2010 is marked by some significant and unusual planetary contacts; this year is a prelude to the fireworks of the next four and is a valuable preview of that period. Astrology actually gives us an inside view of the mechanism behind the prophesied changes of 2012, especially in relation to events, planetary and otherwise, of the middle 1960s. 2010 is most like the year 1964- the year just before the most important transits occurred, from 1965 to 1967. The corresponding period now, when Uranus and Pluto again make a specific angular aspect, are the years from 2011 to 2014. The overlay for that period and its prelude, 2010, suggest the same kind of fundamental changes are coming, both personally and culturally.

Then, part of the fuel for change was rebellion against the morality and social mindset of the 1950s, and part was the beginnings of a drug culture. Now, the main fuel is the internet. As happened then, we are now experiencing a sea change in life, across the board, and as happened then, there is now social (and military) war occurring. At the same time, there are spectacular and life-changing advances being made, for instance, in science and computing- some of them far beyond what we could have imagined 44 years ago. So, human affairs imitate nature, which is also a spectacular and sloppy process, with a fair amount of collateral damage.

The strong planetary configurations we will see in the next few years represent powerful, fundamental change, and though it is the one constant of living, it is also the thing we most resist. When it feels forced on us, we tend to lose faith, or at least start to question the world around us. Economists say that the stock market is built on faith. Consequently, when people lose faith, or feel fear, they tighten up- they speculate on stocks less, they spend less, and they wait for the period of change to end before emerging from their shelter, so to speak. This year will probably fit the same mold. Courageous people will find ways to stay engaged, if not a bit more conservatively so, but those who expect to fear the future will have ample excuses to do so.

Highlight of the year astrologically is the 2+ week period at the end of July and the beginning of August, though parts of it really overshadow earthly affairs for weeks either side of the exact planetary aspect. That five of the six strongest planets are in significant aspect suggests a period of rapid change and some conflict. The challenge is that humans aren’t typically accustomed to such rapid change and sometimes go to great lengths to resist it. Of course, change will not be denied, as illustrated, for instance, by the deterioration of the newspaper and music industries (a symptom of the changes occurring the last several years). Another possible expression of this intense energy is armed conflict.

Patience is in short supply, especially around the beginning of August, and it’s quite possible we will see global political hotspots erupt in active fighting (again). Patience is mentioned often, since so much of the damage people experience around forceful transits is the result of acting on impulse, before they are clear the best course to take. That clarity is usually the result of spending time investigating options and perhaps getting feedback from trusted counsel. Some of these astrological moments signify real turning points in life, and it’s worth the effort to fully understand what is possible.

Interpreting The Transits

Except for the Mercury retrograde periods, transits (mathematically significant planetary configurations) generally become noticeable ahead of the exact aspect and less so after that moment, based on their distance from the Sun. The furthest “planet”- Pluto- is also the slowest moving and the deepest and most intense to experience, while the Moon- at a few hours- is generally the shortest in duration (though not always experience). The Uranus-Pluto contact in late summer, by comparison, will color human affairs for as much as 6 or 8 weeks ahead of its exact aspect.

The interpretations are intended to inform and empower, and can be very useful in allowing extra time when people seem distracted by inner or outer manifestations of the transits. Astrology isn’t a deterministic discipline in my view, though it is for some astrologers. The point for me is to illuminate the choices available to us during the most important planetary contacts highlighted here. Having said that, not everyone will experience all the transits, or even the majority. If you don’t, that’s excellent. If you do, in a way that’s difficult, study the interpretations to get a sense of the options available to you for best handling the opportunities and challenges of the period.

Birthdays

For some of the more significant transits, I offer common interpretations. The birthdays affected are approximate, as the exact day the Sun enters Aries, for instance, changes from year to year. If it appears you are responding strongly to a transit that doesn’t tie in with your birthday, it may be there are other points involved in your chart. I offer specific personal chart interpretations for those who desire more in-depth information. Now on to the transits.

January 13-15: Saturn stations retrograde and Mercury stations direct: We enter the year with Mercury retrograde, which happens three times a year for about three weeks at a time. Ordinarily, people report more-than-the-usual number of problems with communications, travel arrangements, and agreements in general. It’s not that they can’t be worked out, it’s just that they often take more than one attempt to handle them. This is not usually a dangerous transit. On the 15th, Mercury stations direct in apparent motion, as viewed from earth (the planet doesn’t actually go backwards). Communications are often hectic a day or two either side of this change, as formerly blocked or lost messages start to come through.

For those born March 23-27, June 24-28, Sept 26-30, or December 24-28, this is a time to slow down, consider your options, and become a little more responsible. There may be challenges in physical energy levels, attachments to relationships or physical items, and just a general down mood. Know that it is time to release anything slowing you down: people, things, or situations that are candidates for release will take more and more energy just to sustain the status quo. The mood lifts and energy returns in a couple of weeks.

January 30-31: Saturn square Pluto and Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus: This is an important period in the context of the year, as two of the four most important planets align in stress aspect. Pluto represents raw power, and Saturn represents responsibility; in contact, we often see law being changed by force of will.

March 10: Mars stations direct: Everyone is ready to go. Take a little time to catch your breath: everything doesn’t have to get accomplished in the next three hours. For those born January 19-23, April 10-23, July 21-25, or October 22-26, be conscious that not everyone is moving at warp speed and the traffic lights (or anything else) really aren’t conspiring to annoy you. You may experience that irritation regardless, but it won’t make things move any faster. Enjoy your up mood (which is just underneath any annoyance you might experience) for a couple of days.

April 6: Pluto stations retrograde: This is often a largely subterranean experience for society at large, though there are deep changes occurring. Some of the lessons here are to resist the temptation to force things on others, and to allow the natural processes of life to unfold at their own pace.

For those born March 24-28, June 25-29, September 27- October 1, or December 25-29, this is a very intense time. It may be surprising how hard it is to let the littlest things to, how deep your emotional involvement really is in things that normally don’t matter much, or how much you really do want to control everyone and everything. On the other hand, there are deep shifts occurring now (over a period of about 18 to 24 months) that will forever change you. This is a good thing in the long run, though it often happens that success requires completely releasing the past. It is possible to rebuild, and this will happen, in spite of the fears that may be present now.

April 17: Mercury stations retrograde: More than ordinarily, it would appear, office machinery breaks down, messages get lost or delayed, and/or travel plans get fouled up. This is not usually a dangerous transit, and its effects typically aren’t permanent. It can actually work to your advantage: agreements made during this time often have to be re-negotiated. If you missed something the first time around, now is the chance to sort that out.

April 25: Saturn opposite Uranus: Societal gut-check: a powerful impulse for rapid, sudden change meets the need for caution and careful investigation. The result can be quite disruptive, as it feels the choices are one or the other, not any form of compromise or cooperation.

For those born March 23-27, June 24-28, Sept 26-30, or December 24-28, the above interpretation is often the experience: hurry up and wait. The lesson is learning the balance between impulses to act and caution to investigate. Sometimes we miss opportune moments from too much caution, and sometimes we make serious mistakes from too little.

May 1: Saturn inconjunct Neptune: Loss of innocence is one interpretation of this planetary contact; another is exposure of secrets and political or financial corruption, or loss of cherished beliefs. At any rate, Saturn clears the evasive nature of Neptune so that we get an honest look at things like never before.

May 10-11: Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus and Mercury stations direct: An “up” period, and people are moving fast. In most Mercury station periods, messages start coming through that have delayed, agreements don’t need so many revisions, and balky electronic equipment miraculously starts working again. But the Mars-Uranus involvement can actually work counter to the stability represented by Mercury’s direct motion. The Mars effect clears in a few days, however, and things should once again settle down into a comfortable rhythm.

May 22: Jupiter opposite Saturn: This can be a real gut-check time, especially in terms of finances, and more specifically, the stock market. Inflated stocks often come closer to their real value as people’s confidence is shaken by events. These planets are polar opposites: Jupiter represents optimism, expansion, and sometimes indulgence; Saturn represents pessimism and a conservative outlook on things. In strong aspect, there is a temptation to lose faith in things internal and external to us. Whatever the stimulus, these periods ultimately (and ideally) bring things back into a balance of optimism and realism.

May 30-31: Saturn stations direct and Neptune stations retrograde: These two changes in apparent direction can signal a subtle undercurrent of discomfort, as a result of an awareness that something has changed, or is changing. Astrologically speaking, it is a time when two planets are stopped for a bit; consequently, certain events may seem stuck, too.

For those born January 16-20, April 16-20, July 19-23, and October 19-23, everything may seem stuck. This is a good time to review what is still important in your life, and what you’ve outgrown. The challenge is that there may be quite significant parts of life (job or mate) that still seem to work, even though there’s a nagging awareness that it may be time to let it or them go. The key is noticing if it takes more and more energy just to sustain that relationship or situation: this is a signal things may indeed be ripe for change. Another challenge is staying positive with the weight of the sheer number of things you are handling now. It may be a challenge to put self first, but if you burn out, you’re no good to yourself or anyone else, either.

For those born February 16-20, May 18-22, August 20-24, and November 19-23, this is likely to be a rather vague or confusing time. Change is occurring in spite of the fog. In fact, the way things change is that you simply lose your connection to things that now need to leave your life. This can be quite an emotional time, as you are wide open to feelings- yours and theirs. The opportunity is to allow a lot of cleansing and healing; the challenge is being patient while moving through a time of feeling rudderless. Your vision will sharpen again; don’t rush this inner change, as it simply can’t be hastened.

June 4: Mars opposite Neptune: Lost In Space is a good title for this configuration, as it typically indicates the urge to do something. The problem is knowing what is actually constructive, and what is just wasting time and energy in the long run. Another aspect of this transit is that people are more-than-ordinarily affected by how they feel, vs taking time for a rational view of situations. The opportunity is to sort out the difference between emotional and logical motives.

June 7-8: Mars inconjunct Uranus and Jupiter conjunct Uranus: One of the most “up” transits of the year, this transit typically indicates a rush of activity. On the positive side, a lot can be accomplished. The down side is a tendency to get easily distracted, or to force things.

June 26: Lunar eclipse 4Cp48: Interesting phenomena, eclipses are rather unpredictable in correlating events. Generally, they are wild-card type experiences, out of the blue, as it were.

For those born June 24-28 or December 24-28, an eclipse can correspond to sudden, unexpected changes. This particular celestial event is more of a wild card than just about any other, so it can be difficult to predict the specific kinds of things that “normally” occur.

June 29: Saturn inconjunct Neptune: see the interpretation for May 1: Saturn inconjunct Neptune.

July 5: Uranus stations retrograde.

For those born March 19-23, June 20-24, September 22-26, or December 20-24, you are getting pounded by the large number of transits this year. This particular one, at least, can be quite exciting. It’s designed to give you the chance to do some window shopping, since anything that smacks the least of commitment or responsibility may seem quite difficult to bear. There’s so much electricity it may feel hard to stay in your skin. Physical movement and exercise are definitely recommended, as is travel, as ways to move some of this energy. Understand others may have a hard time keeping up with you. What you consider normal right now is about three times faster than those around you are moving. Explore some new territory- this is a great time to find out what new things would interest you.

July 23 – August 3: Jupiter stations retrograde; Mars inconjunct Neptune; Jupiter square Pluto; Saturn opposite Uranus; Mars opposite Uranus; Mars conjunct Saturn; Jupiter square Pluto; Mars opposite Jupiter; and Mars square Pluto: The prolonged aspect between Jupiter and Pluto suggests a prolonged moment of tensions, as this combination can represent attempts to impose one’s will on large populations. It can also mean the same thing on a personal level- that there is an impulse to force others to bend to our ways. Usually, though, this just creates a backlash and sometimes even conflict.

Check your motives more closely in this period if others seem to be resisting you or complaining to or about you. The long-term damage isn’t worth the short-term objectives, not to mention the possibility of real emotional and/or physical violence. In addition, the combination of planets here is “all of the above”, i.e., both expansive and restrictive, which adds to the confusion, tension, and urgency.

For those born March 19-23, June 20-24, September 22-26, or December 20-24, you are the ones experiencing the strongest parts of this planetary mash-up. The interpretation under the transit of July 5 likely still applies, as do the ones under just under the transits of May 30-31 (Saturn). Yes, the basic energies are almost exactly opposite each other, and no, they don’t cancel out. You may experience both the ultra high energy of the Uranus aspect, and the depths and weight of the Saturn aspect. There really are strengths you can develop from this combination- it isn’t just divine punishment.

August 16-18: Jupiter opposite Saturn and Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune: see the interpretation for May 22: Jupiter opposite Saturn.

August 20-21: Mercury stations retrograde and Saturn square Pluto: Another notable astrological moment for the year: the desire for unbridled power meets the boundaries of appropriate and responsible behavior. Sometimes the result is a shift in the tectonic plates, literally and figuratively.

For those born March 22-26, June 22-26, September 24-28, or December 23-27, there’s already been enough stress lately to last a few decades, and this astrological moment is most likely a very unwelcome intruder. The lesson, though, is one of the most important in life: balancing one’s desires with the dictates of society (or the limits of appropriate behavior). We all want unlimited power, but that’s a recipe for chaos. This is a time to learn how to balance one’s desires with those of others in ways that are non-destructive. Another way to say this: we can’t kill the children when they make mistakes (regardless how strong the desire).

September 12-13: Mercury stations direct; Mars inconjunct Uranus and Jupiter; and Pluto stations direct: Another “up” period astrologically, suggesting things may be hectic and unorganized during Mercury’s change of direction and especially during Mars’ involvement. The latter clears in a few days, and things should settle down to a more accustomed pace. During the two or three days of the exact aspect, though, be conscious what really feels appropriate, vs. what choices are made based on some degree of urgency. If it doesn’t feel like there’s time to do it right the first time, what suggests there will be time to correct mistakes later?

September 18: Jupiter conjunct Uranus and Mars sextile Pluto: See the interpretation of June 7-8 Mars inconjunct Uranus and Jupiter conjunct Uranus.

October 22: Mars square Neptune: See the interpretation for June 4: Mars opposite Neptune.

November 6: Neptune stations direct.

For those born February 13-17, May 15-19, August 17-21, or November 16-20, see the second interpretation under May 30-31.

November 29: Mars square Jupiter: Exuberance is a relevant keyword for this transit. People tend to overestimate their capabilities, take things too far, get too involved or emotional, and in general, spend too much time and energy on things. Use this time for expansion, and keep a realistic viewpoint of what is possible.

December 3-5: Mars square Uranus and Uranus stations direct: Similar to the planetary configuration just above, this transit is actually more energetic. Explosive might be a better word, both in positive and not-so-positive ways. The urge for something to happen is quite powerful now, sometimes overwhelming realistic time and space considerations. Miraculous healings are possible, but the more common expression is just extreme impatience. Let things come to you- and they often will- rather than forcing the issue.

For those born March 16-20, June 16-20, September 18-22, or December 17-21, see the interpretation under July 5.

December 10: Mercury stations retrograde: The third of three similar retrograde periods, this one is going to make the holiday season even more “entertaining” than usual. The main message is to build in extra time for shopping and travel, as these two areas will likely take longer- sometimes much longer- than expected. This is not an ordinary period, astrologically speaking. Patience wins the day.

December 13: Mars conjunct Pluto: This is a powerful and potentially explosive time. On a personal level, there is a feeling of superhuman energy (particularly if the transit ties in to one’s birth chart). On an outer level, much can get accomplished, though the temptation is to steamroll those who appear to be in opposition.

December 21: Lunar eclipse 29Ge21: See the interpretation for June 26: Lunar eclipse 4°Capricorn48”.

For those born June 20-24 or December 20-24, see the interpretation for June 26: Lunar eclipse 4°Capricorn48”.

December 23: Mars sesquiquadrate Neptune: see the interpretation for June 4: Mars opposite Neptune.

December 29-30: Mars square Saturn and Mercury stations direct: Transits in conflict, approximately: Mercury’s shift into apparent forward motion signals the release of blocked messages, miraculous healing of balky equipment, and straightening out of trashed travel plans, while the Mars-Saturn contact is precisely the opposite. The latter is often a time of frustration in feeling some blocks around expression of physical energy, so much so that more than ordinary levels of armed conflict are possible. The message, again, is patience, in spite of the huge temptation to force things to work. This pair of transits moves off in a couple of days.

Ken Kizer has been a professional astrologer since 1984 and offers individual chart interpretation. Contact him at (301) 576-6223 or cfa@alt.net for more information.