Many people are aware of the planetary alignment that peaks at the winter solstice 2012. There is some concern that these transits will challenge us in ways that alter our reality forever. For some people this has become a terrifying probability. To allay those fears, let’s realize that the build-up to that alignment is already happening. In case you’ve noticed that life is getting very challenging at both the individual and collective levels, congratulations. You are paying attention. With that awareness, we can choose to work with these energies as we desire, rather than simply waiting for the affect of those influences to minimize the quality of our lives.
The alignment involves three main planets, all of them powerful energies of change. All three will be in cardinal signs at that time. Cardinal means active, assertive and initiating. Cardinal signs like to get things going and if they don’t work out, trying different behaviors until we are successful. One thing to note about this alignment is that we are not locked into anything. The more freedom we give ourselves to make decisions and act from a point of clarity, the more we can assume a positive result.
The planets involved are Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra. Uranus and Saturn will oppose each other and both will square Pluto. This column has addressed the transits of Pluto in Capricorn and the opposition of Saturn and Uranus several times. This month, Pluto and Saturn move into a 90-degree angular relationship with each other. An aspect called a square. Squares bring internal tension and challenges. The square between Pluto and Saturn is particularly challenging because both energies like control. If we are centered, we use the Saturnine type of control to increase our self-discipline and direct our time and energy to achievement of clearly defined goals. If we are off-center, we experience Saturn as fear. Fear blocks movement. We could give our power away to others or demand that others give their power to us. Pluto pertains to transformation. When centered, we use Plutonian energy in the process of on-going self-analysis. We release and let go of values, behaviors, choices and assumptions that we made in the past which were either inaccurate at that time or which we have outgrown. If we are off-center, we can compulsively cling to outmoded patterns or ways of being after they have grown stale or stagnant.
One way to work on creating a desirable outcome to the alignment of 2012 is to work on the Pluto-Saturn square now. This will be with us in varying degrees from now until then.
If we are off-center, we will tend to manifest the lower octave expression of these combined energies. This could involve a decrease in physical energy, sometimes including health challenges. We could be confronted with increased levels of work and responsibility even as we feel depleted. This experience could lead to enforced restrictions, possibly due to the heath issues, or a tendency to relate to others with extreme selfishness or ruthlessness. Lower octave expressions of Pluto usually include or lead to crises, explosions or meltdowns. Even if we are doing the work of remaining centered, and don’t deal or experience this transit as destructive, we need to be aware of others who may be overwhelmed and who are lashing out to protect themselves or preserve their toxic realities.
If we are centered, this is a wonderful aspect that can help to get insights into our oldest and deepest fears in ways that will enable us to work them through and be free of them. This is a great transit through which to pay off old debts to others (whether they be financial, emotional or moral) and transform your relationship to that person or situation accordingly. In general, this is an aspect that could lead to new beginnings of life goals, relationship behaviors and even rebirths of old relationships.
One of the biggest challenges of this transit is to realize that it requires us to confront ourselves. By resolving inner conflicts we develop a new awareness of ourselves, others and the nature of life and our place in it. This is very profound stuff that could lead to new levels of empowerment and liberation. If we don’t engage in this inner struggle, we could direct the energies to confronting others. We could feel victimized by others or by life. The reality is that whatever we find confronting us at this time was caused by things we activated in the past. The primary place others have in this transit is to test ourselves. If we create new behaviors that lead to new levels of harmony and fulfillment, we are doing the work and are on track. But if we are continually embroiled in turmoil with others, regardless of who initiates the conflict, or if our lives are constantly crashing and burning, we aren’t paying attention or at best, are being lazy.
Dealing with Pluto transits is never easy. The ones to Saturn could be the most difficult of all. It could be tempting to try to bury what needs to be addressed and avoid the pain. Wrong. Unresolved Pluto issues keep getting bigger and more difficult. Better to jump in now, at the beginning of a long transit, and slowly and patiently work our way through the issues.
Aries: This month continues the pattern of last month: lots of energy for creativity, sports and spontaneous fun. You might decide to host the family Thanksgiving event, even if it has never appealed to you before. One caveat about this energy, however, is that it could lead to being caught up in your own enjoyment or pleasure to the point where you overlook others and become insensitive to their needs or feelings.
Taurus: This could be a very creative month for you, either in the arts, at work or in a primary relationship. In order to fulfill the potential of the period, you might need to be more open to others than you usually are. Revealing deep feelings could lead to vulnerability and even social awkwardness. It could also, however, lead to a deepening of the emotional bond between yourself and others as well as render your artwork more profound.
Gemini: Many challenges for you this month. In early month you might be a little too caustic in communication. You could come across as argumentative or insensitive to others when making a point. Later in the period, excessive idealism could leave you feeling disappointed in yourself, others, or a situation. Growth for you this month comes from spending time in introspective self-analysis. This could insure more clarity about your intention and fewer mistakes will be made.
Cancer: The full Moon in Taurus on the 2nd and the new Moon in Scorpio on the 16th could help you feel safe and secure. However, there will be challenges during these events. The full Moon could lead to being too contentious with others if you feel that they hurt your feelings. The new Moon challenge is to avoid seeing people and situations as you want them to be rather than as they are. Use the internal connection to your own emotions to guide you through these times and tensions.
Leo: Mars is transiting through Leo again this month, so your energy level is high across the board. Use this to be more expressive and more physical. Growth comes from tuning in to others. Even though you may be having a good time, others may not be. Although it isn’t necessarily your fault that they aren’t doing well, nor you job to fix it, being thoughtful may mean being more restrained while avoiding feeling repressed.
Virgo: You may feel quite relieved now that Saturn is no longer in Virgo. You could be more open to new experiences and less burdened by feelings of guilt or responsibility. This is a good time to create or explore new projects, especially those that involve relationships to family (either immediate or extended), your home or situations at work. Growth comes from being more self-affirming than you may normally be and feeling comfortable initiating new activities.
Libra: What a double whammy: first Saturn enters Libra at the end of October and then it immediately is squared by Pluto. From time to time you may feel like you just walk into a brick wall. This is going to be a long transit, so be patient with your process. The harmony in your life will definitely be challenged. Growth for you can come from realizing that harmony can be temporarily set-aside in the interests of clarity and resolving relational difficulties. A greater, more fulfilling harmony will come about later.
Scorpio: Pluto is your co-ruling planet. As such, many of the challenges inferred by its square to Saturn could confront you. If you are a Scorpio who tends to be self-aware through consistent self-analysis, you could experience profound growth over the next three years. This could manifest both in your relationship to yourself as well as your interaction with life. Give yourself permission to change anything that doesn’t fit, from relationship needs and behaviors to professional goals to artistic expression.
Sagittarius: Your challenge this period is to avoid responding to others’ difficulties or despair by being too generous with your time and energy. Nothing wrong with compassion and a sincere desire to help, but many of the challenges people are experiencing at this time are monumental. A well-told joke or story and a little pep talk won’t really cut it. Plus, by being overly focused on others you might overlook your own issues. Growth comes from trying to function socially in ways that are considerate of everyone’s needs and feelings, including your own.
Capricorn: Pluto is in Capricorn; your ruling planet Saturn is squaring Pluto. So you may either take the collective challenges we are all experiencing too personally, or feel as if it’s your problem to fix. If the former is your experience you could respond with an immense show of force and then get locked into power struggles. If the latter feels more correct, you could feel overwhelmed with guilt and take on burdens that aren’t yours. One fundamental task for the next three years is to continually work on limits and boundaries between yourself and others.
Aquarius: This could be a period when social activities flow easily for you. The challenges lie in spiritual growth and consciousness development. Test your assumptions about the nature of life and your place in it. Deepen your insight into your intentions. Cultivate your relationship to the Divine. These activities are best done with planning and organization.
Pisces: Quality time alone daily is always a good idea for you. This month it is almost imperative. Miscommunication and misperceptions could abound leading to mental confusion and social alienation. Once the clarity that comes from your alone time manifests, your relationship to both self and others will improve.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and been a practicing professional since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through SRJC and ongoing classes through Crystal Channels in Santa Rosa. To inquire about classes, or to make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: http://www.starwatcher.com/
On Saturday, October 24th, families and their pets gathered for the annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade in the Healdsburg Plaza. Hosted by the Healdsburg Dog House, hundreds attended for the costume contest, raffle, and numerous fundraisers.
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Come be a part of this community project so you can tell your kids and grand kids “I help build that”. 
