The Blob

The SaturnPluto conjunction in mid January very close to the degree of the lunar eclipse set the stage for a destructive i.e transformative force meant to purge traditions and world structures. The lunar eclipse brings something of the underbelly of society to light. It’s often unclear how to predict the exact form of events but the timing of things is what astrology does well. For instance, we all know that Saturn/Pluto in Capricorn is about death, destruction, transformation and rebuilding of social structures and traditions but predicting that a Coronavirus would be the instrument to effect that change isn’t necessarily so easy.
The outer planets set the stage for major shifts but the transits of the little guys play an important role in the details.

Mercury entered its shadow on February 2 and turned retrograde on February 17 in Pisces. This kept us blind and in the dark about how insidious this virus was and how it was incubating, spreading and growing unbeknownst to us at a rapid pace like a hidden enemy we don’t see coming. We foolishly thought it was only on foreign shores. Only when Mercury entered Aquarius did we realize the global magnitude and it suddenly became much clearer how bad things were on our doorstep and that’s when leaders and people started to take more serious government, political and global action to deal with social security. Now that Mercury is entering its second shadow period and going over the same degrees of Pisces from February, we will uncover the unforeseen rate at which the virus is spreading and how much illness there really is. Get ready for more confusion, lies and deception as to what the truth might be in terms of the widespread rate of infection. We may have to wait till Mercury enters Aries on April 12th to get more rapid testing, accuracy and more honest transparency.

Remember that science fiction movie THE BLOB from the 1950s starring Steve McQueen? The Blob Represents Saturn/Pluto. This Mercury retrograde has that feeling where the insidiousness and growth of the monster blob is getting bigger and bigger while most everyone in the town is unaware and going about their daily business. Then, as Mercury turns direct, that which was incubating suddenly makes itself known in full blown ferocity and everyone bands together to defeat the horror of the menace that had been breeding in the background. The enemy is destroyed but society has been transformed in some way. We are brought to our knees and humbled.

Saturn leaving Capricorn and entering Aquarius is asking us to take responsibility for social interactions and for doing the hard work necessary to help all humanity. Of course if you don’t face your fears they become your limitations. And, if you don’t do the responsible thing like Social (Aquarius) distancing (Saturn) then fear can eventually take over. If things get worse the negative side of Saturn in Aquarius will make you paranoid of other social groups that bring out the worst in wanting to ostracize those groups. Saturn in Aquarius can represent healthy, responsible quarantine or autocratic herding of undesirables similar to concentration camps. Saturn in Aquarius is air travel bans and restrictions. Saturn in Aquarius eventually wants to strengthen social structures but first it makes us aware of their current blocks and limitations.

Venus turning retrograde on May 13 has the potential to reverse the social trend of pulling away from others, but if things don’t abate by May 13 then Venus retrograde will further force a social distancing. Gemini is an education and travel sign so let’s see what reverses in those sectors.

We really must be very concerned about the future and not be complacent should this virus seem to disappear over the summer. Mars turns retrograde on September 9 in the sign of Aries and that could bring back a contagion quickly, aggressively and rapidly and we must be prepared to do battle. The only way to do that is to have government prepare now in the probable lull of the summer months. If we do that we will be more than ready to fight this enemy within.
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Saturn in Aquarius is about the government taking responsibility and testing the limits of democracy. We must be cautious when Saturn retrogrades back into Capricorn in July that we don’t return to “business as usual”. That retrograde will present us with an opportunity to correct our wrong, strengthen our infrastructure and will be a major determinant as to how we use the Mars energy to fight.