October 20, 2009

Saturn's (Almost) Last Days in Virgo: Serious Saturn takes about 29 years to orbit the Sun, spending roughly two years and four months in each sign. The planet of order has been in practical Virgo since September 2, 2007 where its limiting force has dampened the labor market, exposed weaknesses in systems, and made many of us question our competence. On October 29 Saturn will temporarily say goodbye to Virgo and move into Libra where shifting alliances and relationship issues are likely to come into the foreground. Before continuing its journey in Libra, though, Saturn will return to Virgo for one last visit from April 7 to July 21, 2010.

Saturn is the planet that says “no” but means “yes”. It exposes problems and places of dissatisfaction. Yet the clarity that it brings can reveal the steps necessary to improve the situation. Traditional astrology focused on the “no” side, calling Saturn “the Greater Malefic,” or biggest bad guy of all the planets. This extremely negative perspective has shifted a bit with modern psychological astrology that recognizes the transformational power of individuals as opposed to the old deterministic model. Still, Saturn in any sign tends to highlight its limits. Its presence in perfectionist Virgo dramatizes the tiniest flaws, which can undermine self-confidence. However, steady progress has been made in places where we’ve worked conscientiously to enhance a current skill set or learn a new one. A key to making the most of this transit is the avoid measuring ourselves against an unreachable standard of perfection, but to make small incremental advances where we can.

The usual caution of Saturn in Virgo has been severely disrupted by its opposition with explosive Uranus in Pisces. This face-off between the planets of old and new, order and chaos, and crystallization and innovation, will continue through July 2010. So we are still caught between trying to shore up the failing institutions of the past and creating new ones for the future. Saturn’s last days in Virgo can be spent talking about the breakdown of society and finding fault with others and ourselves. Or, we can turn our critical minds toward finding solutions that may not change the world overnight but will add up to a constructive collective process that ensures the wellbeing and survival of humanity.

Co-creating the Future

Rick Levine and I are presenting an exciting seminar on using astrology to live more effectively in these changing times. On March 7 – 13, 2010 we will be teaching in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a limited group of attendees. Whether you’re a serious student of astrology, total beginner or seasoned professional, Rick and I promise to enrich, enliven and educate with astrology’s magical language to help you create a brighter future. Go to Heaven and Earth Workshops for details.

As published here on my Tarot.com blog.

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