This week, a half-way point is reached in a 27-month global lesson on how to get along with others. At the highest level, governments and leaders have been, and are being, confronted by the devastation of toxic relationships on an international scale. Everyone suffers, and prosperity is seriously eroded. The same situation exists in individual lives. Confusion arises from differences in world-view and culture, and personality. Nurturing and protecting Individuality matters equally when weighed against the value of getting along with others, and especially those who are polar opposites.

Our resources are our tools for manifesting power. When Mercury moves into Scorpio, our intellectual resources move into the foreground. We need to get to the core of issues that trouble us. We want to deeply understand. Superficial explanations don’t satisfy. Intense thinking leads to intense conversation. Steer clear of obsession and suspicion, and much insight will be gained.

A new confidence rises, after a period of withdrawal and even shyness. We’re all performers on life’s stage, and now most of us are able to perform better than before, and even excellently. The audience is ready. Use your talents to put your message across to listening ears.

A longish phase – which began in early June this year and finally ends in mid-March 2012 – reaches a peak between 30 August and 26 December. It bears the marks of prosperity and abundance of material wealth, but as they say in the adverts, conditions apply. To gain the most, live your life with integrity, with clear values. Appreciate the beauty of the earth and for what has true value. For each one of us, a particular area of our lives applies. Any astrologer can tell you how that applies to you. As a general guide, see the beauty, intricate harmony, and love in everything that exists – especially in nature.