Astro Update for October, 2008

The financial crisis is on almost everyone’s mind now, and I’m going to spell out what I see coming. I believe we are moving into a very difficult period, and knowing what to expect is the first step in planning your way through these times.  I’ve been beating the drum about the upcoming economic crisis and Peak Oil for years now, because the astrology supports my psychic visions, and at this point, I don’t see any way around, over or under what’s coming. We need to go through it.

But do remember that plenty of people got through the Great Depression with food on the table, a roof over their heads, and clothes on their backs. There is no need to panic, but you do need a plan. Stop and think about realities and possibilities, and do not give your power away to fear and denial. This is a mass co-creation, and comes as no surprise to your Soul/Higher Self, which will show you the best way through for you, if you will tune in and listen.  (You are, of course, free to ignore its promptings…)  I believe that ultimately the changes that are occurring now will lead to a stronger, healthier, more spiritual life for all those who are willing to face the facts and do the work.

With Jupiter trining Saturn through late November, now is a good time to set the foundation for your financial future. Spend the Mercury retrograde period through October 15 reviewing your current finances, and perhaps cutting your losses.  

Be aware that the coming years will be volatile, and it is quite likely that the market has considerably further to fall. My opinion is that we will not see any kind of substantial turnaround in the economy until after 2015, and that we will be looking at a very different country by then.  Decide what you can afford and then implement those decisions. Create a budget and live by it. (If you would like a worksheet to help you determine your net worth and your current expenses, and plan a budget, contact me here. )

Through October, Saturn is moving into its first opposition with Uranus, which will be exact on Election Day, November 4th. When these two planets start facing off you can expect fireworks and earthquakes – both symbolic and physical – particularly as they move closer into a square aspect with Pluto. (closest orb as a T-Square in the summer of 2010).  This volatility will affect everyone, but particularly if you have strong placements in your chart from the late teens of the Mutable signs through the first few Cardinal degrees, expect that conflict between old and new ways of doing things will be a major issue in your life in the months to come. Don’t cling to the past --build new structures for the future from the best of the past. Leave the rest behind.

Looking at the USA chart for October (I use the Sibley, Sagittarius rising chart), we see Solar Arc Saturn = Sun/Pluto (in aspect now, exact on Oct. 9th) with transiting Jupiter square natal Saturn. This promises major power plays, ruthlessness and dogmatism on the national stage, with probable misuse of power under the guise of “law and order”. Expansive Jupiter with Saturn can bring wisdom, but it can also help make a mess an even bigger mess (Messrs. Paulson and Bernanke, take note!) Expect disruptions in the status quo (some of them extreme) with authoritarian reactions and probably a lot of legal and philosophical wrangling.

With transiting Pluto now moving direct, ever closer to its opposition with natal Venus, the Midheaven ruler, and natal Jupiter, the Ascendant ruler, we can expect further, continuing changes in the USA’s standing in the world.

This is difficult, but not bad news. It is a spiritual challenge, an initiation, the first steps in the healing crisis of a very sick world. Take time to educate yourself on the issues of climate change, Peak Oil, political and economic corruption. Remember that your Soul chose this time for its own reasons, and if you listen to its promptings you will be guided through the difficult times.

Assess where you are and decide what changes need to be made. Position yourself in community, and know what your local food and other resources are. If you don’t have any, move or make some! Remember that you have the power to create a comfortable, healthy and joyful life for yourself, in spite of any current social conditions. But claiming your power to do this requires an openness to change.