Saturn Square Pluto - The Crunch is On!

by Robert Wilkinson

For the next few weeks, Saturn will be squaring Pluto. What will this bring, and what does it mean?

Among other things, it's a clash between the force of time and evolution and the force of inevitable change. Squares are gear grinds, producing either a braking action, a release, or a turning of a corner.

This is a waning square, a culmination point in a process that began long ago at the conjunction the last time Saturn was in Libra between 1980-83. This fulfills a process of several decades, and spells the end of whatever began then. Students of history, political processes, and social regressive movements in vogue since then should take note. It's the end of the end of whatever theoretical but impractical assertions have been popular the past 26-29 years.

Obviously, those with planets in late Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius, as well as those with planets in early Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will be most affected. This effect is both individual and collective, and impacts the areas ruled by these planets, as well as the houses they occupy.

We are on the edge of a shift in history, a fulfillment of a great historical cycle, and the beginning of a decline that will last for a few years until the next conjunction down the road a piece. Governments, authoritarian systems, and control mechanisms will all break down over the next year while this aspect is prevalent.

What's happening now is the first in a series of squares, setting many things into motion that are HIGHLY frictional. This aspect, coupled with the centrifuge effect of the still active Saturn opposition Uranus, is shattering old ways forever as well as putting the brakes on whatever Plutonian seeds need stopping.

So things are spinning, ending, grinding, and turning corners. This period is bringing finality to whatever has been, and could never be. With Scorpio so prominent, it's time to take note of deep feelings and say goodbye to whatever, creating the space to attract things more appropriate to who we are. The trick is to be patient in refusing all that is not appropriate, and welcome that which is.

The square from Saturn to Pluto was prominent in the recent Full Moon of Taurus and Scorpio, which guaranteed everyone a wild ride with a major T-square driving the Grand Irrationality coupled with Mars septile Saturn. This is throwing us all into forks in the road in ways we will know our lives have changed in the near future.

So say goodbye and hello, release and welcome, and let go of whatever and whoever is being spun away. We are all in the whirlwind, and must learn how to dance on the edge of eternity. We have nothing to lose but our fear.

© Copyright 2009 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Carson]

Robert,

Always such poetic elucidations and articulations. Dancing on the edge of eternity indeed.

Infinite blessings to you, yours and this entire etheric and resonant community through all the transitions ahead,

Carson

[nefe]

Dear Robert,

Thank you for this beautiful note. I am so appreciative of your guidance and your generosity in sharing your wisdom and knowledge.

Nefe

[WarriorLady]

Thanks a million!

While we're at it, someone please make an annoying Capricorn go away. He/she knowingly stole some of this Libra's ideas, made them into his/her own, and is being very well compensated for them because he/she writes for a well-known (but rather inane) site. Great. Just as I was beginning to achieve the feeling of success in my own writing craft through confidence, not compensation. My popularity only began to increase, recently.

(I'm not paid for any of what I write. I do it because I love it.)

It's frustrating because I can't prove any of it. Tell me that karma will handle it. Anything good, really. I'd really appreciate it.

Sad hugs...

[Jessi]

I'm hopeful karma will handle it WarriorLady. :) That and the focus will bring your talent the due it deserves since you've been at it (from what I gather from your post).

Robert, boy, talk about things spinning alright! So thank you for your guidance as always.

[BritLitChik]

WarriorLady - As to Robert's article, one might construe the releasing as allowing yourself to "let go" of this particular individual and accept into your own fold a welcome to that which is appropriate (I think that was the near quote).

What I ususally find with individuals such as these (and they are a-plenty in corporate America) is that they can't sustain this sudden creative burst and eventually people realize that the one stroke of genius he/she had was either a fluke, or as in your case, a full-blown rip-off moment. The fun part is that if you continue to mold your craft (out of love, which bears no fear if full and complete love) and take the lessons learned from the individual in question, that your creativeness will shine through for you later down the road when it's appropriate and you will have new sparks that will become rightfully credited to you.

Funny, this is not about karma in the esoteric sense....this type of situation is usually about waiting out someone to see what they do (or can't do) next. You can't be a genius only once, not in the real world; getting paid for a job well done requires repeat.

As to the article...Robert, the releases have been enormous. After literally years of mulling over these things that would send me straight over the edge, they are simply falling away without barely a "why was that ever there?" Simply mind-blowing.

It does feel like the edge of a new reality. Wow!!

BLC

[kachina]

Incredible, exhilarating times!
Thanks Robert!

[Heather]

As always, what perfect timing. Even with the occasional gear grinds, the release of the material and flow of the non-material in my life is just incredible! What would have seemed like a major sacrifice before is now a mere transition. I can't stop smiling!! Thanks again for sharing the wisdom. :-)

[Matt]

Hello Robert,

Two Thoughts:
(i) We have nothing to lose but our fear. This is just delicious - thank you.

(ii) I've read a fair amount about Pluto conjunct Jupiter - perhaps because it occurs more frequently - so I'm eager understand more about Saturn-Pluto conjunctions and particularly the ones that occurred in Libra and the ones that will occur in Capricorn (with Jupiter!) around 2020.

[Valerie]

Dear Robert, a great emphatic article to follow up the last one about Saturn-Pluto. It really puts things into perspective. As I mentioned on my other post, I really like your concept of the Saturn square, turning a corner. My life is certainly turning corners. It's kind of dull right now, but I'm intrigued and looking forward to whom or what I will bump into. Thanks Robert and keep up the good work.

Dear WarriorLady- BritLitChick is right, that's good advice. I understand you must be deeply offended. This Cap person will be visited by karmic reward in his own good time, rest assured. But you know you are a class act and can rise above this. Take it as a learning experience. An old proverb which can be of small comfort is, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... so don't get discouraged, keep on writing and sharing your wisdom! Namaste :)

[Z]

I have been studying the Alice Bailey books for a few years now. I love your interpretations of the concepts using the Esoteric astrology !

[Melody Dawn]

Absolutamundo ~~~ Dead on Robert. :)

Even the cycle of now being a culmination point
of a cycle started in 1980 saturn in Libra in what
started as or may even have negatively diverged
'inappropriately' for many. The spell from 1980
has definately ended and the centrifuge brings
breakdowns only so that the truest essences can
rise or much neededly be seperated. It's time
for all to take the lessons of the last several
decades and move forward in our own truest
authenticities. While you will most assuredly see
governments, authoritarian systems and CONTROL
mechanisms fall away, crumble and totally break
down and for those who desperately rely on them.
Interesting times for sure.
Cheers
Melody Dawn

[chickie]

Your Highness

Saturn conjunct my South node while squaring my Venus!This is NOT Fun. However...venus is entering Scorpio and will trine my venus....I hope it's a bit of relief!

Dear Warrior Lady....I'm in the same boat. We Will BE Strong!!!

[AceStar]

Hi Robert! very good article :)
thanks
Good Luck!

[Marie]

Saturn square Pluto, eh!!!
Robert, I have just suddenly recently been reunited with an old friend and actually possibly more. Days later he is admitted to hospital and undergoing tests for ,,,well worst case scenario is unthinkable. I am never one to charge into something making demands but i feel this situation warrants my attention more than any other, but still wanting to be respectful without being distant.
When i visit we laugh and talk and cuddle but when I leave I feel the world is capsizing. Is this an overreaction? Does this type of situation unjustifiably accelerate emotions or is it just another of the strange situations I find myself in until it plays itself out.....I only hope I can bring some comfort and love which may or may not add to the healing.
Thanks for the space and please any prayers out here would be good:)))
X M

[Mike]

Robert, you are quite the poet!

[PSW]

Robert,
Reagonomics is dead. Time to turn the corner. Individually what an incredible past few months/years. Keep informing us with the truth.
Preston

[BigKahunaKitty]

First-WarriorLady:
1)Bless those who curse you(who do you wrong!)
2)Protect yourself - Copyright your work or whatever is appropriate for your "craft"
3)Imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery (thanks Valerie!) Though it hurts, the "positive" is that you are being complimented
4)Do not let the person or situation change your "love vibe" - You are doing this out of love, keep it that way!
"Keep on truckin'" WarriorLady!

Robert: "...learn how to dance on the edge of eternity..." I thought about Rep Tevyah (spelling) in "Fiddler on The Roof" - When he is dancing and singing "If I were a rich man!" Thank you again for taking time to illuminate those things we just can't seem to put a finger on.

All Blessings to you,
BigKahunaKitty
(Yes, the Egypt connection is real. Most young, white children, do not want to move to Africa. :))

[Shell]

Robert
When i read your words i want to hug you...the shift is amazing...thank you!

Marie...prayers on the way. question for you (if it is too personal please excuse the intrusion) could this friend be your twin flame?

Much love
Shell

[Marie]

Thankyou shell,,,
not at all as this is a subject I have often pondered for reasons I do not even know. I suppose it would not be out of the question tho we are extreme opposites in temperament,,,cement and cloud perhaps. My mother used to bring me to his mother's home when i was a child, tho he would have been grown by then. I met him at a wedding seven years ago and always intended to follow it up, but well, ...plus he was busy travelling the world in his crazy way,,,,
I am trying not to be innappropriate but it feels like more than co-incidence. Let's concentrate on the healing:)))
Many thanks
xm

[Michele]

Dear Robert,
Read your article with interest... and it is very relevant to an early Aries (24 March 1955)whose life has seen many trials and has ground to a halt.. is emptied of people (despite great efforts..but they were probably the 'wrong people').. and after 12 years of lone parenthood, also found myself at the end of the road with redundancy, after holding out on successive short fixed term contracts for a decade....and spinning back into the poverty trap which I have worked long and hard to escape. Despite my efforts, it seems nothing will do. Powerless.... forces outside are greater than the energy I expand to counteract the devastating impact....The trouble with 'being philosophical' about what is happening to us is that being in a position to be so is very much a privilege....all dependent on the effective resources that each and everyone of us may have to allow themselves a little space to step back and heal..... it is easier to take in one's stride, if we don't see the point at which we cannot support our children's basic needs... a roof over our heads, their educational needs.. so... let's hope that the energies are not that devastating that they live many of us at 'ground zero'.

[ev]

BAM! BAM! BAM!
As soon as Saturn entered Libra, I got a letter for my case, actually a day before. I'm Libran with Pluto zero degree in Libra, with Sun+Mercury+Venus around eighteen in Libra. 'm going through one legal issue, housing issue, job issue..partner issue due to the last new moon libra on Oct. Earthquake in my life. Although everything in second house, no income increase..money thing, not easy yet.

[Judith]

Bless you,and thank you for this Robert, and as usual for all you posts!
'Tis my second Saturn return -(1.45 Libra) -exactly conjunct this Pluto square
-and my life has definitely changed radically in the past year-Having moved from the place I lived for 30 years -for starters....
-But I feel very blessed to be able to say that it is really wonderful!
Was in a bit of a tailspin after this full moon -feeling GRANDLY IRRATIONAL!!!
But you're so right "The trick is to be patient in refusing all that is not appropriate, and welcome that which is."...and...."We are all in the whirlwind, and must learn how to dance on the edge of eternity. We have nothing to lose but our fear."

Much, much love....

[Starlook]

Hi ev,

I could totally understand what you say - I am going through many things that you have mentioned if not the same. And ONLY(?) 35 years have passed and I don't seem to be on a stable path yet. Important relationships/things have got shaken wildly for the past 1 year and no good news yet.

I think that everything is for good and we would suffer what we have to. But, its always better to do what we can. Good Luck to you and lots of love & compassion! Be safe and be tough - YOU CAN!

[WarriorLady]

Thanks, guys :)!

This has been a weird, frustrating test for me. I know that deep down this is flattery, but what is most insulting is that this person is using my work for her own benefit-- not of, say, our community. I've inspired others, including a few journalists, who've turned my ideas to benefit thousands of people in our community. That's not an issue-- it's when a person steals and uses what is stolen for selfish purposes (compensation and prestige) that it bugs me.

I'm getting over it. Thanks for your understanding and, yes, I'm sure that Saturn is going to have a "field day" sometime soon with this gal.

[Denise]

Synchronicity? Check this out - a literal fork in the road - and 18 feet high.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_13705662?source=rss

[Vera]

Saturn square Pluto=transformation in government, authority figures I hope!

If Saturn can be called the Devil or Evil than I hope this means it will be transformed in all areas of life.

Personally, last square in 1980-83 I graduated in 80 and rebelled against my parents and all that they were about and found a rebel in the big city to live with. He introduced me to the new age and all to different healing modes and I turned my life over to a new way of viewing the world.

I divorced this man 19 yrs. ago but, he has been in my life up until now. I broke all ties with him and then I recently let go of the new age approach to life. I don't see things the same way any more and all my friends associated with the new age have been divorced.

I am on my own but free to go in a new direction, scared, no, lonely yes.....this too will pass...

[reefaroundme]

Dear Robert,

Saturn is on the degree of my natal Uranus, which is the point or apex of a natal kite. Kite is: Uranus sextile Mars/MC and my Sun, and those are both trine Chiron. I feel that this transit is going to be a very transformative time for me, I mean literally feel it. Things are nuts and completely out of my control. I also have Jupiter on the AC, Pluto square Uranus, Uranus opposite Pluto, and since I have Jupiter a degree away from Uranus, all those transits go double. There's more too. How do you break down and interpret (do triage on?) multiple transits? Does a transit to an aspect pattern affect every part of the pattern? How do you decide what's important and what's clutter? And, lastly, how long is the wait for a reading?

All best wishes...

[Morvah]

Eeek!! The edge of eternity !
Dancing and Praying...
Shanti

[Sue Moon]

What a statement of our times........thanks for the Fork in the Road link......I love our human sense of humor!

[CIndy]

I love this site! Thank you Robert, I always take a drink from this spriritual wellspring!

[sangeeta]

Beautiful words for incredible times...thanks robert...you are an inspiration

[Robert]

Hi Carson - Well, sometimes I just find a "turn of phrase" that seems to capture a moment. Language should not be dull or boring! I'm afraid Twitter has begun a mass dumbing down of our language. And just as there is life in art, there is art in life, and words are the means by which we communicate inner and outer images, opening our own and others' imaginations. Kiss the Canadian sky for me, if you are "that" Carson.

Hi nefe - You're most welcome. Thanks for the appreciation of the work. We're all in this together...

Hi WarriorLady - I learned the unfortunate reality in my years in Los Angeles that idea theft is the numero uno closet industry in the US (and perhaps the world!) In my law classes I learned just enough about intellectual property to see that there are protections, but only for those willing to jump through appropriate hoops ahead of time (like registering scripts with the writer's guild, etc.) The Capricorn you mention has already set a huge karmic kreemer into motion, since Saturn square Pluto will definitely give many who are dishonest their rightful due. With Lord Shiva/Pluto on the way, their fate is already sealed. None of this should shake your confidence in your writing skill. I also have had MAJOR ideas "stolen" from me where another got the geld and the fame. Oh well. At least some good things got out there. And I've gone on to this and other very fulfilling activities and creations. This is a great time to refuse the loss and subsequent negative feelings, and with determination bring in another great idea no one else could ever do like you. And I'm really happy that so many others have offered their support and encouragement. That's a very good thing.

Hi Jessi - With the coming Cardinal T-square in play over the next several months, I have no doubt karma will come forth for everyone in the world in major ways, for good and ill, depending on what we learned with Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces.

Hi BritLitChik - Precisely! When we release that which has jammed our gears, we create space for something else to proceed. You're so right about mediocrities being unable to sustain the creativity (since it wasn't theirs to begin with!) and over time it becomes obvious they were a "one trick pony." I agree about molding the craft over time, since that's what you're reading here at the Aquarius Papers. Come a long way since early 2004.... ;-) And yes, any gift we may have will continue to show in various forms over time, while the rip-offs become has-beens or never-weres in their own Bardo.

Hi kachina - Yes they are. You're most welcome.

Hi Heather - Smiling is a very good thing! The more the merrier.... You're welcome.

Hi Matt - Fear is a useless response and a dangerous disease, so you're welcome. Will try to factor in your interest in a future article. Saturn conjunct Pluto sets long wave restructuring into motion.

Hi Valerie - I believe understanding the positive potential of squares is the key to staying on track with one's own higher interests. And sometimes turning the corner at the intersection of Fate Street and Freewill Street on Eternity Boulevard brings all kinds of unsuspected vistas, perspectives, and possibilities.

Hi Z - A fellow student of The Tibetan, eh? Good for you! Please read "Initiation Human and Solar" if you haven't already. It's the key to all the works that followed. It also means you should probably email me, since the process of Self-Unfoldment has definite stages of "permanent" higher development. This will also be the focus of some Spiritual classes I'm intending to set up in 2010.

Hi Melody Dawn - We now enter a very intense time of radical transformation. Finding our spiritual family and assuring supply are going to be very important. The authenticity factor is how we'll recognize our Brothers and Sisters. Those who do not live and speak with integrity will see many things fall away like sand in the hand whipped by the whirlwind.

Hi Chickie - Been waiting for your call. Saturn on SN shows it's "line of least resistance" time. Also chewing up old karmas, no doubt. Sorry it's one more time when someone did not do the right thing....

Hi AceStar - You bet. Much is happening everywhere, and so hopefully this will help you navigate the instability while still capturing timeless images. Truly best of all good things to you as well.

Hi Marie - Everyone is turning corners that offer all kinds of new human experiences. Anything that calls our hearts does "warrant our attention." Respect for space needs is also a good thing when a loved one is going through changes. I wouldn't think finding moments of happiness is an overreaction to anything. Of course some feelings will intensify for all kinds of reasons in all kinds of circumstances, and they will "play out" as they will. Perhaps you're already bringing comfort and love, which of course heals many things whether we see it or not.

Hi Mike - Well, I used to be a long time ago, so I suppose I've never really lost it. But writing tech stuff like transits doesn't usually lend itself to turns of phrase, except to illustrate what's happening.

Hi Preston - Yes, Reaganomics were dead before they ever lived! It just took Stockman to remind all of us that the Emperor's Beancounters had no clothes, no sustainable ideas, and the whole thing was an illusion. Unfortunately, that incubator also gave us Cheney and Rummy, two war criminals who felt that deficits didn't matter while they put us on a permanent war footing. This is part of the greater tension of our times, since the Pentagon wants to keep the perpetual war going even as young men and women are permanently screwed and the country goes bankrupt in every way.

Hi BigKahunaKitty - Definitely agree with all you told WarriorLady. Dancing as fast as I can.....

Hi Shell - Well, maybe someday we'll be in the same space-time continuum and we'll both get that hug!

Hi Michele - Your life will not be "at a halt" by Summer 2010! Nothing outside us has the power to deny our Dharma. And nothing can prevent us from caring for our children appropriately. Once upon a time when younger I was very poor but still found things coming forth that guaranteed my daughter her well being. I don't agree with your take on being philosophical, and in composing a comment on that subject, it turned into an article I'll publish today. And of course, please remember that some mental, emotional, and habitual life structures must be devastated so we can lift those chains off our neck and step out of the darkness of "un-knowing" into greater clarity. With resolve, many ills fall away quickly and opportunities come forth.

Hi ev - Looks like you're being forged in the fire! 2nd house isn't just money. It's what we need to draw on to support our 1st house self-image and self-definition. May Jupiter's station trine your Libra stellium bring good things through the unveiling of whatever needs to be unveiled.

Hi Judith - I'm also going through my second Saturn Return (in late Virgo) and it's really something! Am definitely in motion in major ways with long term implications!!

Hi Starlook - Saturn is close to its waxing (lower) square to your Saturn, so it's a reality check time for decisions you made back at 28-29. There are turning points when we can let go of directions we don't need to go while accepting the opportunity to chew up some old karmas so they don't intrude when we're older. Definitely compassion toward self and the process of Self-unfoldment is a good thing!

Hi Denise - Brilliant example of guerilla art! Wonderful!!

Hi Vera - Yes, all forms of authority will be challenged these next few years. Just wait until Jupiter and Uranus in Aries join the dance!! Saturn's duality is "dominion v slavery," so many forms of these will be resolved by the balancing and evening out of Saturn in its sign of exaltation (lens of greatest growth.) Old authorities and limiting people are falling away like skins that have been shed with the season. Glad you've found your freedom to pursue your Dharma.

Hi reefaroundme - Saturn is helping your restructure your genius in major ways while the transiting Uranus and Pluto dance with your natal Pluto and Uranus throwing your Spiritual life into dynamic action. See everything in terms of motive, and allow yourself to perceive that which is contributing to the larger sense of disorder so you can find the center.

What you're asking for involves the art of Synthesis, one of the astrological classes I'll be offering in 2010. (Yes, a transit to a configuration sets off the entire configuration and all it influences, by house position and rulership.) Right now I'm booked through December 13th, but sometimes slots open up. Email me.

Hi Morvah - Well, from one point of view it's ALL Eternity! ;-) Also dancing, praying, and meditating as fast as I can....

Hi Sue Moon - Yes, a great sense of humor in that artistic effort in Pasadena!

Hi Cindy - Thanks for the vote of appreciation. Lots of info, community, and good support. And it's fairly safe to boot!

Hi sangeeta - You're most welcome. Hopefully we all can be an inspiration to each other.

[Laura Willow]

This is for Michelle, born March 24,1955. Hey Michelle, I was born 3/26/55 and I would love to talk with you about your chart. Mine has an unaspected sun, a fixed grand cross and a water grand trine with Saturn being the connection between the two grands. I have often wondered what it would be like to meet someone with this or a similar configuration. My email address is ndwillow (at) comcast.net.

Robert, as always you find the words to enable others to activate the energies of the aspect(s). Thanks so much!

[Valerie]

Thanks Robert, that is very cool. Being a bit of a Pollyanna, I have tried to see the good side of negative aspects, especially when I get a bunch of really ominous ones all at once. I look up the good qualities about the planets and try to apply them, then give it time, wait and see how it turns out. Overall, I think this works. This was a really great comment stream with lots of feedback, wasn't it! Namaste everyone :)

[ev]

Love to read your articles.

It's a little different q. Could you share your opinions about Saturn trine Pluto energy in natal chart? I read it indicates 'a real drag in life' and even 'persecution'. Any positive thoughts + experiences would be welcome to listen.

Thank you, Robert.

[Starlook]

Thanks Robert...your reply is convincing as always. What you say is very sensible & practical, better to concentrate on future rather to dwell with the present issues (especially regarding the karmas).

[WarriorLady]

Hey, Robert? I didn't even realize that there was a page-two of comments. (Of course I didn't.) Just want to say a HUGE thank you for your response there. Sorry for the delay. And you're right.

I'm also gonna give myself a little credit. After the amazingly kind responses I received here last week, I chose to stand up to this person by issuing sort of a warning that I would expose the behavior on my site if it didn't stop, examples and all. I revealed no names, nothing mean like that. Just honestly expressed my feelings about it so that she'd read it. I have some class, ya'know?

Turned out that the person in question had become notorious for stealing the ideas of others, not just mine, and that gave me the driving force I needed to nip injustice right in the bud.

I think that we understand each other, now. Boy, that felt good!

[Marie]

Thankyou Robert! That is most encouraging. My friend is today diagnosed with cancer in the left lung...on Friday 13th no less!
Though this is devastating as far as immediate hopes, the only comfort I now have is that he is an aquarius and very big and strong and according to himself has been in much tighter spots. This attitude makes me think that the sutation will be contained and indeed there may be many more happy moments to come:))
XM

[Robert]

Hi Laura - Actually, while you do have a Grand Fixed Cross, you don't have a Grand Water Trine, since Mercury is sesquisquare Uranus, not trine. And your Sun has several aspects: novile Venus, semisquare Mars, and tredecile Uranus. I also changed your email from @ to (at) so that spambots crawling this site won't pick up your email address. Other than that, I trust you're navigating the square with as much grace as possible!

Hi Valerie - Actually, doing the virtues of the planets is the only way to transmute negative aspects to positive effects. I agree that it's been a great comment stream.

Hi ev - It could indicate a great sense of timing on sprouting seeds of all sorts, as well as the ability to understand how time and patience work to purify whatever. Here the Saturn function is in harmony with the deep transformer in your life. While it could work in the difficult ways you stated, it could just as well take a thousand other forms.

Hi Starlook - Well, we should deal with the present without dwelling too much on what is difficult, since that too passes away.

Hi WarriorLady - And sometimes even a page 3!;-) Yes, sometimes it's the Dharma of those who walk in the light to illuminate the dark corners of reality so that the roaches either scurry away or are brought into the light. I don't much like standing up to bullies, thieves, and other misguided beings, but if it's my duty, well..... And the practice of courage brings the rewards of the strengthening of courage!

Hi Marie - I hope that by now he's on the mend, and doing as well as he can given the circumstances. We all do get by with a little help from our friends.