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March 20, 2006
World Transits from Cosmos and Psyche
For most people burdened with a modern education, astrology makes
no sense at all. However, a few academics have begun to realize
that some profound connection exists between the movements of
the planets and human experience. In his recently published book,
Cosmos and Psyche, professor Richard Tarnas offers the heretical
view that outer planet cycles correspond precisely with definitive
epochs in human history.
Tarnas begins with the
most obvious cycle, the
Uranus-Pluto conjunction,
which was last in effect
during the revolutionary
1960s. He traces the Uranus-Pluto
conjunctions, squares,
and oppositions through
history, and invariably,
during each cycle, humanity
was experiencing widespread
breakthroughs on many different
levels. In each epoch,
the archetypal patterns
symbolized by Uranus and
Pluto were being fully
expressed in our collective
reality.
In 500 pages of analysis,
Tarnas investigates four
major outer planetary cycles,
what he calls "world
transits". Knowing
what happened during past
world transits allows us
to better understand what
will happen in future world
transits, he explains.
As an example, he illuminates
the Saturn-Neptune cycle,
which is coming into effect
now and will continue through
2007. Saturn-Neptune presents
a significant challenge
to the spirit of the age.
Expect loss of faith, widespread
discontent, and a "crisis
of confidence" as
was experienced during
the Saturn-Neptune square
of Carter's presidency
in 1977-'79. Saturn-Neptune
is the battle between belief
and facts, faith-based
and reality-based perspectives.
Disenchantment, disillusion,
social malaise, credibility
gaps, apathy, escapism,
and denial are all part
of this Saturn-Neptune
vibration. Up next in the
world transits: the Uranus-Pluto
square beginning in 2010,
which harkens back to the
liberating feeling-tone
of the 1960s.
The Da Vinci Code Decoded
One of the central themes
of Cosmos and Psyche is that individuals born under a particular
outer planet combination become most expressive of their life's
purpose as the signature planets make dynamic aspects to each
other in later years. Astrologers have long known this, with
its most recent articulation in Charles Harvey's book Anima
Mundi (The World Soul).
As an example, The Da Vinci
Code is reflective of the
Jupiter-Neptune cycle.
Last week when transiting
Jupiter and Neptune were
exactly squaring each other,
Da Vinci Code author Dan
Brown was in the news as
he defended himself against
the charge of plagiarism.
Dan Brown himself (June
22, 1964) was born with
Jupiter opposite Neptune,
and his book was first
published on March 18,
2003 when Jupiter and Neptune
opposed each other.
Director Ron Howard (March
1, 1954; 9:03 am; Duncan,
OK) decided to make a blockbuster
movie out of Dan Brown's
best-selling story. While
Dan Brown's chart is forced
to reconcile the challenges
of Jupiter (religion, doctrine)
with Neptune (vision, spirituality),
Ron Howard has these two
archetypes harmoniously
balanced, since Jupiter
trines Neptune.
Howard selected Akiva Goldsman
(July 7, 1962) to write
the script, and he also
has Jupiter trine Neptune.
The leading role fell to
Tom Hanks (July 9, 1956;
11:17 am; Concord, CA),
who has Jupiter sextile
to Neptune. The Da Vinci
Code premieres on May 19,
as transiting Jupiter and
Neptune are still squaring
each other. One might expect
that this film will become
exceptionally popular and
controversial, and remain
the talk of the town through
the completion of the Jupiter-Neptune
square in late August.
Oleg Cassini, Fashion Designer
Oleg
Cassini shot to fame in 1961 when he was selected by First Lady
Jacqueline Kennedy to create her total look, which included the
famous pillbox hat that launched millions of copycat outfits. Cassini
adored and loved many women, including actresses Joan Fontaine,
Betty Grable, and Grace Kelly, plus an assortment of heiresses,
models, and showgirls right up to his death last Friday.
Oleg Cassini was born with
the business-first sign of
Capricorn Rising (April 11,
1913; 2:00 am; Paris, France).
Jupiter is conjunct his Ascendant,
and represents his noble background
(born the son of a Russian
ambassador and an Italian countess),
as well as his lifelong affair
with society's elite. His competitive
Aries Sun squares Jupiter,
giving him bravado, showmanship,
and elevated tastes.
The Sun also squares Neptune,
found in the seventh house
of partners and clients. Neptune
here dominates his chart because
it's angular, and describes
his trail-blazing (Aries) vision
(Neptune). In this house, Neptune
is associated with glamour,
allure, and seduction. Fashion
is a Venus-ruled industry,
and Cassini's Venus is dignified
in Taurus, where it brings
fame, luck, and wealth through
the trine to Jupiter.
Venus also squares Uranus,
which adds an element of eccentricity
and a desire to try unusual
designs. His first New York
showing in 1948 was hailed
for its use of "electric
colors like purple and poppy
red." Uranus in the first
house, plus an independent
Aries Sun, allows him to stand
out from the crowd. You can
hear these planets in his statement, "Most
men I compete against put a
stop to their career when they
become typical."
