by Lynn Hayes
Marco, a new reader, writes: “ I was looking for more information re: the saturn/uranus opposition and found you. However, what I was seeking was a more specific study of the impact of this phenomenon as it comes in contact (particularly through opposition/conjunction) with major planets in an individual chart. What is the impact of this duality when it squeezes native Jupiter, say, in its axis? Hope you’ll take up the challenge for us.”
When I began studying astrology and doing charts, one of my bibles was Sakoian and Acker’s
The Astrologer’s Handbook. This is, in my opinion, one of the best and most comprehensive “cookbooks” for astrological aspects in the chart. My bible for looking at planetary transits was and still is Rob Hand’s
Planets in Transit,a masterwork of cookbook interpretations for every planet (Chiron is not included, this book was published the year before Chiron’s discovery). I still learn something when I read an interpretation from Rob’s book. An online cookbook that I find has excellent interpretations is the database on the
Astrology Weekly website
An astrology “cookbook” is a compendium of explanations for any individual astrological phenomenon. For example, when the Sun conjuncts the Moon in the natal chart, taken by itself, denotes someone whose conscious mind and sense of Self (Sun) is fused with the emotional nature and sensitive side of the individual (Moon), but it can be difficult for the individual to gain perspective over their life because their perception is colored so greatly by their emotions. How we interpret this depends a great deal on the rest of the chart, and whether the Sun or the Moon is stronger. If the Sun is stronger, (say with the Sun and Moon in fire signs), this person will be focused more on individuation. If the Moon is stronger (say the Sun/Moon conjunction is in Cancer), the focus will be more on integrating the emotions.
The problem with cookbooks is that while they are excellent for beginners to learn some of the ways that the planets interact with each other, the problem is that this single interpretation only tells part of the story and depending on the chart, it may be a very small part of the story. This is why computerized astrology reports can only go so far. Let’s take that Sun/Moon conjunction, but let’s put them in the airy sign of Aquarius, where there is a more rational approach to the emotions and to life in general. The picture now is of an individual who is more remote by nature which gives them a greater sense of perspective from their emotions than they would be with the Sun and Moon in watery Pisces, which seeks to lose itself in the realm of emotions and transcendence. Add to this Aquarian Sun/Moon conjunction a square from Mars in Scorpio, and you get a person whose assertiveness (Mars) becomes very emotional and creates a conflict between the intensity of their passions (Scorpio Mars) and their desire for a more transpersonal experience (Sun/Moon in Aquarius).
Obviously, this kind of depth of interpretation is extremely complicated and takes years to master. But in the long run, learning to really understand the dynamics of the chart and how they operate and THEN put them together, will better serve the astrology student’s ability to accurately interpret a birthchart.
I’m not saying toss out the cookbooks and astrology reports because they’re a good place to start. But consider them like training wheels, and remove them when you’re ready to dive deep.
So to answer Marco’s question about how the Saturn/Uranus opposition will affect a person when it squares Jupiter in their chart, the answer is, it all depends. Generally, Saturn creates contraction and restriction, and Uranus creates a rebellious desire for change. The opposition requires that we find a balance between the two. Jupiter desires freedom, so the Uranian influence will exacerbate that need for freedom, and Saturn will create pressures to limit the expansion. Jupiter in this example will be in one of the mutable signs where it tends to have a more passive application.
In the chart of someone with Sagittarius rising and a Leo Sun/Moon conjunction, say, which is a more fiery chart that seeks independence and expression of Self, that Saturn influence will likely feel uncomfortable and the battle between change and stasis will be harder to keep in balance. But if this individual’s Jupiter is in Virgo, where their success and faith (Jupiter) comes through the details of life in a cautious manner (Virgo), that will improve their ability to optimize this transit. If Jupiter is in Sagittarius, however, it will likely be a struggle.
Put that same transit in the chart of a Virgo with Saturn trine the Sun, with that Virgo Jupiter and you have someone who will find new ways (Uranus) to apply a disciplined approach (Saturn) to the matters of their life. If this person’s Jupiter is in Sag, though, there is already a conflict inherent in the chart between the longing for freedom of the Sag Jupiter with the Virgo need for caution and adherence to details.
So really, it all depends! This is why I love to do celebrity profiles. It gives me an opportunity to showcase how astrological interpretation is accomplished, and hopefully add some insight for my readers. If people are interested, we may want to highlight charts of actual readers for this discussion.
posted July 28, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hey Lynn -
Another great post! Agree on your choice of ‘cookbooks’- especially Rob Hand. I also like Myrna Lofthus’s Spiritual Approach to Astrology as both a reference and a ‘cookbook’.
Agree totally that one really needs a deeper understanding of astrology and/or a trained astrologer to really put together the effects of transits as one can get seemingly opposite information – one needs to see trends and how all the energy mushes together with your natal chart.
Lynn, if you are looking for a guinea pig, I’ll happily volunteer as I have the angles lit up with outer planet transits AND (my bonus – sigh!) is that Neptune/jupiter/chiron is conjunct my sun while Pluto is squaring my moon (wiht Saturn in the on-deck circle waiting to hit it next). I’d love you to use me as an example! Diane Scholten, 15 February 1949, 12:45 PM, Omaha, NE.
THanks for all you do – reading your blog is my daily treat (along with Aquarius Papers, in your links section).
Blessings to you!
Diane
posted July 28, 2009 at 11:59 am
Well written. You mention two sages who strongly influenced my own astrological development. Frances Sakoian, who taught my sister at the NESA. Reading my sister’s notes from her classes was instrumental for me ( Sakoian’s Libra stellium conjuncts my own Libra stellium ; and the esteemed Rob Hand, whose works I have collected, and whose Arhat site is a valuable source for even more fascinating information. I notice you did not refer to house placements or rulerships, any reason for the omission?
posted July 28, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks Diane! I think I’ll see if anyone else wants to jump in and I’ll do all of them in one post.
Chiron – I was trying to keep the examples simple so as to be as clear as possible, hence the lack of house placements, rulerships, and other details. Thanks for your compliment!! (I sure do wish I knew who you were, though.
posted July 28, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I’ll volunteer to be a guinea pig too. You should have my birth data already from a reading I got from you last year but if you want it again, just ask. I love your blog and your posts and would be very jazzed to be one of your “experiments”!
posted July 28, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Hello Lynn,
I’d be honored to be one of your Guinea Pigs. You did a reading for in 2007. May 20, 1970 in Idaho.
Thanks,
Tamara
posted July 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I suspect you now find yourself under an avalanche of willing “guinea pigs”, but, if you have an interest in looking at a chart you haven’t seen before — as well as one that has an active Sun right now (Pluto presently square, a waxing opposition from Saturn and the upcoming Uranus/Jupiter conjunction directly conjunct it –, you’re welcome to use my chart.
March 20, 1969 at 2:50 PM in Seattle, WA
posted July 28, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Let’s put these requests in two categories. Three, actually. First, let’s talk in a post about people who actually have the Saturn and Uranus opposition aspecting something in their charts. Second, I am always willing to answer questions in the comments about personal charts, it’s a great learning tool. Third, my radio show this weekend will be prerecorded so if you want to hear me talk about your chart on the air, email your question (with birth data) to me at lynn@astrodynamics.net.
posted July 28, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Hi, I could use some assist. I have tried to provide my sister some astrological input on this aspect in her chart, per her request. Her 4th/10th cusp is 24deg08′ virgo/pisces. She also has moon 29 deg56′ Sag and mercury 4 deg59′ cap., w/ cap sun. If you think this chart would be of interest let me know for details
posted July 29, 2009 at 3:42 am
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your enlightening articles which are read here too, in France.
I’d love to add my name to the list of guinea pigs if you’ll have it, as the Saturn Uranus conjonction will square my natal Sun and aspect natal Saturn, Mars and Uranus.
Born in New York, NY, June 19, 1961 at 11:14 pm
Best regards
posted July 29, 2009 at 4:23 am
Hi Lynne from a turbulent SOUTH AFRICA on the brink of Anarchy,
Your e-mail (day late) starts my day – thank you.
Here is my birth data: 9/10/1931 born Port Elizabeth, South Africa 12.15 am
This is for students, as I have had so many charts and only a few got to the core of who I am and try to be. They focused on Libra Sun (my public persona) and is the mask I wear.
I can not listen on radio as we are restricted to FM band.
I am now at 77 – getting my ego under control and submitting to my authentic self.
Mars has been my best friend in tough times but worst enemy the rest. Alienates everyone. Capricorn rising sets impossible standards.
Neptune transiting at the end of my 1st house, has punished and made my life impossible with situations that “I have no control over.”
I have found peace at last realizing it is all karma in control – not me.
You are welcome to analyse why a continuous “winner” had to learn there are greater accomplishments – spiritual transcendence.
Incidentally, you referred Aquarius Papers a long time ago – thank you – that opened my eyes to my deep underlying problem – EGO need to control.
posted July 29, 2009 at 4:25 am
Local time 10.29 am !
posted July 29, 2009 at 8:53 am
Lynn…I’d like to respond to your fine article of substance with something useful, but with the combination of my usual sluggish / dodgy Internet connection and not enough time today, that will have to wait.
Briefly though…you seem to use / have used the same bibles I have. However, you didn’t mention Sakoian and Acker’s transit book…so in case you don’t have, here’s the title:
— “Predictive Astrology – Understanding Transits as the Key to the Future,” 1977, 465 pages, Harper & Row…and there are 133 pages on different subjects before the transit interpretations start.
They certainly do have their style / slant.
posted July 29, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi Lynn,
Regarding the Uranus-Saturn opp. in the geo-political arena, what do you make of the reports of a possible Israel military strike on Iran in August? Refer to article……
http://rupeenews.com/2009/07/16/israeli-attack-on-iran-in-early-august/
I noticed the Leo New Moon of Aug 20 at 27 Leo (the most likely time for an attack) is conjunct the Israeli Mars (28 Leo) in trine to natal Jupiter (27 Sag). The Aug 20 New Moon has tr. Jupiter (21 Leo) conjunct Israel’s natal Saturn in trine to progressed Jupiter (20 Sag). Progressed Venus conjunct Israel’s Uranus at 24 Gemini/ progr. Uranus (27 Gemini) will be activated by the Mars transit (26 Gemini) in square to tr Uranus (25 Pisces) and in t square to Israel’s progr. Mars (27 Virgo). In examining the Israeli progressed chart a little more closely one notices that the progressed Uranus-Mars square (27-28 Gemini-Virgo) is semi-squaring progressed Pluto right at the midpoint (13 Leo), which leads me to believe that some untowards incident at the time of the August 5 lunar eclipse (13 Aquarius) might prompt Israel into preparations for a military strike as we approach the August 20 New Moon. Any thoughts?
posted July 29, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I’d like to be a guinea pig also.
October 19, 1950, 1:31 pm, Port Clinton, Ohio.
My Saturn is 26 Virgo conjunct South Node at 28. In the 8th house.
Thank you
posted July 29, 2009 at 8:20 pm
OK – I’ll post on this tomorrow. Thanks guinea pigs!
posted July 29, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I haven’t looked at that JW, but there have been rumors about Israel attacking Iran at least as long as I’ve been writing this blog. A look at the synastry between the two countries would be interesting though!
posted July 29, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I’ll be a test subject too. There seems to be a lot going on.
Sun – 7 Sag 18’19″ 1st house conjunct Saturn – 5 Sag 34’39″ 1st house
conjunct ASC – 3 Sag 44’6″ 1st house trine Uranus
Merc – 16 Sag 33’24 1st house square Uran – 6 Leo 51’21″ R 8th house trine Sun
Jup – 28 Vir 24’33″ 10th house (conjunct MC)and in opposition Mars – 26 Pis 40’50″ 4th hs
MC – 18 Vir 54’40 10th house in opposition IC 18 Pis 54’40″ 4th house
Chiron – 7 Aqur 35’13″ 2nd house
Mean node – 28 Scor 25’58″ 12th house sextile Jup
posted July 30, 2009 at 3:40 am
If you want another guinea pig -
Annapolis, MD 905 am 1966
I believe transitting Uranus is conjunct natal midheaven and Saturn – other stuff too.
posted July 30, 2009 at 5:05 am
I think the Israeli threat is contingent on a number of factors. Of primaty concern for Israel is how close Iran is to achieving nuclear capability. According to some estimates, that threshold is within grasp, definitely in the next year or so.
In the exact Uranus-Mars square of Aug 19, Uranus conjoins Iran’s natal Mars (25 Pisces) and conversely tr. Mars closely conjoins the Israeli Uranus (24/25 Gemini). Tr. Sun at 25/26 Leo forms a close opposition to Neptune (subterfuge) quincunx to Uranus (sudden, unexpected events) and sextile to Mars (conflict). If the Israeli’s have something planned, this would be the ideal time from an astrological vantage point.
posted July 30, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Could someone tell me what this all means? Life has been difficult for me for the last 39 years and I just wonder when will it be better for me? Thanks in advance!!!
Sun Leo 27°25’31 end of house 10 direct
Moon Scorpio 25°02’23 in house 2 direct
Mercury Virgo 21°16’53 in house 11 direct
Venus Cancer 20°03’32 in house 9 direct
Mars Sagittarius 12°48’15 in house 2 direct
Jupiter Libra 5°58’39 in house 12 direct
Saturn Taurus 8°56’53 in house 7 stationary (R)
Uranus Libra 2°06’47 in house 12 direct
Neptune Scorpio 25°59’07 in house 2 direct
Pluto Virgo 23°54’40 in house 11 direct
True Node Pisces 21°18’40 in house 5 direct
Planets at the end of a house are interpreted in the next house.
Ascendant Libra 21°41’21
2nd House Scorpio 19°33’28
3rd House Sagittarius 21°00’29
Imum Coeli Capricorn 24°50’34
5th House Aquarius 27°52’20
6th House Pisces 27°08’21
Descendant Aries 21°41’21
8th House Taurus 19°33’28
9th House Gemini 21°00’29
Medium Coeli Cancer 24°50’34
11th House Leo 27°52’20
12th House Virgo 27°08’21
Major aspectsSun Square Moon 2°23
Sun Square Neptune 1°26
Sun Sextile Ascendant 5°44
Moon Sextile Mercury 3°46
Moon Trine Venus 4°59
Moon Sextile Uranus 7°04
Moon Conjunction Neptune 0°57
Moon Sextile Pluto 1°08
Mercury Sextile Venus 1°13
Mercury Sextile Neptune 4°42
Mercury Conjunction Pluto 2°38
Venus Trine Neptune 5°56
Venus Sextile Pluto 3°51
Venus Square Ascendant 1°38
Jupiter Quincunx Saturn 2°58
Jupiter Conjunction Uranus 3°52
Neptune Sextile Pluto 2°04
posted July 30, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Folks, it is too difficult to get a visual on a chart with the list of placements such as some of you have listed. Please just provide your birth data so we can run the calculations, thanks.
posted July 30, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Sure Lynn,
November 29, 1956; 7:04 am; Kansas City, MO
Thanks!
posted July 31, 2009 at 6:22 am
August 20,1969; 11:35 am; Louisville, KY (sorry for the “information overload” above)
Thanks for your time!
posted July 31, 2009 at 10:42 am
Lynn, you can use me as an example, too. You already have my info, from our reading in June.
Love, peace.
posted July 31, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hi Lynn,
I can’t seem to find the feature for composite charts on the Solar Fire program I have, but on quick calculations, most striking is the Israeli/ Iran composite Saturn (mid point) at 27 19 Leo. The August 20 New Moon at 27 ’32 Leo conjuncts that degree. With Israel’s Mars at 28 ’18 less than a degree away, it could be an indication of heightened tensions.
posted August 1, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hi Joe – in Solar Fire go to “Charts” and then “Combined” for the composite chart feature. I’m sorry to neglect your Israel/Iran questions and will try to take a look at this over the next week. I’ll be out of town so I will be doing some reposting instead of writing, so please be patient!
Thanks everyone who sent in your birth information and hopefully I’ll be able to get to you in a future edition. I do try to answer questions in the comments as I can so I’ll try to get to yours. Or, schedule a reading with me!
posted August 1, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Hi Lynn,
Thanks. I had tried the ‘combine chart’ feature a few times, but it only entered one chart at a time – it would not enter both. Your suggestion inspired me to go back to see what the problem was and then I noticed in the fine print instructions that read as follows; “Use control plus mouse for multiple selections.” I’m happy to report it’s working now.
Fine tuning the mid August aspects and the Israeli chart for indications of a possible ‘incident’ that might provoke Israel into preparations for an attack against Iran (presumably during the August 20 Leo New Moon), I entered the time of the exact Moon/Mars conjunction – 6:24 am Tehran local time on the 16th.
Here are the aspects…..
The Moon/Mars conj. at 23 ’48 conjoins the Israeli Mars (24 ’21 Gemini) in t square to the Saturn (21 ’01 Virgo) tr. Uranus (25 ’50 Pisces) opp. (Saturn-Uranus midpoint conjunction is at 23 ’26 Gemini). This in turn will form a sextile-trine to the Chiron-Sun opposition at 23 Aquarius/Leo (Jupiter at 21 Aq. and Neptune at 25 Aq. is at the 23 Aq midpoint). The Chiron/Jupiter/Neptune-Sun opposition will be forming a harsh t square to the Israeli Sun (23 Taurus). So…… if I’m reading my tiny tea leaves correctly, if anything ‘untoward’ should occur in mid August that leaves about four days till the Aug. 20 New Moon in preparation for a potential Israeli assault on those Iranian nuclear installations.
posted August 10, 2009 at 10:49 am
Hey Lynn! If it is possible,I would like to know more about Saturn conjunct natal mars in Virgo and both oppose transiting Uranus. Everyone else can comment . Thanks
December 9, 1981 , 3:00 AM , Tirana , Albania
Best Regards
Blert