Category Archives: About astrology

New Moon in Scorpio, October 28, 2008

Moon against the trees The power and mystery of Scorpio moves onto the scene with the New Moon on Tuesday at 5°54′ Scorpio and is enhanced by the presence of Mars, co-ruler of Scorpio along with Pluto.

If we consider the combination of the New Moon’s sense of being pregnant with possibilities and Scorpio’s capacity for regeneration, we begin to get an idea of what is ahead. Of course, since it is Scorpio in charge, it’s very likely something will have to be released or die before the new can emerge.

The Sun and Moon essentially are unaspected by the other planets, but Mars in Scorpio stands in for them by aspecting just about everything. In fact, all the planets in earth and water signs form a pattern called the basket or cradle, with the base being formed by the waxing opposition of Saturn and Uranus. It is as if the energy being generated by the opposition is being moved outwards through Jupiter in Capricorn and Mars in Scorpio. This energy in general is more subtle in expression than the same formation in fire and air would produce. Mars is at home in Scorpio and is incredibly powerful, but is much more inclined to work behind the scenes rather than on center stage. Jupiter is constrained in Capricorn and isn’t up to make bold statements right now. The overall result is a sense of gestation and biding one’s time.

Mercury is thankfully direct now in Libra and is trine Neptune in Aquarius, encouraging us to look at the big picture with detachment and compassion. With Neptune currently at a standstill preparing to go direct on November 2, it is a good time to turn inward and contemplate where we are on our individual paths and what changes we want to implement. Here, too, we are in a holding pattern.

The increasing tension in the atmosphere is aided and abetted by a tightening T-square with Venus at the apex and Saturn-Uranus as the base. This formation will be exact on November 3, the day before the presidential election in the USA. On a personal level, if you have planets or angles at 18-19 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, you will no doubt already be aware of the tension! Thankfully, once we are past November 4, these energies will start to slowly dissipate.

Pluto is now at 29° Sagittarius and is grinding down the days until he moves into Capricorn. If the feedback we are getting on Real Astrologers is any indication, there are many people who are hovering between trepidation and anticipation of that move. Pat and I plan on addressing these concerns over the course of the next month or so as best we can.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 6 Scorpio is, The gold rush tears men from their native soil, with a keyword AMBITION. Here, the desire for passionate intensity of Scorpio presses forward in a search for new values and achievements with little regard for the cost. The waxing square from Mars in Scorpio to Neptune in Aquarius cautions all to be aware of hidden costs and unwarranted expectations. Here the classic “unwritten contracts” of Scorpio are fully in play, and if we don’t carefully examine our motives and expectations, we can be seriously disillusioned.

Overall, this New Moon lends itself to contemplation rather than action and actively encourages us to take stock of resources both internal and external in preparation for the release waiting at the Full Moon in Taurus on November 13. For now, practice patience and kindness and remember each of us holds our own unique truth. Be well!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Ask Real Astrologers: Reckoning with Pluto

This week’s question comes from Mary in Omaha, Nebraska:

For the past two to three years, I have been under a major overhaul of my life. I have lost my 37-year marriage, my job, my home, my credit. Moved, alone, over 600 miles away, to find better employment and I am still struggling today. During this time my girlfriend who I was temporarily living with for two years contracted breast cancer and died, leaving behind her 8-year-old daughter. I took care of my friend and her daughter during this time. She was a single mom, Sagittarius. I am so beat up I am afraid of the next round of Saturn return opposition Uranus. Any advice on how to handle this? Thank you.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

This format really isn’t set up to respond to all your issues, Mary, so we will address Pluto conjunct your Sun, and if you wish, you can contact either Pat or me about doing a paid report on your second Saturn return amplified by the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Pluto first conjoined your Sun exactly in early January 2007 and has moved back and forth over your Sun since then. Now he has made his last pass before moving into Capricorn in late November. One of the most difficult aspects of a Pluto transit is the sheer inexorability of them, because Pluto is a transpersonal planet and as such can be considered a force of nature like a volcano or hurricane. Most of us have lots of “hooks” he can latch onto and yank us about with, and we often are completely unaware of those until Pluto comes along to activate them.

In the Western world, we are typically insulated from direct experience with the cycles of death, birth, and regeneration falling under Pluto’s realm of influence, plus we are often brought up with the idea we can achieve anything if we work hard enough. Then Pluto comes along and shows us how vulnerable we truly are.

How best to handle Pluto transits? Surrendering all personal expectations of the desired outcome is one place to start. Another is to stay firmly focused in the present and deal with each day as it comes. For Sagittarius folk who like to be in motion, I recommend taking up some form of moving meditation like tai chi or walking while focusing on the breath. These help calm the mind and stop the negative tape loops that produce fear and doubt.

Mary, you are learning what many others have learned and will be learning and that is there is truth in the statement, “that which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Your natal Mars-Saturn conjunction in Virgo knows about moving forward one step at a time. There is life after Pluto transits, and it is often better than the old one. Good luck!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

As usual, I have very little to add to one of Neith’s responses to a Pluto question! I do have a couple of general observations, though.

First, difficult Pluto transits (and some with Uranus as well) require us to change, and if we try to hang onto beliefs, situations, and people who aren’t serving our higher good, the universe often finds ways to rip them out of our hands in a way that feels cruel and undeserved. I will be the first to tell you that I am not good at letting go (lots of fixed energy in my chart), so this is not a judgment, just an observation.

Second, after death, there is regeneration. Unfortunately, we can’t see it while we are going through the rough period. I experienced a Pluto transit in 2001 that literally nearly killed me. At the time, I was well into my study of astrology and had just dipped my toe into doing it professionally, but I couldn’t let go of my journalism career and was struggling to find a way to make that work. Ultimately, it was ripped away, in a way that made it impossible for me to work in that field ever again. So what happened? I became a professional astrologer, which is what I needed to be doing, and I am much happier as a result.

I hope that helps, Mary. Truly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again for writing, and much love and courage to you.

I also want to reinforce Neith’s comment that this column is not intended to be a substitute for a reading. If you have a complicated issue or are going through a complete life change, the benefits of a reading with a professional astrologer will far outweigh the modest cost. I currently am not accepting new clients, but stay tuned for news in a few weeks.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. Reminder: Please remember to tell us where you’re located!

Ask Our Readers: Pluto in Capricorn

Neith and I have noticed an increasing number of searches for information about Pluto in Capricorn. In this week’s reader feedback column, we’d like to know what interests you about this event.

Are you worried, and about what? Are you wondering how it will affect you personally, or are you concerned about the economy or other societal issues? Or maybe you just want our take on it?

We also have a highly significant opposition of Saturn and Uranus, which has officially started and will last for nearly a year. Yet this aspect doesn’t seem to be generating nearly the interest of Pluto in Capricorn. Any feedback about why this is?

As always, tell us a little about your chart, if you know it. Sun, Rising sign, and Moon sign are all good, along with where Pluto is transiting your chart, if you know it.

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPosted by Pat.

Weekly Forecast October 20: Sun in Scorpio, Chiron Direct

The Sun enters Scorpio this week, heralding the time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere) when we turn inward and start thinking about the long winter nights ahead. At the same time, Chiron goes direct this week, just as Mercury is forming a trine, the third and final pass in a three-part transit resulting from Mercury’s recent retrograde. (Post continued below.)

Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish

First, let’s look at the Sun’s entry into Scorpio on Wednesday. With Mars and Venus ahead of the Sun, we’ve already had a good dose of Scorpion energy over the past few weeks. Venus moved on into Sagittarius last week, but Mars remains in Scorpio until November 16. Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio, which is ruled by Pluto in modern astrology, but the Warrior is still potent here.

Both Mars and the Sun are ego-affirming bodies, and in Scorpio, they will go after what they want without apology. This isn’t a bad thing, especially for those of us who either have been taught to defer to others or who believe that the Universe, God, Spirit, Source, or some mysterious higher power will provide for us. How far would über-Scorpion Bill Gates have gotten if he had entrusted his garage business to the Source?

Most of us aren’t comfortable in such ruthless shoes, and yet we don’t like not getting what we want, either. Scorpio is often described as a sign of tests and challenges. When we go after what we want, we typically meet with obstacles, as though someone is asking us, “How bad do you want it?” As the Sun moves through Scorpio, we’ll find out…

Chiron turns direct on Saturday and is stationed direct on Sunday when the trine by Mercury is exact. I’ve written here and on The Pisces Chronicles, my personal blog, about the significance of Chiron and Mercury, with the lunar North Node and Neptune in conjunction. Mercury, Chiron, and Neptune all went retrograde within hours of each other in late May. Mercury was in Gemini, in a close trine with Chiron, and now here they are again, in a trine as both go direct.

My take on this is that we have had a rare and precious opportunity over the summer to revisit old wounds, some of which go to our very foundations, perhaps even carried with us into this incarnation. In some cases, we have had to relive those old wounds, and now we have a chance to move forward with the next step in our healing. If your issues are with another person, this weekend will be a good time to talk through where you’ve been and where you want to go from here. Or, it simply may be time to move on in your own mind.

Do keep in mind that Mars will square Chiron next Monday (October 27), and you could feel the effects of salt rubbed into those wounds. If you’re still open and raw, this will be a test for you. If you’ve done a good bit of healing over the summer, you may be surprised by how well you can take a hit and not be fazed.

Also on Sunday, Mercury squares Jupiter in Capricorn, which likewise is a third pass in a three-part aspect. This is good for long-range planning and also for correcting errors in your thinking. After all, what we believe does affect our external circumstances.

Much love and courage to all,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Jason and his Teacher, by Maxfield Parrish, 1908. In classical mythology, Chiron was the wounded healer who mentored gods and heroes, including Apollo, Achilles, and Jason.

Saturday Archives: The Natal Chart in Synastry, Part 5 – Jupiter

Jupiter - Wheel of Fortune card from Celestial TarotToday Venus moves into Sagittarius and I decided to honor her with a post from the Archives about Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius.

Just as Saturn tends to get undeserved bad press, I feel Jupiter is on the receiving end of too much good press. My position may be influenced by my Libra tendency to bring balance into everything but my experience with Jupiter inclines me to be more cautious in his praise. That being said, a strong Jupiter influence in the Natal chart does help a person bounce back from Life’s disappointments.

Sun/Jupiter aspects in the Natal chart do make for someone who will keep on looking for that special person to share their lives. I have an out-of-sign Sun/Jupiter conjunction (Jupiter is in the 12th House) and lord only knows, I needed that inner optimism because it took my Libra Sun/Moon self a looong time to find my partner – past my Uranus opposition cycle. The “hard” aspects (square and inconjunct in particular) can lead the Sun to unfounded optimism, leading to the occasional brutal smack of hard, cold reality but these folks are the “cock-eyed” optimists and will soon be chasing another rainbow.

The Moon in aspect to Jupiter, especially by square and conjunction, are those who like to inject some emotional drama into their lives and the lives of their loved ones. This I know because I live with someone who has Moon conjunct Jupiter. Fortunately his conjunction is in Aries, so the drama explodes on the scene in typical Fire sign fashion and dissipates just as quickly. Moon/Jupiter aspects do give an emotional resiliency, especially the trines and sextiles. The worst case scenario I’ve seen is a Moon/Jupiter/Pluto conjunction where the individuals fears (Pluto) were magnified by Jupiter to the point they practically immobilized themselves because they were so afraid of everything!

Mercury/Jupiter aspects can make a person a very good teller of tales or so prone to exaggeration you don’t know what the truth of the matter is. If Mercury is in a Fire sign, the result may be someone who blurts out whatever crosses their minds regardless of the impact of their words. Intent plays a big role with this aspect because it can cause us to laugh or create a great deal of pain as the result of the distortion of the facts.

When Jupiter goes dancing with Venus, we can expect the high, wide and generous romantic gestures. A man with Venus in aspect to Jupiter may be attracted to very voluptuous women and a woman with this aspect will really appreciate being showered with gifts and affection in the grand style. The conjunction, square and inconjunct can lead to living beyond one’s means because the hedonistic pull can be very strong. We tend to like people with Venus/Jupiter aspects because most of the time they know how to enjoy themselves . . .

Moving on the Mars/Jupiter aspects where the extreme expression is the daredevil. This person may create scenarios where he or she can be the hero/heroine riding to the rescue. Mars/Jupiter conjunctions in particular have great physical endurance and if you are not a hardy sort yourself, you may want to consider the ramifications of what it means to be around someone like this! Here again Jupiter “magnifies” the existing energy of the planet.

With an accurate birth time, we can also find out if Jupiter is conjunct the Ascendant or Midheaven in the chart. Those with Jupiter on the Ascendant tend to present a fun loving and sociable face in public even if they are very private people by nature. Jupiter on the Midheaven can be someone who excels in selling themselves or their ideas with flare and verve. Many of us are very different people when we are at home then out in the World and it pays to get to know someone in both settings.

As I was writing this I realized once again why discussing your natal chart with a competent astrologer who can see how the patterns in the chart all tie together is so important. The “cookbook” style on individual aspects just does not allow for the synthesis of information needed to see the whole person – and when we relate to others, the need for a balance, informed perspective is even more important.

Libra loves synastryposted by Neith . . .

Ask Real Astrologers: Need Help with a Cardinal Cross

This week’s question comes from Jay in London, UK:

I apparently have a cardinal grand cross, which I heard isn’t really a positive thing to have, but I don’t understand much about it. What does a cardinal cross say about a person? (I think it’s Moon in Aries, Venus in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune/Saturn/Uranus in Capricorn.)

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Yes, Jay, you do have a cardinal grand cross in your chart, and when Jupiter transited over the Capricorn corner in December 2007 and January 2008, it likely gave you a jolt and brought it to your attention.

The cardinal signs are the self-starters of the zodiac, and you have more planets in cardinal signs than either of the other two modes, fixed and mutable. However, a grand cross is so well balanced that it can create inertia rather than forward momentum. You also have far more planets in earth and water signs, giving your chart a negative polarity. This suggests that you may be far less aggressive than the preponderance of cardinal signs would imply.

“Positive” a lot of times is in the eyes of the beholder. For instance, a chart with lots of sextiles and trines can be so easy that the individual does not accomplish much in this life, whereas the power generated by the tension of squares and oppositions can encourage one to grow and mature.

Your chart says you have lots of creative potential to tap into, and as Pluto in Capricorn transits trigger your grand cross from the fifth house over the next few years, you may be pleasantly surprised at the inspiration made available. Leo is all about creativity after all.

Take heart, Jay and continue to pursue your dreams.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Wow, you sure do, Jay! But it is not necessarily a bad thing — there’s really no such thing as a “bad” chart. It does, however, require some special handling. And you need to know about some upcoming transits that will affect you significantly.

Before I get to that, though, I’d like to comment on something about your chart that you share with others born in 1989 and, to some degree, in 1988. The conjunction of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune at that time was rare and extremely powerful. Think of all the things that happened in that year, culminating with the fall of the Berlin Wall! This was the beginning of a new Saturn-Uranus cycle, which is coming up on its peak with the current opposition of these two outer planets.

It’s probably no coincidence that I’m starting to get questions and inquiries from young people born during this time period. It appears that you are coming of age now, as this cycle peaks and as Pluto begins to transit this configuration in your charts. Naturally, you want to know more about yourselves. Astrology is a wonderful tool for self-discovery, and it will help you with the deep transformation that you are about to go through. I encourage all of you who are at this awakening stage to find an astrologer you resonate with and get a reading.

In your case, Jay, Pluto will transit not just your outer planets, but will aspect all of the planets in your cardinal cross over the next several years. Between now and your Saturn return (roughly 28-29 years old), you will go through some deep and significant changes.

Back to your original question, the key to managing this energy, which Neith described very well in her response, is to know yourself. This should be your main focus for the next few years. Once you’ve got a strong sense of who you are, you will be more able to keep your mind on the bigger question of why you’re here and how to best fulfill your purpose in this life.

Much love and courage to you.

Got a quick question? Click here to contact Ask Real Astrologers. Reminder: Please remember to tell us where you’re located!

Astrology Poll: How was your Mercury Retrograde?

Happy Mercury direct! The Messenger resumes his forward course today at 1:06 p.m. on the West Coast of the United States, just 24 hours after the Full Moon in Aries. What’s happening for you this week? Feel free to leave us detailed comments, especially as the week progresses.

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Neith says:

This particular Mercury retrograde all took place in my eleventh house and was surprisingly mild at least when it came to tech problems and miscommunications. However it did seem like I spent lots of time rehashing old issues with friends and family. In the larger picture it felt like I was hearing the same old tired messages over and over and over. We’ll see what the next few days bring as the little biter starts moving forward and opening communication channels again!

 How did yours go? 

Synastry of Joe and Jill Biden

Joe & Jill Biden Scorpio Joe Biden has been married to his Gemini wife, Jill, for 31 years as of last June, so for a couple with inconjunct Sun signs, they obviously have a lot going for them.

Fortunately, with good complete birth data for Joe, we have a chart wheel to work with. He has Sagittarius Rising, placing Gemini on the cusp of his seventh house, which rules marriage and committed relationships. Jill’s Sun, Mars, and Moon are located there. Planets in the seventh house in synastry, particularly the luminaries, show excellent compatibility in one-on-one relationships. Joe has Saturn conjunct Uranus conjunct his Descendant natally, describing the type of person he is attracted to. In his case, it’s a bright, lively Gemini who is also dependable.

Jill’s Sun-Mars conjunction is sextile Jupiter in Aries, giving her a more assertive edge and an optimistic spirit – both qualities she shares with her Scorpio Sun-Sagittarius Rising husband. Mercury is Gemini’s ruling planet, and her Mercury is in methodical Taurus and complements Joe’s Mercury in intense Scorpio. Another parallel between their charts is his Sun-Mercury conjunction, which resonates with her Gemini Sun.

They have a lovely Mercury-Venus intra-aspect, underlining their ability to communicate with thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the other’s feelings (intra-aspect in synastry is where the same two planets from each chart form aspects. For example, A’s Sun is conjunct B’s Moon and B’s Moon is square A’s Sun). This is a very loving and powerful synastry aspect. The close trine between her Venus in Cancer and his in Scorpio adds another layer of shared warmth and affection.

This couple also has what can be considered a classic synastry aspect for creating enduring bonds, and that is a Sun-Saturn intra-aspect with his Saturn conjunct her Sun and her Saturn sextile his Sun. With the Saturn-Sun conjunction located in his seventh house, their choosing to marry was a natural progression for the relationship.

Mars and Pluto, co-rulers of Joe’s four planets in Scorpio, form an intra-aspect between their charts, too.  His Pluto in Leo is sextile her Mars in Gemini, and her Pluto in Leo squares his Scorpio Mars. Passion and commitment go hand in hand with this set of aspects.

They do have reversed lunar nodes, with his North Node in Virgo and her in Pisces. This can be a rather irritating aspect to live with day to day, but since they have been together for many years, I’m inclined to believe the other excellent synastry aspects offset the effects of this one.

As with the other political couples I’ve reviewed, this is yet another instance when it would be wonderful to have a full set of birth data for both people. However, working with what’s available shows us the underlying structure for the enduring and loving relationship we see before us. Seeing Joe and Jill Biden together says it all.

Libra loves synastryposted by Neith . . .

Verified Birth Data: Joe Biden 20 November 1942, 08:30 AM EWT Scranton, PA; Jill Biden 05 June 1951, Hammonton, NJ

Weekly Forecast October 13: Full Moon in Aries, Mercury Direct

Mercury and Psyche, by Adriaan de Vries I won’t be so bold as to proclaim that all hell is going to break loose this week, but do be prepared for major movement.

With the Full Moon in dynamic Aries just as Mercury is stationing direct, much of the activity that has been stalled over the past three weeks could take place all at once. To get an idea of how you may be impacted personally, look at where Libra and Aries fall in your natal chart.

Neith already has written a complete report for Tuesday’s Full Moon, and I will add only that growth and change, even when positive, can be unsettling. When we seek to fulfill our heart’s deepest desires, we typically have to go through a period of testing and challenge, and we need to do the work. Rarely do we value what is handed to us on a silver platter.

On Wednesday, barely 24 hours after the Full Moon, Mercury stations at 7 degrees Libra. The Messenger passed this degree on September 3. Think back to what was happening around that time for you and what has (or hasn’t) transpired since then. This will give you a clue about what to expect this week. It may take a few days for Mercury to gather speed before you see any results. I’d give it until Friday.

As I was searching for an appropriate image for this week’s forecast, I found reference to Mercury in the story of Cupid and Psyche. Quick and dirty plot summary:

Venus, jealous of Psyche’s beauty, sends her son Cupid to foul up the young woman’s love life. He botches the job and falls in love with her, but he attempts to keep his identity secret by coming to her only at night, in the dark. Through trickery encouraged by her sisters, she discovers who he is, and he flees. She is so desolate that she wants to kill herself and eventually appeals to Venus, who makes her perform a series of tasks until she is deemed worthy of true love.

The sculpture in the photo depicts Mercury, transporter of souls, carrying Psyche to Mount Olympus, where she is granted immortality and allowed to marry her beloved.

In classical mythology, Mercury is the only god who has free passage to and from the underworld. Symbolically, this speaks to our thought processes and how our thoughts impact our lives. Libra not only is an intellectual air sign, but it is the ruler of relationships. For women especially (but not exclusively), the trials and tribulations of love are among the most painful in our lives, and they are often what causes us to grow, evolve, and attain higher consciousness.

Speaking of Venus, the planet of love leaves jealous Scorpio on Saturday and enters merry Sagittarius, where she is more light-hearted. Her downfall here is only that she may party a little too hard and overindulge herself and her friends. She also can be competitive, but as long as you keep it fun and friendly, there’s no harm in a good contest.

Love and blessings,
Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPat

Image: Mercury and Psyche, by Adriaan de Vries, 1593. The Louvre, Paris. Mercury bears Psyche aloft to Olympus where, after forced to undergo many trials by a jealous Venus, she attains immortality and is reunited with Cupid, her beloved.

Saturday Archives: Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto in CapAs Pluto moves through the final degrees of Sagittarius, not to return to the sign of the Archer for more than 230 years, many of our readers have started searching for information on Pluto in Capricorn. Neith and I will have more to say about this timely topic in future posts. Meanwhile, here is an article I wrote for The Pisces Chronicles back in January.

I was going to edit out the information on the Washington State Ferry system, since it doesn’t affect most of you, but our situation here really does sum up the essence of Pluto in Cap.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, it’s finally here, the big event that astrologers have been writing about for two years (some even longer).

I’ve held off writing about Pluto’s entry into Capricorn, because I felt that it was too early to start attributing certain events to an astrological phenomenon that hadn’t happened yet. It has been only in the past few weeks that I’ve started seeing signs that this momentous shift is occurring. And I’m not sure that we’ll see the real effects of this transit in 2008. First, we’ve got to wrap up Pluto in Sagittarius.

Pluto, named for the mythological god of the underworld, is associated with death, rebirth, and transformation. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of limits, boundaries, and material structure. There’s a trend in modern astrology toward putting a more positive spin on challenging planets and aspects. I think this is mostly a good thing, but please don’t kid yourself that Pluto and Saturn are going to bring the pizza and beer so that we can watch back-to-back episodes of Star Trek while the Bushes and Waltons get zapped by gamma rays from deep space.

Of all the interpretations I’ve read of Pluto in Capricorn, the one word that struck me was “accountability.” I can’t remember who wrote that. If it was you, please let us know! Yes, there’s going to be accountability, and it’s going to shake up government and corporate structures worldwide. But who exactly are they going to be accountable to, and how is that going to happen?

As I wrote in a previous post, we’re having a crisis here on our little island of Vashon, 37 square miles with a population of 10,300. On January 11, Washington State Ferries gave us less than three day’s notice that it was taking two boats out of service for repairs. This was after unexpectedly retiring four aging boats last November.

Most of us are too shell-shocked right now to be mad. For many people, reduced ferry service has meant getting up an hour earlier, getting home an hour or two later, and going through the day in a haze of exhaustion. But already the inevitable questions are being asked. Why has WSF not properly maintained its boats? Why hasn’t it ordered new boats and increased capacity? Who is responsible?

Complaints to the agency are met with a phenomenal lack of accountability. “Don’t blame us, it’s not our fault.” To some extent, they may be right. It may turn out the governor herself is responsible, since budgeting decisions go straight to the top.
WSF is the largest ferry system in the nation, carrying more commuters to work daily than the Staten Island ferry. The ferries are considered part of our highway system — in other words, part of our transportation infrastructure. This is clearly within the realm of Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn is literally exposing the cracks in the hull. Do I believe this is a microcosm of broader crises to come? Absolutely.

Back when the bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, it didn’t take long for people to start doing the math. We’re spending billions of dollars a day to bomb Iraq back into the Stone Age and ignoring our own pressing needs at home. A similar situation existed in the American colonies under England. We were being taxed without getting equivalent benefits in return, and we had no say in the matter. That’s when people tend to take up arms and rebel. It’s not a question of “if,” only of “when.”

Pluto in Capricorn is not, however, going to rid the world of hierarchies, as some have suggested. Hierarchies exist in nature. Otherwise, there would be no order. If you think that anarchy sounds romantic, talk to survivors of Hurricane Katrina or current residents of Baghdad. What many of us hope is that the current hierarchical structure will be replaced with one that is more just and equitable. It probably will be … but it’s not going to be installed by extraterrestrials with superhuman intelligence.

Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, though. Pluto enters the sign of the Sea Goat tomorrow at 6:37 p.m. on the West Coast. He’ll get barely 1 degree into Capricorn before turning retrograde on April 2 and heading back into Sagittarius in mid-June. We’ll have a little more than five months to process the message of Pluto in Sagittarius before he returns to Capricorn and remains there for the next 16 years.

What might those messages be? I wrote about this as part of my series about Pluto on the Galactic Core. Pluto in Sagittarius is about breaking down beliefs, especially religious dogma. Obviously, it hasn’t entirely happened yet, but I believe we are going to see the results this year of collapsed religious systems.

Pluto in Sagittarius has not been just about breaking down our religious beliefs, but also our scientific ones. The past 15 years have brought us tremendous breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe as advances in technology have allowed us to explore the furthest reaches of space. I’m working my way through Gevin Giorbran’s book, which, among other things, questions the validity of the second law of thermodynamics, one of the cornerstones of our understanding of the material universe.

Gevin’s book is fundamentally changing my view of time, and that means my understanding of astrology is going through a metamorphosis as well. Saturn rules time and the material world, and it might take the entire transit of Pluto in Capricorn before these new perspectives take hold in the mainstream and we apply them in our daily lives. Adjusting to these new concepts is another reason why I haven’t wanted to jump headfirst into Pluto in Capricorn. We’ve got some important prerequisites to complete before we move on.

Since 2008 is an election year, we’re also going to take a hard look at our political beliefs to assess whether they are serving us well. Back to our ferry example, what if it turns out that the Democratic governor we elected was responsible for leaving us stranded? What if legitimate studies showed that we’d be better off if the ferry system were privatized? We will all have to reconsider and entertain the “unthinkable.”

Happy Pluto ingress!

Aquarius, the sign of astrologyPosted by Pat