The midpoint between Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice is an important point in the progress of the Sun through the year. Seasonal festivities are now mainly focussed around Halloween but the actual “cross quarter day” is on the 7th. Many of the stone megaliths throughout Europe indicate the Sun’s alignment to a specific point in the landscape. These ancient markers remind us of the cyclic nature of our solar year. By following the movements of the planets we can also become aware of much bigger cycles within society and our group consciousness.
The main Astrological event this month is a significant point in a dynamic relationship between Saturn and Neptune that takes about 36-37 years to complete. This current square angle will be active until mid September 2016 and is likely to bring about huge shifts in our awareness, viewpoints and attitudes, both on the personal level and within the mass consciousness. This phase will take us through to 2025 and a completion of this cycle.
The square angle is a challenge, an uncomfortable situation which requires action. Saturn acts as a teacher and represents the world of physicality. There are responsibilities, conditions and inevitable consequences that come with the human experience. We all experience the doubts, fears and insecurities of living in a three dimensional state. Understanding how to navigate the material world brings self discipline, resourcefulness and also practical wisdom.
Whenever we encounter Saturn we are being asked to take a reality check – are our limits supporting us or preventing further growth? Do we need to rewrite our contracts, check our boundaries or face up to something?
Neptune is almost opposite in nature. It draws us to a non material world beyond the limitations of physicality. It dissolves the boundaries of time and space. We touch into the dream world of mystery, illusion and delusion whenever Neptune is in our consciousness. There are no limitations with Neptune, no definition or structure. It speaks to us of unseen worlds beyond the physical senses, an infinite oneness. It invites us to experience the realm of spirit.
Saturn is currently in Sagittarius whilst Neptune is in Pisces, and both these signs are ruled by Jupiter, the “feel good” planet. Jupiter seeks happiness, meaning, something beyond the mundane and ultimately, a sense of joy. Sagittarius is philosophical, a truth seeker whilst Pisces is merging with mystical realms. The challenge indicated by the current square angle will bring up issues of moral or spiritual significance as we are encouraged to expand and grow into something beyond our current experience.
The themes during the coming months will be about our commonality, compassion and connection to all life. The next challenge will be to represent this expanded awareness in our social systems and organisations. There will be reality shifts. Sometimes this could be a through a profound revelation of spiritual understanding or it could be due to a disintegration of what seemed to be reliable and trustworthy into a state of chaos. The next year will be arduous for anyone who has not begun to explore higher truths that are inclusive rather than separatist or divisive. Disillusionment has to happen as the existing illusion breaks down. For those who are very entrenched in the material world this can translate into a sense of self righteousness, religious fanaticism or determination to bring law and order into areas of perceived chaos. For those who are already consciously seeking on a spiritual level the challenges will be found where dreams or ideals don’t match with daily life. The bottom line here from Saturn is “Get Real” and from Neptune “Let Go to the Flow” The challenge is to do both simultaneously!