Given that Uranus squares Pluto this Sunday, June 24th, what can we expect in the USA this summer until the next square? Knowing every aspect has a positive side, what is the positive side of this one? (CT)
As I respond to your excellent question about the first exact Uranus square Pluto this summer and fall, the Supreme Court has just upheld the Obama health care legislation which ignited a dramatic battle between Uranian change and progress and the Plutonian authoritarian power of the status quo that wishes to maintain the old system and, perhaps, dismantle that system where it conflicts with corporate (Capricorn) interests. These are profoundly different, seemingly irreconcilable world views. It is helpful to remind ourselves that the last time Uranus was square Pluto (a last quarter square versus this first quarter square), the United States was devastated by the Great Depression, seeking a way forward for the unemployed, for those losing their homes, for farmers leaving their Dust Bowl farms behind, for those migrating across the country seeking employment and a better life for everyone. FDR was president experimenting with policies to ignite the economy, feed Americans, create jobs and save Capitalism. Despite ups and downs, the United States did survive the Depression, rebuild the country and become the world’s leader. It is clear that we are facing similarly profound choices as we define/redefine who we are as Americans, how Capitalism can be reformed and what our role in the world will/should be. It is easy now to forget how much dissension there was in this country in the 1930’s as there is now.
You did not ask for a history lesson, however, the positive side of this summer/fall does involve our willingness to recognize and accept that the world is changing and we must change with it. As in the 1930’s this is an equally challenging time which can lead to a new global era. Freedom versus power is the personal and universal tension which can only be met by a conscious embrace of the new and a respect for the genuine challenge of the changes we are all facing. Freedom demands risk, change, chaos and a willingness to try the new which will continue to evolve; power is never found in resistance only in surrender to what it being birthed no matter the amount of fear triggered by the changes and challenges that surround us. We human beings are birthing a consciousness as individuals, groups, nations and the world that is revolutionizing our lives in every way. This evolutionary movement cannot be stopped. When the demand of Uranus/Pluto is embraced we can begin all over again. Remember that this first quarter square is the second stage of the cycle we witnessed in the 1960’s as the world turned to individuality, spiritual awakening, civil/human rights, and diversity. We Americans created a new, vibrant, powerful, more equal and more peaceful world in the 1930’s and 1940’s. We can again create a new, powerful world that supports our growing population in a multi-polar, diverse, technologically advanced and sustainable manner.
I was born June 1, 1962 and have lived in France since 1984. Life has been very intense emotionally these last years and I recognize that I am traversing a crucial transitional period in my life. It seems like I’ve been in transition for nearly 10 years and I would like more clarity on a couple of issues. Professionally, I decided to embark on a new path 11 years ago. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted but I stumbled into university teaching and recognized that was what I really suited me. I have been teaching since then on 1 year contracts and would very much like to have a stable position teaching at the university in my city so I can relax a little instead of having to scramble every year to sell myself.
Meanwhile, I have been doing a doctorate for 5 years. I enrolled in order to have a position at the university only open to doctoral candidates but, as the years have gone by, I have worked on it and now want to finish, but am still struggling to produce it! It’s a huge weight like Sisyphus’s rock that I have imposed on myself; yet, when I try to imagine abandoning it, I can’t! Reasons: I’m tenacious and don’t give up easily and it’s the qualification needed to apply for university professorships.
Four and a half years ago I met a man with whom there was an immediate and intense attraction that goes much deeper than a sexual link. He was born January 29, 1971. The magnetism between us is very mutual and seems only to deepen with time. I couldn’t have dreamed for a more wonderful connection with someone and we spend 2-3 hours together 5 days a week. The glitch is that he was already in another relationship and his partner became pregnant in the week or two after we met. I was 45 at the time and wanted children in a relationship with a partner with whom I could create a life at last. Later they had a second child. This situation put me through the emotional wringer, intensely painful periods of hurt, rage, etc. I could have stopped the relationship at any time, but on a soul level, I knew it was the wrong thing to do. We both suffer when we are apart.
This year finally, the stormy inner waves had lessened to gentle ripples and I began to appreciate the all the positive aspects and to not ruminate about the rest. I had a very intense winter professionally and by spring I was surprised to realize that I was no longer so needy emotionally. For his part, rather than concentrating more time on his family, he seemed to become needier and complained about all the long weekends that kept us from spending more time together. What a pleasant surprise! Was it time to move on? Every time I ask myself the question, the answer is no. I am much more able to live in the moment and appreciate all the positive things in my life and how far I’ve come in the last few years in terms of maturity, patience, and developing my inner self. Still, I can’t help but desire more stability and to be able to live with my love as we build for the long term together. Deep down there is a well of optimism which keeps me going despite the fact that year after year both major aspects of my life have remained unstable? Can you offer any insights? Thank you very much! (MM)
I have edited some of your question in order to focus on the core concerns you are rightly seeking to understand and confront. Like all good Gemini’s your awareness of your life, your history, your motivations, your relationships, and the choices you face at this time in your journey are admirable. The three basic questions are should you and will you complete your doctorate, is your current love relationship meant to continue leading eventually to a life lived together, and do you require stability in your life.
Looking back 11 years to your decision to pursue a new professional path, transiting Saturn was entering your Gemini Sun sign as Jupiter also transited Gemini making your desire for change, meaning and intellectual stimulation exactly right. This period of your life was also the important Uranus opposition to Uranus when life seems to be half over surfacing the reality of “if not now, when”? The Uranian crisis at this midpoint in our life journey (yes, many of us will live longer than our mid-80’s but we can’t be sure if that will be true for us) is the moment to prioritize and be guided by your need to individualize, to be the authentic self you are called to be which always means taking risks, making changes and choosing to be and do what it true to oneself. Autonomy and intellectual stimulation are core needs for a Gemini especially when one was born with the Sun, Moon, and Mercury in Gemini. The desire to live closer to nature is described by your grand trine in water signs (Venus in Cancer, Jupiter in Pisces and Neptune rising in Scorpio) inspiring you to seek a more peaceful, soothing and connected life and environment.
How perfect for you to choose a career as a university professor which satisfies your Gemini need to be a lifelong learner who can share your learning with others – the teacher/student archetype. Of course, your ability to engage students, to teach them and to do so in an interesting, motivating style is natural for you. Clearly, a doctorate will validate your years of pursuing this degree and will advance and, hopefully, stabilize your career. With your North Node of the Moon in Leo in the 9th house of advanced degrees and university careers, yes, I agree that you can and will complete this degree as you know you can and will benefit from doing. Your progressed Sun moved into your 9th house just before you set out on your new path to discover your purpose. Transiting Jupiter has now returned to Gemini encouraging you to take this next crucial step in your chosen career. By next spring/summer transiting Jupiter, the planet of growth and opportunity, enters your 9th house, making 2013/early 2014 the ideal time to complete your degree.
The intense relationship with your love began under intense and difficult aspects as your progressed Venus, the planet of love and relationship, entered a conjunction with your natal Pluto. The relationship has been stormy, intense, painful, exquisite, amazing, full of losses yet profoundly transformative. In addition to Venus/Pluto transiting Saturn and Uranus were both aspecting your Sun/Mercury, describing the Uranian excitement, stimulation and awakening you have experienced together as well as the Saturnian difficulties, deprivation and limitations. In most situations a relationship that begins under Uranian aspects will be memorable, life changing and a stepping stone to the future. It is possible though less likely that an unpredictable change will bring you two a stable future. For as long as your intuition guides you to stay, certainly, you should – but as you have grown, he has become needier. I suspect you will meet someone else who reflects your current consciousness and is available to commit to you and a life together.
With four planets in Gemini (an air sign) and three planets in water (feeling signs) you have yet to fully integrate your air needs for stimulation/autonomy with your water needs for closeness/connection/security. In some ways, as you have described, this relationship gives you time, independence and excitement while it also provides love, daily connection and communication, however, it does not provide stability and security. As you complete your degree, stabilize your career; continue to become ever more internally stable and mature, you will be able to integrate your core needs which will lead to a more stable life and relationship with enough autonomy for an awakened Gemini. Continue to trust your guidance.
This last question very so interesting to me, as I was born just eight days from her, and although not exact my life parallels her’s many ways- it’s uncanny. What a tremendous answer for me with regards to integrating air with water needs. I have struggled with this integration, as well, and have been perplexed as to why the kind of love which comes with the security and life commitment has been so tenuous and out of reach. I’ve felt hopeless at times. Your guidance gives me invaluable insight into my life path. Thank you so much.