Uranus: Last dance in Pisces-The Planet of Revolution and Change Enters the Sign of the Individual Ego

We are on the precipice of major planetary change as Uranus transits through the final degrees of Pisces. Uranus is the planet of sudden, unexpected change, upheaval and revolution. Uranus is a slow moving planet, taking seven years to transit each sign. It entered Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac on March 11, 2003, and it moves into Aries on March 13, 2011 where it will remain until March 7, 2019.

The sign Pisces often creates a ‘fog,’ between reality and the mystical world, which can become blurred to the extent it is hard to distinguish reality from non-reality. Uranus rules the internet, and nowhere has this blurred vision become more apparent than the explosion of Facebook and other social media, internet games, and even dating sites whereby individuals and players take on a persona different from his or her real life and often become consumed in a internet life of non-reality that over time becomes blurred with reality, or becomes the reality for the individual involved. This is truly a manifestation of Uranus in Pisces.



The 29th Degree

Some degrees are more significant than others and when Uranus reaches the 29th degree it is considered the Anaretic degree. Pisces is represented by the two fish and is considered the sign of devotion as well as self undoing. The 29th degree of Pisces concerns the mysteries of life as well as miracles that may not be recognized as such. Believes strongly in mind over matter and sees the mysteries of life manifested-Helen Adams Garrett. The 29th degree of Pisces represents endings, in preparation for new beginnings with Uranus entering Aries.



World Events and Changes

When Uranus enters Aries at 0 degrees on March 13, it is at the Aries Point or the ‘world point,’ the 0 degree mark that is the beginning of all things. Uranus moves from mystical Pisces and inner manifestation to outer manifestation in the world. It is considered the point at which world events can occur involving us all in collective change. Uranus in Aries moves quickly, and will advance science, technology and medicine at a rapid pace. By the time Uranus leaves Aries medicine will have changed considerably and we can only imagine the advances in technology.



Many world events occurred late May-mid August 2010 when Uranus was at the Aries point for the first time, and this was only a preview of this planet’s seven year stay when it enters the first house of the zodiac for the next seven years. We saw a meltdown in the economy of numerous European countries and the BP oil spill was an event that garnered international attention. We saw travel problems with a huge volcanic ash cloud over Europe, China had an oil spill and numerous other events occurred, as we saw news of developments in medicine.

We will be at greater risk of explosive situations and catastrophic conditions around the world as the planet of revolution conjuncts the Aries point. Aries is the ruler of the first house of self, and individual egos and ideas will make themselves known in the world. Individuals and entities will become more aggressive, war like and inclined to manifest their desires outwardly. We are already seeing this energy play out in the number of protests and civil war in Libya and the Middle East.

The last time Uranus was in Aries was 1927-1935. Among the greatest inventions of that time was television. The US Stock Market crashed in October 1929. (The stock market could not crash like it did in 1929 because of the institution of trading collars ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trading_collar ) that would shut the market down. In 1929 the stock market lost 23% of its value over 2 days. It could only lose this type of value over days/weeks/months of sustained loss. 1933 saw Hitler's party come into power. The world changed, and during the next seven years and it will change again.

Personal Changes

As Uranus enters the first sign, changes will occur in the world and changes will occur on a very personal level for us individually. When Uranus changes signs this is a very big deal where planets are concerned. As Uranus enters Aries you will feel driven to move forward and accomplish things you may have been dreaming of for years. Aries does not wait around, but rather moves forward at the fastest pace of any sign. As Aries transits through your chart you may experience many changes in your personal life depending upon which personal planets Aries is affecting. Those most affected by Uranus’ entrance into Aries will be individuals born in the early degrees of the Cardinal signs: Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn. You will experience change and possibly disruption, or a change of direction if you were born March 21-28, June 22-29, September 24-30, or December 23-29. If you were born on any of these dates looks for changes of direction on a personal level, and with partners, (Aries/Libra) and in the home and career areas if you are Cancer/Capricorn.



Uranus/Saturn/Pluto- The Status Quo versus the Individual-A Return of the Cardinal Square


During Spring/Summer of 2010 we experienced the Cardinal Grand Square that brought turmoil and chaos to the world and brought to light numerous situations that call for change. As Uranus advances in the sign Aries it will create another Cardinal square between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. This ‘grand square,’ of these three major planets will generate tension that will reach a point where change has no option but to occur, and situations cannot continue as usual.

In 2010 the square became almost exact between these three planets June- August. Planets do not have to be exact to cause events and in 2011 the Cardinal Square will reach a peak in June with Saturn retrograde at 10 degrees of Libra, Pluto at 6 degrees of Capricorn and Uranus at 4 degrees of Aries. These planets are well within orb of each other and will create turmoil, chaos and anger that will lead to change in the world and change and regeneration in our personal lives.

As Saturn (the taskmaster and status quo) goes direct and moves forward in July, Uranus in Aries will continue to square Pluto throughout the year. Thus, the ‘will of the individual,’ will continue to be pitted against the ‘status quo,’ throughout 2011.

It will be a year of violent and unexpected explosions and explosive situations, both at home and abroad. Pluto also rules oil, and with the turmoil in the Middle East it is more than possible we will see problems with the flow of oil through the Middle East, and escalations in price, throughout 2011.

This explosive energy is obvious in the Middle East. The charts of many countries including Libya, Israel, Jordan, Iran and Iraq to name just a few are absolutely on the brink of change/civil war and will not go through this period and remain the same. Uranus will actually continue to square Pluto within it’s orb of influence until 2017. Eighty years ago Uranus entered Aries and changed the world. It will do so again.

What are the Changes About?

Saturn in Libra relates to law, governments and relationships of all kinds, both personal and personal, as well as relationships with the government. Marriage will come under scrutiny and we will hear more about same-sex marriage. Uranus in Aries relates to the ego of the individual and the collective will being expressed in the outer world. Aries is ruled by Mars the ‘God of War,’ and planet of action. Pluto in Capricorn relates to business and the ‘powers that be.’ This includes governments, banks, business, and underworld types of groups. It is in these areas we will see changes occur on the world stage. There will be questions about the US tax base and we are at risk of food shortages.

Governments and business as usual will be disrupted and the individual will make his/her voice known. All people have a desire to live in peace and with a certain amount of personal security. When change occurs it will be a result of the needs of the individual not being met by governments and entities. It will be in the abovementioned areas that clashes occur, ultimately resulting in change. The world is going to be an angry place to live for a while.

There are also ego driven and misguided individuals who will make their voices heard. These individuals do not have to be spiritually motivated but egotistical, or driven by reasons of personal ideology. As Neptune enters Pisces, another wild card comes into the mix, relating to religion, spirituality and idealism as well as fanaticism. It will be thin line humanity must walk in 2011.



Neptune Enters the Sign of Spirituality and Confusion

Neptune is the most misunderstood of signs, and the planet ruling religion and spirituality. It enters the twelfth sign of the zodiac on April 5 changing the mix even further. The twelfth house relates to the unseen world, the unconscious mind, the supernatural, and things and realms that are secret and hidden. It is the house of endings and clearing the deck before new beginnings. Neptune will be in Pisces until 2026.

While on one hand, the world in some ways and places may become more aware of the need for spirituality and a connection with the infinite, Pisces also rules fanatics, and extremists. Pisces rules drugs, the ocean, illusion, delusion, confusion, lies and deceit, drug dealers, ministers, the seamy side of life, painting, beauty, and the cinema and drunks. It is the most multidimensional of planets and therein lies the difficulty in understanding it. But where you have Neptune, you generally have confusion. Neptune can soar to the highest of highs and sink to the lowest of lows. And it rules water.



Natural and Man Made Catastrophes

The upcoming Grand Square and subsequent Uranus-Pluto square can relate to both natural and manmade disasters. Pisces rules water and Pluto rules oil, and Uranus in Aries brings sudden, unexpected situations and events. Pluto in Capricorn also relates to the earth, and we are in a period where the dictates of the planet must be taken into consideration. During the grand square of 2010 we saw volcanic eruptions, an ash cloud, earthquakes, flooding, and the contamination of the Gulf by British Petroleum. More such incidents will occur, and Neptune in Pisces speaks of water: flooding, melting ice caps, contamination, shortages-all of these are possible.



The Big Picture

We can only imagine the technological advances that will occur over the next seven years. How would one describe television to someone who had never heard of the concept at the turn of the 20th century? How many lives will be saved as medical science unlocks the secrets to regenerating the body, perhaps even preventing aging. Stem cell research holds the key to more than we can imagine. We are on the brink of breathtaking cures, answers and solutions.

And yet the world is in turmoil. The age of revolt and revolution is upon us. Not only in the Middle East, but in the US and the Western world. The old guard is on it’s way out everywhere. Situations and answers that served as patchwork that have not met the needs of real human beings will no longer suffice. Governments that only serve only a few will topple, whether they be Western or Eastern. It will not be an easy path, it never is. Nor will it be a crystal clear path. Confusion will abound.

This is the time of the individual. Not to become absorbed in the self to the exclusion of all else, but rather to search our common humanity for what we can attain and what we share in common with others.

It is a time for humanity to bond with the earth and search for issues that will preserve our planet for the future and respect the boundaries of what Planet Earth will tolerate before it becomes toxic. Our world depends upon it. Welcome to the revolution. It will be televised.

No Full Moon for Wallflowers

February’s Full Moon occurs Friday, February 18, at 3:36 AM, EST, at 29 degrees of Leo- Leo is the natural ruler of the fifth house of love affairs, as well as friendships and children. There is nothing mundane about Leo as it is the most dramatic of signs, and represents the showman.



We will all feel a bit like taking the spotlight, which holds a dual potential. Everyone can enjoy the being the center of attention, but the other side of the coin is that situations can become overblown and overly dramatic, and reach a boiling point with no one really understanding what is going on.



The 29th degree of Leo is called the Anaretic degree. Author Helen Adams Garrett writes, The 29th degree is in the Aries decan, prompting great egotism and self-sufficiency which may repel cooperation of other people. This is the dwad of Cancer supplying great sensitivity and some insecurities.”



The full moon opposes Neptune creating a lack of clarity. Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion, lack of clarity and lies and deception. Believe only half of what you see, let alone what you hear. Thinking and communication may not be clear. This is an excellent time for any spiritual activity, creativity, or interest in metaphysics, and this path or creativity is the highest use of the energy. This is not the time to make long range decisions that have consequences.



This will be an intense full moon, full of drama that may carry over for the next few days, especially if a personal planet in your chart is being affected by 25-29 degrees of Leo. Those most affected will be Leo and Aquarius born during the latter part of the sign as well as those born during the late period of Scorpio or Taurus. There may be a tendency to over drink or overindulge, especially among those who have that tendency.



The energy of this full moon is extra intense because three planets will form a conjunction immediately afterwards-Neptune, Mars and Mercury. These three planets will all be contributing their energy that will manifest situations in our lives. Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion, and confusion. Mars is the “God of War,” and the planet of action and Mercury is the planet of communication. In Aquarius they are all ruled by Uranus which creates sudden and unpredictable situations, and events



On Sunday, February 20, Mercury, the planet of communication conjuncts Neptune and Mars at 28 degrees of Aquarius, and this follows on the heels of a very intense full moon, creating a major impact. With Neptune, the potential exists to soar to the highest of highs, or alternatively the lowest of lows. It is time to dream, set your imagination free, but be careful voicing your thoughts. While this transit may hold the potential to soar in terms of spiritual, empathic and creative thoughts, it also holds the potential for aggressive, speech that is not based upon fact, but rather fantasy and false information. Watch out for conditions that may make driving and travel dangerous, and remember your thinking may not be clear, nor your communication with or from others. This transit always holds the potential for deception and lies.



Also on Sunday, February 20, Mercury crosses the Mars/Neptune conjunction and enters the sign Pisces. Thus, the first of the three planets in this major conjunction of Neptune-Mars-Mercury will cross over, giving a little more clarity of thought and action. Mercury will be the second planet this month to enter Pisces, creating a further shift in energy, and a positive planetary placement for water and earth signs. Pisces represents the twelfth house, and is associated with Neptune, the planet of dreams and spirituality.



The Sun enters Pisces on February 20, changing up the energy from the past 30 days with the Sun in Pisces. Pisces is the natural ruler of the twelfth house of the zodiac associated with endings and the subconscious mind. It’s ruler is Neptune, the planet of dreams, spirituality, and assorted other topics. The energy will be calmer and less intense in this water Sign.



Monday, February 22, Mars and Neptune remain together in a conjunction Mars-Neptune can work for all creative types who may reach a peak in their particular art form, and the highest use of the energy is in serving others, and the world. Prayer, meditation, and other consciousness raising activities are favored, as Neptune is planet without an ego. The two do not generally work well together as Mars is ego driven and oriented toward action, while Neptune is selfless and about sacrifice, therein lies the inherent problem. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus (and Saturn) and some will feel a desire to set themselves free of oppressive situations that have held back growth. For many it will be a tiring transit, prone to low energy or depression. It is not a time for confrontation or making major decisions. Aquarius is the natural ruler of the eleventh house of friends, hopes and wishes and at this time you could feel incredibly discouraged and that it is back to the drawing board. In all probability it is not, but rather a time of inward reflection as to your place in the larger picture of the universe. Daydreaming, wasting time and energy is a common manifestation and intense dreams are a possibility.



In the World and News



Weather conditions that involve water will dominate parts of the country and the world, making travel in some places difficult. We may hear news of accidents. Aquarius is the sign of revolution and the revolutionary, and there may be further attempts for those in some countries in the Middle east to hope for revolution, but this is a confused transit and subject to discouragement, lies and deception. Propaganda will abound and lies will dominate the truth. There is a lack of clarity and direction during this time. Those who talk the talk may not walk the walk, and idealistic or fanatical viewpoints will be espoused. There could be news that involve chemicals, germs or gasses. There may also be news relating to gay individuals, or gay rights and situations that involve sex.

Egypt, Uranus, and Revolution

The natal chart for modern day Egypt is set for June 18, 1953 at 11:30 pm, GMT, according to the Book of World Horoscopes/Nicholas Champion.


Modern Egypt has a 29 degree Aries ascendant. Thus, the January eclipse, at 13 degrees of Capricorn on January fourth fell within a few degrees of the top of Egypt’s natal chart (midheaven) opposing Uranus, the planet of revolution, and sudden, unexpected events in Egypt’s fourth house. (Considered beginnings or the end of a matter) The energy of an eclipse lasts long after the eclipse is over, and this was the harbinger of the revolution that is now underway. December 24, 2011 another eclipse will occur in Capricorn that will be significant to Egypt once again, along with their current President Hosni Mubarak.


Egypt’s Saturn Return

Uranus is square the Sun in Egypt’s natal chart at 27 degrees of Gemini. With Uranus you may expect the unexpected and Uranus is the planet of rebellion, and freedom. It is the consummate planet of revolution. Egypt’s population is weary and depressive over a lack of jobs and opportunity (Saturn square Mercury/ Neptune in the natal chart) Egypt is experiencing it’s natal Saturn return. Countries, like people have birth charts, and as the planets transit through the chart of any particular country/entity the energies the planets create are felt on a collective level. Saturn/Sun transits deal with the ego of an individual or a collective and often the individual/entity is forced to prove his ideas valid. Sun-Saturn transits often represent times of critical developments where situations from the outside create challenges that are not always expected. Saturn is also square Uranus, exact at 17 degrees.

The New Moon falls at 13 degrees of Aquarius on February 3. Again, Aquarius is ruled by Uranus (and Saturn).
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was born May 4, 1928, and has held office since the assassination of President Anwar El-Sadat in October of 1981. He became Vice-President of Egypt in April of 1975.

Uranus is prominent in his chart, at 6 degrees of Aries, and Uranus rules revolutions. When he was appointed Vice-President by Anwar Sadat in 1975, Jupiter, the planet of expansion was conjunct Uranus in his natal chart. During summer of 1981, prior to assuming the Presidency, Saturn (as well as Jupiter and Pluto) was in Libra conjuncting Uranus, giving form to his role in the revolution.

Once again, Uranus is being activated in his chart, this time by Pluto. Transiting Pluto is creating a square involving Uranus (at 5 degrees of Aries)  This is a major planetary configuration, and the end result will be change.

Pluto/Uranus is indicative of issues beyond the individual ability to control, and Uranus rules revolutions.(square=difficulties/obstacles, change) Sun/Pluto deals with lifetime change, as well as ambition and Pluto/Mars relates to aggressiveness and the potential for physical violence, even death. Should Mubarak by some chance survive this current revolution, his time as President of Egypt is limited and it would be followed by one attempt after another to remove him from office. According to the BBC he has survived 6 assassination attempts.

Jupiter will ironically conjunct Uranus again in Mubarak’s chart on February 16-24, as it did in 1975 when he first stepped into the Presidential office as VP. However there is no guarantee of his ability to hold onto power, as Uranus represents the unexpected and unpredictable.

Pluto is also prominent in Mubarak’s  natal chart (career) at 15 degrees of Cancer. It is currently being squared by Saturn, and the January eclipse opposed it. (square=difficulties/obstacles, change)Uranus is opposing Neptune (in a parallel) denoting lack of clarity as to what road to take.

Uranus rules electronic technology and the internet. News reports state the Egyptian government is set to cut off all cell phone communication and the internet has already been shut down.

March 13 Uranus moves into Aries, and he will enter his Uranus return. Uranus is volatile and unpredictable and prone to change. At that time it will begin squaring Uranus in Egypt’s chart, also indicative of violence and explosive events and situations. It becomes exact in May, but is well within orb as soon as it moves into Aries. Planets do not have to be exact for events to occur.

                                                                                 

The Planet of Karma Steps Back

Saturn Retrogrades January 26

The planet of responsibility, restrictions and karma retrogrades at 17 degrees of Libra January 26. Saturn retrogrades every year for approximately four months, and it won’t go direct again until June 13. At times this can cause delays and slowdowns in finance and projects, and it is a time for recessing matters that are of concern to you.

Saturn in Libra relates to marriage, court and legal situations and partnerships of all kinds, and in a general way, we will all be dealing with these issues. This is a time of reviewing these situations and often situations will come up that test your course of action and create frustration. But, out of tests come strength, and a better basis for reality. During the stationing periods (Jan. 26-Feb 12, and again June 13-July 10) retrograding Saturn often has a greater impact, especially if it is turning retrograde on a personal planet in your chart being affected by 17 degrees of Libra. Astrologer/Author Celeste Teal writes, “When Saturn stations in a certain house in the natal horoscope the affairs of that house will demand defining. For example if Saturn stations in the seventh house (or Libra, which is the case) a marriage or partnership will be defined. If there has been some confusion around this area, things will become very clear, and you will become very realistic about the state of the marriage or partnership.

Saturn in Libra will affect the Sun signs in the following manner:


Aries-Relationships become defined one way or another

Taurus-An emphasis on work/health/diet and exercise/pets

Gemini-Children/friends and love affairs become more defined

Cancer-Situations in the home demand defining as well as the overall foundation

Leo-Mental clarity becomes an issue, along with situations relating to neighbors, friends, co-workers and immediate family members

Virgo-Money issues need defining

Libra-The start of a new life-new beginnings-defining the self

Scorpio-Subconscious issues need defining and brought to light. Issues with institutions and seclusion

Sagittarius-Issues with corporations and friends become defined

Capricorn-Issues related to career and work, as well as other priorities need defining

Aquarius-Travel, Publishing, legal and medical issues defined as well as general outlook on life

Pisces-Matters pertaining to joint moneys, taxes, partners’ money, joint assets, credit card debt, issues related to death and inheritance.

Often when outer planets retrograde situations of a seemingly ‘Karmic’ nature seem to play out more so now, than at other times. Critical decisions will frequently be reached in relationships with Saturn in Libra.

As Saturn retrogrades, Mercury squares Saturn on January 26, setting off this transit. You will be affected to a greater degree if this configuration is hitting a planet in your natal chart, Or you are a Cancer, born July 8-10, Aries, born April 6-8, Capricorn, born January 6-8 or Libra, born October 9-11, or within a day wither way of those dates.

Mercury square Saturn is overall negative and pessimistic, and best not to take it too seriously, or engage in negative arguments at this time. If it transits your personal planets it may be a somber day, but holds the ability to think, plan and access your situation without rose colored glasses.

                                                                         

The Planet of Luck Enters Aries

January 22, Jupiter enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. The first house represents the self, the I AM, the individual ego, and is the beginning of a 12 year Jupiter cycle, as it spends roughly a year in each sign. Aries is a fire sign and we experienced Jupiter in this sign June 6-September 8, 2010 when it first entered the sign of the Ram. Thus Jupiter will be in Aries until June 5, 2011 when it enters Taurus.



Jupiter is the financial planet and the planet of luck, abundance and expansion. Whatever Jupiter touches, it increases. Aries is exuberant, moves quickly, and makes things happen. In some respects this will give us a jump start on the New Year, and it will represent a vast difference from the laid back energy of Pisces we have experienced over the past year.



Science and technology will make advances by leaps and bounds the first six months of the year, and there will be some new starts for business.



This will be a once every 12 year advantage for Aries and other fire signs. Jupiter was last in Aries February 14, 1999-June 28, and again October 24, 1999-Febuary 15, 2000.

The planet of gain and expansion will affect the Sun signs in the following manner:


Aries-New beginnings and relationships

Taurus-Luck with hospitals and institutions, the intuitive self-a time of self and spiritual healing, and issues that are secret and hidden

Gemini-Friends as well as cherished hopes and wishes-organizations

Cancer-Priorities and career

Leo-Education and medical matters, travel, general outlook on life

Virgo-Joint finances. Taxes, partner’s money, sex, regeneration, lawsuits

Libra-Relationships, Partnerships, courts

Scorpio-Work and health, pets

Sagittarius-Friends, children, love affairs

Capricorn-The home and foundation, new beginnings

Aquarius-Immediate family members and co-workers, trips the mind and communication in general

Pisces-Money and self image

                                                                      

Full Moon in Cancer and Fate versus Free Will

Full Moon in Cancer


Wednesday’s full Moon (1-19-11) falls at 29 degrees of Cancer. Cancer is the most emotional of the signs, ruling women, the family and home, so it is within this area that will be focused one way or another. The moon rules women: Mother’s, daughters, family members and all the women in your life. It is also the ruler of your emotional life, home, and the 29th degree relates to endings of all types.

The full moon trines Jupiter, indicating potential for harmony within family relationships and with others.

Those most affected will be Cancer, Capricorn, Libra and Aries born in the latter degrees of the sign or with personal planets being affected by Cancer at 29 degrees.

Mercury conjuncts Pluto at 6 degrees of Capricorn creating an obsessive, negative energy that is accident prone. On this positive end this transit is good for getting to the bottom of any matter or research. This transit will add to the emotionality of the full moon. Often, with Mercury-Pluto previously unknown situations are uncovered at this time. Pluto rules the media, sex, gangs and the ‘darker side of life.’

This will be the second and final pass of Pluto-Mercury, due to the retrograde last year. The last one occurred December 8-13, 2010.

The best and highest use of this energy will be focused on the home, family members and reflecting upon your own emotional needs and whether or not they are being met.

Fate or Free Will?


Do I create my own destiny, or is my destiny set in stone? This is a question I am frequently asked, and has been pondered by great minds over the centuries, and probably will be for the next few centuries as well. In my studies of astrology I have come to see the answer to the question is both. Sometimes events are ‘fated,’ and sometimes we can choose our own course.

The first thing an astrologer learns is to look at the promise of the natal chart, and what it holds.

Based on your moment of birth as well as location, a chart can be created that serves as a blueprint, not only showing your strengths and weaknesses, but certain other events and situations that will fulfill themselves at some point in your life.

Some people were born to have multiple marriages, children, love affairs, drug addictions, illnesses, while others marry their first love and celebrate their golden anniversaries with their one and only love.

Some are destined to fame and fortune, while others will spend their lives seeking fortune.

Some will overcome poverty, addictions, destitution, broken homes and marriages and rise above their limitations, and others won’t.

We should always strive to be our best, and make manifest in our lives those worthwhile things we truly desire. Astrology can point out the pitfalls to your success and the times you are most likely to fail as well as succeed. A good astrologer will never tell you that you are incapable of success, but rather the times you are most likely to succeed, thereby increasing your chances of success.

No one wants to fail, divorce, get sick, succumb to addictions, be a victim of crime, lose a spouse or have a broken heart. And yet the world is full of such events.

Certain planets are indicative of events that are often beyond our ability to control. What we can do is damage control. Sometimes it isn’t about the cards you are dealt, but rather how you play your hand.

The first planet is Pluto-known as the ‘God of the Underworld,’ the “Lord of Hell,’ and the ultimate planet of change and regeneration. When Pluto comes into our chart we are often faced with situations that are beyond our ability to control, and we must regenerate our thoughts, and often ourselves, and let go of situations and recreate our lives, focusing on another direction.

Saturn is the taskmaster, and while it can bring our greatest success in a good angle in our chart, a negative transit can bring about some of our greatest sorrows and hardships in life.

Uranus is the planet of revolution and the unexpected. When Uranus enters our chart, sudden shocking and unexpected events often become the norm. Uranus is the planet that shakes things up.

Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion, and often under a Neptune transit we fail to see the forest for the trees and are sometimes deceived or suffer from self deception.

No individual is exempt from the energies of these planets, whether in a difficult aspect or what is considered a favorable one. Therefore no one is exempt from certain events in life that are beyond their ability to control, at certain times.

There is a fairly quick way to access whether or not you will live your life feeling you are in charge of your own destiny.

When you look at your natal chart it is a wheel with twelve divisions. If you draw a line exactly through the middle of the chart—the tenth house/ midheaven to the IC, fourth house—exactly down the middle, you will either have a predominance of planets on the left side or the right side.

If you have more planets on the left half of the chart, you generally feel that your ‘fate,’ is in the hands of others. If you have more planets on the right or Western side, you may generally feel that you are in control of your own destiny. This simple technique often colors our opinions about fate, or our ability to control our own life.

Of course you must also take into consideration the elements and signs the planets are in. Sometimes the planets are fairly evenly divided. What’s in your chart?

Born to Kill -An Assassination Attempt; Profile of a Mass Murderer

Jared Lee Loughner, 22, has been identified by authorities and witnesses as the shooter in Sunday’s rampage at a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona that left 6 dead and critically injured Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona.

Loughner was born September 10, 1988 in Tucson, Arizona. He is a 17 degree Virgo with a Virgo moon.

When an incident such a murder occurs, the event must show up in the individual’s natal (birth) chart. The most prominent configuration in Loughner’s chart is his Mars, at 9 degrees of Aries, located in his eighth house. It forms a T-Square opposing Mercury and squaring Neptune.(A T-Square is a configuration involving 3 planets that forms a T like configuration, that will involve the energies of all three planets.)

Mars is a malefic planet, known as the God of War, and it opposes Mercury at 12 degrees of Libra. His Neptune is at 7 degrees of Capricorn and it squares both Mars and Mercury. Mars rules the head, as well as guns and knives. Mercury is the planet of speech and communication and Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion, and confusion. The eighth house represents death, and Mars in Aries individuals are known for their tempers, and volatile actions. This T-square would indicate an angry, often hostile individual whose ideas would not always be based in reality, prone to expressing himself freely, taking offense to those whose ideas and opinions differ from his own, or those whose ideas and opinions, he believed differed from his own. He could be mentally unbalanced, without the ability to reconcile ideas clearly, and have a tendency to act on impulse. He would become easily discouraged when things don’t go his own way, blaming others and lashing out, thus contributing and insuring his own self-undoing. In this case, certain individuals representing the government became the target of his ideas, and as he could not reconcile his ideas with theirs, and the penalty for their offenses became death.

When planets are in opposition to each other disharmony will follow the individual throughout life, unless he becomes aware enough to curb the tendencies he was born with. In studies of murderer’s charts, an opposition to the eighth house is often found in the horoscopes of the perpetrators. The T Square in his chart would always be the driving/dominant force in his life, continually being ‘set off’ by any planetary influence that aspects it.

In Loughner’s case, his Mars opposing Mercury indicates a general tendency to argue, verbally abuse others, and lash out. Both Mars and Mercury square Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion, and lack of clarity. Neptune-Mars-Mercury individuals are all or nothing. They generally follow a spiritual or creative path devoted to service of others or fall prey to a life intertwined with lies, deception and unclear thinking.

The second most obvious aspect in Loughner’s birth chart is Saturn conjunct Uranus at 26 and 27 degrees of Sagittarius. Individuals with multiple planets in Sagittarius often feel the need to express their individuality, even in the face of going against mainstream thought. The combination of these two planets shows that great discipline is needed in the development of ideas. These people often find themselves at odds with the viewpoints of others, and frequently suffer disappointment, and frustration as the result. They often feel the need to destroy boundaries.

News reports state Loughner documented his anti government anger over the past several years via internet postings and letters. One letter he wrote stating his intent to assassinate Representative Giffords dates back to 2007. At that time Uranus, the planet of revolution and unexpected events was opposing his Virgo Sun/Moon. Individuals with a Sun/moon in Virgo can sometimes become overly critical of others. Normally, these two planets in Virgo would not cause such critical tendencies to be accentuated to such a point, but his T-square insured they would. The Uranus opposition stirred up the revolutionary sentiments in him, inciting what he must have considered rebel and revolutionary tendencies, and perhaps kicked his ideas of overthrowing the government into overdrive. With his Mars-Mercury-Neptune T-square he documented his plan and believed in his own ability and reason to take down the government, even if it involved murder.

In October 2010 he was removed from school as a result of numerous outbursts and confrontations. Mars opposing Mercury individuals have an argumentative disposition and cause conflict when they feel as though they have not been treated fairly, and often take an opposing viewpoint simply for the sake of argument, and are often overly critical of others. They have an ego identification with their own viewpoint, and can take affront to those who have differing opinions from their own. He also posted numerous anti-government ramblings on the internet.

Between February and September of 2010 reports state that campus police were called five times to deal with disruptions Loughner caused in classrooms. Spring through fall of 2010, Uranus and Saturn squared his Saturn and Uranus, both in the sign of governments-Sagittarius. Transiting Uranus square Saturn and Uranus often compels individuals to make a complete break from the past and attain their own freedom of action at any cost. The planet of structure, discipline and stability was at complete odds with the planet of freedom and revolution, and it was playing out in Loughner’s erratic behavior and actions.

By fall of 2010, Loughner was angry, confused and depressed. Saturn set off his T-Square, opposing his Mars, squaring Neptune, mid-October and created violent tendencies, encounters with police and feelings of being mistreated. By November Saturn conjuncted Mercury sending him into deep thought, depression, and isolation.

By late December 2010, Pluto, the planet of revenge and death moved to 5 degrees of Capricorn. At this point it was within two degrees of conjuncting Neptune, setting off the T-square between the three planets involved: Neptune, Mars and Mercury. Individuals with transiting Pluto-Mars are often involved in violence and even death. It became the time Loughner had been waiting for to enact his deadly plan. His anger/revenge would have become an obsession at this point, overpowering all other thoughts.

January 4, 2010, a new moon/eclipse in Capricorn occurred. Eclipses are often harbingers of events and this eclipse at 13 degrees of Capricorn triggered his T-Square almost exact as well as Pluto, compelling him to action.

The Day of the Event

Pluto had been set off by the eclipse triggering his T-square involving Neptune, Mercury and Mars in his eighth house.

Saturn was within 3 degrees of conjuncting his Mercury, and setting off the entire T-square. This gave him the ability to think through his actions and plan accordingly.

These two planets are known as the ‘Lord of Karma,’ and the ‘Lord of Death,’

Uranus, at 27 degrees was square Loughner’s Uranus, exact, at 27 degrees of Sagittarius, and within 1 degree of his Saturn. This transit compelled him toward his idea of revolution and overthrowing the system.

The combination of Uranus, Saturn and Pluto is generally thought of to indicate guns, explosions and extreme violence.

The Sun trined his Sun at 18 degrees of Capricorn giving him confidence.

Mercury conjuncted Saturn and Uranus at 25 degrees of Sagittarius triggering the dichotomy of these two planets in his birth chart, and the constant conflict between structure and revolution. Mercury/Saturn gave his the resolve, and the unknown second in time (Mercury/Uranus) to pull the trigger.

Jupiter square Saturn/ Uranus, exact at 27 degrees in Pisces Jupiter square Saturn can represent a conflict with the old order/tradition and Jupiter/Uranus is a gamblers transit, and indicative of loss. Jupiter rules government.

Neptune sextiled Saturn/Uranus at 26 degrees of Aquarius. Aquarius is considered the sign of the ‘new world order,’ and Aquarius is ruled by Uranus/ Saturn. It is likely he believed he was on a mission to bring about a new order.

The Moon was in Pisces, creating a square to Uranus and Saturn

Next in this series: The Victims