The need for stability versus the yearning to break new ground -- this universal dynamic can be characterized by the facing off of Saturn and Uranus. Over the course of the next couple of years, these two planets will be making a succession of 180-degree angles to each other. From our perspective on Earth, they will be at exactly opposite ends of the sky.

However, you don't need to understand astronomy to feel this opposition's impact on your life. This aspect will correspond with significant changes throughout the world -- especially in the realms of technology and politics -- but it may also have personal significance for you.

Saturn is the planet of restriction, responsibility, maturity and wisdom. It is a planet of tests and obstacles, placing limitations on our lives so that we can focus our efforts to overcome feelings of inadequacy. Uranus is the planet of revolution, rebellion, surprises and sudden changes. This planet's impetus is to shake up rigid structures, to innovate and forge an independent identity.

As you can see, the meanings of these planets cannot be more far apart. Sometimes they work well together (as when brilliant Uranian ideas are made manifest by Saturn) and sometimes not (as when Uranus shatters the structures built by Saturn). The opposition is particularly stressful, as these planets are coming at each other head on. It is a culmination point, when energy builds up to a moment of release. The 180-degree angle is akin to the Full Moon, and we all know how crazy-making that can be! In addition, the opposition is a relationship aspect: opposition implies something directly across from you, and corresponds with the axis of the First and Seventh Houses (of Self and Partnership, respectively). The question invoked during this aspect is, "How can we balance these opposing principles? How can we find a middle ground?"

How will Saturn-Uranus affect me?

Elsewhere on this blog, I've discussed the respective influences of Saturn and Uranus on Venus. Both Venus-Saturn and Venus-Uranus aspects can correspond with problematic love lives, as either there's not enough affection or one doesn't want to stick around for the same 'ole thing. Well, imagine have both at the same time!

• Part of you craves stability while the other needs to shake things up.
• Whatever feeling of security you've built is threatened by a contradictory desire to throw out the rule book.
• Your pursuit of exciting sexual encounters seems thwarted at every turn.
• Unconventional expressions of sexuality are met with stern reprimands or even punishment.
• Another person can "take on" one of these archetypes, either repressing (Saturn) you or disrupting (Uranus) your life. In other words, you could embody Uranus while a parnter goes all Saturn on your ass, or vice versa.

This opposition won't affect everybody's love lives: these planets will need to make an angular relationship to an important planet in your natal chart. Currently, Saturn is in Virgo and Uranus is in Pisces (both mutable signs), and soon they will ingress (move) into cardinal signs Libra and Aries. Their contacts are as follows:

• November 4, 2008 - 18 degrees mutable (Saturn direct, Uranus retrograde)
• February 5, 2009 - 20 degrees mutable (both planets direct)
• September 15, 2009 - 24 degrees mutable (Saturn direct, Uranus retrograde)
• April 27, 2010 - 28 degrees mutable (Saturn retrograde, Uranus direct)
• July 26, 2010 - 0 degrees cardinal (both planets direct)

How to tell if these aspects will personally affect you

If you have key planets in late mutable signs or early cardinal signs, then your love life will not be the same once this aspect has had its way with you. The mutable signs are Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, and the key degree areas are pretty much the last fifteen degrees of these signs. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, and the key degree areas are the first five degrees of these signs. (I am highlighting the conjunction, square and opposition aspects to your natal planets. The Saturn-Uranus opposition may also make "soft" aspects -- the sextile and trine -- to one of your natal planets. Also, Saturn or Uranus may fall in one of your sex/relationship houses, or make an angle to your Ascendant.)

First look at Venus, as she traditionally governs love and relationships. Mars relates to sexual desire. And the Sun and Moon can symbolize key people in our lives. For example, the Sun may represent a woman's husband; the Moon, a man's wife. (Or a very important person -- you don't have to be married to them!)

Also, look at the planet ruling your Seventh House of Partnership. If you don't know it, first look up your Rising Sign and then read How to determine the planetary ruler of your Seventh House. Personally, I use the traditional rulers, so Saturn would rule an Aquarius Descendant, Jupiter would rule a Pisces Descendant, and Mars would rule a Scorpio Descendant. But feel free to use the modern rulers and observe if they work for you.

Me: A Case Study

My natal Venus is at 24 Pisces in my Seventh House, opposite Pluto at 26 Virgo. Relationship themes will likely be affected by this transit, as my planet of love is in my house of partnership. The first two oppositions will stimulate my Venus, but I expect the third (September 2009 at 24 Virgo-Pisces) to be the strongest, as it will be falling exactly on this planet. Uranus will be on my Venus while Saturn will be on my Pluto. I expect my Venus to feel "unified" with the archetype of innovation, rebellion and change (Uranus), while Saturn's conjunction with Pluto will evoke a feeling of tremendous pressure and the potential for upheaval and destruction of my identity (First House). The two heaviest, darkest planets versus an electric, unpredictable sensuality and artistic drive.

Stay tuned, and in a few years I might tell you how it all turned out.

Comment below: Will the Saturn-Uranus opposition hit any of your key planets?

Labels: saturn, uranus

The following guest post is by Laura F. Walton of Astro What?

Leather and lace, fringe and fetish.... In this series, we'll take a peek at the kinkier side of the zodiac. Each sign has its own distinct sexual flavor; by combining the various tastes you find in the natal chart, each person's unique sexual recipe begins to emerge. Let's take it from the top with Aries, who is anything but vanilla.

In some ways, this cardinal fire sign is straightforward. Headstrong and willful, direct and impatient, Rams charge through their sex lives without so many of the exotic twists that slow down some other signs. Aries isn't interested in needless variation; as far as sex is concerned, they want it vigorous, and they want it now. They rarely offer anything less than straight-up, full-tilt lust.

As direct as it is, though, even Aries has its kinks. Spontaneous sex in unplanned places is often a turn-on. Aries is not necessarily an exhibitionist, but there's something delicious about wanting each other so badly that you're willing to risk a charge of indecent exposure. The hallway at home will do -- or the garage, or the hood of the car -- anywhere, really, so long as it involves the prospect of wild, do-it-right-here-and-now action.

Aries also likes angry sex. The Aries libido runs parallel to the Aries will; switching an angry Ram into a horny one is an incredibly easy trick. Just let them know you're turned on, and they'll instantly forget an argument, at least for as long as it takes to work out your frustrations right there on the dining room floor.

It's not uncommon for this sign to get off on causing pain. The Arian Mars, especially in combination with a power-sensitive sign such as Capricorn or Scorpio, can indicate a taste for full-fledged sadism. Most are content with the whimpers they get from minor discourtesies (such as penetrating a little too abruptly, or biting a little too hard) but many also enjoy the outright screams of pleasure mixed with pain. If you're into a bit of pain as an erotic experience, Aries is often willing to accommodate; just make sure to set firm boundaries, and insist that your Aries respects them. They can be headstrong at times.

In situations that call for a clear distinction between assertive and receptive roles (such as BDSM, mentor/protege relationships, gender play, rape fantasies, etc.) many will top with great enthusiasm, though they sometimes lack self-control and subtlety. Aries is not really into the mental aspect of sexual fantasy; this sign responds more to physical than to psychological stimulation.

Arians will also bottom, but are only satisfied with a top who matches their lusty physical drives. Don't try to top a strong Arian unless you have the Mars to see it through! They don't like teasing, and are rarely into delayed gratification games or elaborate scenarios. Even in the most standard of sexual setups, Aries wants action, not words.

Aries is the hunter/warrior of the zodiac, and has the sex drive to match. If wild, uncomplicated, aggressive sex sounds like your idea of heaven, find a partner with strong Aries placements. Then get ready for the ride of your life -- there's nothing iffy about a naked Aries!

About the Author
Laura F. Walton is a writer, artist, and arts instructor based in Texas. She has been a practicing astrologer for nearly ten years; she specializes in areas of sexuality, individuality, and creative self-discovery. She has contributed forecasts for print media, and currently provides monthlies on her blog Astro What?

Labels: aries

• Is TMZ.com your default home page?
• Are you interested in both planets and stars (and I don't mean the fixed kind)?
• Do you lose sleep because Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel broke up, and you want to know why?

Or do you just not give a flying fig newton?

Please let me know in the poll below. If there is sufficient interest, I might feature weekly astro-gossip.

Because I haven't completely sold out yet.

Labels: poll

by Michelle Piller

This week, power struggles with our mates are in the air, partly because we're at odds with our inner powermonger. Nobody wants to be the bad guy, so we do backflips trying to take care of our partners - completely forgetting to nurture ourselves. Tuning into your intuition helps maintain a healthy balance of give and take. The good news is there's oodles of cosmic energy to spice up our love lives. If you're searching for a mate, your homework this week is simply to put your imagination to work. What you dare imagine will eventually show up. So first, dream....

Click below for your Sun sign horoscope. For additional accuracy, read the horoscope for your Rising Sign. (How do I find out my Rising Sign?)

Aries	Taurus	Gemini
Cancer	Leo	Virgo
Libra	Scorpio	Sagittarius
Capricorn	Aquarius	Pisces

Labels: horoscope