Pluto, Uranus, Neptune: Belonging to the Collective
Updated: Mar 17, 2021
Uranus, Pluto and Neptune are referred to as generational planets. They move slowly as compared to other planets and influence generations, particularly when they change signs.
In everyday experience, conflict or disagreement between different age groups is seen as a result of generation gap. The generation gap reflects in the daily interactions and in the different perceptions people have on social, political, moral and personal matters. Fashion, music, ideologies etc. can also be seen as unique to each generation.
In astrology, one can locate the source of such uniformities or common experiences of a generation type. Also the source of the feeling of belonging to a larger group or collective. The generational planets play a significant role in defining trends, aspirations and struggles of generations. As example, people born in the 1990's will be perceive life differently from those born in the 1970's. People belonging to one generation type are most likely to find generational planets similarly placed in terms of zodiac sign. Leaders, activists and role models which exert influence on generations through philosophical ideas and political ideologies would have noticeable influence of the generational planets in their individual charts. Generational planets can make both futurists and traditionalists.
While generations can make a curious case for study, at the individual level, birth charts can shed light on the extent to which an individual navigates the experiences of belonging to a generation type.
ABOUT GENERATIONAL PLANETS
Each generational planet has a unique influence on individual and collective human behavior.
Uranus for instance is commonly referred to as the rebel, eccentric and electric one. This description is also drawn from the way Uranus moves in the sky. According to NASA, Uranus is known as the "sideways planet" because it rotates on its side. (See NASA Science: Solar Space Exploration).
Influence of Uranus on the native can be intense. According to Charles and Suzi Harvey, the meaning of Uranus is the energy within the human psyche which rejects the limits of the status quo in the service of individuality and independence, and it sees these as inalienable rights of every individual.
Barbara Chow in her book Astrology and the Rising of Kundalini discusses the influence of Uranus at certain intervals of life, leading to breakthroughs and unpredictable behavioral patterns.
Currently Uranus is transiting the sign of Aries. The placement can show dawn of the age of individual leadership, new projects and breakthroughs in medicine and treatment, new war methods, strategies and millitary technology.
Pluto on the other hand is referred to as the primordial destructive force of nature. It involves the hidden or what can termed as underground energy which churns and causes breakdowns, destruction and regeneration. When Pluto influences a person at a specific time or is strong in the chart, the person experiences upheavals and often builds from the ruins of the past.
Pluto co-rules the zodiac sign of Scorpio associated with mystery, death and secrecy.
Neptune is referred to as the dreamer.
Neptune as the illusionist can create a world of abstraction while leaving the person navigating between dream states and reality. The impact of Neptune can be most elusive and difficult to sense materially. Quoting Brittanica, because of its great distance from Earth, it (Neptune) cannot be seen with the unaided eye. (Interesting fact; its discovery in 1846 was a remarkable combination of the application of solid Newtonian physics and a belief in a numerological scheme that later proved to be scientifically unfounded)
Neptune is associated with other worldly experiences. It is the co-ruler of the zodiac sign of Pisces. MC Jain in his book Karmic Control Planets in context of few birth charts characterizes Neptune as a malefic, owing to its association with the unconscious realms of the human psyche. (Manik Chand Jain, Karmic Control Planets, 2001).
Neptune is currently in Aquarius. The placement is likely to create selfless leaders in different fields. People will associate themselves with funding activities, organizations and ideas aiming for a better future for all populations. (look up world stories on street mobilization and assembly).
BIRTH CHART ANALYSIS
Here are a few ways to look at the influence of the generational planets in the chart.
If either of the generational planets is placed at sensitive points in the chart, the person will encounter certain areas and matters in a somewhat extreme way .Sensitive points can be ascendant degree, close conjunctions with personal planets. Even during transits, planets can be triggered by the transiting generational planet. Each of the three generational planets will bring the experiences unique to their nature.
Persons influenced by Uranus (birth chart or by transit) often find themselves living the life of the collective. They see their personal existence as inseparable from the social or collective existence and vice versa. People advocating for cosmopolitan values, radical change, progressive ideologies can be studied under this category.
Persons influenced greatly with Pluto are either or not fearful of destruction or sudden change. They will either associate or be keen to explore darker subjects of life. Depending on the house placement in individual chart, one can predict in which areas the destruction and regeneration processes will be experienced.
Persons greatly influenced by Neptune can experience different fields of consciousness more freely. Dreams are as real as realty to them. Going by MC. Chand's analysis, Neptune can also cause unhealthy mental states depending on the placement. Great artists and writers, particularly the ones creating abstract art/work can find themselves under the influence of Neptune.
FURTHER
Generational planets can create the feeling of belonging to a larger collective. It can at the same time create feelings of isolation. (see astronomy details of the generational planets).
With the aid of astrology, one can navigate the feelings of confusion and isolation. Sign, house and other placements can help one understand the powerful influence of the planets on life, relationships and the vast range of experiences. (e.g. look up groups and people interested in UFO's, alien life or life beyond Earth).
Awareness of the unique influence of the generational planets on each generation can make it easier to navigate the disagreements that occur between age groups. e.g. those born with Uranus in Aries will perceive life very differently from the generation born with Uranus in Pisces. The former can create diplomats- realists and the latter philosophers-preachers.
In many ways, generational planets express themselves fully through the interactions between people of different generations. When persons of different generations interact, the old is never the same.
All generations contribute to the process of destruction, regeneration and construction.
Where do you see yourself in the collective?
Which areas do you experience loss and renewal?
Do you believe in the power of dreams?
References
- NASA Science: Solar Space Exploration, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/uranus/overview/
- Charles and Suzi Harvey, Principles of Astrology, 1999
- Barbara Hand Chow, Astrology and the Rising of Kundalini...The Transformative Power of Uranus, 2013.
- Britannica, Neptune, https://www.britannica.com/place/Neptune-planet
- Manik Chand Jain, Karmic Control Planets, 2001.
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