I offer the following commentary to provide both a realistic estimate of the world economic and financial situation and information regarding the points in time at which relief from present pressures will appear. As explained below, there is reason to expect improved conditions in the not too distant future. This together with a perception of the big picture can help individuals navigate the present troubled waters of economy and finance.

World Trends Affecting Nations, Groups, and Individuals
And How They Are Astrologically Determined

Prediction of future world trends by astrological methods is based on the measurement and interpretation of several different classes of phenomena. Among these, one of the surest indicators of planetary economic trends is planetary pair relationship. Planetary pair relationships are created by the interactions of the slowest moving planets in our solar system as they are observed within the plane of the solar system, which from the earthly point of view is called the ecliptic or zodiac. Viewing within this frame of reference, we see these planets move in cyclic relationships one to another, converging close to the same division of the zodiac at one point and then some long time after, finding themselves at maximum separation. In astrological language, this is to say that planets move from conjunction to opposition, and then back to opposition again.

Roughly the same thing happens each month with the lunar cycle. At New Moon, the Moon and the Sun are seen from the Earth to converge in the same division of the zodiac. In fact, they converge so closely that the Moon - with its bright side to the Sun - is nearly invisible from our perspective. Two weeks later, the opposite relationship of the Moon and Sun is apparent, as the fully illumined orb of the Moon is plainly visible. This happens when the Moon and Sun are each on opposite sides of the Earth, and therefore at opposition. New Moon equals the conjunction phase; Full Moon the opposition.

This same idea can be applied to the planets, even though they are much farther out in space than is our Moon, and of course not at the very center of the solar system, as is our Sun. Why so? Simply as a matter of perspective. As we look out from our vantage point on space and the solar system, we see the sky as if it were a great circle around us. Therefore there are times when any two outer planets in their own orbits around the Sun appear to us as close together. Other times, far apart. This is their conjunction-opposition cycle, equivalent to the New Moon-Full Moon arrangement.

As all good observers of nature know, a new wave of energy is generated at New Moon, initiating trends which eventually come to fruition at the following Full Moon. After the Full Moon portion of the cycle, the energy of nature begins to slow down and rest, arriving at the deepest moment of rest in the hours just before the New Moon occurrence. Thus it can be said that energy increases or waxes from New to Full; it then decreases or wanes from Full to New. This is a key pattern to bear in mind when thinking about outer planet relationships as well.

The outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. These outer planets are much farther from the center of the solar system than is the Earth or even Mars, and as a result, their periods of orbit around the Sun are concomitantly much longer. For example, the Earth goes around the Sun in one Earth year, Mars in about 2 ½. Jupiter takes 12 Earth years to do the same, while Saturn makes the trip in just under 30, Uranus in about 84, Neptune in 165, and Pluto in just short of 250. These figures are the amount of time for one body to circle the Sun. However, if these outer planets are taken in pairs to conform to the pattern set by the Moon-Sun relationship, the periods of time indicated by the slowest moving planets grow even longer. Thus, taking the outer planets in pairs, there are 10, the duration of these cycles ranging from nearly 500 years in the case of Neptune and Pluto to a mere 12 years in the case of Jupiter and Pluto. The rhythms thus generated can be and have been correlated to planetary affairs with illuminating results.

It was none less than the great Greek philosopher Plato who injected this idea into astrological thinking. It was he who promulgated the following idea, which is based on the law of correspondences, or the notion "As above, so below." Here is Plato's idea:

When planets are in conjunction, all of society implodes.
When planets are in opposition, all of society expands, innovates, and prospers.

I encountered this idea in the mid 1980s. At that time, not much research and reporting on planetary pair cycles had been done in the astrological community. However, the seed thought had been laid down by Plato centuries ago, and it only remained for the concept to take root and flower. I began to think how this conjunction-opposition theory might be applied to the solar system as a whole and the major cyclic influences.

Major cyclic influences are those that drive the overarching trends and world developments on our planet. The conventional discipline of economics shows that globally significant developments are not isolated occurrences, but rather peaks and troughs in trends that build up over many decades, and in some cases, over centuries. Only the time periods connected with the outer planets can correlate to such collective developments. Thus, it was these I studied. My ultimate product was a time line on which all 10 of the planetary pairs were mapped, with the conjunction phase at the base line and the opposition phase at the peak. In this way, I created a visual display that quickly revealed the balance of outer planets at or moving to conjunction versus those at or moving to opposition for any given point in time. I could therefore see the likelihood of economic contraction on one hand or forces that would make for economic expansion on the other.

Planetary Pair Theory In Application

As good fortune would have it, I made this rather startling discovery in the summer of 1987, just in time to foresee the stock market debacle ahead. This deep stock market valley was signified by the approaching conjunction of the planets Saturn and Uranus. This meant that at least one rhythm in the outer planet chorus was about to reach its moment of deepest rest. The same had occurred in the 1940s, at which time the DJIA had taken a significant downturn.

I therefore used this information to make a prediction for a multi-million dollar investor for whom I was working on a consultancy basis at that time. He in turn used my prediction to save himself from the Black Monday debacle of October 1987, cashing out of his holdings in time to largely avoid the losses sustained by most others. Though one can most certainly argue against involvement with the stock market on the basis of many ethical considerations, on the technical level, this to me was a convincing and stunningly successful entry into the world of economic trend forecasting and a validation of the model. And remember, my prediction was based on the time line display of planetary pairs in action, my model for graphing out the complex rhythms within which we live.

I have used this model based on planetary pair theory since the 1980s to predict and analyze stock market trends as well as general economic conditions. It was right on the money in 1987. It accurately foretold the appearance of major new technology in the early 1990s and the consequent surge in profitability. Likewise, it pinpointed the onset of market instability in 2000 and the severe contractions of 2001 - 2002. This model also indicated a period of recovery from that temporary but significant economic contraction lasting until the middle of 2008. In late 2008 and through 2010, the model shows yet another severe contraction, which correlates to the severe worldwide economic downturn now dominating the news and much informal conversation.

Now here is the good news

The model shows that the three most powerful long term planetary cycles are all WAXING or moving from the equivalent of NEW to FULL from 1993 until 2047.

In simple and straightforward terms, this means that there is massive support for continuation of the innovative and enterprising spirit which sustains culture, commerce, and constructive efforts until the year 2047. Only at that point is there a significant drop-off.

At 2047, the Uranus-Pluto cycle will reach opposition and the energies of innovation which it sparked at its mid 1960s conjunction or New Moon phase will begin to fall off. However, even at that point, the Uranus-Neptune and Neptune-Pluto cycles will still be in the waxing phase. The next opposition thereafter will be in 2080 (the Uranus-Neptune) and then the final in 2140 (the Neptune-Pluto).

This means that the years 2047, 2080, and 2140 signify points at which cultural and commercial trends will exhaust themselves. Note that the first of these does not occur until approximately the middle of the present century, which is now some 40 years into the future. Even at that point, there will remain two of the most powerful cycles proceeding in full flower until late in the present century, at which one will drop off, the other carrying forward until the middle of the 22nd century.

Where’s the Bug?

The severe problems we are seeing today in 2009 are caused by developments within a much shorter planetary pair cycle, the Saturn-Uranus cycle. This cycle has a duration of approximately 45 years, requiring that much time to pass from one conjunction (the equivalent of the New Moon phase) to the next. The most recent conjunction of Saturn and Uranus occurred in 1988. As we look back on that period, we can see that intensive technological innovation occurred in computerization around that time. In fact, many new trends in business and lifestyle had their genesis at about that point.

Now, half the cycle later in the years 2008 – 2010, this planetary pair is reaching its opposition or Full Moon phase. This means that the energy generated at its last New Moon phase has accomplished all that is destined to achieve. This causes situations of stoppage and shortage as the energy formerly fueling forward motion runs dry. A further intensification of problematic influences arise from the combination of Saturn and Uranus energies emitted by this present configuration, which loudly bespeaks harsh conditions. Neither of these planets is known as a comforter of souls. Saturn instead is the taskmaster, and Uranus the lightning bolt demanding immediate response. Neither is particularly interested in aimless downtime or endless entertainment. Instead, both of these archetypes are far more linked to drive, determination, enterprise, and self-reliance. Further, the immediacy associated with the Uranus confers a sense of urgency, while the restraint associated with Saturn blankets everything with indefinite delay. The combo presents us all with a harrowing mix of impulses and feedbacks, signals that say NOW under Uranus and others that say EVENTUALLY under Saturn.

But there is one thing in common between these two astrological archetypes: they both incline the psyche of humanity toward labor and effort. Indeed, not a lazy bone is to be found in either Saturn or Uranus. From these two archetypes interacting in 2008 – 2010, there flows a massive current of stimulation to the collective, jolting us into action whether we like it or not. This current of stimulation first hits as a realization that something is not in keeping with the needs of the moment. High levels of anxiety are a primary product of this impact. This is both good and bad, as it is just this unrelenting psychic unrest which will drive individuals and the collective to identify the inner and outer changes which need to be made and make them happen. At the same time, however, the tension between these two archetypes creates a rather violent conflict which can drive vulnerable persons to distraction. The recent news reports of inexplicable killing rampages testify to the distress felt under these conflicting archetypes. The planet Uranus is well known in astrology to rule explosive reactions. On its good side, it is also a planet of high creativity, so if the energy can be kept engaged in a significant way, breakthroughs in artistic endeavors can also result.

All these matters are symptomatic of the turning point in the Saturn-Uranus cycle. Eventually, when the opposition separates and is not so directly aligned, the many problematic patterns of behavior and distressing world events will decrease in intensity. This decrease of disruption will enter the picture in late 2010, though there are other factors soon to enter the picture which may very well stir up the human psyche all over again (to be discussed later).

Life Under the Saturn-Uranus Opposition of 2008 – 2010

In 2008 – 2010, Saturn is located in the astrological sign of Virgo, while Uranus is found in Pisces, the two arranged in a line, with Earth in the middle. We on Earth feel both Saturn and Uranus tugging upon us, metaphorically. The heavy hand of Saturn commands all in Virgo, which rules the workforce and all conditions of employment. Uranus the shape-changer hails from Pisces, the sign which rules large organizations, thus changing the face of massive corporations and institutions. Here is the formula for the utterly breathtaking collapse of the employment situation for large groups of persons and for the shocking events within investment and non-profit institutions. It is inevitable, as the archetypes of the time decree change and shifting for the workforce and for philanthropy, a literal shaking of the foundations of daily routine and general expectations.

As previously indicated, this celestial arrangement will remain in place from late 2008 through middle 2010, with points of greatest intensity arising when the two planets Uranus and Saturn reach exact opposition to each other, as measured astrologically. The dates of these exact oppositions are:

November 4, 2008
February 5, 2009
September 15, 2009
April 26, 2010
July 26, 2010

Upon and around these dates, the effect of the Saturn-Uranus opposition will be greatest. However, the effect will be in evidence more generally for an even longer time. To cover the earliest and latest manifestations, it should be considered that September 2008 – August 2010 will be affected. Here’s what to expect at these times and in between.

Foremost, expect reaction. The impact of this astrological influence upon world events and individual psychology is potent and dramatic. This is due to the fact that Saturn and Uranus are powerful astrological influences which symbolize opposite natures and characteristics. Under the influence of Saturn, there arise conservatism, caution, hesitation, withholding of benefits and approval, denial, delay, restriction, and cessation. Under the influence of Uranus, there arise creativity, rebellion, individual initiative, willingness to take risk, spontaneity, experimentation, and innovation. With these two forces jockeying for supremacy in the human psyche, a mighty turbulence results. Of late, this divergence of types was enacted in the US Congress, as forces driven by Saturn and the traditions of previous times polarized intensively against progressive intent. The same factors operate worldwide, however, both in the collective and the individual. A prevalent dynamic for 2008 – 2010 is thus characterized by the word, polarization. Groups one against the other, sides of the self one against the other. Painful but necessary dialogue, which in the process, will bring forth a better synthesis.

Thus, during 2009 and 2010, tremendous inner and outer forces are interacting. The collective human psyche is caught in between two poles. These two poles might be characterized as fear vs. creativity, past vs future, constriction vs. freedom. Which direction represents the best bet for happiness is not yet identified. As a result, circumstances are unstable, both for the individual and for groups. As we progress through the two-year period of the sustained opposition, we will begin to sort out the various competing needs and demands within self and society and identify a coherent direction. However, this coherent direction will not be evident in the early portion of the two-year period. Therefore, expect great alternation of plans and intentions to issue forth from all who are caught in the necessary restructurings of the moment. It can’t be helped. This is the mode of energy coming to us now, which teaches flexibility and creative adaptation in the long run, though it looks like inconsistency right up close and early. The process will take about 2 years to run its course, and like any work in progress, looks a mess before completion.

Significant shifts of priorities will occur as individuals and groups closely examine their values under the pressure of strained times in 2009 and 2010. Profound restructurings of organizations and of personal lifestyles are inevitable. Marked divergences of perspective and opinion will prevail for a time. More intense encounters between entrenched conservatism and the diverse needs of humanity will lead to a loosening up of previously rigid standards. Conditions that have been long-stifling will be rejected, and greater tolerance for diversity will emerge in the cauldron of collective pain. Examples of changes in this direction can be seen in the recent decision of the Iowa Supreme Court in regard to same sex marriages, which the high court of that state held to be not in violation of the US Constitution and therefore allowable. More such changes are likely.

Meanwhile, impatience and boredom with routine will flare. A strong incentive to pursue individual freedoms will dominate in many minds. Break-ups in relationships and break-downs of previous alliances will occur, particularly in situations where tension has long been suppressed. Severance of ties and the establishment of new alliances will result. Declarations of independence, both collective and individual, will be heard. A general rocking of the boat will shatter prior assumptions about normal, everyday routine. High anxiety and tension can lead to over-reactions. The young may act out with flagrant disregard for safety and propriety. Adults under pressure may also erupt into displays of erratic behavior rooted in extreme frustrations. The principles of duty under Saturn and personal autonomy under Uranus are locked in a serious debate. This inner psychological pressure affects everyone, though some can contain it better than others.

All are tested in these times, and each must work out for her or himself the right balance of Saturn and Uranus forces for personal wholeness and integrity.
The process is on, and it will take some time. The years 2009 and 2010 represent a transitional period for all of humanity. During this time, all priorities will be closely examined and a new synthesis of essential values crafted. The positive end result of this period will be a gradual deconstruction of inner and outer impediments to real fusion in human society, but along the way, polarization will be the transformative agency, both in the body politic and the human psyche.

How Far Does It Go?

As can be seen, the present Saturn-Uranus opposition is one of the primary causes of our present world financial crisis. The Saturn-Uranus opposition of 2008 – 2010 is an important background astrological influence which currently offers many important indications – including the fact that certain systems and methods tied to the first part of the 45 year cycle have now become obsolete. Though this is a critical realization, it’s only rooted in a cyclic factor of 45 years’ duration. A cycle of this duration is not strong enough in and of itself to decimate the entire notion of world commerce. It IS strong enough to severely dislocate existing patterns and cause massive re-organization, but not powerful enough to terminate the tendency of humans to seek interaction with each other via the trade of skills, services, and goods.

The news is thus both good and bad on this count. Yes, wrenching change is mandated for 2008 – 2010, but no, not a return to dwelling in caves. And not a return to the Great Depression, either, for the planetary cycle situation was completely different then. Two major cycles were in their “old moon” phase back then – both the Uranus-Pluto and Uranus-Neptune cycles. That is not the case now, as has been explained above. So in spite of the fact that many legitimate parallels can be drawn to our times and those of the Great Depression, planetary pair theory indicates that our present time will not degenerate to the degree seen during the 1930s.

And What About Relief?

The first sign of hope on the horizon comes in May 2009, when the planets Jupiter and Neptune conjoin in the sign of Aquarius, thus initiating a new cycle of this planetary pair. A planetary pair operating on a cycle length of 13 years, this planetary relationship has been closing, or in old moon phase, for the last 6 ½ years or so. When it re-starts in May of 2009, another opening cycle will be added to the list of those moving from new to full phase. This will help the balance of conditions to move from dying down to gearing back up. Of course, dying down is necessary in nature, as we know. So all things in their own time must be.

All the same, given that we all must eat, be clothed, live somewhere, and so on, astrological conditions that help survival are of note. Well, here comes one. Jupiter and Neptune will conjoin three times in the year 2009, on these dates.

May 27, 2009
July 10, 2009
December 21, 2009

At each such time, a new pulse of energy will enter the collective. According to the nature of the archetypes involved, it can be expected that the first effect will be a restoration of hope or belief that a positive future is possible. Events will occur in May, July, and December of 2009 which will set the context for a change in the general world psychology. These events will be characterized by the sign Aquarius, in which sign Jupiter and Neptune will be conjunct. Aquarius rules the group and society as a whole, so the events related will concern public programs designed to help the many. Further, Aquarius has a connection with all the impulses that power evolution in the collective. It therefore rules artists and inventors and all creative persons who do not fit the usual pattern, so it is equally possible that unexpected new discoveries will fuel hope for a better world, and that an overarching tolerance for diversity and uniqueness will prevail.

In fact, the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in the sign of Aquarius in general is likely to evoke more concern of all people for the good of each other, which is to say, a more neighborly, community spirit is on the rise. This will help in the solution of many current problems. Evidence of this trend has already appeared in President Obama’s cooperative style in meeting with European heads of state in early April 2009. The attitudes and wordings he employed at that event all bespoke a sense of belonging to the group rather than attempting to dominate it, surely one of the better facets of Aquarian functioning. This perhaps comes naturally to Obama as he is an Aquarius rising himself (which is to say, at the time of his birth, the sign Aquarius was positioned in the east). Certainly any community spirit is a welcome sign against the troubles of the time.

The next sign of relief arrives in the last quarter of 2009, when Saturn briefly exits the sign of Virgo, removing one of the factors which has led to a shortage of employment opportunities. This condition will hold from November 2009 through March 2010, allowing approximately 5 months of reduced pressure upon the workforce. Unemployment figures are very likely to drop during that 5 month period. So here is the second sign of relief. Saturn, however, returns to Virgo from April 2010 to July 2010, so for another few months, unemployment again will be a dominant concern. Finally, Saturn will leave Virgo alone for the next nearly 30 years, beginning in August 2010. Thus, by September 2010, forces will be in place to end the current fear of unemployment, job loss, and utter lack of income for the workforce.

What About Retirement Funds?

The impact to retirement funds remains one of the most problematic aspects of the present world financial crisis. Unfortunately, immediate relief is not in sight. One of the primary causes lies in the passage of Pluto through the sign of Capricorn, which sign relates to time, the process of aging, and the years of maturity. Pluto will be in this sign for 15 years, from 2009 through 2024, doing what Pluto does best: restructuring. In other words, it calls into question the entire notion of old age, what to do with that time in life, what retirement is, and how the aged shall be provided for. The passage of Pluto through this sign indicates that there is something amiss with society’s previous beliefs in this regard. Just as Pluto restructured notions about sexuality when it passed through Scorpio 1983 – 1995, and just as Pluto revealed the inconsistencies and extremes in various religious organizations when it passed through Sagittarius 1996 – 2008, Pluto will completely re-work the notion of age, maturity, and elder care while in Capricorn. Generally speaking, Pluto purges the system of its inequities and forces the evolution of a better way. So it will do in regard to provision for the later years while in Capricorn. Only the tip of the iceberg has seen in this regard, as Pluto has been in Capricorn to stay only a few months. The probable ultimate direction of change will come from government itself, also ruled by Capricorn.

What’s Ahead and Beyond the Present Briar Patch

Eventually, through the years 2010 and 2011, the intensity of the Saturn-Uranus opposition will fade away, allowing circumstances to settle into their new groove created by the innovative demands of the period 2008, 2009, 2010. New, more appropriate technologies and forms of commerce will have appeared. Further, in 2010, the Jupiter-Uranus cycle will re-begin, adding yet another cycle to the list of those proceeding from new to full. The Jupiter-Uranus cycle will re-start with a conjunction at 0 degrees Aries, a sign well known to stimulate originality and enterprise. This impact in 2010 will help to stimulate commerce and to encourage an atmosphere of optimism and progress. All people will feel this, progressives and conservatives alike, so oddly, no matter which end of the rainbow you like, there will be at least some encouraging conditions falling into place in 2010.

Yet we knew there had to be a thorn amongst all these roses somewhere. And of course, there is. Saturn will square Pluto in late 2009 and early 2010, still sounding a note of gravity, especially as this cycle is closing (which is to say, proceeding from full to new). The effect of this influence, both because of its cyclic phase (closing) and because of the archetypes involved (Saturn and Pluto), is to hold back, slow down, bring forth information on what’s falling apart, show where the weaknesses are, hinder through excessive demands from extreme positions, and generally present the world with deep concerns. So a free ride can’t be expected just yet.

As dreary as that may seem, it pales in comparison to the really big astrological item on the horizon, which is a square (or 90 degree separation in the circle of the heavens) between Uranus and Pluto, due to form and stay in place for the years 2012 – 2015, a four year period. This combination of planetary energies promises to bring highly active forces into play which will dramatically alter society, the face of the earth, the nature of governance, and many other foundational aspects of life. It can work out positively, but let us see why, and whether this fits some of the notions circulating about this upcoming period.

The year 2012 has for the last decade or so been pointed to by many New Age sources as a key turning point. Predictions regarding this period have ranged from the dawn of planetary utopia to the complete annihilation of Mother Earth in a vast environmental melt-down.

What does planetary pair theory have to say about this upcoming period? The following: though 2012 does contain a 90 degree relationship (or square) between Uranus and Pluto and hence a very volatile combination of energies, this square occurs in the waxing portion of its cycle. A waxing square is equivalent to the First Quarter phase of the lunar cycle, when all in nature bestirs itself toward the crest of energy at Full Moon. Hence, the Uranus-Pluto square of 2012 – 2015 represents a key turning point in the increasing momentum of energy established by the New Moon or conjunction phase of these two planets, which occurred in the mid 1960s. This is essentially a very positive indication showing that energy is building toward a meaningful development and not dwindling into nothingness, in regard to the Uranus-Pluto cycle. The implication is that the many innovations in the arts, technology, and social justice which arose during the mid 1960s can be confidently expected to generate intense creative advance in and around the year 2012. This could lead to vigorous efforts to salvage the ecosystem and equally vigorous measures to insure a fair opportunity and provisions to all. This would represent a great departure from the previous pattern, consistent with the nature of Uranus amplified by its contact with potent Pluto. However, it is inevitable that the same energies will lead to unrest, rebellion, and general mayhem in some areas of the planet. And that is why the final word on peace and prosperity can’t be had until some time later.

Even so, it is worth keeping in mind that the major planetary pair cycles are all still in their expansion phase until the middle point of 21st century. This alone will count for much in steering the course of events on Earth toward conditions in which we can survive and thrive.

• Astrologer Maureen Temple Richmond offers personal readings by phone at recession discounted rates. Call (919) 542 – 3422 for information.