Uranus
Instant information
One of the characteristic features of our time is the immediacy of information: wherever an event occurs, all or part of the world is immediately notified of it, whether through the media, the global network (Internet) or individual communication tools (mobile phones and e-mail). Time therefore no longer intervenes in the transmission of information, which has the effect of multiplying the number of information while putting them on the same level: one fact chases the other in our memories, preventing hindsight, hierarchization, reflection — all values of Saturn. Thus time is gradually disappearing in favour of space, as shown by the increasingly short travel times made possible by planes and high-speed trains.
The consequence is that air traffic is becoming denser and denser, sometimes to the point of saturation, and that the sky is constantly streaked by the trajectories of aircraft. Similarly, the round of satellites intensified with the aim of exploring space (probes) and the quest for the origins of the Universe (Hubble), strengthening telecommunications networks, but also the increasingly tight and precise observation of what was happening on Earth (Google Earth). Our planet is covered with ever more numerous, denser, more complex, more extensive networks, which, although invisible, seem to cut us off more and more from Heaven.
Computer science
But it is above all computer science that constitutes the most radical transformation of our way of life. Originating from electronics and initially reserved for administrations and large companies, it has taken a central place in our daily professional and private lives in about thirty years, to the point that its use has become indispensable to us and the time seems distant when it had not yet entered it. Computer science proceeds from a new plane of reality that is neither material nor abstract. Called virtual, this reality depends exclusively on the source of energy symbolized by Uranus: electricity.
Individualism
The place taken by the machine, and more generally by technological progress, in our relationship with others and with the world, certainly contributes to the reinforcement of the Uranian tendency characteristic of the human level, namely individualism. Endowed with a longer life expectancy, enjoying greater freedom, at least in appearance, solicited by more extensive possibilities, the individual naturally seeks to develop his potential and to assert himself more. However, many believe that this evolution leads to a paradox: the freer the individual, the more separated he is from others, in other words the more isolated he is. But for astrologers, the paradox is only apparent: whatever the place taken by Uranus, the nature of Aquarius remains consubstantial with that of Saturn.
Networks
Another reflection on the imprint of Uranus concerns the notion of "network" mentioned above. This seems to correspond to a new form of relationship between individuals, which is now booming: the rapprochement by elective affinities (dating sites) and the constitution of social networks (Facebook) around favorite themes. We no longer choose ourselves according to geographical proximity or social class, but on the convergence of individual interests, the sharing of a passion, an ideal or a project. Originating from the Internet, the "network of networks", this trend gives rise to a "community of networks" throughout the world that tends to place individuals on the same level, that of their shared interests. Similarly, at the social level, the constitution of what is called a "personal network" is more than ever the essential path to success. Finally, the same trend can be found in the professional field: it is now teamwork, around a defined project, within a light structure and with the minimum of hierarchical relationships, which seems to correspond to the most fulfilling formula and the most promising for the future for individuals.
Humanitarian aid
In the same spirit, but on a different level, humanitarian actions are developing all over the world, at least where they are authorized. Grouped together within NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and associations of all sizes, their mission is to provide development and education aid in disadvantaged regions, health and food aid, child protection, respect for human rights, assistance to refugees and threatened minorities, etc. Driven by humanist and altruistic values, they work without seeking profit — many humanitarians are volunteers — to reduce inequalities and thus contribute, as far as possible, to putting humanity on an equal footing. Finally, the main ones are international. Moreover, the same movement animated by the same goals can be found at the national and local levels with the development of associative life and mutual aid networks. This global movement and the spirit that animates it, even if it is sometimes tinged with utopia, undoubtedly represents the most advanced and promising expression of the values of Aquarius, Uranus and the 11th house.
Whether it is a question of the acceleration of time, the growing role of the machine, the occupation of land and air space, the strengthening of individualism, the multiplication of networks or the development of the humanitarian movement, we are indeed witnessing a "uranization" of the world, in other words an increasing intensification of global energy in an increasingly restricted space-time. This observation naturally leads to a question: has the Age of Aquarius already begun?
Published in "L'Astrologue" n° 171, October 2010.
Continued in Neptune News