The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - September 2009
Saturn opposition Uranus is a challenging combination of energies locked in a contentious aspect. We experienced this from October of 2008 through March of 2009. It returns for a third and final passage March-August 2010. This month it re-appears briefly. What it will bring and how those energies will play out is the question of the month.
Two previous oppositions of these two planets can provide keys as to how their energies can be expressed. The first of these occurred in the mid-1960s. It was a time when reality seemed to be backwards, standing on its head while it was being turned inside-out. At that time anything that was traditional or accepted as normal was at least called into question and quite possibly eliminated, at least from the lives of many people. Collectively this was the period that began what later came to be called the culture wars. It seems as if from that point on the culture and consciousness of this country was split into two rival factions. On the left were the hippies, yippies and everyone else who broke out of the boredom and stability of the 1950s and early 1960s. Revolution (Uranus) was in the air. For those people this was an exciting time, filled with anti-war protests and civil rights legislation that changed this country and ultimately led to the first African-American being elected President. On the right people became alarmed at the growing sense of independence exhibited by the students and intelligentsia. Those in the right wing camp became supportive of the USA being the world's policeman. They flocked to their churches to become reborn in the name of Jesus and many eventually sought to transform the country into a theocracy. The forces of the progressive left (Uranus) and the forces of the conservative right (Saturn) were locked in battle. When Ronald Reagan was elected President it seemed as if the pro-Saturn faction had won. In fact, it was only a temporary victory.
Fast-forward 40 years. The Presidential election of 2008 reversed the previous decision. That was when the forces of innovation finally overcame their conformist opposition. Barack Obama won the election and became an international cultural sensation. So what happens this month? How will these forces interact this time? And what can we as individuals do to take advantage of this transit?
The reason that this opposition is back is due to the retrogradation of Saturn. It was retrograde in the spring and now, moving direct, caught up with Uranus. The latter is retrograde and will turn direct and catch up with Saturn in March 2010. When planets retrograde it provides an opportunity to review what we have done during its period of direct motion. So now we can review and, if necessary, revise what we did last fall through early spring. One of the points of consideration is President Obama himself. How is he doing? Is he still the Golden Child of the left or are there enough blemish-based decisions that have us scratching our heads and wondering if he's got it right after all. Or maybe some of the flash has faded, and we are able to be more realistic. We can accept the job he's doing and even approve or agree, while still seeing him more as a person and less as a hero. The times are too complicated and demanding to assume he will still warrant high approval ratings, but hopefully a majority of the electorate will appreciate the intelligence and effort he is putting out.
On the personal level, we are each still battling the demons of restriction. If we find that we are inhibiting our freedom in some way, hoping to gain favor from some person of authority in our life, we are off center. If we are acting as the authority figure and attempting to control and restrict others, we are off center. The challenge of this opposition is to integrate the energy of freedom, uniqueness and inspiration (Uranus) with that of direction, structure and goals (Saturn). One way to do this is by noting what house axis this opposition is triggering in our personal horoscope. This will provide direction about what areas of our life that require attention.
One of the keys to working with Saturn is to realize that it is the energy of personal authority and personal responsibility. The more responsibility we take for ourselves the more authority we have to create the life we choose to live. The degree and manner in which we accept limits (Saturn) the more freedom (Uranus) and empowerment we will feel. One effective methodology is to establish a structure in our life that coincides with the house axis mentioned above. If we define something we would like to achieve and how we propose to achieve it, we affirm that we are in charge and are the prime authority figure in our lives. In so doing, we are also providing ourselves with the freedom necessary to creatively, inventively succeed.
Similarly, by noting which house Uranus is located in we can work with the perspective provided by the opposition to notice the ways we may be stuck by fear, habit or lack of imagination. These qualities can limit or block us from being true to who we are and accomplishing what is important to us. Once again, we prioritize personal responsibility. This time we do so in ways that enable us to experimentally break out of old patterns and bring excitement and inspiration to our lives.
This aspect will be in play through August of next year, but after this month it will be a mere shadow until it returns in full force next spring. Use this month as a time to create both structure and freedom, a time to create viable rules to live by that will be supportive to our process of awakening and liberation.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a time to look within. That implies both on the inner and outer planes. On the inner, strive for a new relationship to yourself. Spend some time getting to know your true-self, from the inside out. How do you feel about the different situations and relationship in your life? What work and what doesn't? On the outer planes, spend some time with family and close friends. This could also be a good time to start a major project that pertains to your home.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
A highly creative period for you. This could be expressed artistically, financially or in a relationship with children. In addition, the door of your heart is wide open, especially in mid-month. Growth for you this month comes from freely sharing the love (and creativity) that is given to you unconditionally from the universe, but in ways that are healthy and appropriate for all concerned, including you.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Abundant challenges for you this month require that you take some time getting centered daily. In early to mid-month, difficulty around money, possibly in relationship to your children or partner, could generate some stimulating, but unpleasant conversations. Mid-late month, questions around limits and boundaries between yourself and others, especially family members or employer, make it crucial that you know who you are and what your intentions are in the situation.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Virgo on the 18th could bring to light feelings or thoughts that you've had about certain family members or good friends. These issues could run the gamut between someone's expectations and someone else's needs. Pay attention to being undermined this month. Anyone attempting do to so should confronted. Depending on their willingness to engage could determine the future of that relationship.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Financial issues could surface in mid-month between yourself and a partner. It could be business or personal. Growth for you comes from engaging in open-minded debate in which you both get to express your opinions and values. Being willing to compromise now will minimize more intense confrontations later on.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The Saturn-Uranus opposition is along the Virgo-Pisces axis. Saturn, a grounded, practical energy, is in Virgo, an earth sign. That part is easy for you. Hard work, conscientiousness and a sharp, analytical mind is what Virgo is all about. Dealing with the subtleties and sensitivities of Pisces is another matter. Growth for you this month comes from opening to others emotionally, and relating to them accordingly.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Your aesthetic nature runs strong this month. Early month could bring the orientation to be artistically expressive in ways that will bring recognition from others. Late month creativity should be expressed more for its own sake, regardless of the feedback. Throughout the month the creative imagination is providing powerful impetus for expression. Growth comes from taking the time to let the energy flow.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Problems that you have ruminating about for a while could surface this month. Growth for you comes from thinking through the issues so deeply and thoroughly that you can afford to reveal your opinions calmly and let the listener perceive the truth on their own. Failure to have such certainty could lead to caustic remarks and a proliferating conflict.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
This is a good time to review your relationships. In the recent past you may have been overly generous to someone, or overly expectant of something from them. Instead of feeling drained or disappointed, re-assess your opinion of who they are. It probably won't change the relationship overtly, but the reality check will help you feel better and in the long run make the relationship function more realistically.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Since Saturn is your ruling planet, we might assume that you will be slammed by its opposition to Uranus. That may be partly true, but what is also true is that the aspect can provide a tremendous amount of creative energy. This is a great time to do some major troubleshooting in your life. Define problem areas and creatively find solutions. Thinking in new ways about old problems helps to find new solutions as well.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Saturn and Uranus are the co-ruling planets of Aquarius. So the opposition brings into clear focus the paradox of your nature. On the one hand, you love freedom – being who you are and doing whatever you choose. On the other hand, you like structure, stability and being in control. Growth for you this month comes from working on self-discipline as the means to personal liberation. Let others have the same freedom you crave.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The full Moon in Pisces on the 4th provides a short-term opportunity to look within for spiritual and artistic inspiration. This would be a good time for a retreat or to block out some time from your normal routines in order to strive for a more transcendent connection to life.