Sun into Gemini 2010: Prometheus’ Flames Burning Brighly

Conventional wisdom in astrology asserts that the mutable signs are the subdued ones, those gentle, affable energies responsible for finishing up their respective seasons. For example, Sagittarius closes the autumn, Pisces winds down the winter, and so forth. To say the least, 2010 is a year when convention is being turned on its head. While the 2010 Sun through Gemini cycle brings spring to its annual conclusion, in keeping with the revolutionary sentiment abuzz on the airwaves, it also ushers in the start of the T-square and sets the stage for the Grand Cross. a series of impressive alignments we have not experienced simultaneously for centuries. So rather than a mild cycle of finishing affairs, major events will just be getting underway during this transit. Gemini’s versatility, ability to think on its feet and adaptability are our keys to peacefully maneuvering through the headline-making solar cycle and summer ahead.

To put the upcoming events into context, we need to understand the mechanics of the T-square and to distinguish it from the Grand Cross. Visualize the face of a clock with Saturn in Libra at 9 o’clock, Pluto in Capricorn at 6 o’clock at the bottom and Uranus and Jupiter in Aries at 3 o’clock. This alignment is what astrologers call a T-square. Now add the Sun in Cancer at 12 o’clock to the top of the picture. This is what astrologers call a Grand Cross. In both alignments the planets form oppositions and squares to each other. As the names imply, oppositions and squares are the more contentious angles in astrology. They tend to bring things to a head and force decisions. Note how Saturn opposes Jupiter and Uranus in both charts and how Pluto and the Sun come into opposition in the Grand Cross. In the T-square, Saturn squares Pluto which also squares Jupiter and Uranus. In the Grand Cross, Jupiter and Uranus square the Sun which also squares Saturn. Next, four of these planets, Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus, are outer planets, those thought to represent our larger world and collective experiences. Finally, all of the signs involved in both formations are the cardinal ones. These are the zodiac’s provocative energies, the instigative energies responsible for starting their respective seasons, Aries spring, Cancer summer, and so on. They set things off so to speak.

But the Sun isn’t in Cancer you astutely note; it’s at 11 o’clock or Gemini. Yes, on May 20th at 8:34 P.M. PST it moves there, but by the summer solstice of June 21st, it arrives in Cancer. For those of you paying even closer attention to your astrology these days, you’ll likely also note that Saturn is also presently not in this exact alignment because it has retrograded back into late degrees of Virgo, to about 8:54 on our clock. Correct you are. But on May 31st, the planet ruling lessons, structure and discipline turns direct and sets its course for Libra where it will arrive on July 21st. As the Gemini solar cycle begins indeed Jupiter and Uranus are spending their last days in dreamy Pisces, at about 2:58. However, on the full moon of May 27th wired, rule-breaking Uranus heads into the aggressive, fire sign Aries, and expansive Jupiter follows suit on June 6th and also heads into the feisty energies of the sign of the Warrior. What is important here is that these planets are traveling in very close degrees in their respective signs, thus creating more precision and intensity in the T-square and Grand Cross. It is also worth noting that on the full moon of June 26th the moon will join Pluto in the cardinal sign of Capricorn, strengthening that Cross on the day of an eclipse.

To get some insight into how the T-square, which will last into late 2012, might play out, we can look at the history of some of the transits involved, such as Pluto in Capricorn. The last time the planet of destruction and transformation traveled through the sign that rules governments and institutions was 1762-1778, when the American Revolution brought the beginning of the end of monarchy as the world’s ruling “system.” The previous Pluto Capricorn transit was from 1516-1532. In 1510 Martin Luther traveled to Rome where he witnessed the extent of the corruption, including the sale of Indulgences, of the then almighty Roman Catholic Church. Determined to change what he saw, one year into this tumultuous transit, in 1517, Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation. Protest and reform are indeed an integral part of the language of Pluto in Capricorn.

The ruling institution most likely to be radically altered this time around, 2008-2023, is the corporation. Current examples of its authority being challenged include the sweeping financial reform bill now in Congress and President Obama’s recent decision to better regulate the major oil companies by separating the revenue collection and enforcement powers of the Minerals Management Service. Activist Jamie Oliver has launched a widely embraced “Food Revolution” and Buddhist scholar and Columbia University Professor Robert Thurman an “inner Revolution,” and we have one political party relying heavily on imagery from the American Revolution while a growing trend amongst voters is to register as Independents. With this T-square, the already charged political atmosphere will be given extra voltage from electrifying, innovative Uranus moving through pioneering Aries (from May 27, 2010-May 15, 2018). The last time we experienced a Uranus Aries transit was 1927-1934, when it was part of another T-square. It’s also interesting to note that during the 1762-1778 Pluto through Capricorn cycle, Uranus transited through confrontational, autonomous Aries from 1760-1768, when the British government passed the Stamp Act and other incendiary legislation that would ultimately lead to the War for Independence. Also, during that Pluto transit, Saturn went through justice-seeking Libra from September 1774 through December 1776, during which time the American Declaration of Independence was signed. What is significantly different in the summer of 2010 is that all three of these major transits will occur simultaneously, from July 21st - August 13th, they will be very close in degree to one another, and Jupiter will be adding its magnifying energy to the mix as it travels along side Uranus. The two are in fact conjunct (at the same exact spot) on June 8th.

The sign of journalism, travel and international commerce, Gemini will have a keen eye on global events. International affairs in the spotlight while the Sun moves through the sign of the Twins include the World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, the escalating push of the U.S. military into the major urban front of Kandahar, Afghanistan, the European financial crisis and activity at the Federal Reserve. While we in America are inclined to think of the Fed as a domestic entity, its role in global markets is noteworthy. Its chart is set to be heavily impacted by the coming T-square and Grand Cross, and on June 3rd and 21st we may get a glimpse into what’s ahead. I’ll be writing more about the charts of the Fed and Cancer born U.S. next month in the Sun through Cancer/Grand Cross edition of this series.

While 2010 may or may not be the official “dawning of the Age of Aquarius,” a dramatic and transformational time is clearly upon us. Remembering the legend behind the namesake sign of this New Age, the story of Prometheus, can serve and inspire us. From Mark Husson’s “Lovescopes”:

“One of the ways Zeus maintained power over the mortals was to keep them in the dark-literally. He forbade anyone on Olympus to teach them how to wield fire. Being one of the brighter gods, Prometheus didn’t like the suffering this caused humans, so he brought them this forbidden element, forever changing their existence. Because Prometheus broke the rules, Zeus chained him to the top of a mountain and ordered an eagle to eat out his liver - only for it to re-grow and be eaten day after day.”

In times of uncertainty, and in the face of seemingly invisible hands that ravage the earth, loot the financial systems and fund corrupt political systems, what Light, what Fire, will you be in the world?

For more on the T-square and Grand Cross, be sure to tune into “Simpletales” this Tuesday at 11am PST/2pm EST on 12Radio.com where astrologer CA Brooks and I will be talking about the upcoming cycle.

Sun into Capricorn - Quiet Passion

In Winter’s silence lies the voice of inner truth, beckoning us to calm down, sit still and be quiet long enough to glean its ageless wisdom. In Winter’s stillness lies a dormant world of possibility, one intent on embracing solitude, reflection and rest. The absent birds will return and the bare tree branches will again flourish, but not now. This is the time when energy operates on levels so subtle that they are barely perceptible. On December 21st at 9:47am PST the Sun moves into stoic, conservative yet ambitious Capricorn where Pluto, Mercury and the North node are already positioned. This solar cycle will see Venus voyage through this cardinal earth sign, a Mercury retrograde, two eclipses, the onset of a Saturn retrograde and Jupiter’s entrance into Pisces. It sounds action-packed and it is. The action however, is taking place beneath the surface. To those focusing on the external world, the inevitable delays inherent in retrograde periods (Mercury, Mars and Saturn) along with Capricorn’s cautious pace will feel frustrating and consternating. To those honoring this Universal offering of time for review and reinvention and the call for measured movement, this cycle will be illuminating and liberating. The key for unlocking this Capricorn cycle’s gifts is quiet passion.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign which means that its purpose is to initiate, to spur us onward. Capricorn is also the most conservative sign of the zodiac. The dance of taking action and remaining reserved is a intricate one. In it each step is carefully considered, deliberate and finally animated. This year five planets will come under pragmatic Capricorn’s influence simultaneously, along with the North node (our future direction), so a heavy dose of this impressive energy is at hand.

Venus joins the Sun, Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn on December 25th where she will be in residence until January 18th. Mercury will begin its retrograde on December 26th and will turn direct on January 15th. Mercury in grounded Capricorn can help us get ahold of our thoughts when we’re being overrun by them or allowing them to take us too far out there. It is also a tremendous aid for coming up with down to earth solutions and realistic plans for realizing our dreams. Also assuring us of reliable Guidance during this cycle will be Pluto in Capricorn.

Pluto above all else brings a deep abiding truth to all matters. Think about the energies of the recent Scorpio cycle to recall Pluto’s unrelenting intensity. Pluto in Capricorn offers us the chance to get real about our dreams and aspirations and the ability to completely transform our lives in very concrete, measurable ways. Capricorn offers us the drive and stamina to reach those goals. To attain that success, this duo demands that we dedicate ourselves to our desires by taking very practical, consistent steps toward them. Like no other sign Capricorn extolls the virtues and accomplishments of hard work. With Mars, ruler of passion, recently turning retrograde in Leo, the energies of ambition, drive and desire will only be amplified (see C.A. Brooks’ recent articles) during this cycle. Mars turned inward manifests as resentment, rage and bitterness. Mars combined with the honesty Pluto in sober Capricorn brings to our lives now can unravel the unpleasantness and get us back on track to enjoying life and reaping its richest rewards. We only need to follow the truth of heart’s desire and wisdom and act accordingly.

Like some sort of Cosmic check and balance, or conspiracy depending on your viewpoint, Saturn, Capricorn’s stern ruler, is sitting in Libra 90 degrees away from all things Capricorn. If we’re way off track or trying to get by with shortcuts, fuzzy math or excuses, the challenges will be formidable, disagreeable and unavoidable. If on the other hand, we are listening to and following our Guidance and doing the work required to achieve our objectives, Saturn’s waves will be favorable, supportive and encouraging. Doors will slowly open As if to underscore his point, the taskmaster will be begin his retrograde motion on January 13th.

Adding a little more fuel to this slow burning awakening of our passions will be two eclipses, one on December 31 with the full moon in Cancer and the other on January 14th when the moon will be in Capricorn. Saturn’s alignment squares both eclipses, and these eclipses will be in those provocative cardinal signs. To soften the blows or perhaps to enlighten us as to the spiritual reasons for what’s showing up, loving Jupiter enters mystic Pisces on January 18th. The unspoken language of creativity available throughout Jupiter’s sojourn through Pisces offers both retreat and intrinsic guidance. Delving into otherworldly Piscean realms through dance, music, writing and art may well be the master key to understanding the messages now being transmitted from the Cosmos. With that esoteric meaning found, the Capricorn conspiracy will help us put it to use and into form. Happy Winter Solstice!

Sun into Libra - Keeping Love Real

The current Mercury retrograde cycle is sure to go down as one of the most entertaining in recent memory. South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson kicked off the season of gaffs and laughs with his now famous, “You lie!” outburst during President Obama’s health care address to Congress. A few days later at the U.S. Open, tennis icon Serena Williams expressed her displeasure with a line judge’s call by shouting, "If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat." The very next day Kanye West got into the act at the MTV Music Video Awards by butting into Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, only to be inadvertently admonished on the following day by none other than President Obama, who mistakenly thinking that his comments were not being recorded, referred to the rapper as “a jackass.” And we won’t even start on the mischief Mercury is merrily making with the ACORN federally funded housing for prostitutes and pimps debacle. If you never quite understood why this planet is the famed Trickster of the zodiac, now you know.





Diplomatic, impeccably mannered Libra comes to town on September 22nd when the Sun enters the sign of relating and balance at 2:19pm PST. Ruled by the planet of beauty, Venus, the sign regaled for its tact and decorum will likely put a stop to the unwitting lip slippage, especially after the 29th when Mercury goes direct. Libra’s aim after all, is to see things from all points of view, to weigh them carefully and to then act harmoniously in the cause of peacemaking. Rude behavior of any sort is simply unacceptable to Libra sensibilities. In 2009, the Sun, Mercury’s entry into the sign of the scales on October 9th and Venus’s on the 14th will aid Libra’s lofty mission. We will be given the chance to think about and move towards our desires through Libra’s loving and laudable perspective. While we know the inherent truth and wisdom of parables such as love thy neighbor as thyself, walk a mile in another man’s shoes, and whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them, like no other sign, Libra challenges us to walk their walk. That’s because by its very definition it must relate to other, what or whoever that other is. So before us is an ideal opportunity to try on unfamiliar opinions and to try to see the things we believe in the most through the opposite point of view. The awareness gained from doing so can be transformative.

What’s so funny about peace, love and understanding? Namely Pluto set to square the Sun on September 23rd, Mercury on October 10th, Venus on the 15th and Saturn on the 29th. In an effort to please everyone and maintain a semblance of serenity, Libra can sacrifice its true feelings, compromise its core values or become indecisive to a debilitating degree. Pluto, 90 degrees away from Libra in matter of fact Capricorn, will keep the peace and love fest real. The energies of the Sun, Mercury and Venus squares with Pluto are a good precursor to the building Saturn square to Pluto. That Square will last until August of 2010 while Saturn’s overall journey through Libra will last until October 5, 2012.



These first three alignments, involving the personal planets, will give us a glimpse into the places in our lives where being pleasant is at odds with our true beliefs in matters. They ask us to negotiate and reconcile the distance between the two, and now is the time to get some mediation practice in. Learning how to honestly and constructively balance our conflicts and contradictions will prove to be an immensely valuable tool for the Saturn Pluto Square and long Saturn in Libra cycles ahead. Venus ruled Libra injects an (overdue) air of civility into our internal, personal, national and international debates. When personal or political arguments arise, we can try take the opposing view to see if a new insight is gleaned that helps the situation or our understanding of it. The Libra caveat simply insists that peace cannot come a the expense of what we hold sacred. So, contradictory as it sounds, we will have to fight for what we believe in. What can make the critical difference is how we fight. When upsetting the apple cart seems uncomfortable and un-Libran, it may be helpful to remember that this is also a cardinal sign which means that its true nature is aggressive, agitating and instigative. Two of the best examples of Libra’s ability to both disrupt the status quo and strive for a higher good for the majority are Libra natives John Lennon and Mahatma Ghandi. The seemingly incongruous and conflicting aspects of our lives and world must be confronted, integrated and balanced, like Libra’s symbolic scales.

Other points of interest along this year’s Libra solar journey are the full moon in Aries on October 4th, harmonious solar trines to Jupiter on the 10th and Neptune on the 16th and a new Libra moon on the 18th. If you want to learn how to harness and apply the energies of Libra, the upcoming Saturn Square to Pluto or Saturn’s transit through Libra to your life, have a reading with one of the professional astrologers at 12Listen.com. Julia Stonestreet Smith. C.A. Brooks, and Neil D. Paris can read a chart like nobody’s business. But an article about the Sun through Libra would not be complete without huge Happy Birthday wishes to Jungian Astrologer and 12Listen bedrock John Joseph, who is also available for readings. Sharing the Libra birthday limelight is Louise Hay, the woman who has changed so many of our lives in profound and countless ways. Happy Birthday Louise! On that note, remember to tune into Hay House Radio every Tuesday morning at 9:30 PST to get the latest on astrological conditions on Mark Husson’s Power Peek Hour - which will actually be going back to an hour long show beginning in October!

Sun into Capricorn, Change Taking Root

Snow covered cars stranded on white roads in the Midwest, icy tree limbs buckled across frigid streets in the Northeast and even a roaring fireplace to stave off the unusual cold here in Los Angeles herald the onset of winter.  Though the Solstice is still a few days away, on December 21st at 4:04A.M. PST, the annual pull inward into stillness is at hand.  And given that the Sun’s journey through somber Capricorn marks the ending and the beginning of the year and the return of Light, some quiet reflection on the past and the future is wise.  What have we learned during the past year?  What will we create in 2009?   Capricorn offers ambition, pragmatism and stamina, and this year six planets will gather in this cardinal earth sign.  We have a rare opportunity to experience the fullness of this enterprising dedicated energy and to harness its industrious and long-ranging powers.  

December 27th offers a new moon at 4:22A.M. PST and is the day on which six planets will meet in Capricorn.  This is an extraordinary day for contemplation, prayers or ritual for what we want to see manifest in the short and long term.  Remember that now that Pluto is in Capricorn our deepest drives and dreams can meet reality, or reality checks.  This Pluto cycle is 15 years long, so the plans you activate internally or externally at this time can have very long lasting effects.  Assisting this down to earth magic will be Capricorn’s ruler Saturn in fellow earth sign Virgo.  

While the hefty economic changes the world has undergone since this Saturn transit began in September of 2007 may have given it a bad rap, it has been such a crucial and necessary journey.  This has been an exceptional time to get our business in order, to learn money lessons and to consider the impact of our materialism.  And in case we have more to understand or refine, Saturn goes retrograde December 31st through May 16th.  We’re going over the facts and figures, and the books, thoroughly, one more time.  By the time Saturn goes direct we should begin to see the light at the end of this economic downturn tunnel, and 2009 will see Saturn move into Libra in late October. In the meantime, with Pluto now firmly lodged in Capricorn, and Mercury (January 1st) and Jupiter (January 5th) heading into humanitarian-minded, innovative Aquarius where they will join spiritual Neptune and healing Chiron, the higher good that these sea changes are ushering in is in evidence. 

Have you ever turned on the “news” and wondered what entity could possibly describe our world with such vulgarity and distortion?  You’ve likely tuned out the unyielding stream of war, human depravity, suffering and division.  You’re not alone.  Last week the Tribune Company, owner of 12 major daily newspapers and 23 television stations, filled for bankruptcy.  The story behind the story is that on a very large scale, we the people are rejecting this appalling and unbalanced view of ourselves and our lives.  We’ve migrated to the Net, to our social networks, to images of hope, help and connectivity.  And have you been noting the appointments to the incoming Obama cabinet?  This will be the greenest administration in U.S. history, and it will be greeted by a welcoming world eager to heal the planet.  While the fount of fear and violence was being turned off, European leaders were formally embracing the 2020 initiative.  This is a comprehensive plan to obtain 20% of all energy from renewable sources by the year 2020.  

The moon is full on January 10th and the first of 2009’s four Mercury retrogrades begins on January 11th, lasting through the 31st.  The Sun enters Aquarius January 19th and Inauguration Day is of course on January 20th.  Why do I bring this up now?  Because now is the time to begin thinking about the future.  No doubt our world is experiencing colossal changes.  We voted for change.  Our consciousness is our key and our compass for navigating these peacefully.  Are you clinging to an outmoded paradigm or shifting with the tide?  Some believe that a Divine hand paints our world, much like an artist with a canvas.  On Inauguration Day trickster Mercury, ruler of thoughts, dips back into Capricorn, the sign it is in as we begin this winter.  Much like commissioned artists of a bygone era who put little jokes into their work for amusement, Spirit paints Mercury into our current sober scene, asking us to think about what’s going on in our daily lives and in our wider world, and to begin designing balanced paths for ourselves and our planet.  And if we honor winter’s call to look within, these awesome and honest Capricorn energies will help us begin bringing harmonious visions into reality.

Sun into Sag - It’s About Optimism

It’s a friendly, enthusiastic and visionary fire sign.  It’s ruled by generous expansive Jupiter.  It’s symbol is the archer’s arrow, urging us to take aim at our dreams.  It’s the sign Walt Disney was born under.  And best of all, it’s finally here again!  This year’s journey of the Sun through the sign of the gypsy, the student and the philosopher will see Pluto move into Capricorn, Uranus go direct and what is likely to be the most lively full moon of the entire year.  

At 5:03 P.M. PST on November 26th Pluto goes into Capricorn where it will be until March 23, 2023.  Pluto represents our core beliefs and ambitious Capricorn is all about pragmatic, down-to-earth problem solving.  This is the beginning of a cycle in which we are nearly guaranteed sweeping and monumental reform in government, business and our other institutions.  And “change” after all is what America just avidly voted for.  While no one can completely predict exactly what these major and fundamental changes will look like, I can tell you what won’t fly anymore. This past week top executives from America’s 3 largest automakers went to Washington to ask the public to pay for a $25 billion bailout.  The problem was that these captains of industry showed up with no specific plan nor any details as to how they intended to spend all of that taxpayer money.  And to add insult to injury, or as I see it, to beg the Universe to slap them, they flew in separately to make their joint plea for the public funding on their individual companies’ private corporate jets.  They didn’t even have the decency to air-pool.  Congress adjourned without so much as voting on the matter.  

     Pluto in Capricorn finds an American public in no mood for such outrages, much like it found the American psyche back 1762, the last time Pluto began its journey through Capricorn.  Three years into that cycle, the British government enacted the Stamp Act which many historians cite as the origin of the American War for Independence.  By the end of that Pluto in Capricorn cycle in 1778, that war was won and a nation was born.  It’s sweetly fitting that this time the journey begins as many Americans pay homage to the vision and fortitude of our nation’s founders with a Thanksgiving meal. 

And on Thanksgiving Day, the 27th, in the morning we have a new Sagittarius moon within a few minutes of Uranus going direct.  Back in late June, as the Sun went through the sign of Cancer, innovative and unconventional Uranus was the last of four large outer planets to turn retrograde.  I recommended that we all just go with the backward flow for a little while until more favorable aspects were on hand to assist us with bigger picture plans. In early September Jupiter and Pluto went direct, on November 1st Neptune went direct and now Uranus turns direct.  In the summer I mentioned that as these outer planets went direct, we would see a gradual building of momentum and progress with the more significant aspects of our lives.  So now we have it, at least until December 31st when Saturn goes retrograde, all of the major outer planets moving forward.  To have these huge cosmic winds at our back during the enchanted cycle of adventurous and convivial Sagittarius is yet another one of its gifts.  We can dare to dream, and we can dare to dream big!  Where do you want to aim your archer’s bow?

But before venturing too far into the Sagitarian realms of fairy tales and unicorns. there is one week I want to point out.  It is that of the full Gemini moon on Dec 12th. According to astrology expert Mark Husson, it’s not the full moon that will be stirring things up, although some planets will be squaring (off) on that day, it’s feisty, lusty Mars who will be instigating much of the fuss with challenging aspects on the 11th and 15th. On his Soul’s Journey Radio show “Love Scopes” which airs on Sunday nights at 7 P.M. PST, Mark will walk us through the events leading up to this ruckus full moon and explain why its getting so much attention.  As some clients have already called me to express concern about this mighty moon due to Susan Miller’s writing, I want to gently remind everyone that astrology is a map, one that helps us see what’s ahead so that we can plan accordingly.  So let’s listen in Sunday evening, because Mark’s greatest teaching, and gift in my view, is fearlessness.  It’s not so much where the planets are, but what we choose to do with their influences. As this Sagittarius cycle dawns, I choose optimism, expansion and magic. It's time to believe again.

The Astrology of the 2008 Election: The Election of Change

Hello,

This article was co-written by my very talented colleague Astrologer C.A. Brooks. She is one of the newest additions to our prestigious staff, and I had the pleasure of meeting her when I visited Denver last month. During an exhausting week that saw my sweet and dear cat Boris both turn 14-years-old and become terribly ill again, one too many drama trips in my home and other assorted upheaval, I cannot put into words what a touch a grace C.A.'s eloquence, kindness and appreciation were. It was such a pleasure to write with her and I look forward to doing so again soon. This article is dedicated with love to change.

The Election of CHANGE
(C A Brooks, Elizabeth Pendleton)
 
                It’s no wonder each of the top presidential candidates in the U.S. 2008 election has adopted the slogan “Change”.  Historic planetary aspects are taking both on Election Day itself and in the broader background leading up to and following this momentous day.  From the Spring of 1964 through 1966 Saturn had a series of oppositions to Uranus.  In short hand, Saturn represents tradition and structure while Uranus challenges the status quo.  These two powerful outer planets begin their next series of oppositions on November 4th.
 
                Both Virgo and Pisces are mutable signs which are known for their ability to see more than one side of a situation.  Mutable signs tend to break apart or dissolve the fixed energy of the signs preceding them (Leo and Aquarius in this scenario) and paving the way for the new energy of the cardinal signs to follow (Libra and Aries). In a nutshell, the mutable signs represent Change.
 
                At its best, Saturn represents maturity, wisdom learned through experience, self-knowledge leading to self-discipline and accepting responsibility for our lives and our choices.  At its worst, Saturn feels like external rules and regulations, structure, and oppression – the ultimate outside authority constricting our lives.  Without periodic and sober reflection it is true, the structures we create and accept in our lives can become outdated and cease to function as originally intended.  
 
                Sitting on the other end of the astrological teeter totter is Uranus, the rule breaker, representing rebellion, the independence and sometimes genius of adolescence, and forever the seeker of change, the novel and the new.  This rebel is all too willing to challenge the status quo, fly in the face of convention, and force us to reevaluate every value we hold dear whether we want to or not.
 
                The tension of these two forces in opposition to each other is easily recognizable in the campaigns dominating this election.  While it would be totally unfair and unrealistic to characterize either candidate as representing just one end of this continuum, as we step back and view the “stage” we see the action taking place.  The John McCain critics accuse him of being “too old and crotchety, out of touch” and wanting to use all the old methods and structures for solving problems (Saturn).  The critics of Barack Obama claim he is “too inexperienced, too radical and even dangerous – palling around with terrorists” (Uranus).  McCain’s campaign encourages him to draw to his strengths by highlighting his experience, and long history of serving his country (Saturn) while cautioning him to avoid emotional outbursts and “erratic” exclamations and behavior (Uranus).  Meanwhile Obama’s advisors encourage him to demonstrate calm and assertive leadership (Saturn) and avoid getting “rattled” (Uranus).
 
                As usual the truth is usually found in the middle ground. This is actually an exciting, if uncomfortable time.  Both planets are change makers in their own ways.  Saturn likes to clear the clutter – anything deemed not useful or functional and set up new boundaries and rules.  Uranus is usually flashier – wants to create some chaos, fight the establishment, and break things apart – which may be warranted at times.  Uranus change is not the soothing predictable and slow evolution like the tides moving in and out.
 
                And just like the election is not the end, but rather the beginning of something new, the storm (or is it fun?) of this planetary oppositional pairing is far from complete.   Over the next two years the two planets will each move along in their designated courses, both continuing their dance of opposition as each planet moves in both forward and retrograde motions. In fact the two will be in direct opposition in February and September of 2009, and in April of 2010.  If we have done our homework – examined our lives, our beliefs and been open to new information, the July opposition in Aries and Libra will allow us to give birth to something new.  No doubt we will see the fruit of our labors as a country as well.
 
                While Saturn and Uranus may have the greatest influence on Election Day itself, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto are also set to play important roles in the shapes of things to come during the next Administration. 
 
                                Beginning on September 2, 2007 Saturn entered Virgo which is when stories of the current mortgage crisis began to surface.  Saturn’s stern and sober review of the books coupled with earth sign Virgo’s relentless attention to detail will continue to leave no stone unturned in the world of financial affairs through October 29, 2009 when Saturn enters Libra.  Saturn in its highest aspect is one of life’s greatest teachers.  It gives sound structure to realistic goals, provides consistent strength and encouragement to worthwhile endeavors and rewards work well-done.  But it will not tolerate sloth and dishonesty.  That the fatal flaws of a financial boom built on unhealthy lending practices fueled by unprecedented greed from the bottom up are having a serious reality check now is no surprise.  Saturn simply won’t stand for cooking the books nor self-indulgence.  Add Virgo’s meticulous approach to life, particularly the material world, and its devotion to service, and the irregularities and faults of our economic system will continue to be exposed.   Saturn will demand that the next President help us get our fiscal houses in order, personally and nationally.
 
                Also making the economy the ultimate focus this election year has been the planet of Jupiter in Capricorn which began back in January.  Capricorn is an earth sign ruled by Saturn.  So our national examination of the financial facts and real value of assets has been subject to this second heavy dose of reality.  In January 2009 Jupiter will move into  humanitarian minded Aquarius.  Under the right leadership, this is an excellent aspect for political change that serves the common good.  An example of how this could manifest would be government spending on infrastructure improvements and tax incentives for investments in green technologies.
 
                But the most subtle yet significant aspect of all in the 2008 election is Pluto’s movement into Capricorn in late November, a trend that will last until March of 2023.  The last time Pluto went through Capricorn was 1762 to 1778.   One only needs to recall the Tea Taxes of the early 1760’s and resulting American Revolution to understand the powerful implications of this placement.  In short, it is a generational opportunity to reshape business, government and our other major institutions under Capricorn’s no-nonsense vigilance. The good news about this ambitious sign is that he gives us both realism and the stamina for long-term goals. He is not interested in being an overnight sensation. And given the magnitude of the problems we now face, his endurance, pragmatism and willingness to roll his sleeves up to do what needs to be done are well-timed.   So, as we can see, the consequences of our selection on November 4th are profound and far-reaching.  2008 is indeed a time of “Change”.