This overview of the astrological events of 2008 is intended to help us to experience with as much grace as possible the challenges that are coming down in our lives and get the most out of them as we prepare for the changes in our social structures that these next few years will bring. I firmly believe that it greatly helps to get the astrological perspective on important life challenges so that they may appear in a greater context, a cosmic one if you will.
In these next five years, until the end of 2012, we will see all the major outer planets change signs, and re-align in the first square configuration of Uranus and Pluto that follows their conjunction of the sixties. These changes of sign indicate world transformation of significant magnitude, as who would doubt in the light of what we have already seen so far. For starters, Pluto entering the sign of Capricorn will transform the corporate power structure and bring out the worst of it and also the best of us in response to that worst, as the twelve-year prior transit of Pluto in Sagittarius has done for religious zealotry. Pluto enters Capricorn in 2008, Uranus will enter Aries in 2010, squaring Pluto, and Saturn forms a T-square to Uranus and Pluto from 2009 - 2011. Jupiter will conjunct Uranus in the midst of this crucial time period, in 2010. Neptune will first enter Pisces in 2011 and then re-enter in 2012.
The most significant astrological event in 2008 is the entry of Pluto into Capricorn. Capricorn represents established authority, and Pluto's presence in Capricorn indicates changes to the important structures of our lives, both individually and collectively. Pluto enters Capricorn on January 25th, but then retrogrades back into Sagittarius mid-June, only re-entering Capricorn near the end of November. These transition times will be important, but the symbolism of the Capricorn ingress will still pervade the entire year.
In terms of the collective, Pluto in Capricorn will bring out the best and the worst of our current system of government by the corporate power elite. We will see flood tides threaten all entrenched power structures, especially those that have lost their relevance for the present day, and there will be a measurable back-lash from the establishment in response. We have already seen the beginning of this action and reaction over the past few years, one recent example being the candidacy of Barack Obama. Just a few short years ago, who would have expected to see a woman and a black man as the Democratic nomination front-runners? People in this country are finally tuning into the concept of necessary change in the power structure, as evidenced in particular by this man's popularity. The truth is that the establishment must change, and that it will not change willingly, and that there will likely be a struggle that will grow greatly in magnitude over the next few years as the pendulum swings.
On the personal level, as 2008 continues to unfold we are sure to see many changes in the structure of our individual lives as well. There are places where we know we are stuck, but seemingly powerless to make a move, and these are likely to be "up" for us over this next year. Then there are the places that we are just as fully stuck, but in a relatively unconscious way, and these may also become more noticeable for us as the year progresses. We tend to regard setbacks as bad luck that we wish had never occurred, but the truth is that these very setbacks can be powerfully healing for us if we learn something from them about our hidden patterns and agendas. This year is sure to be one to remember, bringing us events that are eye-opening and perhaps heart-opening as well.
There are also several retrogrades to deal with throughout the year. Coming first in the yearly cycle, Mars is retrograde throughout January, carried over from November of last year. The retrograde of Mars implies that we will have the chance to look closely at our desires and our aggressive urges as we connect more fully with our truest sense of ourselves. Although Mars turns to direct motion at the very end of the month, it takes until March to fully recover in terms of lost zodiacal longitude, referred to as his retrograde shadow. During this entire time we may find ourselves somewhat stymied in moving forward with what we intend to accomplish, but perhaps all the richer for these delays in terms of our understanding of our situation. Mars retrograded into the last degree of Gemini to exactly oppose Pluto just as the year began, and that alignment is significant, and signals that 2008 will be a powerful year of transformation.
Mercury also retrogrades three times this year, the first one beginning toward the end of January. During these periods of time, mechanical and communication breakdowns become the norm, and we do better to reflect on our circumstances. It is better not to move ahead with new plans at this time, as these will likely change after the retrograde period has passed.
The Mercury retrograde periods throughout the year are as follows, with the shadow period also indicated:
January 28 to February 18th, shadow lasts through March 9th
May 26th to June 19th, shadow lasts through July 4th
September 24th to October 15th, shadow lasts through October 31st
Then there are the eclipses. These are important lunations with a greater impact than usual. There are two important eclipse periods to consider, six months apart, beginning with February:
February 6th Solar Eclipse (New Moon and Aquarius line-up)
February 20th Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon)
August 1st Solar Eclipse (New Moon with Mercury and Venus both featured)
August 16th Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon conjunct Neptune)
The Full Moon eclipse of August 16th that brings Neptune into the picture also triggers a Mars – Pluto square. The month of August is therefore quite a powerful one for personal relationships and for going out and getting things done.
In contrast, the eclipses in February signal a month that is largely an internal one for several reasons. There are the retrograde periods of Mercury and Mars, as Mars re-enters Cancer and recovers his lost zodiacal ground. Then, the Solar Eclipse of February 6th conjuncts mystical Neptune, along with Mercury and Chiron lined up in Aquarius. There is also the February 19th entrance of the Sun into Pisces, initiating a period of time that is always a little removed from ordinary reality. We emerge in March from our thoughtful stance more ready to fully participate in world events, particularly so at the time of the New Moon of March 7th. This powerful lunation conjuncts Uranus, and represents a spring-board into a different way of looking at our lives.
Saturn in Virgo is also trine Pluto during the first half of 2008, beginning in late January and repeating the symbolism of Pluto in Capricorn, Saturn's sign. This configuration indicates that something must shift in the organization of our lives, and also in the surrounding social structure, and is particularly strong at the very beginning of May when Saturn stations. The confluence of these mighty outer planet energies echoes the theme of transformation that was so powerfully present in September 2001 when they were opposed. The present aspect being a trine does make for an easier blending. You might want to ask yourself where Saturn is in your individual chart, and whether that area of your life might not be transforming for you at this time. If changes are in the works for you they are likely to be necessary ones that have been waiting in the wings for some time now, and have only your preconceptions to hold them back from manifestation. The easiest way to get through might be to simply let go.
Saturn opposes Uranus during the second half of the year, meaning that we will likely experience quite strongly the push-pull of these two opposing energies, for holding back (Saturn) and for sudden change (Uranus). This configuration is most intense during October and November when the opposition becomes exact. The signs most affected are the mutable signs of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius. Saturn is all about maintaining the status quo, digging in to resist change, while Uranus promotes the sudden shift. Uranus works through epiphany, the realization that comes in an instant and utterly transforms our thinking. As Shakespeare said, "there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so," and the new perspectives that Uranus brings to the table can be the precursor of massive changes in our lives. The opposition is exact at the time of the November 4th elections, which will undoubtedly reflect the polarity of change versus resistance to change that we have been seeing for some time now in the political picture. These energies of Saturn and Uranus can also work together at this time, creating a force for moving through the idea stage into concrete realization. During the whole course of 2008 we will feel this one-two punch delivered by the interaction of Saturn, first with Pluto and then with Uranus, clearing the way for necessary changes to actualize and to transform our lives from the inside out.
It is also important to mention the mutual reception and semi-sextile between Uranus and Neptune which becomes more significant as the year unfolds, and which represents the possibility of seeing our situation a little differently, with a greater reliance on the working out of Spirit in our lives. Uranus and Neptune were conjunct in the mid-nineties, the impetus for new beginnings of spiritual and imaginal achievement stemming from that powerful time of new visualization is still with us, although of course in some ways sadly side-tracked over the last few years. The impulse for new solutions will burst through again and again over these next few years, especially in 2010 when Jupiter conjuncts Uranus as it enters Aries for the first time. And this impulse will eventually triumph, since it is the direction of our spiritual evolution. We have the responsibility of helping it along as best we can over these crucial years of the transition.
The Sun represents the Self, one's way of being in the world. It can represent, on different levels, both the ego and the higher Self or soul purpose. It rules Leo and is exalted in Aries. The Sun is the most important 'planet' in the chart and symbolizes one's will and sense of vitality. When the Sun is afflicted (poorly placed or poorly aspected) it could indicate problems with the father, or male role model. The Sun energizes your entire chart, and planets in close relationship to the Sun (by planetary aspect) are emphasized in your personality. If your Sun is prominent in your chart, you will exhibit great power to do and to be.
The Moon represents the personal self, the feelings and the unconscious. It is a reflection of the true self, represented by the Sun. The Moon also stands for security and instinctual or habitual patterns, as well as the ability to relate to others, and to be nurturing to others. The Moon rules Cancer and is exalted in Taurus. It is often contrasted with the Sun as the female receptive principle versus the masculine or positive principle. The Moon represents the feminine and nurturing part of oneself. In a male chart, the Moon represents the feminine within, or the 'anima' and also indicates the type of partner you will attract. The Moon also represents an attunement from the past, which operates at an instinctive or habitual level in your present life.
Mercury represents the mind and intellect, and rules Gemini, sign of duality also Virgo, and has its exaltation in Aquarius. Mercury is an airy planet, associated with all forms of communication and the in-flow and out-flow of intelligence. Its position indicates how your mental function will be expressed, and where techniques and skills are available to you.
Venus is the planet of love and relationship. Venus is in-taking, rather than out-going (as represented by Mars), and rules the signs Libra and Taurus. Venus has its exaltation in Pisces, and is associated with aesthetics, beauty, refinement and romance. Its position in the chart indicates the area in which the give and take of love, affection and sensual pleasure will be expressed.
Mars is the planet of outward activity and animal passion. It rules Aries and is exalted in Capricorn. This fiery planet is masculine in action, versus softer more receptive Venus. When strong in the chart it can indicate a volatile temper, and also great courage. Its position indicates how your personality will assert itself, and what modes of activity will stimulate your physical energies.
Jupiter is the planet of faith, positivism and optimism. It rules Sagittarius and is exalted in Cancer. Jupiter represents the principle of expansion, versus contraction (as represented by Saturn) and the aspirations of the higher self. Its position in the chart indicates how your faith will be expressed, and what modes of activity will stimulate self-confidence.
Saturn is the planet of limitation and contraction, and the trials of life experience. This includes disciplive, punctuality, and the conservation of material resources. Saturn rules Capricorn and is exalted in Libra, and is limited and material, versus unlimited faith (as represented by Jupiter). It indicates areas where the personality will be restricted by fears and lack of confidence, and also areas which are important to be worked on in this lifetime.
Uranus is the planet of freedom and revolutionary vision, the urge for change and the ability to visualize new possibilities. Uranus rules Aquarius, and is exalted in Scorpio. It is also associated with mental studies, electricity and astrology. Its position indicates the arena of originality and freedom from conventional thinking in your life.
Neptune represents the universal ocean of oneness with all beings. It is thus highly compassionate, also idealistic, imaginative and self login or even self undoing, and can be associated with drugs or media, as fantasy expressions. Neptune rules Pisces, and finds its exaltation in Cancer. Its position indicates where there may be confusion and also great creativity in poetic or musical fields. Neptune has been called the higher octave of Venus.
Pluto is a force for change that can be destructive in its power. Pluto rules Scorpio, and is exalted in Leo. Pluto is related to will, and intense passion, and has a reputation for ruthlessness. As god of the underworld Pluto brings the deepest compulsions into the light. Its position indicates areas of life that must ultimately become transformed as part of the soul's evolution.
Chiron is a small planet, or 'planetoid' that was only discovered in 1977, and which has already shown itself to be quite powerful in an individual's chart. Occupying an eccentric orbit between Saturn and Uranus, and named for the centaur physician of Greek myth who taught ancient wisdom to mankind, Chiron represents the archetype of the "Wounded Healer" and is associated with shamanism and going within to heal oneself. Its discovery is synchronous with the rise of the holistic health movement. Chiron's position in the chart reveals where one has been wounded, and where also there is the opportunity for discovering healing from within and sharing this discovery with other people, since from our wounds arises our compassion for the suffering of others. The position of Chiron, by house and sign, can also show where we have talent and access to ancient wisdom, as well as where we may depart from the mainstream in service to a higher practicality. Those with prominent Chiron are likely to be educators and spiritual healers.
Ceres is the first asteroid that was discovered, on New Year's Day, 1801, and also the largest. It was named for the Roman earth goddess of grain and the harvest. The Greek name for this earth goddess is Demeter. As goddess of the harvest and the natural process of fertility and renewal, Ceres represents the process of nurturing and motherhood in an individual chart, and has been attributed to the sign Cancer as a co-ruler with the Moon, as well as to the signs of Taurus, Scorpio and Virgo. All four major asteroids seem to represent different aspects of the feminine, and can be thought of as further refinements of the lunar principle. An afflicted Ceres, by planetary aspect may indicate problems with being able to nurture, or to be nurtured by others, perhaps manifesting in food complexes, or a feeling of refection by parental figures. When strongly placed, it symbolizes the ability to take on parental responsibilities, especially in a female subject, and also may indicate someone who has a close relationship with the earth, as gardener or grower of food. Also the position of Ceres by house and sign, and its planetary connections, is likely to indicate the way in which motherhood (or parenthood) manifests in the individual life.
The asteroid Pallas (short for Pallas Athene) was the second of the four major asteroids to be discovered, in 1802. The four major asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta, were discovered within a few years of each other at the beginning of the 19th century, and named for female goddesses in the Roman pantheon. Their discovery has been synchronous with the rise of the women's movement in the West. These four asteroids seem to symbolize four different facets of the feminine and represent a fresh way of regarding the feminine principle in astrology, going beyond the relatively simple categories of wife and mother, as represented by Venus and the Moon. Pallas represents the wisdom of the female spirit, as the mythology of Pallas Athene would indicate: born from the head of Zeus, and symbolized by the owl and the snake, Pallas Athene was a powerful symbol for independence and wisdom in the ancient mythology. She did not ally herself with any man, but rather was a strong and warrior-like figure who aided men of good will and whose advice was prized for its intelligence. The astrology of the asteroid Pallas indicates such a feminine spirit of independence and cool mental judgment in either a man's or a woman's chart. In an individual chart, Pallas represents the creative use of the mental faculty in combination with ageless wisdom, and is also involved with the arts, especially the plastic arts such as sculpture and pottery, and with medicinal remedies. Its position by house and sign indicates where in one's life the divine spark of creative intelligence and higher wisdom may spring forth.
The asteroid Juno was the third of the four major asteroids to be discovered, in 1805. These four asteroids, which came on the scene as the 19th century began, seem to represent different aspects of the feminine spirit. In mythology Juno (or the Greek Hera) was wife and consort to Jupiter, and therefore the astrology of Juno represents the partnering energy of intimate relationship. This is also the territory of Venus and the Moon, but where Juno seems to differ is in representing the partnership energy in a new light, as in the more modern issues of where the boundaries are with another person, how much sharing is appropriate, versus holding back, are there issues of bitterness and jealousy, or projected authority and control onto another person, and intimacy needs in general. When Juno is prominent in a natal chart, all these type of issues are important to the individual. If Juno is aspected by another planet, these issues may be colored by the energy of that planet. Juno's position by house and sign is an indication of the area of life in which these issues will be most important.
The asteroid Vesta was the last of the four major asteroids to be discovered, in 1807. The mythology of Vesta (or Greek Hestia) is as follows: one of the sisters of Jupiter and Juno, Vesta chose to remain a virgin and not marry. She was the goddess of the hearth fire, which was of utmost importance in ancient times, connoting hospitality and the basic vitality of the home or city-state, and her astrological symbol is the flame. It is interesting to note that Vesta is the brightest of the four asteroids. Her symbolism also suggests the "vestal virgin" temple priestesses of the ancient Geek world, and their commitment to no man, but to their own inner flame of service to the goddess. Their service might even be of a sexual nature, but they remained untouched by any sexual intimacy with another person. In accordance with its mythology, the asteroid Vesta is involved with both the signs Virgo and Scorpio. In the astrology of Vesta in an individual chart, these issues of sexuality and completeness unto oneself predominate. Possible associations are the woman (or man) who chooses not a mate, but as a nun or monk takes on a higher purpose than normal family life, also issues of sexuality and who is ultimately served in the process, self or other. Thus when Vesta is prominent in the chart, there may be issues with purity, singleness and sexuality either by abstinence or by one involving oneself with multiple partners which yet leave the individual untouched by relationship. The placement of Vesta by house and sign also indicate the area of life where these issues may manifest.
The Part of Fortune (from the Latin Pars Fortuna) is the only Arabian astrology part still commonly used in modern astrology. It indicates an area of life that is a fortunate one for the native. The house in which the Part of Fortune is placed indicates an area of your life which is likely to be a successful one for you; an area where the applications of your skill will bear fruit. Its is where you will find good luck and happiness.
The Nodes of the Moon indicate areas of life that are of special concern to you. Also referred to as the dragon's head, The North Node indicates your goals. The placement of the North Node indicates work that needs to be done in your life, or new faculties that need to be developed in the present lifetime.
The Nodes of the Moon indicate areas of life that are of special concern to you. Also known as the dragon's tail, the South Node indicates areas of mastery, often from a previous lifetime.
Aries people tend to be energetic, forceful and outgoing. You are good at getting things done, although you prefer starting to finishing. Like the energy of the first rush of spring, you move into the world in a headstrong, pioneering way. You are likely to rush into things before reflecting, and may also be impatient or unwilling to sit back and allow events to mature. You have great vitality and a tremendous need to be physically active. You have a strong will, and are self-centered about pursuing it, so that you may try to dominate other people until you learn to be more subtle about getting your way. You also have an acute need for love and affection. You benefit from self-discipline, so that you can channel your abundant energy more constructively.
Taureans revel in the pleasures of life. You crave the security and comfort of relaxing in the warmth of your home environment. You value the senses and the enjoyment of material things. You are likely to work hard to make your home an attractive one. You also have the makings of a healer and you have a large capacity for kindness. Although you are quiet on the surface, almost passive, you possess a powerful will and can be quite stubborn at times, and perhaps somewhat rigid in your thinking. You also tend to be loving, obedient and loyal. Material rewards seem to come easily to you, and you are able to lead the good life without being excessively concerned about it. You are practical, and provide a purposeful, productive and stabilizing influence for yourself and those around you.
Gemini is the sign associated with communication, logical thought processes (based on duality) and the conscious mind. Gemini people tend to be airy and intellectual, glib of tongue and curious about life and other people. You can experience two sides of things at the same time, and you may tend to be flighty. You move through life like a butterfly, engaging in many varied experiences to gain knowledge. You are witty and have a good sense of humor, and you are likely to be an excellent conversationalist. You make a good teacher. You can be nervous and high-strung, and may be mischievous. Unlike possessive Taurus, you tend toward liberty in relationship. You can be easily bored, but under the control of selfdiscipline you have tremendous intellectual and artistic possibilities.
Cancerians are nurturing and protective of others. Your ruling planet is the Moon, and you tend to be moody, with constantly changing emotions. You are also likely to be security-conscious and highly value your home life. You may appear passive, and tend to rely on your feelings to make decisions. You are subtle, rather than direct, and are likely to reflect the moods of those around you. You may be involved with the past in some way, because the sign of Cancer, the sign of nurturing, protecting and sustaining, is strongly tied to the past, and the principle of Karma. You tend to collect the residue of past experience and hold onto it, allowing it to color present activities and lead you to instinctual action. Rather than allowing yourself to be driven by your changing moods, you benefit from shedding the light of conscious reason on your habitual patterns and focusing on your true goals.
You are likely to express yourself in dramatic, creative and assertive ways. You are also likely to enjoy the warmth of the physical Sun. You have great energy, courage and honesty. You are likely to be self-confident and maybe even a bit self-indulgent. You expect to be the center of attention, and often are. You can be quite determined and usually get your way when you really want to. You also possess great integrity, and are a natural leader. Leo people are very proud. Your challenge is to temper any tendency for arrogant or egotistical behavior and to instead develop humility and compassion; to learn detachment in the gift of your affections, so that you radiate your abundant energy freely and enhance the life experience of others around you.
Virgo people tend to be very conscious of details. You may also appear nervous or obsess over health issues. You are likely to be neat and orderly, at least in some area of your life, although you may exhibit the opposite tendency in cases where you have not yet found your guiding principle of organization. You love work, service to others and the gathering of the fruits of the material world, as symbolized by the harvest. You are also likely to be an good conversationalist, with wide-ranging knowledge and interesting ideas. You can be analytical and perhaps overly fond of detail, with perfectionist tendencies, and you may miss out on the big picture by concentrating on the micro. It also benefits you to learn the find line between discrimination and criticism. Your mission in life is the purification your activity in pursuit of your goals, manifesting your inherent love of excellence in all strivings.
Libra is the sign of harmony and relationship. The Sun in Libra is at the time of the Equinox, when day equals night, and similarly Libra strives for balance between polarities. Librans are known for their good taste, elegance and charm. You are a seeker of harmony and beauty. Your natural mode of living is in partnership with others. Intimate relationships are quite important to you, as are issues of social justice. You forever hope that all parties in a conflict will be satisfied, and you have a tendency to understand and support both sides of a dispute, which can drive your friends crazy unless they are smart enough to value the mediation you naturally provide. You will go out of your way to avoid a quarrel, and you may have a hard time making a decision. Artistic pursuits of all kinds provide an outlet for your love of beauty. You benefit from strengthening your will to act in favor of your higher purpose, which rather than making any one individual all important, ultimately lies in dedicating yourself to humanity at large.
Scorpio is the most intense sign of the Zodiac, and is associated with sexual activity and with the symbolism of death and rebirth. Your emotions run deep. You have great personal magnetism and great powers of persuasion or even the ability to coerce others. Your will is strong, and you let nothing stand in your way to achieving your goals. You may suffer in your life, but your pain leads to important personal transformation. You are very good at group dynamics, and working with the public. You are a shrewd judge of other people's motives, and you may be willing to use your special knowledge to your own advantage. Although you can be manipulative at times, when you work out your issues to be more in line with your own higher nature, you can take on the charismatic power of a natural healer, transforming yourself and society around you.
Sagittarius is an optimistic, positive-thinking sign associated with the quest for freedom from all restriction as well as idealism, religion and philosophy. Sagittarius people are direct and forthright, good-natured and affirmative in their outlook. You tend to speak with a blunt tongue, which can get you into trouble at times, although you are usually able to laugh yourself out of it. You display honesty and a strong moral nature. You also like to have fun and enjoy a good chuckle, even at your own expense. You gravitate toward adventure, sports and travel, as well as gambling and other forms of risk-taking. You are likely to be very curious about the world around you, with a love for nature and a contagious enthusiasm for exploration of all kinds. At the highest level, you are concerned with understanding, perception, and mental activity in the service of your high ideals for the benefit of mankind.
Capricorn people are ambitious and practical, and you are likely to have an excellent sense of social responsibility. You also tend to be conscious of social mores, perhaps to the point of over-concern. Your natural caution allows you to advance slowly and steadily to the top. Capricorn represents the accomplishments of the material and the quest for prestige, honor and success in public achievement. It is also possible that the driving force behind your ambition partially lies in deep-rooted feelings of insecurity. You put yourself under enormous pressure to perform, and can feel personally responsible for those around you. You may have suffered from a restrictive early environment, and your aloofness may serve to protect you from dealing with a fear of intimacy, or low self-esteem. You exemplify the values of hard work and accomplishment, and service to the goals of humanity, and your redemption comes when you allow the spiritual joy that you feel inside to fully express itself in graceful acts of loving-kindness.
You have a rebellious nature, and are eccentric, spontaneous and original. Aquarians are forward thinking and detached, and can seem conservative though they really are not very much so. You are scientifically minded and logical, and confident in manner. You are likely to be years ahead of your time in the way you think. You can also appear to be more involved with your work than with other people, although you truly value social contact. You are intuitive, imaginative and inventive, and inclined to take chances, especially in the service of your goals. You can be quite noble in your deepest nature, but you also may come across as critical and demanding. Your highest purpose is found in aligning yourself with the advancement of social and humanitarian ideals.
You are friendly and likable, and yet you can be very moody and introspective as well. Pisces is a watery sign, concerned with subtle emotions and secret mystical depths. You are not entirely at home in this world. You may at times prefer your inner life to this one. You are dreamy and full of imagination, and are easily influenced by everything around you, being quite sensitive to the emotions of others. You also have an artistic temperament that allows you to express these feelings in creative and innovative ways. You can be strong when necessary, but you may have a hard time making a decision. You also may experience upsets periodically, stemming from your extreme sensitivity as you react to situations and events that seem harsh to you. At your best you are truly compassionate, offering service, love and understanding to all of life that surrounds you.