OVERVIEW
Welcome to the infamous 2012.
The end of the world it won’t be, but it certainly won’t be easy, but then you don’t need to be an astrologer to know that.
Suffice it to say for now, before we look at this month, that 2012 is indeed going to be “interesting,” and if anybody had not believed that we are in a profoundly critical moment in the world’s history on so many levels, environmentally, economically and in terms of value systems, this year will convince them. Every generation or populous living in certain times or certain places, to a greater or lesser extent has its macrocosmic cross to bear, whether it is living through war, threat of nuclear war, famine, brutal dictatorship, mass epidemics, geophysical disasters, economic collapse etc. We are no different, but somehow we have, in the west at least, in the last 30 years or so, been lulled into a false sense of security. We never had it so good and we could see no reason why that should not continue. It was arrogance and a fool’s paradise. Now we must face the reality checks of being human and living in a flawed world with inevitable endings of cycles. The big historical difference is that now this is more or less a global issue and will certainly become one. Many were in denial; but now we are angry or depressed, even resigned. At best we are philosophical (or too wealthy, narcissistic or short sighted to care) 0
An uncomfortable truth passes through three stages. At first it is scoffed at, then vehemently fought against, then finally accepted as being an obvious truth. It’s a bit like the grieving process.
In relation to climate change issues, scientists will only be too familiar with the fact that as Mohandas Gandhi said about those who bring people’s attention to issues that threaten their way of life, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”
Our way of life is indeed being threatened and the thing that is threatening it is our way of life.
It is indeed a formidable year astrologically for many reasons, notably because of three significant shifts of planetary signs.
Firstly, Neptune will be leaving Aquarius, where he has been for 14 years and will be moving on February 3rd for a full 13 years into its own natural home sign of Pisces, which means he operates extremely powerfully (he dipped his toe into Pisces between April 4th and August 6th last year as a rehearsal).
Neptune spends 14 years in Pisces every 165 years.
This coming real deal from February is potentially redemptive and spiritually stimulating and certainly carries with it a search for the divine (in desperation?) and probably out of necessity in some way.
It will also be a fantastic background noise to encourage the arts as the collective unconscious will demand the power of beauty and inspiration, of a soulful sort and there will be need for collective reconnection with nature. The power of the archetype, symbol and imagery and the hunger for the return to the “fairy tale” redemptive ideal will be in the ether. The Pre Raphaelite movement correlated with Neptune’s last visit to Pisces. Sheer escapism can be the down side. There is also likely to be a very powerful revival of a search for true faith, with the real danger of religious fundamentalism and associated extremist dangers, being increasingly sought after as a way of salvation. Neptune dissolves; and we will all be somehow forced to let go of previous assumptions and develop a new consciousness. Neptune dissolves many assumed certainties and most importantly diminishes the ego. Art for art’s sake and not for money’s sake will become increasingly a message. The media hyped phenomena of being famous for being famous will no longer wash.
Reflecting the growing dichotomy globally, the art world will probably divide between that which is about money (extrinsic) and that which is more intrinsic in value. The latter with increasingly more passion.
2012 will be the year of the artist’s voice. . . and will be continued ever more loudly.
Scientific discoveries about the mysteries and wonders of the universe will increasingly emerge, as metaphysics and quantum physics start to meld.
As J.S. Haldane (physiologist and philosopher) said, “The universe may be not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose,” and of course that old adage that “the more we know, the more we will realize we don’t know” will resonate.
The power of music will be a tour de force and the world of photography and film will increasingly become a vital collective language. The need to come together, as opposed to our solitary “online” lifestyles will reveal itself. Neptune in Aquarius (innovation and science) has focused on technology and its ability to revolutionize our ability to connect with each other (but not in person) over the last 14 years and its revolutionary and addictive affect on our lives has been undoubted. Under Neptune in Pisces, a very different and less narcissistic energy is born. The desire to be collective saviors will be strong, as after all, the survival instinct is the strongest and this time it is the survival of the human race and the very planet that is the motivator, and it does not get any stronger than that. The arts can should and probably will become the biggest exposer of our systems fatal flaws and will be a magnet for our collective expression of angst. It will and should, speak truth to and on behalf of our souls.
Banksy has recently created a new piece of Graffiti on a wall near Canary Wharf (the Wall Street of London). It is a very large notice simply saying:
“SORRY! The lifestyle you ordered is currently out of stock.”
Boundaries will be reduced and we will really understand that we are all in it together, as more and more of us feel the effects of economic, political and geophysical stress. There will be a strong need to commune with and have compassion for those who suffer. The separatist instinct will reduce of necessity. Neptune simply destroys boundaries. The power of the collective unconscious will be enormous. It will also put much focus on the principal of water and the seas. We will be increasingly suffering globally from water shortages and at the other extreme, flooding, as climate change reveals its full potential. There will be a new appreciation of the oceans and rivers as we watch their potential death and there will be a hunger for a more pristine and unsullied planet, as more and more awareness of the damage we are doing in our frantic search for diminishing resources (especially oil and sources of energy) grows.
The power of the feminine will become stronger. We will start to revere the principles of goddesses rather than those of the gods. The right hand side of our brain will gain more ground to be listened to and honored: the instinctive / intuitive / emotive / creative side. Some of the less self indulgent hippy ideals of the ’60s may need to be harnessed in the coming years, but this time out of necessity.
The energy and will we need to redress the balance in our unbalanced world is unique to our times.
As Henry Miller said, “Man’s task is to make himself a work of art.”
The last time Neptune was in Pisces from 1847, correlated with the Communist Manifesto being published (initially created as a map for social justice in response to lack of democracy), but any overreaction to a previous political ideology or a resort to an extreme of political stance, we know is pathological, or more pertinently, soon becomes so. This sort of extreme reaction is unlikely to happen again as people know that extreme socialism is as fatally flawed as the extremes of unfettered capitalism (as has evolved in the last 20-30 years) as ultimately both systems are about monopolies and are forms of fascism. Neptune in Pisces anyway will be unlikely to seek a political “big brother” response, to our predicament. The old concept of and expectations of government and its function will, it seems, be utterly changed. Government as a concept has lost its way and the respect of the people.
One diplomat, it has been reported, talked of the current chaotic situation in Europe as “a buggers muddle.”
However it should be born in mind that as some wit said, history doesn’t necessarily repeat itself, but it does tend to rhyme. Lessons are not learned quickly or easily. Memories are short.
When Pluto (power) leaves Capricorn (old school establishment) for Aquarius (the radical new) in 2024/2025, just as Neptune also leaves Pisces for Aries, we will see a very different world being born, one that as yet has not been mapped out.
The current combination/permutation of outer planets at work (the ones that reflect/correlate/cause macrocosmic changes) is historically unique
It is important to remember though with Neptune in Pisces that there is also a potential for much smoke and mirrors being in the air and there is a lot of over idealization and some real illusion / delusion potential. We all need to keep very grounded and realistic and not get carried away by unthinking collective moods.
The worry is, that just as in the ’30s, a real internal crisis can often lead to international conflict as panic, factionism and ruthlessness sets in, as a way of trying to deflect from the inevitable internal breakdown within countries and the work needed to build a new system .A focus on an external threat is often seen as a way of unifying a nation. It is like cutting yourself, so the pain is externalized somehow. Periodic wars are also needed by the armaments industry. We have just seen David Cameron isolate himself from Europe in a faux Churchillian fashion, on the altar of protecting The City (London’s financial heart) from much-needed regulation (the financial transaction tax) in order to appease both his extreme right wing of the party (the core euro skeptics) and of course the financial sector that largely funds his party. This happened during the time of last month’s lunar eclipse (endings) in Gemini (London). Cameron is covertly endorsing the arrival of what has been termed a “new Bankocracy.” His veto has created enmity and animosity within Europe and within his coalition government and will do nothing to help anything except his own Libran need to be popular with his party and his funders.
If, in life it seems that both personally and globally, if we do not embrace the inevitable changes needed, then they are forced upon us later in a much more uncomfortable way. The trouble is we are all uncertain of the way forward and uncertainty fosters extreme ideological stances, as uncertainty seems weak, even if it is a more honest stance.
Neptune in Pisces will further a new diaspora as many from deeply troubled European countries are abandoning their home country seek more security elsewhere. Many from Spain are leaving for South America (an emerging region with resources to no doubt exploit) and many Greeks are claiming Australia as their new homeland and the Irish are leaving in droves. One wonders if there really is an escape route.
Meanwhile, the difficult angular connection between Uranus and Pluto continues. It is very profound when it comes to challenging fundamental value systems and the fight to create new ones. Uranus was conjunct Pluto in the ’60s, as it was between 1848 and 1850, both of which were revolutionary periods in Europe, particularly in France in 1848 of course and in the ’60s when we had the revolution of the hippie era and when there was an almighty ideological conflict between communism and capitalism. Uranus will again be seriously challenging Pluto in exact square (90º angles) in the period this year between June and October and this will probably be the trickiest time. Quite simply this is about the struggle for dominance between the innovative radical future and the ruthless old guard, economically and politically. We have been seeing this struggle globally in the last year and this will continue in a plus plus way, especially in summer this year and indeed this mood will continue to spread in more countries, notably Russia (as is underway) and indeed in China. With Saturn in Libra till October China (Libra) will have significant cracks showing in their socioeconomic system, as imbalance and social injustice issues grow.
The second significant planetary shift (on a lighter note) is that Jupiter will be moving into Gemini for a year from June 2012, which puts emphasis on growth of ideas and intellect and increases further the power of the popular modes of communications. The social media sites will become an even greater force for information and promotion of political movements. The power of communication and the media will rule, but not always with depth, however.
The third shift of sign is that Saturn will leave justice and fairness seeking Libra in October this year (having before then ratcheted up the conversation about global economic injustice and inequality to megadecibel level) and will move for 2½ years into the powerful, obsessive, intensely truth-seeking and often uncomfortable Scorpio. From that sign he will then be in mutual reception to Pluto, which means that Pluto remains in Saturn’s sign of Capricorn and Saturn will be in Pluto’s sign of Scorpio. This is therefore a powerful combination as each position compliments the power of the other. This will help break the deadlock between those that have and those who have not. It can bring a need for realization within the financial sector that change is really needed. Pluto in Capricorn can wield power ruthlessly with a dominant need for control, especially in financial interests, and has a desperation to hang on to vested interests in the status quo, even while in freefall, whilst Saturn (karmic justice) in Scorpio seeks power to exert justice, especially in the financial sector and there is also a ruthless drive for truth and under Saturn in Scorpio’s watch, there will be a harsh, undeniable exposition of the underworld and the underbelly of the human condition, for good or ill, especially related to money.
The State will be forced, after ruthless resistance, to take a more responsible centralized policy of compassion and justice, and really will have to address fundamental flaws in the current capitalist model, as conditions for much of the populace become untenable, as does the collective chaos and anger as full realization of facts and figures compute.
Saturn in Scorpio tends to give no quarter and can be ruthless in sticking to principal without compassion and like a dog with a bone, can be formidable. Of course that can be a force for good or ill. Motive is everything with Scorpio. But that’s not till October. It is interesting that Scorpio rules Washington, D.C., and Saturn in Scorpio at election time in November will probably prove a tough karmic note for the capital and its political players.
Scorpio-ruled Syria will become an increasingly intimidating nation as the response of other powers to that country also becomes ruthless.
Scorpio rules nuclear power, and the karma of misuse of such power will be evidenced.
Saturn, newly in Scorpio in October will then simultaneously move into harmonious alignment with Neptune and continues in this alignment in 2013. Saturn, Neptune and Pluto will all then be constructively linked by angular relationship in complimentary signs to each other. This can’t be bad, but it leaves Uranus as the maverick outsider. Real extremists will not be assuaged, but they rarely are. They will have served their purpose to kick-start change.
But this is Capricorn’s month and this is a karmic sign, as it is indeed ruled by Saturn, Lord of Karma. Capricorn is an earth, cardinal, female sign and is very much about having to learn spiritual lessons by dealing with the material world and confronting the whole principal of mammon. It is a conservative sign and often has an instinctive desire to hang onto the status quo, is often fearful of change and can be a knee-jerk conservative. As a sign it has a need for status and material security and along with its strong work ethic, perfectionism and fear of loss, there is great motivation to climb the ladder of success, where it often establishes itself. Capricorn often represents the true spirit of the Calvinist protestant work ethic. Capricorns are often dignified and persevering with patience and great fortitude. The totem phrase for the sign is “I use” and “I climb” and Capricorn is always on the lookout, often unconsciously, for a situation or person(s) who will be of use in some way. They like status. Like the mountain goat, its symbol, Capricorn natives often feel as if they are climbing a steep mountain alone, with the chilly winds around them, but despite the stumbles along the way, they pick themselves up, climb on and eventually reach the summit; and the view is good. Not for this sign is the rapid early rise to success, but late development and slow but steady progress is the hallmark of Capricorn’s journey. Like good wine they get better with age. As young people they are often old before their time, but with age they somehow claw back some lost youth. Capricorn tends to learn by instant karma (Saturn). If it gets too cocky, greedy or complacent; there is a fairly speedy price to pay. No pain, no gain. Capricorns simply need to learn humility to complete their gifts. . The only true corollary that goes well with power is humility, a fact lost on many powerful individuals. The body part associated with their sign is the skeleton and bones (as well as skin, teeth and hair) but most specifically the knees, literally, the power to kneel in humility. Capricorns can suffer from knee problems and bone issues in general. Many Capricorns or Capricorn rising natives have strong angular bone structures, especially facially. Eventually all Capricorns have to bend to a higher will in life, one beyond their control and non material. They have to accept limits, obligations and also a need to fight their fear, which is their greatest enemy.
Capricorn’s original symbol was half goat, half fish (tail half) and although an earth sign it shares some of the qualities of the true water sign of the fish, Pisces. Capricorn often, behind the worldly veneer, has the same sensitivities as Pisces and suffers as a result, but it is a sign destined to be in and of the world and cannot allow itself to be escapist in the way that Pisces often is. Capricorn soldiers on, despite the sensitivity to suffering and pain or wounds felt inside. With a stiff upper lip, they are terrified to get off the dutiful, breadwinning treadmill and will maintain a great sense of responsibility. It puts itself through hoops if necessary to prove its worth in the world and to keep the cash flow intact, and to do what it feels is necessary, no matter how hard that is on the body. As a sign they do seem to have to really earn their rewards. The pursuit of wealth and status can however become damagingly obsessive in some Capricorn native cases. (Pluto in Capricorn since 2007 has revealed just what that can do). Capricorn often neglects their creative potential on the altar of mammon, security, safety and predictability and potential wealth; and indeed the lessons that all this brings. Both Pisces and Capricorn have a strong spiritual journey, but the paths they take are very different. Capricorns are often pessimists, or rather, harsh realists. . . and as such they can be quite heavy company. . . But then again mankind cannot stand too much reality. They also often have a delightful black humor.
Because of the dominance of Saturn, Capricorn can suffer from low self esteem and underconfidence which they can battle with all their life, but often hide this fact behind a dignified exterior. Compensation for emotional lack is often sought through financial gain. They like to control, because of fear of trusting that it will all be ok, especially if left to others, and they can be hard taskmasters, like their Saturn ruler. They have very high standards and this can be problematical in relationships. However, beneath their reserve is often a very vulnerable and compassionate heart. They can suffer from a father complex, either because of too dominant a father or a lack somehow in that area. They can wear a metaphorical hair shirt and if there is a tough way of doing something, they will do it that way and they often give 300 percent of effort when 150 percent would have done. Such is their need to prove themselves to themselves and to others. They are often austere, strict and fearful of censure by society or the establishment and this is often a product of fear. When spiritually evolved, (and many become so) as a result of learning powerful lessons in life and by grappling with the realities, practicalities and karmic experiences of life, they can be very wise souls indeed. Saturn is of course the karmic schoolteacher. It can be hard for Capricorns to let their hair down, as work (and even suffering) is a priority, but when they do (rarely) relax fully, the shadow side looms large and they can be surprisingly sensuous and self indulgent. The ancient roman festival of Saturnalia was after all quite orgiastic. England with its colonial past and class system and stiff upper lip is a Capricorn country, Westminster, seat of English government, is a Capricorn place and indeed Oxford in England, that bastion of class privilege and high standards, is also a Capricorn city. India with its caste system and colonial heritage is a Capricorn country. Other Capricorn countries are Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Albania and Mexico.
A very significant event this month is Mars in Virgo moving retrograde on the 24 and stays in retreat till mid April. All the planets have retrograde periods. The most regular ones are the inner planets, i.e. Mercury, Venus and Mars. Mars is forthright assertiveness, the masculine, ambitious, physical, even warlike planet and when he goes retrograde this energy is turned inwards. Drives become more reflective and more unconscious and often less material. From January 24th until mid April therefore there will definitely be a shift and change in mood. External aggression will be inhibited. The surface calm however will be misleading. On a global level, it will suggest an uneasy, diffused anger, not overt but covert and motives for behavior internationally will be triggered by more subjective, knee-jerk, internal stimuli rather than logical, external or conscious focus. Countries and politicians will be developing inner strategies and secretiveness will be part of the picture. There is also the possibility of global paralysis and a sense of impotence, particularly when it comes to practical action. Greece being a Virgo country may well be a focus and the dilemma of its economic status in Europe will be potent. Pent up and inner anger which can be seething, can be dangerous and in fact many on the planet will be baffled by their own feelings of inner intensity and frustrated passions. There can unfortunately be periods of unexpected eruptions when Mars is retrograde, quite simply because of the power of unconscious feelings that are generated. This retrograde motion acts like a pressure cooker, with a need to have a safety valve, to let off an explosive build up of pressure. The equivalent of “self harm” may be evidenced in some nations’ behavior, motivated by a need to assuage or express inarticulate inner pain and frustration. It is in reality, a time when we need to rethink the value (retrograde) of the directions of our collective energies (Mars).
When Mars is retrograde in Virgo in an individual chart, it often leads to bodily inflammation. Globally therefore we can expect the equivalent building in the collective unconscious. Positively used however, a retrograde Mars can give a crusading, pioneering desire for altruistic activity and goals can be driven, not by ego or ambition, but by more universal selfless needs. As Virgo is connected to nature and ecological issues, it maybe a time where we are forced to review these issues, as changing violent weather patterns increasingly confound us and we increasingly realize it is impossible to deny the need to address these issues as a priority. A realization of a need to value nature will again loom as an essential priority, not a luxury. Whether the powers that be stop and read the neon flashing light of stark warning is another story.
Artists can collectively be a quiet army.
It is of interest that the Turner Prize winner, Glaswegian Martin Boyce, seems to personify a new more serious and modest mood of the artist in both his work and personality (no date of birth known). He seems not inclined to claim the limelight in the way that the Turner Prize winner seems so often to do. His thoughtful understated rather poetic installation invokes a memory of a public park with trees and carefully arranged aluminum leaves which create a haunting light effect. Its simplicity and ability to slowly entrance you is its strength. He studied at the Glasgow school of art and undertook then a new course called environmental art. Clearly it has paid off and suits the needs of the day. The tree it seems has been a focal point for him in his creative life and is reflected throughout his installation.
Trees are powerful metaphors of life and great givers of life (oxygen) to the earth. They can inspire awe. They are also great focuses for meditation (an appropriate activity when Mars is retrograde in Virgo).
Venus’ move into Pisces on the 14th and this is the single most artistically and spiritually inspired planetary position there is. It is visual, felt in the soul and devotional. It augurs hugely well for musicians, photographers and film-makers and it will remain in that sign until the 8th of February. Creatively Mars in Virgo puts a lot of power into the value of technical detail and skill, and in retrograde motion from the 24th; the power of the unconscious and hidden desires will definitely drive artistic talent and in a potentially triumphant way.
Challenging days when Saturn is at work are around the 20th when the Sun squares up to Saturn, bringing blocks, delays and reality checks, and also the 27th when Mercury also squares up to Saturn, bringing problematic news. Days of intuitive inspiration are around the 22nd and 28th when the Sun and then Mercury respectively sextile Uranus (60º angle). Days when spiritual inspiration is particularly strong and visual acuity and musical gifts are underlined are around the 7th and 13th when both Mercury and Venus respectively line up to Neptune, the 13th being particularly potent. Good news days when there will be a some rare sense of buoyancy are around the 8th and 15th when Jupiter gets a look-in, and days of courage, pragmatism and constructive action are the 13th and 24th when Mars is favorably lined up to the Sun and Mercury respectively.
Interestingly, New Year’s Day it has got an atmosphere of some volatility as Mercury squares Mars which implies a war of words and creates volatile irritability in personal lives and possible in a global context.
Let us not forget that Saturn continues to trine Neptune this month which helps combine pragmatism with idealism.
The full Moon is on the 9th at 18º of Pisces and the new Moon is on the 23rd at 2º of Aquarius.
N.B. If you know your ascendant (rising sign), you should read the general trends for that sign, in conjunction with your Sun sign, for a more accurate forecast. In astrology, the nature of the planet symbolises the type of energy that is happening, the sign it is in how it is happening and the house it is in where it is happening.
LEIGH OSWALD is a London-based astrologer and teacher. She welcomes your comments to her website at www.astroanalysis.co.uk.