Beggars and Heroes
The people begging, crying, and pleading with Mr. Obama to save their country is indicative of the humiliation and relinquishing of dignity sometimes associated with Pluto in Capricorn. Saturn rules the knees and often the lessons of the planetary entity are concerned with humility and pride. Being down on one's knees can work both ways. The true beggar has ultimate pride, but most don't achieve that. The country is used to the high life, dominating on top of the world, and now she's falling and experiencing economic decline. People are afraid, being so deep in debt and rapidly losing their jobs. But as always, Americans will pull through, although not without some hard knocks and tough lessons. Falling on their knees before Obama was the first step. Getting back up is the goal.
So what will it take? Will our hero have to fall? Or will he gracefully step down from the pedestal while the people claim their senses? Not without their encouragement for the latter to take place. With the aspect so tight, I would imagine that the dilemma will get a lot of attention over the next four years, while the people learn to stop cowering, to stand up erect, and to start relating to these elected officials as equals. Saturn in Libra in the 10th house portends such a healthy relationship. Some get knocked down and some get promoted on high, until the balance of Libra is created.
Obama has Saturn retrograde in Capricorn so he has especially important lessons to learn about pride and humility. It will be awhile since Pluto has yet to get to his Saturn by transit, a major turning point, and there will be the customary hard knocks along the way. Some significant failure is required.
This is the beginning of the long Pluto transit opposite our country's Cancer planets embodying the hopes that Daddy will make it all better. He won't and he can't. It's time for us to learn how to care for ourselves. At first it might look like he will, Neptune will be in and out, but when reality really gets a toehold it could be quite disappointing. Even if the man wanted to help the commoners, he couldn't because the lessons of survival (Pluto) demand that we the people mature and stop pretending that we live in a mythical magic kingdom free from want, all desires immediately gratified.
The need for a hero is written in USA Neptune square Mars, and the new guy fits the image -- a handsome knight come to the rescue, his Mars plunging into Neptune with precision. But in the chart of the next administration, Saturn is exactly quincunx the midpoint between Neptune and Chiron. Inaugural Saturn also conjuncts USA natal Neptune. Thus the illusions and deceptions around the dashing new leader are due to be realized. Chiron points to an eventual healing if the lessons are absorbed, wounds notwithstanding.
The swoon effect, the mesmerization, and the religious imagery placed around the man are part and parcel of the hero worship suggested by Mars-Neptune. The narcosis of delusion producing sleep and escape. I think there are good reasons for the lapse into the rapture as the people of the country try to balance the hate of the previous evil monster with adoration of the new prophet. The lead-up was a joyous last minute Sagittarius ride to be remembered and cherished. It should equalize in time. I also see the elevation to orgiastic heights as a precursor to the downswing indicated by Pluto in Capricorn, and down we must come to face some rather harsh realities on the ground. So maybe this was the only way the excitable nation could accomplish this hard task. Stark reality is not her forte, unless it's on a Hollywood sound stage with the appropriate menacing music, or something like a Great Depression.
So what will it take? Will our hero have to fall? Or will he gracefully step down from the pedestal while the people claim their senses? Not without their encouragement for the latter to take place. With the aspect so tight, I would imagine that the dilemma will get a lot of attention over the next four years, while the people learn to stop cowering, to stand up erect, and to start relating to these elected officials as equals. Saturn in Libra in the 10th house portends such a healthy relationship. Some get knocked down and some get promoted on high, until the balance of Libra is created.
After the initial supplication and worship of the new president as savior the long difficult road to adulthood could theoretically be traveled. The habit of obsessing about him, clinging to every word and move, watching every twitch of his visage, would only re-create the experience of the last icon, and I know most would prefer to avoid that. It's like having a brand new glittering possession, and of course, the people are fascinated, but I don't think we're cut out for the beggar's role in this high and mighty nation, no matter how far we've come down from the mountaintop. Beggars can't be choosers, they say, and we still seem to favor free choice.
posted by jm at 1:45 AM
33 Comments:
OKAY!!!! thank you for what you have written here. We will never be free until "we" accept the responsibility of our Saturn in Libra and all accept responsibility for their own life. Yes I imagine we will get our rumps booted a little to get our attention well really we will get some very heavy boots and that is because we really don't want to wake up and smell the coffee (let me go before I let lose with one more cliche.
Hey Clymela!! You've always been among the wise and reasonable, hard to fool.
I can't quite imagine what it's going to take and the garden path right now is extremely hard to resist. The worship won't let up so I'm concerned, but it's a necessary part of the procedure. It does feel good for them to have someone they like and perceive as doing a great job. Nothing wrong with that for a minute. It's a game all the way around. They need a breather. Things work themselves out. It can get frustrating, though, when you hope to see the crowd use a discerning eye and have more confidence in themselves, less goo goo baby.
The "heavy boots" might be the only way, but I'm going to relax into the present situation and wait until the heavy transits arrive. I'll be prepared. Unfortunately, the government is high on the extreme gullibility of the crowd again, but one can only "hope."
No. We don't want to wake up - the sign of a sweet deep narcosis - but we will.
Meanwhile, I'll be chiming in with the alternative view without interfering with the joy, relieved knowing that you and the other realists are among us.
It's a honeymoon I guess.. eventually, everyone wakes up (including the President, we hope). I for one cannot wait to see him express real anger/passion, even if he directs it at the "we" you and I and everyone here keeps talking about. There was this one time on the campaign trail when he took a jab at the whole Joe the Plumber thing, and I detected real anger---the community organizer in him justifiably disgusted..then the flash of emotion was gone in an instant, and he went to playing the no drama thing again.
When the honeymoon's over, I hope he will get real and breathe fire. I've got all this air and fire in my chart you see...and my Venus (swoon) is in Aries (gotcha!) in the 7th (can you say projection?)
I'm curious.. when you envision a leader for our times, right here and right now, what kind of leader is she? (he..?).
Omg, what a great question anon. Wow. What a surprise. The question alone lifted my spirits.
First of all, you are so right about the anger. His coldness. I've heard that from others. The sweet talking around everything is untrustworthy. The endless rationalizations. He can get away with no good having the people manipulated so much. And I think he already has and will.
I love Venus in Aries!!
I saw anger once. That was when Hillary suggested he be her VP. That was too much for his ego and he let it out.
I also heard that the only times he showed anger was when his sound system wasn't perfect. That makes sense with his narcissism. he does love the sound of his own voice and the screaming crowds. An American Idol finally. It's Jonestown out there. I saw a jacket with his name all over it. Black and gold.
When the honeymoon's over, I hope he will get real and breathe fire. I've got all this air and fire in my chart you see..
Me too. Four of each.
let me think about that great question. Be back in a sec.
Once again, you've nailed it. As time passes, I have less and less patience with the current attitude of entitlement and the contentment with letting the nanny-state take care of all things, a la The Matrix. Social safety nets when one is down and out, yes, but endless benefits for doing nothing, no. And that's all across the board, up to and including lazy-ass congress-critters who do absolutely nothing to earn their high pay, free health care and endless vacations while being courted by foreign lobbyists.
I think the rude awakening is coming. I do believe they're going to cut into benefits and social services, and probably steal as much as they can while the stealing is still possible. Why else would an obvious tax evader head the economic dep't? I see that as a cosmic clue. But the end result could be personal responsibility, which is actually Republican philosophy when it's done right. I don't think we have anything that resembles real politics anymore. It's an out of control grabbing zoo cum psyche ward. Maybe by the Pluto return some sane social order will be established.
This trillion dollar rock star worship is far far too much. Something's gotta blow.
I'm an anarchist and I've never liked any leader whatsoever. The only one who didn't bother me was Eisenhower. That's a clue.
I did love my teachers, though, so there must be some leadership qualities I like. My favorite was a women who gave up her position and let us have a roundtable discussion all year. The natural leaders emerged - me and another guy. We sat in a circle with our teacher included. Not only did we get through the required subjects, but we grew as humans and enjoyed ourselves to the max. A major experience in my life.
I think if someone has real confidence they don't need the frenzy of the crowd. People will automatically feel the confidence themselves. This screaming crying hysterical appoach to politics unnerves me. Mob hysteria is dangerous. In fact, I think a great leader would purposely keep that down unless necessary.
So confidence is top of the list. With warmth and most of all something genuine. Honesty is what I long for, and dignity. The humiliation and talking down to me with endless worn out platitudes is more than I can bear.
I want one who is unassuming to an extent and who can disappear, not needing constant stroking like a dog.
I want someome who speaks to me as if actually speaking to me, not using me.
Sometimes life does get dramatic, but most of the time it really isn't. So I would love some day to be relieved of the hyped up melodrama with a leader. I suppose low key is more to my liking.
Different leaders are needed for different times, and in spite of crowd belief, I'm not sure this is such a major point in human history, some mega super duper transformational point. That's why I don't see very impressive leadership anywhere right now. Maybe things aren't so dire after all so we have time to work it out amongst ourselves and locate the leaders inside of us individually. Things are relatively calm. You should have been around in the Black Death days.
Courage, conscience, and all the good traits would of course be my dream. A woman or man who has the knowledge to be true to the self.
I believe that our leaders are perfect reflections of who we are so all these things need to be cultivated in each one of us, through parents, teachers, and all kinds of leaders from the day a child is born. Just basically good people.
I'm curious about others' opinions on this.
In the meantime, I kinda wish our so-called leaders would just get busy and leave us alone. I don't think I want to change the world right now. And all this organizing and service. It's just for re-election and I've had my fill of campaigns for some time.
As far as worrying about all these dire times ahead. I'm kinda tired of that one too. Dire or not, I'll probably be basically the same.
I'm getting an undercurrent that feels good these days. Relief is in the air and maybe people can just live their little lives and get on with it for now. Love who they want to, hate who they want to, and eat leafy greens if possible.
Apparently, we're not the only citizenry that's fed up with their own governments. Take a look at this. The difference is, people in those other countries are taking )or have already taken) to the streets.
Verrrrrrrrrrry interesting.
I've been mulling this over, joe, wondering when we'll wake up from this stupor. The mesmerization and denial are very disturbing, but we just had an election. We'll see. False expectation is the story here and underlying desperation yet to surface. Those people don't have a savior at the moment. People are so busy running around like chickens trying to figure out what the prophet will do, so they're failing to realize there's nothing he can do. The denial is staggering.
I remember the campaign when he put up that presidential seal pretending to be a big shot and I get the same impression now. He's a child playing president but that's just like this country. He's so similar to Bush it's eerie.
The good part is the coming realization that it's the citizenry that will emerge powerful when all is said and done. Our leadership is failing for good reason.
The American bullshit dream of being the shiny glittering savior of the world, killer of all terrorists, is just about to end. Ain't gonna happen. So I think this delusion is just the right thing.
I guess they're in a panic worldwide. No leadership anywhere. Riots make a statement but they don't pay the bills. Better than expensive aristocratic parties, though, when the masses are rumbling. I have no idea what the solution is, but you're right.
People are fed up with their governments. And Pluto is only at 2 Capricorn. very interesting indeed. We here aren't going to be disappointed. Moons in Capricorn are good for something.:-)
Cap Moons *are* good for something, you say? ;o) That's a relief.
And by god, here's another take on the worldwide riots. It's notable that these reports are minimal on the nightly news. Wouldn't want to give anyone ideas...
Hi there JM,
I'm curious about something. During the campaign and after the election, I checked in with your site regularly. I appreciated the inspiration and beauty. Throughout Dec and early Jan, I had not checked in as often. But, something seems different here.
Perhaps, I misunderstood your earlier writings about change coming with the election of Obama. It seems now that the mood is one of suspicion mixed with disappointment if not anger.
Am I misreading things? If not, what has happened to change the tone regarding the One? I have to admit, the adoring masses is a bit disconcerting and dangerous. And, I have always felt that as a mere mortal with feet of clay, he would break hearts. But, the perceived shift of tone in your writings make me wonder.
Thanks,
Moonbaby
Hi moonbaby.
I shifted dramatically when he appointed his cabinet. It was like Looney Tunes and my eyes flipped open to stay.
I have to admit, the adoring masses is a bit disconcerting and dangerous.
I agree with you here. To be honest I thought that would diminish after the election when Pluto got into Capricorn but I was wrong. I'm pretty concerned at this point.
I'm angry, yes, but more with the whole political system. I don't really focus on suspicions about him since he's just a symbol. And I still think he has good qualities and intentions deep down, but at this time he's unable to help us. I also think he's there to incite our rebellion and that's the way he wants it. The anger is healthy. I always said that he was a revolutionary and I still believe it. We have to lead ourselves, though. He can't act out that role now. Maybe later. The mass worship will end in time, I hope. I think it was necessary to break the right wing stranglehold and I was all for it during the election, but it's time to move on.
It will come clear later on but if people genuinely want the transformation they say they do, they will have to go through the steps, and it's not easy. Revolution is no small thing and I am hoping beyond hope we can channel the resistance and avoid violence. So I'm expressing my rage now before it builds to explosive proportions.
Thanks for your question, Moonbaby. I was just about to post a similar remark.
I don't know why jm's astrological insights about the change ahead, voice during the election, should be null and void now that BO is in office.
Maybe I've been in more community leadership positions, being a "politician" for my particular causes, but I'm seeing a marvleous, subtle game being played ... one that the R Congresscritters have forgotten how to play.
I see BO gently drawing the old R faces, the Old Order names, still hiding their Old Order practices and secrets, out into the open ... lured by position and publicity ... while knowing that the full sunlight is going to flatten them, send them running, never to return.
He can stand the sunlight just fine, himself, I think.
But it will take time. I think that's what's freaking some people out. Change has to be strategized and built. Failures noted, adjustments made. It is a political process, and meself, I think we've got just the right people in at the very top to see it through.
Repairs in progress. Please be patient.
JM,
Thanks for your response. It seems that there are a number of folks who are disappointed with how "The One" has begun his administration and were hoping that he would usher in a new way of doing politics. But, it's early yet. But, ultimately as he said and as you have indicated in your recent writings, we are the change that we have been waiting for.
Namaste,
Moonbaby
I'm so glad you appeared moonbaby, I was just thinking about you. That's amazing. I realized that I overstated my case and deleted some of my responses so I was concerned.
He's not going to bring new politics. He's not supposed to. I think that will come in a couple of decades or so through our changes, as you say. Those who aren't facing this reality will be doing so in time, so people who are disappointed are ahead of the sequence.
It is entirely up to us, and I know I keep repeating this, but the parental relationship with these leaders has got to go before we get there and that won't happen until the Pluto transits, particularly the opposition to our Sun starting in 2014. This I am certain of. The blind following now is a necessary step. Their desperation to crush opposition proves that it is ill-founded.
In 2014, the beginning of the Pluto opposition will have a 3+ month station exactly on US Sun, the Sun being rulership. In 2015 there will be another station. 5 months this time. Uranus will also be square Pluto. We have lessons ahead. Couldn't be more obvious. Whoever is president then will be getting major opposition and Capricorn control. Anyone assuming the position of "The One" will be finished for a long time to come. So you can see why this preliminary is necessary.
As an agent of change, I'm taking the position of opposition to the government, and I have yet to know what course this will take.
What I'd love to experience is an honest discussion among us of what exactly is wrong and what we can do to fix it. I am of the opinion that "The One" is headed for failure and as I've said, I attribute this to his Saturn in Capricorn and our Pluto return. There is no way of knowing, but just in case, I'd like to be prepared and have an alternative ready.
I know that the change will come from the whole collective and the south node in Leo says that heroes are not the path. So "The One's" failure would be everybody's success, including his own.
The Pluto return is a major event in US history, and the first time, the people declared their independence and meant it. They fought a real war to obtain it. It's not a bedtime story here.
The second Saturn-Uranus opposition has arrived and despite the worship and following going on at present, the seeds of independence are growing and will blossom. Separation from the government is probably inevitable no matter who's at the head. They all symbolize oppression and you'll be seeing it soon. The urge to be drugged into submission now will change.
It's not quite time yet, and some of us might appear to be jumping the gun, but with this opposition now, the feeling overall will start to strengthen.
So glad you're aboard, moonbaby. I'm glad to hear there are more of us. We are the minority, now, but others will join. We can do it.
Here's a start.
Uranus will be at 29 Pisces soon, the Iraq invasion degree. The last few years have been filled with torment and opposition to this war and anger with the leader. Yet in blind subservience, the people are getting ready to follow the new one into another "surge" in Afghanistan. Women, children, soldiers, etc. will die.
I'm not saying whether or not this war is necessary. All I'm saying is that blind following should be questioned. War should always be questioned, and maybe before the fact for once.
He stated to the planet that he will "defeat you." I'd like to know just exactly what that means as killing goes on in my country's name. Who determines who the enemy is? Why is "the enemy" never defeated? What exactly is going on?
Those who were hoping that our Constitutional rights would be restored could also be disappointed. The opposite maybe.
Like Bush, Obama Disables Our Privacy
It could be nothing, but it's worth being aware and on guard with Pluto in Capricorn.
Love Beggars and Heroes article. I volunteered for Obama, gave some contributions, but was obsessive about him winning. His following/hero worship made me leary but wanted Bush out, and no Palin for me! Now I feel deceived, angry, appalled. Obama's first appointment of chief of staff and on down the line of cabinent members was shocking. Unbelievable, that we would get the old standard Clinton crooked crowd. This is a sick joke. Lead down the garden path, and glad I see it right now. It will take the rest of the people to wake up, that this is no change. Nothing to do right now, but wait to get ready for the Revolution, get ready to make our own changes. Meantime, stay alert, relax, and keep the screaming down!
Love your thoughts.
JM
Among the sorrows, FISA was one.
Americans not knowing our constitution is another and what is it only 4,400 words, if i remember correctly. We take no pride or part in the civics of our nation. We are a land of laws and not of men...we are letting that slip out of our hands.
You are so right about the SN in Leo. The eclipses and now Lulin the comet which will pass through Leo. (Closest to earth Feb 24 i think) It will be visible to the naked eye and it has not passed this way since the earth was mostly under water and the poles were forming ice. The sky seems to be demanding that we pay attention to our evolutionary path.
And another thing that is always in the back of my mind is the US progressed Mars in Libra now Rx.
Anon, my sorrow includes many of my fellow dems and civil rights workers who, like you, are now feeling, deceived, angry, appalled. Some of use were aware and railed at our - party.
It is not done.
OMG anon. I couldn't have said it better. Not as well!! I love your spirit.
The numbing of the populace and the suppression of even our dissension is the clue. I agree with the sick joke part.
Good advice. I really must keep the screaming down for my own good!
Tseka, it's heartbreaking. At first I cut him some slack on FISA because I thought it was to get elected but I had a nagging suspicion and I was right. There's much more to come.
That's fantastic! About the comet. Thank you so much for this. The SN Leo factor is a big one. It's on his Sun and will likely bring out the Sun-king negative aspect, also written in the Sun-Jupiter conjunction of the Inaugural chart. Too much grandiosity. This is amazing, the comet. Omg.
The Mars retro will be getting the cardinal squares. It's strong all the way around.
Anon, my sorrow includes many of my fellow dems and civil rights workers who, like you, are now feeling, deceived, angry, appalled. Some of use were aware and railed at our - party.
It is not done.
Beauitiful my friend.
The comet thing gives me the bumps.
Once again I second guessed myself about expressing my feelings while the worship party was in gear, but I think that's unwise.
Mars is in Capricorn in the administration's chart - a signal that the resistance can start now. The more we prepare and get used to the dissension, the easier it will be to adjust to the Uranus Squares.
These comments are encouraging. Some will have to be in the forefront to lead the way.
If I may scream for a moment. The degradation of the people in my country getting on their knees before this man is more than I can bear. I want to scream every minute, "Get up, dammit!!!! Off your knees! Stand up for yourself with dignity!"
Pluto in Capricorn is off to a helluva start. Obedience to authority.
The United States is a dry tinderbox, and no mistake.
For the last eight years so many have been hard at work opposing an administration of corporate criminals and thugs. I know this battle needs to continue, but with out all the 'worship' spoken of here of the one we chose to clean up this mess, I am feeling hope. That is what he offered.
I don't think our new president is kidding himself over the how ginormous the problems are. But, I am heartened by the steps taken so far, no he is not the savior of the world, but he is on the job. A huge improvement. He appears to be beginning the job of cleaning up the mess and allowing the sun in to some very dark places. Myself, I am OK with his choices for cabinet, he is a brilliant strategist IMHO. These people are here for transition purposes, I do not feel that many of them still being around in four years.
Our government is under the same universal laws as we are, the never ending spiral of tradition, transition and transformation are in play. We are in transition, and it feels uncomfortable, nothing is set in stone, we can't see what it is that we are truly manifesting until it actually manifests. But We do know we just made a leap from tradition. We have been stuck there for much of my lifetime.
Obama may not be able fix the entire system in four years, he has to work with what he has, but he has set the tone, and is holding up the bar. That is what a leader does. I get the impression that many are ready to step up to that example and are willing to work and learn the new energy he is trying to introduce. I don't see that as worship. I didn't see the inauguration as worship either. I saw world wide relief! Call me naive, but for now I am willing to watch and rest from the battle and give him a few months to develop a working model of government.
There will always be fierce opposition, to his choices. For now, I am willing to offer supportive energy in his direction, as long as he has an ear for, and takes action on behalf of the people he is working for.
So far as I can tell we had a choice between two candidates and he was the better of the two. I still believe that. I don't know anyone personally who holds him in the type of blind regard you are speaking of, though most I know are hopeful and think him a good man. I think as much as anything there is a new detachment. I'm not as plugged into the process anymore now that he was elected. I'm on to something else. Been there done that. No revolutionary fervor here. I mean, what for? We know the ship is going down and Obama is the one to guide it for now and hopefully prepare if for some future rebirth.
This column by Mark Morford is close to my sentiments.
Going Obama-less
All this anger at the government. How convenient for us all that these people exist for us to scapegoat. There they are, too remote to get to know personally, but we still KNOW they are all BAD people. Greedy, selfish, egotistical, even criminal. Unlike any of us, or anyone we might know or like or be related to. Cos all the badness is OUT THERE, where we can see it. No dark shadows around us.
I too am looking forward to the coming revolution, when the GOOD people of America take down the BAD government and put a new government for the people by the people in it's place. Just like the old one.
I tend to agree anon.
They are us.
There's civil disagreement bubbling, no doubt, but what I find interesting is that it's not along rigid party lines, an indication of the breaks we're experiencing.
Another thing I've been noticing is a fervor of engagement among the people out there who used to be oblivious. They're following political events much more and even when I decide to be silent about politics, they insist on discussing it. Again, it's not along party lines.
Anger at authority is really a natural part of the whole, so maybe the best technique is to let it express without clinging indefinitely to specifics and individuals.
Pluto in Capricorn is searching for the source of authority in each individual. The thing I always wonder about is how much I'm the same as the world around me. I was born at this time and place as an expression of it, so I must have a logical function.:-) I am it.
Revolt is going on every second in the body, so the body politic is no exception. Acceptance and rejection, constant conflict as substances come in and get processed or are rejected at the door.
We should be comfortable with revolution by now, n'est-ce pas?
Anyway, we're just trying to keep the whole thing functioning, I think, in some ultimate cooperation. Immunity is vital though as attacking substances are encountered. Defense is universal. I think people instinctively engage with government as as part of the line of defense. They have since tribal days.
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