The Science of Cycles

The meaning, purpose and timing of cycles is a central feature of Astrology. In fact, the study of cycles is at the heart of the science of cycles. Here is a basic explanation. Aside from the daily rotational cycle of the Earth on its own axis, the more common type of cycle is that of two celestial bodies sharing the same degree of longitude, from Earth’s (our) perspective. The Sun and Moon is the most common and the waxing and waning process is archetypal. In other words, any two ‘planets’ constituting a cycle can be said to undergo a waxing and a waning cycle or process. Also, like the 8 phases of the Moon, a cycle can be divided into 8 major phases (360 degrees = a circle or cycle and divided by 8 = 8 - 45 degree segments.) The major aspects include the ‘Conjunction’ (New Moon), ‘Square’ (Half Moon waxing and waning) and the ‘Opposition’ (Full Moon). Astrologers observe and measure the ‘effects’ especially when any two planets share an angle of 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 degrees. The entire process shows a cross between the geometry of cycles (circle divided by 8) and a kind of cosmic chemistry – the various effects of any two celestial bodies.

The inner and outer effects of a cycle are measurable, but prediction must include a complex overlapping of cycles both small and large.  In a Natal Chart, the effect is psychological and eventful and manifests in our character as well as in our daily life and contributes to larger themes regarding the ‘whole chart picture’. Otherwise, these aspects are measured in terms of unfolding trends which also manifest as outer synchronistic events. Conjunctions (New Moon) may well reveal effects yet they are best understood as seed events where the fuller measure of the effect remains hidden, initially. The more noticeable outer effects occur at the 45, 90, 135 and 180 degree points with the 90 and 180 being the strongest.

For example, Jupiter and Uranus were famously conjunct at 0 Aries on June 8 2010 (famous because 0 Aries is the point symbolic of the 'rising' of Sun and it is also the beginning point of the circle of the Zodiac Mandala) This represented a powerful seed that will generally usher in a revolutionary and innovative push forward with strong implications around environmental factors. The biggest and more noticeable effects of this seed will be revealed in about 3, 6 and 9 years when Jupiter and Uranus form square and opposition aspects.

Currently, on July 26 at 10:05 am PDT, Saturn (tradition/status quo) will form an Opposition aspect with Uranus (revolution/innovation). The initial conjunction occurred on February 13 1988. See chart. So, to more fully understand the culmination or Opposition Aspect of this initial conjunction, Astrologers can and and do look back to the conjunction or seed event. The same can be said of any two planets. The next time Saturn conjuncts Uranus it will be June 2032!

The major other major conjunctions that encompass entire eras are as follows: 

Neptune conjunct Pluto, which occurred in the 1800's - an approximate 500 year cycle and look at the changes since then!

Uranus conjunct  Pluto which occurred in 1965 saw the hippie generation beginning to peak and look how that generation has influenced the world.

Neptune Conjunct Uranus, which occurred in 1993, the year the World Wide Web became public domain.

Saturn conjunct Pluto, which occurred in 1982 - the year HIV became a common theme and issue the world over and remains so to this day. The last or waning Square Aspect between these two will take place in August 2010...

Saturn conjunct Neptune in 1989 and this sowed the final seeds for the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. (Saturn = structure and tradition and Neptune = dissolution.)

How the general patterns effect any given ‘person’ (individual, town, city, state or province, country, corporation…) in the eyes of the law varies depending on the base chart determined by the moment of ‘first breath’ literally, as with an individual person or, in the case of a country, city, institution or company… by way of a ‘signature’ event. Knowing the date, time and place of the first breath or signature brings authority to that moment in time and a Natal or 'Birth' Chart can be made. The Astrology of nations, cities, companies and institutions... in called "Mundane Astrology" and the Astrology of individuals is generally called Natal Astrology. There are other branches yet like medical Astrology - altogether a truly complex and sophisticated science.