STARFIRE

January 2007

February 2007 - Jupiter Square Uranus
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Jupiter and Uranus: Lucky–Maybe

Astrology, like any other discipline, has its branches. Sun sign astrology is one branch, taking 12 variations on one factor and exploring the world through that single lens. Mundane astrology deals with weather, business, moments in time that can be precisely measured. And then there is astrology as metaphor, language, or simply meaning.

Beginners books list a few key words for each planet, sign and house, but those words are simply the core of a wide range of meaning belonging to the energy group described by a single planet or sign or house. All things vibratory, for example, belong to Uranus–although the vibratory phenomena (like tones and words) belonged to Mercury alone until Uranus was discovered.

Jupiter is expansion and compassion. We tend to think of Jupiter as benevolence, but it would be more accurate to describe Jupiter as that expansion of the mind which leads to good things. So at one time this most masculine of planets (Zeus’s own) was also described as the mother who instilled early lessons to the children in the home.

On the Tree of Life, Uranus is at the Chokmah or Wisdom center. Although there is a path connecting Chokmah to Chesed (Jupiter’s location on the Tree), the path of Divine Creation leads from Chokmah through Binah (Understanding) and then to Chesed. So we could reasonably say that Uranian contacts with Jupiter may involve the direct impartation of wisdom, without the constraints and buffers of understanding. In other words, Uranus may shock our compassion and desire for expansion into high gear.

Uranus is the eccentric planet, the bearer of innocent discoveries and unexpected changes. So while Uranus and Jupiter ultimately bring us good luck, we shouldn’t be surprised if we’re goaded into it rather than having luck served politely on fine plates and linens.

Oddly enough for a planet that urges us to sudden twists and turns, Uranus is a slow-moving planet. Its dance with Jupiter came into sharp focus on January 22nd, but that was only the first peak. Jupiter will race ahead, then square Uranus again on its retrograde sweep on May 11th and make a final precise square on October 9th.

Ordinarily the first peak of a triple square reveals the problems to be solved; the second presents the solutions; the third connects the resolutions with resources and begins the actual work of resolution.

The slower moving planet works through the faster planet, so we can expect to see technological improvements working through the areas of our culture that are already expanding and growing. Internet marketing and electronic publishing are only two of the areas to watch this year.

Now we have a consensus that global warming is real (and that oceanfront property in Arizona may not be as crazy as stock in the Brooklyn Bridge), we can expect scientific innovations to begin to work on problems like diminishing carbon dioxide output, biodegradable and replaceable fuel sources, and new distribution systems for power.

Uranium is named for Uranus–but nuclear power is actually ruled by the planet Pluto. Only the technology that split the atom is really ruled by Uranus. So while there may be more nuclear power in our global future, this isn’t the configuration that predicts it.

Innovation comes in many guises. Albuquerque has been experimenting with traffic cameras to tag speeders at busy intersections. As Jupiter squared Uranus, the city announced plans to place more cameras around the city to make it easy for transportation crews to locate trouble spots during winter storms. And who else will have access to those cameras? Will bank robbers be tagged along with icy streets? Are we looking at technology expanding public safety (a compassion issue, perfect fit for this transit) or are we looking at technology leading to 1984's Big Brother–another good fit.

We won’t worry much about the square. Jupiter’s benevolent, and Uranus is only a problem because it takes us by surprise. It’s worth noting that Jupiter-Uranus connections place more emphasis on public safety than on personal privacy–but also worth noting that the intentions aren’t spyware. The problem, if there is one, will come with later less benevolent transits.

We’re more likely, in this moment, to see major improvements in digital photography, computer products for the home, and electronic toys.

Will the next generation of dishwashers automatically save gray water for plants and gardens? Will another Nicholas Tesla emerge with solutions to world problems well ahead of his time?

No matter for most of us. The innovations of Uranus and Jupiter are likely to be too advanced for current distributors. Oddball ideas come up now–never mind that they’ll be the norm in a few years.

Maybe we should just collect the oddball ideas. Jot down the best and the weirdest and keep them to review later. Ben Franklin and Bill Gates had to listen to the laughter. Just as everyone was ready to give up on electric cars, the hybrids came out–one good idea supported by a host of small innovations (and better batteries).

Personally, I’m hoping electronic publishing will grow by leaps and bounds this year. I love the ebook reader Santa Claus gave me; now if I could just get ALL my books delivered neatly in HTML format.

Astrologers do love Jupiter-Uranus connections. Those aspects grow our business. But so do writers–ant not just the science fiction writers. Expect quirky mysteries in your future this year. I just got the perfect strange idea....

Mary O’Gara, Ph.D.