Sunday, May 30, 2010

Jupiter Conjunct Uranus: “Growing Through Surprises”


From May 2010 through January 2011, the outer planets Jupiter and Uranus are forming a conjunction (0°) with one another for the first time since February 1997. This is also the first conjunction of these planets in Aries since 1927-28. This pits the planet representing expansion, optimism, society, and growth (Jupiter) in cohesion with the planet representing authenticity, rebellion, rapid change, and technology (Uranus).

Just like with the Moon’s phases, the other planetary bodies go through their own phases relative to the Earth. Like a New Moon, the start of any coupled planetary cycle begins with their conjunction (same location in the sky). As the faster planet moves away from the slower planet, eventually it comes to a 90° angle (waxing square) to it, followed by the 180° opposition (like a Full Moon), the second 90° angle (waning square), and then the cycle finishes when a new cycle between the planets is born at the next conjunction. See below for the basic outline of the process including the associated energy of each of these important climax points in the planetary cycles:

Conjunction (0°) – Birth and creation.
Waxing Square (90°) – Tension due to growth.
Oppostion (180°) – Culmination and results.
Waning Square (270°) – Tension due to decay.

The Jupiter/Uranus cycle takes approximately 13 years to complete and represents a social, progressive, and surprising cycle as the expansive energies of Jupiter combine with the rebellious energies of Uranus. This cycle represents things like technological advancements, quick social changes, and surprises for example. Usually, at the start of these cycles, new technological achievements are hatched. As time moves on, there is usually some tension related to those decisions that come up for review around 3+ years later when Jupiter and Uranus make their first (waxing) square to each other. Then another 3+ years pass and Jupiter makes an opposition to Uranus. This opposition is the time where the culmination or results of those ideas and of the decision making that started at the conjunction bear their fruit. Then the second (waning) square represents a time of decay and last minute decisions related to the same energies birthed at the start of the cycle.

Below is a look at the most recent conjunction of these two planets in Aquarius as well as the current Jupiter/Uranus cycle in Aries/Pisces relative to US issues and concerns, followed by a look at where we are in the current Jupiter/Uranus cycle.


Most Recent Jupiter/Uranus Cycle (1997 – 2010) in Aquarius

Jupiter conjunct Uranus (February 1997)
Immediately following the last Jupiter conjunction with Uranus in the sign of Aquarius (sign of universal brotherhood, equality, and technology) in 1997, several related movements occurred. One was the rapid growth of the internet as a daily technology for both business and pleasure. There was also a major merger between Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley to the tune of $10 billion. In addition, the Dow Jones closed over 7,000 points for the first time and ‘Dolly’ became the first successfully cloned sheep.

Jupiter waxing square to Uranus (July 1999 – May 2000)
Over this time period, America Online buys Time Warner for $162 billion creating the largest corporate merger in history in January 2000. Then in April of 2000, Microsoft is found to be in violation of US antitrust laws and the dot.com bubble essentially bursts. Also, in May of 2000, Bill Clinton announced that GPS technology used by the military would be made available to the people. This waxing square period was a time to make adjustments to that which was initiated during the conjunction period in early 1997.

Jupiter opposite Uranus (August 2003)
This time period included a wide-scale power blackout in the eastern US and southeastern Canada. Also, shortly after this period a 12 yr old girl is sued for downloading music from the internet illegally. In addition, US Spacecraft Voyager begins to escape the earth’s pull as it drifts slowly away. Finally, the hottest temperature ever recorded in London occurs in August as part of the most intense heat-wave in modern European history. This time period represents what was birthed in 1997 and what grew and was adjusted in March 2000.

Jupiter waning square to Uranus (January 2007 - October 2007)
The IPCC completes a 3 year study and concludes that humans are very likely the cause of rising global temperatures world-wide. Barbara Morgan (backup for Christine McAuliffe who died in the Challenger explosion) is part of a mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Finally, two teams of scientists, one in Wisconsin the other in Japan, announce they have discovered a way to make embryonic stem cells without using embryonic stem cells.


Current Jupiter/Uranus Cycle (2010 – 2022) in Aries/Pisces

Jupiter conjunct Uranus (May 2010 – January 2011)
What new technologies and social movements will occur this time around that will set the stage for the next 13 years? This conjunction first occurs at 0° Aries which represents the start of the zodiac. Whatever is birthed over the rest of 2010 into early 2011 you can bet it will have far reaching implications. This may include anything from surprise cures to diseases to new free energy technologies just to name a couple of potentials.

Jupiter waxing square to Uranus (August 2013 – April 2014)
Whatever is hatched around 2010 it will come up for review during this time period. With Saturn in opposition to the first Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in June 2010, rampant growth that is often related to these time periods will be kept at bay somewhat allowing this period to likely be less jarring than usual.

Jupiter opposite Uranus (December 2016 – September 2017)
Maybe cures that were initiated around 2010 get a chance to be spread to the world? Maybe oil is replaced as the primary fuel for transportation due to policies and discoveries initiated in 2010? Guess we will have to wait and see.

Jupiter waning square to Uranus (January 2021)
Who knows??


It appears that the themes for the most recent Aquarius cycle (1997-2010) related mostly to a focus on the internet and the space program. The rapid growth of the internet created a fast-growing monopoly on technologies from Microsoft and resulted in the need for adjustments in 2000 when Microsoft was found to be violating anti-trust laws. Then in 2003, the results of rapid growth and easy accessibility revealed itself when a 12 yr old girl is arrested for downloading music illegally. With foresight and proper regulations neither the ant-trust suit nor the music download case would have been necessary. But mostly Jupiter/Uranus cycles are about rapid growth without restriction. However, the emerging cycle from 2010-2021 starts with an opposition from Saturn, the planet of restriction, likely resulting in a more controlled growth model for this period for whatever is initiated.

Regardless of what actually occurs during this current conjunction time period (May 2010-January 2011), the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction of which we are currently in the midst is about the birth and initiation between optimism (Jupiter) and change (Uranus). Watch especially the two week periods surrounding the exact dates listed below for the most activity in this regard.

Jupiter/Uranus EXACT Conjunctions

June 8, 2010 – Aries 0°
September 18, 2010 – Pisces 29°
January 4, 2011 – Pisces 27°


Advice
When Jupiter and Uranus are in a conjunction it is time to embrace a new round of optimism (Jupiter) and technology (Uranus). Seeds are being planted for the next round of 13 years and it’s up to us to direct the sprouts of these seeds over the coming years.

The beneficial way to approach this time period is to allow the added optimism and expansive energies to enrich our lives and open up doors. However, it is important to not overshoot the mark or to take unrealistic steps toward unattainable ends.

On a global level, note that new scientific advancements will be on their way soon too that promise to improve the lives of many. Expect new energy technologies to emerge that rapidly change the way we obtain and use energy. Also, expect surprises. Jupiter and Uranus can sometimes bring on big surprises that we did not see coming. That this current conjunction initiates at 0° Aries (a fiery sign) for the first time during the nuclear age, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw something quick and destructive during this period (i.e. nuclear attack, comet/meteor strike, widespread power outages from solar flares, etc.)

2010 will begin the process of unleashing all of the positive and negative potentials of this conjunction. Keep in mind that growth can be good and progressive technologies can be beneficial as well. But there are always downsides to rapidly infiltrating technologies and these must be recognized to maximize the benefits of this time period.


How might this be reflected in someone’s personal life?
From June 2010 through January 2011 expect to feel this rapid growth in your own life as well. Where this finds its way into your life depends on what part of your natal birth chart that this conjunction falls.

In my own chart, Jupiter and Uranus are meeting up in my 7th house of relationships, partners, and clients. I am bound to have brand new people coming into my life that offer a chance for expanding my horizons. But as much as I anticipate this, I realize that the ‘surprise factor’ is never truer than when dealing with this planetary configuration. I can try to predict how this will unravel in my life but the best thing I can do is just allow and be ready. Is this a marriage partner, a business partner, or something else? I just don’t know.



And so it is…



Are you interested in where this conjunction between Jupiter and Uranus will fall in your natal birth chart and what it may mean for you?

If so, contact me through my website (www.myastrochris.com) and we can set up a consultation.

Also, if you enjoyed the content of this type of article, please check back as I will be posting articles soon related to other planetary cycles which are at major turning points over the next few years as well. Stay tuned!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Jupiter Opposite Saturn: “Growing Inside the Flower Pot”

From May 2010 through March 2011, the outer planets Jupiter and Saturn are forming an opposition (180°) with one another for the first time since the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. This pits the planet representing form, structure, rules, resistance, and fear (Saturn) at odds with the planet representing freedom, growth, exaggeration, fortune, and confidence (Jupiter).

Just like with the Moon’s phases, the other planetary bodies go through their own phases relative to the Earth. Like a New Moon, the start of any coupled planetary cycle begins with their conjunction (same location in the sky). As the faster planet moves away from the slower planet, eventually it comes to a 90° angle (waxing square) to it, followed by the 180° opposition (like a Full Moon), the second 90° angle (waning square), and then the cycle finishes when a new cycle between the planets is born at the next conjunction. See below for the basic outline of the process including the associated energy of each of these important climax points in the planetary cycles:

Conjunction (0°) – Birth and creation.
Waxing Square (90°) – Tension due to growth.
Oppostion (180°) – Culmination and results.
Waning Square (270°) – Tension due to decay.

The Jupiter/Saturn cycle takes approximately 20 years to complete and represents a social and financial cycle as the resistant energies of Saturn seemingly oppose the freedom-seeking growth energy of Jupiter. This cycle represents things like finances, social order, and laws for example. Usually, at the start of these cycles, regulatory decisions (especially financial) tend to be hatched and these decisions and values are reflected in how money is invested and distributed during these times.

As time moves on, there is usually some tension related to those decisions that come up for review around 5 years later when Jupiter and Saturn make their first (waxing) square to each other. Then another 5 years goes by and Jupiter makes an opposition to Saturn. Just like our current period, this is the time where the culmination or results of those ideas and of the decision making that started at the conjunction bear their fruit. Then the second (waning) square represents a time of decay and last minute decisions related to the same energies birthed at the start of the cycle.

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Jupiter/Saturn Cycle (May 2000 – December 2020)

Jupiter conjunct Saturn (May 2000)

The conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn is often referred to as a ‘Grand Conjunction’ and the most recent one ushered in the present US economic situation which included the bursting of the dot.com bubble in the spring of 2000 as the NASDAQ crashed. Unsustainable real-estate speculation also started around this time with the obvious consequences easily seen in the present time.

Jupiter waxing square to Saturn (December 2005 - October 2006)

This period represented the peak of the real-estate market which had been growing rapidly since the beginning of the decade. But it was only growing rapidly due to unsustainable banking decisions which put people in situations where they were destined to foreclose. The waxing square marked the period when the growth (Jupiter) of the market was strained by the reality (Saturn) of the situation.

*Jupiter opposite Saturn (May 2010 - March 2011)*

What are we in for here? This period marks the culmination of these poor real-estate decisions. If you thought the worst of the foreclosures and the dropping prices of homes were over, think again. Watch for the foreclosure problem to break into the commercial real-estate market which will lead to a re-structuring of how business is done due to the lack of office space and traditional structures. Fortunately the internet era will offer more technological options to help businesses grow but in a new way.

Jupiter waning square to Saturn (August 2015 - June 2016)

Perhaps regulations are put into places that ensure unsustainable schemes for real-estate cannot be developed. Or this could represent a time when people change the way they live and work (i.e. more communal and telecommuting situations) in response to the inability to own a home or a business in the traditional sense.

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The themes for the most recent previous Jupiter/Saturn cycle (1980’s and 1990’s) on a world-wide scale appear to have involved a heavy emphasis on a changing of the guard in terms of social orders. During the Jupiter/Saturn opposition (culmination phase) of that cycle from September 1989 through May 1991, we saw both the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This culmination phase certainly bared some fruit.

Regardless of what actually occurs during this current time period, the Jupiter/Saturn opposition of which we are currently in the midst is about the battle or tension between growth (Jupiter) and reality (Saturn). In the US, this ‘coming to terms with the reality of growth’ period is likely to reveal the true consequences of unsustainable real-estate growth schemes established a decade ago. Watch the time periods within a week or two of the following dates for indicators of these kinds of revelations.

Jupiter/Saturn EXACT oppositions for the current phase

May 23, 2010
August 16, 2010
March 28, 2011


Advice

When Jupiter and Saturn oppose one another it is time for assessing how and where we are trying to grow (Jupiter) while recognizing the realities (Saturn) of that growth. This is true personally in our own lives as well as on a larger scale. Realty is abundantly clear during these times and the level of tension due to the growth we are trying to attain is directly related to how willing we are to look reality in the face and adjust our growth accordingly. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' side in this case. There is just a beneficial approach or a harmful approach to growth at this time.

The beneficial way to approach this time period is to redirect growth relative to the newly revealed boundaries. But if we continue to expand in certain ways without regard to reality then we will experience a harsh resistance.

Remember that the ultimate intention of this time period is embracing much needed boundaries to create growth (Jupiter) that better reflect these new realities (Saturn). Laying our frustration with restrictions to rest is the first step in the process.


How might this be reflected in someone’s personal life?

From May 2010 through March 2011 expect to feel this battle between growth and resistance in your own life as well. Where this finds its way into your life depends on what part of your natal birth chart that this opposition falls.

In my own chart, Jupiter is traveling through my 7th house of relationships, partners, and clients while opposing Saturn in my 1st house of self-definition, personality, and sovereignty. I have recently done a lot of personal work on defining my own space both professionally and personally by establishing my own independent contracting business (actually more than one) while I have worked to consciously remove codependents from my personal life as well.

On a business level, I expect to encounter a growth in clientele that will require me to more firmly establish my own boundaries of operation so that I can handle the volume of work. On a personal level, I have been single for some time now as I have been developing a better sense of boundaries. I can see this time period bringing the growth of a new serious relationship that will challenge my recent self-development as I try to maintain the growth of a relationship while keeping my boundaries defined so that I am not drained in the way that I have been with past relationships.


And so it is…



Are you interested in where this opposition between Jupiter and Saturn will fall in your natal birth chart and what it may mean for you?

If so, contact me through my website (www.myastrochris.com) and we can set up a consultation.

Also, if you enjoyed the content of this type of article, please check back as I will be posting articles soon related to other planetary cycles which are at major turning points over the next few years as well. Stay tuned!



Sunday, May 9, 2010

"What Kind of Astrology Reading Should I Get?"

As an astrologer, this is a question I hear often. Of course my initial response to this question is almost always to say, “The only thing you should do is stop using the word ‘should’.” But rather than discuss the obligatory approach to life that people who ‘should’ themselves to death are accustomed to, I’d like to attempt to answer the question at hand.

With astrology, there is a smorgasbord of possible consultations in which one could participate. There are many styles of astrology including Western, Vedic, Chinese, etc. But even within just Western astrology there are many types of consultations. The bottom line is that it really depends on the kind of information in which you are interested. But if you have previously never experienced an astrological consultation then a Natal Chart Analysis is a good starting point.


Natal Chart Analysis

A Natal Chart Analysis is a thorough and comprehensive overview of an individual’s core intentions, life challenges/growth and unique talents based on their birth time and place. This is often referred to as the ‘Birth Chart’ as well. My Natal consultations cover everything from personal inclinations to past life karma with the intention of uncovering your unconscious motivations and imparting you with wisdom so that you can regain empowerment over your own life choices. With this consultation you can walk away with a higher consciousness of your life intentions as well as a better grasp of the unconscious motivations that block you from achieving these intentions.

Learning how to gain control over your unconscious responses can be a very powerful experience toward aligning with your truth!

The information that you need for the most accurate and useful Natal Chart Analysis is typically found on your birth certificate and it includes the following:

-Birth date: (i.e. April 27, 1965)
-Birth time: (i.e. 6:38 PM)
-Birth location: (i.e. Seattle, WA)

Once you’ve experienced a Natal Chart reading and have digested the information enough to understand yourself from this new perspective, you may be ready to explore other types of consultations.

Sample Natal Chart from Astrodienst
(click to enlarge)


Astrology Forecasts

Forecasts are what most people typically think of when it comes to astrology. But if you want a forecast that is based on your own unique chart and valid only for you then you will need to dig a little deeper than the typical newspaper sun-sign forecasts with which most people are familiar.

Once you have experienced at least one Natal Chart reading to enlighten you with regards to your soul intention and unconscious blockages it becomes very valuable to assess where you are on your journey and what opportunities and challenges are on your plate and/or on your horizon. There is a plethora of forecasting methodologies available including transits, progressions, return charts, solar arcs etc. Depending on the astrologer, they will use some combination of methodologies like these in coming up with a forecast.

While some people want to hear about specific events that ‘will’ occur in their life during a forecast consultation, the reality is that astrology can only reveal the potentials and alert the client in terms of where their power lies relative to circumstances. A client open to the process learns quickly how they alone possess the power to make their own life choices. An astrology forecast simply arms the client with extra resources and alternative perspectives to help them welcome circumstances into their life as part of a continual growth process instead of trying to block out life circumstances that don’t fit into their expected mold for their lives.

I get plenty of feedback from clients regarding the accuracy of ‘predictions’ and how pleased they were to feel more equipped to handle their circumstances due to their consultations with me. These same clients will often ask me how long they should wait for another forecast consultation. Based on how I structure my consultations I usually recommend to ‘check in’ once per year. My forecast consultations typically cover a period from several years previous to the meeting through approximately 1-2 years into the future. So once per year is a pretty good measure of time in between forecasts.

In fact, the Solar Return Chart Analysis is a great ‘once per year’ chart consultation that reveals themes for the client for the measure of one entire birthday year. This is a chart derived for when the Sun returns to the same location in the zodiac it was when the client was born. This occurs once per year within a day or so of their birthday. One drawback to the Solar Return consultation is that timing is relatively non-specific with the chart. I personally feel that giving the client an accurate sense of timing for life circumstances on their horizon is more valuable to them and provides more opportunity for prognostic feedback. I will often recommend getting a Solar Return reading in conjunction with other forecasting modalities to better sync a sense of timing with the consultation.

While these once a year forecasts make great birthday and holiday gifts for New Years, sometimes there are situations that come up in between these time periods where an astrological perspective may be beneficial. Such is often the case with relationships.


Relationships

Whether it’s with a romantic partner, business partner, friend, or family member, relationships are pretty complex organisms. Based on the Natal Charts of two individuals, an astrologer can assess the dynamics between them in terms of attraction, projection and opportunities for growth. The connections between two charts, called ‘synastry’, can be very revealing in this regard.

An astrologer can also analyze the couple in terms of their collective energy using what are known as Composite Charts and/or Davidson Charts. These charts look at the relationship as a 3rd entity; separate from the individuals that form the pair. A chart like this can be thought of as a ‘user manual’ for the relationship and can offer insight into the unique dynamics that exist within this pairing.

If both individuals are open to it, this can be a very powerful tool for growth and healing. This reading is NOT for finding out if someone is your soul mate but instead is a tool to assess how to work constructively with the existing dynamics within the relationships that you choose. Deciding on with whom to spend the rest of your life is always the choice of the individual.

While a relationship analysis is traditionally applied in terms of life partners and exclusive romantic relationships, this method can also be adjusted and applied to any interaction between two people including siblings, friends, roommates, parent/child, boss/employee, etc.

The feedback that I have received for my relationship consultations has been very positive. Couples that are looking to astrology to enhance their ability to understand each other and to communicate their differences find it very beneficial. Also, individuals that come to me regarding a relationship that they are questioning often receive the validation they are looking for to help them better make a decision regarding the future of the relationship in question.


Looking for an Astrology Consultation?

This article barely scratches the surface with regards to the types of astrology readings available and in terms of how astrology can be used. But my intention here is to introduce the basic make-up of astrology consultations and the value of forecasts and other astrological assessments in one’s life.


For more information on the personal consultations that I offer please visit my website at www.myastrochris.com and go to the Personal Consultations tab.

Thank you for reading!