The Age of Aquarius, PART 4, OCTOBER 2008

[This is the fourth in a 6-part series by noted astrologer Boots Hart on the transition into the Age of Aquarius and what it will mean for each generation undergoing these vast changes.—Ed.]

During the outgoing Age of Pisces, our abilities were the thing we were taught (and often called upon) to demonstrate. In the Age of Aquarius, the challenge is a little harder, representing the karmic ‘evolution’ of the race. There’s an old expression: s/he with the greater knowledge bears the greater responsibility. Well, we do have access to far more information than our ancestors, and maybe more importantly, we have better tools. This applies because what we put out into the world really is based on personal ‘tools,’ be they our intelligence, beauty, artistic talent, charm, learned skill, our ability to create or market a product…or even that incandescently treasured thing sometimes referred to as ‘the ability to love without reservation.’

The Age of Pisces was deeply founded in lessons about fear, about charity—about the harnessing of our individual ego in doing our best and reaping benefits thereby. Remembering that as each age passes that these lessons are presumed learned. This means that given that now ‘built in’ understanding, we will invest in our finer talents and even our quirkiest abilities, taking them out into the world in a manner which is unique to us. And because the Age of Aquarius so stresses that individuality which allows and requires that we find ‘teams’ or ‘systems’ (groups, companies, mediums, etc.) which we fit into…there is always risk involved. That risk is all about not going with those who are like us, but those whom we compliment. And nowhere is this more likely to show up than in our relationships, which is why as the Aquarian Age has come into being we have seen so many people marrying those of other walks of life, other faiths, other racial backgrounds…in astrological terms, that’s ‘forward living.’ This does not mean you should not honor traditions (if they suit you). This does not mean you should not live a societally “approved” lifestyle (if it fits you).

But most fundamental is your knowing who you are and being who you are. The willingness to individuate, to be ourselves—that is all-important. The test for us, of course, is that we all long so for approval. But what good is approval if it comes from those you’re bowing down to or following blindly with no regard for who you are as a person? Only by being who we truly are, by owning our power, our abilities, our interests, our strength—only by learning and embodying that ‘best of self’—can we possibly achieve meaningful kudos. All the rest is hollow applause, the applause which leaves us feeling empty mere moments later.

This requires risk. This requires courage. This requires a willingness to accept our uniqueness. And to live in that uniqueness, trusting that there is a validity to our incarnation which is beyond question or judgment. By living up to our best potential, we will achieve our goals, though the journey be long and challenging….which brings us to the second part of the challenge: the willingness to work. Our potentials are not about what’s easy. And in a society (or world) which measures so much in money, it’s almost expected that success will be measured by income or possessions. But that isn’t the whole story: there’s also satisfaction—that internal sense that you have fulfilled the promise of your nature. Proof enough that both sides are important is evident in the many rich people who run off the rails—and in people who have very little yet who live a life of contentment. This again is an individual judgment: some value money—some value not needing it. And that’s fine, so long as it’s an honest expression of who you really are (part one) and so long as you also fulfill your internal potential (part two). It’s the combination of these things, all lived openly and productively, which earns the interest, love, respect, support and applause of others.

And it isn’t easy. In fact, if you think it is, you’re probably missing out on some point. If you’re functioning on instinct, you’re probably aiming too low—think about your real abilities, what you’re capable of. If you’re functioning on ‘parental autopilot’ (i.e., what your parents expect(ed) of you) you’re in denial of who you really are. Be brave. Be willing to be you—it’s the only way to peace and happiness, that inner contentment of security in fulfillment.

For Pluto in Cancer people (1914-1938) this shift is as easy as it is hard. You’ve already done so much that it may seem like you shouldn’t have to change and shouldn’t have to give any more. But that’s just the point—you’re still here! And as long as we’re alive, we have a duty to ourselves (if no one else!) to be vital and vitally involved. So don’t instruct, do. Be part of life! Contribute! Experiment! Speak up, and be willing to listen. Help others to grow, and enjoy a little growing yourself.

How you fit in to life’s big picture is the Baby Boomer challenge (Pluto in Leo: 1938–1958). You’ve gathered a lot of experience by now, so what has it taught you about yourself and humanity? You know how to operate in the world, but not yet enough about how to affect the operating of the world around you. It’s time to shift gears and get out of one’s happiness zone and stop thinking in terms of protecting you and yours from life (and the world). Security, satisfaction and exhilaration going forward come through making the world a better place, one you want to live in and which you want your children (and children’s children) to live in.

Raised greatly to think in terms of status, money and things, Pluto in Virgo (1958-1972) natives are asked to start owning their intrinsic power/abilities in order to reinvent how life works. You are greatly blessed with talent but will only feel internal satisfaction after you learn to put aside the focus on (or) ‘automatic allegiance’ to those you are ‘linked’ with, trading that for a life based on a truly honest assessment of what about yourself you owning versus what you’ve compromised—usually because someone told you something else was ‘better.’ Who are you—really? The object is to choose quality of life over quality of lifestyle. Be and believe in those deeply held values of yours!

This theme of personal individuation is also central to Gen X (Pluto in Libra, 1972-1983), the natives of which need to shift focus from being with or like others to recognizing that life is about who you are. You attract people (opportunities, appreciation, love, money, etc.) in proportion and proportional quality to your strengths, weaknesses, honesty and ability to be real—so start within before looking for others lest you attract the equally crippled rather than the equally evolved. Your challenge is all about facing Self—which you have control over. You say you have standards? By holding yourself to your own best and honest standards, you attract those who respect and love you in kind, understanding the effort it takes to live a life of real integrity.

Pluto in Scorpio people (born 1983—1995) are most likely to be influenced by the outgoing age through parents, not experience. Though all too aware of the importance and value of one’s choices, Pluto in Scorpio natives aren’t consistently as clear on how to achieve the lifestyle or position of respect they dearly want. The key lies in focusing not on what you say (or claim to know) but the proof you offer through who you are in what you do and how you treat with and value others. Understanding them and being willing to take the lives and needs of others into account not only achieves results, but teaches your mind and soul huge lessons in self integration, from which comes ever increasing capacity. Grow your power—don’t just crave it!

After learning from parents and educators that respect comes through the value of what we do, Pluto in Sagittarius natives (1995-2008) will find that their lives are all about learning to make something of their ideas and perceptions. Endowed with unique abilities (which their parents are not likely to fully understand) Pluto in Sag natives need to develop and find applicable uses for their bent of mind with the difficulty being the creating and maintaining a balance between these two poles. It’ll take time for this generation to understand the lesson of how to ‘grow’ their approach, so parents—don’t panic! And kids? Keep an open mind—keep trying new things!

[Ed. note: if you're interested in learning more about the Plutonic generations and their different issues, struggles and points of view, check out Boots Hart's 12-part series on Pluto in Capricorn.)

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