As of 10:49PM ET last night, Moon entered the watery depths of Cancer, a sign known for its emotional sensitivity,  nurturing ability, and its need to establish a solid family/homeland foundation. It is the power of Mom and apple pie, and our collective soul could use a dose of it.

A dreamy connection between Moon and empathic Neptune at 8:18AM ET sets the tone for much of the business day in time zones Eastern thru Pacific, softening the sharp edges of so many other planets — Sun, Mercury, Mars and Uranus — in fiery Aries. It suggests a need for inspiration and intuitive action, coupled with the drive and passion that facilitates success. Temper your initiatives with sensitivity and you can accomplishment much today.

As the day progresses, the Cancer Moon is given further gravitas by a strong connection to steady, sobering Saturn at 5:14PM ET, which is about when we may experience a jolt, revelation , power play and/or catharsis, as the sensitive Moon is challenged by rebel Uranus at 6:12PM ET and then by ruthless Pluto at 10:18PM ET (we just had a 7.8 quake in Iran). Be vigilant and be prepared (which just happens to be in synch with the advice of Beth Owlsdaughter’s wonderful Tarot Card of the Week). These lunar challenges will be happening as the Sun in warrior-hero Aries and Mars (the warrior planet which rules Aries), approach an exact conjunction Wednesday at 8:20PM ET, as noted in previous forecasts. The potential manifestations of this power focus of self-centered will and action are, at its best, fearless, inspiring feats of heroism; bold actions that take us into new frontiers. At its worst, Sun-Mars in Aries can be dangerously self-absorbed, angry, destructive and yes, explosive — especially when the disruptive Uranus-Pluto square is added to the mix.

If you recall the forecast for the last week’s New Moon in Aries, you will remember the potential for destructive action was discussed, as — for example —  Kim Jong-un was rattling sabers and raising concerns. But two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon? Utterly bewildering, which is exactly what we see in the horoscope for the first explosion at 2:50PM ET in Boston: foggy, bewildering Neptune on an angle, i.e., the cusp of the 7th house, which represents the public. And the public is bewildered. Who could do such a thing? (Neptune suggests a fanatic). In the online  astrology forums, astrologers are analyzing charts, looking for patterns that reflect — and would portend the potential for this awful reality. Like, how interesting it is to see 2 degrees of Aries on the Ascendant for last week’s New Moon chart calculated for Boston. And that yesterday, mental Mercury was at 2 degrees of Aries, triggering the New Moon chart and suggesting an aggressive idea might gain prominence. And that in the chart for the first explosion we see mental Mercury in the house associated with death, approaching a conjunction with rebel Uranus (surprising, explosive). And that Eris, a cosmic body specifically referring to war, is at zero degrees of Aries — the Aries Point — conjunct mental Mercury!

There are plenty of other patterns suggesting the potential for explosive action (including a challenging square in the horoscope of the US from transiting Mars to Pluto)  — that could be used for a horrible purpose — or a higher, heroic one. It is fascinating to see a meme circulating on Facebook last night, featuring a quote by Fred Rogers, who had a TV show that was comforting and beloved by children everywhere (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood): “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” And indeed, there were plenty of helping heroes in yesterday’s chaos.

Astrology can identify the potential for great good or evil suggested by a planetary pattern. We can surmise reasons why someone with a disconnected consciousness might choose evil over good. What astrology doesn’t do is answer the bewildering question of WHY anyone who allegedly has a soul and consciousness, as all humans presumably do, has the option of inflicting such damage and pain.  Why is there evil in the world?

As it turns out, over the weekend I happened to read Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander. Dr. Alexander was in a coma for seven days and had an amazing out-of-body experience that transformed his life — and just might transform yours, should you read the book.  And in the book the question of why there is evil in the world was addressed. And the answer was something like this.  Evil exists in places where beings with souls and consciousness are learning the lessons of free will. Earth is one such place. If evil were not an option, we would not be able to make choices and thus learn the lessons required in the laboratory called Planet Earth. There is relatively little evil in the Universe compared to the amount of good, and this is very, very good. And there is probably far more good on this planet than evil — though there have been times where one wonders…

Use the sensitive, dynamic, proactive energy suggested by today’s planetary patterns to go out and do good things today. Exercise your free will to be a hero, the highest form of Aries — as opposed to a destructive jerk , which is the alternative. The choice is yours.

And when in doubt, count your blessings — always empowering.

Peace out.