Took a small break, but I'm back. The world does keep turning!
I was reading about how in the process of nuclear fission, Uranium turns to Plutonium. This is indeed a fascinating realization.
The planet Uranus was discovered in 1781. Uranium was then discovered 8 years later and 8 years is basically the time Uranus spends in a sign. Pluto was discovered in 1930; around the time various scientists were developing a weapon using nuclear power. The discoveries of planets usually follow a pattern, where a major event will affect a large number of people, for good or for ill. This is sort of how the outer planets of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto work. The energies of these planets greatly influence us and it is sometimes hard to handle, especially when they are in communication with the personal planets in our birth chart. That's another reason people of all ages can have one these planets in the same sign. For example, Pluto was in Libra from 1971-1984 and so everyone born in this time frame has Pluto in the same sign. Regardless of how strong or frequent Pluto is in that group of people's chart, all will have specific experiences and realizations involving Pluto in Libra. The Pluto in Libra generation is about the power and transformative effects of being in relationships. This is a break from the "Pluto in Virgo Generation" in the sense that the "Pluto in Libra Generation" will often have relationships that might seem unconventional to a majority of people from the previous generation. I believe the challenge is to find what the personal balance in the relationship is. In a sense that is something purely left up to the couple. Power and strength will come from that union the couple has, once they determine what their shared vision is for themselves.
Getting back to the Uranium turning into Plutonium topic: The sequence of events here illustrates the radical change we are suddenly thrust into, an uncomfortable situation in unfamiliar territory and trying to cope. If you succeed in navigating the waters of shifting changes then something must have fundamentally changed in your psyche. It is from that change that the person has gained an important new perspective on life and a strength that they will always keep with them. I believe that is a link Uranus has to Pluto, especially from our perspective on Earth. Pluto, which is considered a dwarf planet now (although whatever astronomers call it, it will not denigrate its importance to astrologers) is the planet of Transformation, Underworld activities (both figuratively and literally), Rebirth, Deep Pathworkings and most importantly Power. Power is something that you have over someone or something or it is something had over you. It is the exploration of Power that puts a person in a power struggle that tests one's mettle. This power struggle is a lot different from a Martian struggle, where it could be as simple as shoving someone out of the way to get a seat on the bus. Pluto's power struggles usually bring up a deeply sensitive memory of how we either were subjugated by another or dominated someone else. This dynamic influences the decisions we make. An example of Plutonian power struggle would be a child custody battle, in which one parent uses blackmail or coerces a judge to support their side against the other parent. Even after a difficult battle and outcome unknown, it will be an experience that will deeply affect the people involved, including the child.
The nuclear crisis in Japan has brought up a similar reaction within the people in Tokyo. The Japanese have a history of exercising restraint, whether it be from limiting emotional outbursts and displays of affection to their day to day dealings with others. This jishuku, self-restraint, has increased to high levels, much like the radiation in the area around the reactors. From what I have read, people are walking on eggshells. Even advertisements have slowed their constant cries for attention. People are not going to karaoke, they're canceling Sakura (cherry blossom) festival and watching parties and not socializing with each other. The sudden changes people in Japan face will ultimately bring about a fundamental change in the people. Hopefully this time in the Underworld will help Japan emerge a stronger people. They must deal with their dark history of nuclear energy, both from the tragic Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to this latest chapter of potential nuclear meltdown. The Japanese have a history of making useful innovations for the world. I hope they will make new strides to find a cleaner and less dangerous source for their energy needs. If any country can move from 1950's dream of nuclear power to a more stable and safer energy source, I believe Japan can lead the way.
Coming soon: a Mercury Retro update :)
