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"The influences of major celestial events are analyzed here from an individual and collective point of view. The future will invariably be characterized by planetary cycles, but there is no way to foretell the exact form and measure of their influence; we can only know about their nature and their time. Every single constellation has an influence that is potentially constructive and destructive at the same time. However, in ease or difficulty, the intention is always to promote the development of consciousness." |
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Pluto in Capricorn - The Karmic Broom January 26, 2008 – November 19, 2024 The last time when the planet Pluto was in the sign of Capricorn was in the 18th century. Now it happens again. What does it mean – that we are up for a particularly long soul searching. A new, significant astrological event took place with the transition of the planet Pluto into the sign of Capricorn in January 26th 2008. The distance of Pluto from the sun causes its course to be especially broad and therefore longer than the other planets in the solar system. Pluto has an elliptical course, so it lingers a different amount of time in each sign. In Scorpio, for example, it stayed merely 11 years to the 31 years it stayed in Gemini. A complete revolution of the zodiac takes it 248 years, that is, a Plutonian year lasts 248 earthly ones. The impact of Pluto relates to destruction and rebirth out of the necessity to evolve and enlarge our consciousness. That means that wherever Pluto passes, a sense of lack awakens in us, which pushes us to expose lack and work towards renewal. Lack creates doubt, from which the necessity springs to go underneath the surface in order to identify the root of the problem and find an effective cure. In fact, each one experiences this in a different way. Some people may find a basic dysfunction in their lives due to crises, and from that realize that a change is needed. Others may experience the change through new opportunity and thus not necessarily undergo a crisis. In each case, with the influence of Pluto, it is recommended to let go of our hold onto habits or fixated patterns and cooperate with the demand for change. Resistance will only redouble the issues. Take care – radical change An extremely important era is assured with the transition of Pluto into Capricorn since this sign gives character bases, structures, authority, leadership and parenting. Capricorn is the skeleton and the skin in the body, holding it together. The transition of Pluto through the sign promises a radical change in structures and in the area of politics throughout the world. So this transition can certainly change the atlas with the rise and fall of states, new borders, revolutions and exposure of corruption. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in the 18th century, when the United States became independent, Captain Cook discovered Australia, and political disquiet paved the road for the French revolution. Since the United States was born under this transit, it will be even more sensitive to the current one! We can say that with the end of the transition, around 2024, we shall know a new United States. The evolutionary aim of Pluto in Capricorn is true leadership based on solid, trustworthy order. The way there is full of seismic waves, and the results will surely undermine social foundation to some degree. All the people ready for change can surf this wave, but it is reasonable that they will be confronted by resistance from people who are afraid to let go of the sense of the existing order, even though its foundations are atrophied. As we said, this transit will start with an increasing sense of lack as to everything that has to do with leadership, order and morality. When the order is undermined, the urge is to immediately find a way to stabilize it, even at the price of fake solution. On the whole, it is natural and understandable that living without known foundations for a length of time can be scary. Eventually, regeneration will follow whether we agree to it or not On a personal level we will experience this transit with the sense that the existing structure is suffocating and inadequate on the one hand, and the need for more security and stability on the other hand. All this will urge people towards more achievements and call them to take on more authority. In order to reach higher goals, there will be a need to improve skills and increase personal capabilities. It is even possible that some will take on authority though they are not ready for it and therefore will not last; whereas some will prove their strength with time. Additionally, work structures may change as well as CEO’s that will step down. Relationships with all kinds of leaders, including presidents, bosses, teachers and parents, will undergo tests in order to build better, improved structures. 16 years worth of lent Beyond building new structures and redefining leadership, Pluto in Capricorn has a spiritual influence over the whole subject of karmic economy. Capricorn originally is ruled by Saturn. Saturn and Capricorn symbolize judgment, reward and sentence. That means that Pluto in Capricorn is a sort of “karmic broom” with a turbo engine. It will pass us all through an especially long lent; 16 years to be exact! Soul searching, reevaluation of motives and the need for realignment with a higher order will be on our to-do list. Out of this stage saints will rise and criminals will fall. The law of Karma is the law of cause and effect, according to which the value and intentions of all our initiatives will be measured. Reward and payment will arrive accordingly. The need for repentance might confuse many; questions in regard to the definition of what is right and which order to rely on will pull many people into ideological arguments. The threshold of guilt might rise and continue to call people to repent. Evolutionarily speaking, inner repentance will be preferable, between person and God, and not necessarily religious. We are up for an interesting, intense period. As humanity, we are in front of fateful choices in relation to continuing our life on planet earth, in view of the chasm between man and nature. The transit of Pluto in Capricorn will psychically mature us and call to take more responsibility. T he longing for a reliable, more stable order may lead us to build a better tomorrow for the coming generations. With the demand for better leadership, each one of us is beholden to become a leader and take initiative in the direction of building, instead of dealing of accusations. A short planetary look on the next few years What is going to happen in the next few years in relation to the transit of Pluto in Capricorn? Here is a succinct description. 2008. The year begins with unquiet, power struggles and destruction. The cataclysm will continue until April. A relative stabilization will take place afterwards. Pluto goes back and forth between Sagittarius and Capricorn throughout the year and will sow the potential for the continuation of its course in that piece of sky. 2008 is a year that goads us to ambition and achievements; many creative abilities will come out. 2009. A very special year with a spiritual disposition; a year with vision and creativity, inspiration with building new communities, study and being more open mentally. There is a longing for higher values, which will increase ideals and ambitions to create a more fertile future. The need to combine scientific with spiritual approach will create encounters between minds that will share their work with the collective. 2010. A critical year in which a basic change will take place in all political foundations. A new order will surface, which will cause destruction and the imploding of the old order. This process will continue in the next few years. For a more thorough study of the passage of Pluto in Capricorn, you may order a workshop by Maurice Fernandez on the topic on 4 CDs ($80). Email Maurice for orders. Saturn in Virgo September 2, 2007 – October 29, 2009 Transiting Saturn in Virgo and the Pluto in Virgo Generation (1956- 1972) The first time in our recent past that Saturn’s transit conjuncted a natal Pluto was during its passage through Cancer (June 2003 – July 2005). (Note that while in Gemini, it did touch the Pluto in Gemini generation who were in their nineties, but due to their advanced age, I did not have enough subjects for observation). The Pluto in Cancer generation was between 65 to 90 years old at the time; needless to say, it was not an easy thing for a senior to go through. Quite dramatically, quite a few did not survive this transit and used the Saturn gate to move on to the next world. Among them were Yasser Arafat, Ray Charles, and Marlon Brando. Saturn, Lord of Time merging with the transformative qualities of Pluto was the last straw for some of them in the context of their age. The Pluto in Leo generation experienced the Saturn passage on their natal dwarf between July 2005 and August 2007 (still two months to go!) They were and are between 50 and 65 years of age for the feast. Since the baby boomers have wired in their genes to live forever, this transit did not really kill them in a literal sense as it did their predecessors, but stimulated a rather different type of experience; it was often related to adjustments regarding the moral use of power. Needless to say that when Saturn and Pluto come together, it’s a “no bullshit” time, even though, the consequences of “wrongful” action is not always felt right away. Remember that Hurricane Katrina occurred in late August 2005, shortly after Saturn had moved into Leo. The amazing amount of mismanagement and poor leadership that was revealed in this context touched the Pluto in Leos straight to the heart; they were both the accused leaders of FEMA and the White House, as well as many of the victims and the whole world witnessing the shameful fiasco. This was just the start of an ongoing string of scandals and failure, including the Karl Rove (Libby) trial, The Israeli president exposed as a rapist, the Iraq war increasing chaos, the killing of Lebanese ex-prime minister Rafik Hariri, the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, to name but a few. Saturn in Leo was soon joined by an opposition of Neptune in Aquarius to make things a little more extreme and throw sanity off the chart completely, somewhere into the twilight zone. Of course, not every Pluto in Leo mortal was exposed with his/her pants down while chatting with teen-agers on the internet as Saturn passed around; some simply became grandparents, or opened a new chapter of some sort in their lives; to one symbol, luckily more than one potential manifestation. Now as Saturn in Leo makes its last opposition to Neptune in Aquarius, and gallops forward to reach Virgo territory, a new generation is up to the treat; younger again than the previous candidates. The Pluto in Virgo generation will be between 38 and 50 when Saturn stops by; what is in store for this complex and brilliant mass of people? How will their personal experiences shape our collective reality? We’ll have to live to tell, but in the meantime, let’s speculate. To Saturn’s influence, different applications, but the most important ones are the following. For one, Saturn represents the time factor and therefore, the fact that there is a certain amount of time for each experience and the right timing for its beginning and end. Saturn transits will consequently mark the end of a life chapter and the beginning of a new one; the erupting feeling is that it is time for something else in life. Saturn also represents maturation, and consequently, its passage creates a deep need to move on with life and play “a bigger game” so to speak. A person can tire of what he/she did up to now, wanting to deal with what is currently considered “more serious” and “ more appropriate;” it basically refers to a change of taste and attitude as one ages. The need to take things more seriously is often triggered by a sense of dysfunction and feeling of inadequacy in a particular field. For example, Saturn in the 2nd House can create the feeling that one is poor, and thus, make one tired of that poverty; this would mean wanting to get a more serious job that pays more so that one may have a more reliable financial situation; “no more child’s play, let’s talk business and see numbers!” Saturn also refers to alignment and karma! Huh hu!! On a spiritual level, this dynamic refers to the understanding that we are not here to make the laws, we’re here to figure the laws out and follow them obediently. From a Saturnian point of view happiness is in the universal laws; and that is true. If one is well aligned with divine principles, life works and happiness becomes a reality. Therefore, a Saturn transit can expose dysfunctions, immorality, or any other form of wrongful behaviour and bring about related consequences; “you reap what you sow” and mother nature knows not forgiveness. If anything pray to God for some clemency and count on the fact that celestial prisons are as over-crowded as down here! In a more fun way, this transit can inspire a person to naturally align and find renewed happiness. For example, one may start a practice that has tremendously positive effect on one’s development, spurring beneficial consequences. Pluto is naturally a very agitated spot in our chart; an active volcano affecting the lava of our deepest emotions and soulful nature. Pluto represents the necessity for change, for redefinition, for expansion and evolution, for MORE… Constantly feeling confined and frustrated by a sense of limitation, it feeds on intensity in order to create the emotional charge that would serve the process of change and growth. No rest there, no lasting security, but frequent stimulation and drama. Saturn meeting with Pluto is serious business; for one it elevates the standard of achievement to greater heights, creating a complete redefinition of one’s sense of being and direction in life. Commonly, the person can feel the need to radically uproot and make completely new choices. It can shatter the existing life to pieces, usually by choice but not always. This combination of energy is set to inspire new priorities and needs as the person will cease to relate to the way life was directed previously. It takes courage to go through with such a change, and therefore resistance is not uncommon. Futile of course; don’t waste your time trying to resist Pluturn! You’ll get to the same place, it will just take a little longer and more bandages. Saturn with Pluto is also a time when denial is absolutely unaffordable. Your sleaziest tricks are exposed; if you lied, manipulated, cheated, or murdered someone 36 years ago… your time’s up! This includes if you lied to yourself, manipulated your higher self, cheated your own well being into a life of misery, and murdered the purity inside of you for a life of seeming security. Saturn crashing in on Pluto will likely crush the glasses that have distorted your vision and tell you exactly where you stand, so pointedly so that you will have to do something about your life. The Pluto in Leo and Cancer generation are probably giggling while reading this; it’s indeed more humorous to be after the fact than right before it! But a word of advice they can offer their Virgo brothers and sisters is that if one has integrity, this transformation can be a really uplifting one because it will take one to a higher perception of truth; and truth is a good thing. Again, it’s just a time for no bullshit, that’s all; a time when it is decided if your soul will rot in hell forever or be gloriously venerated… nothing to worry about really (djust djoking…)! Since all this transformational business is occurring in Virgo what will it be about? Consider that Saturn in Virgo is a realignment that directly relates to health. This means that it will expose any form of unhealthy behaviour, inspiring collective purification. An immediate application can of course relate to the seriously unhealthy current state of our planet needing to be addressed seriously and immediately. The Pluto (and Uranus) generation, influenced by Saturn’s passage, can play an important role bringing ecological issues to awareness and be the agent of protest and change for a healthier environment. Possibly this will occur as they will be more directly affected by it through suffering from health symptoms, especially in the realm of more acute food allergies, gut dysfunctions, or accentuated sensitivity of the nervous system. Decreasing water and food quality may take its toll in this sense, due to soil contamination. Those who are more aware of alternative healing practices may increase the use of private saunas for detoxification purposes! Similarly, more awareness will surface about gluten free diets which respond to common food intolerance. In the conventional world, people will go under the knife and/or live on heavy drug cocktails to address their “weird symptoms.” The junk food industry is likely to suffer another blow, or else enhance it’s conversion to healthier standards. Who knows, maybe a McSprouts on spelt bread is in the making at McDonalds! In a positive fashion, with Democratic presidential candidates in the US placing health care reforms as a priority of their agenda, we may indeed see a very needed change in this area during the second half of this transit. We shall discuss that in the next parts of this series. On a personal level, the Pluto in Virgo generation will have to be more focused on their health and change their habits in this concern. This may also mean that anorexic super models will further lose their credibility for example, as more adequate health standards will be required. Conversely, other may be inspired to lose weight or else, quit smoking, drinking, shooting, etc… The rehab industry will boom like never before! Smoking bans will more firmly cross the Atlantic Ocean and have Europe assert more rigorous laws in this regard. Yet, living a healthier lifestyle is not just about converting to organic food and ceasing to abuse substances; it also implies living a healthier emotional life. Dysfunctions on all levels will have to be addressed, and as mentioned above… this transit is a moment of truth for those who have avoided making better decisions for themselves. Time will be up! On another level, Virgo also refers to work, plain and simple. Saturn descending upon Pluto can manifest in an important change in employment direction! Typically, one may feel that the current job/career has run its course and something new, more in tune with one’s current sense of self, must manifest. Consider that many in this generation will experience this transit in the middle of their mid-life crisis. Vocational reorientation is not far-fetched. The need to be practical and yet, more fulfilled with one’s professional life will be the main focus; this transition is not obvious because finding the ideal job is not always easy. Nonetheless, with enough effort, courage, mental dexterity, and determination why not?! For some, this transit will be about “getting a paying job,” no matter what. For others, it will be about getting a job that is true to one’s nature. The Pluto in Virgo generation suffers greatly from psychological masochistic tendencies; the need for purity and excellence prevents them from addressing their personal needs, often sacrificing well-being for a cause or an ambition they assume is worth it. Saturn on their Pluto may take them to both extremes; either accentuate the self-sacrifice as the standard of purity will sky-rocket, or break the illusion and take better care for their mental health. Finding the right job is part of this dilemma. And as mentioned above, typical Saturn/Pluto things may occur such as selling a house, relocating, getting a new face lift and going for the hair implant, or else falling in love with the boss; controversy is actually second nature to this combo… Don’t be surprise to find these exemplary workers and neat respected Pluto in Virgo members of society involved in outrageous scandals. Saturn/Pluto feeds on the beast within us and as the shadows will dance to a more intense beat, so will the headlines reflect the shock value. “Dentist stealing the teeth of anesthetized patients for black market,” “Pope wearing kinky leather outfit underneath white robe,” “Supermodel admits wearing human skin coat – ‘he was dead anyway’ she claims…” Importantly, as Saturn with Pluto relates to time and maturation through transformation, elders in the family may go through their own changes, or even pass away, and set a new reality for this generation. Similarly, a new generation may show up, and the Pluto in Virgo generation may become grandparents (at 38! Ouch…) The Transit of Saturn in Virgo and the Neptune in Sagittarius Generation (1970- 1984) Saturn’s transit through Virgo will touch many of us on different levels, but even more so, individuals with generational planets in the mutable signs. Neptune represents our relationship with life as a concept; the eternal sense of mystery that accompanies us along our existence, no matter how knowledgeable we may be, is represented by this planet! The mystery stems from us not having created life and thus, struggling to really figure it out. Why is life the way it is, and I don’t only mean why do we have five fingers instead of eight, but more pressingly, why so much absurdity! The overwhelming beauty and genius of life collides with cruelty and seemingly never ending pain. We are constantly shocked by our Neptune when confronted with this dichotomy. The common defense mechanism we develop through Neptune is focus on the beauty only while blaming human stupidity for pain or other negative aspects; but if the truth be told, human beings did not invent the “predator and prey” reality which is the core root of existential pain. As long as our survival (meal) is at the expense of someone else’s well-being (chicken sandwich anyone?) and so it is with every living creature, peace may never be absolute. Maybe when species will be able to absorb their nutrients through breath, and thus without ending the life of another (vegetables are conscious too!), may we diffuse the pain. Utopia is possible, but probably not by tomorrow… So how to deal with Neptune right now? For those who blame human beings for destruction and greed, let’s agree too that it is God who created the ego, and so, the consequences of greed and pain… If we come from the point of view that everything is here for a reason, let’s try to make sense of them instead of blaming. Neptune reflects THE IDEAL WE ARE COMING FROM, and trying to RECREATE, but always seem to fall short of… This ideal originates from the time we were one with divine creation, the womb of the universe as I would call it. B ut now, being birthed out of the womb, our separation weighs on us… deep down, no one really wants this ego, as we would all rather go back to the sandy beaches of divinity, wouldn’t we? Yet, the ego is a necessity and actually a burden! But through the ego, we learn individuality, which means: responsibility, survival, and creativity, among other things; through the ego we learn about life instead of carelessly spending existence on a tropical sandy beach basically. Life is complex and no one came here with a manual for it! The higher meaning of Neptune is to accept life in its entirety, not just the positive aspects… Neptune reflects our need to accept “the deal” and try to make the best of it. In other words, it represents the challenge to make peace with the fact that we have left the womb and accept the burden of the ego! That requires quite a bit of “letting go!” Until then, blame, despair, recurrent fear, anger at people, or anger at life/god, may dominate one’s consciousness. For the Neptune in Sagittarius generation, the path of acceptance passes through being in tune with the capacity to personally integrate the truth about life and then, apply that wisdom creatively. In other words, Sagittarius is in a way, the gateway between personal truth (authenticity) and impersonal truth (what is); “what do I do with myself now that I know ‘this’ or ‘that’ about life?” But Sagittarius is an extremely tricky sign in this respect because it embodies the egocentric capacity to create a truth as well! We’ve all heard of the concept: “create your own reality?” Through this channel a person can actually enhance their set conditions! Nonetheless, this gesture must correlate with the larger truth of life. On the one hand, the ego peaks in its capacity and potential, on the other hand, it is must adhere to the impersonal truth! Neptune in Sagittarius people can go through extreme highs and lows as a result, from the euphoria of unlimited potential to the depression of failing to integrate that into life. The downfall of this position is on the one hand, failing to realize one’s true capacity and ending up overpowered by other people’s belief systems. Individuals of this generation can become disconnected from their own existence because they naively follow someone else’s truth, and as a result, experience a deep sense of void that is seemingly untraced. On the other hand, a person with this placement can live a lie through different aspects of their lives… denying problems, manipulating facts, or blind faith, are symptoms of this reality. Saturn in Virgo Comes Along Saturn/Neptune contacts represent a rigorous test of spiritual integrity! We can all use the example of the current Saturn/Neptune opposition in transit to reflect on the dynamics of these energies; much corruption exposed and acute disillusionment towards numerous world leaders who fail to inspire this sense of integrity. Saturn/Neptune together require a high level of conformity to the “laws of life,” which are the ultimate manual for existential well-being. When one’s desires are aligned with the laws of life, harmony, love and inner peace can subsist. Thus, this is an aspect of maturity and transcendence, potentially making a person a keeper of the divine principles. It doesn’t obviously always manifest so positively. Many do exactly the opposite under these auspices; namely, the temptation to disregard the laws of life to follow one’s one tune is not uncommon. The confusion arises when a person loses trust in the laws established by human beings, and as a result ends up disregarding divine principles as well, including morality. When spiritual laws are transgressed, the matter is serious. The question becomes: “what are the spiritual laws?” hu! “How are we truly supposed to slaughter a cow?” “Is it appropriate to rest on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays?” Humans have killed each others over these questions… Was that a spiritual thing to do? They seem to have thought so… In any case, if you are one of those Neptune in Sagittarius mortals, you may soon learn a great deal about this, because judgment day is close! As Saturn will angularly cross your Neptune, a karmic statement will be made for your case. You may find out if what you did was in accordance with divine truth or not as your life will manifest the result of that statement during the transit. It is a time for a fundamental realignment with truth and divine principles. Sometimes guilty feelings will arise, or else limiting life circumstances can incite one to change one’s ways. Conversely, uplifting realizations may naturally make one closer to divine experience. In one way or another, it is a moment of truth. Albeit, this can be spiritually dramatic for some, it may for others manifest in the most earthy ways: Saturn in Virgo intends to cut excesses common to Neptune in Sagittarius: be prepared to conform to diets, bureaucratic necessities, or, well… get a job! In the event of a health crisis, this configuration can have a life altering effect… beyond the lifestyle and diet changes, it can spur a complete redefinition of life philosophy and values. It will be time to clean one’s act completely and stop lying. A good time for monkhood! But not necessarily in the traditional sense: Repentance, doing the work, living righteously, assessing the best way to engage and contribute to life… happiness will be found when the cycle of wishful thinking transmutes into truthfulness. Hey… sounds like fun! Saturn Transit to: Conjunct the South Node in Virgo (October 23, 2007) Trine Jupiter in Capricorn (January 21, 2008) Opposing Uranus in Pisces (November 4, 2008/ September 15, 2009) The transit of Saturn through Virgo can appear overall quite daunting… After all, this double dose of sternness doesn’t seem to promise much fun for the years to come. Add Jupiter and Pluto moving into Capricorn, and we’re all gonna get so muddy, pulling out of gravity will likely require extra efforts! However, if we go according to the spiritual realization that freedom is actually found in laws, this may turn out to be an altogether rather uplifting experience… one thing seems to be sure though... by the end of this transit, you will have acquired a taste for broccoli and push-ups, that is if you are not already born with Saturn in Virgo and have been feasting on these from your very beginnings. It is no startling revelation that Virgo represents work astrologically, but what is less commonly understood is that there is more to the concept of work than just having a profession; Virgo opposes Pisces, thus where Pisces represents surrendering to the higher life forces and nature, Virgo refers to interfering with nature and divine creation. The Bible states that we are to till the ground, not just get muddy with it. Where Pisces offers all resources on earth, Virgo wants to write the user manual so that these resources may be rightfully used. Through Virgo we realize that if we don’t do the work, available resources actually waste away. Resources include your body, hence the reference to bodily care and health. The earth is also a resource to maintain and use well… you can imagine the impact this transit will have on the change of mentality towards environmental care! Now the favourite issue of all in the United States: Health Care! On the basis of this transit, it is quite probable that a candidate focussed on making Health care reforms will have greater chances to be elected in 2008! Yet, the overall message of Saturn in Virgo is health on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual; and health depends on work. If one makes right use of body, mind and emotions, health benefits can be reaped. One of the strongest issues that Virgo attempts to defy is neglect and complaisance. Taking things for granted just won’t do… From a spiritual point of view, Virgo is about understanding that God won’t save you from trouble if you don’t do your best at first, no matter how good and innocent you may be. Your share of the work is sacred… Eastern Philosophies call it Karma Yoga which means attaining divine union through work. Saturn in Virgo encourages the cultivation of rightful resource use; a soul can attain its maximum capacity in a healthy environment, and health is measured by vitality, endurance and emancipation. Some even say that aging is a disease; from a Saturn in Virgo point of view, this is surely valid… and while plastic surgery will boom during this time, the deeper level is to stay vital and strong inside. This transit will consequently bring to surface places that are neglected, mismanaged, or unhealthy in our lives for the sake of improvement. This can range from bad diets to bureaucratic necessities. Definitely a time to sober up! Once healthier habits are integrated, prosperity will manifest. Saturn Conjunct the South Node at 5 degrees Virgo (October 23) Any planet angular to the Nodes is considerably amplified in its influence. As Saturn will touch on the Nodes in the early degrees of Virgo through the course of October, issues relating to that dynamic will gain greater momentum. Classic to Saturn cycles, such a configuration will promote the ending and beginning of cycles; as Saturn relates to time, maturation and finitude, many will see a chapter ending in their lives, immediately promoting the development of a new one. In reference to the house it falls in, more clarity can be gained in the area where the transition of cycles will occur. From a Virgo perspective, it may be a matter of changing jobs and feeling the need to upgrade or reorient oneself altogether. We may again hear about young and restless celebrities going in and out of rehab, because the pressure for realignment will be strong. This applies to matters of ethics at large as Saturn on the Nodes embodies karmic judgment and purging. This transit can also bring to surface debates and controversies due to the critical nature of the aspect; disagreement on how things should be conducted can arise; in extreme cases, it may apply to taking this to legal echelons. It is also a time for building and development; with Saturn being amplified by the Nodes, new projects and a need for self-dedication can become priorities. A person can feel it is time to get serious and invest oneself in something deemed important; with work results follow. Saturn Trine Jupiter in Capricorn at the 7th degree (January 21, 2008) Saturn/Jupiter cycles are highly important in all leadership, political, legal and philosophical/spiritual matters. While angular aspects tend to create more radical changes and pressure, the trine is surely not of minor value. Those familiar with my work know that I do not glamorize trines, but rather attribute a more neutral nature to their influence. So a trine between Saturn and Jupiter can stimulate development as well as pressures to conform to rather high standards. It will be time to test authority; a person may take on new initiatives that require a higher level of expertise and commitment. If the level of capability meets the standards, reward and recognition will ensue. Otherwise, negative judgement will result. Since the trine occurs in earth signs, especially Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) and Virgo, it will require a high level of endurance, and yet, it also shows significant achievements can be attained; this can clearly bear witness to some level of mastery. Spiritually speaking, this aspect shows a need to “walk one’s talk;” in other words it points to a need to avoid self righteousness while integrating spiritual wisdom in daily life. Incorporating yoga in the corporate lifestyle, or even better, promoting conscious business and making profits with others rather than at their expense. Overall, this combination of planets refers to a high level of judgement and any form of unethical or opportunistic attitude is likely to be reprimanded from a spiritual perspective. For example, this aspect may promote blind ambition and bossiness; since it pushes towards achievement, one may get carried away and push the agenda with SatJu fervor, resulting in karmic repercussions. Saturn Opposing Uranus at the 18th and 24th degrees (November 4th, 2008 & September 15th 2009) It is hard to miss the synchronistic aspect of this configuration as it occurs right on Election Day in the United States! Can we expect a dramatic turn of the tide? I would tend to think so… Needless to say, this aspect inspires reforms and a need for progress. It converges the old with the new and creates a flip flop between holding on to what is familiar (Saturn in Virgo), and striving to risk security for the sake of upgrading (Uranus in Pisces). Pope John Paul II was born with this opposition in the same signs, and indeed it is clear he was torn between a need to take the church to new levels, more in tune with the modern times (having rock concerts in the Vatican? Interfaith exchange?) and needing to keep the level of purity intact (denying the use of condoms to fight AIDS). Some interesting events that took place in 1920 during that last opposition: - The League of Nations was founded in Paris. The League's goals included disarmament, preventing war through collective security, settling disputes between countries through negotiation diplomacy and improving global welfare. The diplomatic philosophy behind the League represented a fundamental shift in thought from the preceding hundred years. After a number of notable successes and some early failures in the 1920s, the League ultimately proved incapable of preventing aggression by the Axis Powers in the 1930s. The onset of the Second World War suggested that the League had failed in its primary purpose — to avoid any future world war. The United Nations Organization replaced it after the end of the war and inherited a number of agencies and organizations founded by the League. - Mexican Revolution - Álvaro Obregón flees from Mexico City during a trial intended to ruin his reputation - The first game of the Negro National League baseball is played in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Negro National League (NNL) was one of the several Negro Leagues which were established during the period in the United States in which organized baseball was segregated. - First flight of KLM, Dutch air company, from Amsterdam to London. - The United States Postal Service rules that children may not be sent via parcel post! - Bloody Sunday - British forces open fire on spectators and players during a Football match in Dublin's Croke Park, killing 14 Irish civilians. This followed the assassinations of 12 British agents by the IRA in an earlier attack elsewhere. During the whole time this configuration will be within orb, and especially during the months between the 2 dates mentioned above, an immensely creative movement will take place; Uranus in Pisces feels tremendously confined by time and space and inspires us to move beyond and explore vaster possibilities. This influence promotes imagination and the realization of dreams. It tends however to be a rather abstract energy where philosophising is not always followed by acting. Saturn in Virgo on the other hand, is very much time and space oriented and assesses what works from what doesn’t. Uranus’ ideas consequently have to pass the test of Saturnian credibility… Saturn is there to counter-balance possible over-zealous or unrealistic ideas ushered by Uranus. A somewhat extreme imagery may be medicating (Saturn in Virgo) a mentally unstable individual (Uranus in Pisces), for indeed the ethereal qualities of the latter can set one off balance; madness and genius are very much Uranus in Pisces phenomena, and we stated above that Saturn in Virgo aspires for health! Therefore, manifesting the creative and imaginative essence of these symbols requires sensibility. Once the balance is found, this aspect can promote remarkable technological, medical, and scientific progress… Technology to further speed up processes can be developed… new computers, new means of transportation and many other wonders will see the light of day… Since Saturn in Virgo is very much associated with environmental concerns, this opposition can boost environmental-friendly technology and spur a boom in that industry. Beyond hybrid cars or solar energy, the organic food market will likely take over. This aspect will bring forth reforms in many fields, starting with health. The United States is especially of focus in this regard since its health care system is a complete catastrophe. The US chart has Neptune at 22 degrees Virgo, very much in the heart of the matter! This is another reason why a change of leading parties is likely during the 2008 elections. Serious reforms towards Universal Health Care are not far fetched. The dangerous side of this aspect touches first and foremost health concerns. A new pandemic can erupt, and as were the previous ones during Uranus in Pisces (SARS and Bird Flu), it will likely be something that attacks the lungs (airborne) and the nervous system, but it can also be an ailment that affects gut and brain functions. On this grim note, earth events are also expected given the nature if these energies, Hurricanes and earthquakes particularly. Beyond the obvious global warming association to these events, we must also consider that Uranus in Pisces/Saturn in Virgo relate to a shift in very subtle natural elements. The earth events are not only the result of man-made damages, but also the result of a change in natural cycles, causing destruction and transformation. Boundaries and borders are bound to change under these influences and so are oceanic currents, atmospheric density, and so forth… we will need to adapt to new parameters without necessarily being conscious of it. Spiritually speaking, this aspect has tremendous potency because it clearly combines the transcendental with the practical. The potential to reach higher levels of purity in body and spirit is considerable. This can manifest in higher athletic capacities, or in using the mind to upgrade the use of the body through the use of practices such as breath work, yoga, and meditation. The New Age movement can leap forward, especially in anything related to alternative health modalities; many of us will discover the healer within and discover we have capacities previously unrealized in this concern. Overall, this aspect will promote more conscious living because it is so inclined to purification. The masses will have to upgrade their consciousness and transform their daily routine and lifestyles accordingly; those who will not be inspired to do so willingly, can be the target of health scares and crisis. This is not a time to procrastinate or wait for the storm to pass; the opposition is pressing for higher standards in general. Jupiter in Scorpio October 27, 2005 – November 24, 2006 Jupiter’s 13 months transit through Scorpio is quite a fascinating phenomenon. The combination of these two expressive and expansive forces will not leave the majority of us indifferent. Scorpio, the sign representing the process of growth and the evolution of consciousness together with Jupiter the planet representing expansion and the actualization of yet unfulfilled egocentric potential will transport us to a radically new way of being – internally and externally. This combination is an intense mixture of forces that will pulverize boundaries and identity attachment. Growth cannot be resisted here – You have a few minutes left to say a clear goodbye to yourself before the process gets into full gear. Some people are more used to self-redefinitions than others, some are actually yearning for intensity and implosions – But don’t be naïve, because, even those ‘confident’ souls are up for quite a few unexpected twists and turns! Jupiter in Scorpio is nothing but soft – One of its main modes of operation is the blunt exposure of naked truth; there will be no escape way from personal hang-ups, manipulations, avoidance mechanism, and naivete. It is a rude reality test – but remember: it’s for your own good! The bottom line is that death is nearing… false or weak friendships, illusive expectations, unfounded optimism > out the door! Jupiter is naturally optimistic and hopeful; yet, being in Scorpio these qualities and inclinations are under scrutiny, and no compromise is possible for anything that is not 'real', truthful, consistent or sound! Those coming with realistic aims can benefit greatly and indeed be transported to higher grounds on all levels – be it emotional, financial, or spiritual. Jupiter in Scorpio is a very powerful force that can truly be used to skyrocket – but, for such a journey you need a potent machine, otherwise expect a crash on take-off or soon after. The evolutionary lessons and reasons behind these manifestations is a need to realign oneself with consistency and solidify inner foundations. Consequently, this configuration can have a "cleansing" effect of removing all obsolete or artificial aspects of your life. The soul is also filtering out all the bad from the good collected through the very inviting and indiscriminate nature of the passage of Jupiter through Libra. Romance, promising ideas and ideals, optimism and faith were flourishing during Jupiter in Libra – Now is the reality test to see what actually works and lasts, what can actually be integrated, what is real from illusive. The need to go deeper in all aspects of life will bring up confrontations with shadows, weaknesses, fears and limitations. For example, relationships may go deeper or die, there is not much space for inbetweens; and so it is with all other aspects of life. The area of impact of Jupiter in Scorpio can be determined by the house and aspects it will meet in the natal chart. Interestingly, it is a time in which dysfunctions, fears, and negativity in general can be amplified, as Jupiter will squeeze all the Scorpionic shadows out of the closet – So before the multi-headed beast is crushed, it shall rear in all ugliness! A good example of this toxic dessert is the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad born Oct 28, 1956. As Jupiter just entered Scorpio, it exactly conjuncted his delusive Neptune! It has manifested in quite a Jupitero-Neptunian declaration that he intends to wipe out the state of Israel from the map. Jupiter will soon conjunct his Sun in early Scorpio and most probably give him a boost of confidence to increase (Jupiter) his arsenal of nuclear weapons (Scorpio)… lovely! Similarly, other parasitic entities will use this transit to have their claim to fame – Remember that a whole generation of people have - like Ahmadinejad, Neptune in Scorpio (1956 to 1970)… Negatively expressed, the conjunction will propel a host of delusions, lies, hostilities and deceit. This energy can also pump up religious ideals, to then burst the balloon; scandals, disillusionments, and deceits will result. Religious and Spiritual institutions will be targeted. Many people adhering to particular belief systems may become bitter, especially in the case of having been blindly faithful and realizing the inconsistencies of the beliefs. Teachers will fall from their pedestals if misusing their powers, and so will some of their institutions. Once again, Jupiter in Scorpio with dethrone false prophets and expose corruption; though only after actually intensifying the corruption. It will make us suspicious and dissipate naivete. The good news is that as negativity will come out, so will the forces of good and truth – what to do, this seems to be a classic scenario in our reality of mortals, we need parasites to make us stronger and more determined in our quest for truth and love – So as far as Scorpio goes: time to make your choices and invest yourself in the path. Jupiter in Scorpio is a great opportunity to become crap detectives and enhance spiritual qualities: Kundalini rise is especially auspicious here – but more generally – the right intensity to pierce through our resistance and grow into the force of love. Jupiter in Scorpio will awaken a deep hunger for more – This has already started in the course through Libra, only to intensify now. The need for more love, for more money, for more meaning, or for greater achievements will consume our consciousness. The hunger stems from a deep feeling of lack and limitation as Jupiter in Scorpio generates a feeling that our lives are unfulfilling and that is it not something we can settle for; a necessary feeling of limitation and frustration that serves to stimulate the desire for change and increase. Therefore, before growth occurs, a sense of deprivation can be felt. The simultaneous passage of Saturn in Leo emphasizes that dynamic from the standpoint of urging for something more reliable and an aspiration to have greater impact in our lives through our creative outlets. Financial issues are likely to trot through our minds – and objectively – Jupiter in Scorpio can generate an increase of income and better conditions when well managed. Individually, a time to get out of the poverty mentality and think about better options. Money can flow in, whether it is from better salaries, inheritance, or scolarships. Collectively, we may see the titanic corporations getting titanically richer, and creating further socio-economic gaps! This is especially emphasized by the square from Jupiter in Scorpio to Neptune in Aquarius. China in this context is today the most significant symbol of economic divide and distortion – A booming economy that benefits minuscule portions of the society – an attempt to lead a capitalistic dream in a dictatorial and repressive regime – This utopia is likely to create serious repercussions as wealthier Chinese will start to stand against repression when having the taste of financial freedom. The abused masses in their turn will have less and less to lose and will be fueled by anger that will not be stopped anymore by the illusive ideals of mother China! The chart of China has Venus in Scorpio (wealth) squared by Pluto/Mars in Leo (ambition, superiority complex, favoritism) - With Neptune in Aquarius opposing the Leo planets and squaring that Venus – A few bubbles may burst at some point! This scenario, albeit grotesquely flagrant in the context of China, is true for all nations. With money comes sex; Jupiter in this placement can have a strong impact in the desire to expand one’s sexual expression. Sexuality has an obvious role in the processing and expression of emotions. Sexual exploration allows one to delve into the reality of one’s true needs and nature. Release, ecstasy, bonding, surrender of control, trust, openness are all yearned for, and even more so with this transit. A sense of lack, or just a compelling attraction may open one to sexual exploration and stimulating experiences of the kind. The flip side of this (and there’s always one), is the potential for sexual misuse and abuse: the 'morning after' bitterness, violations of trust, and even sexual aggressions (backed by Mars in Taurus opposing). Once again, the Neptune in Scorpio generation is particularly exposed to both the elation and the dangers – watch out for STD’s especially with Neptune in Aquarius squaring the package, otherwise, enjoy the ride! The Grand Cross in Fixed Signs With Jupiter in Scorpio, Saturn in Leo, Neptune in Aquarius, Mars in Taurus, and other passing factors in the Fixed signs, we have powerful energy forming on and off, a very important T-square and a Grand Cross.  The fixed signs are signs of individual development – through them, the person gets in touch with his/her creative potential and control abilities. The wealth of resources, insights, and courage intrinsic to those signs have for evolutionary purpose to provide each individual with a potential to be co-creator of life with God. Through the fixed signs, the ego gains tremendous presence and power, to be used constructively or destructively, depending on free-will. The term fixed has nothing to do with stagnation and stubbornness per se as is usually perceived among astrologers, but rather, with concentration, intensity, and power. The Fixed Signs actually point to change rather than stagnation! But it is change on an individual level: change of personal values, change of personal choices. The Fixed Cross and T-Square in the fixed signs are consequently an opportunity to attain greater levels of being on an individual bases. However, with change comes destruction. Structures are shaken to the core; hence experiences like breakups, bankruptcies, earthquakes, disillusionments, or diseases, can manifest in order to induce a rotation and shift of consciousness. The amount of pain intrinsic to these experiences varies from mild to great – but important to remember, it doesn’t happen for nothing if that is consolation. Of course, it is not only through pain that change occurs – some may adapt smoothly to the required changes and ride beautifully on the wave – to each case its own evolutionary needs. Jupiter/Saturn Square Saturn in Leo in itself is already causing much disruptions and change on a leadership level – Kings dying, series of new nominations in the US justice department, leadership being questioned in the US and other parts of the world, etc… On a personal level, a need to question what we have done with our lives; the leonian sense of accomplishment is being tested and judged in order to assess how next to proceed into the future. With Jupiter squaring Saturn, the intensity of changes increases tenfold! A new generation will replace the older generation – the rotation will be intensified. This may manifest through the natural retirement of the older generation, through scandals and downfalls, or through deaths. The political climate will be charged – and so will our lives as new major decisions will have to be taken about: what next? The tables are turning... Jupiter/Neptune square The Jupiter/Neptune square is most interesting; it brings the vastness of timelessness – a time to dream and to get out of the box in order to create the impossible. In a classic way, Jupiter/Neptune connections are spiritual enhancers – the meaning of life becomes a central motivation and the petty details of everyday life lose their relevance. People may experience spiritual awakening, ranging from joining study groups, having powerful realizations, chakra opening, prophetic dreams, or a general sense of elation and faith – it is important to get protection from parasitic spirits as well, as the open doors are accessible to all! The obvious danger with this configuration is the absence of boundaries which can induce getting carried away in the wrong way – vulnerabilities for excesses, delusions, invasions of all kind. For example, the bird flu may easily spread without control under this configuration all year long. Hence from ecstasy, one may swing unto the darkest of places when losing control in a negative way – in most critical cases, this may even result in mental fragmentation. Jupiter/Neptune aspects have a blurring effect on reason and can easily induce excesses and misjudegment. It is like sirens diverting the course of sailors into sweet and dangerous temptations. Hence, it is easy to get overboard with it. Going back to spirituality, one may lose touch between what is real and what is illusive. Those who are centered in themselves can uncover a hidden potential and have deep realizations. Those seeking fast fixes through all promising gurus, are likely to be disappointed. As mentioned above, the widening of socio-economic gaps may also become critical under this influence because the increase is likely to serve minorities only. Stock market may swing from excessive optimism to sharp crashes - these fluctuations can benefit some and burden others. Once again – referring to the Neptune in Scorpio generation, this is a very meaningful and intense transit: double Neptune dose with spicy Jupiter in Scorpio! Jupiter in Scorpio steps: October 27, 2005 – ingress into Scorpio together with the Sun December 5, 2005 – exact opposition to Mars at 8° Scorpio/Taurus December 17, 2005 – exact square to Saturn at 10° Scorpio/Leo January 28, 2006 – exact square to Neptune in Aquarius at 16° Scorpio/Aquarius March 4, 2006 – retrograding at 18° Scorpio June 22, 2006 – exact Square to Saturn at 9° Scorpio/Leo July 5th 2006 – Turning direct at 9° Scorpio September 24, 2006 – exact square to Neptune at 17° Scorpio/Aquarius October 25, 2006 – exact square to Saturn at 23° Scorpio/Leo November 22, 2006 – exact conjunction to the Sun at 29° Scorpio November 24, 2006 – ingress into Sagittarius So, observe in which house of your chart Jupiter will pass and analyze through which channel these concepts will manifest for you. Remember that the force of love and depth are what the Scorpio energy is about, so allow Juppy to take you there through its uncommon routes. Jupiter in Libra - from September 25, 2004 to October 26, 2005 Jupiter will dramatically enter Libra on September 24, 2004, passing the threshold accompanied by Mars, the Sun, and Mercury. Jupiter will remain in Libra for 13 months until October 26, 2005, making important aspects in its course, notably, conjuncting the South Node of the Moon during most of 2005; a conjunction which will be exact in August 2005. Moreover, it will square Saturn in Cancer the first part of 2005 (Saturn will continue squaring the Nodal Axis during that time lapse) – The Jupiter /Saturn square will however, become exact only as both will move into Scorpio and Leo respectively. This square is highly significant given the importance of these planets on the structures of our lives. Jupiter will also trine Neptune in Aquarius and sextile Pluto in Sagittarius (Jupiter’s own sign). Jupiter, the planet of exploration, expansion, authenticity, faith, truth seeking, cultural, religious and spiritual identifications, tends to boost everything it touches - in size and decibels- for the better and worse! The cliché of attributing Jupiter with benefic influences is rooted in fact, since Jupiter does symbolize the promotion of egocentric expansion, allowing for the achievement of a greater potential – and let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy an ego boost! Jupiter represents faith, and faith is synonymous with confidence. But as we will explore, there are many sides to the story. Briefly looking back at its passage through Virgo, statistics show a gradual decrease in unemployment worldwide – as Jupiter in Virgo has increased job offers - the effect is still not fully recognized because the depression was extreme and much more significant progress is still needed. On another level, there was something like a 40% increase in plastic surgery - an unprecedented number! We were also all bombarded with the “low carb” craze replacing the “low fat” label as the Virgonian consciousness around dieting rose to another peak. On yet another level, as Jupiter in Virgo squared Pluto in Sagittarius, new dimensions of religious fundamentalism were further exposed as the attachment to one’s faith and version of the truth became further emphasized! Fundamentalists got yet more out their closet, and are now clearly everywhere to be found: from the chaotic revolutionary beheaders of Iraq, Taliban regaining power in Afghanistan, Chechens separatists, extreme right-wing leadership in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, to Mel Gibson breaking sales precedents with a “horror movie” distortingly describing the last moments of Jesus’ life, and of course the fundamentalist Christians residing in the White House! This is a reminder that boosting size and decibels is not necessarily for the greater good of life on earth! So what can we expect from Jupiter shifting into Libra – more romance and love making, peace (hopefully not piss), acceptance of cultural diversity … mmm… are we heading towards a golden age? Well,…first, 13 months is not considered an “AGE”?! Unless the references is on a mosquito’s scale. Second, let’s start with a plain optimistic ‘YES’ – Jupiter in Libra will increase consciousness about the concept of union, hence allowing for Valentine’s Day, internet dating, and tourism industries to reach new heights as it will be time to get to know “the other side” better. Starting with relation-chips, we may find an increased focus on the need to be together, hence encouraging and promoting singles to make a step in that direction – and since it’s Jupiter we’re talking about, you might found that ‘soul-mate’ in a mosque or at the airport !!!:::!!! - but hey! What about those already in relation-chips? Mmm, this is where it smells trouble after all! Jupiter in Libra is notorious for infidelity, because it increases the feeling of lack so much that it eventually inspires people to check the neighbor’s grass (or bedroom) out – difficult to tame the hormones under this phase; “there are so many options out there” is a common Jupitarian slogan, isn’t it?! So tie your lover to the bed, or embrace poly-amorousness, or maybe… you might be the one to be tied to the bed– what could you possibly do spending so many hours on the internet?? Finding articles about Australian bees?! So marriages will be made, broken or simply “expAAnd” as new members will join in… Now you’re starting to understand what the square to Saturn in Cancer can mean: The sense of lack and need for increase in relationships will challenge family structures and security – Strangely enough, this square was in operation in the course of 1945 and 1946… so people born that year will have the pleasure of having their second Saturn return with a Jupiter return as well (ask them what’s their new address by next year!). Evolutionarily speaking, Jupiter in Libra reflects the need to find truth in the context of relationships; it is basically a need to live a more genuine, authentic and fulfilling partnership, instead of compromising or living a lie – therein lies the growing feeling of lack. Of course, we have to take into consideration the fact that Jupiter often goes overboard and ends up paying the price of excesses (multiple child support or ending up alone and lonely after the marriage is destroyed and the 20 year old lover has moved on – any takers?). The initial soulful need is nonetheless about finding more meaning in that context! The issue of relationships can apply to multiple levels, not solely intimate. We may see an increase of social or cultural activities, partnerships, or on a wider scale, see more cooperation on a collective level. Opposite parties may go for unified government in countries where the system allows that – More effort may be put into mediation and we may indeed possibly see the buds of peace flowering – Amen! HOow-Ever! An important note about Libra is that it relates to polarity and duality – and in that context ultimately to the divine concept of “the middle way”- Hence, with Jupiter in Libra, we are likely to see increase polarization together with the need for cooperation. Jupiter increases the power of “the enemy,” “the different,” “the other!” This dynamic may fuel intimidation and competitiveness as one may feel undermined seeing the increase of the opposite party – hence, Jupiter in Libra may increase polarization… and again, with the square to Saturn in Cancer, a tremendous feeling of insecurity may further fuel the fear of the other, rather than foster the embrace of union! In extreme cases, it can even lead to persecution/condemnation of what is considered different. This polarization may in certain cases be legitimate, when a real enemy happens to pose a threat; Saturn may keep Jupiter from immature indulgence and positivism. This dynamic will transpire on the cultural level most certainly since cultural difference is a central theme in our times of globalization and religious wars! Evolutionarily speaking, Jupiter in Libra is about cultural diversity: the classic concept of union in diversity! Hence, this transit will encourage curiosity about other cultures, a desire to learn from what is lacking in our own personal culture – people born with this symbol are often exposed to cultural transitions, or inter-cultural marriages; some going as far as actual conversion to another religion. Therefore, in this context as well, the potential of peace and unification exists – the atheist may find interest in spirituality, the black marry the white, the Catholic embrace Islam. Yet, in a typically Libran way, one may lose one’s identity in this exposure to the “other”… The westerner activist, busy fighting for the Tibetan cause may not have a clue about his/her own origins – maybe also because with Jupiter in Libra, one may not have a particular sense of roots, for the better and worse. And yet, as mentioned earlier, Jupiter in Libra may also foster polarization on a cultural level! As Jupiter will conjunct the South Node of the Moon in the course of 2005, we may see these issues gaining great importance. The Nodal Axis increases the emotional intensity of any factor associated with it. Souls incarnating under this configuration are likely to have remarkable social skills and a multicultural as well as multi-dimensional approach to life – individuals with pronounced wisdom. We may also see charisma manifesting in untamed flirtatious instincts, or may we say, a general tendency to be “scattered!” On the other front, Jupiter squaring Saturn has a deep significance on the end of life cycles especially relating to structure and authority and leadership. It represents a shifting of tides, further emphasized by the Cardinal quality of their placement – Libra and Cancer- This signature may usher the coming of new regimes, the death of parents, the replacement of bosses, and the building of new structures that resonate more appropriately with the needs of the times (whether it suits our private convictions or not). The actual square will take place when Jupiter will be in Scorpio, in December 2005, but the seeds will already be planted throughout the year! The coming year from a 'Jupiter in Libra' point of view: USA elections: With George Bush, born in 1946 – and consequently having a Saturn return on election day, and a Jupiter return on inauguration day (January 20, 2005) it is difficult to see him lose the elections – However, no definite prediction here as symbols are multi-faced. The Kerrys have strong Libran themes in their chart which means Jupiter can surprise us all after all! If Bush wins, it seems there will be a lot of blood around that issue as his chart will be heavily challenged! The United States: Natally with Saturn in Libra and Jupiter in Cancer (the opposite of the current placements), the US will go through a significant new cycle! Moreover, transiting stationary Saturn will also oppose Pluto for election time, and transiting Pluto will keep on tickling natal Mars/Neptune through chaotic adversities. Still a year away from peace and comfort for the US! The Saturn/Pluto opposition does symbolize a possible shift of leadership - supporting a victpry for the Democrats from this angle, however, It seems like there is going to be a great deal of turmoil around the elections; strong reactions/anger are expected in any case! Iraq: being a Libra country (Oct 3, 1932. 1:30pm) Jupiter will surely have a significant impact on local development and increase of leadership – The local government will most likely go through fundamental redefinitions (transiting Saturn will be on Pluto opposing natal Saturn) – the current one may not last as it is. Israel and the Palestinians: With natal Neptune and the Ascendant in Libra, Jupiter will most probably encourage a unified government on the Israeli side – transiting Neptune opposing natal Saturn of Israel will most likely destabilize the current government and lead to rushed elections in the course of 2005 – In worst case scenario, we may have a loss of control that induces chaos on a socio-political level. On the other side, Arafat (August 4, 1929) will have transiting Pluto conjunct his natal Saturn (from late February to May 2005)– a good opportunity to die! And with mutual leadership change, maybe an opportunity for renewed negotiations under the “auspicious” God Zeus (that is Jupiter)! I guess I’m contaminated by the Jupitarian bug with this euphoric optimism!
June 13th 2003 Saturn in Cancer June 2003 to July 2005 Saturn’s cycle in Cancer started in early June 2003 and will be completed in July 2005. The basic evolutionary purpose of Saturn is to solidify, structure, and render credible anything it encounters by sign or aspect. Therefore in the course of its passage through Cancer, it is our emotional reality that we need work on. “Emotion” is very misunderstood term; there is a tendency to only associate love, compassion, and other romantic qualities to it, when in fact our emotions are what make of us primitive beings. It through them that we process life. After having been stimulated by external circumstances, it takes time for our system to really integrate what has occurred, so a more psychological interpretation of emotions is “process”. Had we only been cerebral beings, life would have been easier because we would “get it” much faster and be able to program ourselves to stop repeating mistakes. Instead, time after time we need to go through similar experiences and mistakes in order to make adjustments, mature, and evolve. Emotions connect us with life as it is through them that we react, associate, become attached, or release attachment. Despite slowing our growth, our emotions are who we really are, rather than who we would like to be. A political example to illustrate this dynamic is the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians; intellectually speaking both sides know that peace is the ultimate answer, yet the emotions of both sides are not ripe yet for peace to be, and the struggle has to go on until the maturation process is complete. Anger, attachment, fear of being abused, and the need for security are all emotions that need to be addressed for true solutions to surface. So Saturn in Cancer is about reintegrating into our emotional bodies and ceasing to skip steps in our emotional maturation process. It is a time through which we have to rebuild and solidify our inner foundation to allow a better emotional assimilation to take place. Life doesn’t always allow us to take the all the time we need to nurture ourselves and process life at our pace; we are made to adapt and catch up with an external rhythm. However, Saturn in Cancer is about slowing down and recapturing what got lost on the way. Hence some people may actually re-experience old wounds/experiences that were not treated in order to take the time now and release the trauma. Saturn in Cancer will consequently emphasize family values, the need for intimacy, safety, and stability. In that regard some people may feel the need to find a home and take root. Some may desire or be forced by circumstances to interact with their parents in order to face the structure they had in their infancy; others may feel the strong desire to become parents. However, from a Saturnian point of view, this transit is not only about reconnecting with our emotional reality and allowing processes to unfold, it is also about not overdoing it to a point in which stagnation may occur. When being too caught up in emotions we may trespass all boundaries and overly emphasize emotions. A classic example to illustrate this is that pregnancy must take nine months in order for a baby to be healthy; however, and going beyond nine months is as dangerous as not completing nine months. Therefore Saturn in Cancer may pressure those who need to move on to do so. This will signify for some the closing of emotional maturation cycles. For example, some will feel the need to move from their home, see their kids move out, see their parents pass away, or change jobs; as the clock is ticking old cycles will give place to new ones. When failing to attune to the need to move to the next phase of emotional process, the individual may be forced to do so by external circumstances and therefore undergo a trauma. The person may be kicked out of his/her job, be forced to find a job, or be pressured to become more independent from parents and authorities. With Saturn in Cancer, the objective is to find that perfect pace of maturation so that we may go neither too fast not too slow. However, as life is imperfect, until the lesson is learned the individual may swing between going too fast or too slow and endure relative trauma as a result. The person may fail to recognize healthy boundaries and destabilize as a result. These circumstances may scar one deeply or in extreme cases cripple one emotionally. Generally speaking though, this passage is about our need to recognize our humanness, our inner child, our imperfection, our need for nurturing and personal attention. In doing so, we may do the same for others and become more accessible and tolerant of processes. On a collective scale, this is a time span which will emphasize the need to focus on national needs, to strengthen national security and deal with all that has been neglected. With Neptune in Aquarius in the background, the ideal of globalization will clash with the need to redefine personal boundaries… and ultimately establish a sane balance between the two.
February 27th 2003 Uranus In Pisces (2003- 2011)- Part I On March 11th 2003 Uranus will progress unto the sign of Pisces for the first time in 76 years. It will retrograde back to Aquarius between September 2003 and December 2003 and then move definitely into Pisces until 2011. This Transit is the continuation of a long line of similar influences (Aquarius/Pisces combinations) that have started back in 1989. *From 1989 to 1996 Uranus was conjunct Neptune in Capricorn (with the exact conjunction in 1993) *In 1997, Neptune has entered the sign of Aquarius. *And now in 2003, Uranus is in Pisces. All these combinations combining the Aquarian and Piscean archetype have been part of our reality for quite a while; The move of Uranus unto Pisces will emphasize these influences furthermore in our consciousness. Pisces/Neptune represents the collective conscious and unconscious; the higher meaning unifyong all livings.. Aquarius/Uranus represents the human aspiration for progress and for better living conditions. It represents the aim at creating a better future. Hence Aquarius represents the creative mind, the scientific mind, the elite, and the alternative. During the conjunction of Neptune and Uranus in Capricorn in the early nineties, computers have become part of the collective conscious of the whole world. The standard of having a computer per household has been progressively ingrained as email communication and internet surfing have been developed and have become indispensable. Internet cafes can be found everywhere, even in the most remote locations of India nowadays; it becomes almost as unavoidable as “coca cola” signs. When Neptune has entered Aquarius, we have been shockingly exposed to the downside of progress and Science, as the worrisome statistics of the damages caused by pollution and the destruction of natural resources have become known fact. This has generated massive protest around the world, and environmental groups have increased in their power of influence. Politicians have united in Kyoto to agree on upgrading all industrial means of production in order to decrease the effect of pollution. The mad-cow disease has been another shocking exposure of the misuse of nature by humans technology, as all cattle fed by unnatural meat base diets became infected and contaminated meat consumers to death. We have also been exposed to the threat of Y2K , and had a taste of what it means to be totally dependent on artificial intelligence. Neptune in Aquarius has also exposed the gap existing between Third world countries and the industrialized world. The industrialized countries thought they could neutralize themselves from the chaos of the “primitive” world until the September 11th events, have transported this chaos to the most progressive square of the most progressive city in the world. The highjackers took over the planes with the most primitive means such as swiss knives, and ridiculed all organized and wealthy armies, exposing once again the limitation of "progress". Now with Uranus in Pisces, the need to generate progress for the masses and the need to regulate progress and science will continue to occupy our minds. This is a time in which the most extraordinary scientific discoveries may see the light, a time in which new cures will be found for diseases, a time in which the conquest of space will be enhanced, new planets be colonized or discovered. Uranus in Pisces will also boost the idea of a more united and peaceful world and consequently reinforce the ideal of pacifism and globalization. The world will become a yet smaller village for the better and worse. In an united world,Both plagues and successes are shared: weaker countries will have to upgrade to higher standards while stronger countries will have to adjust to the collective pace. On this note, the stronger countries will feel the need to monitor and control everything that happens in the “remote” corners of the world, because the boundaries being dissolved, there will be a need to increase security measures. We see today the USA policing the world in an invasive fashion in regards to the Iraqui question… This generates on the one hand massive anti-war protest around the world because of the care for human rights, yet on the other hand this phenomenon may become inevitable on the basis that the world becomes a very small place, and what happens in Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea or other isolated places becomes, via globalization, the business of everyone. The “cancer” can spread at a much faster speed now, and therefore methods of preventions must be upgraded too. The United Nation has to become a more reliable and efficient organism to serve that purpose; maybe this transit will promote such task under the existing pressures... The challenge will be to see the positive sides of this new united world and not only the paranoias it creates. For example Uranus in Pisces may generate more awareness about humanitarian aid, more liberal view, more tolerance of human rights. This is an opportunity to stop phenomena such as women being stoned to death on the basis of adultery suspicions. What will occur in remote places of Nigeria will be known and will hopefully create more reactions too. We may see during this time people who come with new visions for the future. Some of these visions will improve the quality of life on earth, while other visions may be totally incoherent and dangerous. This is a time in which phenomena such as Raelian who want to clone babies , or other anarchic cults may pollute front page newspapers with fantastic nonsense. Hitler had Uranus in his 12th house, (this is parallel to Uranus in Pisces…) see where his futuristic vision has led humanity. Generally speaking, Uranus in Pisces ‘s lesson is to unite man endeavor and brightness (science) with higher values and meanings (religion in the true sense of the word)… hence any scientific development that will not be directed to rightful purposes is bound to generate chaos/failure, while those working truly in the aim of better life for all will find unbounded inspiration. New-Agers who will follow fantastic prophecies will be utterly disillusioned, while those combining spirit with reality and logic will find success. On a personal level, Uranus in Pisces will generate the need to change one’s personal lifestyle… For some, the new will manifest in moving away from civilization and modernity to lead a more environmentally aware way of life, while for other it will mean modernizing and speeding up processes. For those aiming at getting public, this position will enhance the potential to publish manuscripts, to generate media/crowd attention, and also to gain political power (go for it !). More thoughts will be shared about this transit in the future. Have fun !
February 2003 Jupiter and Neptune Opposition, Leo-Aquarius September 2002, February 2003, June 2003. Any contact between Jupiter and Neptune is very special, not only because their cycle takes as much as 12 years or so, but because they are both forces that represent the magic of existence. They deal with the yet unrealized and unrecognized aspect of existence, basically transporting us beyond the limits of everyday life and conditioning. They make us dream, fantasize, speculate, gamble, hope, and believe; They save us from austerity and bring back some innocence and optimism, inspiring us about what could be. Inspiration is really a suitable word to describe the meeting of these forces, and as they approach closer to their opposition, tremendous opportunities and new projects may surface in our realities, urging us to think big, take risks, put fears aside, and believe !!! This may apply in every area of life; wherever they land on the chart, there exists a potential of expansion. This is further emphasized if they make any tight aspect to natal planets. There is a strong spiritual essence in their combination; the Pope for example has a Neptune-Jupiter conjunction in his first house in Leo. The coming opposition will land exactly on his natal conjunction. He can expect some divine communication and inspiration; maybe he will actually leave us physically to join the angels ! People will find new meanings in life, new driving forces, new inspiration, and redefine previous ones. In some cases, this signature can lead to powerful spiritual insights and a direct perception of the Truth. The other side of the coin Due to their lack of regard to boundaries, Jupiter and Neptune are subject to create excesses and delusions of grandeur in their ecstatic nature, and cause consequential catastrophe. This may apply when getting involved in projects that are too big and too demanding, and end up overwhelming. Such an experience is a reminder that going too high too fast is dangerous too ! Downfalls may also result from over-indulgence and addictions, or take the form of bankruptcies as all the optimistic projects may be revealed to be inconsistent and badly managed. Basically, this aspect may cause a reversal of fortune in the very negative sense of the word, and expose the fact that all that was believed to be right is totally wrong. This condition is often the result of miscalculations, blind faith, euphoric impressions that rely on nothing concrete, and a fundamental absence of common sense… On a spiritually level, the leap of faith may be revealed to be a wrong step into a ravine, again exposing potential inconsistencies or delusions of grandeur, in spiritual teachings and teachers. The Fall of Titans Jupiter in Leo represents personalities with strong character and influence. As it is opposed by Neptune, any form of over-confidence, over-indulgence, or abuse of authority, is likely to invite a humbling experience. Neptune teaches nothing can be owned. Therefore, these individuals in position of esteem or authority may lose their position, and realize they do not own their success. This may apply specifically to parental figures, especially the father. During the course of this transit, a parent may go through a crisis and require help. One may as well be personally involved in a crisis with a parent. The reason for the latter is usually related to the parent being either overwhelmingly dominant, or self-centered and neglectful. Baby Boom Boom As described in the August 5th Posting, Jupiter in Leo ushers the year of babies and children. Its opposition to Neptune in the course of the year will create a lot of surprises in that regard as well. Children may go through very rewarding experiences, and may raise public praise. On the other hand, many crises may erupt, and require attention. Children have already been targets of abuse during this last summer, Mars in Leo having contributed to the cause. The souls born under the opposition between Neptune and Jupiter have a significant potential of fame and public influence. Some of them have a considerable sophisticated spiritual awareness, sometimes originating from Atlantis. They have been in the course of incarnations in eminent positions of influence. Their lesson is to humble their ego and learn channel their resources in productive ways, that is in trying not sink continents under oceans ! The Lessons The way to avoid a potential downfall is to understand the deeper implications of this aspect and the lessons it involves. Jupiter and Neptune both represent the search for the truth. Jupiter is the active force of this equation while Neptune is the passive one. Jupiter encourages promotion, exploration of potential, confidence to follow convictions, and expansion. Neptune teaches most of life is still unknown, and the best way to learn from it is to surrender and be receptive to what it tells; that is instead of jumping around with absolute convictions. The opposition between the two, spurs a conflict between these two modes of operation. There is a great potential of achievement as all boundaries can be expanded; yet the need is to proceed without trying to direct and control everything, without expecting immediate success, without taking anything for granted… . The lesson to learn is that this potential expansion is not under egocentric control; there is a need to be receptive to eventual opportunities, yet without "jumping ahead of the horse"… In one word the lesson is to stay humble and follow the stream day by day. Moreover, it implies there is a need to build strong foundations to support the new meanings or projects, and refrain from taking things too lightly, seeing only the optimistic side of the coin. Conclusion Go beyond limitations, believe everything is possible, follow your desires and intuition, aim high, but stay humble, know to question and doubt, take the necessary time, and don't take anything for granted !!! The United States The opposition between Jupiter and Neptune is landing close the Nodal axis of the country's chart. This may indicate a strong confidence to take initiatives which have elements of risk. The issue rising is of course the attack on Saddam Hussein and Iraq. Despite the strong protest from the international community, there seem to be a strong inclination to actualize this offensive (remember the opposition is also landing on Pr Bush's natal Pluto in Leo). Taken that transiting Pluto is back on the Ascendant of the US, and that it will soon square transiting Mars in Virgo, there are probabilities it will take place in the course of this fall. Yet with Neptune opposing Jupiter, there may be a constant fluctuation between inflation and deflation, enthusiasm and concession, so this flip flop might go on and on without any substantial outcome. Since the opposition will take place in the 2Nd and 8th house of the US chart, there are strong economical implications as well. There may be a revival of the economy, and a reemerging optimism, yet the misleading character of this aspect may generate euphoric feelings followed by a sudden downfall. It all depends on the nature of the bases upon which the possible revival relies on. August 25th 2002 The tempestuous ride of Mars in Leo. Mars has entered Leo since mid July, and will very soon move on to its next station in Virgo. This passage has, and still is creating dramatic circumstances on a personal and collective scale, especially since it has made significant aspect to other planets. It has opposed Neptune in Aquarius, then conjuncted the Sun itself in Leo, to finally oppose Uranus in Aquarius. Mars in itself represents the instinct to individualize, separate, and take one's causes in one's hands, so the aspects it has made only accentuated the need for changes and new departures. Taken that the sign of Leo is emphasizing the fiery need to express, undertake, and keep loyaty to private convictions, it can be clearly observed that the level of testosterone has been boosted considerably during that time, warming up the temper of people . There has been a general to regain a personal sense of dignity and freedom of expression, urging people to separate from any factor that would obstruct that. This has caused many confrontations on that basis,making people cut ties and follow their own way as a result. Mars in Leo symbolizes the need to succeed and not compromise on anything in that regard. It often spurs emotions of jalousie, anger, and defensiveness, when personal goals are threatened by others, or when personal goals are threatening others. Generally speaking though, it generates activity and development. Violence towards children Mars may cause frustration and anger to the point of releasing all misplaced emotions in physically abusing others. Since Leo represents children, there has been during this month an incredible rise in acts of violence towards children. Every week a new case of abduction, rape, and murder of teenagers and small children has been reported. The United States has been especially touched by this plague, and so has Britain and other countries, many of which did not make the news. Mars will now move on to Virgo and instigate new changes as it will progressively square Pluto, the Nodal Axis, and Saturn. Changes may be focused on work related issues. It is a time for serious reassessment which may lead on the one hand to creative improvement, and on the other hand to verbal violence and degrading criticism.
August 5th 2002 Jupiter has now entered the sign of LEO. Jupiter is the planet that represents expansion, faith, confidence, dissemination, exaggeration, intolerance, as well as overindulgence which can lead to decadence. Its presence in the sign of Leo creates a very strong effect because Leo is a fire sign, which adds to the optimism and opulence of Jupiter. Those with strong astrological signatures in the sign of Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus are likely to be affected more significantly by this transit, which will last until the end of August 2003. Jupiter will inhabit the first half of the sign of Leo until July 2003, and then will move through the second half in the course of only one month. The Baby Boom Since Leo is the sign of children, the passage of Jupiter will encourage the primal urge to multiply. Jupiter's transit through Cancer has already elevated the statistics of pregnancies, and these new babies will be born during the coming year. Many people who had difficulties conceiving will have significantly better chances to conceive this year. Many people who did not put any thought in the matter might find themselves considering and being more enthusiastic about it. On the other hand, many unexpected pregnancies are predicted as the storks will have to handle huge numbers of souls waiting to incarnate. This condition will weight on the conscience of couples who will have to decide whether to change their destiny accordingly, or reject the unplanned circumstances. In short, Be Careful, You have Been warned !!! Jupiter in Leo may as well indicate new development regarding children that have already been born. This placement may indicate that one's own children will go through rewarding times of expansion and growth. It may also indicate however that one's child may require tremendous attention and care while going through a crisis. Succession Leo does not only relate to biological children but to any form of succession. This means that the old generation will leave room for new blood to step in. People will consequently retire or be promoted, depending on where they stand. Self Actualization and pressure Jupiter in this position will encourage a lot of people to dare take destiny into their hands and take chances to achieve more challenging goals. This is a time to take more risks and dare follow one's own convictions and intuitions. It is not possible to know in advance to what degree each person may progress during this transit. As old boundaries become obsolete, the new boundaries are not yet recognized; such condition may lead to overindulgence and excesses. Jupiter in Leo may manifest itself in a lack of proportion, delusions of grandeur, extreme egocentricity, and cause a lot of problematic issues on that basis. Moreover, such a placement may indicate very heavy pressure to succeed coming from authorities. One may have to stand up to overly-high expectations and end up falling in a trap when failing to satisfy. Health Issues Jupiter has a very strong tendency to affect the general health because it is prone to cause excesses and destabilize the oraganism's overall balance. Its transit in Leo may generate heart problems, it is therefore essential to pay attention to one's diet and learn manage the affect of stress. It is advised to reduce the consumption of products rich with fat and cholesterol, to exercise in gentle ways, and open the heart center with techniques such as Yoga, Tai-chi, Chi-Gong, or Fallon-Gong. Exaggerated sportive activities are also best avoided. Next update: Jupiter in Leo opposing Neptune in Aquarius Jupiter will oppose Neptune for the first time in September 2002 and for another round in June 2003. These will be very powerful times that will create on the one hand tremendous new potential for expansion on every level, whether economic and spiritual. On the other hand, this opposition is likely to create a euphoric feeling that will be balanced by a downfall. There are specific way to deal with these incredible powers. Stay tuned for next updates.
July 2nd Posting Some observations on the past celestial events. The June 10th - 11th Eclipse As it was mentioned in the last posting (see below May 26th posting) the influence of the eclipse was particularly effective on the longitude of Kashmir and Denver. And so it has happened that in the space of these two days, major events have taken place in both these locations. The threats of war between Pakistan and India has dissipated, showing that eclipses, or any other significant celestial configuration, do not necessarily instigate changes in dramatic ways. Generally speaking, despite the fact that we may know serious changes are on the way, we can only speculate about their intensity and actual form. On the other side of the globe, the eclipse has indeed created a more explosive outcome, as wild fires have devastated the outskirts of Denver; fires that were uncommon in their intensity. Shortly after that, it is in Arizona, very close to that longitude, that yet more fires have devatated forrests, also in an uncommon scale and intensity. President Bush Transits (born July 6th 1946, 7:26 am, New haven CT) As it was mentioned in the February 2002 posting, Neptune is opposing the natal Pluto of President Bush's chart for quite a while. This transit has influenced in a certain way on the decline of his war enthusiasm, as the cicumstances to attack Iraq have shown to be unfavourable. Initiating an attack under such transits may have caused humilliating consequences. Moreover it has been published that the President has gone through medical checks for colon cancer. Neptune/Pluto transits can indeed weaken the immune system and call for serious caution. This opposition will remain until early 2003, keeping the president in a climate of insecurity on a personal and political level. It is not possible to know if such transit will further dismantle the current hostilities in place (Neptune= dismantling, Pluto = weapons), or if it will increase the victimization and fear effect, to create further adversity. Adding to that, Jupiter will join the equation in the course of September, locking in Leo just in front of Neptune, that is on the Pluto of the President.
May 26th 2002 posting Updates on the Pluto -Saturn opposition on the Nodes of the Moon. (see Feb 2002 posting further below for more details) Pluto and Saturn are now exactly opposing each other at 16 degrees Gemini and Sagittarius. The tension is very strongly felt in many individual lives, as indeed people requestion the patterns of their existence. Many are deciding or compelled to relocate, break relationships, start new careers, deal with health problem, challenge the system, or face yet other challenges. This aspect is creating very rewarding changes for some and very strenuous struggles for others, depending on the specific evolutionary requirements each one has. The next points in time which are worthy of attention are the two eclipses coming up soon. The first one will be a lunar eclipse on MAY 26th , and the second a solar eclipse on JUNE 10th . Both these dates are likely to increase the intensity of events which are already in progress. The June 10th eclipse will happen at the 19 degrees of GEMINI, and since it is very close to the North Node and the degrees of the Saturn/Pluto opposition, it is likely to be more significant. Chart for the June 10-11th eclipse  Collectively speaking, as I have described previously (see February 2002 posting), the currents caused by this opposition are very strong. The rise of racism and fundamentalism is growing stronger as on one side right-wing leaders gain more power all over Europe, and on the other side religious fanaticism threatens the democracy of the world. The climate of insecurity instigates the rise of nationalism and conservatism as was demonstrated in the recent elections in France where the ultra-rightist Jean-Marie Le Pen came second, as well as in the assassination of the Dutch right-wing leader whose party also came second in the last elections. The Islamic threat has been inducing generalizations and scapegoating of Muslim citizens around Europe, as well as of Jews, and other minorities. Religious fanaticism and extreme nationalism will both be challenged and questioned as they become the concern of the day. This is already demonstrated in the fact that some Islamic nations requestion their image and customs as in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Catholic church pedophile scandals in the United States is another manifestation of the confrontations of religious blindness. The road to paradise is still long, however seeing the French population protesting in the street against the rise of Jean- Marie Le Pen is a sign that error and inattention can be readjusted. The feeling of threat is also largely emphasized by the influence of Neptune in Aquarius which creates fears in regards to the idea of globalization. As world barriers dissolve, becoming more of a communal village, people feel stripped of their national identity. Neptune in Aquarius creates a paradox in which there is a need on the one hand to move forwards to higher values of solidarity, exchange, and tolerance, and on the other hand it creates fears of pollution by the globalization effect. The original Europeans fear losing the purity of their white skin in the sea of colored immigrant, the stronger nations fear having to share their profits with the weaker nations, and the weaker nations fear losing their character and customs under the financial dominion of the stronger nations. These tensions although difficult in the short run, are necessary in order to question the idea of globalization and constantly readjust it. This obviously impacts on the economy as well, for the climate of insecurity inevitably decreases investments. Israel and the Palestinian Authority The Pluto-Saturn opposition has intensified the bloody conflict between Israeli and Palestinians that has exploded in in September 2000. The months of March and April 2002 stood out for their extreme violence.The unprecedently intense wave of suicide bombings has instigated the forceful and controversed intrusion of the Israeli army in several Palestinian cities in attempt to fundamentaly dismantle the terrorism machine. During that time, Mars was also in Taurus, and squared in turn the Moon, Pluto, Saturn and Mars in Leo in the natal chart of Israel (May 14th 1948, at 4pm Tel aviv). As a result, terrorist attacks, although still striking, have significantly decreased in their intensity, at least for the time being. A most important thing has occured following these events, and that is the international and partially Arab pressures to fundamentally reform the Palestinian Authority. Even the concept of "elections" has been mentionned, despite the fact that this is pure fantasy at this point. It is doubtful that Arab dictatroships will allow the Palestinian to set an example of democracy which could unsettle their own rule. These reforms are more in words than action at this point, yet they do imply that doubt and thoughts are invested in the matter and maybe such dynamic will generate real change on the longer run. On the Israeli side, financial reforms are occuring to cope with the war situation, as the Pluto-Saturn opposition take place in the 2nd/8th house of Israel's chart. Moreover there are talks about early elections aimed for October 2002. If taking place, these elections might change the local dynamic dramatically. It is likely that the extreme-right parties will dangerously gain yet more power if the hostilities continue until then, and consequently perpetuate the loop of violence. Progressions are indeed pointing to the high probabilities for these early elections to occur. THE INDIAN - PAKISTANI FRONT Every degree in Astrology correlate with a longitude of the Earth. Therefore, it is possible to locate where specifically the planets are likely to impact on Earth. The opposition of Pluto and Saturn is at 16 degree of Sagittarius and Gemini. The June 10th Eclipse occurs at 19 degrees Gemini. These correspond to the following longetudes on Earth: 16-19 degrees Gemini corresponds exactly to the position of Kashmir, Lahore, Delhi and any other location on that longitude. The 16 - 19 degrees Sagittarius corresponds more or less to the longitude of Mexico, Denver in the US, and Regina in Canada. Clearly we can see that the Kashmir conflict is intensified as a result and could potentially lead to serious global consequences. As a matter of fact, India and Pakistan were at war in 1948 and 1965. During both these years Pluto and Saturn were in direct aspect to one another; a conjunction in 1948, and an opposition in 1965. It is no coincidence that each Pluto/Saturn cycle stirs again the issues involved between these countries. It is not possible however to know the extent of such influences. Israel is another country strongly influenced by the Pluto/Saturn cycle, being born itself in May 1948 under the conjunction in Leo. Since the United States/Mexico/Canada stand on the longetude line of Pluto, there could be further events in those countries as well. The United States are already in the news relative to the "War on terrorism"and the Pedophile scandals of the Catholic church. These three countries are still exposed to further political crisis, natural disasters, or new resolutions. Neptune on its own South Node during 2002 and 2003 Another phenomenon occurring this year 2002 and next year, is Neptune transit over 10 to 13 degrees of Aquarius. These are critical degrees because this is where the South Node of NEPTUNE happens to be FOR EVERYONE; these nodes move very slowly, they stay on these degrees for the whole century. What this means for the years 2002 and 2003 is that the influence of Neptune will be very strongly emphasized. Of course those who have planets around 10 to 13 degrees in the signs of Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, and Taurus, will be feeling that even more so. On a personal level, this is likely to induce a gradual need to dissolve barriers in life that inhibit the impulse to grow. The influence of Neptune will ignite the urge to let go of fears and do things that were previously perceived as impossible. People will dare taking risks and adopt more of an adventurous spirit, leaving behind the obstructions of the mind and the conditioning of society. Generally speaking it's a need to let go of rigid patterns in life. Those who will hold too strongly on fixed ideas, positions, possessions, competition, or ambitions, may find themselves having a harder time adjusting to these influences, for the current is going toward a need to stop trying control the outcome of events, and instead allowing life be surprising. Plans could be subjected to readjustments, so this requires flexibility and adaptation. Flowing with such current can provide one with a feeling of liberation and exaltation, but trying to control the current can lead to crashes. The ego will be tamed to monitor the event, instead of trying to impose its desires. These things said, it is important to note that when surrendering control, one must not "fall asleep". The point is to use these experiences for the growth of consciousness, not for selfishness, ease, and laziness. The wrong attitude and intentions are likely to invite humbling experiences. As mentioned before, President Bush will have Neptune opposing his Pluto in Leo this year. If he addresses the coming challenges with a humble spirit while taking the necessary risks, it will bring him unexpected increase. If he get absorbed in a power trip and holds on an ambition to win at all costs, he will be subject to limitations. Collectively speaking, Neptune deals, among other things, with the process of globalization and the need to find a collective identity and purpose. So on the one hand people will feel closer to each other, and the barriers of nationalism will continue to dissolve. We could as well witness rigid systems softening; for example China might redefine its policy on human rights, or maybe India and Pakistan will find compromises. The drawbacks of this situation will also erupt as there won't be well-defined protective boundaries to stop negative influences. This might manifest in paralysing global crises, such as a new epidemic, an ecological catastrophe, or yet a new war threat. In actuality, it is likely that there will be simultaneous traffic of constructive and destructive energies. Moreover, the spirit of globalization will be challenged by groups who will defy its existence. The dissidents will find the rationale to sabotage the realization of such collectivity. From a spiritual point of view, these oppositions serve the purpose of questioning the idea of globalization in order for it to readjust itself continuously. Despite the fact that oppositions obstruct the smooth development of things, they prevent taking things for granted and bring about the awareness of staying alert to the potential misuse of power. Each time a different group will take the role of opposition to globalization; it might be Bin Laden, Iran or Iraq, the growing numbers of activists who manifest around the globe against it, or yet new parties unknown at the present. These challenges will bring a long-term awareness of the need to bridge between minorities and leading groups. The need for industrial progress promoted by Western culture, will have to take into account the countries which do not follow that pace. It won't be as easy to ignore or hide the chaos existing in many countries; on the contrary, there will be a need to address their problems, otherwise the chaos will spread. So the world will have to eventually find a rhythm that is suitable for all. Moreover, Neptune in Aquarius will expose the drawbacks of industrial and scientific progress. This might happen because progress tends to generate a false sense of confidence that people are able to control nature and life. Aquarius is the sign of the sovereignty of human beings; the sovereignty of the progressive mind. It is opposed by the sign Leo, which is the sign of the sovereignty of the wild animal; the sovereignty of emotions. So as Neptune transits Aquarius, and especially these degrees, the belief that humans are the absolute masters by the means of technology will increase and cause distortions. Eventually Humans will realize, through crisis, that they are still under the influence of higher forces superior to their mind and creativity bringing forth the understanding that there is a divine force operating. Humanity will realize that despite extensive knowledge, there is still much more to uncover, and through error modesty will have to be learned and intentions adjusted. | |||||||
