world around you?

This cycle offers a chance to not only reconsider how we are filling our bodies and how we are tending to the soil that makes the food that fuels our bodies, but also the heartiness of how we spend our days. If you've felt stuck or stagnant in a job or a relationship, there is no better time to step outside of your comfort zone to live in authentic alignment. If your New Years Resolution is to be more conscious about the health of your body, also consider the health of your time. Time is so precious and there is a finite amount provided to each of us. It’s time to step into your power and align with your purpose. You might lose people in the process. Things might not look the same. Stepping into your power involves surrender.

But wouldn’t you rather have true soul food than junk food? There is abundance when we live in alignment.