Astrology for the Week of March 19 through March 25
When you have two heavy hitting planets squaring off one another, you know that things are due for a major shake-up. Pluto the planet of transformation is in challenge aspect to the planet of structure, Saturn, so we are threatened with having the rug pulled from out under our feet.
This Saturn is in the relationship and partnership oriented sign of Libra. The last time Saturn was in Libra was the early 80’s, a time social upheaval as more and more women entered the workplace and we struggled as a society with the consequences of that shift. For those of us that remember, it was a time when a woman’s place was seriously questioned, when many of us opted for career first, marriage second, and many people wondered if we were all going to Hell in a hand basket because the women were acting so crazy. What we were seeking was what Saturn in Libra seeks, partnerships based on equality rather than a division of labor and we saw our work as a way of evening the score.
Fast-forward to the first part of this millennium and women’s careers are just as important as the male side of the human family. In fact, women are making significant gains in certain industries while men with still significant higher salaries than women are taking the brunt of the recent economic collapse. More men are out of work than women and out for longer stretches of time. This tipping of the scales fleshes out a relatively new cultural dynamic, that of the woman as primary wage earner. As we struggle with a flattened dollar and a shrinking economy men as forced to reexamine and redefine their roles within relationships. Unfortunately, the initial reports of this phenomenon are not good. Men just aren’t adjusting. The hardy few that segue into a more family oriented role are just that, a cultural minority that are often treated as outsiders by their peers and by women as well. As for the others, family tensions erode tenuous marital relationships. It is no secret that a bad economy spikes increases in substance abuse and family violence, so much so that the Senator from Utah called for “putting men to work” as a way of easing domestic violence.
Pluto shakes up the status quo; it transforms what is to the things that are to come. Though Pluto is in the zodiac sign of tradition, Capricorn, it is when Pluto is Capricorn that traditional structures are shaken loose, and new structures are created. Knowing that Pluto is challenging Saturn, we can see that old structures, old regimes, old ways of thinking about relationships, measuring value and worth are being transformed. It may very well be that with traditionally male industries being downsized, that men, at least the ones living today, will never recover the wage earning ability that measured their place in society and their attractiveness as mates. They are going to need new currency if they want a relationship. And that currency may well be the traditional feminine one of being a caretaker in the relationship.
So this Saturn in Libra is the flip side of the one in Eighties. Now we are still seeking a relationship of equals, but the equality is not one of economic power but a balance of caretaking roles within the relationship.
Aries and Libra—You both worry way too much about who is in charge of the relationship. Though you feel the need to take the lead role, the true test is letting your partner have an equal say.
Taurus and Scorpio—Spend some time in serious contemplation of what it is you want to achieve. Nighttime dreams are a key to your desires.
Gemini and Sagittarius—You are both incorrigible flirts and we love you for it. Mars in Leo supports even your most outrageous adventures.
Cancer and Capricorn—Look to past success stories to get a key to your future. What you’ve done before with a slight out of the box twist will work again even if you worry the lightning can’t strike twice.
Leo and Aquarius—With Mars fueling your activities, you are overreaching a bit. Stretching your muscles is not a bad thing, but stretching the truth is. Look at things a little more realistically.
Virgo and Pisces—Be careful in motion and don’t overdo. You are feeling an abundance of energy, but unfortunately, misdirected could make you a bit clumsy. Label yourself, “handle with care”.
Photo published under a Creative Commons License from Flickr.
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Note: Check out another Saturn in Libra piece of mine–“Saturn in Libra–Chasing Bells and Lace” featured in Saturn in Libra and Relationships, published on Sasstrology as part of the 2010 International Astrology Day Blogathon. The purpose of this web-based event is to create a permanent library of articles about how to deal with the stresses of the Cardinal T-Square of Pluto, Saturn and Uranus. The main page for the Blogathon collections is at The Cardinal T-Square of 2010: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.
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