I heard someone say once that people on the West Coast are nice but not kind, while people on the East Coast are kind but not nice. Having lived on both coasts, I can say that this generalization is largely untrue. And yet, a relevant inquiry surfaces from the comparison: What is the difference between niceness and kindness? It likely has little to do with where one resides.
Niceness, in my opinion, is a simulacrum of kindness. It is fake fruit — with a skin that people are content to rest their teeth upon but never bite into, and that’s easily bruised. Nice is facile, and it puts up an un-affronting front.
Kindness, on the other hand, is the juicy meat under the taut surface. It’s sweet, but it satisfies. Kindness requires being honest about boundaries, expectations, and needs. Kindness isn’t defensive, although it does defend integrity. It is something one either is given through love or has earned through struggle. Kindness is not easy. Kindness is being true to who you are.
The full Moon is in Libra this week — the sign of harmony and relationship. The scales of this duality are tipped in favor of being real to yourself over the desire to please others. Dare to pierce the flesh of your choices that come to fruition under this full Moon. Let the sticky mess of your truth dribble down your chin as you wildly delight in the taste of being wholly you. Eat it with your hands, then lick the honesty from your fingers and wipe the honey of who you truly are upon your self like baptism. Forget the imposition of etiquette, napkins, and cutlery. If someone suggests that your kindness is offensive because it’s not nice, chew louder.
Your horoscopes this week are written with both the energy of the full Moon and your ruler planet’s interplanetary aspects in mind. Read your Sun sign for the “big picture” and your rising sign for “where the work is.”
ARIES
March 21 – April 19
Mars square Mercury: Sometimes you tend to blurt out more than you intended. Measure your words wisely.
TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
Venus conjunct Sun: Loving has never been so easy. Let your beauty and creativity shine.
GEMINI
May 21 – June 20
Mercury square Mars: The truth will set you free, but not if it cuts and stings. Speak with care.
CANCER
June 21 – July 22
Moon opposite Jupiter: It’s a good time to share your feelings and open up. Just don’t overdo it.
LEO
July 23 – Aug. 22
Venus conjunct Sun: Love and affection are yours to give and to receive. Soak it in and spread it around.
VIRGO
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Mercury square Mars: It’s wonderful to speak your truth! Do so kindly and it will be well received.
LIBRA
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Venus conjunct Sun: You feel beautiful, and it shows! Let that love inspire and uplift others.
SCORPIO
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Mars square Mercury: Your personal truth runs deep. Others will listen better if you whisper instead of shout.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Moon opposite Jupiter: Learn to be OK with unwanted attention, but don’t let it get to your head.
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Saturn trine Mars: Efficiency is your salvation, though perfectionism is your undoing. Stay honest, but relax.
AQUARIUS
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Uranus square Saturn: Challenges become opportunities when you are honest about what’s not working.
PISCES
Feb. 19 – March 20
Neptune trine Moon: This is a time of creativity and inspiration. Dig deep and express your truth.
