A higher reality

PLUTO, god of the underworld, is a key player in the cosmic drama this month. A rare opposition between Pluto and Saturn occurs today, August 5, at 17:04 GMT. The two powerful celestial forces will prompt you to confront - or be confronted by - people and situations where the shadow has been ignored. Pluto tells you to look under your bed for ghosts and check in your closet for skeletons. Saturn tells you to get real about whatever you find. Pluto and Saturn will oppose each other on November 2, 2001, and again on May 26, 2002, to give you a chance to complete any issues that you will not be able to resolve this month. Saturn is in Gemini and Pluto is in Sagittarius at the time of the opposition. Gemini carries the energy of the trickster and Sagittarius is the seeker of truth. The opposition between the two planets brings about a confrontation between deception and truth.

When Pluto is active in the skies, hidden issues rise to the surface. This could include the exposure of information, feelings, physical objects and secrets of all kinds. Previously hidden knowledge about yourself and others is probably already coming your way. The process of integrating the information unearthed by Pluto is worth studying as a survival tool for the coming weeks.

You will have the opportunity to give up something that you previously thought valuable. If you do this, you will earn the right to engage in an alchemical process that will transform a deficit in your life into an asset. You will see a weak area become strong. Through the process of giving something up, you will discover riches and strengths within yourself that are far more valuable than the ones you gave up.

Let's analyse how Pluto's energy will be functioning during the upcoming weeks. First, Pluto will oppose Saturn. Saturn is the planet of karma and organisation. This rare opposition has a way of crystallising problems that previously have been swept under the rug. Now, this may initially sound like a difficult phenomenon. But as the planet of karma, Saturn is inevitably fair and ultimately brings about a higher form of justice. This planetary opposition may bring you a confrontation with another person in which you either expose or hide an unknown truth. This process could create tension. But it also will create a higher form of reality that will encompass greater authenticity.

With Saturn in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius, the best tool you have is truth - and communication of the truth - no matter what the cost. The rewards for bravely facing whatever the truth is within yourself, in your life circumstances, or in your relationships, will be more highly evolved ways of living. Trust the process that is inevitably unfolding in your life. You probably are facing some troubling realities that you never expected. You may be tempted to run away. But a confrontation with Pluto in Sagittarius, representative of a deeper level of truth, is now unavoidable. The presence of Saturn in Gemini, with its exactingly fair karmic nature, in this planetary picture means that the outcome of those issues you confront will be equitable as long as you put in the effort to be as authentic as possible. Please also note that internal tension may be heightened on the following dates:

Monday, August 6 - Pluto in Sagittarius and the Moon in Pisces form a potent square angle, causing a contest between deep feelings and a desire to avoid confrontation.

Tuesday, August 14 - Pluto in Sagittarius opposes the Moon in Gemini, causing a contest between truth and deception.

Sunday, August 19 - The New Moon in Leo triggers sudden changes of heart and dramatic emotional reactions.

Monday, August 20 - Pluto in Sagittarius forms another potent square to the Moon in Virgo, causing you to discover forgotten details.

Tuesday, August 21 - Pluto in Sagittarius squares Mercury in Virgo, causing you to formalise written or verbal communication to resolve an outstanding business matter.

Thursday, August 23 - Pluto in Sagittarius returns to direct motion after being in retrograde motion since March 17, 2001, bringing further hidden issues to the surface.

Sunday, August 26 - Pluto in Sagittarius conjoins the Moon in Sagittarius, making you feel as if you need more time alone to sort out long-standing emotional issues.

Also, the Sun enters Virgo, the sign of the wheat-planting Virgin, on Thursday, August 23 at 01:28 GMT. Venus enters Leo on Monday, August 27 at 04:13 GMT. Mercury enters Libra on September 1 at 00:38 GMT.

Website: www.lauriebaum.com

The author undertakes astrological consultations for a fee.

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