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Astrologer's Notes: |
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The Year Ahead, Part 1
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by Jeff Jawer |
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This is the first of two columns discussing significant astrological patterns for 2003. These will be based on planetary patterns for the year ahead, specifically those of the outer planets (Jupiter through Pluto). Looking back, the dominant event of 2001 was the powerful opposition between heavyweights Saturn and Pluto. Their alignment in Gemini (Twin Towers) and Sagittarius (religion) was an almost literal description of the major news event of that year.
The primary astrological influence for 2002 (and one that remains in effect through June of this year) was the opposition between Jupiter and Neptune. These expansive planets lack the overtly shadowy elements of Saturn and Pluto, so we have largely avoided a repeat of 2001's dramatic events. Jupiter is a planet of hope, optimism and promise. Neptune is one of ideals and dreams. Their relationship, however, is not necessarily just about love and light. This tense angle between them can be about the expression of idealistic fantasies wrapped in bravado and lies. Jupiter in Leo offers a heroic vision that is only reinforced by Neptune's willing self-deception. On an individual level, this pair can broaden spiritual horizons when the heart is filled with courage (Jupiter in Leo) and compassion for all of humanity (Neptune in Aquarius). However, on a collective level we have seen more bluff and bullying and almost no attempts to reconcile our differences.
A critical issue for humanity's future may be its ability to break through the old lines of demarcation (nation, race, religion and ideology) that are responsible for the dangerous conditions that threaten all of us. Astrologically, Uranus is the planet that symbolizes the shattering of old forms and the creation of new ones. Its discovery between the revolutionary wars in the United States and France coincided with the rise of republican forces and the fall of the monarchs. This was also a period when early steam engines and other machines accelerated liberation from the plow and other forms of physical labor that had always been part of human history.
Uranus entered its home sign of Aquarius in 1995 and will leave it this year. Uranus first enters Pisces, the following sign, on March 10, returns to Aquarius on September 14, and finally settles into Pisces on December 30, where it will remain until 2010. Astrologers had high expectations for Uranus in Aquarius since planets are supposed to be strongest in their home signs. We've been hoping for a new level of human consciousness equal to that of the technological gains of recent history. Alas, that doesn't seem to be happening in an obvious way. Yes, the Internet has been a wonderful model for Aquarius' democratic linking of diverse people and ideas, perhaps the clearest expression of Uranus' presence in this sign. Yet, socially and politically, the dominant forces continue to be those of national interest, rather than concern for humanity as a whole. There are, however, reasons to remain hopeful. First, Uranus will not finally leave Aquarius until the end of 2003, so there is still time for us to get the message. Second, the effects of planets moving through signs are sometimes not evident until they are well into the following sign. It is as if a seed has been planted that will not break through the earth and make its appearance until the following season. We can also hope that the new information released by Uranus in Pisces will be a positive attractor, encouraging the growth of the Aquarian seed and its maturity into a viable organism.
Aquarius is the Water Bearer, but it is not a water sign. It is an air sign that represents intellect and objectivity. The Water Bearer, then, can be thought of as the mind of humanity that elevates (bears) our emotions (water). This intellectualization of emotion offers the possibility to step out of instinctive patterns and unconscious habits. It presents an idealized image of what we can become. But the shadow side of Aquarius is that its idealism tends to be abstract, held in the mind, rather than the body. Ideas float in the mind without connecting to underlying feelings and their more primal hold on behavior. Pisces, however, is a water sign, one that symbolizes our connection with the cosmic ocean of all beings, things, places and feelings. There are no boundaries in the Piscean world. There is not the objectivity of the mind that allows clarity, but also permits hypocrisy through the disconnect between stated ideals and real action. Uranus in Pisces, then, can bring us into a world of emotional connection that shatters the separation created by the mind. What we think we know and believe changes from concept to reality. If we're lying to ourselves, we won't have the barrier of rationality to sustain the illusion.
While the Internet represents an external network connecting people all over the globe, Uranus in Pisces may bring us the Innernet, an internal organic web of human connection within our bodies. Communication can be direct, even psychic, as we learn the lessons of our machines and start to recreate them within ourselves. World news brought to you directly from your nervous system without the intermediary of CNN. This internal globalization of consciousness may come slowly with more than a few bumps along the way. When the boundaries between us begin to fall it's likely that confusion about identity can lead to chaos for some people. Yet, if we remain open to the possibility of further human evolution, we needn't respond to such changes defensively. In a universe without limits all things are possible. Humanity's capacity to feel itself can be the next step to creating a more conscious and loving species, one with the emotional awareness to live up to its highest ideals.
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Jeff Jawer,
Astrologer
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Jeff Jawer is well known in the astrological community as an innovative and dynamic teacher, writer and counselor. He is the CEO and co-founder of StarIQ.com.
Jeff holds a B.A. in "The History and Science of Astrology" from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and lectures at astrology conferences throughout the world.
His scores of articles have appeared in astrology journals in over a dozen countries and in five books.
http://www.stariq.com/
jawer/bio.asp
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