Uranus square Pluto

I talked about Uranus moving into Aries in this article Uranus in Aries Wake up Call. Here is a more descriptive article of this transit that I found very enlightening.

"2012 is approaching, and along with it are all the many predictions and implications surrounding 2012. What do we believe? What can we expect? Some say Armageddon is nigh. Others say that the earth is going through a transformational shift where our planet, society will be so different from what we now know. Our today will be so different from our tomorrow. Yes, the earth is going through a transition. There are more people than ever before. We have more ways to destroy ourselves than ever before, just as we have more ways to save ourselves than we've ever imagined. Psychics predict earth changes. The Mayan calendar of thousands of years ends in 2012. Alien sightings are increasing. And it seems everyone has the answer... Our political candidates are all clamoring for change as never before. The media wants us to support their candidate. Big Corporations, Oil, Drug, Banking and Finance... all say that we should buy their version of hope and change. The question is from where is the answer going to come? Will it come from outside of us in the form of bigger government or bigger business in the form of taking more and more control OR will the change come from within, from inside each of us?

Welcome to Pluto square Uranus.

Beginning 2011 through 2015, Uranus, the planet of innovation and freedom will be in square with the planet Pluto, notorious for its desire to exert subtle but relentless power over whatever it aspects. This square will create a cosmic tension between freedom loving Uranus and power hungry Pluto. Who will profit and benefit from the creative innovative energies flooding from Uranus? The lovers of freedom, those free spirits with a desire to live their dream to bless the entire world with their brilliance. Or the controllers behind the scenes pulling the strings of governments and corporations? The Uranian energy of Freedom and Innovation will leave Pisces May 27, 2010 and move into Aries. Aries is the pioneer of the Aquarian Age. May 27, 2010 is the date in which events will heat up. This is the date to brace yourselves. This Uranian energy will be bursting forth in multiple duplications of itself, all over, popping up here and there, seemingly disconnected, but very much reacting from each other. Like squirting out inventions and inspirations coming through us, inspiring this and that new thing, unable to be contained, with a life almost of its own, transforming the planet through its agenda to upgrade, innovate and aggressively stimulate the impetus towards freedom". Read the rest here at Starwatch.

Colin Wilson: Mars conjunct Neptune

I was perusing through the different people who had Neptune in the 4th house, and I came across the natal chart of Colin Wilson. I read through some of his biography, and I thought he would be an interesting example. Colin Wilson is a professional writer, he first came to prominence as a philosopher and novelist. He wanted to apply for a University scholarship but his father wanted him to go to work and contribute to the family budget. His father worked in the boot and trade industry, and he worked as a barman at night to make ends meet. He became resentful because he had to support Colin for two more years. It was his son's ambition to become a Scientist at this time, but unable to train he started work in a factory to make ends meet. He found the work hard, dreary and repetitive, so when he returned home he would spend his evenings reading poetry for emotional release.

Astrologically Colin has Mars conjunct Neptune in Virgo in the 4th house, and this very potent conjunction expains why he often found himself in a state of discontent and why poetry provided his escape route and his solace. The need to stay in touch with the spiritual side of life is vitally important to him. He worked in a very repetitive job, and everyone knows this type of work can drag the spirit down. Although he didn't have to endure his factory work for too long and he found a laboratory job and felt a huge sense of release. He said that he had felt he had been let out of prison from the abyss of boredom in the factory job. Often natives with a Mars-Neptune contact can lose their sense of direction and they lose their sense of motivation.

And now my loss of interest in science meant I no longer had a future. It seemed that society had no place for people like me, people who had no desire to 'get on in life'. Sooner or later, the headmaster would find out that I had no interest in applied mathematics or analytical chemistry, and I would be without a job. And then I would go to the Labour Exchange and be offered a choice of a dozen or so jobs that I found equally repellent. As far as I could see, I was going to have to spend my whole life doing jobs I hated. I continued to find an escape in literature, spending my weekends soaking in poetry. But this only made it harder to go back to work on Monday morning. And the physics master who was my immediate boss was a weak and trivial-minded man, who soon realised that I was there under false pretenses, and took every opportunity to inflict petty humiliations.

He hated his routine work and felt angry at god for putting him there. He enjoyed writing and reading poetry and his journal writing was a powerful release for him. He felt angry because he had to do repetitive jobs day in and day out. He didn't want to play the game anymore, and decided to himself that he would take his own life. At this critical juncture in his life he said that he suddenly became two people.

I became two people. I was suddenly conscious of this teenage idiot called Colin Wilson, with his misery and frustration, and he seemed such a limited fool that I could not have cared less whether he killed himself or not. But if he killed himself, he would kill me too. For a moment I felt that I was standing beside him, and telling him that if he didn’t get rid of this habit of self-pity he would never amount to anything. It was also as if this ‘real me’ had said to the teenager: ‘Listen, you idiot, think how much you’d be losing’, and in that moment I glimpsed marvellous, immense richness of reality, extending to distant horizons. So I re-stoppered the bottle and went back to my analytical chemistry. I felt relaxed and light-hearted and totally in control of myself. This mood of strength lasted for two or three days, then gradually went away. But I no longer felt trapped and vulnerable.Forty years later, Maralyn Ferguson told me, as we walked by a lake in California, that she believed that everyone who achieves anything original in literature or philosophy has been at some point on the brink of suicide. I suspect that this is because anyone who has looked into this abyss achieves the separation of the real self from the inessential self, which is like being born.

It is surreal how Colin Wilson describes his fourth house conjunction with such accuracy. If you pick up any astrology book you will read that Mars-Neptune is on some kind of spiritual quest and that this contact often has a dislike for physical work. These are the spiritual warriors of the zodiac, and they are driven to seek the spiritual experience in life. Mars represents the independent act of separation from complete fusion and chaotic life (Neptune). Individuality or any act of self-affirmation does not exist in Neptune.

The Mars-Neptune aspect appears in the chart of a computer genius, he set up major companies involving technology (Uranus is at the apex of a t-square). Despite material success he felt there was still something missing, and he up and left his company and travelled abroad on his own spiritual quest, he did return, but it seems he needed a few months out of  his executive business life to find his direction.

Colin Wilson has expressed this potent conjunction in writing and he has published works on the strength (Mars) to dream (Neptune). He has the intuitive ability to tap into collective expression, and he motivates others by inspiration. Often Mars-Neptune hates to live a dreary life and often expression can be found in art, dance, writing, and healing, or any activity that combines the energy and motivation of Mars and the need for fusion, spirituality and collective sensitivity (Neptune).

Liz Greene in her phenomenal work: Neptune and the Quest for Redemption has this to say about Mars-Neptune:

For Mars-Neptune, aggression and desire cannot easily be directed outward into life, because of the fear of separation this invokes; it may seem better not to desire at all. Sexual disinterest and general apathy are common accompaniments to alcoholism and drug addiction. The death wish is obvious in these expressions, and so is the element of masochism; if one merely want s to exit the stage, one can find less painful and drawn out means. Mars-Neptune is also linked with sexual masochism, as well as it's reverse. The desire to inflict pain. The confusing medley of inverted desires, guilt, longing for fusion, rage, and impotence, reflects a powerful but thwarted identification with the redeemer-victim. It arises not from any intrinsic Mars-Neptune "evil", but from a personality which is too infantile to meet the challenge of expressing the myth in creative and life enhancing ways.

Colin Wilson described his own Mars-Neptune contact rather too well. Being a writer he can explain his inner life with precision. He can be highly romantic and idealistic, but there is always the danger of  being undiscriminating and unrealistic. He can have an active imagination, and like all Neptune contacts he will at times feel like the helpless victim. The aim is to join his strength, actions, and assertiveness (Mars) with his dream (Neptune).

Brooke Greenberg: An Eternal Baby

I watched this little girl on television today, and wondered about her astrological chart. She looks absoloutly adorable in this photo (heart melts). The Doctors are saying she may hold the key to delaying the ageing process. Yet, according to what I have read they haven't found any special gene. Here is the story on Wikipedia:

"Brooke Greenberg, (age 16) is a girl from Reisterstown, Maryland who has remained physically and cognitively similar to a toddler, despite her increasing age. Greenberg is about 30 inches (76 cm) tall, weighs about 16 pounds (7.3 kg), and has an estimated mental age of 9 months to 1 year. Greenberg's doctors have termed her condition Syndrome X.She was born with anterior hip dislocation, a condition which caused her legs to be swiveled upwards, awkwardly, toward her shoulders; this was corrected surgically. Otherwise, Greenberg appeared to be a normal infant.

In her first six years, Greenberg went through a series of unexplained medical emergencies from which she recovered. She had seven perforated stomach ulcers. She also suffered a seizure. This was followed by what was later diagnosed as a stroke; weeks later, no damage was detected. At age five, Greenberg had a mass in her brain that caused her to sleep for 14 days. The doctors diagnosed the mass as a brain tumor. However, Greenberg later awoke, and physicians found no tumor present. Greenberg's doctor states that the source of her sudden illness remains a mystery".

The Astrology

Brooke has a Sun-Neptune conjunction in Capricorn, and this is the sign rules that rules the bones, teeth, and delay in development etc. Neptune rules suffering, confusion and mystifying situations and could explain why her condition has baffled Doctors. She was diagnosed as having a brain tumour after sleeping for 14 days, and when she awoke there was no tumour present. The Mysteriousness of her whole illness is Neptune at work, and things are never as straightforward as they appear to be when this planet is involved. Individual's with  the Sun in aspect to Neptune in their chart can appear at times spaced out, or even asleep. They often appear as if they are living in their own secluded world. There is also a delicacy in appearance in some Sun-Neptune natives, especially if the aspect is connected to the 1st and 6th house of the natal chart and they can also be highly susceptible to illness.

The Sun is also in exact conjunction with Uranus, and she is the focus of much scientific study (Uranus) even if the Doctors and those in authority are confused over her condition (Neptune in Capricorn). Uranus is straight out of  a science fiction novel, and has very lofty ideas for the future,and Brooke Greenberg is the new muse of the Scientific world. The triple conjunction of Sun-Uranus-Neptune is a powerful feature of this young girl's chart. Mercury the planet of communication is also in Capricorn and in wide conjunction to her Sun-Uranus-Neptune configuration, and Brooke's Greenberg's mental development is that of a 1 year old.

Little Brooke has Venus unaspected in the sign of Pisces unaspected. This symbolizes that she has a deep need to feel loved and special. Venus in Pisces attracts lots of sympathy and she is a well loved little girl. She is treated as a very special human being in the world. Venus is exalted in the sign of the Pisces, and symbolizes at it's most abstract level, love and compassion for everyone. Mars the planet of motivation and action is in the sign of Cancer (fall) opposite the triple conjunction (Sun, Uranus, Neptune). Often Mars-Neptune is another aspect that can develop a poor immune system or weakened body. The opposition involves the parental signs of Cancer and Capricorn. These two signs show how we get our needs met, and our emotions and nurturung instincts (Cancer) and the polarity to these character traits is self-sufficieny, maturity and growing up (Capricorn). It is a particularly relavent opposition considering she is an adult in a baby's body.

Pluto, the planet of transformation, change and evolution is placed in it's own sign at the apex of a t-square with Chiron and Saturn. This difficult fixed configuration shows much soul strength is needed here to be born into a life with such insurmountable obstacles (Chiron-Saturn) concerning her place as an individual in society and of being different. With Pluto driving the t-square she is headed for fast transformation this lifetime.

Astrology - The Difficult Profession

I have deep respect for Astrologers who promote the awareness and validity of astrology all their lives. They tirelessly work to advance, update and bring this ancient knowledge into public awareness. Here are some inspirational quotes below.

Along with a strong belief in your own inner voice, you also need laser-like focus combined with unwavering determination. Larry Flynt

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. Buddha

If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get the work done. Dale Carnegie

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be. George Sheehan

All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. Martin Luther King Jr

If the collective rejects us, or metaphorically tries to burn us at the stake, we have got to come up with something to stop us feeling bad, inferior, and lonely. We may say to ourselves, "It doesn't matter because we know something they don't know. We are in the vanguard of the spiritual evolution of the planet. We are here to teach others." But maybe we are not so special. Maybe we are just humans lumbering along, bewildered by life like the rest, but we happen to be very fortunate in discovering an area of study which gives us a bit more insight into our dilemmas. Inflation creates its own isolation. We become like the downtrodden waiting for the Day of Judgment. The unevolved "scientific community" is oppressing and persecuting us. We can easily become evangelical, and I know some astrologers who are. We don't usually pontificate at Speakers Corner or wander up and down Leister Square with a sandwich-board. But we may participate in television programmes in which we are subjected to tests we cannot possibly hope to pass. Or we put ourselves in positions where we are humiliated by a Skeptical public or an unpleasant journalist or television presenter, in the hope to "convert" the public.

We may also let ourselves be drawn into arguments with somebody who says, "Prove to me that this rubbish works." For some unaccountable reason we stand there ad actually try to convince such discourteous twits that we are really nice, sane, decent people. We waste time and energy trying to persuade the collective that we are not inferior. We are not heretics; we are not charlatans; we are not gullible fools; we are not in league with the devil; and we are not mad. We expend enormous effort explaining oursleves to those who were never prepared to listen in the first place. By Liz Greene, The Astrologer, the Counsellor and the Priest

Enemies of Reason

I am quite addicted to watching Skeptics justify why "Sun sign" astrology doesn't work. Scientists are reluctant to take a closer look at this "pseudo" science, and only scratch on the surface when discussing Sun signs. To be honest, some skeptics have stretched their thinking beyond Sun signs, but the majority of "Scientists" still get out the old newspaper column out. According to Cosmic Citizen article (excellent blog) we mirror each other in some uncomfortable ways, and we view eachother as the enemy (hisses). Quote below from Cosmic Citzen:

This result was of course unacceptable to those who'd suggested that newspaper astrology columns should include health warnings. After some rather acrimonious debate, Rawlins resigned from CSICOP and wrote a long "Star Baby" article for the paranormal magazine Fate, accusing CSICOP of covering up results that appeared to support an astrological influence. The same month, CSICOP instituted a policy of not conducting research itself. The irony of all this was rather cosmic, and no doubt lost on the committee.... This, however, wasn't the only piece of irony operating in the vicinity of Cosmic Citizen. A prime, somewhat justified, complaint of the speaker was that CSI was an advocacy group that was more interested in propagating propaganda about 'Science' and 'Reason' than any genuine investigation of the facts. However, an outsider might say the same thing about a study day where only one side of a controversy was presented. This was picked up by Chris French, the token skeptic, who was invited to comment on the talk. He agreed that no-one came out of the "Star Baby" incident very well, but pointed out that many of the criticisms of extreme skepticism (inflexibility, selective presentation of facts, lack of interest in alternative points of veiw, etc.) could also be levelled at extreme 'Believers' in the paranormal. He compared this 'mirroring' effect with cold-war psychology, where American students saw Russian students as underhand, rotten, dishonest liars without the guts to see the truth and Russian students saw American students as underhand, rotten, dishonest liars without the guts to see the truth.

Enemies of Reason by Richard Dawkins:

THANK YOU

I just want to say a big thank you to all the regular visitors to my blog. You inspire me to keep writing, and it's your visits that let me know that this place is of interest.  I am not the best writer in the world, but I have a passion for astrology and hope it shows. I am about four years into the study of astrology, but it feels like such a short time. I am not as advanced as the other astrology bloggers, and I am still finding my way into astrology. You can watch me grow and progress as an astrologer. Hopefully I will get better and not worse!!!

I also want to give a big thank you to Lynn Hayes from Astrology Musings, she has given me a tremendous boost in my confidence. I am an avid reader of her blog, and I have lot of respect for how hard she works.

Thank you all very much.

NEPTUNE IN THE FOURTH HOUSE

Neptune in the 4th house is placed in the personal home, and represents our inner feelings, relating to the past, family and close relatives. The hazy mist of Neptune surrounds the family home, and home life doesn’t always provide a solid base.

The early life is sometimes coloured by a great deal of confusion and it's difficult to see a parent in a clear, realistic light. Often, there is deep, emotional and nebulous feelings surrounding the father.

The father may be physically absent through separation, divorce or death, representing Neptune’s elusiveness and inaccessibility. There can also be a deep sadness around Dad, and he may be unobtainable to us physically and/or psychologically.

Usually there is an unconscious over-idealization of  him, and on some level a solid relationship with him has been sacrificed.

The father may be artistic or had dreams that went unfulfilled. Another possibility is that he might have been experienced as weak or disappointing to us in some way.  Sometimes a gentleness and ethereal quality are terms used to describe the father.

This placement of Neptune may show a sensitivity towards a parent, and the individual may have deep empathy for his suffering.  A parent shown by Neptune might describe someone who is ill or addicted to alcohol/drugs, and so the nurturing element is hard to obtain if a parent is lost in Neptune's world. Neptune has a powerful hold on the parent, and the victim/savior archetype also falls close to home, and they might have wished they could have saved them from suffering.

Sometimes childhood is veiled under a web of confusion and misunderstandings. The fourth house relates to nurturing and security and here the longing to be protected by the unity of life is powerful. A longing to remain in the comforting arms of childhood is another manifestation. If there are trines to a fourth house Neptune there will often be an all too comfortable feeling of emotional well being.

Neptune in the 4th house will search for the ideal home they wish they had,  or believe they had, when they were a child. Finding inner peace and a sense of security and belonging is important to them. Neptune here also shows a deep fragility at the base of the personality and it may not always be obvious in 'tougher horoscopes', but it still exists and forms the base of their inner selves.

Depending on how heavily aspected Neptune is in the fourth house, there can be soul weariness and depressed feeling in the family home. The father may have faced early retirement from his career (opposite 10th) through ill health. Often feelings of disillusionment, disappointment or deep sadness surround  Dad and how they relate to him. Neptune rules redemption in astrology and you may have an emotional need to redeem the father. Childhood needs are often sacrificed and  major adjustments are made in the home. Another family member may have fallen ill and needed to be looked after. A parent can show dependency needs which could arise through addiction to drink/drugs. The child sometimes has to take care of the parent and sacrifice his/her own personal needs, and all of this can generate feelings of guilt if they don’t take care of the parent's demands.

Neptune in the fourth house represents the search for a spiritual home and dreams of finding the perfect home. Often it can take some time before the dream we hold inside materializes. With watery Neptune in our “home” we need to watch out for floods, springing leaks and make sure the foundations are stable. Neptune int he 4th house may even have to give up the home we cherish and their dream slips through our fingers. A Neptunian home needs to be a spiritual and restful place, and the dream home can materialize once they have worked through our nebulous feelings from the past.

Another thing to watch for with Neptune's slippery boundaries is deception from those who we live with. Stay on guard and don't be gullible. If you invite (out of sympathy) others to stay in your home, be aware if is anyone taking advantage of our kind hospitality. Those who have alcohol and drug problems or illness could mistake kindness and sympathy for weakness and take us for granted. Too many great sacrifices can be made on behalf of someone who is inhabiting our abode. The real aim of this placement is to feel spiritually secure from the inside and let that feeling fulfil us. The home is merely a reflection of the beauty and tranquillity that exists within.

Uranus in Aries: Wake Up Call

Uranus will begin its transit through Aries during 2010, and it will usher in new discoveries and scientific breakthroughs. Uranus represents the collective mind, social and progressive movements. Here is Sue Tompkins thoughts on Uranus in Aries:

This seems to mark fast moving periods of radical change with people seeking new sources of excitement. Stories involving speed, recklessness, independence, originality and possible extremism and civil disobedience are to be expected. Uranus in Aries brought the so called roaring Twenties and the motor car. The first transatlantic flight, cars and electrical appliances brought the promise of excitement and a new independence. In the west for the first time, women smoked, drank, cut their hair, voted and went on dates unchaperoned.

Uranus also squares Pluto and signifies sweeping changes regarding authority and people in power. It also reflects new and radical changes in politics. Uranus rules all things Sci-Fi and futuristic and we may question if science (Uranus) should interfere with natural evolution (Pluto). The collective may get caught in a grip of savage brutality (Pluto), losing his basic humanity (Uranus). Uranus in Aries used creatively, breaks through barriers in medicine, invention, television and the Internet. New revolutionary leaders appear on the scene and a new ideology catches on. The collective urge is to move forward into the future and transform worn out forms and structures.

All Grown Up

In the world of blogging you grow up fast. Here is my adult report. Liz Greene is hard on my parents. I could never show my mother the report because she would take it to heart. It is just meant for our eyes only.

The Astrology of Film

I found this book an interesting and enjoyable read (click to view). I particularly like the way the author connects astrology and the movies. I feel that it sometimes helps to have a visual view of the planets, and a projection of astrological archetypes on screen. The connection of "Pleasantville" to the planet Uranus was fascinating to read and detailed viewing the political revolution in reverse.

It probably helps to be more of a movie buff to read the rest of the book. I enjoy understanding astrology from a different point of view, and  it breaks the monotony of reading by rote in textbooks. I am interested in symbols and peeling back the layers of an onion in any situation, real or unreal, mythical and imaginative.

NEPTUNE IN THE TWELFTH HOUSE

Neptune in the 12th house is the most sensitive place for Neptune, as this is it's natural ruling house. Neptune here makes them incredibly sensitive to the forces operating in the unconscious. Neptune in the twelfth house has a deep sensitivity to society and is highly attuned to victimisation, suffering, loss and chaos.

Neptune in the twelfth house has the ability to formulate collective dreams into art. Artist Dali Salvador has Neptune in the 12th house - and he describes his imagination as so intense that he can remember the intra-uterine-images. Compassionate and extremely sensitive to the emotional tones in the atmosphere surrounding them, they are naturally "psychic" or are able to sense and understand much about a person without knowing them.

Neptune here can overwhelm the sense of ego and the floodgates are wide open. This can leave them feeling vulnerable without protective barriers. Neptune knows no boundaries and a vast array of images and collective feelings run through them. Imagine the tap that is left running the entire night and this portrays the constant stream of the creative unconscious that Neptune is tapped into.

Lost Descendants

Being so close to home means they are closer to that feeling of oneness, fusion, compassion and united love. It is the powerful urge to be connected to the universal source, and some twelfth house Neptune's are incredibly spiritual and need to feel close to the source that resonates deep within. Others may feel vague in describing what this feeling is - and are often overwhelmed (drowned) in the unconscious of the 12th house.  The 12th house also relates to our ancestors, and it is the past that stretches far beyond our conscious memory.

Neptune’s world can be sought through different “mediums” and there may be very real spiritual gifts here. They are deeply interested in the hidden realm of life and the afterlife. Religion may also be important to these individuals and all activities which help them feel closer to the source. If the individual falls ill it can be a symbol of longing to escape from reality. When the world becomes too much to bear there is a powerful longing to retreat (with a viable excuse), and live in solitude, far away from the chaos. Other Neptune substitutes are sought through alcohol, drugs or any other form of escapist behaviour.

Neptune in the 12th can be a symbol of the descent into schizophrenia or other related psychiatric disorders. The necessity of providing and carving out a living for themselves and learning how to cope with mundane life is sacrificed for seclusion. The 12th house is associated with institutions, charities, orphanages and prisons. A strong compassion for people who have been discarded from society is another manifestation and they are drawn to working in hospitals or other helping professions, alleviating the separateness and loneliness of others.

A Flowing Vessel

There is a strange haunted feeling about the 12th house and it reminds me of steps through time. Neptune here can act as a sort of medium for long forgotten ancestors a flowing vessel of collective sorrows, sadness, sacrifice and unfulfilled dreams. The 12th house is the house of self-undoing and planets here are in danger of becoming the victim/scapegoat for far reaching family conflicts. There may also be emotional, mental, drink and drug problems in the family history. Neptune in the 12th house can feel victimized and be labelled as the troubled one and the source of all the problems in the family. The family may have a long history that contains mental illness, victimisation or unfulfilled dreams.

Victimisation, self-inflicted isolation, guilt, martyrdom, and unnecessary suffering. The 12th house has an abundance of meanings from spirituality, religion, mental health, institutions, and the unconscious past. Inner loneliness, and the feeling of isolation often exists. It has often been said that the best remedy for feeling victimised and overwhelmed by the suffering of others is to go out there and help society in some way. There are great spiritual rewards to be gained from this work. Don’t let too much suffering overwhelm the personality and find an outlet for this dissatisfaction.

Spiritual guidance can help with decisions in life. However, a continuous connection to the “divine” can make it difficult to function in the physical world (the whole horoscope is needed to judge this). There is gift of connecting to the intangible world of the spirit and afterlife. The boundary line between this world and the next becomes less defined. The house of Jupiter and Neptune is the search for the absolute. With Neptune it is the emotional and eternal absolute. Neptune in the 12th house has the ability to take us closer to the divine, and their latent or repressed sensitivity will be fully awakened in their adult life.

Saturn a New Look at an Old Devil

Saturn a New Look at an Old Devil is written by Liz Greene, and published in 1976. It firmly remains the best treatise on the planet Saturn. The beginning of the book centres upon the story of Beauty and the beast and how for all his ugliness, his sternness, and capacity to inspire fear, should at the end turn into the Handsome Prince and marry the heroine.

According to Greene in the opening paragraphs, she believes that there is a tendency in astrology to read symbols in the astrological natal chart according to the prevailing social mores of that time. The use of  "good" and "bad" planets moral and immoral aspects and the either or quality that tend to permeate astrology. In this light, we need to consider the handsome Prince that lies behind the beastly face of Saturn.

Greene considers Saturn to be the educational value of pain and the difference between external values, expectations and fears of failure in the eyes of others, and the insistant need to look within for our values. When we love ourselves for our failures and inadequacies, only then can we be freed from Saturn's monstrous side. Saturn is the most maligned planet in astrology and probably standing next to Pluto.

Besides Saturn's difficult attributes, it is the meeting of difficulties, limitations and basic lack that provides the impetus to overcome obstacles and work that much harder. Greene touches upon the latent truth that self-discovery holds the key to free-will, but the author says that not many people have experienced this phenomena.

Unless expansion of consciousness occurs we are but a pawn in the hands of fate, and this seems to be logic behind the Greene's examination of Saturn. It is important that you read the introduction carefully to understand the approach of the book and not be too quick with criticisms.

'Saturn, A New Look at an Old Devil' details all the natal aspects at length, along with synsatry contacts. After reading this book you will find it to be a constant companion in the delineation of Saturn and the realization of the underlying symbolism of the planet, perhaps by achieving confidence and achievement because of Saturn and not in spite of him.

Copycat and Saturn-Pluto

Another one of my favourite films is Copycat. The movie is about Dr Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) an expert criminologist. After giving a lecture at the local university she is trapped in the lavatory by one of her previous subjects Cullum. He sneaks into the toilet and waits for the Doctor to make her entrance. The killer captures her and kills a police officer at the scene. He brutally attacks Helen leaving her deeply traumatized. After the attack she becomes a severe agoraphobic and hides in her apartment. However, it seems the dark underworld won’t leave her alone. A copycat killer is out there on a killing spree, and Helen is forced to help to with case.

There are elements in this movie that remind me of Saturn-Pluto. Helen's lifelong work is to analyze criminals and understand the psychological motivations that underpin them. However, when Pluto (underworld) knocked a little too close to home she bolted every door in her apartment shut and stayed in hiding (Saturn), and the once confident psychologist was now a recluse hiding from the darkness in society. Any anxiety disorder can be linked to Saturn, and in astrology this planet rules fears, limitations and anxiety. With Saturn-Pluto it symbolizes the terror of that unknown and uncontrollable force outside. The alarm reaction to something frightening and threatening (Pluto). Saturn in astrology is about known security, safety and structure. The elements of Pluto are unknown, terrifying and destructive. This contact can symbolise being abnormally security conscious for fear of attack by criminals. Some individuals with this aspect work as a security guard; it is not hard to picture the two heavies together ensuring no one gets past them undetected - they do make a powerful team. And in the case of our Psychologist she attempted to define the murderer, and therefore what is “known” is safe and could be used as a defence system. With Saturn we can become the master of your fears and anxieties, and attempt to overcome that fear through facing your anxiety head on. There can also be a deep mistrust of authority with this aspect - and the individual can be in positions of power themselves. There can be a strong urge for power and control. Liz Greene says that the individual with this aspect is both Hitler and the persecuted scapegoat. Helen Hudson bolted every door shut and nailed down all the windows, and still Pluto entered her life because you cannot lock-out any part of nature even the uncomfortable side.

You Tube Lauren Luke: Makeup Artist

I have been dying to get this young woman's birth date for months, most people know she is famous on You Tube for her down to earth make up classes. Lauren's Internet demos have been viewed 50 million times and have turned her into an Internet star. Lauren was bullied at school, and was left with no qualifications, and at aged 15 she was pregnant. Lauren's life has had a complete turnaround, she now has her own makeup range and has published her life story. What is wonderful about this internet star is that she is approachable and friendly but she is a great teacher (Sun conjunct Mercury in Sagittarius). All her tutorials are unscripted, and unrehearsed. Lauren said "In a way, I suppose I 'm taking on the beauty industry". I am so happy to have her chart today and the first thing I noticed is her powerful Venus in Capricorn at the critical 29th degree. She doesn't have an easily aspected Venus, it is squared by Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto.

Venus is the planet that rules beauty, looking good and makeup. Venus in Capricorn is building a little business empire, and she values hard work and ambition. Even though her style is down to earth and  practical she also possesses a professional flair. Venus square Saturn is a wider aspect and indicates that she can feel unsure of her own beauty and she can build defences around herself, however, she is an authority in the world of beauty and she is climbing the social ladder. There is an urge here for social advancement with Venus square to Jupiter, and it can represent large social gatherings - and with Venus square Pluto she has the power to transform and regenerate old looks. These types are great charmers and they are skilled at knowing what will please others. There is a strong awareness that beauty is power and the capacity to transform  the appearance of themselves and others can lead to an interest in the beauty industries. Her Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Libra contacting Venus is a powerful force to be reckoned with. Saturn rules structure and old forms and Pluto tears down old structures and builds up a new beauty industry, her own little empire is forming. She is a Sagittarian the sign of expansion and growth and she intuited quite cleverly how to market herself on the Internet. Well done Lauren, you can't help but like this girl.

Chiron

Chiron was discovered by Charles T. Kowal on the 1st November 1977 at about 10.00am in Pasadena, California. Since it’s discovery astrologers have reclassified it several times from asteroid, comet and to planetoid. According to Sue Tompkins and Melanie Reinhart, “Astrologers and astronomers co-operated in the naming process of several of the centaurs and this was the first time in recorded history that the divide between astrology and astronomy had been bridged. This rapprochement reflects Centaur themes: the bridging together of the Scientific and the intuitive, the rational and inspirational, just as the half horse, half-human image of the Centaur brings together disparate opposites, and challenges us to integrate that which seems alien“.

The Greek story of Chiron is centered upon a Centaur who is half man, and half animal. He was born from an illicit union between Chronus (Saturn) and sea nymph Philyra. When Chiron was born, his mother was so disgusted by his appearance that she abandoned him. Sun God Apollo raised (music, art, and prophecy) the rejected Centaur. The wound of Chiron's perpetual suffering was accidentally inflicted by Hercules poisoned arrow. And because Chiron was immortal he was trapped in a terrible dilemma, he could not heal from his wound and lived out each day in agony. However, Chiron's fate was not sealed, and Zeus (Jupiter) agreed that Chiron could exchange places with Prometheus (Uranus). The rebellious God Prometheus had been chained to a rock, for stealing the God like power and giving it to mankind. Chiron took his place and chose death to end his suffering, and was honoured in the sky as the constellation of Sagittarius.

Chiron is linked to Saturn and Uranus and follows the same orbital plane as these planets. Chiron is a fairly recent discovery and represents some new form of consciousness to our current world affairs. Astrologically, Chiron can be extremely frustrating in interpretation. Firstly, there has been no agreed rulership (if there should be one). Secondly, many astrologers will not include Chiron in a reading and do not acknowledge that it has any effect on the birth chart. The orbit of Chiron is erratic, the asteroid will spend more time in some signs than in others. The most interesting motif to describe Chiron is a “wandering” comet that is “caught” in our solar system. Astrologers use the term “wounded-healer” when discussing Chiron. And much emphasis in interpretation is often centred upon the education, healing and wisdom aspect of Chiron, and the wound itself is rarely elaborated. The final dilemma of interpreting this comet is deciding "how" to interpret Chiron in the natal chart, as a straightforward interpretation is difficult to obtain.

The word Chronic is very similar to Chiron and suggests a condition that is long lasting. The formal interpretation for something described as Chronic is, "Long lasting and recurrent or characterised by long suffering" for example, "chronic indigestion"; "chronic shortage of funds"; "chronic invalid". Or even chronic unemployment which could be observed through Chiron in the 6th house. Therefore, Chiron in Taurus or in the 2nd house, which represents individual income, self-sufficiency and self-worth, may describe an individual in chronic debt, or suffers from recurrent low self-worth and insecurity. Chiron in the 1st house or in the 6th house of the natal chart may represent chronic illness, or an accident that has put some kind of limitation on the physical part of life. When we are in chronic pain we are stuck in a trapped situation with no way out. A unfair situation or ailment where there is no cure for our predicament. In this light, Chiron represents where we feel impotent and were we overcompensate and build defences. According to Myth, Chiron tried many new and different techniques,  healing methods and gained significant knowledge, trying to find the "cure" but he never did heal his own wound. Chiron may be become highly skilled in the area of his wound, and this may be another defence system that guards the primal wound.

According to The Cotemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins - “The American astrologer Kim Rogers Gallagher noted how similar the glyph for Chiron is to the symbol for wheelchair access. She points out that the wheelchair disability symbol was adopted 1968 when Chiron was at 0 degrees Aries, a potent point which often signifies the birth of something.” I have noticed that the Chiron symbol has relation to those people who are often on the “fringe of society” and another group that uses the Chiron symbol is a group for gay, bisexual and progressive men whose main objective is focused upon enhancing the quality of life by determining their rights as individuals in society, with the aim for enlightenment and justice. There are numerous of other healing groups which have adopted the Chiron symbol as their emblem representing the education and healing element of their work.

Chiron's symbol resembles a Skeleton key, and if we take a symbolic look at the meaning of a key it acts as the opener of doorways and gateways to other dimensions. The Romans used skeleton keys as the symbol of Janus the god of doorways. The Greeks use the symbol of keys to unlock the mystery of magic, and in the tarot cards; the Hierophant key is associated with the symbolic meaning of Chiron; the card symbolizes enlightenment. The Hierophant is shown as the awakened one, the fulfilled, and enlightened, and is the true spiritual master. We can even take Chiron symbology into the movies, a film was released titled, The Skeleton Key, eerily resembles Chirotic themes. The movie is about a hospice worker, and she takes a job at an isolated house to care for a severely disabled stroke victim who is expected to die soon. The lady of the house Violet gives her a skeleton key that can open every room. The house holds dark secrets that are slowly revealed in the movie.The end of the movie shows souls exchanging places and they become trapped in each others bodies.

Chiron is classified as a trapped comet in the solar system and can symbolise where we ourselves feel “trapped”. The Chiron symbol is a way of unlocking the spiritual answers that we need. The key correlates to unlocking the primal wound, and discovering what lies at the root of chronic wounding. This is not an easy task, and it is a similar challenge that we face when confronting Saturn. We have built defences and barriers to protect ourselves from further hurt and wounding. Unlocking the wound can lead an individual towards dedicating themselves to spiritual and healing practices. However, I don’t believe we are all “profound healers” in that sense. Yet, a sense of understanding other people in the same pain bridge the gap of isolation (Saturn) and learning objectively to have compassion towards humanity (Uranus) and this is a powerful healing tool. It can be difficult to access Chiron’s wounding, as it is often “hidden” (locked) in it's natal position.

Since the discovery of Chiron we are collectively recognising that there is a “primal wound” to all human beings. Healing takes place in the many self-help groups and recovery movements and usually some form of commitment is made to practical and spiritual healing. We seek to understand the primal wound and attempt to grow beyond our wound. The wound itself may be visible through a crippling illness or it may be a spiritual or mental wound. The Primal wound is a dark rage lurking below conscious awareness. The wounded-healer archetype has been difficult to embrace in astrology. Yet, suffering in the wounded sense is not about wholly identifying with the pain but to view it as part of human growth and development. The Centaur's name means “working with the hands” and through his own discomfort he helped to heal many others.

Chiron was released from his suffering into death and he entered Hades world in an act that signified transformation. To choose death is linked with Euthanasia. Animals too sick for treatment and in chronic pain are put down. Yet, human euthanasia and the "right" to die is a controversial issue. We humanly release an animal from it's suffering, but there is strong debate over human beings having the right to end their suffering by “choosing” assisted suicide. And of course the difficult choice on another's behalf when they are physically or mentally unable to do so. Euthanasia is the final option after every option has failed and there appears to be no miracle cure to alleviate the pain. It is a hard and painful choice for all involved. I read about a particularly sad case of a woman called Chantal Sebire, here are the details of her poignant story below, by Wikipedia:

Chantal Sébire (January 28, 1955 – March 19, 2008) was a retired French teacher who suffered from esthesioneuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, and fought for the right to die through euthanasia. Sébire lived in Plombières-lès-Dijon, near Dijon, France, and was the mother of three children. In 2000, she was diagnosed with esthesioneuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer of which only 200 cases have been reported in the past 20 years. Sébire refused any treatment at the time of her diagnosis, not wishing to take the risk of the surgery or medications. With time, the cancer burrowed through her sinuses, nasal cavities, and eye socket, leaving her face severely disfigured. She also lost her senses of sight, taste, and smell and suffered severe pain that she refused to relieve with morphine due to its side effects, stating, "drugs are chemicals, chemicals are poison, and I won't make matters worse by poisoning myself."

Sébire first gained recognition in February 2008 when she made a public appeal to the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, to allow her to die through euthanasia, stating that "One would not allow an animal to go through what I have endured.". On March 17, 2008, she lost her case in a French court, with the magistrate noting that while French law does allow for the removal of life-support equipment for terminally ill patients, it does not allow a doctor to take action to end a patient's life. After the decision, Sébire said "I now know how to get my hands on what I need, and if I don't get it in France, I will get it elsewhere". On March 19, 2008, she was found dead in her home. An autopsy conducted on March 21, 2008 concluded that she did not die of natural causes. Subsequent blood tests revealed a toxic concentration of the drug pentobarbital, a barbiturate that is not available in French pharmacies but is used elsewhere in the world for the purpose of physician assisted suicide. Sébire's death revived the debate over euthanasia in France and elsewhere around the world.

Chantal had Chiron in Aquarius at 0 degrees, and this is classified as a critical point in astrology. Chiron in Aquarius can often describe an individual with the persistent feeling of being an outsider, and it may be difficult to find a sense of belonging with peers. One recurring feeling with this placement is one of social prejudice (Aquarian type wound). The Sun in Aquarius conjuncts Chiron and there is a sense of wounding to her core identity and self-expression. Chiron is opposite her Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Cancer and squares Neptune. I looked at her transits for the time of her suicide, and Chiron squared Saturn in Scorpio triggering a natal Mercury-Saturn-Pluto t-square.  A extremely difficulty condition and the emotional wounds and limitations were too much to bear and death (Scorpio) offered her a way out of her depressing misery. Chiron symbolizes all that is unfair in life, and these injustices fill us with a deep sense of rage. Some kind of inner death and letting go is involved in our healing.

We may need to understand our limitations and the reality that we are not in fact “immortal” and are humanly flawed. Chiron wounds show us that we can be wounded by life, and it may be unjust and fill our bodies with toxic resentment over this predicament. It must be said that healers who survive trauma themselves, can go onto to become the greatest healers of our time, they open the door to healing power and the knowledge underlying it, and they do so with compassion and understanding. Chiron is the path to transformation and the wounded-healer archetype is only achieved through greater levels of consciousness. The first process is opening the wound and recognizing the pain, and a willingness to accept the wound. Many people may enter the healing professions intent on healing other people’s wounds, but they may be ineffective healers because they are not open to their own wound, and this is step we all need to take. The Chiron Myth represents humanity and human limits. Chiron teaches us to have compassion for all even if we too have been hurt by life.