As tumultuous as the planetary energies have been the past few years, the one transit that astrologers have anticipated perhaps more than any other is the square between Uranus and Pluto. Both planets move very slowly, and are often referred to as the "generational" planets, because their effects are felt on a large scale. The last aspect between these two planets was the Uranus-Pluto Conjunction, in the 1960's. Uranus, the great awakener and pioneer of individuality and freedom, combined with the intense catharsis and inner power of Pluto. This led to a time of electrically-charged cultural revolution.
With the impending square aspect between these planets, the same planetary themes are at play. However, the square aspect indicates constructive tension. The two planets are forced together in an uncomfortable way, with the ultimate goal of positive development. Neither Pluto nor Uranus will consent to work together very easily on such a goal. It's not expected to be an easy astrological ride.
Rick Levine, in The Mountain Astrologer, writes about the significance of Pluto and Uranus: "Now, as we move into the first hard Uranus-Pluto aspect since the 1960's, technology has taken us to a new level of interconnectivity..." One of the major components of the revolutionary 60's was the development of media. The Vietnam War is often labeled as the first "Television War", because for the first time in history, people could watch the conflict from their homes. This new level of exposure helped fuel the unrest that people felt over the war, because it took on an immediacy that people couldn't ignore. Uranus, the planet most associated with revolutionary technology, has recently passed through a period of mutual reception with Neptune (read my post about it here.)
This mutual reception fueled the development of the internet as well as online social media, which has presented the modern world a level of interconnectivity unimaginable in times past. Now we don't just see conflicts around the world, we participate with those who face such conflicts. Activism, communication, entertainment, all manner of our social experience of the world is fueled by social media and the internet in general. This means that, in the conflicts we've seen in recent years (such as the Arab Spring) and any future conflicts that arise, we can expect to participate like never before in history. With Uranus in Aries for this aspect, conflicts for the sake of freedom are likely to continue.
Pluto, on the other hand, is more complex. While Pluto in Capricorn seeks death and regeneration, the violent purge that heals our current world order, it also represents the deep roots of power that run through our business and government realms. When you combine the energies of these planets with the unprecedented global unity of modern society, you have a recipe for a very uncomfortable, challenging, essential conflict between individual freedom and institutional power that cannot be ignored. The ultimate goal, however, is constructive, positive catharsis.
Does this mean the world will dissolve into rebellion on June 24th? I have to assert that no, this is not likely to be the case. With the unprecedented interconnectivity of our modern world also comes unprecedented voice. As individuals, we can do more to support the positive outcomes of these difficult astrological times. Think about the voice you have, whether it be in your community, job, or online with your own blog or website, and don't waste it.
What do you think about modern times and the role that social media plays? Leave a comment!
This mutual reception fueled the development of the internet as well as online social media, which has presented the modern world a level of interconnectivity unimaginable in times past. Now we don't just see conflicts around the world, we participate with those who face such conflicts. Activism, communication, entertainment, all manner of our social experience of the world is fueled by social media and the internet in general. This means that, in the conflicts we've seen in recent years (such as the Arab Spring) and any future conflicts that arise, we can expect to participate like never before in history. With Uranus in Aries for this aspect, conflicts for the sake of freedom are likely to continue.
Pluto, on the other hand, is more complex. While Pluto in Capricorn seeks death and regeneration, the violent purge that heals our current world order, it also represents the deep roots of power that run through our business and government realms. When you combine the energies of these planets with the unprecedented global unity of modern society, you have a recipe for a very uncomfortable, challenging, essential conflict between individual freedom and institutional power that cannot be ignored. The ultimate goal, however, is constructive, positive catharsis.
Does this mean the world will dissolve into rebellion on June 24th? I have to assert that no, this is not likely to be the case. With the unprecedented interconnectivity of our modern world also comes unprecedented voice. As individuals, we can do more to support the positive outcomes of these difficult astrological times. Think about the voice you have, whether it be in your community, job, or online with your own blog or website, and don't waste it.
What do you think about modern times and the role that social media plays? Leave a comment!
