As October draws to a close, Saturn, the planet of restriction, delays, hindrances and obstacles enters Libra after a two and a half year stay in the sign of Virgo. Virgo is the natural ruler of the 6th house of health and work, and wherever Saturn treads, stumbling blocks occur. Thus, we can blame Saturn in Virgo to a great extent, for the slowdown in the global economy/workplace, and the issues relating to healthcare in the US.

Saturn will remain in Libra until April 9, 2010 when it will return to Virgo for it's final 4 month stay, reentering Libra on July 22, 2010, where it will remain until October of 2012. Libra is the natural ruler of the seventh house of partners and partnerships, law and justice. It's ruler is Venus, the planet of beauty, love and money. It is a cardinal sign, meaning the energy of Saturn in this sign will make itself felt readily and intensely. It is in these areas we will be challenged as the planet of restriction enters the 7th sign of the zodiac. Saturn was last in Libra September of 1980-August of 1983.

During the time Saturn is in Libra, relationships will change personally and on the world stage. Issues relating to gay marriage will be debated and decided during this time. New alliances will be created, and old ones may change or end. Laws and justice will change as well, and those who have contributed to the financial debacles over the past several years will be sought out and called to task in many cases.

What is most significant as Saturn enters Libra, is the fact that from October 30-June 19 it squares Pluto in Capricorn, exact at 0-1 degrees. November 25-November 30 it squares Pluto at 2 degrees, January 21, 2010 it squares Pluto at 4 degrees until February 10, 2010. Other squares will occur in 2010 and ultimately Uranus, the planet of sudden, unexpected change will add it's mix to the pot in May of 2010.

This is a difficult transit, harsh in nature, and will effect both individuals and the world we live in. The transit represents frustrated ambitions, shortages and lack, and the potential for major earth/catastrophic situations connected to the earth. Pluto rules oil and we are likely to see changes and or situations relating to oil and the rise or fall of gasoline/oil prices. Now is the time for those who can do so, to seek out alternative energy sources.

By it's nature, this transit is often associated with violent incidents and aggressive, destructive forces. At it's worst it can be associated with death. Astrologically, the Middle East is a powder keg and could explode on any of the given dates. Pluto is an extreme force, ruling death and rebirth, cruelty, manipulation, guilt. It rules governments and nuclear energy. It also rules sex and the media, and it is likely there will be focus on all of the above. Ultimately, Pluto transforms.

As Saturn squares the 'God of the Underworld,' we are likely to see little growth and continued frustration in the world economy. Filmmaker Michael Moore was on Larry King Live recently, and pointed out that 95 per cent of the wealth in the world is controlled by 5 percent of the population. Some of the major entities that control wealth are banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, and oil companies, to name a few. Saturn squaring Pluto will mean the rules governing many of these institutions, and the way they do business will have to change. As with any Pluto transit the change will come voluntarily or by force. Pluto relates to the collective masses: all of us, and Saturn represents structure, the past and what we know. The collective masses will demand change from those institutions and entities that are working on the basis of unfair practices, such as credit card companies that charge interest in the 30 percent plus range and insurance companies that deny affordable coverage. But, these wealthy entities will not embrace change, and a period of turmoil will occur.

Past history provides an idea of what to expect when Saturn and Pluto clash. In 1931 when Pluto in Cancer opposed Saturn in Capricorn we saw the rise of Hitler and the Great Depression. 1940 saw Pluto in Leo squaring Saturn in Taurus and the start of WW11. 1947 brought the two planets together in Leo and the subsequent bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Pluto in Virgo opposing Saturn in Pisces in 1965 saw the beginning of the Vietnam war, and 1982 brought a near nuclear crisis when the USSR was erroneously informed the US and it's Allies were staging an actual attack, that was in fact a military exercise. In 2001 Saturn in Gemini was opposing Pluto in Sagittarrius within 2 degrees when the world trade center was bombed. 

This is not an easy time. Outer events could manage to challenge you at every turn You may have to move carefully and with patience to avoid explosions and anger, and try to create peace and harmony in your own environment and life.