by Lynn Hayes
Part I: A history lesson
For the past month or so, two major players in the astrological pantheon have been preparing to face off against each other in a challenging 90 degree formation that astrologers call a “square” aspect. These two players are Saturn and Pluto, affectionately known as the Lord of Karma and the Lord of Death.
Saturn is the planet that defines limits and creates restrictions and boundaries; it inspires self-doubt and the knowledge that hard work is required in order to achieve our goals. Wherever we find Saturn, there is work to be done (hence the term the Lord of Karma). Saturn has just entered Libra, the sign of beauty, relationships, and those things upon which we place value. Here it is challenging us to confront (Saturn) any romanticized (Libra) ideals that we hold which are not firmly grounded in reality.
Pluto (yes, Pluto is still a planet for astrologers!!) is the Lord of the Underworld of power, darkness, death and rebirth. Pluto rules the kind of transformation that begins at the cellular level, where everything is dismantled and something completely new arises in its place. Pluto entered the sign of Capricorn (the sign that is ruled by Saturn) in January of 2008 and proceeded to destroy the financial and governmental structures (Capricorn) that were weak and lacking a solid foundation.
Just like the four phases of the lunar cycle, in which the Sun and Moon dance from the New Moon (the conjunction) through the first quarter square, to the Full Moon (the opposition or 180 degree angle) and the closing square, planets engage in a similar dance that we call the “synodic” cycle. The cycle of Saturn and Pluto coincides with major shifts in the global landscape as an outmoded structure is replaced with something new. For the individual, there is often an internal shift that creates a new way of seeing the world and perhaps the necessity to let go of something so that transformation can occur.
The current cycle between Saturn and Pluto began with the conjunction back in late 1982-3 when both planets were in the late degrees of Libra. In the United States and Britain, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher began a conservative revolution that transformed the financial systems in both countries and reverberated around the world.
The opening square (90 degrees) between Saturn and Pluto in March of 1993 coincided with the first World Trade Center bombing on February 26 which we can argue began the war of Islamist fundamentalism that continues today as we complete the current Saturn/Pluto cycle. At this time Bill Clinton took office and reversed the conservative policies of Reagan, and the disarmament crisis in Iraq forced the UN inspectors out of that country which we can once again argue began the road to the invasion of Iraq that forever altered the political landscape around the world.
The opposition phase (180 degrees) between Saturn and Pluto began in August of 2001, the period in which heightened activity by Al Qaeda resulted in the attacks on September 11. The opposition corresponds to the Full Moon cycle in which the unconscious elements of the planetary dynamics are brought into full view and in this case the seeds that were sown during the opening square came to fruition at the time of the opposition in the war against Islamic fundamentalism and the invasion of Iraq.
Other significant events marking a major transformation in the global landscape during this period include the entry of China into the World Trade Organization, cementing its role as a major player in the global economic system.
Tomorrow we will look at the current cycle and what we can expect over the next eight months or so.
posted November 14, 2009 at 11:31 am
I was born Aug 2 ,1942. I have been having health problems. Now with the Pluto square to Saturn on Nov 15th and all the 2012 Doomsday predictions ,I am very stressed. How does all this effect my Leo sunsign. I have been having money problems for years and my relationships are horrible. I have had no husband or spouse since 1996.Is there any bright light in my future? Pat
posted November 14, 2009 at 1:48 pm
they’re not playing around
posted November 14, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I think that we also need to take into account the Zionist/AIPAC (Israeli lobby) influence on the American political landscape, both past and present, if we’re going to be referring to the war on Islamic fundamentalism. Never discount the Zionists.
posted November 16, 2009 at 7:17 am
Pat, the Saturn/Pluto square does not affect your chart directly unless it is hitting your ascendant or midheaven, for which we will need an accurate birthtime to discern. If you have had chronic health and financial problems you may not yet have learned to balance the elements of your chart. For example, you have four planets in Leo and an Aries Moon, giving you a lot of fire energy for inspiration and enthusiasm. But Saturn in your chart is in conflict with Mars, the fire planet, dampening that enthusiasm and drive. To complicate matters further, Uranus is also acting on Mars by square which provides a constant irritant. Over the past few years Saturn has been working on this whole system, including your Leo planets, but that challenge is behind you now.
posted January 12, 2010 at 9:05 pm
‘The opening square (90 degrees) between Saturn and Pluto in March of 1993 coincided with the first World Trade Center bombing on February 26 which we can argue began the war of Islamist fundamentalism that continues today as we complete the current Saturn/Pluto cycle. ‘
Islamic fundamentalism has been around for centuries, as has any other religious fundamentalism. In terms of Muslim Christian conflict, that started with the crusades in medieval Europe. The ‘current wave’
and i use that term loosely, of islamic fundamentalist terroism really got of the ground in the 70s
posted January 27, 2010 at 11:50 am
In looking at my chart I see that I have numerous squares and oppositions in the MC and Asc charts. However, I am not clear if this transit on Jan. 31, is close enough in my chart. I am 9 degrees conjunct Pluto-Saturn, I believe, and I have a sextile to Pluto on my Asc, which is good. I was born 3-7-58 at 9:49 pm Chicago. Financially, I had a significant loss in the stock market a few weeks ago, and the way things are looking this past week, it is only getting worse. I am concerned about all the squares and oppositions in my MC Asc charts and wondering when they will go away.
posted January 28, 2010 at 6:25 am
Sharon, I’ve looked at your chart and I’m not sure what you’re talking about when you say 9 degrees conjunct Pluto Saturn. I don’t see anything like this in your chart, and you don’t have any squares or oppositions right now to your MC or to your Asc (Midheaven or Ascendant). Please clarify your question, thanks.
posted January 28, 2010 at 8:41 am
I have so much going on in my chart I can’t figure out how this works for me. 5-7-50, 0710 Wabasha MN. My career is on life support but I have a Jupiter return trine natal Uranus right now. The J return is sextile transitting 7H Pluto which is square natal 11H Venus, etc. I’m going deeper in debt, marriage is fine but combustive, and I’m feeling time-limited and old. I keep bumping around the spiritual practices of my life, etc. I guess today the most important question is how to maintain my career in sales. I work for a global publisher and I feel no one is buying because of the economy but it’s a secret because if I make that agrument I will get laid off. So instead I take the blame for simply not performing. Your thoughts?
posted July 19, 2010 at 3:27 am
Dear Lynn,
I see your last comments are dated January 28, 2010 so I am keeping my fingers crossed…today is Sunday, July 18, 2010. I was born Dec 1, 1956 Oakland CA about midnight. I am an American but was living in Scotland. I had lost my Mother and 3 years ago my Father asked me to move back to Hawaii as he was not well. Within a few weeks he was married to a woman who played cruel and perhaps dangerous tricks on me and I think him, as well. This shocked me as I thought she was a friend. I have been worried about my Father and have stayed nearby. At this point, I don’t know if he is ever going to make any changes although I have told him about the experiences. He has had some similar experiences but hasn’t shared with me about it(his friends told me. I feel let down in every direction, and no family members have come forth to help in all this time. Does my chart show I should stay – go? I want to submit an application for a Masters Degree in New Zealand. I feel I need to create something positive in my life as this has been heartbreaking and I have been ill more and more.
Thank you very much for your thoughts.
Aloha,
Cathy