The Grand Plutonian Convergence

The August 2007 Forecast

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Past forecasts

I n our family, we’ve recently been watching, and become enthralled with, “Life on Mars”, a BBC detective-crime drama with a time-travel twist set in 1973 and 2006. It contrasts the differences between crime detection techniques then and now, as well as broader cultural differences. Like Al Gore’s frog that is slowly parboiled when the water temperature is raised gradually, the differences between the 70s and now seemed imperceptible to me until I began to ponder the deeper implications of this TV show. This was brought into stark contrast when my 17-year-old son said wistfully that he wished he’d been around for the 70s. Life seemed simpler then, the world kinder, and the culture was headed in a better direction. If the 70s seems like an idyllic time to live to an outsider, it seems to me like a time when we went to sleep (after the horrors of Vietnam and Watergate). Many of the progressive goals seemed to be reached that we are now returning to out of dire need. We knew then about global warming (then called the greenhouse effect), the population explosion (remember ZPG — zero population growth?), and no one expected to be driving a car beyond the year 2000.

            These events are highlighted in my mind as we approach the end of Pluto’s time in Sagittarius (1995–2007), the time when everything was supposed to change but didn’t. We were supposed to transition from gasoline combustion and diesel to other modes of transport. We were supposed to think globally with compassion but act locally. We were supposed to develop more of a sense of community as the world grew smaller and our neighbors closer to hand. Instead it became distressingly more of the same (with the cultural backlash of events like 9/11 and the creation of al Qa’eda and the Taliban). Still, all people have to understand the consequences of their beliefs, and so we could say it was important to play out some of the more extreme behaviors and socio-cultural patterns for people to recall or understand what results from these less-healthy trajectories of human consciousness and action.

            As I write, Venus has recently turned retrograde. For my part, it’s been rather pleasant so far, but the real effects will be felt when Venus re-enters Leo on the 8^th. This is a once-in-18-months gift that we get by virtue of the fact that we are not located in the center of the solar system. Every time that Venus turns backward in its transit, we experience the descent of Inanna. Although it may not be as dramatic as her story, we will in some way go into the Underworld and discover what has been hidden from us, especially to do with what we value or love. This retrograde starts out in Virgo, but Venus makes most of her backward travel through Leo. She gives us yet another chance to “get it right” where the experiences of the past 2 years are concerned. I wrote at great length in last month’s forecast about the importance of the contacts that Venus makes, which occur between June 30 and October 13. Venus’s retrograde itself lasts 44 days (July 27 – September 8). This can be a magical time, but even if it doesn’t feel that way, you will certainly experience a number of completions. By now we know what the energy of this retrograde is, and we can see in world events that big changes are afoot, from the Senate judiciary pressuring the administration regarding “attorneygate” and the testimony of Alberto Gonzales, to the purchase of Dow-Jones by Rupert Murdoch/News Corp.

Drama Awaits Us.

            There’s more than Venus to look at this month however; in fact, there is a major planetary convergence that is taking place without proclamation, yet it is awesome in its power an positive in its effect. First, there’s the contact between Saturn and Pluto on the 6^th, the event we’ve been unconsciously waiting for since July 2005.

The Planetary Sub-Text

            If you don’t care about the planetary mumbo-jumbo, skip to the next section. However, the planetary story is fascinating in itself if you can follow it. The Sun and Mercury in earlier degrees of Leo are hurtling toward Saturn-Pluto as the month begins, while Venus does so in retrograde motion from the later degrees. Although Sun, Mercury, and Venus join with Saturn and Pluto after their contact, all the connections are close enough together in time and space to feel like a single, concurrent (though sustained) event.

            These planets plug in to Pluto during the week of August 12^th. (See Chart A above.) The New Moon on that date sets it off with a bang, but we may not realize it until mid-week.

And Now Back to Our Story

            This is a little like the point in a story when the plot turns toward its resolution, as when Harry Potter is joined in his mortal battle with Voldemort by members of the Order of the Phoenix. As in most stories, plot twists can occur. This may happen in August, and with pleasant surprises. This convergence is the frequently mentioned (by me) resolution of the vision that inspired us 1995. Because Venus and Mercury are so involved, we can expect that agents (go-betweens) will be available to act on our behalf. Mercury suggests that there will be neutral, though enthusiastic, agents ready to truly be a support; the fact that Venus is retrograde may mean that some agents (with female-like allure but not necessarily female) may be sincerely interested in helping and promise to do so, yet be unable to despite their best efforts — at least in the short run. At worst, Venus could suggest someone who has their own self-interest at heart and does not intend to benefit you.

            This will all tie in with the life processes you are completing, whether the minor one started in July 2005 or the major one started in 1995. For instance, in 1995, my youngest son started school. This gave me greater independence to develop my business and professional skills (which was one of my major goals). Now he happens to be nearly done with school, but more importantly he is quite independent and needs me very little. While we have another year of high school to go, many things are settled for him, such as what colleges he is planning to apply to, what he needs to do to develop himself his final year in high school, and what he plans to major in. In addition, my elder son has graduated from college, which frees me up in another way. Education is ruled by Sagittarius (Pluto’s sign until January), and it is appropriately placed in my chart for this description. What does this period of completion mean to you?

Timing

            No matter what your story, it will start cooking by the 6^th. However, the period of greatest activation is August 12–21. Right after that, we’ll notice a dramatic shift to another focal pattern that has been periodically significant, involving Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus — then later the Sun, Moon, and Mercury. Starting the 23^rd, we’ll notice a higher volatility factor in events, even if we’re not directly impacted by them.

The Mutable Planets Ride Again.

            These planets begin to interact on the 6^th, but they will not attract our focus until after the 21^st. Then they will hold our attention through mid-December, with a peak period the second week of September. It will be useful to keep track of what occurs on critical dates so you can maximize the positive effects of this energy in your life. The August dates are:

Date (Chronological)	Planetary Event	Theme/Issue
August 6	Jupiter SD (related dates Nov 21 [2006], April 5, June 5)	expansion, optimism What do I need to do to finish what I started in 1995? What will bring me prosperity?
August 6	Mars enters Gemini	begins activation, build up of aggression What action do I feel compelled to take in order to achieve my aims? Where might I overreact or feel overwhelmed in the coming 2 months?
August 19–23	Mars-Mercury-Jupiter	activation, (over)stimulation Where can I use logic to shed light on the challenges I face? Where may logic limit me if I rely on it too much?
August 28	Mercury-Uranus, Lunar Eclipse	startling revelations What can I do to calm my life and keep my focus? Now I have answers and can (must) move forward. How can I prepare for September’s intense level of activity?

            If you have planets in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), your experience of this pattern will be heightened. It will bring a continuation of what you’ve been experiencing in all year, especially in March, early April, and June. Because of their cycles, we will be completing and resolving situations that arose at those times. During the week of the 19^th, you will experience a gradual increase in intensity and activity frequently typified by interruptions and unexpected events that we have to respond to immediately. The challenge will be to stay in our center of peace and calm in spite of this. One way to alleviate the effects is to avoid over-scheduling yourself during this week, if possible. If not, be prepared to postpone some activities and lower your expectations of what can be done now. Yes, you’ll get lots done, but it may not be what you have planned.

Jupiter Comes Back to Us.

            You’ll note that August 6 has arisen three times — that is, three important planetary events occur on that day. One of these is Jupiter’s return to forward motion. When it turned backward (retrograde) on April 5, we were in the process of taking bold action (Jupiter in Sagittarius) based on what we had faith would happen. Whether subsequent events fulfilled our expectations or not, we have had four months to integrate these circumstances into our lives and lay the foundation for what’s next. Our own unique “what’s next” will now be able to move forward based on what we’ve created since then. We have until the winter solstice to bring our plans to fruition. We will be able to see how much fruit our efforts will bear by mid-September. Another date that ties in with Jupiter’s cycle is June 5. The inner question we will have answered this fall is: “How much strength and power have I been able to build and how should I use it in the coming years?”

Eclipses, Again

            The lunar eclipse in shown in Chart B. Eclipses come in twos (occasionally three), each two weeks apart. Lunar eclipses occur on the full moon, but instead of being able to see a big, round Moon, we get a shadowy illumination at best. An eclipse often mutes the expected effects of the full moon and disperses them over the coming 6 months. We will have the additional benefit of startling new awareness or events that open doors for us as we embark on the new adventure that an eclipse always brings. This eclipse affects Virgo and Pisces most.

Clarifying Relationships

            Venus and Mars are not the best of friends right now. They are a bit at odds with each other, perhaps playing games and being a bit prickly (or perhaps they’re just beset with impossible circumstances). This may be how your relationship goes this month, and since Venus is retrograde you may find that there’s a deeper underlying issue that makes you and your partner need more space than usual for a while until you sort things out in your head. This situation would have arisen in subtle ways around April 24 and will be resolved on or after November 20. They are doing a fairly unusual sort of dance together for the rest of the year that suggests that our relationships may be a bit off-key. This will not disrupt a solid relationship much, but it may involve periods of separation or overriding your desires in order to accomplish your long-term goals.

            Add to this the fact that all relationships go through a renewal process that occurs every time Venus turns retrograde. This is likely to place you as a couple in a perplexing bind that will last in some form through next April 4^th. Because of this interaction, there’s a feeling of uncertainty that must be borne if you are to stay together. It involves having faith that promises will be kept and everything will be okay in the end. It’s as if your love is being tested; staying with a good situation will make your love stronger and increase your faith and trust in each other.

            Don’t give up!

Saturn & Regulus

            Saturn spends about 18 days conjunct the star Regulus, the Heart of the Lion (August 16 – September 2). It is a very powerful star of leadership that confers great rewards on those who have earned them. It regulates the use of power on the earth plane and ensures justice to those who wield it. It promises a fall from power and grace for those who misuse their power. If you can think of anyone who fits the latter description, you may see their situation take a turn for the worse during this time. Because of Saturn’s current connection with Pluto, this promises to reach into the highest offices of power around the world.

Catch That Wave!

            We have one brief but auspicious time for harmonious agreements and accords. This involves Mercury and Jupiter, and it lasts through August 8. After that, we can still work with these energies on the 11^th – 12^th, and the 16^th – 17^th. Other good days are the 2^nd – 3^rd, 7^th – 8^th, and the 30^th – 31^st. Good luck!

Looking Ahead

            On September 2^nd, Saturn moves into Virgo, and a new era begins, one I believe we can look forward to. In the meantime, enjoy the energy of completion that we are experiencing in August. Happy endings!!!

Significant Planetary Events

Venus, Jupiter, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are retrograde. Sun and Jupiter are in rulership. Mars and Saturn are in detriment. Venus is in fall.

Mars quincunxes Pluto ℞	26°38' Taurus/Sagittarius	August 1
Sun trines Jupiter SD	9°58' Leo/Sagittarius	August 2
Mercury quincunxes Pluto ℞	26 Cancer/Sagittarius	August 2
Mercury sextiles Mars	27°23' Cancer/Taurus	August 3
Mercury enters Leo	0°00' Leo	August 4
Sun opposes Chiron ℞	13°02' Leo/Aquarius	August 5
Saturn trines Pluto ℞	26°34' Leo/Sagittarius	August 6
Jupiter returns to forward motion (SD stationary direct)	9°57' Sagittarius	August 6
Mars enters Gemini	0°00' Gemini	August 6
Venus ℞ squares Mars (2nd of 3)	0°25' Virgo/Gemini	August 7
Venus ℞ re-enters Leo	29°60' Leo	August 8
Mercury trines Jupiter	9°57' Leo/Sagittarius	August 9
Mercury opposes Chiron ℞	12°46' Leo/Aquarius	August 10
New Moon	19°51' Leo	August 12
Venus ℞ conjoins Saturn	27°28' Leo	August 13
Sun opposes Neptune ℞	20°38' Leo/Aquarius	August 13
Mercury opposes Neptune ℞	20°36' Leo/Aquarius	August 14
Venus ℞ trines Pluto ℞ (2nd of 3)	26°26' Leo/Sagittarius	August 15
Sun conjoins Mercury	22°37' Leo	August 15
Mercury conjoins Venus ℞	25°24' Leo	August 17
Mercury trines Pluto ℞	26°25' Leo/Sagittarius	August 17
Sun conjoins Venus ℞	24°51' Leo	August 17
Mercury conjoins Saturn	28°06' Leo	August 18
Mars squares the Moon’s Nodes	7°29' Gemini/Virgo/Pisces	August 18
Mercury enters Virgo (rulership)	0°00' Virgo	August 19
Sun trines Pluto ℞	26°24' Leo/Sagittarius	August 19
Sun conjoins Saturn	28°32' Leo	August 21
Sun enters Virgo	0°00' Virgo	August 23
Mercury conjoins Moon’s South Node	7°16' Virgo/Pisces	August 23
Mars opposes Jupiter	10°22' Gemini/Sagittarius	August 23
Mercury squares Jupiter	10°27' Virgo/Sagittarius	August 24
Mercury squares Mars	11°36' Virgo/Gemini	August 25
Venus opposes Neptune ℞	20°18' Leo/Aquarius	August 26
Mars trines Chiron ℞	11°58' Gemini/Aquarius	August 26
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse	4°46' Virgo/Pisces	August 28
Mercury opposes Uranus ℞	17°11' Virgo/Pisces	August 28

All dates are based on Pacific Time.

Blue = harmonious/Red or orange = challenging/intense

Events in bold are more significant.