The Grand Irrationality and Jupiter Biseptile Saturn - Why Things Are So Strange Right Now for Everyone
by Robert Wilkinson
Since we still have a few weeks to go in this particular time warp, please remember that we're all living within a big weirdness that seems relentlessly unending, at least from the perspective of we who still use time to measure our experience. Septile series aspects are associated with "destiny producing events," and being non-rational, can manifest as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, things that don't make sense, irrationality, and a feeling of a lack of control. Of course this last feeling is unreal, but so are many of the other sensations going on right now. There are reasons for all of this, and by noting the timing of certain aspects, we can mitigate or cooperate with the larger process we're all experiencing.
I'll preface what I'm about to say with the reminder that we ALWAYS have control over our responses to events, and have no control over other people's behaviors. If "character is destiny," then as we shape our character we shape our destiny. That's why it's important to be aware of what is pushing or pulling us in our daily and weekly experience as factors in a larger process where we are choosing what to learn or not, what to say or not, what to do or not. These all shape our future, which you can see is in fact our "destiny."
The major factor in the big weirdness we're all experiencing is the years-long Grand Irrationality. This is associated with the ongoing Neptune septile Pluto, setting up our experience of the long term collective transformational process to be very strange indeed. We last experienced this in the 1930s through 1941, when there was a lot of totalitarian thinking globally, irrational behavior, hard-edged violence, and circumstances that seemed to be propelled by very weird forces seemingly beyond individual control.
Neptune and Pluto re-entered a septile relationship in the mid-1990s, and will continue there for about 10 more years before again moving into a sextile, which they were in from about 1942-1995. This will eventually produce a circumstance where everyone on Earth will have either a septile or sextile between Neptune and Pluto in their charts.
When this happens, my personal opinion is that will represent a "fail safe" point where everyone on Earth will "know better," and the so-called "Lords of Karma" will activate the Law affecting everyone according to whether they are builders or destroyers, cooperators or monkeywrenchers. When all beings on Earth truly know "right from wrong, good from bad," regardless of what local belief systems are asserted to prop up ego, there should be a collective awakening to a different view of Earth, life, and our human purpose on this beautiful ball of dirt, though of course dualities will still exist as long as we're in this individual and collective evolutionary state.
The Grand Irrationality is being triggered 7 times each month by the transits of the Moon. This is producing circumstances that force "choices and changes" on us all in the areas being activated in our charts. Right now the zones of influence are 26-29 Sagittarius, 19-22 Aquarius, 10-13 Aries, 1-4 Gemini, 23-26 Cancer, 14-17 Virgo, and 5-9 Scorpio.
These of course move forward as Neptune and Pluto move forward. So if you have planets in these spans, expect those parts of you and your life to be thrown into strange situations bringing radical changes. If you have planets or points earlier than these, then you've already been through your life altering transitions, and if you have planets later than these, your changes are yet to come, so prepare the best you're able for what can best be described as a wild ride through the intersections of fate and free will.
The other big factor contributing to our temporary collective insanity and/or breakthroughs can be found in the article Spiritual Astrology in September-October 2007 Pt. 1 - Jupiter Biseptile Saturn Exteriorizing Forces of Destiny, which describes the ongoing Jupiter biseptile Saturn and its specific influence on all of us. In that article you will also find more about The Grand Irrationality. The Jupiter biseptile Saturn adds another layer to the generic weirdness, since it also is activated 7 times a month by the Moon and occupies different degree spans.
At present this set of activated degree spans is 26 Libra, 16 Sag, 8 Aquarius, 30 Pisces, 19 Taurus, 12 Cancer, and 4 Virgo, mas o menos a couple of degrees to either side of these points. Again, each time the Moon crosses through any of these, it triggers the larger configuration. This will last for the next several weeks, and because Jupiter and Saturn are both moving forward quickly, so will the active degree spans. You can move these forward 3-5 degrees over the next month, and even when it disappears in mid-November, remember that Jupiter will join The Grand Irrationality as it conjuncts Pluto at the Galactic Center and septiles Neptune.
Thus you can see that between these two simultaneously occurring configurations over the past and future weeks, we're all in a pressure cooker of decisions and changes where things make little or no sense, but our responses to the pressures are shaping our "destiny" for years to come. As I wrote back in early August,
"... so expect some very bizarre events and behaviors to dominate for several weeks. A whole lot of us will find ourselves in a very changed reality fairly shortly, so go with the flow.
If appropriate, avoid extreme behavior and people, but remember also that sometimes stances must be taken as the time requires. There are moments in human life that affect us for the rest of our life, for good or ill, depending on who or what is assisting us or betraying us, consciously or unconsciously. And of course, when we choose a path, we must leave behind other options that would hinder us in learning and practicing the wisdom that is ours to experience.
So consider this is a time when "the die is cast," when choices and changes are determining the future in ways unimaginable to us now, since the process itself won't make any sense as it unfolds. Even though there may be edginess, there's also magic and transformation at work, so ride the waves, be as reasonable as possible in the face of irrationality, and honor your quirks as well as your particular form of uniqueness and/or genius.
This energy will be around for a while, so take a deep breath, take the plunge into what path you know you must take, and don't worry about why it's so weird. It just is, and will be for quite a while. Remember also that The Grand Irrationality is also active for years to come, so at present there are about 14 times each month when these forks will be hit and choices must be made. It's all part of humanity becoming individuated, and consciously choosing what behaviors to cling to and which to transform.
More on the septile series aspects at the link, and more on the Grand Irrationality in this article which also has links to other articles valuable in helping us position ourselves to make best use of these very strange times and energies.
On a related note, for those who want more information about the Galactic Center effect, I've found an interesting piece written by a very respected scientist and metaphysican who challenges some famous "new age" authors' assertions on what's up with the Galactic Center. If you want to read a solid refutation of the channeled new age soup concerning photon belts, the Pleiades, Alcyone, and Galactic cosmic ray superwaves, please check out Morphogenic Resonance or a Plethora of Galactic Center Disinformation? by Dr. Paul LaViolette.
Though I'm usually skeptical of "scientific" refutations of metaphysical assertions, this guy has an amazing track record of decoding many of the ancient sources of wisdom that we in the metaphysical community rely on as our gold standards. He's investigated the Great Pyramid timeline, Atlantis, the Popul Vuh, ancient Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology, the Vishnu creation myth, and the I Ching, among other things. To view some of what this spiritual scientist has done, here's a link to a list of some amazing accomplishments.
Whether they are all "true and correct," or whether some of it is or is not, he's done enough work to impress me. And it serves to remind me to remind you always to be skeptical of "channeled" material, and subject it to reason, historical investigation, and cross checks with what we actually know is true. Regarding a lot of new age speculations and assertions, the words of a brilliant writer comes to mind: It's like perfume. You can smell it, but you shouldn't swallow it.
© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Whew, Robert, very good stuff. Thanks for pointing me to Dr. LaViolette's information. I also have done research in "unconventional" healing therapies with major institutions, and to struggle with the "group think" can be a real issue.
Thanks again-I am a psychic with a BS in molecular biology and studying for my Ph.D in research psychology. Working at Starburst Foundation-even as a volunteer-sounds like it could be right up my alley.
Posted by: Kat | September 28, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Dear Robert!
You and amazing Paul served the food for heart and thought that really smells well:):):)
Posted by: Svetlana | September 28, 2007 at 02:53 PM
"This will eventually produce a circumstance where everyone on Earth will have either a septile or sextile between Neptune and Pluto in their charts."
Wow Robert!! Do you know when this will happen? Thank you again for your always helpful information!
Posted by: Mashubi | September 28, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I don't know how it is for everyone, but I am sick and tired of all this, whatever it is. My patience is on the line - emotions, changes and limitations torture me!!! I hate this.
Posted by: Larissa | September 28, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Thank you for a very interesting article, I have been wanting to know more about the Grand Irrationality. I actually have to go back and read it more thoroughly. My sister, a Leo with Virgo rising has been having a particularly strange period lately and I told her it was because of the Grand Irrationality. It's been amusing to observe. Anyway, could you just answer a question for me... Why is it that Neptune and Pluto were in a sextile in the fifties, then moved into the septile, then back to a sextile again, without continuously separating to the next wider orb? Is it because of the eccentric elliptical orbit of Pluto?
Thanks!
Posted by: Valerie | September 28, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Hi, Robert wonderful article. Thanks. I have uranus, pluto and mars at 14 and 16 degrees respectively all in my 2nd house. I am seeing some weird money problems at work. I am not out of a job but nonetheless. I am thinking it is time to move on soon. Also, the degrees of aquarius are quite close to my ac and dc. I have leo ac at 23. People are acting a bit weird recently. Well, that happens a lot usually but not like this.
There is a lot of other stuff but I have a head cold and need to re read what you wrote. Thanks very much for the information.
Posted by: Micheline Cloutier | September 28, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Hi Robert,
How does this relate to Jupiter going into my 2nd house in November? I will have Mars retrograde in the 8th house. My Mars natally is in good aspect as far as I know. Mercury not so much. Mercury retrograde coming up will be in my 12th house. Thank you for being there!
I was recently laid off from my job, I was working for a company that does marketing for mortgage companies. They lost two big clients, revenue and hence the lay off. It was hard because I liked where I was.
My natal Jupiter is in Libra and my Saturn natally in the 1st house.
The mortgage industry is experiencing it's share of change these days.
I am just wondering as I seek new work, what is ahead work, career and money wise.
Thanks for being there! :)
Blessings,
Lori
Lori Flory
9-21-1957
11:19 am
Coalinga CA USA
Posted by: Lori Flory | September 28, 2007 at 07:53 PM
Robert, thank you so much for this. I used to not exactly grasp the meaning of the septile series, now I think I do. I feel very much tempted to consult you for the major septiles in my chart, though.
(9.23.1969-Istanbul-23:59)
I have a Sun (+Uranus) triseptile Moon and a Saturn triseptile Jupiter (+Mercury). Can you help me make the most meaning of this?
Love,
Fidan
Posted by: fidant | September 28, 2007 at 09:48 PM
Hi Robert,
I agree with you. It comes down to what I've always known ... each of us are individually accountable for owning self, and for the choices that we make in each moment to qualify how energy, thoughts, words, & actions of self will be expressed. The one thing each of us always has control of, no matter what, is the choice of attitude in each moment. Spirit is *always* guiding each one - no one is ever alone.
Each one has responsibility for the lessons of self. Myself included. Another thing I hope the earth will fully learn someday is something I've always felt ... outer appearance means nothing ... it's the spirit within each one that matters - that is the real and infinite self.
There are many paths that lead to the same light.
Blessings,
Lori
Posted by: Lori FLory | September 29, 2007 at 05:09 AM
Hi Robert ( and everyone ),
I have been reading and rereading many of
your articles to make sure I grasp the depth
and ramifications of the many different and in
depth explanations you have stated in all your articles.
In this article you say and I quote :
The Grand Irrationality is being triggered 7 times each month by the transits of the Moon. This is producing circumstances that force "choices and changes" on us all in the areas being activated in our charts. Right now the zones of influence are 26-29 Sagittarius, 19-22 Aquarius, 10-13 Aries, 1-4 Gemini, 23-26 Cancer, 14-17 Virgo, and 5-9 Scorpio.
I have my Sun intercepted in Aries at 11 degrees in my ninth house. It is also exactly conjunct the Dwarf planet Eris in my natal chart.
I see that Eris is currently retrograde at about 21 degrees Aries will this play a major role in the future unfolding of the Grand Irrationality or any other upcoming major astrological events ?? And what are your thoughts on dwarf planet Eris in a persons chart??
Blessings always
Melody
Posted by: Melody | September 30, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Hi All,
This is just a comment about the Grand Irrationality.
To me it is like starring in one of Federico Fellini's later films, where nothing makes sense logically, but intuitively you can find a thread of synchronicity to follow.
Since I happen to like Fellini's films, this helps me to cope with some of the absurd situations that I have witnessed. Although that does not imply that I am comfortable with the Grand Irrationality. It drives me to the edge of craziness on some days.
peace,
P
Posted by: Patricia H | September 30, 2007 at 08:41 AM
Hi Kat - Well, when I ran across the connection, it pulled me to post it here. Of course you're welcome, and should you work for Starburst, let me know how it turns out.
Hi Svetlana - Glad you like what you found. I felt it needed to be put here.
Hi Mashubi - As soon as the last of the people from the mid-1930s dies. And of course you're welcome.
Hi Larissa - The constant drumbeat is wearying, but in the long run that which does not kill us makes us stronger, to paraphrase a great Western philosopher.
Hi Valerie - Well, I am the source for the phrase "The Grand Irrationality," as well as everything ever written about it. As for why, yes, it deals with the anomalies in the orbits between Neptune and Pluto.
Hi Micheline - It would seem that those planets are at a "fork in the road," or at least the parts of you affected by those planets. Good for seeing the seeds of what's coming, and making adjustments accordingly.
Hi Lori - By mid-November Jupiter will be out of the biseptile to Saturn, so I can't say how it will affect you then. Look to the rulers of your 6th and 10th houses to see the timing on work and profession. And all the septile series aspects do show us how we take responsibility, since they precipitate choices that throw us in certain directions. Perhaps these are the intersections in our paths to Spirit.
Hi Fidan - The triseptiles usually show "destiny producing" relationship forks, challenging us to cast off from the known and familiar into pioneering unknowns. They also show that you will hit some strange patches in your life which may not make much sense at the time, but will force adjustments in how you serve others or they serve you, or who you must associate with or not in order to fulfill some aspect of your destiny.
Hi Melody - I am somewhat familiar with Eris, as my Sun is also 12 Aries in the 9th. I wouldn't think Eris would be triggered until Neptune got to around 29 Aquarius and/or Pluto would get to around 7 Capricorn. Then there could be major global disruptions, if the lore about Eris is even remotely accurate. I'll try to post something about Eris in the future, after I get through what's on the list of topics that are urgent.
Hi Patricia - Good analogy with Fellini. I'm not sure any of us will get comfortable with the Grand Irrationality, but we can learn to be alert and play the changes as needed, sort of like playing jazz. You can have the charts in front of you, but good luck thinking that's what's going to get played!
Posted by: Robert | September 30, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Thanks for clearing that up about the Neptune/Pluto sextile. I understand this aspect is a broad, generational influence. We have the potential to make great strides spiritually. It's something wonderful to live up to! Now if we could just change our lifestyles to stop making so much waste in the earth, that would be amazing (this is a world issue that concerns me)... Looks like your loyal following was keeping you busy this weekend. Thanks for getting back. And by the way, I've been really enjoying reading the works of Florence Scovel Shinn. Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Valerie | September 30, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much....I've had so much weird weird stuff for sometime and I am at the very very end of my tether. This gives me a different approach.
Best wishes,
Flopsy
ps could anyone recommend an astrologer who could look at my chart in the light of the above?
Posted by: flopsy | October 05, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Hi flopsy - Most recommend me, since a) I'm the one who coined the term "The Grand Irrationality," and b) most astrologers wouldn't know how to interpret septile series aspects for love or money. However, right now I'm on the road and booked solid for 6 weeks. If you want, email me. It's on the left hand side.
Posted by: Robert | October 05, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Thank you, Robert for this very useful information. While I am still new and learning many of the astrological concepts as they correlate to the here and now, I can apply the information you've supplied to the last 25 years of my life and understand the changes that were forcast in the mid 80's when my chart was first calculated. Ironically, the information is extremely accurrate!
With Much Appreciation,
Susan
7-1-1957--San Diego, CA
12:33 pm.
Posted by: Susan K. | November 01, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Hi Susan - You're most welcome. By studying past and present cycles we come to understand what's coming and when, thus helping us steer our "ship of destiny" through the rapids to safe harbor. Keep checking out the archives for other articles that may help explain other times and events. There are many that you will find are very relevant.
Posted by: Robert | November 01, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Dear Robert,
May I invite you and your readers to look at the website newstandardaspectarian.com and explore it all you like.
With regards--Alan
Posted by: Alan | September 28, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Hi Alan - Interesting, and very useful once the viewer figures out what 1/12, 1/4, 1/5 etc. means. Perhaps in your next edition you can give a keyword for 1/4 being square, 1/5 being quintile and so forth. Bravo on a useful site!
Posted by: Robert | September 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Your coverage of the influences of Septile aspects has been interesting and revealing. If you don't mind, we would like to know how you first became aware of the Septile's existence. One of the first places I saw mention was in an American Astrology magazine issue years ago, where all 20 peaks of the ongoing Neptune septile Pluto aspect were listed.
By the way, thanks for the helpful tip to Alan about a keyword to help readers, etc. I just published a comment on the New Standard Aspectarian blog which should help readers find the Symbols & Abbreviations page at newstandardaspectarian.com. That page is unfortunately in pdf format, not accessible to search engines.
Thanks, Dave
Posted by: Dave | October 19, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Hi Dave - I first started intensively investigating the septile series in 1974 when studying "The Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer." Shortly after that, I went through my extensive collection of Astrology magazines and found two articles by Rudhyar, one from 1938 and the other from 1948. I studied all the major and minor aspects for years, then published my own take on the septile and novile series aspects in my long out of print book "Astrology and the Spiritual Path," published in 1978. (There's another book with the same title that came out later, but that's not mine.) In that work I also introduced glyphs for all the septile and novile series aspects that I've used for over 30 years. I plan to reissue at least the chapter on the spiritual aspects with added commentary in the near future as a booklet on these important points showing spiritual pulses.
Posted by: Robert | October 20, 2008 at 03:21 PM