Would you like to know my thoughts on what's coming up astrologically in 2011? Then be sure to read the next few editions of this newsletter, where I will be serializing and expanding upon the main points from the 2011 forecast lecture I gave earlier this month.

This week, I'll be focusing on..

The Uranus-Pluto Square

• Widespread radical social and political change
• Often destructive upheaval
• Massive empowerment of revolutionary and rebellious impulses
• Intensified artistic and intellectual creativity
• Unusually rapid technological advance
• An underlying spirit of restless experiment
• Drive for innovation
• The urge for freedom
• Revolt against oppression
• Embrace of radical political philosophies
• Intensified collective will to bring forth a new world
• Massive demographic shifts
• Fervent, often violent intensity, and
• The excitement of moving rapidly toward new horizons

The Last Time Around

The most recent Uranus-Pluto square occurred from the late 1920s thru most of the 1930s, the period of the Great Depression. And, just as they are now, both planets were in cardinal signs: Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Cancer then, Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn now. Cardinal signs carry the energy of new beginnings.

The Outcome is in Our Hands!

None of this means that we are doomed to suffer another Great Depression. As a global society, we have the ability to influence the specific manifestation of this Uranus-Pluto square, just as we do with every other planetary alignment.

To the degree that we willingly embrace the needed changes, we will collectively experience positive and thrilling quantum leaps into new and more wonderful realities. (And not just in the physical dimension!) To the degree that we resist the changes needed for humanity's evolution, universal intelligence will have to bring them about by force. Obviously, the coercive option involves much more pain and suffering.

In my shamanic visions, I have experienced a new Golden Age already present in the etheric realms. It is now filtering down into the physical plane, and a rapidly expanding number of "early adopters" have started to embody this spectacular new energy. To me, humanity's transformation into a more enlightened species is inevitable. The key question at hand is how difficult we're going to make the transition.

What revolutionary transformation will we planetary citizens visualize into being during this Uranus-Pluto square? That's as much your decision as anyone else's. In fact, you are making it right now based on the visions you hold, the thoughts you think, and the actions you take. Ghandi's shining words - "Be the change you want to see in the world" - are now more timely than ever.

Don't just ask what the planets have in store for you in 2011. Have the courage to embrace the revolutionary changes that are needed in your life, and in the world around you. Do your part to guide the astrological energies into their most positive and uplifting expression!

Next week: 2011: A year of Jupiter aspects.

11/29 (Mon). Abundant energy for physical activity and athletics, as well as religious and mind-broadening activities, is available as Sagittarian Mars squares Jupiter. And add creative inspiration and relationship magic to the list, since Venus is biquintiling Jupiter.
        Venus also reenters Scorpio today, where she will remain through 1/7/11. This gives us another chance, following her recent retrograde, to transform relationships, and take our romantic partnerships to a profound level of soul-connected sexual intimacy.

11/30 (Tue). Mercury is in Capricorn through 12/17, empowering mental discipline, focus and productivity. Also, be aware that Mercury goes retrograde on 12/10!

12/1 (Wed). Communication should flow more easily than usual, thanks to Capricornian Mercury sextiling Scorpionic Venus. This is also a sweet financial aspect, since all the planets and signs involved have commercial or financial meanings!

12/2 (Thu). Sacred sexuality is deliciously supported with a Mars-Neptune sextile (which might or might not involve sex on tile!). Other activities which make conscious use of subtle energy in physical activity also get a boost, including ecstatic dance, yoga, tai chi and chi gung. Then again, you could simply act (Mars) on your intuitive guidance (Neptune)!

12/3 (Fri). With a volatile Mars-Uranus square, you'd be wise to dust off your anger management skills - if not for yourself, then for those you may have to deal with! Use this energy more positively by acting immediately on your intuitive flashes.
        Mars makes two additional aspects today. Its sextile to Chiron energizes mentoring and healing, while its quintile to Saturn adds a touch of stability to the mix.

12/5 (Sun). The urge to get rolling with new projects and ideas may be strong the first few days of December - blame all those Mars aspects! However, your undertakings may enjoy better outcomes you start them after today's New Moon at 12:36 PM (14° Sagittarius). Sagittarian New Moons are ideal for new beginnings in religion, philosophy, foreign travel and cultures, and new quests of any kind. Initiatives started under this New Moon will have enhanced durability.
        This New Moon's Sabian Symbol is, "The Groundhog Looking For Its Shadow On Groundhog Day." Since it obviously isn't Groundhog Day (that's February 2), the moral of the popular movie Groundhog Day comes to mind: strive to become a better person, and you won't have to keep reliving your old karma!
       With Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, it's also a good day for research, and for communicating that which has been hidden in a practical, compassionate way.
        Finally, Uranus turns direct today at 27° Pisces. Find anything in your natal chart that's 24° or higher in a mutable sign (Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius): it's now receiving a strong and sustained hit of Uranus' energy of revolution, paradigm shift and awakening!