The question around fate versus free will, the idea that life is pre-destined versus the idea that we influence our lives, comes up a lot in astrology.
My favourite quote on this topic is this one:
“There is in man a double spring of action, namely nature and the will; and nature for its part is ruled by the stars, while the will is free; but unless it (the will) resists, it is swept along by nature and becomes mechanical.”
Albertus Magnus, 13th century theologian
It strikes me that the fate vs. free will debate is ultimately a question of control. Do you let outside forces dictate your experiences, or do you push back, and put your own mark on the world?
We are each influenced by a combination of factors before birth, outside our conscious control. Though, if you believe in reincarnation, you might understand that there is a level of choice even in this ‘being born’ process. (For a great piece on incarnation, read ‘The Myth of Er’ from Plato’s Republic.
Whatever your beliefs, who you are born to, and what kind of support or opportunities your parents or early childhood creates, is often more determined by fate, rather than free will.
As you grow, opportunities to express your free will upon the world arrive. Consciously and unconsciously, you make choices. “Yes, I will do this.” “No, I won’t do that.”
“I will work hard to achieve a goal” and thus raise yourself above an apparent limitation. Or you might say “No, it’s too hard, this is my lot in life. I am stuck.” And thus life can feel fated.
Personally, I think we have power over fate, and that power lies in how we each use the free will available to us. Making choices, taking action, doing things this is the essence of free will.
This fate vs. free will theme is the essence of this week’s dominant aspect, a powerful opposition between Mars and Pluto. When Mars and Pluto face off, themes about force, control, power and dominance arise.
Are you under the control of outside forces or another person, or are you steering your own ship?
In some areas of life you may be the one in charge, while in other areas of life you may be the one receiving instructions. The key is to be mindful of where and when you’re in control, and remain alert to when someone else has power.
Problems arise when you give away your power without realising, or you’ve lost control but haven’t noticed. If you feel stuck, restricted or held back, you may be giving a person, place or thing power over you.
Check Your Chart
This opposition between Mars and Pluto occurs from 14 Cancer to 14 Capricorn. It peaks between July 15 – 17, but will felt for a few days before and after these exact dates. If you have planets at these degrees, this may be an especially potent aspect for you. It could trigger a change or outburst.
If you know your chart, check the houses that hold these degrees, or the signs of Cancer and Capricorn. Some kind of powerful transition is possible in relation to the topics associated with these houses.
For example, if you have Cancer on the 2nd House of Money and Capricorn on the 8th House of Debt, Taxes and Investments, then you’re ready to make a permanent or profound change in the way you handle your cash.
Mars only opposes Pluto once every two years. The last time this aspect formed was late July 2013, from 9 Cancer to 9 Capricorn. It will next form in early July 2017, from 18 Cancer to 18 Capricorn.
Power, Control and Change
The balance between power and control is under the spotlight now, which makes this week the perfect time to adjust the balance of power. You might do this in a close relationship, either at work or in your personal life.
You might have a specific topic or issue where you can see healthy or unhealthy power dynamics at play, perhaps in relation to food, money or time management.
With an opposition, the trick is to make adjustments so there is more balance. If you always take charge around X situation, step back and see how steps into the void.
If you never speak up about Y topic, and always follow someone else’s lead, take a stand and put your needs or desires out there.
This is the nature of an opposition. Like a see saw, focus and control shifts, from where it normally is to where it’s often not.
Force and when to use it, versus when to keep it in check, is a big theme this week.
What do you want to change, and how will you go about it?