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Winter 2002-03 (published 1/17/03) Astrological Highlights of 2003-04: by Karen Steen, Astrologer During 2003, Jupiter moves beyond the Zodiac sign of Leo and into Virgo (Tropical). It also completes a series of oppositions begun in 2000 to our three outermost planets - Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus. While Jupiter’s orbit carries it into a new sign every twelve months, it moves into position opposite each outer planet only every 12 – 14 years. Developments associated with the current series of Jupiter oppositions are challenging the character of societies worldwide, and that of individuals with planets or angles in Leo/Aquarius and Taurus/Scorpio. The qualities and dates of these Jupiter oppositions are summarized below and detailed in my linked articles. Also, during 2003, Uranus and Saturn move into new Zodiacal signs in their orbital journeys around our Sun. The entry of these planets into successive signs (ingress) is associated with qualitative shifts in social, political and economic trends. Individuals with planets or angles in Virgo/Pisces and Cancer/Capricorn are likely to experience life events and developments directly associated with these shifts. The trend correlating to the Uranus ingress in March will last seven years; that for Saturn’s ingress in June will last two years. Dates and themes for these planetary ingresses in 2003 are detailed below. Jupiter Challenges Us to Broaden Perspectives Through 2003 Currently through June 2003, Jupiter is in position opposite Neptune. This transit challenges us to recognize and integrate the fact of our shared humanity into our individual and societal identities. Individual and sociopolitical responses to this challenge, now and through 2003, are orienting our lives in many ways for years to come. In mid-February when Jupiter moves retrograde to oppose Neptune, we can expect clarification of issues, and substantial progress or reversals in decisions and policies pursued since last summer. My Fall 2002 article offers in-depth discussion and historic correspondences for this Jupiter opposition: “Jupiter Opposes Neptune 9/02–6/03: Will Wisdom Emerge From Experience?” On August 28, 2003, Jupiter and Uranus will move to oppose each other while simultaneously entering their new signs of Virgo and Pisces, respectively. Here, Jupiter will oppose Uranus in a single contact within a powerful planetary pattern lasting only a couple weeks. Sudden significant developments may occur around this time, such as:
These three Jupiter oppositions to our outer planets frame the momentous Saturn/Pluto opposition of 2001-02, for which the 9 -11 terrorists attack on America was the defining event. My Summer 2001 and As Jupiter travels deeper into Virgo later this year and into 2004, I expect policies will emerge regarding public health services, the environment, and workers, as well as increased public dialogue and activism about these issues. In a conservative atmosphere as I expect with Saturn in Cancer (see below), we may see abortion rights and sex education policies challenged, moves to privatize environmental protection, and delimitation of affirmative action programs in the US. Uranus Begins Seven Year Journey Through Pisces in March 2003 Pisces is the sign of universality, source and undifferentiated reality, the human masses and collective unconscious, and faith. Positive associations for Pisces include the oceans and deep-sea industries, mystical and psychic phenomenon, spiritualistic and occult religions, artistic inspiration, very large organizations, and charitable institutions. Negatively, Pisces is associated with deception/delusion and secrets of every kind, drugs and poisons, sacrifice, suffering, mental illness, and places of confinement. As it has in past transits through this watery sign, Uranus’ journey through Pisces is certain to correspond to worldwide developments in social relations and interrelationships, and psychology and spirituality. Uranus last traveled through Pisces from 1919 – 1927. During these years:
Especially as Uranus and Neptune will travel in mutual reception(1) from 2003 – 2011, I expect this period will be characterized by horizontal distribution through societies of progressive ideas and innovative technologies developed in recent years. Especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, computer and communication technology will be integrated into rebuilding the infrastructures of nations decimated by wars of the past 10 – 50 years. I expect China and India, together comprising more than a third of humanity, will substantially develop computer, communication, and alternative energy technologies, and incorporate these into their cultural fabrics. New socioeconomic structures based on concepts of global interrelationships will begin to emerge in war-ravaged regions of Central and South America and in Africa, where wars, famine, and HIV/AIDS have shattered basic social and economic order. In developed nations, I expect the pace of technological advances and material prosperity will slow through this decade. Instead, I expect an emphasis on a) development and wider application of recent advances in science and technology, b) social dissemination of new paradigm concepts and services, and c) domestic and international political, social, and ecological issues. We are certain to see continued applications of computer technology in our personal lives, communities, and industries. I expect advances in all matters of the mind, brain, and nervous system – psychology, neuroscience, consciousness studies, psychic and mind-body phenomenon – as well as in the fields of physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Also, expect developments in criminology and a proliferation of stealth weaponry - especially chemical and biological - and secret weapons and intelligence programs. International agencies for inspecting and monitoring weapons programs, as well as for human rights issues, should increase in numbers, jurisdiction, and authority while Uranus moves through Pisces. Developments will continue to define the European Union, social and political issues related to globalization of capitalism, and the ethics of medical technology. Globally, I expect to see people forming new groups and organizations based on shared ideas and for local issues/endeavors with a global vision. Uranus in Pisces also suggests unexpected changes in the petroleum industry and correctional institutions (prisons), and it favors developments in ocean farming and desalinating ocean waters. Specifically in 2003 and early 2004, as Uranus makes its initial entry into Pisces, I anticipate the developments noted in my Fall 2002 article, as well as these:
As Uranus moves deeper into Pisces during the coming years, initial developments as these will evolve into the longer-lasting trends noted above. Sobering Saturn Enters Cancer in June 2003 Cancer is the sign of the archetypal mother, that which essentially nurtures and sustains. It is associated with ones home and family, personal environment, real estate, water, food, women and women’s professions. Cancer corresponds to that which provides for our most primary needs, and to activities and relationships that ground us in a sense of basic safety and belonging. In mundane or worldly astrology, Cancer is associated with the public and public opinion, agriculture, the housing, hotel, and restaurant industries, women, families, and communities. Saturn in Cancer correlates to developments that challenge the appropriateness of what we rely upon for safety and security. That which we act to secure or defend out of neurotic fear during this transit, we will likely lose. Saturn last traveled through Cancer from August 1973 through mid-1976. During this time:
As Saturn approaches Cancer again, a feeling is growing worldwide that there is no safe or secure place on Earth. This atmosphere characterizes the challenge of Saturn in Cancer, which requires us to look deeply into personal and social infrastructures for answers. Global developments during the past two years are certainly ominous, but does our safety and security finally rest on controlling external factors? Rather, Saturn in Cancer poses this question: Are our individual and social underpinnings – our personal needs and coping behaviors, home and family dynamics, social, economic, and government policies – adequate for our current worldly roles and responsibilities? For what we really want to be and do with our lives? It behooves us to use Saturn transits like a rigorous Quality Improvement program. Be assured that needed improvement is indicated by a Saturn hallmark – the point where we begin to undermine the very things we are striving to secure or defend. The opportunity of Saturn in Cancer is to assure that ones integrity – whether a person, business, or nation – is adequate to sustain them through their worldly risks and responsibilities. During these next 2 - 3 years, I expect people worldwide will experience progressive limitation in domestic matters, characterized by the following:
As well as real limitations, such developments indicate a paradigm of external control that we are well served to grow beyond as individuals and nations. What of the discouragement or losses we feel now result from fear of acting according to our deeply felt truths, as much as from external developments themselves? Social dissemination of concepts and services from new broader paradigms, as I expect with Uranus entering Pisces, can support such empowering shifts in perspectives. From October 2003 through June 2004, Saturn will move into mid-Cancer and over the Sun’s position in the charts of both President Bush and the US. Whether or not the Bush Administration orders the invasion of Iraq, domestic matters associated with Saturn in Cancer for the coming 2 – 3 years will bear heavily on President Bush and the American government and people. We are facing record federal and state budget deficits, a projected massive shortfall in private pension funds, an ever-worsening crisis in health care coverage, an inflated real estate market, and unprecedented centralized control over our legislative process. Such matters can only be remedied with the deep resolve of Americans and mature accountability by our government - both would be constructive responses with Saturn in Cancer. Finally, from November 2003 through May 2004, Saturn and Jupiter are in sextile positions. This bodes well for humanitarian relief efforts, and health, labor, and environmental policies, albeit most likely with a conservative bend. Whatever your political affiliation, this is a good time to make new steps toward achieving long term personal goals that you may have first intuited or set in motion three years ago during the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction of 2000. Summary Copyright 2003, Karen Steen. All rights reserved. Notes: |
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