On October 24th 2006, Planet Earth is going to bear witness to a comparatively rare alignment of planets in the Solar System. This alignment is known as a planetary cluster and occurs when 5 or more planets align in the same area of the ecliptic (apparent path of the Sun). On this occasion the planets will occupy the portion of the ecliptic in the region of 210 - 240 degrees longitude i.e., the area we designate as belonging to the sign of Scorpio.The cluster begins on 24th October at 10.48am BST when Venus enters Scorpio, joining the Sun and Mars in a triple conjunction and Mercury, Jupiter and the Moon in a second triple conjunction. The stellium itself begins when all 5 planets (the moon will have moved on) conjoin, within 20 degrees of arc, on 30 October at 18.52 GMT.
This planetary stellium will then last for an amazing 16 days, 22 minutes and 17 seconds ending on November 16th at 17.09 GMT. The average amount of time for a cluster to persist is 1-2 days. The last time there was a cluster of 5 planets which lasted anywhere near as long was May 5th, 2000. That alignment lasted for 13 days.
The Sun and three other planets occupied the sign of Scorpio at the time of my birth and Scorpio was rising over the horizon at my place of birth. Therefore the month of Oct 24th thru Nov 22nd (when the Sun leaves Scorpio) will obviously be of major importance to me and anyone born under the sign, or with planets in all degrees of the other fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Aquarius). Much will be written about the personal impact of this stellium by other bloggers and I will also comment on the personal effects after the event. For now though my particular interest lies in the mundane (worldly) impact of this alignment.
What has particularly caught my eye is that, just prior to the planets entering Scorpio, the Sun will not only be forming a longitudinal conjunction to Mars (and Venus) but it will be at the same declination as Mars. This means that the two planets will be at the same distance below the celestial equator and forming what we call a parallel of declination.This is a very powerful meeting of the Sun and Mars - traditionally significators of powerful men, aggression, surgeons, fires and war.
Taking place as it does at the end of one sign just prior to this historic stellium is symbolic of something happening which will plunge us all into a very 'Scorpionic' phase.
As most people know, Scorpio, and this phase of the yearly cycle, is associated with endings. In nature it is the dying out period of anything that is not capable of surviving - or the tenacity and endurance of that which will. Scorpio is co-ruled by Mars and Pluto both significators of Iron, Steel, Plutonium, Military action, Fanaticism and Force and Sexual extremes (rape, prostitution, pornography etc).
It is the sign of death and rebirth, endings and beginnings and is often symbolised by the Volcano, where all that has been hidden erupts to the surface. Another symbol is the Phoenix who rises from the ashes of the fire in an act of transmutation and regeneration. As such Scorpio is also said to be the sign of wisdom; for the fire which it controls is capable of illuminating, as well as consuming. Hence, initiation into the Great Mysteries was said by Pagans to only take place under the sign of Scorpio, and this contributes to the signs enduring association with secret societies, alchemy and all forms of occult practices.
I think it would be easy to fall into 'apocalyptic' mode because of the popular, negative associations with this sign in the mundane sphere. However, the possibilities for turning things around, ridding ourselves of the outworn and 'decaying' and the emergence of the new must not be overlooked. Overall whatever ensues will be of a transformative nature - that is , it will lead, long- term to something much needed and welcomed.
Accordingly Scorpio has further correlations to higher wisdom in the symbol of the Dove. The Scorpio/Dove is seen to have transcended all personal and egocentric desires. He seeks to absorb pain and sorrow from others and replace them with Universal love. The Scorpio chooses constantly between rising high into the light of love or falling into the darkness of oblivion and the underworld.
We also have to take note of other planetary aspects which are forming at this time. The whole stellium is linking into Saturn the sign of authority. Due to the fact that Saturn is in the regal sign of Leo, I am again reminded of the Monarchy. Prince Charles is a Scorpio whilst The Queen is Taurean. This entire stellium takes place over the midheaven of Prince Williams chart and starts with a triple conjunction to his Jupiter - planet of Kings. The Saturn/Neptune cycle which has historic correlations to The British Royal Family is still at its opposition phase.
The USA is undoubtedly affected in a major way by the alignment but it is difficult to determine the exact birthtime of America to know if we can use the Moon in our assessment. If we use the common 11.00 am chart then Saturn in this upcoming stellium will have reached the opposition of the USA Moon. A sign of public depression. The stellium falls mainly in the 2nd house and Scorpio is concerned with loans, taxes, debts and loss, so economic depression could also be forecast. Whatever the chart timing, the 24 October alignment begins in conjunction to the USA Mars/Uranus midpoint. This denotes the unexpected and a sudden adjustment to new circumstances .
Over the next few weeks I will look far more closely into the likely manifestations of this planetary cluster, utilising tools such as Astromaps and planetary cycle phases to try and determine other global hotspots. Just like the weather forecaster or stock market analyst; using past trends and cycle tracking, one is then able to say with reasonable accuracy, when and where this alignment is likely to divulge its 'promise'.
Thanks for reading.
Image from Adam McLean www.levity.com
Posts
