Crisis or Opportunity: How Your Sign Copes with Change

Times, as Bob Dylan used to sing, are a-changin’. Many astrologers have predicted the years 2011 to 2015 as especially challenging, and we’re not being smug about it; that’s the kind of honest prediction we wish no one ever had to make. When questions about the future loom so large, a useful question we might ask is: how can we regard crisis as an opportunity?

Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are intuitive, entrepreneurial types with an innate sense of leadership. These qualities are sorely needed when old ways of being come to an end. Look to Aries, the pioneer of the zodiac, to take bold, radical action -- like changing their entire life -- as the planets seem intent on pushing Aries to forge new paths. During prolonged stress, Leo must find a way to make a creative contribution that will be well-received, otherwise the normally fun-loving Lion grows stubborn and uncompromising. Sagittarius is a philosopher who can see the silver lining in every dark cloud. If they can embrace the wisdom of uncertainty in their own lives, they have an unshakable inner wisdom, inspiring spiritual encouragement and hope in everyone they touch.

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are the worker ants and busy bees of the zodiac. Enduring, practical and blessed with a strong grip on reality, Earth signs remind us what can work -- and what cannot. Taurus (generally) greatly dislikes change, but like a flower sprouting between a rock and a hard place, their greatest personal victories come from relaxing into the effort. Virgo is super responsive to the emergencies of life, but overwork can sap their creative energy and ability to see the forest of opportunities, for the trees. Meditation and de-stress rituals and routines help the Virgin here. Capricorn would rather control the world and tell it what to do than allow it to change. Capricorn stresses less by focusing on work and pouring energy into that.

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are objective, social and curious, traits that allow them to seek out information and view any critical situation from variety of angles. Air signs are inventive people who can help us change our perceptions. Change is second nature to Gemini, an adaptable sign, but that doesn’t make crisis easy. Gemini needs to talk about it, which also greases their mental wheels for the creative brainchild they’re looking for. Libra seeks balance through beauty, harmony and partnership. A fresh supply of strategies for keeping their relationships healthy, environment peaceful, and mind stimulated are stress-less strategies for this achievement-oriented sign. Aquarius is a born futurist, so when things fall apart they’re 10 paces ahead with a plan in hand. A stabilizing sign, Aquarius can stubbornly wait until an inevitable change becomes almost unbearable -- and then radically shock everyone.

Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are sensitive types who feel things deeply. These spiritually aware signs keep our hearts and souls connected during times of upheaval. When uncertain, Cancer can hide under their crab shell, too afraid to come out and risk vulnerability (or heartbreak). But when they take a chance on their self, Cancer shines. Like Aquarius, Scorpio is also a master of reinvention -- and just as stubborn about how it’s done. Scorpio deals with change by taking charge and insuring another person is as invested in their plans as they are. In times of distress, an emotionally overwhelmed Pisces may want to simply escape, but if they can identify with a spiritual cause greater than their ego, Pisces finds purposefulness and direction.