Global Astrology in 2008 - An Overview of the Outer Planets

by Robert Wilkinson

Welcome to the first of several articles about what's coming. There are many things to discuss, since 2008 promises to be a year of initiating new opportunities, new disciplines, new actions, new regimes, and new values. After many years of minimal Earth, this year will bring forth maximum advantages from persevering, organized, mature intention.

First, the outer triad, which I'll discuss in greater detail in the coming "Spiritual Astrology" articles to come in the next few days.

This year, Pluto dances into the first 2 degrees of Capricorn, then retrogrades back into the end of Sagittarius. This means it continues to set into motion seeds of whatever the Jupiter conjunct Pluto at the Galactic Center is sending out, which set some major forces into motion. It also means we're all in for blessings, seeing powerful personalities seize power, understanding how wrong use of force damages our integrity and sense of connectedness, and finishing up whatever training we've been going through these past 2 years.

Neptune, our connection to the collective consciousness (and unconscious) has brought us all "gifts from Spirit," and will continue to help us build an adequate "Spiritual vehicle" to demonstrate our Higher expertise by this Summer. We will focus on managing our emotional, social, or cultural energies that will further develop the crystalized forms of Neptunian ideals that Saturn helped us bring into form during the many months it was opposed Neptune.

You can site google "Saturn opposition (or opposed) Neptune" and you'll get a lot more about what this two year influence crystalized in ways that will impact us for many years to come. These involved major realizations about how to make our Neptunian aptitudes and ideals real, to whatever degree we got clear about them.

In 2008 Uranus will take us into unknown zones. Uranus and Neptune are VERY intimately linked this time in history because of what is known as "mutual reception," aka they are in each other's signs. Uranus firmly entering the last half of the last sign will bring individuating experiences through knowing how to bless and forgive at the beginning of the end of a long cycle.

When Uranus enters Aries in May 2010 and leaves Pisces for the last time in 77 years in March 2011 it ushers in a new era. Between now and then are the final closure on the last 84 years, and are bringing us to a greater synthetic understanding and wisdom of flow, closure, forgiveness, empathy, and allowance.

This begins "The End of the End" of the present era, and to be redundant, it's all about management, the greatest good for the greatest number, and blending with the "better angels of our nature," as the great Aquarian Abraham Lincoln put it. (Yes, even politicians can be Sages, though not lately.)

We now turn our attention to Saturn, the timekeeper that structures our endeavors, teaching us patience, maturity, and not to push the river.

Saturn, while retrograde, will continue to secure the lessons we've been learning since September 2007 through May 2008. At that point it hits its forward station on a degree involving all of us being liberated from a form of suffering through practical, grounded compassion. From April through June and beyond, there will be struggles that will show us liberation if we can become self realized in some individualistic way.

The first half of 2008 shows Saturn in the first half of Virgo, helping us come to experiences of Divine Discrimination so we can see through illusions. There are a lot, you know. This period of Jupiter trine Saturn in early Capricorn is giving us great opportunities to be gentle, practical, organized, and ground the black hole inspiration of Jupiter in Sag conjunct Pluto at the Galactic Center in 2007 which has now fired up the next 12 years.

A brief look at the second half of 2008 shows lots of explosions helping all to break up obsolete structures so that our "will to wholeness" can bring us to a greater effectiveness. We begin a great adventure in consciousness, crystalizing venerable values and standards which we will have to adopt according to our individual sense of destiny. This will impact our experiences in 2009 in a major way.

Tensions will escalate due to Saturn getting VERY close to its opposition to Uranus, itself the midpoint of the Saturn-Uranus cycle that began Spring of 1986 and was close and/or exact from 1987-1989, with conjunctions at the Galactic Center both in late Sag and early Capricorn. This has implications for the coming Pluto ingress into Capricorn, since the Cosmic Purifier and Seed Carrier is awakening whatever crystalized form of revolutionary individuation was indicated by that particular series of Saturn conjunct Uranus degrees.

Jupiter has already begun the new Plutonic cycle, and is closing in on the final stages of the old Jupiter-Uranus and Jupiter-Neptune cycles in the next few years. It's the beginning of the expansion of transformations happening and to come, and the end game to old possibilities in the transpersonal individualizing and collectivizing cycles.

This is the cosmic pause between what Jupiter is expanding of Pluto and preparing to expand in 2009 of Neptunian ideals and in 2010 of Uranian individualizing pulses. Jupiter is favorable to Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, so make the most of it. Get organized, learn to "think in the future," and see where your most economical efforts will yield maximum material results.

Jupiter trine Saturn the first half of 2008 shows the Earth areas of our charts should run fairly smoothly, as will the houses and planets involving Sag, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

As you can imagine, I'll be composing a lot of material about the year to come, for everyone and specific signs, over the next few days and weeks, so enjoy!

© Copyright 2007 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Jilly]

uhnngg, Pluto I love you (I really do) but wow. LOL

[Damien]

Love you. Keep it up!

[carrie ann]

what does this mean to this Sagitarriam and Cancerian rising fire - water cross?

[toni]

I like reading everything you have to write and I'm happy you say you have lots more to write. Thanks Robert! Happy New Year :) It feels like its going to be a good one.

[Jan]

O'happy day! I've been looking forward to my personal earth-trine solar-fiesta for quite awhile. Yet, you continually bring some moment up from the past that blows my mind. Becoming clean/sober in 1988 I can now recognize my Virgo-Sat spanking my Gemini-Uranus. Robert, you never fail to gift me with your connectiveness. Now, seriously...let's dance! Feliz ano nuevo, Juanita

[Donna Faber]

Hello Robert ... I just love your divinely inspired work! Saraswati has blessed you in the most fabulous ways! I've been looking for an astrological blueprint like this for a long time. I look forward to your articles, and see my own life in them frequently. Take care and Happy New year!

[Robert]

Hi Jilly - Well, there's a lot more, and we're all being called to get in shape for what's coming not that far down the road.

Hi Damien - Thanks. Keeping it up despite almost impossible time constraints. In 2008 I intend to maintain and expand the work the best I can. And of course try to find time to get the first draft of my next book done.;-)

Hi Carrie Ann - Will be composing more for the signs over the next few days and weeks.

Hi Toni - Your faithful reporter is pleased that there is ALWAYS more to write about! It's just a matter of time, time, and time.

Hi Jan - I do believe that if we all danced more and made less war, everyone would be much happier (except the arms merchants!) People with Uranus in Gemini are actually in an interesting situation, given the trine or tredecile from Neptune which can now be released in new forms through Saturn's waxing square. Jupiter gave you the humor, truth, or vision last year while Uranus is bringing your individuality or genius to the attention of your world. Of course, a most happy year to you, and may you dance as much as possible in coming times.

Hi Donna - Glad you found inspiration in what I post. Thanks for your praise of the Source. Will take care and most definitely have a good 2008.

[Dianne m]

Hello Robert and everyone,
I remember 86 and 87 - 89 as the beginning and end of everything. Where were you during the Harmonic Covergence?
I remember travelling to a place where a bush fire had burned through a few weeks prior, a large white cross was on the mountain (the sabian symbol is not lost on me, it is my Pluto degree). A group of us, all ages and nationalities meditated. The next day I remember walking up the mountain, through fog, finding a clearing and seeing signs of regeneration, new green growth, after the fire, a red robin sat on the log beside me and sang, when I walked down the mountain, it was clear and the sun was shining.
A couple of days ago I read in the newspaper that three galaxies, two spiral, the third irregular are colliding...some say the image looks like a celestial bird, others, say a fairy. In a millions years time, their combined gravitational pull will cause them to merge into one body.
I'd say the portents are good, I have always believed that 2012, held a key.
Things to do before then, each one working in their own way.
Cheers and Happy News Year to you all, stinking hot here.
Dianne m

[DEBORAH]

Of all the astrology writings on the cyber highway--I get more out of your insights! You write so well,and your communication skills are so eloquent!!! You give so much more detail and analysis of the Universe and astrology!! You are so helpful to all with your giving of your talents, and have helped me allot!! I wish you a very Blessed New Year, MUCH LOVE & LIGHT to you--and all that visit your site. I send Love & Light out everyday in my meditations, as my hope is that more and more of us can "go" inward and find the light of the devine that is in us and project that energy out. A special HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, ROBERT, MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH GOOD HEALTH OF BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT!! Deborah

[Mary]

Hi Robert I haven't written much over the last two months, if at all. But, I have read. I am coming out of the 2007 stupor, and have many hopes for 2008. I wish you well and I am looking forward to all you write. A dear psychic friend who has passed on says that earth and water(cancer) can combine to make growth, or mud.... Here's to growth this year...

[Felita]

Dear Robert, In regards to Neptune and Uranus in mutal reception and the nodes have shifted to Aquarius/Leo . How or does this effect group consciosness in its relationship to Neptune in Aquarius and also Chiron with the nodes. Hoping this question is not distracting from the topics at hand.
Wishing you and others here a happy and healthy new year. Interesting, 2008 International year of the Frog. Cleansing and letting go. I love frogs.
Thanking you again. Aum Namah Shivaya
Felita

[Robert]

Hi Diane - I led some of the talks/discussions in Austin for that event. The Fire Trines of the August 1987 Harmonic Convergence were a powerful liberating force, as were the closely duplicated Fire Trines of August 1988. As an aside, there was NOTHING in common between these major Convergence events and the later so-called "Harmonic Concordance" which marked nothing of astrological significance. This year we have major Earth trines, which hopefully will ground some of the fiery inspirations and adventures we glimpsed in 2007.

Hi Deborah - Thanks for your blessings and praise of the work. There is a lot to explore, you know, and since we never know if tomorrow will come, I try to do as much as I can today.

Hi Mary - Whether a person comments or not, it's all good. Yes, Earth and Water make clay for building blocks, or mud that bogs us down. This year should be very productive.

Hi Felita - I'll try to compose something about the Nodal shift, including Neptune and Chiron, in a future article. Right now, I'm trying to compose as much as I can for 2008 AND January-February, since they quickly approach! Frogs are a very good thing, as they are "gatekeepers" to show us subtle changes in our environment we need to take note of. And when they collectively sign, it's an awesome thing.

[Popplagid]

Hi Robert, nice article
For Aquarius and Pisces people like myself, 2008 promises to be a greatly idealistic year, the start of a great change in the years ahead, since Jupiter travels through our 11th house of hopes and collective dreams, as well as is Pluto, and prepares to join with Neptune and Uranus in our first house between 2009 and 2012. Luck seems to await our personal and professional expansion! Besides that, our relationships are restructuring and will go deeper(Saturn runs through 7th house and prepares into 8th house).
Anyone wanting to share their experiences?
Happy 2008 for all*

[Popplagid]

Furthermore, 2008 like you said Robert, seems to be a highly practical year, with Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter coming to Earth signs.
I expect a more realistic approach to life from humanity itself. Less dreams, fears or unrealistic plans, but back to real world, plain and simple.
Not wanting to mention politics, but I do hope for a good soul coming to presidence in US and the world getting commited to create and promote global peace, abundance, and resolution of environmental and climate issues.
I expect transformations to go the easier and the smooth way. For sure, (material) resources will this year be much spoken of (as well as jobs and governments).
Pluto will surely transform things from 2008 on.
In the end of the year, we will see the first cycle Saturn-Uranus showing signs of tension and then on. It is very curious that the coming opositions and squares will hit the suns of several i mportant world nations and perhaps the most important points of the zodiac (0ºaries, 0ºcapricorn, 0ºlibra)!

[Robert]

Hi Popplagid - Well, Pluto just barely enters Capricorn, then retrogrades back to Sag, and it will take quite some time for it actually to move any significant distance into Capricorn. You're right in that the "critical degrees" of 1 Cardinal signs come into play beginning this year, especially given that 1 Cap was where the Sun-Jupiter conjunction happened, which set the year cycle into motion. As Pluto crosses it, we should see major seeds begin to sprout. Jupiter in Cap will give signs and signals of what is to come, and the trines to Saturn in Earth will prove very stabilizing wherever they fall. Don't know how "lucky" it is, but with work, perseverance, and other Cap virtues, it could very well turn out better materially for many than it's been in a long time. It should help ground the promise of Jupiter in Sag, and definitely prepare us for higher group work and global views in 2009.

[Popplagid]

Certainly Robert.
I will have Jupiter transiting my Aquarius rising next year. Meanwhile Jupiter is in my 11th house, after transiting my natal sun! I also have my south node in late Cap :-)

Maybe it is Christmas, but in December was much less alarmist than previously. Even in the news or magazines. Maybe its Saturn in Virgo, Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, grounding people, telling us to get real and down to earth. Wasnt it back to 2000 Saturn and Jupiter were together in Earth signs?

[michele]

Hey Robert,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :-)

thanx for heads up re: your talk on jan. 20th--will be there-looking forward to it.
also, to having you back on awakenings.
btw, you can download archive of your interview @http://www.selfinlight.com/downloads.html.
it will be there so no rush. :-)

also, looks like a lot of creativity and restructuring for more play/expression in 2008.

i like what you said about grounding the fiery transformations...yes, some grounding to fly high would be nice and welcome...both is a good combo

THANX for being a Bright light and a calming site of insight :-)

Aum Peace & Namaste

Michele :-)

a fellow traveler on the path

[Robert]

Hi popplagid - Yes, Jupiter and Saturn conjuncted at 23 Taurus in May 2000. Don't know that December was "less alarmist" given the amount of bloodshed that happened all over Africa and Asia, and the severe snow storms that disrupted life and travel all over North America, but those events and others are definitely preparing us all for "getting real."

Hi Michele - And a big happy to you as well. Will do the download thang. As for flying high, it takes someone on the ground to get the kite to go a few hundred feet up. It takes a good pilot to get the plane 8 miles high and then touch down safely. And of course, you close with great wordplay. Something about "please pleas me" comes to mind. (And isn't it great that "fellow traveler" is no longer code for being a Bolshevik?)