Tense Times - the next Uranus-Pluto Square

Life might well be feeling tense again, as if someone or something is slowly twisting our nerves into a tight braid. Indeed, this should be familiar ground for most of us by now because we've been here four times in the recent past(1). Two planets - or if you want to be an astronomical stickler, a planet and a dwarf planet, have been locked in a temperamental tango since 2012.

Uranus, instigator of change, revolution, progress and freedom is forming a series of Squares with Pluto, small but powerful and the signifier of upheaval and destruction that leads to rebirth and transformation. This can be an explosive combination at any time but the Square aspect is known to present challenges and obstacles and to be a little testy. Consequently, a series of seven Squares between these two planetary gods is more than eventful for the human race.

At present, we are inexorably approaching the fifth Uranus-Pluto Square, exact on April 21st (the next two will occur in December 2014 and March 2015). This repeating pattern suggests important and rather immense changes afoot for planet Earth and its inhabitants. Uranus and Pluto normally indicate the masses, such as a generation, but the significance of this recurring aspect is filtering right down to the individual level, where we'll each be experiencing our own personal upheavals.

So what can we expect as we near the next exact Square? Uranus and Pluto are essentially trying to break free - from everything. It's time for a revolution, in all its forms. Individually this seems to be manifesting as a recurring feeling to escape from whatever is enslaving us. This could be an illusion or lie that we've been living, a damaging habit or stifling job or a controlling relationship or friendship. With each Square, these feelings might deepen, the urge becoming more powerful and the desire less easy to resist. For although these changes are ultimately for the best, we creatures of comfort typically avoid change or anything that might threaten our sense of security and familiarity. This is understandable, of course, but perhaps we are being questioned on our true source of security; not how much savings we have or how many possessions we own but our self-worth based on our character and values; not how many friends we have on Facebook but how we have touched the lives of real people; not how popular or famous or admired we are but why we are unconditionally loved by those who know us best. Once we discover these truths, at our core, nothing in the outside world can really threaten us. 

The Uranus-Pluto Squares are also symbolic of the intense but necessary crises and rapid changes taking place on the planet - both natural and man-made, material and spiritual. This is adding to the stress we're experiencing in our personal lives. There is continual advancements with technology (Uranus), which is accelerating and inundating us with a virtual world of constant communication. There are rebellions and uprisings in several countries, where the population has felt oppressed (Uranus). We also have many instances of corruption being revealed in governments, corporations and other bodies that have gained power and control (Pluto). And of course there are the ongoing natural and man-made disasters, which are nothing new but are now beginning to show very real consequences, particularly in our weather and climate (Uranus again).

The next Square is joined by the Sun meeting Uranus, in Aries - a Sign of the individual with a fiery temperament and impulsive streak. Its ruler, Mars, will be directly opposite Uranus while Jupiter will also be in Square, from Cancer. This configuration will most likely fuel the drive for rebellion and perhaps give some of us the push we need to break free and embrace our need to 'be me'. It will also intensify collective uprising, particularly in areas already in strife. The astrological nature of Mars (war) and Jupiter (excess) suggests great potential for more unstable and violent occurrences, as the energy may prove overwhelming for some. 

This might sound largely 'doom and gloom' however Uranus and Pluto symbolically work together for change leading to transformation, which sometimes requires the exposition and destruction of old ways. It also remains possible to actively channel our energy into productive and creative ways of handling change. Pluto's no-nonsense force and willpower coupled with Uranus' explosive and sudden behaviour does not make for an easy ride though. There have been causalities in the fight for equality, recognition, justice and freedom and at times anarchy (another penchant of Uranus). But also a renewed sense of power for the people, a desire not to be ruled unjustly by the self-appointed elite.

Whatever we might be experiencing now, willingly or otherwise, ultimately contributes to the spiritual awakening and evolution of mankind. That may not seem like much comfort when we're having a particularly testing time, but having faith that it's for the greater good or that maybe we're just not privy to the bigger picture can sometimes help to get us through. Perhaps the more we aim to accept what's happening and that life is tense for now, the less resistance we make to change and the ride becomes easier.

Looking back at the previous Squares, we can identify events unfolding at that time to get a flavour of how this aspect manifests. The months preceding and following the exact Square formation are also highlighted, as the aspect begins to form and build up tension and then release and reveal the consequences.

{If you're unsure of what the Squares are highlighting for you, review the past occurrences and reflect on what was happening in your life at those time, as well as the months leading up to the exact dates and what happened afterwards. This should give you an idea of the areas and issues that are important for you and require change and renewal.}

(1)The Uranus-Pluto Exact Squares: 

First Square: 24th June 2012 - Uranus 8° Aries/Pluto retrograde 8° Capricorn

Second Square: 19th September 2012 - Uranus retrograde 6° Aries/Pluto 6° Capricorn 

Third Square: 20th May 2013 - Uranus 11° Aries/Pluto retrograde 11° Capricorn 

Fourth Square: 1st November 2013 - Uranus retrograde 9° Aries/Pluto 9° Capricorn 

Fifth Square: 21st April 2014 - Uranus 13° Aries/Pluto retrograde 13° Capricorn

Sixth Square: 15th December 2014 - Uranus retrograde 12° Aries/Pluto 12° Capricorn 

 Final Square: 16th March 2015 - Uranus 15° Aries/Pluto 15° Capricorn

...

Evidently there is still the remainder of 2014 and into the first half of 2015 to come. We will likely continue to experience significant personal and collective upheavals and changes during this time. Uranus and Pluto are perhaps showing how we are reshuffling the order of things here on Earth and more importantly how we are re-positioning ourselves in our own lives - and how we're choosing to respond to calamities beyond our control, in trying to make the world a better place for everyone.