In the sky around us, the planets of the solar system are ever circling the Sun.  As they do so, from time to time pairs of them enter into clear geometrical relationships.  This is the case presently with Saturn and Pluto. 

As many readers already know, Saturn is currently in Libra astrologically, and Pluto in Capricorn.  For readers who are aware of the many complexities of sky mapping, yes, there is a difference in the way astrology maps the heavens and the way astronomy does.  Furthermore, there is a difference between the ways that western and eastern astrologies measure the skies. 

Western astrology bases its measurements on the frame of reference created by the Solstices and Equinoxes. These are natural points in the year, the effects of which are obvious and cause the seasons on our planet.  This division of the sky puts Saturn currently in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn.

Astronomy and eastern or Hindu astrology use a different system.  These two discicplines measure on the basis of stars and star groupings, and they would position  these two planets in different portions of the sky circle.

However, no matter whether we look at it through western, eastern, or astronomical perspectives, the planets Saturn and Pluto are travelling in a 90 degree or square relationship with each other during the years 2009 and 2010.  This arrangement exerts a definite effect on human psychology and earthly affairs.

Here are the dates upon which the square between these planets is exact:

November 15, 2009
January 31, 2010
August 21, 2010

If you look back to the dates in this list which are now past history, you can see for yourself what kind of influences have arisen.  This astrological square between Saturn and Pluto is really quite strong, and so it is potent for weeks around the dates of exactitude.  Therefore, it should be considered that the following periods were or will be strongly under this arrangement:

November 2009  (the entire month)
mid January to mid February 2010
August and September 2010

These periods are strongly affected by conditions and situations in which it is necessary to bring matters to closure by facing difficult facts.  Strong personal self discipline is required for the wise navigation of issues arising during these periods.  It is likely necessary to let go of or part with people, items, or situations that are bringing more pain than benefit.

Further, the situation may relate to matters which have been established for a long time. For persons now over 50, that conditions which must be dealt with in 2009 - 2010 had their origin or inception in the early 1980s.  That's how  inclusive this influence is and shall be.  Patterns which began in the early 1980s must be seriously evaluated and if found lacking or weak in some way, dramatically  remedied.

For younger adults, the situations they are dealing with now were in some ways set up or begun by people and situations existing before they were born. These are cultural and societal trends which now must be closely evaluated.  Economic policies would fall in this category.

The archetype of Saturn symbolizes limits and boundaries.  The reason this is so arises from Saturn's position in the solar system.  It is the last or farthest planet out which is normally visible to unaided human vision. For millenia before the invention of the telescope, Saturn defined the outer limit or shell of our solar system. Today it still means that in terms of archetypal function. It shows us where the limit is.

Pluto, on the other hand, is way out there somewhere in space.  As an archetype, it deals with the matters and things which are invisible and mysterious, such as spirits, magic, paranormal functioning, and what lies beyond the grave.  It is a symbol connected with death and endings as part of the eternal life of nature and the spirit.  All things dissolve to become reborn.  It is so in nature and it is so in the human spirit.  Daily we go through this cycle as we sleep and arise to active life.  The ups and the downs are with us always.

Saturn and Pluto in interaction cause attention to be brought to serious issues, things that bear upon survival.  Together, they suggest that we should pare down on non-essentials so that we can see what really matters.  Clutter, whether it be in the house, in the mind, in the office, the car, or social relationships, clutter now works against us, being out of step with Saturn and Pluto. Saturn deals with setting limits and with saying when enough is enough.  Under the Saturn-Pluto square of 2009-2010, that's exactly what we humans must learn to do.  Otherwise, we will be caught in stuck conditions and held back.  Now is the time to separate the trash from the truly useful, and to let go of what no longer is  required for survival.

Traveling light often makes the journey more pleasant and manageable.