The planets Saturn and Uranus are in opposition to each other between October 2008 and August 2010 five different times.  These planets carry very different signatures energetically, so when they are in opposition to on another, it feels like a pendulum swinging back and forth.  In our personal experience, it may feel like everything is greatly accelerated and fluctuating wildly out of control, making it difficult for us to find our bearings and hold onto that which will serve as a reliable and stable "anchor".
 
When the pendulum swings to the Saturn side, we favor stability, security, though we may also feel static, contracted, caught in a "chop wood, carry water" phase.  We feel the density of our physical bodies and the efforts of dealing with the physical plane.  We worry about money and the uncertainty of the future.  We resist change, as we resist having to face those nagging doubts, fears and worries which keep coming to the surface.
 
When the pendulum swings to the Uranus side, we make great effort to break free, to escape the "hold" of Saturnian limitations.  We frantically search for that which will give us a framework for all that we are experiencing.  We take bold strides and make strong statements to strengthen our sense of freedom, independence and individual expression.  We make deals with God - "I'll make the effort to go with the flow in the wake of these huge changes taking place on Planet Earth, if you'll personally share with me what your plan is!

 
How is this likely to play out in the World?
 
Saturn represents the patriarchal system, which will attempt to hold on tightly to the old, tried and true ways, especially within the framework of government and society.  Saturn will resist change and the unknown and do everything to maintain control and put a secure plan in effect and follow it. 
 
On a more positive note, we will identify ways in which we can exercise self discipline in our lives, and live more simply, with less stress.  We will strive toward making health care available to everyone and will find better solutions to caring for the elderly.  We will seek ways in which we can be of service.  All of these attributes come under the umbrella of Saturn in Virgo.
 
Uranus strives for progressive change, especially in regard to the rights, liberties and freedom of the individual.  It will assume a bold role, challenging and ultimately breaking down traditional structures and systems which are not working effectively.  It will strive toward the new, developing a plan, but trusting intuitive trends and will know that the original plan will need to be altered along the way as new and unexpected challenges arise.
 
We will recognize the need to learn about and become proficient in the use of technology, recognizing that it is the way of the future.  We will learn that we cannot ignore what is happening in other parts of the world, as we are all connected and will ultimately face the same problems and challenges, even if in different measures.  We will learn that we must align with the ways of nature and take care of our planet for it is a part of us and we are a part of it!
 
We will witness economic structures breaking down and see a great deal of debate as to how to "fix" the problems.  The Saturn approach is to pull back, wait for more stable ground, and use solutions which have worked in the past and will bring things back to "normal".  The Uranus approach is to act swiftly, go into the unknown with a progressive plan offering solutions which may not have been tried before, while taking into account global conditions and changes likely to come into effect some years down the road.
 
We are likely to witness unrest, dissatisfaction and frustration in the average person who has had a great deal of expendable income these past many years and is now challenged to "tighten" their belts considerably.
 
We will also notice that in these turbulent times, many more groups of individuals will come together in public protest, especially in countries where leaders have exercised rigid, excessive political and religious controls for some time.

 
How might we experience the dynamics of these energies within ourselves as individuals?
 
The dynamic energies of these planets bouncing off of each other tend to operate like a computer program constantly working in the background.  We can't put our finger on it, but we somehow feel constantly off center and more prone to stress.  We seem to lack a sense of deep peace, clarity and restfulness.
 
If the opposition of Saturn and Uranus is also triggering planets in your natal chart, you will feel these feelings in "spades".  When Saturn in the sign of Virgo is operating from its "shadow" side, we can experience fear, anxiety and depression.  Saturn in Virgo is related to health, so we may also experience fluctuation in the state of our health and wellbeing.  We may also feel trapped and "stuck" within our current circumstances.
 
When Uranus in the sign of Pisces is operating from its shadow side, we will experience an emotional urgency to break free of what binds us at all costs, hence we may act impulsively, without thinking of the future consequences or we may seek to escape the emotional intensity we feel by sinking into old self-destructive behavior patterns, giving into addictions.
 
When we utilize the positive energies of Saturn in Virgo, we are practical and proactive in taking care of ourselves and our health; we tackle one thing at a time and persevere until it's done.  We recognize the need to be patient and to go with the flow, even if the flow is much slower and less predictable than what we are used to.  We need extra time to "digest" all of what is taking place within our lives and the fluctuating manner in which we are experiencing it.  We know we need to create inner and outer "space" to manage this, which we make a priority.
 
When we utilize the positive energies of Uranus in Pisces, which embody Universal energies, we long to gain insight into spiritual and universal perspectives.  We are drawn to explore new ways of thinking, understanding and "being".  We may choose to explore universal practices and techniques which help guide us toward strengthening our connection to our inner life, and facilitate energetic "shifts" which promote self-healing and self awareness.

 
When were Saturn & Uranus in opposition last?
 
Not surprisingly, in the 1960's, which of course followed the restrictive political times of the McCarthy era, as these current times follow the patriarchal, "Let's go to War", Bush era.