The Blast astrology conference in Sedona, AZ was between 3/29--4/2. During this time, Uranus formed an exact conjunction with the North Node in Pisces. Robert Blaschke spoke of the significance of this event: A new astrological chapter of 15.5 years is beginning. This monthly feature will focus on the meaning of this landmark event and review the last few conjunctions between Uranus and the North Node for historical perspective.

More than any other planet, Uranus correlates to astrology. The North Node is a statement of what, collectively, we are working on and moving towards. Every 15.5 years when Uranus conjuncts the North Node, a new astrological chapter is entered. As this conjunction takes place in Pisces, astrology is moving in the transpersonal direction and the boundaries among the various forms of astrology are dissolving. Furthermore, Mercury is closely conjunct Uranus, so new spiritual ideas are a large part of this. Also, Jupiter in Sagittarius squares the Nodes, so using astrology to understand the universe in a meaningful way will be further explored.

The previous conjunction of Uranus with the North Node occurred in 1991 in Capricorn. At this time, interest in traditional, medieval and hellenistic systems was taking hold. Project Hindsight and ARAHAT were founded to rediscover ancient texts and bring this wisdom to the field. Also, astrology made inroads with accredidation and inclusion in educational institutions. Kepler College began to graduate students with advanced degrees in astrology. Serious (Capricorn) astrology based on methodology and tradition was in vogue.

In 1976 Uranus was conjunct the North Node in Scorpio. Psychological or depth astrology was flourishing. Liz Greene, Stephen Arroyo, Donna Cunningham and many others helped make astrology a powerful tool for understanding the unconscious. Jeffrey Wolf Green and Steven Forrest dubbed themselves the "Pluto Brothers" -- indeed, there was a profound emphasis on the tiny (dwarf!) planet. Far from being just entertainment, astrology was explored for its powerful potentials.

In contrast, in 1961 the Uranus-North Node conjunction was in Leo. Sun sign astrology was in its heyday, astrology was seen as entertainment and for understanding the personality rather than deeper soul processes. "What's your sign?" became a popular pick-up line, simplified "pop" astrology filled the newspapers and the field was not taken seriously by most. The Leo, Scorpio and Capricorn chapters have cemented into the collective consciousness. Now we have entered a new phase, one that promises greater spiritual uplift, a plethora of new ideas and revitalized spiritual direction.