Election and Beyond
Since the morning of the 6th of November, like many of you, I have been in equal parts shock and also simultaneously unsurprised by the results. Waves of grief and terror surfaced, and also sadness and anger, just like you. My heart searched in vain for something meaningful; a narrative of sorts, to grasp onto for the times we are living in and through. Sourcing the courage needed to face my children. Grappling with what to say. Deeply humbled by a sobering realization that they are watching carefully how I handle this time. Knowing that their rights will continue to be under threat, as will so many of my colleagues, friends, clients, and community. Resigning myself to the humbling reality that even close family members once again voted in ways that are guaranteed to threaten the human rights of their own family.
In times like this people tend to turn to leaders in the spiritual community for hope. I do not claim the space of a spiritual leader by any means. And those of you who know me get that I’m not one to remain quiet and reserved about world events. So, I muster thoughts, though they feel dreadfully insufficient at the moment.
Astrologically, Pluto, a significant planet that shapes entire generations, made a full and complete return into the astrological chart of the United States. The last time it was where it is now - was at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Every 248 years (give or take a year or two), it makes a complete return. It is clear: the planet of destruction, dark and hidden things, transformation and rebirth, and power uses and abuses is showing itself through the landscape of the collective psyche of our nation. Unlike other uncomfortable astrological transits, this one commands our full attention, and it exposes the list of dirty laundry we have either ignored, or avoided looking at and directly dealing with in a real and impactful way.
Because of Pluto’s dramatic collective impact (I’ll get to individual impact later), no wonder we all feel pressed into a corner by the same inevitable existential dilemma. It feels like there is no escape. We are facing the greatest identity crisis as a nation we will face in our lifetimes. It’s upon us.
On November 19, 2024 (two days from this post), Pluto is changing signs for the first time in 20 years. This event is separate from what is happening in the chart of the United States. It impacts us all worldwide. Pluto will settle into the sign of Aquarius until 2044. We are ultimately hit with a double blow to the chin with Pluto return in the chart of the US, and also Pluto moving into a sign that shifts the entire collective psyche of the planet. Aquarius is the sign of innovation, humanitarian efforts, unifying progress, and drives unconventional thinking. It’s also the sign of unpredictable action and change (Aquarius is ruled by the change agent Uranus). There is no destined future. Pluto in Aquarius puts the outcome directly in our hands by giving us the power to create it. I choose to believe we will grow in favor of humanity in all the best ways. Our destiny is being created now in real time by us.
The ultimate question behind it all is what do we need to break down within ourselves to face this time? The fear of change? Toxic belief systems? Upheld brick walls to meaningful connection? Obsessive adherence to fantasy? What are we really afraid of losing, to gain something for the whole? Are we willing to make those sacrifices? If not, why?
Astrology opens doorways to patterns of collective healing. Its signals and cues aren’t always straight forward, as its meaning is shaped by the nuances of the moment. It’s not as if the planets are actually taunting us from the sky. It is a deeply symbolic and metaphysical representation of what phases and cycles we are in the midst of. It is no coincidence that these transits are happening, and it is mirroring what is happening here right before our eyes. And it informs with jarring accuracy the deeper truths of the times we are living in.
INITIAL THOUGHTS and ACTIONS:
- We’ll need to bust down walls around our hyper-individualized spaces to getting with one another and forging new paths. Many of those pathways we have never been down before, and so I don’t really know how that looks. I do know we need to learn to trust our own impulses and intuition to drive our actions around impactful change.
- Expect the unexpected. As with all things Aquarius, there will be surprises and shifts, and massive amounts of unpredictability. What I also know is that Aquarius thrives in innovative action. It is rebellious and resists authority. If any time in the course of history can break down the patriarchy once and for all, it’s Aquarius. Bear down for the marathon run the next 20 years brings.
- Don’t ignore your creative or intuitive impulses. Pay attention to the innovative genius inside! Aquarian energy can be a beacon of light in the dark, shaking our thoughts and creativity loose. If you are an artist, create. If you are a writer, write. If you use internet technology create online communities. Share your ideas. Aquarius uses advancements in technology for the betterment of humanity.
- Get engaged in your neighborhood and community. Imagine building a force field that is small scale. If enough of us are building and tending things locally, it will filter up and those at the top will have absolutely no air underneath them to continue their own mission. It is the surest way to snuff them out.
So, in response to those seeking something that feels like hope right now, I will pose a question in return, “what is it specifically you are hoping for?” Give yourself over to that question for a moment. Take out a notebook and write down what comes to you. Then allow whatever thoughts, ideas, and visions surface out of that question to be the motivation for your own personal action. Make more lists. Gather your inner circle and neighbors. Choose one or two things you know you can commit yourself to.
Aquarian times call for Aquarian measures. I suspect we are going to see some of the most innovative humanitarian efforts surfacing over the next decade. Sourcing sustained energy for what’s ahead isn’t only ideal, it’s necessary. Take care of yourselves. Lean into your community. Start small, focusing right in your own neighborhood or school district. If you listen carefully to the whisper of your own soul, something may surface that reassures what you have to offer is within you and has been all along. You were born for this time. We all were.