The twentieth century ushered in worldwide democracy, and stunning social transformation followed: votes for women, civil rights, civil liberties and environmental protection. And so… as the cosmic odometer turns over again, we might ask: what does the new century hold besides wondrous gadgets? What new social transformations will it bring?

What Significant Trend Will Emerge?

One of the most important trends I see emerging is in the business sector of our economy. There is movement toward a humane, sustainable economy. As the twentieth century brought democracy to governments, the twenty-first century will bring democracy to economics—that is, creating an economy that serves not a few people, but many! By transit, idealistic Neptune and humane Uranus are in the sign of Aquarius, which is linked to the social affairs of a country. Now that Uranus is in its natural sign of Aquarius and squares (makes a stressful 90-degree angle) the business planet Saturn in the money sign of Taurus, it brings these issues to the forefront of our nation’s business awareness.

Taurus Recognizes Values and Resources

There is recognition that social issues are financial issues, enhanced by the upcoming conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, with a stellium (group of three of more planets) of planets in Taurus in May, 2000. Social values are expanding and companies who ignore them are reaping the consequences at the bottom line. We have seen it before with asbestos, breast implants and tobacco—all industries strapped by social concerns.

It is also happening with genetically engineered (GE) food ingredients, which Gerber and Heinz Foods recently banned from their baby food. Archer Daniels Midland said it would stop buying soybeans and corn commingled with GE varieties. One of the most prominent financial institutions, Deutsche Bank, a Taurus industry, recently advised investors to unload their shares in companies involved in the development of genetically-modified organisms, forecasting that the biotech food industry was “going the way of the tobacco industry.” We will see it again and again: Social issues are becoming financial issues.

Business Ethics Have Taken a Front Row Seat

Profits are no longer the sole criterion of success. Corporate America is going through a transformation and we are the beneficiaries (Saturn square Uranus). One example is a stock index using ethical guidelines to choose investments. The Domini 400 Social Equity Fund (DSI, NASDAQ:DSEFX) has outperformed the Standard and Poors 500 for three and five-year periods from March 2000, and Morningstar has given it a four-star rating. It excludes all companies that are manufacturers of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages, provide gambling products or services, own nuclear power plants or derive more than 2 percent of revenues from military contracting. DSI looks at companies with strong indications of strength and concerns in the areas of community, diversity, employee relations, environment, non-US operations, product and other issues.

Yahoo! Inc.’s chart shows a New Moon (time of beginnings) with Mars in Aries  (new energy) to pioneer the Internet industry. As of March, 2000, it has been added to their list because of diversity, employee strengths and market capitalization. Others within the last six months have been Paychex, Inc., the Progressive Corporation, Key Corp, Manor Care Inc., AstroPower Inc. and Northern Trust.

Hewlett Packard shows its commitment to social responsibility in its three-year-old diversity in Education Initiative (depicted by the Virgo Moon in its chart), which has a focus on math and science through all the levels from elementary to university. Many companies with similar education programs may only choose the elementary level and then the segment is dropped, leaving the children without this support as they grow.

IBM, a computer firm, encourages employee involvement in environmental issues by giving cash awards to employees for innovative environment ideas.

Charles Schwab offers a no-restrictions sabbatical program, allowing employees to pursue their dreams. Also, every employee performing at or above expectations is entitled to a four-week paid sabbatical after five years of service and eight weeks after ten years.

Starbucks got low marks due to accusations from community groups that it undermined local businesses and destroyed the uniqueness of neighborhoods. They are realizing this is hurting their bottom line and have partnered with pro basketball player Magic Johnson to develop shops that can improve neighborhoods in urban areas.

As we begin our journey into this twenty-first century, a hopeful metamorphosis is underway. Embracing goals beyond the traditional focus on earnings, large and small businesses are focusing on a host of social issues. This is a major step towards bettering our future, which affects each and every one of us.

Author’s Notes

The Jupiter-Saturn cycle lasts twenty years (the span between their conjunctions) and correlates with disciplined growth and advancement. Each new cycle brings us another level of expansion and progress within boundaries or limits, so that over a period of twenty years we can see tangible results. Global in its reach, it correlates with the business cycle of an individual, company or nation.

Advanced Notes for Astrology Students

Heinz Foods was “born” on July 7, 1900, in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. The company has its Sun at 15 degrees Cancer, and its Moon at 15 degrees Scorpio. The Sun is conjunct Venus in nurturing Cancer, trine the Moon in Scorpio, ruler of the Sun. These placements are very supportive of caring for the public’s needs. Henry Heinz said, "Quality is to a product what character is to a man." Heinz products are kosher—purity is important (Sun/Venus). Transiting Pluto just recently crossed over the North Node in Sagittarius, transforming a new corporate philosophy in global thinking. Progressed Jupiter and Uranus are conjunct the North Node, suggesting new directions taken to fulfill the company’s purpose.

Archer Daniels Midland was “born” May 2, 1923, in Dover, Delaware. The company’s Sun is at 11 degrees Taurus and its Moon is at 6 degrees Sagittarius. Here we have a dynamo of energy with two T-crosses (Venus opposed  Saturn square to Pluto, and Sun opposed Jupiter square to Neptune). But Venus and Neptune are also part of a grand fire trine with the Sagittarius Moon, giving both drive and the rewards to the company. This Taurus company is engaged in the business of procuring, transporting, storing, processing and merchandising agricultural commodities and products. It is one of the world's largest processors of oilseeds, corn and wheat.

Domini Social Equity Fund was “born” June 3, 1991, in Boston, Massachusetts. Its Sun is at 12 degrees Gemini, and its Moon is at 20 degrees Aquarius. The Gemini Sun is ruled by Mercury in Taurus, trine the North Node of purpose and direction. This creates stability and value to this fund. Born under the Neptune-Uranus conjunction in Capricorn, this company is gaining recognition now with the progressed Sun and Moon conjunct (New Moon) at 21 Gemini, and transiting Uranus trine its natal Aquarius Moon now! This is why it’s outperforming the S&P index. Saturn conjunct the Moon in Aquarius trine Sun suggests the social and ethical requirements of the fund.

Hewlett Packard was “born” August 17, 1947, in Sacramento, California. Its Sun is at 24 degrees Leo, and its Moon is 13 degrees Virgo. A stellium in Leo, including the Sun, brings leadership qualities to the company. The company's central research facility is one of the world's leading electronic research centers. It introduced a non-invasive fetal heart monitor (Leo) that helps babies by detecting fetal distress during labor. Natal Mercury, which rules education, leads the stellium and makes its connection with the dynamic 33.5-year cycle of Saturn-Pluto, with emphasis on research and development to create the standards in the industry.

Yahoo! Inc. initial public offering was April 12, 1996, at 9:30 am (trading time), in New York City. Its Sun is 22 degrees Aries, and its Moon is 13 degrees Aquarius. Yahoo! Inc. is a global Internet communications, commerce and media company that offers a branded network of services to millions of users daily. Moon in Aquarius conjunct the 171-year cycle of Uranus-Neptune trine Venus suggests diversification and global community efforts.