Jupiter expands. Saturn restricts. Jupiter idealizes. Saturn realizes. Jupiter, adventurous. Saturn, pragmatic. Jupiter, gigantic and playful. Saturn, stern and determined. Now these two celestial bodies are in a tug of war one final time.

Jupiter first opposed Saturn at 28 degrees of Pisces/Virgo, respectively, on May 23, 2010. With mutable signs at the helm, their energy was demanding but not necessarily forceful as with the now cardinal energy. A few months later, they were opposite one another again in mid-August 2010 at 3 degrees with Jupiter in Aries / Saturn in Libra, and that opposition was part of the Cardinal T-Square. This t-square was at its most intense and powerfully influential period from June to August 2010, of which the longer term impact in our personal world, as well as globally, have yet to be determined.

This time around Jupiter opposes Saturn on March 28 and occurring at 15 degrees of Aries and Libra, respectively. An opposition is challenging. It's conflict. But unlike a square (as with last month's Jupiter-Pluto square), an opposition can have an ideal outcome of harmony, balance, a win-win for parties involved. What do you want? (Jupiter) What are you gonna do about it? (Saturn) It's win-win when your aspirations are grounded enough in reality and you don't allow the limitations to become a source of discouragement. Instead, you rise up to the challenge by using the knowledge of what the restrictions/blockages may be and commit yourself to the hard work ahead on the way to achieving set goals, despite how daunting going for it seems to be. Let Jupiter fuel your determination and Saturn plan your course of action.

With this Jupiter-Saturn opposition being a repeat occurrence, perhaps what was brought to light or what might have begun last year, especially between May and September, has a chance for completion now. Or maybe another look, if it's been neglected or put on hold. Or even still, perhaps it's time to take things to the next phase. However this energy may manifest in your world, it is an opportunity to bring about change/improvement to your situation. It will require commitment, perseverance, hard work and openness to new ways of thinking/communicating/doing things.

Although Jupiter and Saturn opposing each other influences us all, those with cardinal sun signs or have natal planets/house angles on or around 15 degrees of cardinal signs may experience this opposition more strongly than other.

For me as a late-decan Virgo-rising, this opposition happens in my natal 1st (self/potential where Saturn transits) vs. 7th (others/relationships where Jupiter travels) houses and as a Cancer-Sun, happens in my solar 4th (family/the past where Saturn is visiting) vs. 10th (career/the future where Jupiter transits) houses. Transits/activity in angular houses (1, 4, 7 and 10) tend to have a more forceful, powerful impact -- who we are (1st), who we are within our relationships (7th), where we've been (4th) and where we are going (10th). So, this opposition and last year's t-square, plus the Cancer-Capricorn eclipses that started in 2009 and Pluto opposing my Sun while Neptune squares my Neptune have all been rocking my world! I'm so used to my ground shifting that I wouldn't recognize stability if it fell on my head like an anvil. Okay, I wouldn't really want anything falling on me, let alone like an anvil :) But I want a win-win with this Jupiter-Saturn opposition. So, I will make an extra conscious effort to get out of my own way (1st) and really figure out what of the past remains useful (4th) and only take those going forward (10th). And note to self - Accept help when offered for no man or woman is an island (7th).

How might this opposition manifest in your world? Look to the houses where 15 degrees of Aries and Libra fall to see where in your life this energy might be experienced and whether there are links made to natal planets/house angles. Unsure where 15 degrees of Aries/Libra are on your chart or if you have natal planets/house angles around 15 degrees of cardinal signs or which signs govern your natal houses? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for customized readings tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start a discussion.

Related articles:

• Jupiter in Aries
• Saturn in Libra
• Saturn Retrograde ~ January 25/26 to June 13, 2011
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Pisces-Jupiter Oppose Virgo-Saturn ~ May 23, 2010
• Cardinal T-Square with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus & Pluto

For months, I've spoken of this cardinal t-square. It finally culminates in these last days of July through to August, following Saturn's return to cardinal sign, Libra and quickly opposing Uranus and Jupiter in fellow cardinal sign, Aries. All three are in a fight or flight conflict with Pluto in Capricorn, another cardinal sign, and feeling like he's shoved up against a wall with no other recourse but to push back.

This is the energy of the cardinal t-square that has been building up for months now -- a tense, do or die, tug of war between Saturn (reality/hard work), Pluto (elimination/transformation), Uranus (awakening/revolution) and Jupiter (ideals/opportunities). During the last days of July, Mars (aggression/action) joins in on the fun as he enters Libra, blends energies with Saturn and mimics the alignments Saturn makes (opposing Jupiter and Uranus while also square Pluto). And in early August, Venus (relationships/money) also enters Libra and makes the same alignments Mars will have just made with the main T-square players. This is all happening between zero and 4 degrees of cardinal signs -- Aries, Libra and Capricorn. Those with natal planets or house angles within zero and 4 degrees of cardinal signs experience the strain of this cardinal t-square much stronger and undeniable than others. Then on the 21st, Saturn and Pluto complete their series of challenging squares, continuing to fuel the cardinal t-square's fire.

This energy is active, dynamic and impatient. It's easy to leap without looking or take action driven by frustration/anger which are not the ideal ways to manage this energy. It can also make some buckle under the pressure and choose inaction or avoidance. Decisions or actions taken now (or not taken due to fear or laziness) have longer term effects and full impact will continue to unfold for months, maybe years to come, depending on how this cardinal t-square influences your birth chart. Measured steps and well thought out actions motivated by the goal of achieving objectives would serve us all better. While this energy has been strengthening, there should have been something within each of us that was stirred and demanded to be recognized because some things needed to change. If you have been ignoring it or had not realized the scope of its importance, now is the time to bring that issue closer to the top of your priority list. Make time to deal with it. This cardinal t-square demands action, whether it's your doing or not. It's ideal to the one initiating the changes/work to be done instead of one that's reacting to whatever is happening in your world. There are situations that will be beyond our control so, it's best to take the initiative when we can.

For me, as a cardinal Cancer-Sun, this t-square is all over my house angles (4th=the past/roots/family; 7th=partnerships/relationships; 10th=the future/goals/career). Together with eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn, plus transiting Pluto's lingering opposition to my Sun and Neptune square my Neptune, 2010, to date, has been super challenging personally and professionally. This second half of the year will prove to be even more of a challenge but, in the bigger scope of things, this is kind of a turning point for me ... an ending in many ways but a beginning in even more ways. It's difficult, a little scary, sometimes confusing and can be stressful. But it's also always proven to be rewarding. I make sure to celebrate my successes because I do give myself a hard time for the mistakes along the way.

How might this cardinal t-square manifest in your world? Look to the astrological houses where zero to 4 degrees of Aries, Libra and Capricorn fall in your birth chart. Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles within zero to 4 degrees of cardinal signs? Cast your own birth chart -- birth date, time and place required.

Are you celebrating a birthday under these tense celestial skies? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You can also give a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe hop over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to join in or start a discussion.

Related articles:

• Cardinal Forces & Empowerment ~ An introduction to the potential summer 2010 offers
• Jupiter Oppose Saturn-rx ~ May 23, 2010 (Teaser alignment #1)
• Jupiter Conjunct Uranus at Aries Point ~ June 8, 2010 (Teaser alignment #2)
• Grand Cross & Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ~ June 26, 2010 (Major event - 1st of 3 installations)
• Cardinal Grand Cross ~ August 6/7, 2010 (Major event - 3rd of 3 installations)
• Saturn Square Pluto-rx ~ August 21, 2010
• Saturn in Libra ~ October 29, 2009 to October 5, 2012
• Uranus in Aries ~ May 27 to August 13, 2010
• Jupiter in Aries ~ June 6 to September 9, 2010
• Mars in Libra ~ July 29 to September 14, 2010
• Venus in Libra ~ August 6 to September 8, 2010

Saturn returns to the relationships sign, Libra, on July 21 and while at Aries Point opposes Uranus, who is also at Aries Point in Aries. Their opposition perfects on July 26 and is the final installment of a series of Saturn-Uranus oppositions which first culminated on November 4, 2008, then again on February 5 and September 15, 2009, and followed by April 26, 2010. Whatever may have begun or initiated, as early as 2008, culminates during this last meeting between Saturn (old) and Uranus (new), two polarizing energies that seeks balance between getting rid of the old and adopting the new.

This time, however, the element surrounding their challenging alignment is cardinal energy and at Aries Point. Cardinal signs take action; their energy leads, creates and initiates. Here, esteemed astrologer, Celeste Teal, explains the term "Aries Point":

Our solar system's two biggest gas giants meet in an opposition on May 23rd in the last degrees of Pisces (Jupiter) and Virgo (Saturn). Jupiter hasn't been in Pisces since 1997-1998. Saturn, however, is still retrograde and now revisits October 2009. Some issues, events or situations you're dealing with now may be reminiscent or even linked to last fall. This presents an opportunity for closure or movement, if blockages have been met, or clarity, if necessary information has been missing.

In addition, just last month on April 26, Saturn opposed Uranus, and we remain under the umbrella of that opposition now as Saturn finds himself opposed to Jupiter. It's almost as if the opposition between Jupiter and Saturn picks up, supports, or reenergizes the opposition between Saturn and Uranus while Jupiter and Uranus strengthen their growing alliance which perfects on June 6. The current tension between Jupiter and Saturn may provide the necessary insight, push or opportunity to move forward with whatever's been started.

Jupiter is the planet of luck, bliss, opportunities, ideals and, in general, expansion. Whatever you have or may be offered or can conceptualized or able to produce, Jupiter expands. Saturn is the planet of reality, hard work, obligations, and, in general, restriction. Whatever your situation may be or possible opportunities you may be offered or aspirations you may have, Saturn restricts by showing you the reality of the situation. So what happens when the planet of expansion is at opposing sides with the planet of restriction? Ahhh, therein lies the conundrum :)

It's really not much of a rub, though. Dreams, aspirations, goals -- they aren't tangible and tend to remain in the realm of our minds and hearts. Saturn gives our dreams legs to stand on -- he reaches from the deepest parts of the self that desires and brings out those desires to be dealt with in the visible world. How can it be a possibility? What makes it impossible? What resources can you use now? What would you need help with? How might you get that help? What kind of timeframe do you want and what do you realistically have to work with? Saturn hammers it down to manageable, measurable steps. In Virgo, Saturn breaks it down to the details, anticipates pitfalls and analyzes situations with precision. So, dream big with Jupiter; in Pisces, keep hope alive. But get down to business with Saturn.

The opposition between Jupiter and Saturn occurs at 28 degrees of Pisces and Virgo, respectively. Although we are all influenced by this rare alignment, those with natal planets or house angles on or around 28 degrees of mutable signs may feel the affect more strongly than others.

For me, this opposition hits me in a similar fashion as last month's Saturn-Uranus opposition. The opposition stimulates the same spot in my birth chart:

The fourth of five oppositions between Saturn and Uranus perfect again on April 26. Its first occurrence was on November 4, 2008, then twice last year on February 5 and September 15, 2009. Their final opposition will be on July 26, 2010 and will be in cardinal signs (Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries). Their alignment on April 26 is the last opposition between Virgo (Saturn) and Pisces (Uranus).

This push-pull tension between Saturn and Uranus represents the old (Saturn) versus the new (Uranus) -- the fight between holding on to what has been and abandoning these old ways for newer methods that reflect the present and moving towards the future.

Saturn returned to Virgo earlier this month. With that, he moves closer to opposing Uranus again, just as Uranus' transit in Pisces draws to a close. Their meeting on April 26 occurs at 28 degrees of Virgo and Pisces. Those born within 3 days of March 18 and September 20 or those with natal planets/house angles on or around 28 degrees of mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) may feel the affects of this opposition stronger than others.

Seeking harmony between the old ways and newer methods remain the focus of this Saturn-Uranus opposition, much like the photo I've chosen for this post that shows the contrast between the new and old architecture co-existing (Avenida Florida, Buenos Aires, Argentina). While we remain under the umbrella of the Saturn-Pluto square and with the Cardinal T-Square and Cross coming up this summer, there is no doubt that change -- life-altering, uprooting kind/s of change -- is inevitable. It's simply a matter of whether or not we'll fight it, fear it, welcome it, or work with it.

Back to astrology basics ... Saturn represents structure, proven methods, realities, restrictions, commitment, hard work. Uranus represents radical change with the goal of improvement for the masses, unconventionality, unique solutions to common or existing issues, a new look at an old problem. An opposition is a tense, challenging, hard energy that seeks and requires balance between the planets involved which, in this case, are Saturn and Uranus. What has been the norm is questioned. Is this established norm still functioning effectively? Does it still represent the good of the whole?

Issues that may have begun, were definitively decided upon, or became concrete around September 15, 2009 (or maybe even as far back as November 4, 2008) might be revisited now. Or perhaps, events now may be reminiscent to those periods even if they aren't directly linked. With Saturn, Pluto and Mercury all retrograde, this meeting with Saturn and Uranus is a time to take stock on where things stand and where to go from here -- how much of what's occurred are in sync with what your plans might have originally been? how off are you? is the reason for the gap valid? perhaps, on the road to moving forward and making changes, you took turns or were led to places you didn't expect to venture into. are you at peace with being there/here now? or do you feel it's time to leave the detour and return to your original course? or maybe, you're mulling over a completely different course ...

As a country, our last presidential election that fell on November 4, 2008 was also when this opposition perfected for the first time. I can't find a better example of the energy represented by this opposition between Saturn and Uranus than the result of that election day when Barack Obama won the Presidency -- breaking away (Uranus) from the what has long been established (Saturn).

However, for me, the September 15, 2009 opposition was the stronger force of change for me. As a late-decan Virgo-rising, that September Saturn-Uranus opposition produced the combination of conjunctions, oppositions, and squares to my natal Pluto and house angles followed by transiting Saturn finally crossing over and entering my 1st house (self, potential). Before 2009 ended, I made consecutive choices that led to completely overhauling my life, internally as well as externally.
This time around, Saturn and Uranus' alignment touches my Neptune (what's hidden) adding to Pluto (purging) currently opposing my Sun (conscious will); and by summertime, Saturn (reality) will square (struggle with) my Sun, intensifying the existing Pluto opposition. All the while, Neptune squares my Neptune (ouch). So basically, all that really means is that I remain in the midst of this haze of change. There's never a day without a challenge. Some are more difficult than others. Most are welcome but a few make me want to crawl inside my Cancer-Sun's shell and wait for worst to pass :) But "showing up" is what matters, right? Change doesn't happen overnight. It's a process. Committing and re-committing to following through with what's been started and continuing the course are what creates the new foundation for the changes that are being established.

The World Has Changed:
Wake up & smell
The possibility.

...

The world has changed:
Don't let
Yourself
Remain
Asleep
To
It.

"The World Has Changed"
Alice Walker
December 7, 2008

Click image to see larger

As Venus nears the end of her visit in the zodiac sign Leo, she aligns herself in succession to the triple conjunction -- Jupiter (ideals), followed by Chiron (healing), then Neptune (enlightenment) -- and finally Uranus (radical change). As she makes each of these connections, beginning September 11th through the 16th, Venus touches upon our relationships and material worth. What are our aspirations (Jupiter)? What is at the root of what keeps us from achieving them (Chiron)? Let's become attune and figure it out (Neptune). Then let's bravely take the self out of its comfort zone and make the difficult but necessary changes to move forward (Uranus).

Venus represents our relationships (all types -- intimate, platonic, familial, and with the self), our material wealth, our value systems, our self-worth, our capacity to see beauty in the world, and our desires.

The last time she found herself aligned to these spiritual celestial bodies in July, the energies were more free flowing. This time around the energy is more challenging, tense, and desperately seeks harmony.

Elsewhere in the sky, the Sun in Virgo (exacting/meticulous/practical) follows Venus' trail and makes his own frustrating alignments to the triple conjunction, requiring adjustments to satisfy obstacles. On September 15, Saturn and Uranus also perfects their strenuous opposition, adding to the already tense few days. As if the strain of the previous days were not enough, on September 17, Mercury will be in conflict with Pluto PLUS the Virgo-Sun will blend energies with Saturn and oppose Uranus -- are we to relive/review/remember the events of September 15 again?

The timeline (all dates reflect Eastern time zone; give +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• September 11 ~ Venus Oppose Jupiter. In Leo, Venus is fun-loving, warm, and opts for the pleasurable things in life. This day can be one of "productive" play, of allowing the self to entertain thoughts of success, of achieving one's goals, of living one's dreams. Let the self feel that stirring of hope and excitement for improvement (Jupiter in Aquarius). Also, on this day, Pluto stations and begins moving forward again.
  

• September 13/14 ~ Venus Oppose Chiron. Now that our hearts and minds have been stirred/awakened, we now begin to think of the reasons/excuses of why our dreams are too far from our reach. In a previous post, I mentioned a few ordinary people who rose above their "reasons/excuses" and lived extraordinary lives -- Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, J.K. Rowling. All had incredibly difficult, seemingly impossible odds to contend with but proved that success is achievable. On this Venus-Chiron opposition day, yield to courage of the Leonine energy Venus currently possess and bravely tackle what is at the root of blockages. Resign yourself to the Sun in Virgo for a practical approach that is tenacious and precise.

• September 14/15 ~ Venus Oppose Neptune. Today coincides with the perfection of another tense alignment -- Saturn-Uranus opposition. Discerning truth may elude us but remain faithful. Neptune has a keen ability for exacting insight that is beyond reason or logic. The key for today is balance, and in order to achieve that, release control and surrender.

• September 16 ~ Venus Quincunx Uranus. Expect the unexpected. A change of heart. A parting of ways. Breaking away from what binds.

• September 17 ~ Sun Conjunct Saturn & Oppose Uranus Plus Mercury-rx Square Pluto. The reality of our situations, the limitations imposed upon us, and the responsibilities we are commissioned with are all right there -- laid out in front of us. A constant reminder of why it's just too hard to make the changes. Is it truly so difficult that we choose to stay as we are? Allow Mercury's link to Pluto to give us the resolve and deep concentration to ferret out a solid plan or establish a foundation for our objectives. This is the time to let go of the old and welcome the new. It's up to you, to each of us, what we choose to live for from this day forward.

• November 4, 2008 at 19 degrees (U.S. Presidential Election Day); strongest influence on those born within 3 days of March 9 and September 11.
• February 5, 2009 at 21 degrees; strongest influence on those born within 3 days of March 11 and September 13.
• September 15, 2009 at 25 degrees; strongest influence on those born within 3 days of March 14 and September 16.
• April 26, 2010 at 28 degrees; strongest influence on those born within 3 days of March 18 and September 20.
• July 26, 2010 at Aries Point (Saturn in Libra & Uranus in Aries); strongest influence on those born within 3 days of March 20 and September 22.

Click image to see larger

Each month starting with August until October, while Pluto is at Aries Point in Capricorn, the Moon's homecoming to Cancer is bittersweet, as she quickly opposes Pluto upon entering her home sign. Imagine being away from home for three and a half weeks each month, only to come home to tension and disharmony. The first few hours are filled with questions -- what's going on? where are you going? where have you been? why were such decisions made? don't know? figure it out -- when all the while, a beverage and some R&R is all that's longed for. Oh, the frustration ...

Fortunately, the effects only lasts a few hours but discoveries made may have longer term influence which, if not immediate then in the long run, will prove to be beneficial.

We are encouraged (maybe more like forced), to release this tension by digging deep (Pluto) through past memories of family, roots, emotional security or instability (Cancer-Moon) to determine established structure, beliefs, ways of doing things or thinking (Capricorn) that may need a renewal in order to harmonized/balance (opposition) the present self living the present life with the person we were and the life we led. In the process, we gain true control of our life, our direction, our motivation strengthened by a new foundation built on the acceptance of past experiences/lessons learned and the aspirations of the present.

Let's take a look at when these events will occur. Dates and ingress times reflect Eastern time zone. For those in other parts of the world lucky enough for this opposition to happen while slumbering, you may give a sigh of relief but consider that this influence may manifest as dreams. Influence strong +/- 5 hours.

• Sunday, August 16 at 9:13 a.m. (opposition peaks at 10:35 a.m.) ~ This opposition with the Cancer-Moon and Pluto occurs during a series of days when Gemini-Mars and the Leo-Sun link up to the benefic triple conjunction. Our ego and potential (Sun) seeks balance with our ideals, hopefulness and capacity to let go in order to move forward (triple conjunction); our well-intentioned actions (Mars) are blessed and supported (triple conjunction). Elsewhere in the sky, alignments that are gaining strength and perfecting the following day add weight to this Moon-Pluto opposition. Mercury moves closer to blend energies with Saturn. Both are in practical, analytical Virgo, giving our minds the important task of weeding out what's important, necessary and doable from what's frivolous or currently unfavorable for us. The Leo-Sun's opposition to Neptune grows closer, inspiring us to expand our interests and focus to what is beneficial for the greater good.
  
  
• Saturday, September 12 at 4:19 p.m. (opposition peaks at 5:27 p.m.) ~ While our inner self is searching for answers in order to achieve balance, Virgo-Saturn and Aquarius-Neptune are quincunx and adds to the tension already felt within our deepest core. In moments of greatest difficulty, take a deep breath, release the grip, and let go of the need for control. By adjusting (quincunx) our usual ways (Virgo-Saturn), we open the self to receive the awareness/enlightenment (Aquarius-Neptune) necessary to the empowerment offered by the Moon and Pluto opposition.
  
  
• Friday, October 9 at 9:48 p.m. (opposition peaks at 11:17 p.m.) ~ Today may be extra trying on money matters and/or our relationships, including that we have with the self. Adding to the tension between the Moon and Pluto is Venus (relationships/money/self-worth), as she opposes Uranus (awareness/radical changes) and is quincunx Neptune (dreams/enlightenment). Re-assessing our financial situation -- We may be forced to re-do our budget or create one because of a change in income. Coping with troubled relationship -- We may have to cut existing relationships out of our lives or may find ourselves thrust into a new relationship or new type of relationship. Perhaps it is our relationship with the self that is the main focus -- our self-worth, our value system, who we are when we are in a relationship and if that remains true to we are as individuals. Whatever the case may be, be open to receive despite messages being harsh or disheartening. Once the unpleasantness of a situation is acknowledged, accept them despite the initial urge to push away or deny. It is through acceptance that opens windows of opportunities.
  

• Pluto in Capricorn (in Direct Motion) ~ September 11, 2009
• Pluto in Capricorn Returns to Aries Point ~ August 6 to October 17, 2009
• Mars Aligns with the Triple Conjunction and Uranus ~ August 13 to 18, 2009
• Triple Conjunction with Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune ~ Long term influence
• Sun in Leo ~ July 22 to August 22, 2009
• Mercury in Virgo ~ August 2 to 25, 2009
  
• Mars in Gemini ~ July 11 to August 25, 2009
• Saturn in Virgo ~ September 2, 2007 to October 29, 2009