Uranus-Pluto square: the gift at the end

There are 10 major transits associated with the evolution of the world (and man) and we are at the tail end of the Uranus-Pluto square that began in 2008. This square has changed the world, and our lives and the results will continue to play out for months and years to come.

With these major transits often comes great struggle within society and individuals. While Uranus is the planet of sudden change and unexpected events, Pluto rules that which is hidden, powerful and often is concerned with decay, destruction, total endings and even death, both literally and metaphorically.

The nature of Pluto is to tear down, creating permanent, irrevocable change, hence it's many names, "The Lord of Hell, the God of the Underworld, the "God of Karma", etc. But the true nature of Pluto is to tear down and then rebuild and recreate into something new, better and stronger.

There is often a gift to be had as the outer planets tear down and change what has been the norm, and the evolution of man always comes with great struggle. But, at the end of an era there is typically some great change in direction that will lead us into the future and a new period that holds many new gifts. This also occurs in our own personal lives, as well: one era ends and a new era begins born on the ashes of the ruins. The is the nature of Pluto both in the world and in our own lives.

As Pluto and Uranus separate for the final time in this powerful cycle scientists have  discovered the gravitational waves that Einstein only dreamed about finding 100 years ago.  What does this discovery hold for the future of man? Basically, it will give us new information about the universe that could go back to the very beginning of time. Scientists say it's hard to know right now exactly how this discovery will actually change our lives, yet in time it will.  As we learn more about time, perhaps one day we will be able to travel backwards. Time travel? Maybe.

In another development a new cancer treatment utilizing the patients' immune cells is making patients symptom free. In one study 94 per cent of patients with leukemia went into a complete remission. Can you imagine a world where cancer is no longer the deadly killer that it is? This would be a true gift to humanity.

Finally, a new planet has been discovered the size of Neptune, that would be the ninth in our solar system. Scientists and others have searched for Planet X for years, and there have only been two planets discovered since ancient times. It would take this planet between 10-20,000 years just to orbit once around the Sun. What role will this planet play in astrology? There will have to be years of research to identify and study, so don't expect any answers soon!

Are there more gifts waiting to be discovered as Uranus and Pluto complete their final pass? Yes, many more, these are just a few examples. New inventions and discoveries are typically tied into major transits of the outer planets. Man walked on the moon, for example, just months after the final pass of the last Uranus-Pluto square conjunction. What we can be certain of is that much more lies ahead, and while this powerful square has brought turmoil and upheaval to the world it has also brought gifts for our taking.

The same holds true of our personal lives which will mirror the world. If you were born under Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra (first 15 degrees) you (especially) have seen turmoil, and change in your life over the past 7 or 8 years. Many things have been changed, either by choice or chance. What's over is over and now is the time to move ahead, let go of old ideas, concepts, even people if circumstances are showing you a relationship isn't working out. What Pluto tears down it will rebuild in a more solid way. When one door closes another opens.

A gift can take many forms, and many times an unlikely form.  A planetary gift seldom includes cash! Freedom from stress and worry, new insights or letting go of unhealthy situations can be a greater gift than imagined. So can new opportunities, moves, new jobs and personal freedom.

 Can you see your gift up ahead?

Dreams, drugs, diets and delusions

This month's full moon occurs at 3 degrees of Virgo February 22, at 1:20PM, EST. The effects of a full moon can begin as much as a week before or occur up to two weeks after the fact. This full moon will be the companion to the New Moon solar eclipse on March 8 in Pisces. The full moon and eclipse fall on the 6th/12th house axis of health, work, service to others and the 12th house of things secret and hidden, seclusion and large institutions. Over the next month we will be dealing with situations and issues related to these (houses and) situations in our own lives.

Virgo is the natural ruler of the sixth house of health and healing, work and service and it is here many of us will be focused at this time.

As Virgo is considered the sign of the perfectionist we could see some ugly behavior from others (or ourselves) if our less than perfect lives, relationships and personal situations come into critical focus. The upside of Virgo is discernment and the ability to analyze, the downside is a quest for perfection and criticism if perfection does not occur. What is perfect in this life?

This moon opposes Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. This opposition may create confusion, lack of clarity and uncertainty in personal relationships or other situations.

Ceres is conjunct Neptune and shows us where and how we feel nurtured. As this (recently considered) dwarf planet is conjunct Neptune we may find nurturing through creativity, spiritual pursuits and service to others, and this would be the highest use of this energy, along with work. A few days after this moon could be a good time to start a diet.

But, as the moon is in an opposition (Neptune) there may be confusion, and lack of clarity, and feelings even of abandonment and loneliness. What appears real may not be, or what appears negative may not be as bad as you think. Full moons are always volatile. There can be a tendency to bestow affection on the wrong people, or become involved with those who are inappropriate or unworthy of our affections. Relationships can be confusing or even delusional (worst case) and it is important to keep your feet on the ground. If it looks, sounds and acts like it's too good to be true..well, it probably is.

On another level Neptune has to do with addictions of all types. Those with tendencies in this direction may lose self control and indulge in whatever their drug of choice is, whether its alcohol, substances, or even being in love with love. Nothing is wrong with love, but discernment is called for at this time. Sometimes Neptune transits have a tendency to reveal things. If this is the case, don't sweep it under the rug, but go on facts, and at the same time make sure your facts are correct and don't jump to conclusions.

Typically when we have a strong Neptune transit, many people report vivid dreams. Don't be surprised if during the days around the full moon this doesn't happen to you. Psychic abilities and creativity will be enhanced.

There is a theme concerning healing, broken hearts, or other situations that have brought unhappiness into your life over the past several years as a result of the Uranus-Pluto square. This is the last full moon that will occur as these powerful planets are within a 1 degree orb. Now can be the time to release negativity, long lost dreams and those things and people that are not in our best interest.

In the words of the immortal Casey Kasem, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

Valentine's Day: what's up in the sky

Valentine's day falls on Sunday this year, February 14. I find Valentine's day a mixed bag for many. The key is to keep your expectations realistic and remember that while it can be special some years, other years it may just be another day depending on your circumstances and partner, if you have one.

This year the Moon is in Taurus, which can be an earthy, sensual sign, and Taurus likes nice things. As women are governed by the moon more so  than men, its good and bad this year. in the early part of the day, the Moon sextiles Pluto and this is good for expressing feelings or sorting out your own. As we approach the late afternoon/evening hours Mars opposes the Moon (7:13 PM, EST to be exact). This can be connected to emotional outbursts, upsets and disagreements. Using common sense however, you have a choice where you want to go with this energy. By evening (after 8 PM) the Moon is moving toward a trine to Jupiter and this positive, happy and upbeat.

Mars sextiles Jupiter on this day, and this is positive, upbeat and friendly. Enthusiastic is a good word to describe this transit, and my advice is to go toward this energy rather than the negative.

There are all kinds of love in the world including self love. Without self love (and I don't mean selfishness) romantic love becomes a difficult thing. If you don't have a partner, this doesn't mean you should sink into despair. Be nice to yourself or your friends. The evening holds all kinds of possibilities and it is your choice to go with the negative energy or the positive. Both will be available.

Powerful and intense new moon in Aquarius

This month's full moon falls at 19 degrees of Aquarius on February 8, the sign ruled by Saturn and Uranus. Aquarius is the natural ruler of the 11th house of the collective, along with friends hopes and wishes and it is here our interests will lie.

While the full moon peaks at 8:39 AM, EST, the energy of a new or full moon is typically felt a few days before, sometimes as much as a week before. The days before may seem low energy or emotional especially if you have a water sign moon.

Aquarius is considered freedom oriented (co-ruled by Uranus), and is often the sign associated with coups and rebellions. It is classical energy for trying new things, situations and instigating change. Typically new moons are associated with new beginnings, even if these beginnings are small on a personal level.

This moon however, will square Mars and this is associated with irritation, anger, burnout, accidents and sickness, and for some this new moon may seem brutal. This moon also sextiles Uranus, giving it an intuitive edge bent toward new situations, and this can be somewhat of an exciting aspect if you go in this direction. It is best to channel your energy in a specific direction.

The few days before the new moon may be the most significant and typically are. February 7, the Sun squares Mars. This transit represents an argument or upset waiting to happen. It is likely we will see significant events in the world, and in this regard it can be somewhat dangerous (in the world) as Mars rules young men and guns. If you are not angry, other people may be and watch your driving on this day and the days surrounding it.

Rash action is not advised as you may come to regret it later. Neither is this the day to bring up controversial subjects that will lead to an argument. Better to let this energy pass.

At its best, this day can bring  a vigorous approach to reaching your goal, and/or physical energy directed at a specific aim: exercise, gardening, generating new clients, etc.

February 5-6, the Uranus-Pluto square is 'set off' one last time by Venus and the moon. This is intense, and can seem overwhelming. Some relationships could end, or this could involve money, especially if it aspects your personal chart. Exactly what this event is depends on where the new moon falls in your personal chart.

February 2016: Moving forward again!

As we begin the second month of 2016 Uranus and Pluto are still in a square at 17-16 degrees of Aries/Capricorn.  The last week of January was tense for many as Mercury 'set off' the Uranus-Pluto square. If this aspected your personal chart, you experienced events that were significant and changeable.

The first weekend of the month, Venus will set off the powerful square once again, bringing significant change if you have cardinal planets (Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra) at 15-17 degrees.

February 5, Venus in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto, and events will be large in the world and our lives. Venus rules money or women. Cruelty can occur, breakups, issues over money, sex and this can be a volatile and even violent transit in extreme cases. Of course, this won't be the case for most of us.

  

February 6, Venus squares Uranus and this can be changeable with money, love or your social life. For some, major changes will occur, and relationships can end. This can happen if it aspects your personal chart and you are in a relationship that is unstable. If you meet someone new on this day, it may or may not last as the nature of Uranus is exciting but not always stable.

This will be the last transit that 'sets off' the Uranus-Pluto square and while this aspect is still in orb throughout the month of February, the planets will start to separate, and this time they won't come back together for many years. The results however will continue to play out for months to come.

The square between Uranus and Pluto began in 2008, and has shaken up the world and our lives in many ways. It has not been unlike the last time a square occurred between these two planets in the mid-1930's when we saw the rise of Hitler and events that led up to WW11. I'm not saying WW111 is going to occur but the Middle East is in turmoil, China's economy is questionable, and we have more refugees than we have seen since WW11. And these are just a few of the consequences of this powerful square. Astrologer Mitch Lewis wrote in his newsletter, "the US is now the Divided States of America, and the dissatisfaction throughout our nation is at level not seen since the small skirmish in the mid 1860’s you may have heard of." I do not see that dividedness changing for some time, certainly not this year with a Presidential election.

2016 will be an unusual year with the Saturn-Neptune square. What you thought was absolute is not and this will be a year of surprises on many levels. As a collective we will realize that in many ways we have been mislead or not seen things clearly and many things will be revealed for what they are. In our personal lives some things will fade and morph into something else.

During February :

The Sun moves from Aquarius into Pisces.

Mercury enters Aquarius and moves forward full steam ahead.

Venus moves from the serious sign of Capricorn into fun loving Aquarius.

Mars remains in intense Scorpio, ruler of the 8th house of taxes, other people's money and sex.

The above are the fast moving planets that show us our day to day activities and focus.

Jupiter, the planet of luck and gain is retrograde in Virgo.

Saturn moves to the middle of the sign Sagittarius.

Uranus finally moves forward after being stationary direct since December. It is now more than halfway through its 7 year cycle.

Neptune is in the sign Pisces where it will meet up with Saturn again in the spring.

Other transits of interest in February:

February 3, Mars sextiles Pluto and this is a positive if not useful transit good for pushing projects forward. Also on this day the Sun sextiles Saturn and this is constructive and a great day for getting things done. This will be a welcome change after the last week of January when Mercury was stationary (not moving forward) all week continuing to delay our efforts.

February 5, Venus conjuncts Pluto, Relationships can be intense, and jealousy or obsessiveness can be a problem. The intensity of this can degrade or uplift. At its best it can transform in some way. There is nothing superficial about this transit, and sometimes things previously unknown can be revealed. If you ask a question or bring up an issue in a relationship be prepared to hear the answer, which probably won't be lightweight.

February 6, Venus squares Uranus, this can be erratic or exciting. Uranus is an unpredictable planet. The Sun sextiles Uranus and this lends support to new adventures or ideas. Mercury trines Jupiter and this is positive and expansive for new thoughts, ideas and conversations. This will lend an upbeat element to the day.

February 7, the Sun squares Mars and this is a fight waiting to happen. You or others may be agitated and act rashly. This energy can be energetic to the point of an accident if not careful. If you are aware you can sidestep this outcome and many negative outcomes of other transits as well. A great day for exercise or physical activities. Venus sextiles Mars and this is positive for romantic or social activities, or even financial matters, but the day will have an edge to it.

February 8, a New Moon occurs at 19 degrees of Aquarius. New moons are typically about some type of new beginning and this one falls in the sign that rules the 11th house of friends, hopes, wishes and the collective.  Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Uranus, the planet of rebellions, wars and the unexpected. This Moon squares Mars which makes it generally unfavorable for dealing with women. Mars can instigate anger, burnout or you may seem overly busy. Being forewarned is forearmed, but as it is a new moon it will not be as intense as a full moon. Watch for accidents over the next few days. As this moon sextiles Saturn it is possible to direct this energy toward positive activities and get a lot done.

February 10, Venus trines Jupiter. This is a positive day for financial matters, love, or your social life.

February 13, Mercury enters Aquarius again, where it began its cycle January third and turned retrograde at 1 Aquarius moving back into Capricorn for the retrograde cycle. Mercury here is lighter and more concerned with 11th house matters-the collective, friends hopes and wishes, and not as serious. Mercury leaves its post retrograde shadow period on the 14th and its full steam ahead. Maybe now we can get back to the things that we wanted to start at the beginning of the year! We are in the Aquarius season.

Also, Mars sextiles Jupiter. This is positive and energetic for moving forward with new projects, money matters and friendships. Luck could be on your side today.

February 16, Venus enters Aquarius. Venus in Aquarius will not be as serious as Capricorn and love energy will become lighter and geared more toward fun.

February 19, the Sun moves into Pisces for the next 29 days. Great for Water signs.

February 22, a full moon occurs at 3 degrees of Virgo. Virgo full moons tend to make some people overly critical of themselves or others. As this moon opposes Neptune issues may be unclear and lack clarity. Know the facts before you speak, (or criticize others). You may experience heightened intuition or vivid dreams. As Virgo rules the 6th house you could be concerned over a health, matter or start a diet, or be absorbed in work.

February 25, Mercury sextiles Saturn. This is positive for getting things down. This is a down to earth transit for accomplishment.

February 26, Mercury sextiles Uranus. New ideas could be in the making, and some ideas could be brilliant!

February 28, the Sun conjuncts Neptune. This could be a day where issues are confused, lack clarity, or stability. Intuition could be good, and vivid dreams could manifest. A great day for a reading!

February 29, Venus sextiles Saturn. This is positive for love, social activities or friendship.  This transit can relate to people from the past, and is all around positive.