Planetary Cycles
Mars
The way in which you go about getting what you want and asserting yourself is the activity of Mars. Assertiveness, anger, and aggression are all attributed to Mars, as is war! This is a planet of action rather than reaction, and often there is little or no contemplation before acting. Its drivers are those of the will; it is raw energy rather than creative energy. It is also connected to work and physical energy and will often signify days when you feel particularly energetic.
The Mars Cycle occurs approximately every 22 – 24 months from birth
The best use of this cycle is to do a stock-take and make a plan for moving forward, and adjust your course if and when necessary. Mars energy becomes an important planning and timing tool.
Jupiter
Jupiter is the principle of expanding consciousness, understanding universal principles, justice, law, honour and truth. Jupiter also symbolises higher learning, religion, philosophy, and morality. Jupiter can also coincide with you putting on weight! Jupiter rules the law and the legal system, and one negative manifestation could be legal difficulties, so be careful.
Jupiter Cycle occurs approximately every 12 years from birth
There is often an easy flow with Jupiter, and matters will likely work out quite well. This can be a time of tremendous growth in the life you want by achieving your dreams. Unless otherwise afflicted, you can move forward confident that success will be yours. Alternatively, Jupiter’s energy can make you feel six feet tall and bulletproof! Be careful! So it doesn’t pay to get overly confident or do things to excess.
Saturn
Saturn symbolises our need for structure and a solid foundation from which to grow. Traditionally, Saturn has been associated with limitations and restrictions.
We find that Saturn provides focus so that the hard work can be done to achieve goals. It is often referred to as the Lord of Karma, which, in its simplest explanation, is reward or punishment for deeds done. Timing is also related to Saturn, and Saturn’s timing can be slow, leaving you feeling as if you are swimming through treacle. Saturn’s role is to create enough dynamic tension that we are compelled to take action and make a change on mental, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual planes.
Saturn’s Cycle occurs approximately every 28 years from birth
Saturn provides the opportunity to have or create the necessary structure in our lives. Saturn energy also coincides with the tenacity to work through the very issue (s) we find ourselves confronted with. Saturn is about accepting responsibility for our lives and circumstances while building a secure platform for the next phase of growth we experience after the Saturn contact has passed.
Outer Planets – Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
The outer planets, or generational planets, are known to take approximately 84 years for Uranus, 165 years for Neptune, and 248 years for Pluto.
As modern astrologers, we believe that the energy of the outer planets is usually felt only when they form an aspect or connection with a personal planet (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, or Mars) or a social planet (Jupiter or Saturn) in your horoscope. At these times, you will feel their presence to varying degrees. When the outer planets do not make contact with the personal social planets, their energy then remains as part of the collective unconscious.
The Principle of Awakening
The principle of awakening is related to Uranus because it can shake us to the core with unexpected events, breakdown of structures, the desire to break free of restrictions and do things differently. Uranus energy is humanitarian, inventive, and intuitive. It can be self-willed and refuse to be influenced by outside forces. Uranus is the revolutionary spirit in all of us. It is also associated with sudden, unexpected upheavals in life.
The Principle of Fusion, Synthesis, Creativity and Spirituality.
Neptune rules idealism, vision, dreams, creativity, spirituality, and inspiration, as well as nebulousness, confusion, and deceit. It’s the master of disguise.
Very often, where Neptune resides, things are not what they seem. For non-Neptunian types, its energy can be quite difficult to handle, as it can leave you confused and unsure. You may feel discouraged and suffer from low self-esteem, and your confidence may completely vanish!
The Principle of Transformation
Pluto energy is rarely direct, yet it must be confronted, acknowledged, and change must take place at the most fundamental level. You often try to control the events surrounding you, but with Pluto transits, that won’t work. Its energy seeks to break down structures for renewal. The more you attempt to control circumstances, the more challenging the situation becomes. This is not a time for a quick fix or a band-aid solution, as the pressures will build to the point where neither is possible and a complete rebuild is required.