Saturn Vs Uranus - Alchemical Synthesis

The Saturn Uranus opposition is continuing today. Have felt an almost electrical current pass through your body? Due to transiting Uranus forming a conjunction with my Sun in Pisces. I was prepared for the worst, I am pleasantly surprised and I want you all to take advantage of this time to creatively reflect on what areas of your life need changing, be open to all the novel and more left field ideas that fill your mind.

At the same time, realise the value of structure and be prepared to commit yourself to putting your money where your mouth is and turning your genius ideas in to reality, this is what both Saturn and Uranus want for you. I cannot stress how exciting this is and what a great window of astrological opportunity we have at our disposal for the next day or so. I would just like to add that I make no apologies for writing more about this current astrological event.

Saturn Is Not So Bad

Saturn Rules authority figures, discipline, limitations, responsibility, restrictions and this can all seem just too dull, stifling and depressing for words. There is also an association between Saturn and our teeth and bones. If we did not have a skeletal structure we would be nothing more that jelly like lumps with no backbone or hint of character which is a rather disturbing notion.

It is often true that nothing of value in life comes easily and the structure that Saturn provides should be looked on as a form of security; it is comforting and reassuring. Obviously we never want to be told no. We don’t want to work long and hard before we realise our dreams, but that's merely a reflection of our dumbed down, materialistic “got to have it now” Western culture. The good news is that we are free to change our perception at any time and view our lives afresh.

Watch Out For Uranus!

Uranus is a planet that can grant us brilliant flashes of intuition when we are properly attuned to its energy. It stands for individuality, progress and Uranus is also known by some as “the awakener”, it is an unpredictable influence to say the least.

But this is all good no? Well actually it isn’t; when it comes to excitement, be careful what you wish for, because you might actually get it - not all excitement is good excitement! So be warned, not all surprises are nice. If we unable to ground ourselves, take responsibility for ourselves and we have no structure in our lives the influence of Uranus is just as likely to be upsetting, disturbing, very wrong and very weird.

Synthesis

You can have all the sudden insights, flashes of genius and inspiration you like, but unless you are willing to put in the man hours to turn these ideas in to something tangible and physical they remain just that. Abstract concepts floating about in the ether serving no purpose whatsoever. Which a shame really.

Some of our most fruitful and creative ideas are borne out of the sort of inner tension that the Saturn Uranus opposition brings. If we have been good boys and girls and done our homework like diligent students, Saturn will let us out to play. Mean while Uranus is forcing us to think outside the box and is able to fill our little craniums with ideas for re-thinking the old ways of doing things; not simply just for the sake of it, but to give us more tools for building the life that we want for ourselves. We then can synthesize these two energies in to something more harmonious, creative and truly productive. This should be considered a somewhat alchemical process for growth in a spiritual as well as psychological sense.

As Above So Below

So, now that we are armed with the knowledge to proceed with the realisation of our Uranian ideas integrated with self discipline we can build them in to something tangible for ourselves. So let’s have a peek at the news. I think I may have identified a Saturnian vs Uranian theme.

Swine Flu Shock Tactics Mask a Crippled Economy?

When it comes to swine flu I suspect that this is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by the pharmaceutical industry to sell plenty of anti viral drugs and vaccines to bump up their profits during a recession. We could view Big Pharma as representing a Saturnian archetype, and authority figure. We are told of the dangers of this flu by the so called experts, but common sense tells me that this just another flu virus and besides, regular seasonal flu can kill. We are being shocked in to accepting this in order to line the pockets of rich corporate fat cats who will stop at nothing to acquire yet more sickening amounts of money.

Perhaps even more interesting is the notion that this could all be a nice little media circus style distraction to divert our attention from a crippled world economy which could well be an expression of the very worst aspects of the Saturnian archetype. This system is intrinsically unfair and restricts and enslaves many around the globe in to a life of hardship. From the Uranian perspective it the United Nations are further promoting the World Bank and there have even been calls for a single currency.

One thing’s for sure, these are interesting times and the current economic model is simply not based on a solid foundation and is in need of radical change, which as we know is an expression of the Uranian archetype. People need to be freed and liberated in an economic sense, and I’m sure when Pluto (who is residing in Capricorn) joins in the fun it will be time to strip away outmoded capitalist ways – we can but hope! As I mentioned in my last post, we saw the first news of the financial appeared last autumn during the first exact Saturn Uranus opposition so I am certain that the story is far from over. You input on these matters is greatly appreciated!

Tales from Uranus II - watch out Pisces & Virgo!

As if the Mercury retrograde isn’t fun and games enough, the trickster is hell bent on causing yet more of his Mercurial shenanigans as he passes through Virgo getting caught in the cross fire of the current Saturn in Virgo versus Uranus in Pisces showdown. As some of you already know the Sun is also enjoying his annual sojourn in the sign of the Virgin at this very moment. So, this is interesting astro babble indeed for those with planets and points in Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius!

But of course, you need dates, you need times; so let’s break this down in to a nice little timeline in a dates for your diary type semi-orderly fashion!

Uranus Saturn Opposition

Set to occur on the 15th September, these two heavy weights are caught up in a face off and if you can imagine this in the context of immovable masculine, authoritarian traditionalist meets innovative, eccentric liberator then you will have a basic grasp of this dichotomy! This really is a tug of war; do we continue with what we are doing? Is it flogging the proverbial deceased horse or will it eventually yield the results that we are intending? However, maybe a good old two finger salute to the tried and tested way of doing things is the order of the day.

Seeing as I am a Pisces born 11th March this is a little too close to home for me and I am already feeling the tension, on the verge of some sort of eruption I would not care to give advice to anyone at present. Suffice to say that I shall be happy if I make it to Sept 23rd with my sanity intact!

Mercury in to Virgo & Mercury Pluto Square

Sept 17th is the day when Mercury slips back in to Virgo possibly bringing some troubling hitches of a pedantic detail orientated nature. It is also the day when the Pluto Mercury square occurs, this could force unresolved issues to the surface so be warned! This is a revisit of the same aspect made while Mercury was in direct motion, I see this a fortuitous time to re-evaluate and to finally get to the bottom of an uncomfortable matter. If you are not sure of what that is now, don’t worry, I am certain it will become clear enough!

Mercury Conjunct Saturn Opposite Uranus

Mercury will be in the midst of the Uranus and Saturn opposition on the 22nd and 23rd September, needless to say, those with planets and points in Pisces and Virgo and the other mutable signs should fasten their cosmic seatbelts.

On one hand this may be a rather sobering influence and one would hope that it would point to a reality check. Not always the most pleasant of things, but useful none the less. However, as intellectual thought processes are steadied with the Saturnine structure, limitations and rationality there is a pull from Uranus. No, I’m not trying to be funny! Uranus is the absolutely busting to blow the restrictions away and do something truly original and amazing. However, please don’t take that as carte blanche to do anything rash as Uranus is just as likely to want to do something that is just plain bizarre and reckless which will do you no favours at all.

When two planetary heavy weights are battling it out in such a way, and I say battling as their energies are so different, we all feel it. This is a theme that began in autumn 2008 and which will continue in to 2010. In fact this is the third of 5 oppostions, the first of which marked the financial collapse last autumn, so make of that what you will.

As I said, the next couple of weeks are especially trying for the mutable folks, including me. If I make it to the end of September without the aid of Prozac or some sort of chemical lobotomy then things will be ticking along nicely. Perhaps now is the time to adopt the three tried and tested can’t fail methods I mentioned in a previous Mercury related post:

1. The duck and cover method
2. Wear a tin foil hat
3. Run away and join the circus
   

If any people with planets and points affected by these events would like to share their experiences I am always excited to hear from people!

Planets in Gemini - Yay!

Venus is now in Gemini and Mars moved in to the sign of the twins on the 11th which I feel will be a great boost for people with their Natal Venus and Mars in fire or air signs.

After Mars has been plodding through Taurus in a slow and steady fashion it is a bit of a relief that he is finally more at home in the restless excitable Gemini. Taurus is, as you may or not know, ruled by Venus, the planet representing the feminine principal, I wonder if this may have had an emasculating effect on the God of War (Mars), who is now probably glad to be getting his freak on and moving freely once again.

You can see how this Mars transit may affect you by having a look at your natal chart (birth chart) and good free charts can be obtained from Astrodienst and the Venus Group and you will be able to see what house Mars is in at this present time. I will take the liberty of giving you all a quick breakdown of how Mars may shake up different areas of your life depending on what house he is now moving through. Bear in mind that Mars is a positive, masculine Yang energy and he will assert himself in such a manner.

1. In the first house this is the house of yourself, associated with the sign of Aries. The Martian energy will manifest in all areas that revolve around you! This is all very much in keeping with the red planet who is extremely happy as he rules this house and of course the sign of Aries - happy days!
2. In the second the focus will be on material possessions values and all things Taurean, you could find that you have a particularly strong drive to succeed or maybe spend money. The Martian energy will permeate your desire to acquire material security, possessions, but it could also manifest as rashness in this area, so keep that in check.
3. The third rules communication and is probably my favouite house (I have Pluto here in my natal chart), short journeys and siblings as it is the house we associate with Gemini the twins. This will no doubt give your mental faculties a real boost and you could find yourself busy flitting here and there on various errands and little jollies.
4. The fourth is the house of home and roots and this is linked to the sign of Cancer. When Mars has been transiting my fourth house I have found that I have been busier than usual at home, receiving guests (with Mars in Gemini at the moment this could be the most likely outcome) and more house proud than usual putting more energy in to organising my surroundings.
5. This is one of my favourite houses as it is the house of all the nice things such as creativity, kids, parties, romance, it is the house of all things Leonine, need I say more. What I will say is lucky you; you're in for a good time, and quite possibly a bit of a sexy time too!
6. When Mars is transiting the sixth house, all matters of a Virgoan nature are given the Martian treatment; the sixth house is concerned with day to day activities, health and diet, work and oddly enough pets. If you have been letting yourself go somewhat this is a great time to start exercising, improve your diet and be more organised and efficient, you will have the Martian energy working for you in these areas.
7. This house is the house of relationships and is associated with the air sign Libra, as Mars rules sex it could mean that things get a little steamy, and that is obviously great for most of us. It will bring the intense focus of Mars to close relationships and partnerships, but this can also signify tension and conflict as you might expect with the planet in question being Mars.
8. Moving on to House number eight and all things of a Scorpionic nature; this is the house of sex, transformation, death and joint finances. Mars is having a good time here, as he rules Scorpio, so he is feeling pretty comfortable. You may also find the Martian energies compel you to investigate hidden or occult matters in true Scorpio style, others people's money may also be brought to your attention. You could see the end of an old cycle in your life and the beginning of a new one.
9. And that brings us to house nine, another personal favourite, and things of a Sagittarian nature such as travelling, studying, adventure, meeting new and interesting people, religion and philosophy. The Martian energy may give you itchy feet and thoughts may turn to those of adventure, if you have been stuck in a rut and jaded of late take advantage of this period in time to broaden your horizons.
10. The tenth house is associated with Capricorn and rules your career, ambition and drive to succeed, Mars is exalted in this house, make the most of these energies to help you achieve your worldly goals, you know you deserve this and Mars will lend his energy in all matters of business and self promotion. You may find abrasive situations with people in authority, but that's only because you know you deserve better than to be bossed around by that joker!
11. Yet another one of my favourite houses, the eleventh is a house with an Aquarian nature and any sort of group efforts or co-operation is likely to become energised with the Martian get up and go. This will be great if you have networking to do and this is also the house that is traditionally associated with gifts from the king, so this is all good as far as I'm concerned. Embrace the feeling of humanitarianism and just go with it.
12. This mysterious house is the house of the unconscious, private and hidden things and it is also a house that is associated with all things Piscean. Traditionally this is also the house of secret enemies, and with Mars transiting this could get quite interesting, however, last time I had Mars transiting my Twelfth house there was no cloak and daggers type tomfoolery going on. I found instead that the Martian energy was channeled in to an examination of matters that I usually force to the back of my mind where they fester and end up causing seemingly unrelated problems. The confrontational Martian energy helped me examine this and start dealing with things in a different way.

Anyhow, Even more interesting is the Uranus and Saturn opposition that is going on right now, although that deserves another post all of its own which no doubt will arrive shortly. Another forthcoming noteworthy event will be the Mars and Uranus square lasting from the 11th to the 26th August - things could get a little interesting, more tales from Uranus.

Saturn Says Eat Your Greens!

Saturn is a much maligned and overlooked planet in astrology, I often wonder if this is to do with the fact that Saturnian values just aren't particularly trendy.

I often think of Saturn as the fatherly figure who stands over you making sure that you have finished eating your greens before you're allowed to have pudding. This can seem quite intimidating and can really rile a person for obvious reasons. However, as long as you are honouring your part of the deal and munching through that cabbage and broccoli you will get your pudding- you don't want to eat your veg, but you know you have to and that it contains vitamins and minerals, also, you know deep down that it's character building.

Now this is where it gets interesting; will you get the tiramisu, the strawberry cheesecake or the rather uninspiring low fat chocolate mousse? Well, that all depends on what you deserve, Saturn is a karmic planet, you can't hide from karma because sooner or later we all have to reap what we so for good or for ill.

This is why people don't like Saturn, because in Western culture so many of our actions are completely divorced from the consequences, to take true responsibility for our actions is tantamount to a slap in the face. However, Saturn teaches us that nothing of lasting worth is achieved without a solid foundation which means hard graft and integrity, what's more, if you take the time to befriend him he will help you reap the fruits of your labour.

Who better to feel the effects of this teacher than those with their natal Saturn in their first house? The first house is ruled by Aries and Mars and corresponds to the self, so when Saturn takes up residence here we have some challenges and limitations to do with our sense of self and self worth. Saturn highlights karmic challenges to be overcome for our soul development in this lifetime, the house and sign where he resides show us the nature of the challenge or challenges.

The key to overcoming these obstacles is that Saturn often represents limitation and in order to move on we have to accept these limitations and work within them. In the first house, the native often begins life with assertiveness issues and a lack of self worth, often feeling victimised and bullied by others. The challenge is to accept the personal power that is already within and to develop self confidence.

It is interesting to note that Saturn rules Capricorn, a sign that is often said to age in reverse, and the same can be said of natives with a first house Saturn or Saturn conjunct their Ascendant. While they are children they can seem like little old men and women before their time, later in life, if they have remained true to the challenges of Saturn they are rewarded with an envious youthfulness and they are released from the karmic weight that rested so heavily on their shoulders.