It's almost impossible not to share the sense of panic and dread that seems to be pervasive in the current climate. One thing that we can't avoid by keeping our hands away from our faces is the worry and concern. And astrologically speaking, there are a few reasons that these feelings may be taking root.​​

Choppy Waters

With markets now in their choppiest waters since 2008, it's worth noting that Jupiter and Pluto, having just converged in Capricorn, were last seen hanging out together around the same time that year. And while their proximity to one another doesn't necessarily mean stocks will crash and empires will fall, it's interesting to see that they were also touchy-feely at the start of the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918. Of course a lot has changed since then, and since 2008 too, but one thing that can probably be attributed to Jupiter and Pluto's influence is the sense of dread that gnaws at many of us. And this, sometimes, can become a self-fulfilling prophesy. The more we scan the horizon for threats, the more we can turn, even the relatively harmless, into a problem that looms large.

Being Practical

Now that Mercury's direction has changed, and with Saturn also about to enter Aquarius in the coming weeks, we will all start to come to our senses. Together, these events will bring a sober reflection on what practical work needs to be done to protect our communities and look after our friends. It does imply that we need to put sensible limits on our social circles and, if need be, isolate ourselves from problematic contact. But the important thing to note is that they signal a shift to a more helpful mentality in battling this illness. Instead of fighting fires with a scatter-gun approach, we can start to dedicate ourselves to the important work needed to secure a healthier future. Adjusting our state of mind to something more aligned with these principals is an important step in the right direction.

A Positive Attitude

It only weakens the immune system to be filled with worry and doubt. So to remind us all about the importance of positivity, I want to finish this article with a poem attributed to a comedy great, Spike Milligan, who despite battling a black depression for much of his life, inspired so many moments of pure joy.

We'll get through the current crisis best if we act in a spirit of togetherness and sensitivity and make sure that what sensible precautions we do take don't make life worse for our fellow travellers. And there's one thing we can all do to make the world a little less intimidating:

Smiling is Infectious
by Spike Milligan

​​Smiling is infectious,
​you catch it like the flu,​
When someone smiled at me today,
​I started smiling too.​

I passed around the corner​
And someone saw my grin.​
When he smiled I realised
​I'd passed it on to him.


​I thought about that smile,
​then I realised its worth.
​A single smile, just like mine
​could travel round the earth.


​So, if you feel a smile begin,​
don't leave it undetected.
​Let's start an epidemic quick,
​and get the world infected!