Saturn/Uranus Opposition

Saturn and Uranus are directly opposed—an event of significant cultural and historical importance. The last time these titans faced off like this was between 1964—1968. This event tends to expose the resistance to necessary reforms and innovations while inviting us to make efforts towards updating methods and mindsets to be more sustainable and inclusive. To simplify—the past squares off with the future. Either we create a new world, or point fingers at others in blame for the failure to do so.

The onslaught of astrology events here, now, and immediately ahead these next few years, aggressively challenge Saturn to modernize. Like we saw in the mid 1960s, the dominant power structure is being petitioned to loosen its hold. Then, the Civil Rights and Feminist movements demanded more inclusiveness for minorities and women. Now, we have an African-American president likely to nominate his second female appointee to the highest court!

The dominant power structure in the U.S. has largely been white, male, Christian and heterosexual—which is also a description of who is organizing, and largely populating, the Tea Party. On the other side of the divide is the reality that we live in a very diverse culture with demographics showing a trend toward even more diversity in the years ahead. Either the doors of power are busted open so we can come together, or the social fabric unravels and comes apart. We are likely to see elements of both.

This weekend I went to a festival in Asheville where I saw a performance by two musicians: one a gay man, and the other an African-American. Immediately following was a ceremony in recognition of young innovators in a variety of fields. It was called “HATCH” and the point is to welcome diversity, fresh ideas and give publicity to those who want to change the world. The young innovators had more established mentors to learn from, and to network through, in ways which support their work. It was a wonderful illustration of how the Saturn/Uranus opposition can be managed.

The broader world has forces which are not so eager to change. This time around, the Saturn/Uranus opposition will expose any remaining divisiveness or prejudice towards those who differ from the dominant power structure. The bitter health care debate has currents of providing universal coverage (Uranus) vs. preserving a more exclusive status quo (Saturn). Necessary financial regulation to make the playing field fairer is being debated now, while propositions for Gay Marriage will be on the ballot this fall. For a climactic event, immigration reform will be addressed soon. This will expose elitism, fear and discrimination like no other issue.

Until there is openness and acceptance of the Muslim, the Hispanic, the Native-American, the poor, or the transgendered, this Saturn/Uranus event will highlight the resistance to such inclusiveness in dramatic ways. The reality that the dominant power structure will soon be the minority is irrefutable. I believe that this Saturn/Uranus opposition is ushering in this reality to the collective consciousness. It is threatening and considered unacceptable to those most passionate about preserving their hold on power. In response, they may choose to act in threatening and unacceptable ways. If civility and peaceful dialogue are not maintained, this time frame may bring in some version of a Civil War (the early 1860s positioned Saturn square Uranus). For more information, please see Uranus: The Constant of Change, which discusses this current time frame in greater detail.
--Eric Meyers, M.A.