Medicine/Nutrition and Astrology

Astrology is the study of how the stars and planets influence lives. At the moment of birth, the way the planets were positioned indicates personality type, challenges, gifts, and karma. There are different types and branches of astrology. I want to stress that astrology is more than just reading your horoscope in the newspaper, which only focuses on your Sun sign. The eastern cultures have their own such as Vedic, Chinese, and Tibetan. And there is the western culture which has its own types. In the western culture, astrology is broken down into different studies. One common astrological study is natal astrology which strictly examines the position of the planets at birth. There is also mundane astrology which focuses on prediction of world events based on planetary energies. Some astrologers even do past life readings. One type of astrology that is constantly overlooked is medical astrology, however can be quite helpful.

Many astrologers who can do medical readings are NOT licensed doctors, homeopaths or dieticians. It is possible to be a licensed doctor AND a medical astrologer, but a medical astrologer who did not spend years studying medicine cannot be a doctor. I am not a doctor and never had a desire to be. I am an astrologer, and medical astrology is one of the types of astrology that I happen to practice. I studied medical astrology through medical astrologer Diane L. Cramer’s material. Some of the information that I am writing out is based from one of her sources “How to give an Astrological Health Reading”.

Medical astrology is never intended to diagnose illnesses but is used to help guide you towards optimal health based on what is found in your natal chart. This also depends on any medical situation that you may have. Like all other types of astrology, there are many components to your chart other than just your Sun. However the Sun is an important fraction of who you are, and is a very important part to examine in medical astrology.

The Sun in general rules your vitality and ego. In medical astrology, the Sun is an indicator of vitality and constitution. It shows the individual’s ability to resist illness. A Sun that is in good condition or not stressed shows strength and vitality. A poor placed Sun can show low energy levels and weakness. While the Sun indicates vital strength, the Moon rules your health through emotional needs, bodily rhythms, and habits.

There is an interesting indicator of your health in your natal chart based on the position of your Moon. If you have a poorly placed Sun, but strong Moon, this may mean you could be physically weak but rarely become ill. Where as if you have a poorly placed Moon but well placed Sun, you could have a lot of strength but find yourself to be constantly battling illnesses. As you may be aware the Sun and Moon are major fractions in all types of astrology, including medical. The third very important component is the Ascendant, which indicates your body as a whole. The Ascendant plays a very important part in medical astrology as it does in other types.

The Ascendant in medical astrology represents how well the body conducts energy through out your body. If your Ascendant is in fire or air signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius), it can indicate that energy through out your body is conducted well.
If your Ascendant is in earth or water signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces), then it could indicate that energy through out your body may not be conducted evenly and in the end could cause weakness. Even if you have a both well placed Sun and Moon. If your Ascendant is in a water or earth sign, you could tire easily regardless of strength of Sun and Moon. However, because the energy through out your body may not be conducted properly, your strength indicated by your Sun could come in spurts rather than flowing constantly.

Once again a medical astrologer without a medical license can not diagnose or treat an illness. But according to your Sun, Moon and Ascendant sign, certain foods and spices are known to increase vitality and to improve general health. Just like the 12 astrological signs can indicate our temperament and personality type, signs also rule certain foods and spices. For instance, the sign Aries is associated with ginger, garlic, horseradish, red peppers, chilies, leeks, watercress, onions, paprika, cilantro, and mustard. If your Sun is in Aries, these foods and spices may actually increase your strength! If your Moon is in Aries, these foods and spices may be beneficial to your general health. And finally, if your Ascendant is in Aries which may be an indicator of strong conductivity of energy to begin with. But these foods and spices may actually help conduct energy through out your body even more which in the end could give you an extra zest. Below are a list of foods and spices which are ruled by each of the 12 signs:

Aries- ginger, garlic, horseradish, red peppers, chilies, leeks, watercress, onions, paprika, cilantro, mustard.

Taurus- cherries, mint, spring cabbage, green beans, rhubarb, grapes, rosemary, thyme, gooseberries, apples, pears.

Gemini- carrots, dill, valerian, hazelnuts, marjoram, walnuts, oats, fish, licorace, apricots, squash, tumeric.

Cancer- cabbage, pumpkin, cucumber, seaweed, kelp, mangoes, bananas, mushrooms, strawberries, melon, watercress.

Leo- cornmeal, pineapple, mangoes, natural honey, saffron, cinnamon, bananas, citrus fruits, olives, almonds.

Virgo- greenbeans, apples, parsley, carrots, parsnips, watercress, dill, marjoram, cilantro, mint, caraway seeds, alfalfa, brown rice.

Libra- basil, pennyroyal, rasberries, sorrel, cinnamon, artichokes, blackberries, almond oil, pears, cashew nuts, dates.

Scorpio- kelp, watercress, brown rice, aloes, garlic, onions, beets, potatoes, carrots, brazil nuts, spirulina.

Sagittarius- mint, olives, asparagus, dandelion leaves, mulberries, hawthorn berries, rosehips, chestnuts, pure maple syrup, sage, thyme, nutmeg.

Capricorn- beechnuts, pinenuts, barely, raisins, spinach, carrots, beets, turnips, tamarind.

Aquarius- oily fish, coconuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, carrots, licorace, caraway seeds, parsley, wheat germ.

Pisces- brown rice, watercress, cucumber, dandelion leaves, poppyseeds, sesame seeds, oily fish, pears, seaweed, melon.

Above are lists of foods which correlate with each sign. If you know what signs your Sun, Moon and Ascendant happens to be in, you have an idea of what foods and spices which you can add more into your diet. Again, a doctor is the one who can make a determination of your health and properly diagnose any underlying condition. A dietician is also the one to do a full dietary assessment on your needs. However, if you add more of the foods and spices which are associated with your Sun, Moon, and Ascendant sign, you may experience an increase in strength and an improvement in general health over the course of time. Give it a try!

Miriam Slozberg
Certified Astrologer
http://www.msmirastrology.com

Weight loss and Astrology

For many people, especially women, weight is a major issue in life. And many unfortunately want to lose weight for the wrong reasons. One example of that is having a strong desire to strictly fit into “society’s standards”. Many people want to lose weight to reach Hollywood standards which are not realistic to most people. Unfortunately, a large number of individuals base their self worth on their weight. And don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to have a nice appearance. However, if you want to lose weight to attain that kind of appearance ONLY to fit into society or to please others, then you really need to do some examining within yourself. These are the reasons why many people desperately fall into dieting scams or worse, develop eating disorders.

However, if in fact an individual does have too much excess weight, then it would be in that person’s best interest to take it off. Firstly excess weight can increase major health complications such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. You could be at a serious risk of having a heart attack or a stroke if your weight is high. Secondly, when you are overweight, you are in more discomfort. Simple tasks can feel like never ending harsh chores (one example being walking up the stairs and running out of breath).

I also want to point out that, unless genetics are truly involved due to having extra weight, the extra weight indicates a soul that is suffering. Before attempting any weight loss (because you do not want to lose weight and then put it back on again!), you need to examine yourself thoroughly. What is it in your life that you are lacking? What is it that you are fearing? What negative thoughts from the past are you holding onto? What is it that you are worrying about? Many overweight people are food addicts and emotional eaters. They are faced with feelings they want to ignore. They may be in uncomfortable situations that trigger these feelings. Therefore they stuff the woes down with food to numb themselves. Eventually they use their excess weight as a “protective” barrier to avoid situations. Like for instance if a woman was sexually abused as a child, she may use her excess weight as an excuse to not attract a man. But it doesn’t have to be that way and the weight will not protect you from anything. I am not going to suggest that she goes and gets counseling on this issue. She can just dress conservatively, not go to bars or tell a man she is not interested in a relationship. But if she does get help with that particular issue, of course that is all the better. But I am focusing on weight, none of the other issues right now.

For a while I used my weight as an excuse to avoid something (a particular phobia that I have). And to be honest, that one thing I am avoiding I am not ready to face and won’t be ready for a while.. and that is fine. No one is perfect and one thing at a time. But I quit using weight as an excuse. There is no connection. But you need to realize first that you are worthy of having a healthy body. You’ll gain a better perspective of life. Think of the things you want to see or do at a later age! Like your kids growing up or doing some traveling. And once you realize this, you will want to lose the weight and then you will end up appearing healthier anyway! For YOU, not for society. And once you truly grasp the fact that you are worthy of being healthy, you will not have a need to diet again! You will naturally glow and your true spirit will rise to the top. Hey I also want to mention to you that I am NO expert on this. But this is what I was taught because I have battled with emotional eating and weight issues. I am finally taking control over it and slashing the excuses.

However, even once you are truly ready to lose the weight for the RIGHT reasons, there are better times to start the weight loss journey than others. Or I should say, you may want to take different approaches to it. I am talking about astrologically.

Mercury, the planet that rules communication and logical thinking goes into retrograde (where the energies externally happens to be weaker) 3-4 times a year. During those times, starting a new lifestyle change is not the best. In fact while Mercury is in retrograde it’s an excellent time to really explore everything about yourself. You will likely find the right reasons to lose weight during this time, if this is a major issue for you. And once Mercury goes direct, you will be ready to go with a plan.

I also want to point out some important planets that must be looked at when involving weight. Firstly, Saturn which astrologers call “the great malefic” because it rules restrictions and limitations. But when it comes to weight loss, it can be great. Whenever transiting Saturn either conjuncts your Sun or Ascendant, your forms a favorable aspect to an important planet (or even your Ascendant), this alone will aid you in the process. While Saturn is in retrograde, you will also be compelled to find ways to better yourself and body. And at this moment, Saturn AND Mercury are in retrograde (what a time for me to write up this article!). Weight loss may be something that is on a lot of people’s minds right now. However, one thing that is aiding me is that transiting Saturn is trining my natal Mars and has been since the eclipse (which alone shatters anything that is not good for you and brings in new changes). Mars rules energy and passion. This aspect obviously will change soon, but the snapshot of it is there to stay for a while. If you look and see what planet or point Saturn is forming a favorable aspect to (trining where the energies flow easily or sextiling which brings out opportunity), you can take advantage of that. For instance if you notice in your chart that transiting Saturn is trining your natal Venus, this is a time to focus on pampering yourself. I am talking about getting manicures, new hair styles, anything involving beauty. This will show you how worthy you are and you will indeed be inclined to lose weight. If you are short on funds to do any of this, do some drawing or painting, or anything you love. It will not only stop you from munching but by doing this, you will find that it’s enjoyable. You will want to keep up with your hobbies and at the same time, it will be motivating for you to lose the weight.

Another planet to look at is Jupiter when it comes to weight. Astrologers call Jupiter “the great benefic” as it can cause luck, expansion, and higher learning. And when it comes to weight loss, the expansive characteristic of Jupiter could be used the the wrong way. Unless you use Jupiter’s energies to gain more knowledge (but Jupiter has to be in a favorable aspect for that to happen AND you have to be mindful when it does). If Jupiter is forming a challenging aspect to another planet or to your Ascendant, you may be inclined to forgo your healthy lifestyle and start munching. That is something to be careful with. Another time to be careful is when Jupiter conjuncts your Ascendant which will happen every 12 years. It crossed over mine and as much as I was in the mindset to lose weight, I found it to be very challenging to not stick with my plan. Then again that happened over the holidays! A very nice aspect would be Jupiter trining or sextiling Saturn (doesn’t mater which one is transiting and natal). That causes realistic optimism. But that does not happen often, if it’s happening to you now, then seize it! You will find every positive reason to stick to your healthy lifestyle. However Jupiter trines can also cause laziness to planets like Venus or Mars (same with challenging aspects). In those cases depression won’t cause you to overeat (unless Saturn squares Jupiter.. and lucky me, I have that in my natal chart). But you could end up developing an “I can eat what I want because I deserve it and I don’t care” attitude.

If you use Saturn’s restrictive energies in a positive way (which is easy to do if the Saturn aspect is favorable), it will help you with your weight loss. But more importantly, if you use Jupiter’s energies to gain KNOWLEDGE and INFORMATION instead of WEIGHT, then you will be in great shape, in every way.

I also want to mention that if you have the Moon or Venus in certain signs, or an afflicted Neptune that can indicate food addiction. Food addiction signs are Cancer (emotion), Virgo (obsession), Taurus (physical pleasure) and Pisces (poor view on reality and deception). Possibly Scorpio as well as it tends to hold onto grudges and anger. But Scorpio also rules elimination, which could also be a good thing. Again it depends on the planets and aspects. Moon rules emotion and Venus rules beauty. Lucky me, I have the Moon in Taurus AND Venus in Virgo. The real culprit however for weight gain is Neptune! Even more so than Jupiter. Neptune is the dream planet. The planet that removes boundaries and reality. Neptune’s energies can sabotage your weight loss efforts. Negative Neptune aspects are responsible for self loathing and ideas about yourself that are untrue. If you look at food as a “reward”, blame Neptune for that! But on the flip side, Neptune also rules creativity and intuition. You can also use these energies to develop intuitive eating strategies and creative ways to work out if the old treadmill bores you to tears. Like I hate the treadmill. I honestly hate working out. BUT I LOVE to dance! Dancing DOES burn the calories too! I am lucky because I have Neptune trining my Mercury and Sun which gives me a creative side. I put it to good use!

To sum up, keep in mind that your Saturn and Jupiter transits have a huge impact on your weight loss goals. But before attempting to lose weight, look into yourself and find out exactly what has been holding you back and why you really want to lose weight. But just know this, you are worthy of it.. despite what Neptune may “say”.

Sleep Paralysis and Astrology

I will now talk about sleep paralysis and it’s relevance to astrology. Firstly I will explain what sleep paralysis is. Sleep paralysis is when someone is unable to move right after waking up, or sometimes even while falling asleep. And it can be an extremely frightening experience because during this time hallucinations happen. Normally our brains release a hormone which temporarily paralyzes our muscles while we are dreaming, so we don’t act out our dreams. And in most cases, while we approach the waking state, the hormone wears off and we wake up normally. However, occasionally we sometimes wake up during a REM (rapid eye moment) state before the hormone has worn off. And this is when we experience the paralysis. As I said before, we will hallucinate. Our sense of smell, hearing and sight is very strong and we can easily see, hear and smell things that are on the other side. Some people take advantage of sleep paralysis to astral project. However, many times we will have a frightening encounter with a negative entity. These entities appear to crush us by sitting or lying on us. I know this kind of thing whether the entity is in your head or really there is debatable but here is my belief about it.

When we are in a negative or stressed frame of mind, we will attract these kinds of dark energies. While we experience sleep paralysis we are stuck between our bodies and the lower astral realm. Troubled, confused or downright negative entities will be attracted to us and will take advantage. We are at a vulnerable state while experiencing sleep paralysis. This is why it is so important to think positive thoughts before going to sleep. And before going to sleep, whether you have a stressful day or not, always tell any entity to leave that is not welcomed around you or your loved ones. Envision yourself in a bright light. Keep a bowl of salt by your bed or even burn some sage and keep it by your bed. This will not stop sleep paralysis from happening, however you will not have an encounter with a dark entity.

Sleep paralysis can happen at anytime. However, there are specific times when the odds of it happening are higher while looking at it in an astrological sense. And there are a lot of components to examine in regards to sleep paralysis or possibly having a powerful dream.

Neptune would be the planet to look at when dealing with anything that is supernatural, spiritual, and hidden. Boundaries are released whenever Neptune is involved. Neptune separates boundaries from the material to the astral planes. Neptune also rules dreams. And Mercury deals with thought, communication and logic. This planet is also important when it comes to unusual sleep patterns because of how these dreams or experiences are interpreted. Saturn rules restrictions, limitations and fear. And when Saturn forms a negative aspect to a planet that would be relevant to this issue, this will create fear associated with it. Mars is also the planet that rules action and energy. Mars plays a role in this as well. Usually Mars would form a stressful aspect with a relevant planet in order to create an incident.

And in your natal chart you have 12 astrological houses. The 12th house which is the house that is naturally ruled by Pisces (which we all know is ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, but Neptune is the planet that has relevance to sleep paralysis or dreams) would also rule this kind of thing. The 12th house rules anything spiritually hidden and karmic. However even though the natural ruler of this house is Neptune, whatever sign happens to sit on our 12th house would have major significance. In for instance, if Libra sat on someone’s 12th house cusp, the ruler would be Venus of his/her 12th house. Even though Venus has no real significance to dreams (funny enough Neptune is considered to be the higher octave of Venus), in this person’s case it would be because of Libra ruling that house.

So if for instance, transiting Saturn creates a negative aspect to this person’s natal Venus, there is a high chance of sleep paralysis occurring. Either that or this individual would have a frightening dream.

Back in early 2008 I was not in a good state of mind. I was obviously attracting negative without realizing it. And on January 31st, 2008 I experienced a real frightening incident that involved the dark entity pushing me down during sleep paralysis. I still remember it as if it was yesterday. Sagittarius rules my 12th house, as well as it being my Ascendant. I also have Neptune in my 12th. So Jupiter would be ruling both my 12th and 1st house. Saturn at the time was squaring (an aspect that creates stress and friction) my natal Neptune. Transiting Mars was also opposing (an aspect that creates awareness which causes discomfort) my Ascendant in Sagittarius. Jupiter obviously was affected by this and so was my 12th house. Transiting Mercury also sextiled (an aspect which brings out opportunity) my natal Jupiter and Ascendant. Sextiles are usually believed to be positive and because of that, I remember the incident very well. And I did take advantage of the sextile. Because of that, I researched more on sleep paralysis. I discovered ways to get rid of the negative entities and it has worked! I have experienced sleep paralysis since but not the dark entity getting into the way.

Because of the transits, there is no way of preventing episodes like this. These transits could also induce dreams that would be interpreted as unpleasant as well. However, as far as the dark entity goes, there is control over that.

Autism and Astrology

Hello, I am Ms Mir, a certified astrologer and tend to once in a while talk about topics that we all deal with. Either on a day to day business or from time to take. I will talk about the significance it has in regards to astrology.

Today I am focusing on the planetary shifts and how it has affected autism, and the views of the general community in regards to autism. Again I will generally tell you what autism is. It’s a neurological condition which affects social and speech development. Autistic individuals also display a lot of repetitive and restricted behavior, along with high anxiety, obsessions and extreme interests. It can get into the way of how the individual learns as well. Autism is a spectrum disorder which can be ranged from extremely mild (where it is not overly noticeable to the general public and the individual can function independently) to severe (where the individual needs life long care). My son and I are both mildly under the spectrum. Those who are mildly affected or who have high functioning autism have average to above average intelligence. Many who have it severe (though not all) also have lower than average intelligence. Autism itself has nothing to do with intelligence.

Anyway I will get into an astrological analysis of autism in general. I strongly believe that the main planets that rule anything with to do with autism are Uranus, Saturn and Neptune (perhaps Mercury and Pluto on a lesser level). But the main planets that I would say rules autism (or neurodiversity) in general would be Uranus and Saturn. Uranus rules anything that has to do with uniqueness, innovation and unusual ways of thinking. I also want to point out that Uranus has no concern over emotion as it remains detached. Saturn’s role in it is due to the fact that it rules restrictions and limitations (way of thinking and doing), and Saturn is also a social planet.

The first real “boom” of autism happened in the early 1990’s where Uranus formed a conjunction to Neptune (from 1990 to 1994) in Capricorn (a sign ruled by Saturn). Neptune removed the boundaries of old ways of thinking and autism at that time was brought into a new light. Children born during this time carry that characteristic (smashing old beliefs and ways of thinking) with them as well, and this is when the explosion of “star children” occured. I believe that many children that have a similar, yet a different energetic quality were around since the 1940’s (when Neptune began to sextile to Pluto). These particular individuals are called Indigos. However children born in the early 90’s do happen to carry an even stronger, yet entirely different characteristic because of being born during the conjunction. Many of them are considered to have autism. However, Uranus and Saturn’s cycle has more of bearing on autism.

I’ll talk a little bit about the history of these cycles and the relation to autism. Saturn was in Aries and squared (an aspect between 2 planets which causes friction and stress) Uranus in Capricorn in 1910, when Swiss psychiatric Eugene Bleuler described autism while defining symptoms of schizophrenia. Of course back then it was all seen as negative. Those who had signs of autism back then were put into institutions.

Then in 1943, child psychologist Leo Kanner and in 1944 Viennese psychiatrist Hans Asperger acknowledged autism and studied it more. This was during the time that both Uranus and Saturn conjoined one another in Gemini, sign that rules communication and mental clarity. However, most of those who were diagnosed with autism were still thrown into institutions because doctors had no idea how to treat them (Dr. Temple Grandin born in 1947 was an exception as she is an autistic woman who specializes in animal science, and has been extremely influencial to the public). Autism was just studied more at the time.

Thoughts about autism by the general public were always negative. Especially back in the mid 60’s and 70’s when Uranus and Saturn opposed (confronted by one another which brings out awareness that can be uncomfortable) and also squared one another during other times through out those decades. The only thing that helped shift the way of thinking and allowed autism to be further acknowledged was when Neptune formed a conjunction to Uranus in 1990. Neptune rules enlightenment, removing boundaries and sympathy. In fact in 1990, Saturn was also in Capricorn and all 3 planets were in that sign. This was responsible to bring out some awareness about autism. And since then, schools started developing new ways of helping individuals that were diagnosed with autism. Systems like ABA therapy was starting to get some recognition and similar types of therapies were further developed. However, this was just the beginning and a lot of work in regards to autism needed to be done, and still does.

But going back a bit, I want to also point out that Uranus and Saturn conjoined one another in Sagittarius in the mid to late-80’s, and in that time it had and opposed Chiron, the wounded healer in Gemini. More and more children were born under the autism spectrum at this time. But it wasn’t until the 90’s that it was acknowledged at all in a positive way.

Now skipping ahead a bit, between 2002 and 2004 Uranus and Saturn trined one another (Saturn was in Gemini and Cancer, and Uranus was in Aquarius and then Pisces). A trine is an aspect between 2 planets which brings out a lot of peaceful and positive energies. This not only brought out more awareness about neurodiversity (autism as well as ADHD, and other neurological disorders), but many support communities for autism were created. These communities were created for parents of children with these neurological differences (especially autism) AND for individuals who have autism themselves. In fact at that time many adults who grew up not completely fitting in, and who had developmental issues as children started finding out that they were under the spectrum. They began to form support groups for one another and this marked the beginning of them trying to smash down the old stereotypes about autism that were created in the past.

However right now, Uranus is in Pisces (which alone creates new spiritual awareness and exposes all matters hidden) and Saturn is in Virgo (a time to become serious about caring for our physical well being), and is in opposition to one another. This is bringing out different challenges. There is plenty of awareness about autism thanks to Neptune conjoining Uranus in Capricorn back in the early 90’s. There are a few things being emphasized today and I believe it’s due to this aspect we are in now. Many adults who are under the autism spectrum are doing what they can to prove to the general community that autism is not what it was once believed to be. We are seeing plenty of examples of successful adults who are under the spectrum such as Dr. Temple Grandin, Stephen Spielberg, and Bill Gates being brought out more and more. We see this in newspaper headlines, in magazines, and all over the net. The reason for that is to provide hope for parents of children that are under the spectrum. Many parents still carry the old beliefs about autism. Ironically, even though I am under the spectrum so did I. They fear that their children will end up not being able to contribute to society in any way or form. And even though there are therapies out there to help these children reach their highest potential, many are inaccessible to families. Either they are too costly or scarce. However, the main mission here is to educate others about how there is a new light being shed on autism. And many adults under the spectrum are trying to smash down old stereotypes about autism and trying to bring out positive traits about it through education. But here is the challenge. Although these past movements have opened many minds up, there are still plenty of those who refuse to be educated and continue to believe the old stereotypes about autism. In fact many genetic specialists are trying to find out ways to eradicate autism completely right now. This causes much stress to those who are under the spectrum and to their advocates who are trying to educate the world about what autism really is. The majority of us know that plenty of autistic individuals have some unique gifts and high potential to make positive changes. But there are still plenty of others who refuse to see autism as being positive. The job is to keep pointing out the positive traits of autism and to work on finding ways to open up more closed minds. In fact all forms of neurological differences need to be accepted and to be seen in a positive light. This includes ADHD and schizophrenia for example. Plenty of people who have these conditions have some exceptional gifts. Instead of only focusing on the negative aspects of these differences, we need to focus on the positives and to find a way to convince the general community that these are not anything to be feared. And again, this is definitely a time to work on smashing down old beliefs and opening up closed minds.

My prediction is, there will always be challenges of some kind in regards to neurodiversity but some powerful stuff is going to be happening in a few years from now. And the one planet which can make a difference to the general public is Pluto. Despite Pluto’s demotion from a few years back, its power is not any weaker. Pluto still rules transformation. And in 2012 Uranus in Aries will be squaring Pluto in Capricorn which will be brutal. Perhaps a huge war could be in the works, and people in general will still be trying to stick to their old beliefs which alone will bring out more friction. But at the same time Saturn in Scorpio (the sign ruled by powerful Pluto and aggressive Mars) will be sextiling Pluto during the later part of the year and well into 2013. A sextile is an aspect between 2 planets which arises opportunity. This is when the Ascension is supposed to happen in 2012, the later part of the year anyway. Pluto squaring Uranus and Saturn sextiling Pluto is going to be powerful for everyone and I think this is the time that the general community will have no other choice but to open their eyes about neurodiversity, putting it lightly. They will initially refuse, but that will end up changing. I also notice that in November 2012 Saturn will be quincunxing Uranus, that in itself is going to compel people to make adjustments within themselves. In fact it could be a real turning point. This will cause them to adjust their way of thinking and believing what autism really is. One part of them will want to continue to believing the old stereotypes about autism. But there will be another part of them that will be open due to all of the education and awareness that has been created for the past 18 years. When planets are quincunxing one another, this means they cannot find a common ground between energies. This is what I see happening to the general public in November of 2012. One part of them will continue to hold onto the old beliefs and another part will be accepting what they have learned. Many individuals will be bouncing back and forth between the two views until early 2013. Eventually the old negative views of autism will be destroyed.

The next trine between Saturn and Uranus will happen between late 2015 to 2017. Saturn will be in Sagittarius then, which is an optimistic and open sign. With Uranus in Aries, it’s definitely a place for a brand new begining. I wonder how the general community will see neurodiversity then. After all of these major shifts in energy, it could be very positive.We have come far as far as educating the general public goes, but we still obviously have a long way to go in order to really make a difference.

Unfortunately I was born during a time when Saturn was squaring Uranus (in the 70’s negative images of autism were emphasized due to this). I grew up not fitting in and not even accepting myself and differences. I focused on what was wrong with me, not the gifts that I have. Even on a subconscious level I still do. But with all of the awareness that is going on now, I am overall seeing it differently. My son however was born during the time Saturn and Uranus trined one another, in water signs. He has a huge advantage of embracing his differences (and he is getting lots of therapy, something that was not around when I was growing up) instead of seeing them in a negative way. And I know children who are under the spectrum that were born during that time will make some huge positive changes in the future. I can’t wait to see what will happen the next time Saturn and Uranus trine one another.