Measuring the Passage of time
18/05/09 08:43
TIME WITH THE PLANETS
Symbolically, each planet represents time uniquely, differently. This is a developing concept for me, the idea of measuring time from different perspectives, adding different layers of understanding to our life experience, by measuring different planetary cycles. Each planet a different life cycle. It is not so much about adding something new to one’s life as it is about acceptance, adding depth to understanding allows one to accept some life events that might otherwise be difficult to understand.
Of all the planets Saturn stands out pragmatically as a means to measure time and the symbols of life changes. At best we can experience three Saturn cycles. The first cycle, from birth to age 29 represents the initiation phase. All education matters, career decisions and first romances typically occur in this period. The second period, from 29 to 58, represents the time that we are most productive. Families are raised, careers are rewarded, the structures of ones life are well set. The third passage of Saturn, from 58 through the 80, is a time to “retire”, to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor, and it is often a time of personal reflection.
Years ago I knew that the Martian two year solar cycle was very real and important to address. I realized that after about two years in any employment situation, program of study or hobby, that my interest would begin to slack, and that it was necessary for me to find a way to renew my interest in that particular area, or I would quickly lose interest. It was clear that a concerted effort was good for a two year period, and that after that period, a break, rest or re-dedication to the project was necessary. Mars' transits through each natal chart highlights quickly approaching issues that need to be addressed.
Age 7 coincides with Saturn’s first square from its natal position, or a quarter turn. Jean Piaget, renowned child psychologist, suggested that at approximately age 7, children entered into a developmental period referred to as concrete operational. “Concrete” aptly describing the type of thinking processes typical of the age. Its interesting especially because children’s thought organization relies on realism. This first Saturn square and its related stress relates well to that time when children are first participating in some required social duties, educational, or simple work duties such as watching or entertaining the younger siblings. You may find it interesting to know that the first Kindergarten programs were designed to prepare young children to complete the simple tasks they might be asked to do as children working in factories, because children often around the age of 7 years would have been employed at a factory during the early years of the western industrial revolution.
At 14 years Saturn will be near it’s first opposition, Jupiter will have made a complete solar cycle plus several signs, Mars will have completed 7 passages, but Uranus will have passed through 2 signs. But perhaps as important as Saturn’s opposition and Jupiter’s compete solar cycle, Neptune will be entering a second sign. At this time of Jupiter's opposition most teens will have found their voice, and like a typical two year old child discovers his voice and the power of the word “no”, teens re-discover the word “no”, realizing that it may be difficult to exercise independence but that they do indeed have choice. This age period also reflects abstract thinking processes, or what is referred to by Piaget as Formal Operations. In some native societies, youth's emerging physicality and mental skills are the entranceway to adulthood.
However in Western Societies age 21 is considered the entrance age to full adulthood. It also represents the 3rd quarter position of Saturn from it’s natal position. Most American and European youth are well into their first career position, or completing their under graduate degree. Saturn at this position is also a square away from its natal position, equal but opposite it position at age 7. Both times when an individual is entering a period of responsibility. The Planet of Uranus is another interesting measure of time. At or around the 21st year, Uranus has progressed through it’s first quarter. Uranus’s 84 year cycle accompanies us throughout a typical life span. This angular contact at the 21st year suggests a high time of independence and opportunity, typical of the 21st year in Western Cultures.
At 35 -36 Jupiter will have it’s third return to it’s natal position; Saturn will have made the first pass and return to the first quarter position again (Saturn being a square away from from its birth position as well as it’s position from Jupiter), Uranus is entering it’s sixth sign, moving toward a position opposite it’s natal position. For many adults this is a very productive period of adulthood. Contact between Jupiter and the Sun at this time is especially important, it can suggest opportunities for personal reward and self-expression through business and social contacts.
Finally consider the 42 to 46 years of age period of life. By solar Arc all the planets are semi-square to their natal position. This suggests a tremendous period of developmental tension, a time of focus, re-evaluating past relationships, and patterns of behavior. This is the time when Uranus is opposed its natal position, symbolically representing the potential mid-point in an individuals life. Saturn will also be half way through its potential 3 life time cycles. A time for deep self-evaluation. At this time we should expect individuals to be reviewing their career choice, relationships, and other quality of life consideration.
There is of course so much more to be said about this subject, but I thing this is a good start and I would certainly be interested in hearing other opinions.
Article by Joseph
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