Reflections…

I know this has been said too many times, and in fact was a call to action in the recent elections, which of course we experience the result of this week with President Obama’s inauguration. However, I’d like to add thoughts to a perspective that may not receive as much attention as our current economic crisis, international embarrassments, or our dependence on foreign oil, and that is this- astrologically, it is time for a change as well.

Astrology is an important lens with which to view the world from the perspective of depth psychology because like all cultural traditions there is something to be learned from it. A foundational principle of depth psychology is “as above, so below.” Basically, this means that things reflect each other. Thus we have discussed symbols being reflective of inner dynamics, and so too can the planets be reflective of what is going on inside an individual, as well as a culture. Astrology has survived for over two thousand years, and that fact alone makes it important to understand its language, in my perspective.

Astrologically speaking, the years of 2007-2012 are extremely important years. Interestingly, the acknowledgment of these dates as a critical time period coincides with many other traditions, such as the Mayan calendar.

During this time period, the planets Saturn and Uranus are quite active, and they oppose each other. These planets each stand for a symbol. Saturn is the principle of tradition, duty, finiteness, time, and limits. In an individual astrology chart we would often see this planet as a symbol for the relationship to one’s father figure, and to authority in general.

The planet Uranus can symbolize many things, not the least of which is change. Uranus is the symbol for things quickly shifting, it can feel like a lightning bolt, because things substantiate that didn’t seem possible in the previous circumstances. Uranus can also symbolize rebellion, freedom, reform, revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures. I’m quoting a lot from Richard Tarnas’ influential book, Cosmos and Psyche; also, I am mentored by one of the best in the business.

So, symbolically we have an opposition between pre-written rules, limits, existing structures and reform, revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures. Sound familiar?

As a collective group, say the nation of the U.S., it becomes easy to see this planetary opposition played out in the recent Presidential election. We had the 32-year politician and war veteran opposing the junior Senator running on a campaign of hope. Were astrologers able to predict the results of the election? No, not really. The beautiful thing about the stars is the individual, or group, has free will to choose how to implement the planetary principles into their life. This time, the U.S. chose change and reform.

So, what happens next? Well, perhaps even more interestingly, Saturn and Uranus can also be reflective of the economic crisis, where we see Saturn as representing the status quo and Uranus representing the breakdown of past structures. Many economists have repeatedly stated that the current economy is not behaving according to past rules and behaviors, and that they don’t really know what to expect from it in the future.

One of my favorite sayings is “Change is only welcomed by wet babies” and from my experience in babysitting, I’m not even sure that is true. So, while the opposition between Saturn and Uranus may be exciting because we see a new leader who (finally) brings a diversity in experience, thought, and heritage to the White House, it is also uncomfortable to watch our financial structures radically change.

To me, one thing does seem clear and that is this- thriving in the next few years will require an attitude of flexibility and cooperation. What do you think will be necessary?

Note: I originally published this post on www.depthpsychologytoday.com on January 18, 2009.

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