2009 astrological influences

Yule, the time of the Winter Solstice, occurs at 5:04 AM MST 12/21/08. This is when astrologers cast
the first ingress chart to predict yearly and seasonal trends. 2009’s chart has the Sun and Pluto
exactly at O degrees of Capricorn indicating this will be a winter season of changes. There are long-
range karmic implications to 2009.   Pluto, Neptune, Uranus and Saturn, all transpersonal planets, are
rocking the USA chart. Powerful forces are afoot. The next four years provide tremendous
opportunity as well as risk.
American’s are feeling optimistic as the New Year begins and idealism runs high.   The focus is on
‘right action’. Neptune, the planet of illusion, spiritual ideals, oil, drugs, fanaticism, altruism and
compassion, is highly aspected in the USA’s chart. Conservative and liberal forces are divided as to
how to re-establish the country’s confidence yet both sides feel the pressure to work together. We
will be hearing a lot about foreign financial markets and how the current shake-ups are affecting over
seas affairs. The need to establish financial stability, balance and faith in our future is a top priority of
our leaders at this time. Pluto, the ruler of wealth and power, has now moved into Capricorn, the sign
of big business and government, where he will reside until 2024. During the years of his residency in
Capricorn, we might experience another industrial revolution as occurred in the 1760’s, when Pluto
was last in Capricorn, though it will look different this time around. Perhaps satellites, hydrogen
machinery and solar computers will transform the way business is done.
Certainly the collective values and identity of the U.S. are undergoing major changes in the years
ahead. American’s will begin a 7-year process of scaling back and simplifying. Not such a bad thing
given that this can actually create a greater sense of community and inter-dependence.   Pluto will
form oppositions to the U.S.’s planet of diplomacy, Venus, in 2009 /2010 indicating there is a
compelling desire (Pluto) to resolve diplomatic differences. Saturn, the planet of discipline and
limitation, will continue to form oppositions to Uranus, the planet of liberation and revolution,
throughout 2009 creating a feeling of having one foot on the brakes and the other on the gas. Saturn’
s conjunction to the USA’s Neptune has historically been a time of great humility for our country.
The late January solar eclipse on 1/26 followed by the lunar eclipse on 2/9 impart the public
consciousness with hopefulness. The solar eclipse’s connection to America’s nodal access indicates
a time when negative karma can be redeemed and positive karma created. Jupiter, long associated
with the law, the quality of expansion and good fortune, moves into Aquarius where he will remain
until January 2010. Jupiter in Aquarius is an excellent placement for science, diplomacy, legal reform,
innovation, and originality.
During the early spring months, Jupiter and Neptune form favorable aspects to the planet of war,
Mars, in the USA’s chart.   Despite previous power struggles within the House and Senate a vision is
unfolding for our departure from Iraq. New regulations for our financial institutions will be
negotiated. These early months of 2009 are significant as they set the tone for the year ahead.