The world and all its people are without a question experiencing a profoundly challenging passage. From the astrological perspective, this is so because the years 2009 and 2010 are strongly conditioned by an astrological influence that only occurs every 45 years, lasting nearly two calendar years each time.

This somewhat rare astrological influence takes place when the planets Saturn and Uranus reach points in their respective orbits which place them exactly opposite each other from the perspective of the Earth, such that Saturn and Uranus form a line with the planet Earth positioned right in the middle. This physical arrangement becomes a metaphor for the current psychological, sociological, political, and economic forces acting upon all life found on planet Earth, which forces presently pull in opposite directions and consequently place immense strain on all systems.

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 is 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, which is to say – two calendar years.

The Effect:

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.

Thus, during 2009 and 2010, tremendous inner and outer forces are interacting. The collective human psyche is caught in between two poles – 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.

Significant shifts of priorities will occur as individuals and groups closely examine their values under the pressure of strained times. Profound restructurings of organizations and lifestyles are inevitable. 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.

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. 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.

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