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Aquarium Age: January 08 |
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Written by Ralfee Finn
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January 2008 is uncomfortable, but it is also pivotal. Pluto shifts signs this month, and as it moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, it turns the wheel of life in a new direction. Individual lives, as well as collective endeavors, are being dialed up to a new frequency, and homing in on the new broadcast signal requires paying attention to just about everything. When Pluto moves, so do we, on every level-spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. Transitions are seldom smooth or easy, and because Pluto probes the places in life where we are mostly likely to resist probing, its new cycle is certain to make even the coolest among us antsy, agitated and more than a little apprehensive about what lies ahead.
Unfortunately, you will hear many dire predictions about the future. But not from me. Pluto is a powerful astrological force, Capricorn is a serious sign and the combination will produce significant changes, but ominous forecasts about the future don't serve anyone. Besides, the future is not yet written. We create it moment by moment through our thoughts, words and deeds.
What's more, we don't need astrology to tell us just how precariously balanced our personal and planetary futures are at the moment. Unless you've been asleep in a cave for the last eight years, the issues of personal and global survival are top priorities for all of Earth's citizens. In America, issues of poverty, education, immigration and health care dominate the collective political and emotional psyche. And except for the current regime, which still believes the American people can be fooled all of the time, most of us know something's got to give-and soon.
What astrology can tell us about and what Pluto will tell us about is revolution. But not right away, at least not until the Presidential election on November 4. On that day, a Saturn/Uranus opposition-the first since 1967-will be exact and separating. This intense combination signifies confrontation between the status quo and whatever restrains individual freedom. But I'm getting ahead of myself. For now, it is enough to know the seeds of Plutonian revolution are already planted, and while they may not be ready to sprout during the first year of Pluto's transit through Capricorn, from 2009-2015, they will send out strong roots and grow vibrant limbs, sturdy enough to handle significant structural shifts. But I'm getting ahead of myself again.
Capricorn is a cardinal sign. Translation: It thrives on doing. It initiates activity. Capricorn is the sort of sign you want around during a crisis: it's a practical, sensible sign that can think on its feet and spring into action as necessary. Specifically talented at discerning what needs to be done and then doing whatever that is, Capricorn approaches every situation with discipline and precision. Sometimes its exactitude can exceed tolerable limits-Capricorn can push too hard for personal perfection and demand the same unreasonable levels of performance from others. Capricorn also represents authority-governments, corporations, and other institutions that knit the structure of society together.
Pluto symbolizes death and rebirth, as well as power and control-or the illusion of control. As Pluto journeys through Capricorn, it will get down to the bones of power, personal and collective. For example, the concept of government by the people and for the people is likely to go through a transformation, as could the notion of no taxation without representation. Cardinal equals action, and as Pluto moves through Capricorn, the lethargy of apathy will dissolve into a deep need to initiate change. Unfortunately, before the momentum necessary for revolution reaches critical mass, there is likely to be a whole lot of struggle as the old system holds on tight and does whatever it can get away with to restrain the tides of change.
America, a country born of revolution, has a Pluto return in 2022-something that cannot occur in any individual human life because it takes Pluto 248 years to complete an orbit around the Sun. Planetary returns are always about review, which is why here in America, increased political unrest during the coming years is probable. The good news is we have plenty of time to figure out how to create a more perfect union.
It's hard to pursue happiness when you're hungry and homeless. While Capricorn may be a sober sign, it is not heartless, and as Pluto strips away the conceit of capitalist democracy to reveal its cruelty, this Pluto return could actually strengthen the structure of our system and help us to better fulfill the promise of our ideals, ideals expressed and made manifest during Pluto's previous transit through Capricorn.
Pluto's move into Capricorn is coupled with other important astrological news:
First, January begins with Mars still retrograde and it stays retrograde until late in the day on January 30. Don't expect anything to move quickly. Mars is one of the planets, along with Mercury, that drives the mechanics of daily life, and when it moves in reverse, so do normal routines. This retrograde was not as noticeable during the holidays, but now that the distractions are over, its sluggish disposition is sure to show. Especially as it starts to slow down on January 19 in preparation for its course correction.
Second, the New Year opens with a difficult Mars/Pluto opposition, a pernicious interaction that tends to turn temperaments ruthless and attitudes brutal. Resist the urge to take out your frustration on innocent bystanders-don't kick the dog, yell at the children, or point a finger of blame. Yes, there are reasons to be frustrated, but there is never a good reason to make another being suffer because life isn't going the way you want it to.
Third, even when Mars goes direct, don't expect anything to move quickly. On January 28, Mercury goes retrograde until February 18, which means you can expect the last week of January to be crunchy and clunky in the extreme. Basically, nothing moves forward with much momentum until March-and that's just the way it is.
As the month unfolds, expect cranky nervous systems and cantankerous attitudes, as you or those you love try to cope with the anxiety of this Plutonian transition. What's more, because this shift takes place over the course of the entire year, it's important to find a positive attitude that will allow for the necessary latitude of discomfort, disorientation, and discombobulation. Above all, be kind to your fellow travelers-transitions are much easier to handle when we have company.
Aries March 21-April l9
Pluto initiates a new career cycle, and while you may already be experiencing hints of what this phase could offer, remember this is just the beginning. Be clear about what you want to accomplish during this transit, but also be authentic. Remember, we can't create what we can't envision.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Pluto sets your course toward inner and outer exploration and, as part of this existential journey, triggers encounters with a variety of belief systems, many of which may have something to offer. Staying open to the possibilities of a new perspective is key to navigating this next cycle successfully.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as Pluto moves out of opposition with your sign and into a phase of integrating and applying the information you've been gathering about relating to others. The first part of this phase examines values-yours versus others-with the view toward helping you to create win/win solutions to several difficult situations.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Pluto concentrates on partnerships-personal and professional, including and most importantly, your relationship with you. Be prepared to examine patterns of relating, and as part of the preliminary phase, also expect several old partners to appear in cameo roles. Try not to worry-this isn't about making up or breaking up. It's about learning to identify what you want and need.
Leo July 23-August 22
Pluto triggers a cycle of service-and while this may not sound as glamorous as you might like, you just might find it satisfies a profound need to share your generous spirit and to participate with others in working toward a greater good. The trick will be recognizing when sacrifice is necessary, and when it isn't.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Pluto signals a deeply creative phase, best described as "all you, all the time." Pay attention: this is not permission to be completely narcissistic. It's about learning to trust in you, no matter what the circumstance. So whether it plays out as romantic encounters or a risky but prolific creative period, remember, what's essential is knowing you are enough.
Libra September 23-October 22
Pluto stirs issues of safety, and while this is fundamentally an internal process, you may encounter external challenges to your ability to feel as if you truly "belong." I'm not suggesting you will be homeless; but I am advising you to consider examining what gives you a sense of security from the inside out.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
Pluto concentrates your energy on communication-you're talkin', a lot. Or, not, depending on where you are along the arc of language skills. Either way, this next transformational phase is about deepening your ability to be authentic, as you simultaneously plumb new depths of intimacy.
Sagittarius Nov 22-Dec 21
It isn't necessary to explain the power of Pluto to you-you've been in its intensity for quite some time. But now, that phase is over and a new one begins. This new cycle is all about resources, from finances to self-confidence and self-esteem. Don't worry-while it won't necessarily be easy to sort through what matters to you and what doesn't, nothing will ever be as hard as what you've just been through.
Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 19
Pluto facilitates an identity crisis, and by the time this cycle ends, you won't recognize yourself. Don't be anxious-you already know some old habits need to shift. The trick is to notice where you are resistant to change, because that is exactly what Pluto will focus on. Be willing to grow and you will utilize Pluto's power wisely.
Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18
Pluto invites you to explore the power of your unconscious. So whether it is through dreams, vision quests, shamanic journeys, past life regressions, or just straight up therapy, take advantage of this chance to turn your unconscious "user friendly." If you do the inner work, this passage will be easier to handle.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Pluto places the emphasis on community-every aspect, including your active participation in sharing your gifts and talents with the world. There's no need to be shy about this phase; it is an opportunity to put much of the last few years of transformation into positive action.
Visit Ralfee's website at www.aquariumage.com or email her at
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Ralfee Finn |
| About the author: |
| Ralfee
Finn is the creator of The
Aquarium Age
a weekly and monthly Astrology Column published
nation-wide. She is also the StarIQ
Advisor,
answering a broad variety of questions through an
astrological framework.
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