I’ve been thinking about creative solutions to the tightening grip of the approaching Saturn/Pluto conjunction, an astral alignment that signifies a deep contractive force, one that throughout history has, as Rick Tarnas, puts it, “indicated periods of crisis and contraction.” Saturn represents the voice of reality—a Saturnian universe is all about limits, boundaries, rules and regulations. Saturn doesn’t say, “You can fly or do anything else that seems impossible.” Saturn says, “Get real and keep it real.” Pluto signifies the process of death and rebirth—a Plutonian universe is all about degeneration, regeneration, primordial and instinctual process, sex as a manifestation of those processes, and issues of power and control. Pluto says, “You are free to fly and do anything as long as you realize you are not in control—of anything.” Saturn and Pluto are conjunct in Capricorn, the Sign symbolizing processes that crystalize most particularly through government, corporations, and other organizations. When these two planets travel together, their combined influence signals conflict that expresses itself as polarization. You don’t need an astrologer to point out that we are in such a cycle, but astrological information can be helpful in developing a perspective that takes in the bigger picture.
I’ve been contemplating how we can use Saturn’s wisdom and Pluto’s intensity to find ways of countering what’s traditionally been the manifestations of these cycles. What can each of us do to create a greater unity, a unity that allows us to tackle the tough issues without losing heart? We are not as separate as we think we are, and unity is the antidote we need to remedy the toxicity of hatred.
As I was thinking about all of this, I received a letter from a reader in Christchurch, responding to my March 20 column on the recent horrific shooting there. Here’s what she wrote (I have her permission to include it):
You mentioned last week the atrocity here in Christchurch and the darkness it came from. I would love it if you also mentioned the response of our communities, our country and our amazing leader to what happened. It is a hugely positive story and, I believe, provides us all with hope and guidance on how we can respond to these horrors and grow in our love and acceptance of each other. So many amazing things—a greater understanding of our Muslim communities and the Islamic faith through allowing their voices to be heard, the love that our Muslim community felt from other New Zealanders, which has helped them in their grief, the way we all came together as one in so many physical ways (flowers, reaching out to say sorry to our Muslim brothers and sisters, the vigil, marches and visits to mosques, the discussions we had and how we needed to change, the shared tears and grief, the wearing of headscarves by non-Muslim women as a mark of respect and so on and so on), the shining light that Jacinda Ardern, our incredible Prime Minister has provided to help guide us in how we come together (showing us a new form of feminine leadership that we so much need as a world) and how we can grow together to become more inclusive and become an example that others can emulate. The way that our Maori (local indigenous people) cultural values provided a foundation for us to express our grief and hope because they have not lost the sense of collective oneness with our land and spirit.
It seems a wonderful opportunity to show how the darkness has been turned into light here… that there is hope.
Anyway, just wanted to share this with you and hope that you not just talk about the darkness that happened here and is happening in different ways across the world but how we have embraced each other and appear to be growing together in some kind of alchemic reaction, which is such a great message to also share.
This reader’s letter reminded me how many of us love and respect each other. Compassion is the currency of healing, and while a great many acts of kindness occur every day, we don’t hear about them as often as we need to—as often as necessary to bolster our hope in each other and our collective future.
The Saturn/Pluto conjunction is crystallizing what needs the most work. It’s up to each of us to identify where our individual efforts toward healing are best spent and also where our collective efforts can demonstrate the power of our collective intention. More people are awake than are asleep—Mr. Trump and his Gang of Hungry Ghosts have facilitated that awakened state in the United States, but similar despots are doing the same in other countries. They may not know that they are furthering the cause of revolution, but they are. While many of us are already participating in positive shifts, we are all needed to lead by our example; we are all needed to manifest what we’ve learned about love during our brief stay on the blue planet.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
You are still processing through the many changes Uranus provoked over the course of the last nearly eight years as the planet of revolution transited your Sign. The point of this phase is figuring out how to digest, metabolize, and integrate several significant life lessons, so try not to get too frustrated if other areas of life aren’t moving fast enough to satisfy your fiery temperament. There will be plenty of shifts in the near future to meet your need for action.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
It wouldn’t be surprising if you feel as if some mighty force is moving through you—it is, and it’s called Uranus in your Sign. It could take some time to get used to the intensity, so don’t try to move mountains all at once. Also be aware that this transit is not a test of strength, although there will be times when it feels like a test of nerves. Uranus symbolizes the nervous system—which means you could experience a deep restlessness as you attempt to handle its power.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Mars just moved into your Sign on Sunday; its strident presence puts you in the spotlight and invites you to step into a leadership role in all areas of your life. Mars hasn’t been in Gemini since mid-April 2017, so before you move forward, take a moment to contemplate the effect of the last cycle, particularly how you asserted yourself in important areas of your life. History won’t repeat itself, but the themes will be the same.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’re building a charismatic glow that’s impossible to deny, so rather than wasting time and energy trying to avoid attention, accept it. You can accomplish a lot if you stay true to your principles and use your magnetic charm to persuade others to join your team. This isn’t about abusing your powers or seducing the unexpected; it’s about knowing the worth of your dream, and allowing your confidence to inspire others to help bring that dream to life.
Leo July 23-August 22
If you want to make the most of this present moment, you’re going to have to figure out how to put your worries away—and that includes all the anxiety you have over the past, present, and future. The only thing worry ever does is grow anxiety and that’s not the mindset you want or need for what lies ahead. Yes, there are surprising twists that may throw you off balance, but your birth right is courage and lots of it—so embrace life wholeheartedly and you’ll be fine.
Virgo August 23-September 22
There’s no need to feel polarized by career or other external responsibilities versus home and family concerns but that’s not likely to stop you from feeling stressed. I’m not suggesting there aren’t real needs in all those areas, but I am suggesting that some of the stress is self-made. If you take the time to prioritize your tasks as well as your goals, you just might find that there’s enough time to take care of everyone and everything.
Libra September 23-October 22
You have a lot to say and it’s not possible to hold back one more minute, so hold forth and take as much time as you need to share your opinions and ideas. Not everyone will agree with everything you have to say—if they did, it would just be lip service and that would piss you off. Keep in mind that words can hurt or heal depending upon how they are used. Even if something is hard to say, say it with love; if you speak from your heart, others will listen with theirs.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
This is a good time to pay attention to the day-to-day details and put things in order: get a physical, start a new exercise regime, clean your closet or your computer. I realize you may be impatient to gain momentum on new projects, but don’t spin your wheels looking to gain traction in areas that are going to take their own sweet time to gather speed. Focus on what needs care so that when you get busy, you won’t have to endure interruptions.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Mars just moved into your house of relationship so it might be wise to prepare for a little strife. Keep in mind that this applies to all your partnerships, personal as well as professional, and to all your intimate friends. The source for part of the tension is leftover frustration from the recent Mercury Retrograde. Another, and the most important part, is your need to assert yourself and have things your way. Just remember that selfish self-assertion often begets loneliness.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’re in a tough spot but only because aware of it or not, you’re channeling the zeitgeist of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction. This doesn’t mean that you are clear of all impediments; it just means that no matter how hard you try to lighten up about the state of the world, you can’t seem to get the requisite traction to increase your optimism about it. I don’t know the remedy for what ails other than finding positive work that benefits others.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It’s time to figure out how to use your superpowers for the greatest good. It doesn’t serve anyone for you to leap from tall buildings or try to be more powerful than a locomotive. What would serve you best is to put personal interests aside for the moment and focus on those you love, some of whom are struggling to manage these intense times. I’m not advising codependence; I’m suggesting positive support for all the people in your life that matter.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Don’t feel guilty if you feel the need to withdraw. Mars just moved into the deepest part of your Solar chart, where it is stirring the bottom of your psychic pond and you are likely to feel the need to process the shifts that have taken place not just in the last several weeks, but also during the last two years. Give yourself permission for this quiet time because it is an important and necessary step before you cross the threshold into a whole new cycle.