by Robert Wilkinson
An email from a client reminded me of some very important things to keep in mind as we move through October and November. For anyone with planets between 14 and 25 Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, this is a period of major change, decision, uncertainty, and challenge. Thus it affects everyone born in a large portion of February, May, August, and November, as well as many generations.
It affects our values, finances, self-expression, creativity, regeneration, magnetism, ideals and friends. There are many more areas, of course, so study the keywords for the Fixed signs and you’ll come up with many more possible areas of stress and dynamic change. Because it involves the heavies of Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune being triggered by other planets, it’s nothing personal, though it will have very personal results.
When the Moon is in a Fixed sign it triggers this configuration wherever it falls in our charts. Whether by square or opposition, any time this big T-square is set into motion it will bring changes in our affected areas. Because Saturn is one of the planets anchoring this by its opposition to Neptune, it is most important to use the time of Scorpio to resolve the tension of opposites held between these two major planetary principals. More about this big T-square at this link. The void of Taurus shows us the problem and the solution, the natural flow of the configuration as it integrates the energies of the Aquarius, Leo, and Scorpio sectors.
A Saturn square or opposition to a planet usually brings forms of mental, emotional, or material stress. Decisions must be made, disciplines accepted, maturity greeted with a willingness to persevere in whatever you know is “the high road.” Pessimism and rigidity are to be avoided, as are those who are irresponsible, controlling, or heavy-handed. Saturn afflictions show you what you need to learn, without emotional heaviness or pessimistic thinking. Lightening up helps, since there’s a tendency to take things too seriously.
Any opposition challenges us to take timely measures to overcome internal and external oppositions. Any square forces us to turn a corner, put on the brakes, or both. All frictional aspects challenge us to act correctly on the basis of the changes and realizations coming to surface. This helps us overcome the mental affliction of “Aversion.” You can read more about how to end the four mental afflictions of Attachment, Aversion, Illusion, and Suffering at this linked article.
The Mercury conjunct Jupiter square Saturn is now at the lower, waxing square to the cycles it last triggered when it conjuncted Saturn and squared Jupiter last Summer. Read more about it at this link. We’re now seeing the emergent forms of whatever promise the Jupiter in Scorpio has promised, relative to the heart-discipline symbolized by Saturn in Leo. Something is moving out into the world connected to Saturn in Leo, whether reform or promise or concentration of power in some way.
As the inner planets moving into the conjunction with Jupiter and waxing square to Saturn, it will trigger the lessons of the Jupiter square Saturn we’ve been dealing with over the past year, written about in previous articles. This occurred in earlier degrees of the Fixed signs last Autumn and Winter 2005-2006. Much that is going on now was set up then.
Everyone has had to allow their personality, body, feelings, and mind to grow to be a better expression of their "Truth of Being." This Jupiter square Saturn is a turning point in your spiritual self-knowledge. Just try to stay balanced without going to extremes.
With Neptune also involved in this Fixed dance due to its opposition to Saturn for some time to come, things may continue to be peculiar, vague, or uncertain. We have to potential to know things ahead of time, but must not allow it to degenerate into procrastination in taking measures to focus clearly without pessimism or self-deception.
A Neptune affliction is a time you can prove to yourself what you are capable of, the accuracy and effectiveness of your vision and decisions, and willingness not to get bogged down in what doesn't work or vague imaginings with no substantial reality.
There is much to be uneasy about in our impermanent reality, where at least temporarily there isn't much honor, integrity, cooperation or compassion in a time of irrational violence and polarization. That is the Grand Irrationality we're living within for a number of years. Also remember that the recent eclipses I’ve written about are freeing all of us from an old reality too small for what we must become.
With the present configurations, if you feel that something could become a worry, don't focus on the negative, but instead use your imagination to find a way to begin to move into a more secure and happy future, rather than wait for events to come to you. Events will come according to astrological indicators, but where you are at, what you have set into motion for your future, and how autonomous you are determines whether that is a problem or a blessing.

Robert,
Quick question, I just checked placements for myself, my kid and a friend and one observation - my kid and i have very few 10 or so major aspects - my friend has about two dozen or so... what does it mean ? i know you'll say depends on what those aspects are but just by the look of it...what would it mean ?
Posted by: abacus | October 12, 2006 at 06:52 PM
Hi abacus - Well, I'm not sure what major aspects you're speaking about. I consider the septile and quintile series major aspects - quincunxes too. I'm assuming you mean conjunction, square, opposition, and trine. A lack of these means there are fewer obvious relationships between the planets involved and more subtle, refined, or "non-obvious" relationships between those parts of ourselves. And you're right. It does depend on what those aspects are, since many minor aspects show more dramatic effects than major ones.
Posted by: Robert | October 13, 2006 at 07:07 AM
Hello Robert,
I just re-read this post today and realized I've got the following planets between 14 and 25 degrees...
Natal
Sat/Aqu 10th house
Nep/Sco 7th house
As a Sag, Jup is my ruling planet and it is currently transiting Sco. Sat also features very heavily in my chart because many planets are in Cap which is ruled by Sat. Not to mention, the Asc in Tau. There does indeed appear to be a battle of sorts between different areas of my life.
The recent eclipse did a number on me financially, but also improved some areas of my current state of affairs. So much is happening and yet nothing seems to be really changing. I'm just wondering if I'm applying the wealth of information you are providing in the correct manner.
So my question is...Does one go by the progressed charts of present day to see how the current transits, oppositions and squares may affect the individual, or is it in relation to the natal chart?
Again, I reiterate...I can't wait for Jup in Sag in Nov/Dec!
Thank you in advance,
Juliet
P.S. Sorry for the abbreviations, it just goes faster for typing.
Posted by: Juliet | October 13, 2006 at 01:25 PM
Hi Juliet - abbreviations work for me, since I use them as well. Transits show the outer events relative to the natal and progressed being. Progressed positions show how the inner nature has evolved relative to where we started this life, but never entirely supercede the natal positions. So I suppose you could say that transits definitely affect the natal placements, while triggering inner realizations, challenges, and understanding in our evolved sense of self.
You're on to something by noting this is affecting the dispositors of some of your planets. As for "So much is happening and yet nothing seems to be really changing. I'm just wondering if I'm applying the wealth of information you are providing in the correct manner." It's great to be at the center of activity, and see what is dropping off while other things present themselves. Keeps life filled to the brim, as it were. And I'm sure you're applying the info the best you're able for your particular circumstances. It's all a work in progress, where we do our "experiments in truth."
Posted by: Robert | October 13, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Thanks for the reminder Robert!
So many times I have to be re-minded that it's all a "work in progress". I think with natal Jup in Ari, I tend to be soooo impatient to get to the end because I can see the future importance of getting there, but often forget that sometimes it is just as important to move through at a pace that will allow me to retain something from the experience.
Today's mantra - it's all a work in progress Juliet {note to self...repeat until the mind stops racing :-)}
Posted by: Juliet | October 13, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Hi Robert,
Hope you are well Guru :-) (yes that's what I associate you with now).. I had a question on transits - if planetary movements indicate the activation of certain things like relationship activity yet you dont see any evidence of that in your life - what does that mean ? Is that a form of change or is that where you are supposed to be ?
I have been told by people about how much will change in my personal life - yet it seems to have gotten emptier and quieter in the last year with loss and silence as a prominent leitmotif ? Its confusing unless being alone is whats right for me ? What do you think ?
Regards
Sophie
4th Feb 1979 00:20 AM Calcutta India
Posted by: Sophie | October 16, 2006 at 07:52 AM
Hi Juliet - You're welcome. Often we start the journey in one state, and wind up in a totally different state by the time we get where we're going (or not!) Jupiter in Aries enables you to do well in pioneering endeavors, so face forward and don't look back!
Hi Sophie - I am well, if somewhat overwhelmed with all there is to do and complete before I leave for NY in two days to do readings and reconnect with friends. (Now if I could only conjure up more hours in a day!)
As for transits - Whenever something occurs, there's always a transit that correlates with that event. However, any given transit is only a potential for an energy to manifest, and sometimes it merely sets the seeds of things into motion which will not manifest until another transit related to that triggers the effect in the future. It is also important to remember that everything affects the inner being first, with the outer world of affairs being the effect of the impact on the inner self.
For example, a transit could indicate relationship shifts in the life. That of course begins with an impact on our inner desire body and holographic vision of what we have not experienced and want to, or have experienced and want more of. Being more subjective than objective, it may take a while for our inner shift to manifest in the outer world. And of course, first we must empty our subconscious mind of old images that are obsolete, giving a sense of loss and emptiness.
So at the beginning of any significant shift in life we do become "emptier and quieter" (if only for a brief moment) so that we can use the space and quietude to hear the small inner voice of our potential Truth and future. It is always good to use solitude to hear the call of the future, freed from the insecure voices of the past. In attracting our future, it is good to detach from needing to fill the space too quickly. Our job is to remember that "fate" comes when it will, and we just need to reject all that is an inadequate echo of the past while preparing to greet the friend who will show up at the appointed time.
Posted by: Robert | October 17, 2006 at 09:34 AM
Guru... I bow before you... I just love the way you articulate that special wisdom that lies within us, yet only those with the courage to reach out, can access...
A heartfelt thank you !
Regards,
Sophie
Posted by: Sophie | October 18, 2006 at 05:02 AM
Hey Robert!
It feels like my life so far has been one big pioneering endeavour! How astute you are.
Have a great time in NY - enjoy the fall colours if they're still in bloom.
Later,
Juliet
Posted by: Juliet | October 18, 2006 at 07:02 PM
Hi Sophie - Your praise is humbly accepted, though of course the true "Gurus," or "Masters of the Wisdom" are major beings beyond our comprehension. Still, your enthusiastic support of my column is most welcome. Thank you very much.
Hi Juliet - yes, well, pioneering endeavours are a part of the fabric of life for those of us blessed to be those who walk the walk. I do plan to enjoy the Autumn, and have already composed most of the articles in line to be posted the next few days, so Aum Namah Shivaya! (And I just heard the colors are in full bloom. Yes!)
Posted by: Robert | October 18, 2006 at 07:13 PM
Dear Robert,
Scorpio sun and merc conj at 28 degrees. Sextiled by Jup in Cap 28 degrees. Late Gem or early Can rising (could be either frankly), so merc in the 5th, sun in early 6th, close to Moon in Sag at 7. Do you think I will have much impact from this as I am just past it in degrees?
Thanks,
Mary
Posted by: Mary | October 19, 2006 at 09:28 AM
Hi Mary - Well, the recent Lunar Eclipse fell quintile-tredecile to your Sun and Mercury, and the Solar Eclipse was most excellently positioned to these and natal Jupiter. I think you will have many opportunities to break away from an old inertia.
Actually, the effect described in this article describes what you'll be experiencing in November when transiting Scorpio planets configure with your natal planets, and Saturn of course is still square your Sun and Mercury through January 2007, and will be very powerful next Summer and Autumn. I would say you're in a year of preparing for Saturn square your late Scorpio planets quincunx natal Jupiter next year as transiting Jupiter goes over your 7th cusp. Look to the coming Mars in late Sag to give you hints about next year's Summer and Autumn changes.
Posted by: Robert | October 20, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Dear Robert
I'm following your comments with interest. I'm getting married on 26 October in Randburg South Africa at 10:30pm. I'm happy to see Sun, Mars and Ven conjunct in Scorpio. My partner and I both work with creating NEW ways of manifesting our realities and I'm fascinated by the T-Square that is found in the event chart of our wedding and especially the Nep-Sat opposition. Any insights are most welcome.
Antoinette
Posted by: Antoinette | October 23, 2006 at 06:18 AM
Sorry make that 10:30 AM in Randburg.
Antoinette
Posted by: Antoinette | October 23, 2006 at 06:19 AM
Hi Antoinette - First of all, let me congratulate you on your impending marriage, and thanks for the vote of confidence that you invite me to speak about something so important in your life. Looking at the chart, it has 20 Capricorn Ascendant, 11 Libra on the Midheaven, and the Moon is at 20 Sagittarius, trine Saturn at 24 Leo. This is very favorable, since the Moon, ruler of the marriage, and Saturn, the ruler of the Asc, are trine from Fire, a VERY spiritually supportive aspect. Bravo!
The Moon conjunct Pluto shows that you are truly a transformer in your society, awakener of seeds and purifier of intention. The Moon is very important in a marriage chart, and except for the conjunction with Pluto, is totally unafflicted, which is excellent.
Of special note is the asteroid Vesta exactly conjunct the Midheaven in Libra, the sign of marriage and balanced contractual relations. At the highest point in the chart, it indicates this union in some symbolic way is a custodian of the Sacred Flame. Also, Hygaea rising shows that this union has special aptitude in health and healing, however you interpret that.
This is a critical fork in the road for you and all those in your lives affected by the early Scorpio stellium triggering The Grand Irrationality. That it is elevated shows this is a union of power for both of you and your social circle, but with each opening comes the need to let go gracefully and not get too out there (the irrationality can make everything seem like the Twilight Zone sometimes, and it's with all of us for awhile!) Still, the favorable Saturn trine Pluto in this map guarantees long term understanding and harmony with Divine Intention, and the early Scorpio stellium sextile/quintile Saturn is specially gifted. Look for some VERY unique, quintessential things to happen in the course of this marriage.
A final note - the Scorpio to Leo square is close, and shows the emergence of more intense Soul heart lessons, with rewards and vision to be attained. You as a couple the the representative of what the whole is going through, with promise and turning corners and all that the squares show. 24/25 Fixed point transits will be very important in the evolution of your marriage, and you can gets hints of what's coming whenever something transits 18 Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, when Neptune will unveil things to come. My blessings to you and all your loved ones on your union.
Posted by: Robert | October 23, 2006 at 05:17 PM
Hi Robert
Thank you so much for your insight and wishes. We have tied the knot at exactly 11h00, which changed some planet placements slightly. We are happy with the move of Neptune to the First in Aquarius and Uranus to the Second. I'm still always amazed at how accurately the chart fits the event/person. There is no separation....
Antoinette
Posted by: Antoinette | October 27, 2006 at 07:06 AM
Hi again Antoinette - Again, congratulations, and may your union be long, blessed, and productive.
Posted by: Robert | October 27, 2006 at 12:28 PM
This should be interesting, the conjunction of mercury and jupiter are on my ascendent at 24 degrees scorpio.
Posted by: pamela | October 30, 2006 at 05:05 AM
Hi pamela - it'a a fusion of the rulers of your 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses. Welcome to a new adventure of the mind and being led to your Soul.
Posted by: Robert | October 30, 2006 at 05:38 PM
Hello! This is all so interesting as I am just beginning to learn about what Mercury in retrograde means for us. I would love to know what you think about the fact that my wedding is set for November 18, the day that I think Mercury begins to return to its direct motion. I'm worried!
Posted by: tinatee | October 30, 2006 at 06:39 PM
Oh, and I forgot to mention it's at 4pm I think US mountain time...Las Vegas Nevada.
Posted by: tinatee | October 30, 2006 at 06:40 PM
Hi tinatee - It's all good. It may indicate you'll have some unexpected things come up between now and then, requiring shifts. Or you could hear from others you haven't heard from in a while, or some may have problems come up and may not be able to attend, or find out they can't and then they can. However, Mercury direct shows that it'll be speeding up for the duration of your marriage, quickening those areas, and the Sun conjunct Jupiter in your marriage chart should be very beneficial.
Posted by: Robert | October 31, 2006 at 06:47 AM
Robert, Would/could you please elaborate on your comment about my 10/30 post regarding the conjunction of mercury and jupiteron my ascendent at 24 degrees scorpio, you said it'a a fusion of the rulers of your 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses. Welcome to a new adventure of the mind and being led to your Soul'
I am most intrigued by your comment. In addition to the above, I also am experiencing the transit of pluto over my jupiter and venus in sag.Pamela
Posted by: Pamela | November 03, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Hi Pamela - It means that all Scorpio rising people have Sag on the 2nd, Pisces on the 5th, Gemini on the 8th, and Virgo on the 11th house. Regardless of what house system is used which gives individual variations, these signs occupy those sectors of Scorpio. Mercury and Jupiter rule those signs and are conjunct (fusion). Jupiter rules adventures and Mercury rules the mind, and according to the ancients, Hermes (Mercury,) is the "Guide of Souls."
As for Pluto, it would seem that your Venus and Jupiter are now being touched by a transpersonal force, so purify, make the functioning more efficient, and observe the seeds of future manifestations of this powerful conjunction that blends your 2nd, 5th, 7th, and 12th natal houses. And of course, avoid people who are dishonest, coercive, explosive, excessive, or have a hidden agenda. When the "Lord of the Underworld" comes to visit, it's a great time to banish fear and dread forever.
Posted by: Robert | November 03, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Robert,
I have Venus, Mars, Neptune conj the MC between 18 and 26 Scorpio and life is really challenging (ie difficult) at the moment.
Neptune square nep and Uranus opposition Ur also active.
Any ideas?
Posted by: Anna | November 04, 2006 at 02:07 PM
I have Three planets in Pisces: Sun-Mercury-Venus all in the 5th house. I have been dreading this entire Saturn in Virgo thing for sometime now. Plus with Uranus now in Pisces, I am feeling extremely restless, and depressed. My energy is low, my skin is breaking out, and the fact that I never get enough sleep doesn't help either.
My mother was found dead in her apartment back in April, and so much ahs happened. I just hope I can get through all of this in one piece. Plus I'm looking for a new apartment. I have a feeling that 2009 will be ny year. I deserve a little reward!:)
March 11th 1973
8:26pm
New York,NY
Posted by: Nicole | September 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Hi Nicole - My sincere condolences on the death of your mom. That certainly opens a new chapter in you assuming the mantle of genetic inherited power from your ancestral linage. It's the perfect time for you to conquer the useless response of fear and dread. With Uranus square your Moon and conjunct your Mercury, I believe your subconsciousness is trying to communicate something to your selfconscious mind. 35 is the beginning of a new cycle, and a reality check on the decisions you made (or didn't) at your Saturn Return. Jupiter on your Mars shows it's a good time for new initiatives, and with your Jupiter return coming early 2009, it opens a new 12 year cycle for you. You have hidden healing powers once you integrate your personality.
Posted by: Robert | September 18, 2008 at 07:01 AM