March 16, 2015, Uranus Pluto Final Square – "The Square Deal"

Ever notice that Uranus' glyph looks
like the starship, Enterprise?

Complacency feels good in small doses, but a steady diet of it bogs us down and prevents our growth, both personally and globally. That’s the warning that comes along with tarot’s wish card, the 9 of Cups. As Shakespeare wrote, “The sweetest honey is loathsome in its own deliciousness.” The Universe, always a great one for shoving us out of our comfort zone, decided that two planetary bodies would form a square every few decades and shake up the social and political mores of our humble planet.  As you’ve probably guessed, I’m talking about the Uranus Pluto Square.

Uranus in Aires and Pluto in Capricorn began making a series of square formations back in 2012. On Monday, March 16, 2015, at 7:53 a.m. PDT, the final, exact squaring of Uranus and Pluto for this three year cycle occurs as both planets move to a position of fifteen degrees and eighteen minutes within their host signs and at a ninety degree angle to each other.  We’ve felt the ramp up for this planetary configuration all month, not to mention having felt the effects of Uranus and Pluto’s tandem movements for the past three years. We’ll continue to feel their effects for the rest of the year, but the greater implications of their effect on this period in history (2011 to 2017) may not be understood for at least another decade. 

The squaring of these astrological powerhouses has been

Note that Pluto, that planet of transformation
has a new glyph, but my keyboard
can't show you.

observed and recorded throughout human history.  Genghis Khan swept through Mongolia under this configuration. These astral bodies witnessed the Reign of Terror (1793 to 1794) and the rise of Napoleon during the 1792 - 1794 square.  Hitler was declared chancellor of Germany when these two planets danced together in 1933 and they heralded the social upheaval and discord of the mid 60’s, as well as the escalation of the Vietnam War.

Deva Padma's wonderful depiction
of "The Fool," Uranus' tarot card,
from OSHO Zen Tarot©

Uranus is the planet of revolutionary energy and broad, sweeping change on a societal scale.  Aires is the warrior, the harbinger of the new, the bold and exciting.  It also carries a “me first” energy that does not compromise well.  Pluto is the planet of transformation and spiritual growth. Capricorn’s energy  focuses on intention and a strong commitment to goals. It likes organization and the restructuring of existing systems is just fine, as long as that restructure agrees with Capricorn’s vision.  The ram and the goat – forceful and stubborn. 

During astrological events that are considered profound we must ask ourselves, “What comes first, the chicken, or the egg?” Do occurrences such as the Uranus Pluto square cause the upheaval we’ve witnessed during the past three years, or are we guilty of merely pulling out historical events that support an astrological perspective? To use another egg-shaped metaphor, “It’s six of one, half a dozen of another.”  We live in a time of radical extremism on all sides of the square and no one side is guiltless of promoting their own agenda heedless of cost no matter which perspective you take. 

The critical difference with this Uranus Pluto square is that

Pluto's tarot association, #20, Judgment
as depicted by the amazing Kris Waldherr in
"Goddess Tarot'©

we’re no longer confined to using swords and spears, or even buzz bombs to reach our respective goals.  Nuclear weaponry changed the face of aggression seventy years ago and we all became the proverbial children living in a tinder box playing with a lit match.  

As we dance on the edge of potential extinction, we also dance on the edge of greatness. That’s the dichotomy existing in our species. We enjoy technical marvels and tremendous breakthroughs in science and medicine. When we collectively apply our human brains, we come up with solutions to age-old problems. It is important to remember while we look at the shadows we must also remember to look for the light. Of the two, light is the stronger and it is what shows us our path during the darkest of times.

LADY ORACLE

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July 20th, Saturn Turns Direct While Uranus Gets a Retrofitting

Saturn, the hall monitor of the Zodiac, turned stationary direct of July 20^th.  No doubt some of us are singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” on this one. Saturn’s retrograde had us not only re-structuring the systems in our lives, but stepping into our own power ( 2 of Wands), both of which can be a tad rough when we’re doing it as part of a group process.  Saturn is the planet of rules, regulations, work ethic and limitations. Its retrograde affects all of us to some degree. Since March the majority of Earth’s population has been asking where we fit in the big picture – and not always in the nicest of ways. 

Saturn offers us inspirational challenges. It wants us tough

#21, The World from "The Wizard's Tarot"©
by Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen is tarot's
association for Saturn

enough to weather life’s storms and practical enough to resist complacency during the sunny periods.  Keep in mind that whole rules, regulations and limitations thing.  Saturn currently resides in Scorpio which means that our challenges are geared towards transforming, not only our perspectives, but our lives as well. Saturn in Scorpio is ambitious. This is an optimum time to implement new career building strategies.  Saturn wants you to fall in line with self-discipline and lasting achievement.  Scorpio offers you insights into the motivations of others.  Use this information to benefit yourself and advance your position, but not to the detriment of others. Karma’s bite can sting as much as a scorpion. 

While Saturn comes back on line, our rebel child, Uranus, goes into retrograde.  The planet of freedom and rebellion asks us to take note of happenings in the world around us both near and far.  Where do we fit in the mix? Do we effect positive change, or are we content to merely rattle sabers and throw sand into well-oil gears? Uranus is transiting Aires. That’s a cardinal fire sign in first position on the wheel of the Zodiac.  Aires cherishes that number one spot and true to form, wants you to guard your position in life (7 of Wands) as well. This sign is known for battering its way through obstacles – hence the name, Aires the Ram.  While that characteristic comes in handy, there’s no small amount of egocentricity involved with Uranus in Aires. Bear in mind that our egos only become twitchier during Uranus retrograde. Keep your debit card in your pocket and don’t hand it over to your ego during this transit – retrograde or not – because your butt has to cover the charges.

Uranus and Aquarius rule the eleventh house and it’s here

The Fool is tarot's card for Uranus
From "The Wizard's Tarot"© by
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

we keep our group identity, our goals and our associations, or friendships.  Uranus in retrograde asks us not only where we fit in, but why we align ourselves with certain groups. (7 of Cups – why we make the choices we do)  What is our reward for choosing a particular group?  Now comes the toughest question.  How does our risk and reward benefit the world at large?  Uranus retrograde isn’t for wimps. It likes us to consider defining moments.

There are infinite life lessons in planetary shifts and to one degree or another, we are all affected.  Sometimes we’re up to the quest and other times we’d much prefer to watch a marathon of “Lost” episodes.  What we must keep in mind is that as part of the family of man we are each responsible for what happens within our reach and in this digital age our reach is global. Nothing happens to one of us that does not affect the whole. This is a lesson in responsibility that when learned, makes Saturn proud.

LADY ORACLE

P.S. Aquarians stay focused. You're in the 11th House with Uranus AND Saturn.

Jupiter Square Uranus February 26, 2014

#10, The Wheel is tarot's card for
expansive and lucky Jupiter.
RWCS by US Games®

An astrological square is an aspect composed of two planets at a ninety degree relationship, or angle.  Squares, while challenging, are highly motivational aspects because they carry the combined energy of both planets involved in the configuration. Few squares provide more dynamic energy than Jupiter square Uranus.  Jupiter is the planet expansion, success and generosity.  Although sometimes given to excess, it engages our higher consciousness through spiritual and philosophical thought.  Uranus, on the other hand is, well, a wild child. It represents sudden, revolutionary change, inventiveness, radical shifts in ideas and breakthrough developments. Uranus values freedom and individuality. It is restless and bold.

Jupiter squares Uranus twice this year, first on February 26th

Deva Padma's depiction of The Fool
from "OSHO Zen Tarot"© is an appropriate
tarot card for Uranus' 'cleansweep' approach

and lastly on April 20th. We’ve all felt the power building up since mid February and will continue to feel the energy ebb and flow through the first week of May.  The April 20th square off between these two outer planets heralds the return of the Cardinal Grand Cross on April 23rd (See blogs: "New Moon in Libra, Road Map for Change" and January 2014: "A Month of Innovation and Relationship Building" ). Watch for more information on this event in my April Astrological Trends blog at the end of March.

Expansive Jupiter is in retrograde now. That means its influence leans heavily towards a philosophical frame of mind, yet, oddly enough, less objective thinking.  Under this square’s influence there’s a need to experience everything that comes our way because Jupiter views life as an open road.  That’s fine with Uranus because this wild planet is hungry for change and wants the freedom found in a fresh, unexplored landscape.  Try to temper your longing for the unpredictable during the next week.  Jupiter’s lack of objectivity can cause you to be a little reckless about where and in whom you place your faith.

Jupiter is in Cancer now and The Chariot
is tarot's card for the crab. From John J. Blumen
Corrine Kenner's "Wizards Tarot"©

The Jupiter/Uranus square gives everyone wonderful opportunities for enlightenment, spiritually, professionally and personally.  Think of it as the chance for multiple ‘aha’ moments.  You can seek and find out-of-the-box solutions to problems that previously left you staring at a blank wall.  A note of caution here: While you may find the courage to throw out all the rules and begin again from scratch, don’t act impulsively. Temper responses to situations and force yourself to analyze them.  Remember that objective thinking will not be anyone’s strong suit this week.  Jupiter is a planet of luck, but you still have to give it an even break and be selective in how you use its energy.

If friction increases on the home front this week, consider that

Uranus is in Aires, the sign associated with
The  Emperor (rules, structure) from
RWCS by US Games®

it is the natural fallout that occurs when two partners want absolute freedom of choice in every joint decision.  Don’t take conflicts too seriously should they arise and use basic communication methods. Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting and making requests of your partner instead of throwing out harsh words and allegations.  

Jupiter square Uranus is a powerful influence, but it can be used to great benefit.  Proceed thoughtfully, but also use this square’s energy to make significant advances in how you view life and in attaining your goals.

LADY ORACLE

Pluto Sextile Chiron, February 25, 2014 – “Left of Centaur”

Chiron, The Wounded healer is a
fantastic depiction for tarots #5, The Hierophant
from "Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

The Comet, Chiron is an astrological body named after the legendary centaur revered for his skills as a healer, teacher and philosopher.  Chiron was the son of Chronos, father of the Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses. The centaur was immortal, which was the flaw that led to his undoing.  During a battle with Hercules, Chiron was wounded by an arrow dipped in the blood of the hydra. That’s the thing about arrows. You never know where they’ve been.  As a result of this poison Chiron couldn’t heal himself and because he was immortal, could never escape his pain by dying.  That explains why he is referred to as the wounded healer.  Chiron eventually escaped his suffering by exchanging his immortality for the release of Prometheus. Remember him? He was the guy who stole fire from the gods and was doomed to be chained to a rock and have his entrails eaten for all eternity.  This ancient religion wasn’t big on the warm and fuzzy.

Chiron’s position on your birth chart denotes where your particular wounds lie and how deep they go.  These wounds are usually to your self-esteem, sometimes including issues of guilt and subservience (not as in obedience, but as in putting yourself last).  When Chiron is at a particularly difficult aspect with your Moon, you risk chronically feeling inadequate, guilty over minor issues or resentful because you don’t stand up for yourself.  Most importantly, while you are very good at helping others heal these traits, you can’t heal yourself.  If these situations describe you then check Chiron’s position in your natal chart.  You, my friend, may have been sipping the hydra blood.

Pluto has been flirtatiously sextile with Chiron since August,

Pluto's tarot card, #13, Death, or Transformation
Pluto helps us reinvent ourselves. From "Wizard's Tarot"©
Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen

2012 and will remain so until March, 2014.  These bodies were exactly sextile (a favorable aspect of 60 degrees) on September 6, 2012, April 4, 2013 and October 28, 2013. Simply put, Pluto sextile Chiron (PsC) pulls the bandages off our deep wounds, irritates them and then offers us the opportunity to heal them in such a way as to transform our lives. February 25th is the last date for the sextile to be exact.  It carries powerful energy and we are already feeling its effects.  

#4, The Emperor is the tarot association for the
the sign of Aries.  Again from the incomparable
"Wizard's Tarot"©

Pluto in Capricorn focuses on reforms to business and long-established structures like governments, educational systems, or complex religious organizations.  Bear in mind that the American Declaration of Independence was written during the last time Pluto traveled across Capricorn.  Chiron is currently in Aires where we can all work on asserting ourselves and on realizing our own worth.  It’s also important to note that Uranus is also in Aires and that PsC will draw tremendous strength from the notorious Uranus/Pluto square. 

Tuesday the 25th presents an exceptional opportunity to release old trauma, heal yourself and establish healthier behaviors.  Is it going to be easy? No. Arrows hurt and hydra venom tastes really bitter. However once you’ve gotten rid of the metaphorical arrow and venom drains away healing becomes possible.  By using the energy from Chiron and Pluto you can successfully change old belief systems that have prevented you from living the life you want and have kept you left of ‘centaur.’ 

LADY ORACLE