written August 1997

Astrology is the study of the cyclic patterns of the universe and their relationship to human life. The study of these patterns can be applied in numerous ways.

Most people are familiar with Natal or personal astrology, in which the horoscope is seen a map of the psyche. This map reveals the way different aspects of our being are integrated into the complex whole that we call “self”, as well as the timing of the unfoldment of our being through the course of our life (transits).

The amazing depth and truth of the psychological insights offered by natal astrology needs to be witnessed to be fully appreciated. Less well known is mundane astrology, which uses a macro view of human existence, focusing on the collective rather than personal life.

Mundane Astrology spotlights the course of public events and cultural trends through the study of the conjunctions, patterns and cycles of the outer planets from Jupiter to Pluto over the course of generations. These outer planets symbolise basic archetypes and energy patterns relating to interpersonal and collective social trends.

The energy of these archetypes is filtered through the signs of the zodiac, each planet taking on a different expression according to the sign through which it is filtered.

Here the focus will be narrowed to the 1980’s and 1990’s. During this time there are 3 astrological periods, each of which has a distinct cultural flavour.

1. The Expansionist Culture of the early 1980’s
The first of these periods extends from the late 1970’s, had its peak in 1983, and lasted until 1987. Although there were several other influences, Sagittarius and Libra were the dominant themes.

In business circles this period was often referred to as “the free wheeling 80’s”, a time when the sky was the limit in terms of expectations. This was an optimistic expansionist time. With some minor exceptions trade boomed and there seemed no end to continuous growth. The baby boomers (those born in the decade after the end of the 2nd World War) were only just making the transition from their adolescent hippie years into some kind of stable routine based around family and professional life. There was a mind-set born of idealism and wonderment that said anything was achievable. The Vietnam experience had galvanised many towards a common goal, providing hope and high expectations of the future.

Forming the astrological backdrop to this was Neptune, the planet symbolising the collective dream. It entered Sagittarius in 1970, where it was to remain until 1983. In Sagittarius the collective dream has to do with optimistic ideals of freedom, openness, morality and the law, philosophy and religious experience.

The other leg to this astrological backdrop was Pluto, symbolising upheaval originating from the collective unconscious. It had occupied the sign of Libra since 1971, where it remained until 1984. Libra has to do with relationships, with the other. During this time the traditional respect given to the ancient institution of marriage went through an upheaval, with many opting for de facto and less permanent relationships. This radical departure from the past, together with the collective dream of freedom and the morality of openness, combined to make this a most remarkable time in our recent history.

In 1982 Uranus, symbolising radical change and scientific inventiveness, moved into Sagittarius, closely followed by Jupiter, symbolising expansion and growth, in 1983. By this time there were 3 of the 5 outer planets in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is a fire sign, indicating a time of action, idealism, and creative ingenuity. This strong Sagittarius influence was backed by Pluto in Libra. This compatible fire/air combination (idealism and communication) reflected a cultural air of optimism and high expectation for the future. At the same time we witnessed a significant growth in the communication industry and the implementation of computers in industry.

Things began to change in 1984 when Pluto moved into Scorpio, the sign representing intimacy, death and rebirth, and the unconscious mind. During this time we witnessed the rise of the re-birthing movement and other therapies focused upon the release of toxic unconscious material. Revelations concerning sexual and other abuses of power became a common theme in the daily press. AIDS erupted from the deep dark Congo, resulting from sexual contact, a clear reflection of the sign of Scorpio.

From 1984 until 1995 the criminal underworld was slowly growing in power, mainly through the drug trade. How this power may be used in the late 1990’s in regard to the law enforcement agencies when Pluto moves into the open sign of Sagittarius remains to be seen.

2. The Rise and Rise of Capitalist Culture
In 1984 Neptune moved into Capricorn. Capricorn has to do with capitalism, conservatism, status and authority. The collective dream became business orientated, with the ideal of freedom giving way to uniformity. Neptune also has to do with escapism and drugs.

It now became fashionable for rich status seekers to indulge in chemicals of ecstasy and addiction. This passage of the planet of glamour through conservative Capricorn lasts until 1998, when fashion takes a bizarre turn in the sign of Aquarius. Neptune entering Capricorn coincided with the birth of the SNAG (sensitive new age guy). In the sign of Capricorn Neptune weakens and confuses authority, and reflects a strong push by women to assert a position of power and status, esp in the political realm. At the same time there is confusion amongst men regarding their role. We may have to wait until 1998 when Neptune enters Aquarius before the enfeebled SNAG exits the world stage.

In “Iron John” Robert Bly suggests that men brought up in the modern age have subconsciously modelled themselves on mother’s desires because of father’s absence, due to the need to spend long hours at work. The SNAG is but another manifestation of this unfortunate scenario, trying to live up to women’s demands for intimacy and sensitivity, with no initiation into their own manhood.

By 1988 three of the outer planets occupied Capricorn. Times had changed. The traditionalist, reactionary and nationalist characteristics of Capricorn came to the fore. The free wheeling 80’s were quickly becoming a memory. Qualities represented by Capricorn include ambition, perseverance, thrift, discipline and business like integrity. This is a cold and unfeeling sign, with emotional expression difficult. In this mini Capricorn age, a high value is placed upon systematic organisation, order and method. Struggle for recognition and status can result in loneliness & melancholy, although great achievement is possible. This is an orthodox, conservative, ring wing reactionary period with a strong emphasis upon economic values.

During this time the emphasis has been upon traditional family values stressing the importance of home and hearth. Capricorn is the guardian of the status quo, the voice of authority, the accepted views. With Uranus in this sign the fundamental structures of society have been shaken.

As Neptune spread its veil of illusion and seduction over Capricorn issues, slowly dissolving social structures, we are likely to see widespread disillusionment with politicians and government in general. Neptune often acts in a deceptive manner, doing deals behind the scenes. Expect many revelations when Neptune enters Aquarius in 1998. Until that time, we live in a culture of the politically disillusioned.

In religion we have seen the rise of fundamentalism and the imposition of strict orthodox rules concerning the position of women within the church, birth control and divorce.

One of the three planets occupying Capricorn was Saturn, symbolising structure, walls and boundaries. On November the 9th 1989 it came within a degree of Neptune, whose action is to dissolve the walls and structures. The rest is history - this was the day the Berlin wall came down. Those who question astrology can easily verify the action of these planets and the timing of the conjunction at any good bookstore stocking astrological literature.

The early 1990’s saw the rise and rise of capitalism, and its almost complete supremacy over socialist forces. As if this wasn’t enough, in 1993 there was a once in a lifetime conjunction of Uranus and Neptune. This occurs once every 172 years, and through the ages it has been consistently associated with a radical change of awareness in regard to our perception of humanity’s place in the universe. This is sometimes referred to as a “paradigm shift” - a basic change in the way we see things. The nature of this change is determined by the sign in which it is placed. The previous conjunction in 1820 was also in Capricorn, and saw the beginning of the machine age and the industrial revolution, steam powered ships, the discovery of the depth of time and space in connection to fossils beneath the earth, and galaxies existing at unimaginable distances beyond the earth. Nature was subjugated by mechanical power.

This regular conjunction has been noted throughout history as a time when our sense of reality is turned on its head. In 1993 and in the following years, political boundaries were redrawn, as they were at the previous conjunction after Napoleon’s adventurism. We are still in the midst of the latest scientific revolution, which has evolved from mechanical to electronic invention. The recent advances in nanotechnology and bio-technology are likely to give us unprecedented power to control our physical destiny. Instead of the industrial revolution of the 1820’s which resulted in the dislocation of large numbers of people from agricultural to urban society., we now have the information revolution. The way we work is undergoing great change, with manual and factory labour changing to intellectual knowledge work, again causing dislocation and disturbing the lives of many.

Perhaps the most amazing current development associated with this conjunction is the explosion in scope and size of the internet….a world wide web of electronic pathways in the form of a computer network linking people from all parts of the globe. Technology has become an integral part of our culture. That this rare conjunction of these two outer planets should take this form is clearly shown by the horoscope drawn up for that time. Unfortunately limited space does not allow a discussion of this fascinating chart.

3. The Radical Cultural Shift of the late 1990’s
The third cultural period is the dramatic shift from the conservative early 1990’s, where money is the bottom line. The new theme centers around the signs of Aquarius and Sagittarius. This combination of fire and air is reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s. Together fire and air show idealistic and creative action fuelling the promotion of new ideas and intellectual development.

In 1996 Uranus moved into its own sign: Aquarius, and Pluto moved into Sagittarius. Uranus in Aquarius is associated with technological innovation, exciting scientific discoveries, revolution and individuality. Keywords are: liberty, equality and fraternity. The downside is terrorism, chaos and anarchy. It’s action is to break down the walls of ego and restriction, whether of a political or personal nature, and to liberate unfulfilled desire.

Aquarius has to do with collective social movements for reform and liberation of the masses. It is also associated with the dissemination of knowledge and truth, democracy and free enterprise, progress and the ideal society where all have equal rights.

During the previous conjunction of Uranus in Aquarius the make-up of atoms and molecules was formulated by Neils Bohr, Einstein published his Theory of Relativity, the Geiger counter was invented, the first refrigerators went on sale, Ford developed the first true assembly line, experimental rockets were developed, radio transmitters using vacuum tubes were developed, sonar was invented, and the first trans Atlantic radio telephone was developed. Air travel and military inventions increased as the first World War progressed.

Expect developments in the areas of communication, computers, nanotechnology, radio and electronic beams. The computer industry will be turned upside down. Information transmission will exceed all expectations. Extreme behaviour/terrorism. Unusual fashions.

The ability of Uranus to express its real strength in Aquarius is somewhat muted in 1996 with both Neptune and Jupiter still standing stiffly in staid Capricorn. Jupiter in Capricorn brings success to conservative governments and capitalist enterprise. This is the last year of Capricorn power this century.

Although Neptune, the planet of glamour and social fashion remains in this conservative sign for another year, the Aquarian urge for liberation and reform will show its strength in the middle of 1997, and overwhelm the traditionalists in 1998. This represents a radical cultural change. Expect people’s liberation movements to gain wide support in their challenge to repressive regimes.

The movement of Pluto into Sagittarius is both ominous and exciting. On the one hand it suggests that the lord of the underworld (Pluto) will take the high moral ground, bringing death and destruction in the name of high moral principles. One of the most powerful instruments of global power will be the media. Other, more positive indications of the planet of raw power moving into Sagittarius are the upheaval and transformation of the professions (esp. the legal profession), the publishing industry, sport, space travel and the travel industry, mass education and the exposure of entrenched interests in this area, established religion and the abuses of power within religious hierarchies, international trade and the way it is conducted.

The origin of wars will be connected with differences of race and culture, religion and belief. They will most likely erupt along cultural fault lines, in areas of the world where different cultures and religions meet.

On the health front Pluto has long been associated with disease resulting from inner disturbances of the collective psyche. In the sexual sign of Scorpio this was AIDS. In Sagittarius it may have to do with diseases of the liver such as hepatitis, as well as new forms of disease resulting from international contact.

As Sagittarius has long been associated with religion, the higher mind and our concept of God, we can expect new religious expressions or movements to take shape. No doubt the gloom and doom scenarios predicted by many so called prophets for the end of the millennium will fuel the development of unusual religious beliefs.

In 1997 evidence will begin to emerge of a major cultural shift. Jupiter in Aquarius brings success and recognition to the oppressed seeking liberation. In conjoins Uranus in a frenzy of scientific discovery and innovation, with exciting developments for space travel and the utilisation of electro-magnetic power.

In 1998 Neptune finally moves in Aquarius. This represents a powerful cultural shift which is both exciting and scary. People’s movements and networks of all kinds will become the fashion. Fashion in art, clothes and music will turn to the bizarre and unusual. The theme of individual freedom and originality will pervade fashion trends in general. The tyranny of the group and peer group pressure will be counterpoised in contradiction to individual dissent. Anarchy, eccentricity and free expression of radical and wilful kind will be fashionable. So will electronic and computerised devices. This Aquarian culture will extend well into the next century, supported by the power of Pluto in the sign of Sagittarius. Fire feeds air.

This is to be a remarkable time of action, travel, high aspirations, and individual freedom within a context of networked groups. The concepts of liberty, equality and fraternity will be empowered by a new culture of morality and openness. This Aquarian culture heralds our entry into the Age of Aquarius. Although astrologers around the world dispute the exact time of entry into the Age of Aquarius, the evidence of everyday life strongly suggests that we are at least part way there. Computers, electronics, satellite communication, mobile phones and other hand held communication devices, the explosion of the internet, air and space travel are all associated with Aquarius and its planetary ruler, Uranus. It is interesting that the ancient symbols for Aquarius and Uranus are so suggestive of modern technology. The symbol for Aquarius is very similar to radio waves, and the traditional symbol for Uranus is similar to a satellite dish facing two directions. The Aquarian culture is characterised by group networking and individual independence, woven together by technological connections. Religious experience is likely to be focused upon our humanness - finding the divinity within.

The ancient glyph for this sign is the symbol of man circulating the waters of knowledge between land and sea. The new priests will be the scientists working upon the alter of knowledge. Their mission will be the spread of their insight throughout humanity. This symbol also suggests that our salvation will be environmental preservation of the flow of life through the planet’s interconnected ecosystems. At this time we are still in the midst of a major paradigm shift, indicating that with are also in a time of cultural flux. Over the next few years the new trends will become apparent. Flexibility and willingness to change is required for survival.