Last week, a neighbor asked how many hours a day I spend at the computer. “A lot,” was my answer.

I explained to him that analyzing charts and writing reports for clients is a big part of my job, but that writing the weekly forecast has been incredibly time-consuming lately due to the magnitude of world events. I prepare for every week’s post by reading as much news as I can and then searching for my own information, since you can’t rely on the mainstream media. Then I run charts.

“Don’t you find it depressing to be constantly bombarded with bad news?” he asked.

“No,” I said. “For two reasons.”

First, I see the correlation between planetary movements and events on earth. “As above, so below.” As the planets move through cycles and interact with one another through mathematical angles, human events reflect these cycles and relationships. One might say that we’re “channeling” the energies represented by the planets. In periods when the planets are in intense conflicting aspects – as they have been for the past four years – the world is in particular turmoil. I don’t see how it could be any other way, at least not right now.

Second, I believe that the momentous events we’re witnessing are a sign that civilization is essentially breaking down in order to rebuild in a manner that is healthier, more sustainable and more equitable. This process likely will take many decades – certainly longer than I’m going to be in this incarnation – but future generations will be able to look back and understand how this period in human history paved the way for a renewal – a renaissance, if you will. Indeed, we can look back at the chaos of the Dark Ages and understand how it led to the rebirth of European civilization.

In a nutshell, that’s the purpose of my weekly report. Everything is connected, and while that knowledge may not help us gain control over painful or distressing circumstances, understanding the underlying signature can help bring a level of acceptance. At least, it does for me.

I might have added a third reason, which is that the investigative reporter in me feels a burning need to know what’s really going on behind many of the events in the news. Goddess knows, you can’t trust 98 percent of what you read in the mainstream media. I browse the headlines, but then I go to sites that offer more thorough reporting. I also read foreign news sources. Beyond that, I do my own research, spending long hours combing through boring government reports, conference papers, trade journals – anything that helps cut through government propaganda to the real story – and I analyze dozens of event charts. That’s why I often don’t finish the forecast until Sunday afternoon or evening.

This week, Venus opposes Pluto and squares Uranus, forming a cardinal T-square. Mercury did likewise last week. In late June, Mars in Libra completed the triangle and kept the pot stirred. By now, we know what issues are activated in our personal lives. You may experience a new development this week, perhaps another crisis in a string of events or possibly a forced breakthrough. Actually, those two aren’t mutually exclusive.

The same is true for world affairs. Remarkably, many of these issues originated with the beginning of the Uranus-Pluto cycle in the mid-1960s. After the conversation with my neighbor, I went back and took another look at the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo in 1965 and 1966. Unlike the seven-part square from 2012 to 2015, the conjunction in Virgo lasted for just nine months, with three exact alignments between October 1965 and June 1966. Yet, the entire decade was marked by worldwide upheaval. A lot has been written about the relationship between the Uranus-Pluto conjunction and the general trends of that era, so I won’t rehash that material. However, there are some points worth mentioning in light of recent events.

The Vietnam War, a conflict that marked the entire decade, was a proxy war between the United States and its allies on one side and the Soviet Union, China, and other Communist states on the other. The conflict escalated after the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, with Uranus within 5 degrees of Pluto and heading toward the first conjunction. The first square in a cycle, which is where we are now, is marked by an intensification of the crisis. Since the cardinal grand cross in April with the Uranus-Pluto square at its base, there has been talk of a “new Cold War” between the United States and Russia, which have been engaged in proxy wars throughout the Middle East – most notably Syria – and now Ukraine, right on Russia’s doorstep.

In March 1966, Hafez al-Assad, father of the current president of Syria, was involved in a coup and in 1971 seized power, installing himself as president. He held that position until his death in 2000. In the Cold War era, he chose to side with the Soviet Union. Sound familiar? Now there’s a situation that definitely has reached crisis stage. It’s likely that Syria’s borders will change under the Uranus-Pluto square.

Likewise, if you go back to the previous Uranus-Pluto cycle, which began in 1850, you can find the roots of events and situations in the mid-1960s, particularly in regard to Russia, which lost and later regained territory in wars with England, France, and the Ottoman Empire.

There are countless other examples of events in the mid-1960s that are being revisited during the Uranus-Pluto square, not all of which have to do with war. Those are just the ones that jumped out at me. If you have time and like this sort of thing, check out a world history timeline from October 1963 through mid-1969.

Back to this week, Venus opposes Pluto on Monday. On Friday, she squares Uranus and trines Saturn and Chiron. In world affairs, Venus represents diplomacy. Monday could be difficult, with unexpected and possibly shocking developments toward the end of the week. The trine with Saturn could be the ticket to de-escalate the violence, and with Chiron in favorable aspect, there may be an opening for some healing.

In personal relationships, the Venus-Pluto opposition can translate to steamy encounters, but obsession could lead to jealousy and possessiveness, or vice versa. Still, it will be nearly impossible to resist temptation. The Venus-Uranus square brings surprises, and while they might not be entirely pleasant, they could lead to a deeper commitment. Healing is possible here, too.

On Thursday, Mercury enters Leo. This is creative thinking at its best, with wit and humor. Mercury in Leo also loves to play pranks, and they could be elaborate ones, with Mercury and Jupiter in conjunction on Saturday. Someone, though, isn’t going to think it’s the least bit funny, possibly because the jokes hit too close to home. Hissy fits in general could be over the top this weekend, but for those with legitimate complaints, this is the time to voice your anger. It will upset some people, but that’s their problem.

On Friday, Mars in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Leo. This jarring aspect could make it harder for Venus to work her charms on Saturn. No one likes being yelled at, especially not with a sharp tongue. Words can hurt. However, depending on the circumstances, it’s possible that allowing the other side an opportunity to vent will lead to a breakthrough.

In world affairs, the Mars-Jupiter square could advance situations that were hot in mid-April, when Mars in Libra squared Jupiter in Cancer. Now, both planets have moved into fixed signs. On one hand, this represents fixed beliefs and an absolute refusal to budge – in other words, no progress since April, and a Mars inclined to get even. On the other hand, both planets have advanced to a new sign. Changing circumstances and the evolution of thinking in the individuals involved can lead to solutions that eluded everyone before. Where thinking hasn’t evolved and minds aren’t open to trying something new, there could be uncontainable anger and a powerful urge for revenge.

All in all, this is a tense week, so do whatever you can to balance the stress with some fun and recreation. And maybe a good prank.

Wishing you all much love and courage,

Pat

© Pat Paquette, RealAstrologers.com, 2014.