O V E R V I E W O F 1 9 9 8
This year, like last year, is a transition year. We are emerging from the exact conjunct of Uranus and Neptune in 1993. Uranus and Neptune have been within eight degrees of each other, and hence, conjunct from 1989 through 1997. The conjunct went out of eight degree orb last year. For reference purposes, the Uranus-Pluto conjunct started in 1963, peaked in 1965, and completed in 1969 (as Uranus entered Libra). Much of what we think of as the 60s didnšt happen until a few years after the exact conjunction. The counter-culture didnšt happen until the 1970s, when Uranus and Pluto were out of orb of a conjunt but both in Libra (counter = Uranus, culture = Libra).
We are in the equivalent period as the conjunct of Uranus and Neptune happened in Capricorn, but Neptune is finally joining Uranus in Aquarius this year (this is equivalent to 1972 when Pluto entered Libra joining Uranus which had been there since 1969).
What tends to happen is that the at the time of the exact conjunct everything is in such a state of flux that nobody can actually build something, they can only initiate. The new forms that will come out of the outer-planet conjunction donšt start to crystallize until the conjunct has passed its peak.
This year Neptune enters Aquarius completing the transition from the outer planets in Scorpio and Capricorn (water and earth) to Sagittarius and Aquarius (Fire and Air). This year completes the transition from a fight to break out of a conservative and rigid world view which is the predominant paradigm (transformative outer planets in earth and water) to living in a more energized one (those outer planets in fire and air). But not just any fire and air--Sagittarius and Aquarius are the two most humanistic, idealistic, freedom-loving, and liberal signs in the zodiac.
Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune are all changing signs this year. Jupiter is entering Pisces, Saturn is entering Taurus, and Neptune is entering Aquarius.
When Neptune enters Aquarius in late January, we will be able to watch the Neptunians project a new image. The image will be aloof, humanitarian, idealistic, friendly, and different. There will be competition to see who can project the most outrageous image. This is quite a contrast from the Neptune in Capricorn years when people tried to project the most serious, constructive, business-like image they could (this image was often at odds with what was happening underneath). What was happening underneath often surfaced during Neptune in Aquarius periods in history.
During the 14-year Neptune in Capricorn period we are leaving, people tried to project an image of "status". Starting in January, people will project an image which is friendly and outrageous.
With Jupiter entering Pisces on February 4, 1998 for exactly a year, there will be a boom in music and improvements in musical technology. People will have more tolerance for other people's religion -- this will be especially strong since Pluto is in Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter. People will be a lot more mystical. There will be greater compassion for the homeless and the needy.
Between Neptune entering Aquarius and Jupiter entering Pisces in the end of January - beginning of February, people will be more open to mysticism, to the poor, to the spiritual. There will be more openness of heart and less need to keep within the limits of convention.
When Saturn enters Taurus in June, we will start a 2-1/2 year cycle where finances will be put on a more stable basis. This will rebuild the tearing down of our financial edifice which happened while Saturn was in Aries (the last two years). People will realize they can't just act irresponsibly with their money. Conservatism will become more natural, albeit a little more heavy-handed after June.
This Saturn in Tarus conservatism will moderate the panics and financial oddness which Neptune in Aquarius can bring.
What follows are description of the aspects which will affect us in 1998 from a historical perspective. This historical perspective will give you some insight into the range of possibilities which these outer planet movements encompass in their movements. We will start with Jupiter and work our way out the zodiac through Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
copyright 1993 - 1998 by Ed Rose