Articles @celestialnavigation.info

Ch-ch-ch-ch changes. Time brings change, but some times are more fraught with change and the need for it than others, and these are times of great change. We are at the outset of a major astrological configuration that astrologers have been eyeing warily from a comfortable distance for years. Well, the comfort zone has all but vanished and our challenging future has fast become our present day reality. Please keep in mind; astrology does not predict the future. It symbolically describes the nature and qualities of time giving us an idea of how life is changing, what it is giving rise to and how we may more consciously participate with this ever-evolving creative process.

The symbolic scenario looks like this: Uranus, the unpredictable, wild card planet of disruptive, radical change, instability, innovation, ingenuity and of all that is new and alternative, and Saturn the establishment planet of tradition, security structures, control, fear of change, conservatism and the status quo, and Pluto planet of power dynamics, energy, earth’s resources, the mysterious depths of human nature, catharsis, destruction and renewal are entering into a confrontational and tension-filled t-square with each other.

Saturn and Uranus, polar opposites by nature, are further polarizing by coming into the first of five exact oppositions with each other beginning on November 4th - Election Day- what timing (who will win is hard to say, but Obama’s chart is looking good come Inauguration Day). They will counter each other again in February and September of 2009,and in April and July 2010. The last time these two planets faced-off was during the infamously tumultuous sixties. And, then, just as now, potent Pluto was in on the mix, stirring the pot from the bottom up and raising the temperature on the cauldron of change. The time before that was from 1929 thru 1933 during The Great Depression. Although Pluto does not precisely aspect the other two until 2010, the Uranus and Pluto square is already churning-up cultural change and turning entrenched power dynamics upside down, plain to see in the ground-breaking presidential candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Throughout the sixties, Uranus and Pluto, both vast change agents, were aligned together and opposing status quo Saturn. The period was a hotbed of revolutionary socio-cultural change in music, art, film, fashion, and huge technological advances. Big strides were made in the women’s movement, the gay and civil rights movements, and the environmental and human potential movements. This time around, the configuration varies with Pluto squaring both Saturn and Uranus as they challenge each other, adding a dramatic intensity to the high tension between the fear and resistance to change and the desire and dire need for it. Saturn and Pluto at odds embody the classic rock and a hard place metaphor, the combination has been described as more and more of less and less. Saturn is the planet of scarcity, lack, shortages, conservation and prudence. Pluto is the planet of uses and abuses of power, vast wealth, (plutocrats) energy, and earth’s underground resources, such as oil and coal. Saturn and Pluto in square signify a scarcity or tightening of resources, struggles over power and control, and strife over debt and depression. This is especially so now since Pluto entered Capricorn, the sign of economics, politics, and governmental structures, last January rocking the world economy.

Friction between Uranus and Pluto can spark a vast and deep chain reaction of change on all levels from geological changes on the planet to enlightening, evolutionary shifts in human consciousness, and transformative technological advances. The antagonistic relationship between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto brings underlying problems, tensions and strains to critical mass ensuring both breakdowns and breakthroughs. Something has to give and will. How it will depends largely upon our willingness to wake up from a massive state of denial, embrace necessary change, and do something about the precarious position in which we find ourselves.

The worst case scenarios for stressful aspects between Saturn, Pluto and Uranus are pretty dreadful, but face it, where we stand with climate changes occurring at an alarming rate, extreme weather patterns, the protracted war in Iraq threatening to shift to Afghanistan or Iran; oil, water and food fast becoming precious commodities, a mass extinction of plant and animal life well underway, an ever-weakening U.S. dollar, enormous debt, and faltering economy, etcetera, etcetera, the scene out there is quite horrifying. But life is change, it gets better and worse depending on how clearly we see it and the choices we make. It’s a highly interactive phenomenon.

Al Gore’s speech on July 17th speaks directly to the essential themes of the Saturn- Pluto-Uranus configuration and helps us to envision a better case scenario outcome. If we have not been using our resources, energy, power and influence wisely and well when Saturn (responsibility) and Pluto (power) meet we are faced with the consequences of our choices, which is where we are now. As Gore succinctly puts it, “We’re borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet.”- not exactly stellar stewardship of our planet and resources. But it is often only when we are between a rock and a hard place and unflinchingly face painful realities that we find the willingness and fortitude to make difficult changes and come up with inventive solutions.

Gore challenges us “to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years.” An eleventh hour Mission Impossible to be sure, but at least it’s a goal worth shooting for. The energies of these three planets can, and do, creatively and constructively work together with some awareness and effort. Galvanizing Uranus, ruler of electricity, is in there with Saturn and Pluto urging us to wake up to the truth of our situation, enlightening us with new discovery, and inspiring us with revelatory ideas, innovations and ingenious solutions. Saturn engenders accountability, discipline, perseverance, organization and pragmatic realism. Pluto connects us to the mysterious depths and wisdom of our feeling nature and the power and strength to regenerate our lives that quietly lives within each of us waiting to be found. Pluto offers insight into what must be let go of and transformed and the courage to undergo difficult life passages of loss and renewal.

We all love nail-biting, cliffhangers at the movies. Well, we’ve got ourselves a real live one here. Let’s see if we can use all that we’ve got to be our own heroes and save the day.

Originally published in Cape Healing Arts Magazine Fall 2008.

Electric, high-tech Uranus and watery, unifying Neptune have been taking each other’s signs for a spin since 2003 and we’ll be along for that reality-altering ride until 2011. Inventive Uranus and visionary Neptune are involved in an interplay of energies called mutual reception. This astrological construct occurs when two planets occupy each other’s zodiacal signs. Uranus rules Aquarius where Neptune has been since 1998, and in 2003, Uranus entered Pisces ruled by Neptune. This mutual receptivity creates an amplified resonance and heightened exchange of energies between the planets involved.

Now through 2010, this planetary combination is given a further boost as they are 30º apart from one another. This is the first aspect between them since their momentous conjunction of the early 90’s which ushered in the World Wide Web, cell phones, virtual reality and the big wave of digital technology which is still cresting - we haven’t been in Kansas for quite some time now. The last conjunction between this paradigm-shifting pair occurred in the early nineteenth century coinciding with the Industrial Revolution, which stimulated the growth of Industrial Capitalism, Marxism and the Romantic Movement.

Myriad meanings and outcomes can be explored with this planet and sign configuration. Aquarius is an air sign associated with advances in the arts and sciences, intellectual and creative freedom and collaboration, social networking, political discourse, radio, TV and broadcasting, and computer technology. Neptune the dissolver of boundaries and promoter of popular trends and mass appeal entered edifying, egalitarian and widget-loving Aquarius at the end of the nineties bringing us Google, DVD’s, MP3 players, Wikipedia, wireless technology, and blogging- the sharing of one’s ideas, opinions and creations with everyone and anyone in cyberspace. Once exciting Uranus entered mesmerizing Pisces in 2003, cyberspace became an even more alluring place.

Pisces and Neptune rule images, photography, movies, music, advertising, fashion, glamor, popularity and celebrity, and Uranus signifies unique individuality and creative expression. Come 2003, anybody and everybody began showing-off their stuff to the world via internet and television and began seeking stardom and celebrity en mass. American Idol and reams of reality shows starring Jane Doe and Joe Schmo had taken hold on prime time TV. In 2003, My Space was launched, in 2004, Facebook, and in 2005, the phenomena of U tube allowing each of us to be the writer, producer, director and star of our own videos. By 2006 Time Magazine’s person of the year was You –“for seizing the reins of global media, for founding and framing the new digital democracy, for working for nothing and beating the pros at their own game…”

This planetary combination presages an unprecedented opportunity for millions of people to have instant access to every type of knowledge and information available and to share their ideas and talents with others anywhere in the global network. The collaborative creative potential is vast, as is its potential to bridge cultural and political divisions and build new international communities. A downside to this technological dissolution of boundaries is there is even less of a demarcation between work and rest, society and solitude -- nowhere to get away from it all, to turn off the static and tune into some sanity-saving, serenity. We are all hooked up and tuned in, but to what? We have never had so many labor and time saving devices yet been so busy with so little time. An amusing outcome to Uranus (sci-fi nuts, hi-tech freaks, and odd balls) in Pisces (glamor, fashion and trends) is that geeks are now chic.

When the scientific wizardry of Uranus teams up with the mystical nature of Neptune, this iconoclastic combo tends to challenge and change consensus reality and established scientific paradigms. Together they represent explorations in consciousness and the nature of reality, and inquiry between the sciences and spiritual studies. Uranus and Neptune combined symbolize periods of heightened spiritual seeking and awakening. We can see this combination of energies illustrated in the popularity of recent movies such as What the Bleep do We Know?, The Secret and The Moses Code, which explore spirituality and the interface of consciousness and reality. The mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius is well illustrated by Aquarian Oprah Winfrey’s webcast of spiritual teacher, Echart Tolle’s lecture series on his book, A New Earth. Her website is also offering daily lessons from The Course in Miracles taught by Marianne Williamson. Here we see many of the Uranus and Neptune themes interacting. TV, Computers, spirituality, consciousness raising, enlightenment, celebrity and mass appeal.

Distressing manifestations of this planetary exchange are also evident. Neptune and Pisces also represent deception, fraud, theft, loss, victimization, escapism and addiction; the Internet has become a breeding ground for credit card fraud, identity theft, and predatory practices of all kinds. Many people have become virtually lost in cyberspace due to the addictive nature of Internet porn, gambling and virtual world games such as Second Life. Will we use our virtual tools to inform ourselves and better the world we share or will they be another trivial distraction and escape, or worse a means by which we can be further manipulated and controlled by corporate greed and governments? User beware.

At their best, Aquarius and its ruler Uranus, and Pisces and its ruler Neptune , represent, evolved states of human consciousness with visionary, highly creative, humanitarian and universal themes. And though they share some common themes, they also symbolize contrasting life principles. Aquarius and Uranus represent diversity, unique individuality and communications within life’s multiplicity. Neptune and Pisces represent union, dissolution of differentiating boundaries and a felt communion with all of life. Aquarius and Uranus are intellectual, exemplifying creative universal mind or intelligence, while Pisces and Neptune are more emotional, exemplifying universal love and compassion. Together they represent life’s essential paradox and mystery that we are both one and many simultaneously.

As enlightening Uranus and compassionate Neptune travel in each other’s signs, we are invited to awaken from our dark dreams of a doomed future and to join our ingenious and innovative Uranian talents with our Neptunian gifts of inspiration and empathy. It is time for vision quests both individually and collectively that we may see our way into this coming century whole in one big peace.

Originally published in Cape Healing Arts Magazine Summer 2008.

We do not see things as they are, but as we are.

The Talmud

It’s time for a reality check. The two grand masters of illusion, Saturn and Neptune, are poised in a challenging face-off. Yes, Saturn is supposed to be the no-nonsense, ‘just the facts, ma’am’, real as dirt planet and Neptune the ethereal, illusory, out there, one, but things are not always as they appear. Saturn can be thought of as the reality of our illusions and Neptune the illusion of our reality. Or is it the other way around? That’s the rub when Saturn and Neptune meet. We live in a veritable hall of mirrors. The metaphysics of astrology implies that our universe is interactive, with consciousness and reality forever mirroring and informing each other - ” As above so below, as within, so without.” No wonder we’re so confused. We are walking, talking paradoxes simultaneously taking part in both the world of form and the great beyond – or is that the great within?

Saturn and Neptune began their opposition in late 2004, but it did not become exact until late August 2006 (aptly, coinciding with the release of the movie, The Illusionist), and again late February 2007; they will be in exact opposition for the last time on June 25th, 2007. The influence of this transit will continue to linger through 2008. Though we are all experiencing the influence of this transit, those most directly affected are those with planets in the latter half of the signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Like its cosmic companions, Uranus and Pluto, Neptune opens us to the vast unseen world, but Neptune can prove more elusive to grasp. Some of the more tangible examples of Neptune in our world are the ocean and water, sound waves, music, dance, poetry, photography, film, gases, drugs and alcohol. It signifies the collective unconscious, visions, dreams, ideals, imagination, creative and spiritual inspiration, and compassionate service. Neptune ultimately represents eternity, infinity, unity, spirituality, and the creative void of infinite potential. It is considered the Universal Solvent. Its highest expressions are communion, ecstasy, bliss, profound peace, and boundless love. We can tune into the higher vibrational world of Neptune through, meditation, prayer, quiet reflection and contemplation, music, dancing, chanting, and communing with nature. Within the saturnine, physical world of separation, form and fear, the higher expressions of Neptune are difficult to attain and maintain. Neptunian pitfalls include escapism, confusion, addiction, delusion, deception, passivity and victimization.

Saturn, on the other hand, in its roles of builder and teacher helps us to grasp hold. Saturn embodies the process of manifestation. Saturn gives form to Neptune’s world of oneness and infinite possibilities creating separation and our world of duality and polarity. Saturn exemplifies the principles of order, structure, authority and control. Saturn likes to build things up and nail them down. Constructive principles in Saturn’s sphere are discipline, responsibility, commitment, practicality, objectivity, sobriety, patience, perseverance and mastery. Difficult ones are fear, pain, inhibition, lack, struggle, negativity, pessimism, rigidity, depression, and limitation.

When planets enter into a challenging opposition crisis occurs; the principles and qualities they represent are in direct confrontation exposing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The opposition is the most difficult of aspects, but it also carries the most opportunity for increased awareness and pivotal change. When Saturn and Neptune meet the difficulties and challenges are manifold, and the positive potentials untold.

At the interface of Saturn and Neptune dreams meet reality and reality meets dreams. We are faced with the need to discern fact from fiction, illusion from actuality, goals from fantasy, true ideals from false images. Is our life a reflection of our dreams and ideals? What are we doing to bring them together? Are our dreams and ideals a true reflection of who we are, or are they imposed by the media, the culture the needs and values of others? For some, this can be a time when important visions are coming to realization, yet there is a need for fine tuning the vision and renewing commitment. For others, it can be a time of stark realizations and disappointment. For some of us, a sea change may be taking place in which stable aspects of our lives shift, or drift away, ushering in a period of uncertainty and disorientation which serves as a vehicle for an inward voyage of reflection and spiritual growth. This is a sobering time in which we are called to end our denial around evasive, addictive, delusional, and deceptive behaviors and take greater responsibility. It is time to empty ourselves of the old and outlived that we may be open and receptive to a new flow of life and inspiration.

This planetary opposition challenges us with the conflicting need to hang in and let go at the same time. Time to trust and keep on keeping on. An ideal instruction manual for navigating the often troubled waters of a Saturn and Neptune transits can be found in the 12 steps of recovery of AA, which was founded in 1935 during another Saturn and Neptune opposition.

This is a time to pare down to essence and essentials, to sink to a deeper, truer, more authentic level of ourselves while lifting our sights higher. It’s time to get quiet and listen for the soft silent sound resonating in our heart of hearts ever steering our way. Some solitude and introspection are essential now to shape and revision our ideals, dreams and aspirations. We need to carve out time in our schedules to commune with spirit, with nature, with our creative muse. We have an opportunity now to marry this uneasy yet ideal pair by joining perspiration and inspiration, dedication and vision, compassion and commitment, effort and grace, reason and intuition, the mundane and magical, the everyday and mystical – heaven and earth. It’s high time to tune in, get real and dream true - we’ve got miraculous work to do.

Originally Published in Cape Healing Arts Magazine Spring 2007.

Copyright© 2007 Colleen Holden. No part of this article may be reproduced without permission of the author. All rights reserved.