Astrological Energies for April 26 to May 2, 2010

NorthPoint Astrology Journal
by Pam Younghans

The energy of the Uranus-Saturn opposition, exact on Monday this week, can manifest in a variety of ways -- but at the core of any manifestation is the breaking down or dissolving of both internal and external structures that have been blocking our soul's intended growth.

Mother Earth is giving us clear physical demonstrations of the process that is underway. The Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland is a striking example of what can happen as existing structures give way under the pressure of the need for change. We have also seen explosions and other unexpected events over the past few weeks as the energy of the Uranus-Saturn opposition has been building.

One outcome of these types of experience is that we begin to realize that we cannot consciously control every nuance of our physical lives, as much as we might like to believe it is possible. In this scenario, Uranus in Pisces is playing the role of master, teaching Saturn in Virgo the value of an aikido-style approach to life, in which energy is channeled, aligned with or deflected rather than confronted or challenged.

Life-altering, unexpected events are the domain of Uranus, who focuses a laser-like beam of energy at an area in need of shift. The shake-up that occurs disrupts long-lived, crystallized patterns and opens the door to new ways of approaching certain issues. There is usually a breakthrough of some sort that occurs, although we may first need to experience the breakdown of the old.

This is the fourth of five oppositions that will occur between Uranus and Saturn within two short years. It is common for aspects between the outer planets to happen three times, and less common for them to occur five times.

The extra interactions between Uranus and Saturn indicate that this is a time of change on a much larger scale than usual, and that our resistance to needed changes is also relatively high. By the time we reach the final Uranus-Saturn opposition in July, we will have completed important and necessary breaks from the past, and be even more ready to embrace the new.

Of the five Uranus-Saturn oppositions, four are occurring in the signs of Pisces and Virgo, working to dissolve our attachment to old forms, patterns and methods. We are also breaking free from old roles of victimization, martyrdom and self-sacrifice. Since this week's opposition is the last of the Pisces-Virgo polarity, the two planets are quite serious about finishing up their important work on these themes.

By the time of the final opposition on July 26, both planets will have changed signs, shifting to themes of balance between self and other and working to dismantle codependence, inertia and indecision. That final interaction between Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra will support us in being more proactive as we build further on the openings and shifts that are occurring now.

The Full Moon early Wednesday morning (at 5:20am PDT) is in Scorpio, the sign associated with the process of death and rebirth as demonstrated by the life cycle of the mythic phoenix, who voluntarily perishes in flames only to rise up, reborn, from the ashes. This Full Moon is an appropriate time to do a deep psychic or physical purging and cleansing, discarding the patterns connected to our old selves, those restrictive energies that are no longer needed.

The Sabian symbol for the ninth degree of Scorpio, the location of the Moon at the time of the lunation, reads:

A dentist at work: Overcoming the negative results of social practices and ego-cravings.

A dentist's drill may not be the most comfortable image to hold as we're doing the work of this Full Moon, but it's appropriate reinforcement of the theme of "digging out" that which has decayed. The explanation of the symbol also clarifies that we are concerned primarily with uprooting negative impulses that arise from the ego, as well as our from our social conditioning.

There should be some important insights coming in on the energies of the Full Moon, too, since the Sun is conjunct (at the same degree as) retrograde Mercury in the Full Moon chart.

The third most important astrological event this week is the quincunx formed between Neptune and Saturn next Sunday. A quincunx (150 degrees of separation) usually corresponds with the need to make a course or attitude adjustment.

The two planets involved represent very different means to an end -- Saturn is the practical, realistic one, and Neptune is the ethereal, spiritual one. When they come together in relationship, there is often a reality check involved, as we see where our ideals must come to terms with what is possible in this reality, and where our fears and limitations must be released if we are to make concrete progress on our journey.

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Be sure to visit my blog during the week for additional comments and perspectives at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/.