The Astrological Road Ahead (2024)

by Bill Herbst

Publisher's Note: This article appeared inTMA's Dec. 2015/Jan. 2016 issue as a part of an Astrologers' Forum on2016–2020. The forum also included articles by Jessica Murray, RickLevine, Maurice Fernandez, and Kathy Allan. To purchase the entire issue,go to https://www.mountainastrologer.com/order.html

Uranus in Aries is now past its First Quartersquare to Pluto in Capricorn. The perpendicular arc between these twosignificant outer bodies of the solar system was historic in having sevenexact passes over nearly three years (the first pass was on June 24,2012, with the final and seventh pass occurring on March 16, 2015). Sucha rare event — a square with seven passes — had not occurred betweenthese two orbiting bodies for more than 500 years, the last time beingthe seven-pass First Quarter square when Uranus and Pluto were in Aquarius and Scorpio, respectively, from April 1496 through January 1500.This was a period that closely coincided with the entry of the vanguardof European conquerors into the Western Hemisphere, followed by thesubsequent European colonization that resulted in the largest and longestgenocide of native populations in recorded history. These events pavedthe way for the "modern industrial civilization" we live in today, withall its benefits and ills. Since the similar Uranus–Pluto transit of the2010s is now technically waning, what does the astrological skyscape ofouter-planet cycles look like for the remaining years of the decade?

Well, just because the transit is now separating does not meanit's "finished." Not by a long shot. As a potent factor in the astrological archetype field that is symbolically relevant to humanity,the implications of the current Uranus–Pluto alignment still have a longway to go.

What I'm referring to as the "symbolic archetype field" iscomprised at any given time of active transits among the ten cycles thatoccur between the outermost five major bodies of the solar system — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Mundane or Geopolitical Astrology is typically thought of as the astrology of nations, so I use adifferent term to categorize the study of the ten outer-planet cycles. Icall it "Civilizational Astrology" for the light it sheds on theevolution of collective humanity.

These ten astrological cycles are quite different from the 35cycles of the inner planets, including the Sun and our Moon, whose fasterorbits, quicker and more frequent passages through zodiacal signs, and shorter transits form the basis of most day-to-day forecasting astrology(which is something I neither study nor write about). Inner-planetalignments are measured in hours or days, rather than the weeks, months,or years of outer-planet transits. That's part of what draws me to studyouter-planet cycles. They're slow and stately, stretching out overdecades and even centuries, highlighting the evolving energies thatemerge somehow into the collective consciousness and group behavior ofhuman beings that shape societies and cultures. The fact that we don'tknow the "true" source or mechanism of these energies, however, doesn'tinvalidate the usefulness of the astrological system in illuminatingthem.

The Fallacy of Cause-and-Effect in Astrology

It seems patently obvious that the planets, either alone or intandem, do not actually "cause" the archetypal energies. Human beings, however, are still quite enthralled by simplistic cause-and-effect explanations, in part because our verbal and written languages encouragethat manner of expression and thought. As a result, many astrologersspeak and write as if Uranus and Pluto, for instance, literally causetheir perceived effects of radical change and revolutionary upheaval ingroup consciousness and behavior. However difficult it may be to preventthat error, acknowledging that planets and other bodies used in astrologyare not causal factors is important to bear in mind. The planets act asmessengers for something much more mysterious.

All we can assert with certainty is that astrologers findcorrespondences between human experience — both inwardly as psychological experiences and outwardly as visible behaviors and objective events — andthe symbolic archetypes that astrology has assigned to each planet,particularly as those planets operate in pairs. These correspondences aresometimes strikingly obvious, while at other times subtle or veiled.

Some people are most impressed by the boldestcorrespondences as a validation of astrology. For instance, thenine-month "Reign of Terror" within the French Revolution, during whichas many as 50,000 French citizens were deemed "counterrevolutionary" byRobespierre's Committee of Public Safety, then arrested and guillotined,began in September 1793 and ended in July 1794, with the arrest andbeheading of Robespierre himself. This chaotic and violent period ofclass warfare synchronized almost precisely with the opposition of Uranusand Pluto on the Leo–Aquarius axis, which was exact for 15 months, from January 1793 through March 1794. Two centuries later, the Uranus–Plutoconjunction in Virgo opposite Saturn in Pisces, during 1965–66,synchronized just as closely with the beginnings of Mao's GreatProletariat Cultural Revolution in China and the rise of the Red Guards,millions of young Chinese zealots who became Mao's enforcers.

In both cases, the symbolic implications of the Uranus–Plutotransits corresponded to the actual events with uncanny accuracy in both timing and content. Oppositions and conjunctions fuse together the twoastrological symbols, so that the Uranian impulse toward sudden andrevolutionary change is combined with the Plutonian tendency towardradical, ruthless, and extreme use of power. Even further, while bothevents were social disruptions based on the intention of purging"counterrevolutionaries," the demographics were different, as predictedby the astrology.

Targets during the French revolution were royalists, the wealthy,and their supporters, which is reflected by the Uranus–Pluto transittaking shape on the Leo–Aquarius axis. By contrast, the Cultural Revolution in China played out more as an age-specific conflict between"proper" youth, who became the foot soldiers of the purge, and"bourgeois" older generations, which were targeted for public censure andhumiliation. This befits the Virgo–Pisces axis of the Uranus–Plutoopposite Saturn alignment. This generational conflict emerged globally,around the world, as countercultural youth movements. "Never trust anyoneover 30."

Such clear historical examples are one reason that theUranus–Pluto cycle is given (and deserves) such weight and importance inthe pantheon of astrological cycles. Another is that, as astrological symbols, Uranus and Pluto don't give a damn about social niceties. Plutonormally conducts its manipulative and sometimes nefarious activitiesunder a veil of secrecy, but when fused with (or challenged by) Uranus,Pluto steps out of the shadows and does its transformative work in theopen.

While astrologers may employ metaphors to explain how thesecorrespondences work — synchronicity, "as above, so below," etc. — wedon't truly comprehend the underlying mechanisms. We know only that the alignments of heavenly bodies in their shared cycles and patterns do indeed seem to correlate reasonably and sometimes amazingly well with individuals' experience in their personal lives, and also with the shifting attitudes and beliefs embraced by collective humanity as civilization moves through time. Reality shows us this much, but remainssecretive about the hows and whys that underliemanifestation.

How Precise Should We Be?
Allowable Orbs

In the study of collective humanity through outer-planet cycles,we can easily track and accurately identify when the astronomical bodies that make up these cycles arrive at significant angular relationships.But we've learned that the correspondences of real-life developments andevents associated with these activations of the ten outer-planet cyclesusually tend not to occur at the precise moment of the angularalignments. Instead, the correspondences cluster around theperiod of angular precision, sometimes before, but more typically after.So, astrologers try to figure out how far off the angular relationshipcan be, yet still remain an effective predictor of possible changes inhuman society. We assign "allowable orbs" — adding a certain number ofdegrees on each side of the exact angle — to extend the time frame ofpresumed correspondence.

In other words, if we insist on anastrological system that is too precise, it fails to correspond toreality. We need to build in a certain amount of leeway to make thesystem more flexible. For instance, a "square" in astrology representsperpendicularity, or a 90° angular relationship between two bodies orpoints of symbolic significance. How far off can the angle be and stillqualify as an effective square? 89°? 93°? 82°? We apply differentallowable orbs, depending on what we're looking at in our search for correspondences.

Stages of Correspondence

In the case of the transiting Uranus–Pluto square, the period ofthe initial five years (2007–12) represented the time of "setting up thegame board." In the classic Parker Brothers game, Monopoly, thiswould mean choosing the players' pieces, doling out the money, andshuffling the Chance and Community Chest cards. All of that is "set-up"and precedes the first roll of the dice.

The period of precise mathematical alignment (mid 2012 to early2015) then represents the "cooking" phase, where the symbolism "heats up" to critical mass.

Taken together, these two periods (2007–15) comprise getting the Uranus–Pluto show on the road, so to speak. Over those eight years, wehave seen many different events and developments in civilization thatcorrelate well with the emerging Uranus–Pluto symbolism. Below is apartial list that offers some characteristic examples:

the financial meltdown of the Big Banks in 2008.
the more current and unresolved financialcrisis in Greece and the EU.
concerns in America over National Security Agency datacollection and invasions of privacy, along with the dramatic increase insystematic computer hacking around the world.
the significant rise of social movements that spurindividuals to activism; some movements are truly grassroots, whileothers are secretly funded, but both types fall within Uranus–Plutosymbolism and are increasing in numbers and impact.
the greatest wealth disparity ever in America andglobally.
many scandals and revelations of corruption that haveadversely affected major institutions (too numerous to list).
the worsening situation of refugee immigration from NorthAfrica and the Middle East into Europe, as one symptom of globalpopulation instability.
droughts, floods, melting ice caps, and other seriousindications of increasing volatility and deepening disruption of globalclimate patterns.

These and all the other related events of the past eight yearsshould be considered precursors — the equivalent of setting up the Uranus–Pluto game board for more dramatic, important, and far-reachingdevelopments that are likely to occur in the second half of the decade,from 2016 to 2020. What's happened so far is only the falling of theinitial dominoes in the chain. We can expect much more over the coming4–5 years, which will then, in turn, set the stage for, and define theterms of, the serious work humans will face in the 2020s and beyond, ifwe are to continue evolving as a species.

So, in the current 138-year Uranus–Pluto cycle that began in1965, their perpendicular transit in the 2010s that kicked off the First Quarter phase (which will continue until August 2030, when the Gibbousphase begins) remains Number One on my list of meaningful outer-planetevents for the years ahead. The Uranus–Pluto alignment is far and awaythe most important astrological factor for the entire decade of the 2010s— head and shoulders above all the other outer-planet-cycleactivations.

Other Outer-Planet Alignments - from Mid-Decade On

Below are some of the outer-planet alignments that will occurfrom mid 2015 through 2017 (and, in one case, beyond). None of these isprofoundly significant on its own, but each will add its particularsymbolic implications to the archetype mix in the zeitgeist, altering the shape of the core Uranus–Pluto symbolism of revolutions, breakdowns, andupheavals.

Jupiter square Saturn

Effective period: June 2015 – July 2016
Three exact passes: Aug. 3, 2015; March 23, 2016; May 26, 2016
(entering the Last Quarter phase)

Jupiter and Saturn have a 20-year cycle, so the quarterly phaseschange roughly every five years. In general, this planetary tandem charts the unfolding of economics in society, especially through the boom–bustswings of expansion and contraction in commerce. The currentJupiter–Saturn cycle began late in the sign of Taurus, as the new centurybegan in 2000, implying the necessity of a grounded and pragmaticapproach to business. Nothing could have been further from the wayfinance and commerce were conducted at that point, so the symbolism ofthe cycle (representing reality) has been in conflict with our approachever since. The result has been severe economic contraction, but withouta corresponding change in our fantasy-based, anything-goes approach.

The Last Quarter phase offers us the possibility of realizing theerror of our ways and gradually trying out different approaches to make amends. Or we can continue to ignore reality and see where that takes us.We'll have roughly five years until the next Jupiter–Saturn cycle beginsin 2020. If we exercise moderate common sense in the interim, the 2020scan lead us out of the wilderness. If we continue the same businesspractices and monetary policies we've pursued so far in this century, the2020s will represent a very rude awakening. Odds don't seem good that weare ready to change.

Jupiter opposite Neptune

Effective period: Aug.–Nov. 2015
One exact pass: Sept. 17, 2015
(entering the Full phase)

Saturn square Neptune

Effective period: Nov. 2014 – Dec. 2016
Three exact passes: Nov. 26, 2015; June 18, 2016; Sept. 10,2016
(entering the Last Quarter phase)

These two cycles address the divide betweenfaith and optimism on the one hand, and skepticism and pessimism on theother. Because of the difference in length between Jupiter and Saturncycles, their transits with Neptune are timed so that the Saturnianperiod of pessimism is much longer — more than two years. Jovian optimismfor a more ideal future shines through for only a single season in themiddle of the longer Saturn period. Inspiration is an element of bothcycles, but the question is whether the visions can be grounded inpractical reality or, instead, remain only illusions of goodness without actually improving anything. In general, 2015–16 could be characterizedas a time of unfounded hopes and ultimate disappointments in manycollective arenas.

These two paired alignments juxtapose into a three-planetright-triangle configuration called a t-square for about a year, fromAugust 2015 through July 2016. I'll discuss that in the "Overview"section at the end of this article.

Jupiter square Pluto

Effective period: Oct. 2016 – Sept. 2017
Three exact passes: Nov. 24, 2016; March 30, 2017; Aug, 4,2017
(entering the Last Quarter phase)

The phase change into the Last Quarter of the Jupiter–Plutocycle, starting in the autumn of 2016 and continuing for a year throughthe summer of 2017, is likely to correspond to an increased recognition of the need for change in addressing various collective problems and concerns. The existing status quo starts to give way to the understandingthat something must be done, and quickly. Those in power will begin toget on board with the idea of reform. The challenge here lies in makingthe changes meaningful by revising the rules, rather than merelyreshuffling the pieces on the game board. If the public should becomevulnerable to seduction by a political demagogue, this would be the mostlikely time, although voices of ethical concern may be heard above thedin. Discerning true and mature leadership from huckstering pied pipersbecomes a serious issue.

Jupiter opposite Uranus

Effective period: Nov. 2016 – Nov. 2017
Three exact passes: Dec. 26, 2016; March 3, 2017; Sept, 28,2017
(entering the Full phase)

The halfway point in the Jupiter–Uranus cycle implies aculmination in the attitude that we can (and should) change life for thebetter. Of all the various outer-planet cycles active during the upcomingyears, this one is the most optimistic, in that fear of change isreplaced by enthusiasm for trying new policies. Especially within institutions, this could represent a tipping point away from stubborn resistance toward greater willingness to move forward. The downside ofthe transit is a corresponding increase in reactionary radicalism, i.e.,philosophical or religious extremists with dogmatic views of the worldand how it should be. This long transit is likely to correspond to apowerful increase in social activism in 2017 at all levels: individual,grassroots, institutional, and among the leadership class. In thestruggle (square) between Uranus and Pluto, Jupiter's sense ofentitlement and permission will give Uranus the edge, at least for theyear 2017. Around the world, that may mean more rebellion and challengesto authority.

Uranus semi-square Neptune

Effective period: June 2016 – April 2021
Five exact passes: Aug. 11, 2017; Oct. 7, 2017; June 16, 2018;Dec. 15, 2018; May 2, 2019
(entering the Crescent phase)

This is the "magical technology" cycle. The question is: Can the roughly 200-year drunken party of the Industrial Age, with its constanttheme of technological innovation, continue via further discovery andsynthesis of new, "cleaner," and more sustainable technologies? Or willthe end of cheap, easily accessible fossil fuels (coal, oil, and naturalgas) and the cumulative environmental damage they have produced signalthe demise of civilization as we have come to know it? The currentUranus–Neptune cycle began at the end of the 1980s, and the New phase ofthat cycle has seen the development and implementation (at a dizzyingpace) of the Internet, smartphones, and flat-screen displays foreverything from televisions and computers to automobiles and sportsstadiums.

This astonishing transformation has occurred with remarkablespeed, compared to what life was like for most human beings as recentlyas the early 19th century, a mere two centuries ago, which was largely the same as life had been throughout the entire span of recorded history.The primary agent responsible for the transformation was our discovery ofcheap and plentiful fossil fuels. Basically, the bonanza of oil allowedus to become who and what we are today.

As long as human beings have been around, wehave dreamed of escape from the backbreaking labors of life. Like allfantasies, however, the reality may not live up to the dream. Oscar Wildestated the problem plainly: "There are only two tragedies in life: One isnot getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." For the pasttwo centuries, we have been getting what we wanted, and though it hasbeen both wonderful and terrible, we aren't likely to give it upwillingly.

Uranus and Neptune have a cycle whose average length is 172years. The previous cycle that began from 1816–27 corresponded to the Industrial Revolution. The current cycle that began from 1988–99 is aboutthe Technological Revolution. We are just now finishing up the first ofthe eight 45° phases of that cycle, the New phase. In 2016, we will beginto enter the second phase, called Crescent.

The New phase of every astrological cycle is a time of birthingsomething new and is characterized by passion, compulsivity, and theurgent drive to manifest whatever the cycle is about in any formpossible. The Crescent phase is the inevitable reaction, where everythingwe have ignored in our headlong rush to create something new rises up to slow us down and make us think about the wisdom of maintaining such exhilarating but unconscious momentum. Consequences and repercussions make their first appearance as critical factors to consider.

With the entry into the Crescent phase, the Uranus–Neptune cycle indicates that, where technology is concerned, we will confront doubtsand inner demons. The 2020s will likely be a difficult time for thetechno-dreamers. Can the ironies and paradoxes of technology'sdouble-edged swords be sufficiently vanquished to keep alive the wholepanoply of human techno-fantasies that have recently enjoyed free andunfettered reign?

For instance, can the power unleashed by technology be usedwisely by a species still groping through its emotional and spiritual adolescence? Or will that power destroy us? Can technology save us fromour own worst impulses? Should we even want it to? Or will the 21stcentury witness a "course correction" in the evolution of civilizationthrough the failure of technology due to economic collapse, followed bythe terrible die-off of a large percentage of the human population, withthe survivors picking up the pieces by returning topre-industrial/pre-technological lifestyles?

A particularly worrisome example of technological concern isthe proliferation of weaponry, particularly the stocks of existingnuclear warheads in the world. While we have managed to avoid disasterfor the past 70 years by keeping that terrible genie in the bottle, willour luck hold out over the rest of the century? And beyond nuclearweapons, what about other incidents, such as the meltdown of thef*ckushima nuclear power plant after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami?The Crescent phase of the Uranus–Neptune cycle could mark a time when weare sorely tested about the wisdom of what we've already created.

I don't expect the bulk of correspondences from this transit to manifest strongly over the next 2–3 years. My best guess is that theissues that will arise during the Crescent phase are probably not particularly relevant to the 2010s and are likely to emerge more fully inthe 2020s. We are, however, moving toward addressing a thousand importantquestions that have, until now, been mostly hypothetical. In the decadesto come, those questions will become quite real.

Overview

The three most important astrological alignments now and over thecoming 2–3 years, listed in order of priority and potency, are:

Uranus in Aries in First Quarter square to Pluto inCapricorn

Mid 2007 to early 2020

Uranus and Pluto, and the square between them, provide the coreastrological archetypes for the 2010s; every other alignment functions asa modifier to this basic conflict and challenge.

A three-planet alignment involving Jupiter, Saturn, andNeptune

with Jupiter in Leo/Virgo, Saturn in Scorpio/Sagittarius, andNeptune in Pisces; the three individual transits are:

Jupiter's Last Quarter square to Saturn, mid 2015 through mid2016
Jupiter's opposition to Neptune, mid 2015
Saturn's Last Quarter square to Neptune, late 2014 through late 2016

A t-square forms with Jupiter and Neptune as the base and Saturnat the apex

during August–October 2015, then again in March–July 2016. Although Jupiter has only a single exact pass opposite Neptune in September 2015, I regard the entire period of mid 2015 through mid 2016as the effective period for the t-square.

The arena of politics in the presidential race provides a perfectexample of the t-square in operation. The gaggle of Republican candidatesare full of high ideals (Jupiter–Neptune) and angry resentments (Saturn–Neptune). Contrast that with the Democrats, where Bernie Sandersis the positive idealist (Jupiter–Neptune), while front-runner HillaryClinton is plagued by scandals that threaten to erupt (Saturn–Neptune)around her e-mails and anything else Republicans can find to smear her.The field of candidates is likely to be winnowed down by further scandalsover the next nine months (Saturn–Neptune). Jupiter will have moved on bythe time of the election in November 2016, leaving Saturn and Neptune toimply that confusing global or domestic events may cast shadows of fearor doubt over either the process of the election or its outcome.

Jupiter in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries

Late 2016 through late 2017

This transit implies the possibility of a breakthrough in theUranus–Pluto conflict between status quo business-as-usual (Pluto) andthe many alarming developments that suggest a need to change how humanbeings conduct their affairs in society and in the world (Uranus).Jupiter opposite Uranus indicates a readiness to challenge the unjust useof power, whether in making war, doing business, or structuring society. Whether this upwelling of rebellion in seeking justice produces anythinggood remains to be seen, but 2017 should be an interesting year.

In general, the portrait painted by thematrix of active outer-planet transits and phase changes over the next2–3 years appears to me to indicate a steady increase in public concernabout the future. More grassroots movements toward various dimensions ofsocial justice may gain traction, with increased support among thepopulace, but institutions will continue to resist reforms, at least fora while, probably through 2016. Thus, the breakdown of trust ininstitutional authority, already far advanced, will likely deepen overthe coming year. Relying on authoritative leadership, especially thecharismatic variety, is probably a dicey proposition at best.Self-reliance and local organizing are likely to be more effectivesolutions.

Despite the longstanding resistance to change by hideboundinstitutions whose interest in feathering their own nests competes withand often outweighs their charters to serve the public welfare, the timeis coming when authorities, executives, and bureaucratic managers who formulate policy will come around to the view that forceful change anddramatic action are necessary — at first grudgingly, but later with anenthusiasm that will probably border on self-righteous fervor. Thegridlock that seemed pervasive over the initial half of this decade islikely to be transformed within 2–3 years into an increasingly urgentapplication of power, for better or worse.

Economic recovery is not around the corner, nor anywhere insight. These are times of economic contraction, and the astrology of thisdecade and beyond reinforces that perception.

Don't look for any dismantling of the NSA apparatus here inAmerica or elsewhere, for the technological means of eliminating privacyare already in place and growing rapidly in government and commerce. Whatever the technocrats can do, they will. They have the means as wellas the money, and they are not concerned with moral niceties. The besthope in that arena is for continued whistleblowing to bring suchactivities out of the secretive shadows and into the light of day. At thevery heart of the Uranus–Pluto symbolism is the necessity for publicactivism in demanding that society be run for the good of the many ratherthan the benefit of the few. This is a daunting challenge, but the timeis coming when we will see whether it is possible.

With the difficult Jupiter–Saturn square setting a secondary toneto the more basic Uranus–Pluto archetype, the likelihood is that the policies undertaken toward reform will probably not be visionary or forward-looking. Instead, protocols will be put in place based on expediency and the intention to address existing issues in the easiestways. In this case, however, "easy" is unlikely to equal "wise."

I'm fond of pointing out that astrology itself is neutral, sinceevery astrological symbol or configuration is two-sided and contains possible correspondences in real life that we'd like and others we wouldn't. Any good/bad judgments made about a certain time frame or situation must be informed by factors beyond pure astrology. We have tobring our highest knowledge and clearest consciousness to the task inorder to avoid unintentionally projecting our own hopes or fears onto thesymbols. As a result, your assessment of what lies ahead may differ frommine. This is, however, my best take on the astrology of what's comingfrom my current perspectives on the world.

(Editor's Note:This is a shorter version of an article that originally appeared inSeptember 2015 on the author's website: http://www.billherbst.com)

Image sources:
Juan Ponce de Léon: By CORVERA [Public domain], via WikimediaCommons
Beheading of Robespierre: See page for author [Public domain], viaWikimedia Commons
Planets: Public Domain CC0, by skeeze via pixabay.com
Greek uprising 2011: Kotsolis at English Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL(http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Inspiration: Public Domain CC0, by Unsplash via pixabay.com
Pinwheel: Public Domain CC0, by McLac2000 via pixabay.com
Head/wheels: Public Domain CC0, by bykst via pixabay.com
Protest: Public Domain CC0, by Niekverlaan via pixabay.com

First published in: The Mountain Astrologer, Dec2015/Jan2016

Author:
Bill Herbst has been a full-time astrologer in privatepractice since 1973. After 42 years, Bill's main work continues to bepersonal client sessions, mostly by telephone, with emphasis on thechallenges of the 2010s and beyond, in conversations custom-tailored toeach client's life. Go to his website (http://www.billherbst.com) to read his current essaysor request a session.

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