Applying the interpretive lens of astrology can be useful to anyone contemplating contemporary social issues. Much in the way an individual might be inclined to view the world through the prism of Marxist Theory or the Theory of Natural Selection, a capitalist, transhuman or Critical Race Theory, an individual might also apply astrological theory to a given subject.
The theory employed for this exercise is Archetypal Astrology, a paradigmatic approach inspired by the work of Carl Jung, later taken up by American historian and philosopher Richard Tarnas in Cosmos and Psyche (2006), the seminal text on the subject.
Multiple discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools in Canada have been a shocking revelation for many people and a sad vindication for others. Indigenous communities that long suffered the legacy of the government-sanctioned church-run institutions lacked physical evidence of crimes that could only be claimed anecdotally. Until now.
Astrologically, these events occur against the backdrop of a 90-degree square aspect between Saturn and Uranus, a relatively rare and consequential interaction of the planets that pits the emancipatory, eccentric and revolutionary inclinations of Uranus against the reactionary, restrictive and structured expressions of Saturn. Interpreting the chemical reaction - or the mingling of archetypal elements - between these celestial avatars can yield unique insights into particular circumstances and events.
From the astrological perspective a reckoning with the sins of Canada‘s colonial past is a manifestation of the Saturnine archetype, as are the true life accounts of indigenous children being taken from their families to live at residential schools. The pedagogical orientation of these institutions - involving input from both church and state - represents the literal embodiment of Saturn's energy: hierarchical, patriarchal, bureaucratic and authority-driven.
Also, church and state are implicated in actions that kept knowledge of these gravesites hidden, a disposition that suggests Saturnine qualities like secrecy and compartmentalization. As intimated earlier, Saturn is also representative of the past in a general sense, both collectively and individually, so sober redress and remediation for historical wrongs is an expression of its archetypal numinousity.
In confronting Uranus' revelatory influence, as suggested by the square aspect, Saturn's reactionary tendencies can be identified with the Catholic Church's refusal to release documents which could aid forensic investigators tasked with identifying remains at gravesites.
Saturn's archetypal expression patterns the despair of residential school victims and their families; the too-slow acknowledgement by the general public of atrocities committed against generations of indigenous people; and the serious consequences the discoveries will have for the relationship between First Nations and the governments of the Canadian Federation.
The Uranus archetype has permeated the situation since its inception. Use of ground-penetrating radar (a Uranian invention if ever there was one) to locate the remains of 215 children in late May presaged the planet's traditional expressions of sudden revelation, enlightenment, and fact-based assertion as it came into aspect with Saturn.
The tightening of this aspect through mid-June and its slow separation coincided with other Uranian expressions, including calls to cancel celebrations of Canada’s national holiday on July 1, which were acknowledged with Saturnine capitulation in many municipalities across the country.
Media outlets encouraged Canadians to reflect on the recent residential school findings; alternately, well-meaning citizens allied themselves with local indigenous communities. Just as there was contemplation of the past (Saturn) there were also demonstrations and marches (Uranus) to show solidarity with First Nations.
Transiting Mars in the midst of the interaction between Saturn and Uranus coincided with renewed denouncements of residential schools as instruments of cultural genocide. The Red Planet - associated with conflict, force and violence since ancient times - also presided over the burning of a number of Catholic Churches built on First Nations Reservations, and can be implicated in the aforementioned mass demonstrations on July 1, and in confrontations with colonialism's legacy to the point of civil disobedience and destruction of property.
Astrology - whether employed in the spirit of theory or belief - is less useful for its predictive power than for its descriptive sublimity. To be predictive with such a system is alike to being a meteorologist who considers various environmental conditions and prognosticates the day's forecast based on an intuitive blend of fact, experience and assumptions. But really, how often are such forecasts accurate?
Genuine truth and reconciliation between Canada and First Nations is a ways off; honestly, the hard work has just begun. Yet if this better state is to be achieved, let there be solace in the therapeutic value of the Uranian archetype to overcome generational trauma through a spirit of emancipation, and the Saturnine stillness required to see a healing process through to completion.
Saturn and Uranus aligned exactly (0 degrees) on February 17, 2021, and once more on June 14, during Saturn's retrograde. The ringed planet goes direct in early October, and aspects Uranus again at Midwinter (Dec. 24). World transits, like the Saturn-Uranus square described in this article, are diachronic events that demarcate periods of sociocultural transformation. Archetypal numinosity - and discernment thereof - can occur when planets are aspected within 3 degrees of exactitude.
