Overview of 2009
 

Two outer planet change sign this year, Jupiter enters Aquarius and Saturn enters Libra. First we'll describe the Jupiter in its old and new signs, and then Saturn.

Jupiter in Capricorn is a more serious placement than Jupiter in Aquarius. Jupiter, which is usually more humorous, open-minded, and reasonable becomes focused on achievement and “bettering” the obstacles which Capricorn places in its path. “It may be a disaster, but we came out on top”, says Jupiter in Capricorn. Even when Jupiter is humorous, it is a very dark humor. “I can’t believe it is this bad” laughs Jupiter in Capricorn. Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 18, 2007 and stayed there through all of 2008 -- it leaves for Aquarius on January 5, 2009. The conjunct with Pluto in late 2007 precipitated the current business downturn.

Jupiter in Aquarius is much lighter than Jupiter in Capricorn -- it should bring out the more upbeat side of Neptune in Aquarius by being in the same sign. Although Jupiter is associated with the fear side of Aquarius, we have already been through most of that with Neptune there. I am hopeful that Jupiter here will result in positive social change and going beyond the limitations of class structure (seen in prior transits).

Saturn in Virgo was from September 2, 2007 to October 29, 2009 and then from April 7, 2010 to July 21, 2010. This placement is part of the problem with the economy. When Saturn transited Leo in 2005 through 2007, the economy got overheated with speculative fever in derivatives and real estate -- we came down from that soon after Saturn entered Virgo (see prior periods of Saturn in Virgo in the link above). Saturn in Virgo makes you slog through the illness and take the medicine.

Saturn in Libra happens from October 29, 2009 to April 7, 2010 and then from July 21, 2010 to October 5, 2012. Saturn is exalted in Libra, this is the best place in the zodiac for it. Although this placement usually is positive both socially and economically, there is the final Saturn - Uranus opposition in 2010 which might upset things next year (with oppositions in February, 2009 and September, 2009 leading up to that).

Pluto just changed signs in late 2008. This is a major change -- since Pluto takes 248 years to circle the zodiac, the last time it entered Capricorn was in 1762 (it remained there until 1778). See Pluto in Capricorn for more details. Pluto entering Capricorn will color the entire year -- the next two years with Pluto at the start of Capricorn have been times of major transformation.

Uranus and Neptune remain in their signs. Uranus is still in Pisces, Neptune is in Aquarius. Neptune in Aquarius gives us nebulous fears (and demagoguery about these fears) but also allows us to have faith in science and to bring together science and faith (personally, I believe in intelligent design -- the method: evolution!). See Neptune in Aquarius for more details.

Uranus in Pisces lightens the Neptune in Aquarius. With Uranus ruling Aquarius where Neptune is placed and Neptune ruling Pisces where Uranus is placed, this puts them in "mutual dispositorship". This has some of the qualities of a conjunction of these two planets. Uranus is in the more humorous Pisces. Here the oddness of Uranus is looked upon with humor rather than fear (as it was in Aquarius). And revolutionaries are looked upon as freeing from the old rather than forcing change upon the fearful. Change (Uranus) is focused on dreams (Pisces). For more information, see Uranus in Pisces. The nebulous fears of Neptune in Aquarius are punctured by Uranus in Pisces -- want to stop the fearmongerers, bring humor (for more info, watch Tina Fey reruns on Saturday Night Live).

There are two major Saturn aspects. Saturn aspects last for about 2 weeks, a week and a half before the date given and a week after. Jupiter aspects, in contrast, only last a week total (3 or 4 days before and 2-3 days afterwards).

Saturn opposing Uranus only happens approximately every 45 years, but lasts through three or four oppositions spread over three years. Prior times were 1918 - 1920 and 1965-1967. During these times people demanded change (the planet of change directly confronts the planet of conservative authority) and, towards the end, a youth rebellion was started that lasted for three or more years beyond the last opposition. The first opposition was the day of the American presidential election (Nov 5, 2008) and had everything to do with the candidates saying they represented either change or were "mavericks" (both change and maverick are Uranian words). The four oppositions occur on November 5, 2008, February 5, 2009, September 15, 2009, April 26, 2010, and July 26, 2010. All the oppositions are in Virgo - Pisces except the last in 2010 which is at 0 degrees 25 minutes Libra to Aries. The outlines of the youth rebellion should start to become obvious this year as the oppositions occur -- however, the nature will be changed by the Aries - Libra opposition next year.

Jupiter conjuncts Neptune on May 27, July 10, and December 21. This will help produce reform legislation and spur the need to impove the environment and break down class barriers. We can expect to see new forms of media unveiled. Science and religion can see improvements in understanding and, hopefully, respect.

Immigration and immigration reform will become priorities during these conjuncts of Jupiter and Neptune -- immigration tends to increase with these conjunctions as borders become more porous and people want to implement their dreams (Neptune) or improving themselves (Jupiter). The reaction to the increased immigration can be large as well. However, due to the economic downturn, immigration will not be as much an issue this time.

Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn on November 15th is the first major aspect of Saturn in its new sign. Some of the respect for the wisdom of the authorities (Saturn in Libra) will be shattered as the realities of our current government and corporate structures is revealed (Pluto in Capricorn). This can, ultimately, have a good effect if reforms are instituted.

The quincunxes in late summer and early fall will create some tensions and awkward moments between people's ideals and hopes (Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius) and the very obvious solid facts (Saturn in Virgo).

Venus retrogrades from early March through mid April. During this time people reasses their relationships to see whether they conform with their inner needs. In fact, they look at everything to see whether it matches those needs. During the period from March 6th through April 11th when Venus is retrograding in Aries, these needs will be immediate and forceful. During the rest of the retrograde (April 11th through April 17th) the retrograde is a little less intense -- there isn't the same drive behind it.

The Mars retrograde starts on December 20th and ends on March 10th in 2010, we can again move forward with vigor -- during late December through early March of 2010 your creative juices, your need to have fun and be lively will be inhibited -- just plan on it. It's a time to work inwardly on improving your self-expression and awakening your creativity. If you are an artist, it's time to look inwardly to find what you are passionate about.

Of course, throughout the year Mercury retrogrades happen. January 11th through February 2nd, May 7th through May 31st, September 7th through September 29th, and December 20th through January 15th in 2010. During these times it is best to work on thoughts and writings that have already occurred, not a time to start new ones. Better to edit than to write new prose. Better to fix than to create. Better to take a writing class than to write. People's communications, personal gadgets, and mail all break down. Of course, vows and contracts would be best put off until the retrograde ends (ie, bad time to do your wedding vows unless, perhaps, you are both editors or critics).

Planets Changing Signs
Jan 05 Jupiter enters Aquarius
Oct 29 Saturn enters Libra
 
Major Aspects
Feb 05 Saturn (20 Virgo 39) opposes Uranus (20 Pisces 39)
May 27 Jupiter (26 Aquarius 29) conjunct Neptune (26 Aquarius 29)
Jul 10 Jupiter (26 Aquarius 02) conjunct Neptune (26 Aquarius 02)
Aug 19 Jupiter (21 Aquarius 25) quincunx Saturn (21 Virgo 25)
Sep 12 Saturn (24 Virgo 23) quincunx Neptune (24 Aquarius 23)
Sep 15 Saturn (24 Virgo 43) opposes Uranus (24 Pisces 43)
Nov 15 Saturn (1 Libra 42) square Pluto (1 Capricorn 42)
Dec 21 Jupiter (24 Aquarius 18) conjunct Neptune (24 Aquarius 18)
 
Mercury Retrogrades
Jan 11 (7 Aquarius 43) – Feb 2 (21 Capricorn 45) 
May 07 (1 Gemini 44) - May 31 (22 Taurus 52) 
Sep 07 (6 Libra 13) - Sep 29 (21 Virgo 38)
Dec 20 (21 Capricorn 45) - Jan 15, 2010 (5 Capricorn 35)

Venus Retrogrades
Mar 6 (15 Aries 27) – Apr 17 (29 Pisces 16)

Mars Retrogrades
Dec 20 (19 Leo 41) – Mar 10, 2010 (0 Leo 18)

Jupiter Retrograde
Jun 15 retrograde (27 Aquarius 1)
Oct 13 direct (17 Aquarius 10)
 
Saturn Retrograde
Dec 31, 2008 retrograde (21 Virgo 46)
May 17 direct (14 Virgo 55)
 
Uranus Retrograde
Jul 1 (26 Pisces 37) - Dec 2 (22 Pisces 42)
 
Neptune Retrograde
May 29 (26 Aquarius 28) - Nov 4 (23 Aquarius 42)
 
Pluto Retrograde
Apr 04 (3 Capricorn 18) - Sep 11 (0 Capricorn 40)
 
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Jan 26 06 Aquarius 30 Solar (Annular)
Feb 09 21 Leo 00 Lunar (Annular)
Jul 22 29 Cancer 27 Solar (Total)
Aug 06 13 Aquarius 43 Lunar (Annular)

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