Signs of the Times

By Varij Varidium

Saturn Rules

In this time of COVID-19 and economic recession, the voice of Saturn is everywhere to be heard. He speaks of isolation, exclusion, boundaries, border control, law enforcement, confinement, quarantine, responsibility and accountability. He asks us to do the right thing, claiming this is serious, this is necessary, otherwise people will die.

Fear pervades the zeitgeist. No’s and don’ts abound; no parties, no dancing, no hugs. Keep your distance under threat of judgement, ostracism or lawful punishment. The times are Saturnian; tough, heavy, oppressive. Metaphorically, dark clouds are blocking the light of the Sun, the source of life-giving vitality.

Saturn is strong in its own sign Capricorn, the sign of Government, business and the economy. It is the underlying ruler of the Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, that is the prime significator of why 2020 is proving to be such a difficult, challenging year. At this time, it is functioning as the protector/ controller of Government imposed social restrictions deemed to be necessary to limit the spread of COVID19 and keep us safe.

“History doesn’t repeat but it rhymes.”

Mark Twain

In late July, National Treasurer Josh Frydenberg controversially proclaimed he was taking inspiration for economic recovery from Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They instituted an economic rationalist program of small Government, tax cuts for the wealthy, privatisation, financial deregulation and reduced union power which has resulted in hugely increased inequality, reduced public services and an insecure, casualised workforce that, out of economic necessity, continues to work even when sick. This is currently amplifying the spread of COVID-19, with resultant increased mortality of the elderly in privatised aged care facilities. Notably, Saturn rules over both old age and death.

“He speaks of isolation, exclusion, boundaries, border control, law enforcement, confinement, quarantine, responsibility and accountability.”

The Second Wave of COVID and Frydenberg’s speech comes as retrograde transiting Saturn in Capricorn is about to square the 28th and 27th degrees of the November 1982 conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in Libra. This conjunction corresponded to the ascendancy of Thatcher and Reagan and the

implementation of their neo-liberal economic agenda, which caused immense hardship and political division at the time. The square perfects in the first week of August and again during the third week of November, the immediate aftermath of the US election, which is sure to be a period of intense polarization and division, especially given the personality and political strategy of Donald Trump.

“This conjunction corresponded to the ascendancy of Thatcher and Reagan and the implementation of their neo-liberal economic agenda…”

Mars Challenges Saturn

Saturn’s rule will be seriously challenged by Mars, the planetary god of war and passion, also strong in its own sign Aries, from the fourth week in August to the first week in October with peak influence occurring on and around August 25 and September 30 AEST, when Mars makes an exact 90-degree square alignment to Saturn. I foresee culture and justice warriors [Mars] clashing with police and Governments [Saturn] over ongoing social restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing and the right to protest, for example. Mars, whether for self-centred or idealistic reasons, wants to do what it wants to do and, when armed with the courage of conviction and righteous anger may just damn well do it, regardless of consequences or threats of punishment. The longer social restrictions and economic hardship remain in force, the more frustrated, angry and potentially explosive Mars is likely to become.

“Saturn’s rule will be seriously challenged by Mars, the planetary god of war and passion…

Wisdom Teaching of Saturn

Let me get straight to the point. It is only pain and suffering that will get you to take a good hard look at yourself. It’s up to you whether that suffering diminishes or strengthens you. Life is an alchemical process of turning lead into gold. All problems are opportunities in disguise. Hidden in your deepest fears are your greatest gifts. Circumstances are given, your response is not; you are free to choose your response to circumstance. This is the test – will you shine clear and true, whatever your fate. For just as a diamond is formed through eons of pressure on coal, the diamond soul is forged by maintaining integrity whilst enduring the pressures of life.

I do not say this is easy, courage, strength, and fortitude are required and time out too, for reflection and self-enquiry. Close your eyes now, and go within; withdraw into yourself. What do you find there? Don’t get involved, remain aloof, detached and let thoughts come and go by themselves with nothing to solve, change, or improve. Simply witness, as in stillness arises the peace that passes all understanding!