Saturn-Neptune Square of 2015-2017

Many western astrologers are now talking about the upcoming Saturn-Neptune square which is in less than a 2-degree orb now but will be exact for the first time on November 26, 2015. It is actually coming on strong now as Neptune is retrograding back toward Saturn who is barreling toward him.

SFPageAs a Neo-Vedic astrologer, I use the outer planets according to certain specific rules; for instance, they are not considered to be primary rulers of the planets as they are in western astrology, and they only become important when closely aligned with angular cusps or the grahas of Vedic astrology. Another big difference in my work versus that of western tropical astrology is that the latter uses a different starting point for the zodiac, and I use the traditional zodiac used by Indians and ancient astrologers, which is known as the sidereal (niryana) zodiac, which is the one that is aligned with the stars. The tropical system was originally based on a seasonal calendar for the northern hemisphere and is aligned to the equinoxes and solstices rather than the constellations. For my work, the sidereal system works best, but I have many tropical astrology friends and colleagues whom I adore and whose work I also admire. So… to each his own!

The two zodiacs are about 24 degrees apart at this time (the sidereal is behind the tropical), so in western tropical terms, Saturn is in Sagittarius squaring Neptune in Pisces, whereas in the sidereal zodiac, Saturn is in Scorpio and Neptune in Aquarius. The square is happening between these two planets in both systems regardless of the zodiac in use, but the interpretation varies slightly as the signs are different, and it is the signs that show us how and where the energy of the planets is manifesting.

Neptune and Saturn square each other approximately every 14-16 years and they do this on and off for 2-3 years each time. The square in astrology is a 90-degree aspect representing internal tension, pressure, and often some conflict between hidden and externalized forces.

One of the best books written on astrological aspects is called Dynamics of Aspect Analysis by western astrologer Bil Tierney, who describes the square as: “a dynamic aspect providing us with much drive and impetus to initiate change. Its frictional nature is best relieved through decisive action demanding direct struggle, aggressive effort, and greater energy expenditure. Squares in general are crisis-oriented, forcing us to act in an explicit manner that allows for purposeful turning points in consciousness. Planets involved in square aspect interact from a somewhat defensive pose and do not easily synthesize. They seem to follow the line of least resistance. The planets tend to block and thwart each other’s basic intentions. But while the urges of the two planets resist smooth, peaceful integration they are also prone to challenge each other’s right of expression…Squares challenge us to act rather than continue to endure the pain and discomfort they generate.”

Neptune will square Saturn on and off through the next few years (due to retrograde cycles) with exact hits on:

  • November 26, 2015
  • June 17, 2016
  • September 10, 2016
  • June 18, 2017

The last time Saturn in sidereal Scorpio squared Neptune in Aquarius was in 1693, exactly on January 1. Around this time the Salem Witch Trials were winding down, which was due to a wake-up call of sorts, as the hysteria had begun to subside and public opinion was turned against the trials. This makes sense as Saturn represents truth and Neptune is delusion. In this case, Saturn tends to win over Neptune in Aquarius because Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius (dispositor), so he tends to be the boss, and hopefully this means truth will prevail in the current transit, as well.

The largest earthquake in Italy’s history also happened in early January 1693 around the exact square. There was actually a fore-shock on January 9 a few days after the New Moon of January 6, followed by a 7.4 earthquake (followed by a tsunami) on January 11. The damage covered 2200 square miles, destroyed 70 small towns, and killed 60,000 people. This sort of event is not simply an indication of Saturn squaring Neptune. In events like this, there are many astrological and karmic factors at play, not just one, though this one is quite a significant factor.

In mundane astrology, the square represents the possibility of internal tension that might erupt, and Saturn and Neptune signify seismic and meteorological events. This is especially so when they come together in a tension aspect — Saturn represents earthquakes and natural calamities, and Neptune represents earthquakes, tsunamis and water disasters. Saturn also relates to war, death of leaders, and misery in general. Neptune signifies plots, assassinations, and conspiracies; political instability; mass delusion and mob psychology; and crime and subversion. When they are in a difficult aspect like this, they can bring out some of the most difficult kinds of worldly events.

The last time Saturn and Neptune squared each other was in November 2014 and then again several times in 2015 but it was never an exact aspect in those cases (but within 3 degrees). It is the exact aspect and about 10 days on either side that seems to be the most potent. Other times in the last century times we have seen Neptune square Saturn were from 1997-2000; 1978-1981; 1961-1964; 1943-1945; 1925-1927; and 1909-1911. Some of these periods were times when the world was in great turmoil and transformation. This is because Saturn rules structure, which Neptune likes to dissolve. Saturn and Neptune are by nature at great odds with each other:

  • Saturn is the significator of realism and 3D reality, whereas Neptune represents idealism and the spiritual realms beyond 3D.
  • Saturn represents the working class, whereas Neptune rules artists, spiritualists and visionaries.
  • Saturn signifies depression and Neptune, inflation.
  • Saturn works hard, is patient and persevering, but Neptune wants to just rest on his laurels and wait for his dreams to miraculously manifest out of the ethers.
  • Saturn represents time, and Neptune escapes time.
  • Saturn contracts, and Neptune expands.
  • Saturn signifies rules and boundaries, but Neptune wants nothing but Oneness and no rules.
  • Saturn represents democracy, and Neptune points to socialism.
  • Saturn is solid and trustworthy, but Neptune can be deceptive and delusional.
  • Saturn stands for the status quo, which Neptune likes to dissolve.

How and where this square might personally affect us will depend on where we have sidereal Scorpio and Aquarius in our natal charts. It also depends on if we have any significant placements in these signs, including natal planets and the four main angular chart cusps. One might say that in relation to each other, Neptune represents the unconscious and Saturn the conscious. Saturn in sidereal Scorpio is all about transformation, and Neptune in Aquarius represents awakening, so this square for some will be about transforming consciousness.

The tension of this square is happening not just out there in the heavens, but also within. The word “tension” usually has negative connotations, but as a Vedic astrology coach, I also like to think of it as “the play between opposing forces that leads to extension” or “applying a force to something to stretch it,” and thus, productive tension is a great thing that leads to growth and evolution! It’s often just how we choose to look at something that determines how it will affect us, right?

The strongest aspect will be around the 26th November, but also 10 days before and after, and may manifest as confusion, disappointment, unconscious fear, or insecurity; but with awareness, we can bring any of these or other unconscious struggles to light. However, it may not be the best time to get involved in conflicts or make important decisions. With this aspect, there may be an awareness developing related to a life dream that we want to turn into reality, but again it is not time to push it.

Bil Tierny quotes astrologer Sylvia Carrol about squares. She says that they “do not feel unpleasant unless the energy backs up on you. Tension here can feel exhilarating as long as it is flowing and not dammed up.” She recommends appeasing the aspect by “becoming involved with personal efforts that can sensibly accommodate such intense, driving force.” If we constructively navigate this, we open to the promise of great changes ahead. Why not? That’s what it’s all about anyway. When we are conscious and aware and able to mediate the tension of the Saturn-Neptune square, we can truly align with our highest spiritual power (Neptune) and manifest great purpose (Saturn) from that place of alignment.

Some famous persons whose charts have a very close Saturn-Neptune square include Ramakrishna; Marilyn Monroe; Rod Stewart; Miles Davis; Venus Williams; Joan Sutherland; Edwin Hubble; Queen Victoria; Jawaharlal Nehru;  Allen Ginsberg; and H. P Lovecraft.

SFPage

Rahu Mahadasa and United States Kelleher Chart

One of the most significant events of 2015 is happening in September as the United States enters a new “mahadasa” (major karmic period, or great cycle) as seen through the United States Kelleher chart. Of the many different astrological birth charts used to read the collective karma of the United States, this one was rectified very precisely by contemporary Vedic astrologer James Kelleher for July 4, 1776 at 18:30 in Philadelphia, PA USA, giving a rising sign (lagna or ascendant) at nearly 9 degrees sidereal Sagittarius.

USA Kelleher SFPageAccording to the Kelleher chart, the United States is in a state of major flux and frequency shift because it will begin a new 18-year Rahu major period in the Vimshottari dasa beginning on September 25, 2015, as calculated based on the Moon, Lahiri ayanamsa, and a 365.2422-day saura year using the Kala-Vedic Astrology Software program. The Vimshottari is one among a great variety of Vedic astrology’s progressed cycles known as “dasas” which track the unfolding of karma (actions, events), and is considered the most important dasa for individuals in the current age.

Many well-regarded astrologers use the Vimshottari for not only individual charts but also mundane (world) horoscopes such as those of corporations, businesses, organizations and nations. However, there are some esteemed astrologers who argue that the Vimshottari dasa is to be used for individuals only, not for the other kinds of non-human entities we are analyzing in mundane horoscopes; these same astrologers often choose to use alternative dasas and techniques for mundane astrology.

Further, some astrologers do not advocate using a founding chart for a country at all, and instead use lunation charts, or perhaps they use the natal horoscope of the current president. I know of at least ten horoscopes for the United States, such as the Declaration of War chart for July 6, 1775 at 11 AM, or the charts for either the signing or the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. Some use the Declaration but prefer different times for the signing (e.g. Sibley at 5:10 PM, or one from my friend Barry Rosen for 6:17 PM). One school of Indian-based Vedic astrologers prefers a more recent progressed chart from the 1800s; and some use a combination of different methods and charts.

I believe that various points of view in astrology are valid, but I have seen enough evidence to be quite comfortable trusting 1) the Vimshottari dasa for mundane charts in general, and 2) the Kelleher chart for reading karma of the United States. And I always use the sidereal zodiac, not the western tropical system. The sidereal system is used in traditional Vedic astrology as well as in western sidereal astrology of the Babylonian tradition. I personally find it more accurate for my own work.

The premise of the Kelleher chart is that the United States was officially “born” at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, with the official time of signing rectified to 6:30 PM in Philadelphia, which puts the US chart in the Rahu-Rahu dasa at the time of founding, meaning in the main and first sub-cycle (bhukti-S.India or antardasa-N. India) of Rahu, the Moon’s North Node. This is because the Vimshottari cycle starts at the time and date of birth of a person or other entity with the lord of the Moon’s nakshatra. The Moon’s nakshatra in the United States chart is known as Satabisha (in sidereal Aquarius), and this nakshatra is ruled by Rahu.

Thus the collective consciousness of the United States was profoundly conditioned at its foundation by Rahu, who is an outsider, immigrant and rebel, just as the early settlers and founders of America were. Rahu as lord of Satabisha nakshatra is the over-lord of the Moon, which represents the public and the homeland. Rahu is also placed in sidereal Cancer which is ruled by the Moon, and in the 8th house which also relates to rebels and revolutions!

The Vimshottari dasa runs for 120 years and follows a particular order for every chart: Ketu (7 years); Venus (20 years); Sun (6 years); Moon (10 years); Mars (7 years); Rahu (18 years); Jupiter (16 years); Saturn (19 years); and Mercury (17 years). As mentioned, the ruler of a birth or inception chart’s Moon nakshatra (janma tara) determines where the cycle begins, i.e., the lord of his or her particular birth dasa starts the cycle, and the zodiacal degree of the Moon determines the balance of years in that cycle, and then from there, it runs in the same order for any chart.

The United States had 18 years of Rahu mahadasa from 1776-1793, during which time it was coping with a war and then with the economic and cultural after-effects of war when it was finding its identity as a new nation. The period was characterized by massive war debt and inflation, political transformation, and western migration, all of which are specific significations of Rahu and also of the 8th house of the astrological chart which Rahu occupies.

Rahu dasa came around again 120 years later, for the second time, from 1895 to 1913. This was a period of political reform and technological (industrial) revolution in the United States. One thing we can accurately predict for a Rahu cycle (especially when Rahu is in the 8th house of the astrological chart in Cancer) is a tendency for more fear than usual in the collective mind; an upsurge in sensationalist media; potential for revolutionary socioeconomic changes; an explosion of scientific and technological discoveries; mass migrations; civil and international wars; and a cultural rebirth with a restructuring of social mores and traditions.

The last American Rahu mahadasa saw the 1896 election of US President McKinley, who was later assassinated by a Polish anarchist in 1901. Other defining events include the Spanish-American War, expansion of US territories and the Panama Canal; political reforms; civil rights difficulties; the imposition of a gold standard (dropped later in 1933); technological revolution; massive immigration; growth of labor movements; closing of the frontier; populism; progressivism; high tariffs and taxes; big stick diplomacy; and yellow journalism. No massive economic or social collapse occurred in the Rahu dasa (as has been predicted by some for this coming Rahu cycle).

Yet, a financial panic actually did occur halfway through Rahu dasa in 1907. And also quite interestingly, in the chidra dasa (“hole” or edge of the adjustment period near the beginning of a dasa) of Rahu in 1895, JP Morgan led a bond offering that rescued America from a severe two-year depression. This was an unprecedented reverse buyout of the government by one man, which makes one wonder if similar kinds of epoch-making events will occur in American culture, government (politics), or economy in the coming years.

It appears that during much of the Rahu period, America could be in for some serious surprises and possibly some danger, cultural and political turmoil, a health or healthcare crisis, and/or uncovering of deception, plots, and scandals in government and politics. All this is even truer as the Kelleher chart Neptune will be widely eclipsed close to the beginning of the dasa (known as the “dasa pravesh”), on September 13, and will be further triggered through the spring of 2016 by the transit of Rahu over Neptune, and then over the September 13 Leo eclipse points through March 2016. In 2017, the U.S. chart Moon will be eclipsed by Ketu, indicating domestic changes and civil strife.

The following summer, a solar eclipse will occur over America, in August 2017, which will, both literally and metaphorically, split America into two, indicating that in 2017 and for the next three years, the U.S. will be going through a great deal of upheaval. I mention that it will be “for the next three years,” as the eclipse duration is 2 and 2/3 minutes, indicating it will have a resonating impact for at least 2 and 2/3 years, which will extend into the third quarter of 2020.

Rahu is a chaya graha or shadow planet and so he represents what is hidden, such as what conspiracy theorists surmise is a corrupt secret shadow government operating behind the scenes. In Rahu’s great cycle, such shadows can also be revealed more clearly for those who choose to see. In addition, Rahu is in a powerful transit in the 10th house (government) of the Kelleher chart at the dasa pravesh (beginning of Rahu mahadasa) which points to a Rahuesque character or characters dominating America’s presidential political race. What (or who) is that, you might wonder? Rahu here could have a variety of expressions. It might be a Washington outsider or outsiders, or perhaps it could be an insider calling for a “political revolution in America.” A Rahu type often has an unconventional message and style, and even an extreme political ideology.

As Rahu rules mass media, this person could be quite entertaining and a master of media manipulation, good at rattling cages, and not doing and saying the same old broken things. A Rahuesque person might seem radical, rebellious, unabashed, moody, changeable, confident, eccentric, brash, unrealistic, driven, ambitious and successful in a worldly way. A Rahu character will evoke intense positive or negative reactions from those in the public and the media. At the least, Rahu in the 10th house of the dasa pravesh nearly promises that this current presidential race will probably develop in the most unexpected manner with many shocking twists and turns. With Rahu, you can be sure that all is not as it appears.

Rahu is the graha in Vedic astrology which ultimately has to do with evolution, and his nature is to expand and transform. The beginning of Rahu mahadasa is often said to bring about some very difficult conditions, but in this case it may not necessarily be so since Rahu is transiting in one of its more favorable signs and houses (Virgo, 10th) at the dasa pravesh, which can indicate a cycle of gradual improvement for America and its government. It is significant that the Rahu cycle starts out between two eclipses and very close to the super-Moon total lunar eclipse on the 27th-28th September, giving some sense that Rahu mahadasa could mark a dramatic and significant period in history.

In mundane astrology, Rahu relates to (among other things) immigration, migrants, outsiders, and untouchables; debts; upheaval; politics, secret deals, plots and assassinations; chemicals and poisoning; health epidemics (like cancer and viral pandemics); banishment; tyranny; war; violence; strikes; technology; space travel and aeronautics; litigation; and mass media, advertising, and public relations. Please hold onto your hats and get ready for the wild ride of Rahu who stirs the stormy seas and brings forth all kinds of new and rare evolutionary challenges and opportunities.