Evolutionary Astrology,
Part II: The Trans-Saturnian Planets
Connie S. Mizrachi
The farther away a planet is, the less we are able to understand it with our conscious mind. Once we go beyond the boundary of Saturn's practicality, realism and structured forms, we encounter the transcendental energies of Uranus (), Neptune () and Pluto ().
Since the energies of these planets are unfamiliar and powerful, any transit, whether soft or hard, can put a strain on the physical body. During their transits it is best to maintain a healthy diet, take vitamins, get extra rest and do some type of meditation in order to stay grounded.
We do not control the influences of the outer planets—we work with them. While a hard transit of Uranus, Neptune or Pluto may bewilder or even devastate the average person; one involved in a spiritual practice can more easily sense and work with these energies.
Our awareness of these transits can manifest as a feeling within that `something' is different or a little off. Be willing to listen to your inner voice in meditation and pay attention to your sensations, thoughts and dreams. That way you are better able to tune in on the activities of these planetary transits and to align yourself with their purpose.
Uranus
In the birth chart, Uranus influences the house it is in, planets and angles of the chart that it contacts and any house or houses with an Aquarius cusp.
In our solar system, Uranus is beyond Saturn. It represents breaking through limitation. Its influence allows us to detach from our self-imposed boundaries in order to see and experience the unfamiliar. When this planet transits your chart and contacts other planets, we are likely to have unusual experiences relating to those planets and their houses.
Uranus is often called "The Awakener." This awakening can be an `Aha!' experience through which we receive new information, or it can be a jolt of sudden change. The unpredictability of Uranus can be upsetting or refreshing, depending upon how open we are to new experiences and change. The more rigid our outlook, the less able we are to `expect the unexpected.' We should appreciate this knack for pulling us out of a rut. Through Uranus we learn that there is more to life than our narrow view permits us to see.
Neptune
In the natal chart, Neptune influences the house it is placed in, planets and angles it contacts and any house or houses with a Pisces cusp.
Neptune acts to inspire and stimulate spiritual growth. It is not a `reality' planet like Saturn. In fact, Neptune strengthens our faith by testing our reality. Neptune's influence washes away that which we think is set in concrete.
This is the planet that dissolves what we need to be rid of. The area of life and the type of energy (house and planet) it affects is surrounded in a fog so that our attention does not fix on that area. While our conscious attention is elsewhere (the `spacing-out' that often occurs during a Neptune transit), the subconscious receives new information concerning the area surrounded by the neptunian fog. Gradually, the gifts of the transit become conscious and we become aware of the subtle changes Neptune has inspired.
Transits of Neptune have a positive and negative side. On the positive side, Neptune opens our hearts and heightens our awareness of ourselves as spiritual beings and gives us compassion for others. Neptune enhances our receptivity to the psychic atmosphere around us and brings out our loving and creative side. It enriches our lives with imagination and ideals to work toward.
A negative experience of a Neptune transit could be a desire to remain in a womb-like state of dependency on drugs, alcohol or other people. Some might also have a problem discriminating between who they can and cannot help, thus draining their energy. Neptune's influences can sometimes make us feel fatigued and overwhelmed.
The energies of Neptune can tax your physical body, so it is always necessary to watch your health. Rather than giving in to Neptune's urge toward substance abuse, a more positive way to experience its blissful state is through music. Poetry and art are also things of beauty which Neptune inspires. Also, meditation can help center us and allow that planet's energy to uplift us. One of my own favorite neptunian activities is a warm bath by candlelight with incense and soft music. Another thing that helps to restore physical energy is by being in sunlight near water.
As Tracy Marks said in her book, The Astrology of Self-Discovery,
"Under the influence of a Neptune transit, we may allow ourselves to daydream each day, rather than struggle always to maintain consciousness. By observing our daydreams, we can discover what is missing in our lives or what our next direction might be, since our daydreaming tends to compensate for what is lacking in our reality." Pluto
In a birth chart, Pluto influences the house it is in, planets and angles it contacts in the chart and any house or houses with a Scorpio cusp.
Pluto destroys in order to rebuild. What is outmoded and in a state of decay must die and be reborn in a new form. When we try to hang on, we have problems with Pluto's transits. If we use its power to control others, we can only bring negative results. By using the deep penetrating energy of Pluto for self-control and personal transformation, the results are thorough, positive and lasting. The power of this planet works with single-minded intensity, demanding wisdom and unselfish motives.
During a transit of Pluto, its energy often requires a physical release. Some form of exercise works well. Yoga is an excellent outlet because it involves both the spiritual and the physical and serves to balance these energies.
The symbols for Scorpio, the sign under Pluto's rulership, show the range of Pluto's possibilities—the heights and the depths. The earthbound scorpion stings and poisons while the phoenix rises from its ashes and ascends toward the heavens.
Pluto can show us our dark side. It shows us raw power, a burning desire for control and the lowest depths to which Man can fall through abuse of power and control. This planet can also regenerate our entire being. When we learn to assert our Will properly and to share power, we will experience this transformation.
The trans-Saturnian planets are powerful. Each in its own way is a wonderful mystery. They need not inspire fear and dread as they approach different parts of our charts. Each has a gift for us. Sometimes we must suffer the pain of letting go of old ways of being in order to receive these gifts.
The art and practice of astrology is one of spiritual growth and self-knowledge. Dion Fortune said it well in her book, Sane Occultism: the astrologer must reveal to the client, " . . . the spiritual and karmic signification of his chart and show him the methods and meditations that counterbalance adverse planetary influences and the disciplines which shall enable him to turn his fate into his initiation." The effects of the trans-saturnian planets show this most dramatically. Though they may seem to carry the gravest threats, they also offer the greatest opportunities for self-transformation. | 
