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On July 20, 1969 a beautiful celestial event took place. This was the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus at 0° Libra. I remember spending that summer still celebrating my liberated hippy world and the consciousness of “Love and Peace” that was still the credo for so many young people at that time. Yes there was a great deal of civil unrest but what were the causes for which we entered into the streets flowers in one hand and draft cards and bras to be burned in the other? The anti-war movement, the civil rights movement, the pro-feminist movement, and the Stonewall riots advocating gay rights, the latter having taken place on June 28th of that year. All of these pro-humanity activities had the urge for unity and wholeness as their underlining theme. This would be in keeping with the emerging Aquarian Age paradigm of humanity as single Divine Organism expressing Itself in the beauty of its diversity while maintaining its inclusivity. It is more obvious than ever to any conscious person that the single greatest cause for the violence and tensions of the current times can be expressed by one word: separation. This is separation by race, nationality, religion, greed, and sexual orientation.

The conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in Libra is very significant astrologically as Uranus is the exoteric, traditional ruler of Aquarius while Jupiter is this sign´s esoteric, soul-centered ruler. Libra seeks marriage, unity, and togetherness—but it also polarizes. Thus the social turbulence of 1969 and the early 1970’s can be seen as time when conscious, loving people seeking universal peace and acceptance stood on one side of the human equation while those insisting upon separation, competition, and a world order of economic suppression stood on the other. Welcome to the New Age!

At this time of the year in 2010, the heavens are once again dominated by a Uranus and Jupiter conjunction. This time it occurs in Aries demanding the emergence of separate religious, political, and social entities that need to rise up and eventually fall so that the evolutionary synthesis of the human race may gain new elements into its mix. Yet it is very important to point out that in addition to the violent and tumultuous expression of Aries as Warrior, the Celestial Ram will also allow Uranus and Jupiter to plant new seeds of harmonious social vision into the minds and hearts of the human collective. As it becomes increasingly obvious to those of us who lived and learned to love in the 1960´s (a period whose energy lasted into the early 1970s before being absorbed by the discos, fashion, and obsessive use of drugs), we are now in a period that is the total antithesis of the Love and Peace fiestas of those earlier and more innocent times.

Ours is not a “Summer of Love” but a season of great discontent. One which sees the conjunction of Saturn and Mars opposing Jupiter and Uranus with a major T-Square created by Pluto in Capricorn. The true causes and ramifications of the disastrous, avoidable, greed-induced Gulf of Mexico oil spill is one manifestation of this great Cardinal Cross. World violence and climatic challenges will not abate over this summer (winter to our friends in the southern hemisphere), they will increase and continue to remind us of where humanity travels when the songs we sing in our hearts and the actions of our hands do not demonstrate Love and Peace. Personally I am back to wearing beads and letting my hair grow long again. It is not the shiny, lustrous auburn main of my youth. In fact it is streaked with lots of gray but I insist upon, now more than ever to “Wear Your Love Like Heaven” and to do my little part in the One Work. Groovy, like can you dig it?

Please note: all times and dates are given in GMT.

The Sun enters Leo at 10:22pm; Sun sextile Saturn at 0° Leo/Libra; Sun trines Uranus at 0° Leo/Aries.

This is a day that highlights a period lasting until the end of the month with ramifications that will express for years to come. This is the Saturn/Uranus opposition at 0° Libra/Aries. As I pointed out at length in previous writings, this opposition was exact in Virgo/Pisces in September 2008 when it characterized the political and social dynamics surrounding the election of President Obama. It was also exact in the 1960´s but in reversed signs, i.e. Saturn in Pisces and Uranus in Virgo. Basically this combination of planetary forces reveals the opposition between forces representing traditional paradigms of power and newer, more liberating energy streams. As both Saturn and Uranus are the traditional rulers of Aquarius, the social unrest and upheavals of those and these times signify the old guard trying to keep its hands on terrestrial power and the new, more humanistic forces of life ever more certainly inching its way into dominance. (Note: the latter comment may only represent my optimistic 1960´s idealism. The reality is that we as humanity are walking a very thin line and that this struggle will go on for many years to come and the outcome still depends on us.)

July 25: Jupiter square Pluto at 3° of Aries/Capricorn.

This square repeats at 7° of these signs on February 25, 2011. It indicates a conflict in religious and philosophical forces. Jupiter (aligned with Uranus) in Aries is seeking to bring in the seeds of a new world religion based on true humanitarian values of inclusivity. In fact many of us reading these words as well as the writer already belong to this “faith.” Pluto square in Capricorn represents the power vested in the old order that is in conflict with these new (but so very ancient) beliefs. Jupiter square Pluto also adversely affects the global economy.

July 26:

This is a tremendously powerful and potentially explosive day for the world. Here are the aspects that all find there exactitude today: Saturn opposing Uranus at 0° Libra/Aries; the Full Moon at 3° Leo/Aquarius (1.38 am); Sun trine Jupiter at 3° Leo/Aries; Mercury opposing Neptune at 28° Leo/Aquarius. WOW!

On a personal level, I would not sign contracts or create additional responsibilities for myself. I would be aware that there may be some conflicts between individuals and the groups to which they belong. Promises, treaties, and agreements may be made that will be hard to keep. Those people with important positions in the first 5° of the cardinal signs or in the last 3° of the fixed signs will be especially affected based on the nature of these natal contacts.

July 27: Mercury enters Virgo at 9:44pm.

This is excellent for people who have planets in Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn. The basic mandate is: Let´s find a more efficient way to get things done.

July 29: Mars enters Libra at 11:47pm.

This is not the best placement for people who have the Sun in Scorpio or Aries or who have either of these signs on the Ascendant. For people who are Aries with Scorpio rising (like Mr. Oken!) or vice-versa, this transit of Mars will ask us to reconsider the dynamics of many of our relationships, will indicate the need to make new alliances and/or break from established ones and may easily cause the need for a pause. The latter may not be the worst thing that can happen as when used correctly Mars in Libra can bring about a more balanced approach to social interactions and the direction of the desire nature. It can also bring a halt to certain conflicts so that there is a period of reconciliation. This transit lasts until September 15th when Mars enters Scorpio and this sign and Aries will feel more “at home” with the heavens. People with important placements in Libra will over the next six weeks, either feel a boost into action and/or an increase of conflicts within their partnerships or marriage.

July 30: Mars opposes Uranus at 0° Libra/Aries

This aspect begins a series of planetary contacts that continue until the 5th of August that augur a great deal of potential planetary violence and upheaval. This particular aspect and the days just preceding and following July 30th can give rise to an abundance of social and climatic unrest. People with important placements at 0° of the cardinal signs are advised to keep a low profile. You just may find that you are given the energy to “break on through to the other side” but there will be some inner or outer tensions involved. The call to conflict will be strong, so choose your battles wisely or do not enter the fray.

July 31: Mars conjunct Saturn at 1° of Libra.

This is like driving the car with the breaks on and can thus cause a lot of stress to the engine. With Uranus also involved, there is likely to be some strong climatic and social unrest. People with important placements in the early degrees of the cardinal signs should try to take things easy and check out their motivations relative to their need for action.

August 3: Jupiter square Pluto at 3° Aries/Capricorn.

Please see comments under July 25th.

August 4: Mars square Pluto at 3° Libra/Capricorn.

High tensions in the world are likely. People with planets in the first 5° of the cardinal signs are apt to be challenged in their relationships. Best scenario: the ability to recognize essential inner conflicts that result in difficulties in business or personal partnerships.

August 5:

Perhaps a universal sign of relief as the intense aspects that began on July 22nd are now over. People with planets in the first 5° of the cardinal signs will be especially happy although there is still an aspect or two left to work through during this period. Keep on reading…

August 7: Venus enters Libra at 3:49am; Venus opposing Uranus at 0° Libra/Aries.

Venus loves being in her own sign but she must clear a few planetary hurdles over the next week before she can sit comfortably and give more kindly of herself. The first of these impediments to relationship harmony occurs today as Venus opposes Uranus. This can bring many interesting people into one´s life. It also gives the urge for greater freedom in relationships. When Saturn enters the picture tomorrow, there can be some conflict in this respect as Saturn brings about the need to maintain the status quo and adds a restrictive note to things. On the world scene, this combination will not bode well for financial agreements, international trade and peace treaties.

August 9: Venus opposes Jupiter at 3° Libra/Aries.

Excessive spending and difficulties in holding to budgets as well as financial scandals can mark the headlines. People with the first 5° of the cardinal signs prominent should take care with their spending habits today. This combination can also give rise to having good times, but often in excess.

August 10: New Moon at 17.25 Leo at 3:09am; Venus square Pluto at 3° Libra/Capricorn.

The New Moon is the start of the lunar cycle and traditionally is a right time to begin projects. The Venus/Pluto square is also not the best for finances and will tend to increase the tendency for my remarks under August 9th as this square coincides with Venus´ opposition to Jupiter. There is thus a T-square formation between Venus-Jupiter-Pluto at 3 degrees of Aries-Libra-Capricorn, hence my caution to people with important placements around these placements (as well as 0°-5° of Cancer). The focus for conflict will have to do with finances relative to relationships. This will be evident internationally and personally more relevant to people who have these particular degrees and signs strongly placed in their natal charts. Please note that this is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Muslim countries. All able-bodied adults will be required to fast from sunrise to sunset, and they will also be prohibited from drinking water. Many Muslims also do not have sexual relations during this time. I would thus expect a lessening of violence in the Muslim world during the next four weeks, especially with both Venus and Mars in Libra (see comments below).

August 14: Uranus re-enters Pisces where it will stay until March 10, 2011; Venus conjunct Mars.

Although the Venus/Mars conjunction is not exact until August 20th, these two planets are travelling very close together for the next week, so close in fact that they should be considered as conjoined. This will take place between 7° and 14° of Libra. There may well be some very strong efforts to bring peace in the more troubled spots in the world or at the very least to create firm alliances on diplomatic and corporate levels. On the more personal level, the “urge to merge” should be strong and I would not be surprised to see an increase in weddings during this period.

August 16: Jupiter opposing Saturn at 2° Aries/Libra.

Jupiter/Saturn conflicts are like an accordion playing out of rhythm. It is difficult to align the interplay of the expansion and contraction of the instrument. In effect, this aspect if it falls in an important place in your chart will make long range plans difficult. As everyone will have this opposition somewhere in their horoscope, even if it does not fall on a planetary position, look to the two natal houses where it does fall. It will be there that you will have this “accordion effect” playing out in your life.

August 20: Venus conjunct Mars at 13° Libra; Sun opposed Neptune at 27° Leo/Aquarius; Mercury goes retrograde at 19° Virgo.

Relationship dynamics will be very strong but there will be a tendency for idealism and illusion. Political treaties made at this time will have a lot of deception built into their fabric. This is not a good day to propose marriage or partnership, or to sign agreements or contracts. There will be a general tendency to play hard and I would think that the bars and clubs of the world will be pretty busy. Best to make travel plans before today as Mercury goes retrograde until September 12.

August 21: Saturn square Pluto at 3° Libra/Capricorn.

This is the last period for this square. It basically began on the 1st of August and will last until the end of this month. The first passages started in November 2009 and continued until the end of February 2010. They also occurred in the same early degrees of the cardinal signs. This is a difficult combination of planetary forces as it challenges the status quo of power structure. On the personal level, it brings about struggles for power within relationships. The same can be said in terms of international politics, corporations, and religious institutions. It is a “take no prisoners, winner takes all” aspect and will add to the tensions of the entire month.

I wish everyone well as we navigate through these rough waters. Make yourself a glass-bottom boat through which you may observe the undersea creatures of your subconscious as well as the “land mammals” that are passing through this stage of your life. Loving detachment will be a very important discipline to live by during this time, but absolutely essential to master.

Love and blessings,
Alan