21st November 2001. Turin, Italy

Dear Friends,

Obviously, it could be said that the events of the 11th September 2001 - and the subsequent events can be read on an exoteric, or outer level, as well as an esoteric, inner level. Seeing that the global media, has great powers of control, (or so it seems on the surface level) over the consciousness of the masses, it would be more prudent to concentrate on the esoteric aspects, which as you know, is an area that is of somewhat great concern to me and my work. Or shall I say, our work, for those who share similar interests - are part and parcel of this email Network. Having made these statements, I have no intention of elaborating. For the time being, that is. For we have time, as this particular process, of great difficulties and shifting realities, from an astrological perspective, will continue through to June 2002. Which brings me to the next point. I can only speak from the experiences and studies of my life's duration - not for anyone else. But I think there are many of us in some agreement, based on the emperical evidence at hand, that Astrology is a very ancient Science. In fact, and this fact will be unpalable to some - Astrology represents the most ancient of World Religions, that has survived for at least 7,000 years in one form or another, and manifested in a wide variety of cultural garbs - African, Aboriginal, Aztec, Inca, Maya, Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Chinese, Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Islamic, Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and so forth, to mention a few examples. I would use the term that C.C. Zain uses, calling Astrology, The Religion of the Stars.

In fact, looking at the extraordinary spectrum of cultures and civilizations that Astrology has made an appearance - one must come to the conclusion, based on the overwhelming evidence at our disposal, that the system is archetypal. And I use this word not only circumscribed by the Jungian applications, but would give it a more metaphysical tinge. And so - if we turn to the most fertile and chaotic emanations of this archetype - as it manifests in the collective consciousness of the Internet - we will see that extensive comment has been made on the events since September - in general, but more in particular to the purposes of this discussion - the SATURN - PLUTO OPPOSITION. As far back as Saturday, August 18, 2001 - we read:

It follows on from last week's Saturn-Pluto opposition, which will never be very far away all through the autumn, winter and spring of next year. These are changing times,powerful times, be prepared for anything.
Pluto has a habit of unearthing unpalatable truths and bringing them out into the open.

I would like to focus our collective wisdom on creating a vision for the best that could come out of this opposition between the two most challenging planets in the Solar system. There is no avoiding that it's going to be a bumpy ride, but what is the most constructive thing we can do with these forces?

Another writer has:

Pluto Saturn Opposition

August sees the first Pluto Saturn opposition, the second being in November and the third in May 2002. This is a much more unforgiving energy that Jupiter Pluto. Where Jupiter Pluto gives a promise of resources discovered and depths plumbed for riches and resources, Saturn Pluto demands that we be called to account and stand up and be counted. What was initiated under Jupiter Pluto will be examined and accounted for under Saturn Pluto. This is no time for smoke and mirrors, over optimistic advertising will come undone, the truth will out and the consequences of our actions must be faced.

The start of this cycle was 1982 - when the last Saturn Pluto conjunction took place. What ever was started in that time period can be expected to flower over the next few years.

There are many difficult energies in focus this year and it should not be forgotten that Sagittarius is also to do with foreigners. It would not be surprising if nationalism and problems with refugees were highlighted.

And elsewhere:

Pluto Saturn Opposition

Anytime we see Saturn and Pluto contacting each other, we see the destruction of old fears and the birth of new possibilities.

As we enter this new century with its global structures rather than its national structures, 2001 is having a planetary configuration, which symbolizes this transition. It is the opposition (180 degree distances) between the planet Saturn (structures and business) and Pluto (the planet of death, transformation, and rebirth). This cycle occurs approximately every 35 years.

Anytime we see Saturn and Pluto contacting each other, we see the destruction of old fears and the birth of new possibilities. Transforming fears is the result of the birth of new forms of Consciousness. Those who are ready for change usually experience a high level of re-birth, but those who refuse to see other ways of conducting business, of looking or opening up to alternate view points, or hold on too tightly to rigid belief systems, suffer tremendously. Banks and currency values recede as they prepare for global transition of value.

The exact date for this configuration is August 5, 2001, but we feel it throughout the year. Around May 6, we have Jupiter, the planet of insight and possibility, also opposing Pluto, promising some sort of positive return if we can just get with the program and clean house and let go of what we don't need anymore. In other words, recycle the parts of you that you have outgrown and release them to others to help them facilitate their transformation. The opportunity for release occurs first. The August date, where Saturn is opposing Pluto, is when, if you are unwilling to let go, things let go for you, because Saturn is always the planet of Karma. Its basic theme is what goes around comes around. That can work either way.

Major lifestyle changes are promised for all of us in 2001. Pluto rules the wealthy, the banks, investors. These cycles suggest the passing on of great wealth, both financial and spiritual, from one generation to another. Pluto was the Lord of the Underworld, the Lord of Shadows, and was the god who owned the gold.

2001 is the year of the Snake. Pluto rules snakes, the symbol of wisdom. We have an opportunity to transform. On the cover illustration, you can see the constellation of Ophiuchus, the Snake Bearer, who represents healing through wisdom. We gain Snake wisdom two ways-by either becoming conscious, or, the hard way through the snake's bite, whose venom floods us because we refuse to pay attention. Your choice. Choosing Consciousness is always the better choice, though not easy. Not choosing it keeps you in a self-imposed Hell whose doors never open and where no one finds you. Blessings to you all in making the right choices for you and the generations to come.

http://pages.about.com/myriammaytorena/astrology/id16.html

Now I am certain that you will never forgive me for the above quotations without crediting the authors. But you can receive all the material, and much more, and do your own search - and find the quotes above by typing: SATURN PLUTO OPPOSITION into www.google.com

And All Shall be Revealed to you, and more...

The recent Aug/Sep issue of The Mountain Astrologer (#98 Aug/Sept 2001) includes a wonderful article by Robert Hand, "A Crisis of Power: Saturn and Pluto Face Off", that discusses this Pluto-Saturn Opposition. You can read it at: http://astrodatabank.com/NM/www.mountainastrologer.com/planettracks/hand/hand.html

You can ever, if you so care to do so - study the astrological chart of Osama bin Laden at: http://astrodatabank.com/NM/binLadenOsama.htm

This is enough for a Starter - as I am still brewing over the more esoteric applications and interpretations, which are based on the Hermetic Tarot applications... which will be forthcoming in the ripenesss of time.

Yours in Peace

Samten de Wet
email: [email protected]
Strada S. Margherita 158
10131 Torino
Italy