When Lies Come to Bite You and How that Happened to Putin

 

In a dystopian world of Highlander, The Animated Series, Cortan rules as a tyrant and humanity lost many of the knowledge and technology we currently have. To make sure people remain backward, Cortan tells them that books are evil and should always be destroyed if found.

However, one time this rule actually came back to bite the system Cortan build. Cortan's hunters refused to enter library to burn books. Not because they saw through the lie but because of it. Hunters believed that books would curse them and refused to touch them. Their field commander, Major Arak was no wiser, he wanted to enforce Cortan's policy on books but was also afraid to be cursed by them. In the end they opted to force slaves to do it for them.

In real life it sometimes happens too. For example, Putin and his dishonest TV personnel for years kept telling people that Euromaidan in Ukraine was a Nazi coup and Ukraine is controlled by Nazis. They did it to shore up Putin's regime and dissuade people from trying to pull off something similar to Euromaidan in Moscow to oust Putin.

Eventually however citizens took an issue with that. Not because they saw through the lies but because they thought that it is strange how there is Nazi regime on Russian borders and Putin does nothing about it. They thought that if Putin protected them from lesser threats such as terrorism, oligarchs and Chechens, then he sure as hell should do something about Nazis. I he will not do anything then Russia possibly needs someone stronger who can do something.

That compelled Putin to act and ever since he is stuck in War in Ukraine without any clear way out. He cannot admit that Nazis in Ukraine were a lie, neither can he defeat the Nazis. He got himself trapped with his lies.

Pluto in Astrology

 

Now we finally get to a final astrological planet most astrologers agree on, Pluto. There are also Lilith, Chiron, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, Eris, Orcus and many other planets that some astrologers use, but I will not cover them. At least for now.

I already covered astronomical nomenclature situation with Pluto and other Trans Neptunian Objects in a separate article. I will only say here than Pluto is as important in astrology as any other planet.

Astronomically Pluto is a very small planet on the threshold of yet unexplored outer reaches of our Solar system. Pluto has a very large compared to its size satellite Charon that makes its internal rotation somewhat off centered. Instead revolving around its middle axis like other planets, Pluto revolves around the point in space in between itself and Charon. This off-center-ness gives Pluto some of its unique astrological characteristics.

Pluto (or Hades) is God of the underworld and older brother of Jupiter and Neptune. He feels it is unfair that he was given underworld, while his brothers got much more pleasant domains. Pluto is featured in few myths and Greeks and Romans prefer not to mention him if possible. He is known for kidnapping Persephone and causing Demeter to neglect her nature caring duties. Even when other gods forced Pluto to release Persephone to save nature, he gave pomegranate that compels her to spend half of the year in the underworld with him. Ever since half of our year nature dies out in autumn as Demeter gets sad every time Persephone leaves her for Pluto. In spring when, Persephone returns back to her mother, nature reviews again. That seasonality too is part of Pluto astrological character.

Astrologically Pluto is a planet of change, I already outlined how he affects historical eras in another article. On personal level he also brings about change, sometimes welcomed one, sometimes unwelcomed one. Pluto lacks near infinite energy of his younger brother Jupiter, creative ingenuity of Uranus or imagination of Neptune. However, Pluto still has one power: power to take from one and give to someone else. 

Pluto does just that. Robin Hood for some, robber baron for others, Pluto takes and gives as he sees fit. Just as he took Persephone all to himself and subjected the world to endless winter, his favorites get the best at expense of everyone else. Who are Pluto's favorites? No single answer here. As Pluto's transits between signs, his views change, and often former favorites become abandoned in favor of someone else. 

For example, when Pluto entered Capricorn in 2009, suddenly families, elderly and children came into prominence, all Capricornian values. Over the course 2010s elderly and families with kids were only very well off but were also getting all sorts of help and support. They were, and still are, literary most spoiled demographics who had it easy and happy as many others struggled with cost of living, rental shortages and other problems.

However, in 2023 Pluto started to transition into Aquarius and completed its transition by the end of 2024. Already politicians that championed elderly and families are retiring and even dying out. Aquarian Pluto has Aquarian futuristic priorities and no longer has time for families or elderly. Radical change is in the cards. Pluto has to now look after those; he made destitute and homeless in his Capricornian phase. Capricornian appreciating and respect of the past will also be replaced with Aquarian futurism.

Pluto's placement in natal chart determines the causes, for which you and your generation will passionately fight for. For example, during Pluto in Scorpio era (1985 to 1996) was the time when many old long running lies were finally refuted and truth was exposed. Generation born during this time will continue to assert truth, fight against lies. They will have hard time accepting any lie, no matter how white and beneficial for something. Other placements too have their own unique roles.

Pluto's transits do bring changes or at least challenges to your current ways of life. What planet is aspected determines what area of life that will experience change. Depend on whether aspect is favorable (trine or sextile) or hard (square), the change would be either welcomed or disruptive. Sometimes these transits could also bring greater understanding to a certain area of life but not always so.

Pluto concludes planetary series of articles about astrology. I will gradually cover, angles, signs and houses as I go. Understanding planets are important, but it's their placement in sign and house that determines the role they play in your life. You need to put all pieces of information together to get the full picture. I will also write about current major transits.

Pluto is planet of change that makes and defines decades in history. On a personal level, Pluto gives its favor to certain downtrodden demographics until they become rotten spoiled. After spoiling them enough, Pluto moves on to help those he disposed in the past to spoil the previous ones.

Dwarf Planets and Historical Eras in Astrology

Before I continue onto Pluto, I wanted to introduce a final group of planets, so called Dwarf Planets or trans Neptunian Objects. Story that Pluto is no longer a planet did circulate around the world for a while. However, that is somewhat misleading, instead of stopping being planet, Pluto instead added Dwarf to its designation. Not only that but astronomers found many more Pluto like Dwarf Planet in the other fringes of our Solar system. One of them, responsible for Pluto declassification, Eris is larger than Pluto and others are smaller. Sure, these Dwarf Planets are smaller than our moon, but they are bigger and more important than average asteroid, like Chiron.

So far astrologers did not incorporate these new Dwarf Planets into the astrology, but it's only a matter of time before they do. Objects that far away from Sun would spend entire centuries in the same sign. Until any of them cross into a new sign it will be hard to make any observation as to what any of these planets affects, but when they do cross, they will get a lot more attention.

Planets that move so slow and spend so much time in the same sign are more suited to measure centuries and historical eras than individual lifespans. If terrestrial planets define individual traits and characteristics, Gas/Ice Giants define generations, then trans Neptunian objects go further to divide historical eras from one another. Humanity transition from Classical Age into Dark Age, into Middle Age into Renaissance likely can be traced to movements of Eris and other TNOs. One day I might look into these myself and connect our entire history with the movements of these celestial bodies.

Yet among all TNOs, Pluto's role is somewhat unique. Pluto's orbit partly intersects with that of Neptune, so it sometimes closer to Sun that blue giant and at other times further away. That fact reflects on Pluto's role in astrology. Pluto bridges the gap between contemporary life and events that will later be covered in history books.

Many of historical eras can neatly be defined by Pluto's transits. For example, in 1984-85 Pluto moved from Libra into Scorpio. In just 11 years Pluto has spent in Scorpio world has seen dramatic change: Cold War ended, Berlin Wall, Warsaw Pact and USSR collapsed. Change was in the air already in 1985 when Gorbachev became General Secretary of CPSU and it never disappear until Zyuganov lost to Yeltsin in 1996 and even die-hard commies had to admit it was over and there was no longer going back.

The previous Pluto in Libra Era (between 1972 and 1984) was instead defined by efforts to maintain status quo and balance of power. Negotiations were held, treaties were signed, sphere of influence were defined. Non-interference across the lines on the sand became rule of the game. Bipolar world of Cold War seemed as unchanging and permanent as the fact that Sun rises in the east.

During Pluto in Virgo era (between 1957 and 1972) there were attempts to move frontiers, like Vietnan War and many communist insurgencies. World was still in a flux; the superpowers of Cold War still competed with each other instead of drawing lines to denote who controls what.

If we look in the same if we look in the other direction, then Pluto in Sagittarius era (1996 to 2008) was defined by nations and people finding their new way in the new world, changed by Pluto in Scorpio era. Former communist bloc nations either joined EU and NATO or opted for undemocratic autocratic systems instead. World was building on the empty space, created by collapse of communism.

Pluto is agent of change that moves the world forward, brining a welcome change for some and vile destruction for others. To quote Lelouch: "those with power, fear us, those without power seek us". Pluto is much like Lelouch gives power to those who lack it and takes it away from those who currently hold it. 

"No King rules forever." 

"Hands that mark the time cannot be stopped." 

In the same vein, change that Pluto brings cannot be stopped, once time comes, he will come to take power from current rulers and give it to those who are downtrodden by the current system. A welcome change for those who suffer under current system, a horrible disaster and catastrophe for those who want to sit on their throne any longer. I by one look forward for my time to rule

"It's my time to rule at last. I was chosen by heaven, set my name by decree, to the sky shall Carolus rise.

More on Pluto in a separate article.

Neptune in Astrology

 

Neptune represents illusions and delusions that confuse and mislead people. He and his lies can twist reality so much, you will never be able to find truth. That can lead to costly mistakes. If you look at Neptune sober enough, there is nothing really good about him. However, Neptune is actually one of the more liked planets in astrology. Why do you ask? Because people actually like sweet comfortable lies that make them feel better. People prefer cozy lies to harsh cruel reality.

Astronomical Neptune is smaller and darker shade of blue compared to Uranus. Neptune was discovered in the middle of 19th century about the time when Nietzsche declared that "God is dead". Neptune replaced him. The old Christian delusion no longer held sway over men, so Neptune offered them alternative one. Ever since humanity moves from one delusion that defines us to another. Every 14 years, when we got disillusioned in something, Neptune offers another to take its place. That is how humanity moves from one delusion to another.

Mythological Neptune (or Poseidon) was brother of Jupiter and was given domain over the sea. There he rules over the various monsters and just strange things. Sea was vital for Greeks, but at the same time it was also an unpredictable mystery, one day calm and serene, another day stormy and deadly. At the same time sea was a source of food, prosperity and expansion for Ancient Greek civilization. It was needed but could not be trusted.

Astrological Neptune governs all sort of illusionary, fictional and misleading things, from alcohol and drugs to fraud, entertainment, news and even religion. It would be a mistake to think that he is as powerless as ghost. No matter how unreal and fictional Christian god is, actions people did and still do in his name are real. Thus, Neptune holds invisible, but very tangible sway over society. Things Neptune makes people believe, shape their fates and that of the world at large.

Neptune's influence on the world should not be underestimated. If you look at history, you can clearly notice how delusions shaped near entirely of our history. 

First there was Christian god. People lived, fought, travelled globe and even flagellated themselves for him. In more delusional Middle Ages, even a suspected disbelieve in God or insufficient believe in one could lead to death sentence and death on the stake. Even when Christian God died, various ideologies such as communism replaced him. Communism killed millions al in chase of the utopia promised by Lenin. When people could no longer believe in the utopia, Lenin promised, communism and USSR collapsed. However, people soon find something new to believe in, either democracy and liberties of the EU or Dugin's Eurasia. Across the Atlantic in the US there was instead so-called American Dream. No matter how much cynics and critics refute it as illusion, still attracts immigrants to the US, who sometimes sacrifice a lot in hope of one day reached this American Dream.

However, why do people choose to believe in lies. Are they stupid and genuinely mislead with sweet promises or is it something else. The answer is both, some are misled, but others embrace believes because they cannot face reality and hide from it in comfortable lies. I wrote several articles explaining even geopolitical events with this phenomenon. Pro-Putin Russians choose to believe in Nazis in Ukraine. Religious people choose to believe and worship their god, ideologues choose to believe in their ideologies and so on.

It works on personal level too. For example, nowadays too many people believe that gym can make them attractive. They keep exercising every day, hoping one day to be fit enough to attract love of their life. And when they could not find any love, they just exercise more and more. They keep fooling themselves it will work if they try harder because stopping believing means they will have to face the fact they will not find love and everything they have done so far was in wain and waste of time and effort. For many it's easier to fool themselves into working for a false cause instead of accepting the reality that it's pointless.

I can say even more, some people just desperately wish that something they cherish was true. Even knowing full well, it is not, they still try to preach their cause and brainwash as many as possible.

There are many things in life that are beyond individual control, but most refuse to accept it and instead try any insane idea if they think that will get them closer to their objectives. If someone like me will try to tell them the truth, they will try to ban me to keep their illusions preserved. People refuse to face reality with more stubbornness than they do many other things.

However, reality remains what it is no matter what you choose to believe. Closing your eyes and indulging in illusions will not change the world. Religion and other believes are nothing more than virtual reality that obscures, not changes reality. A Matrix your brain permanently plugged. No matter what you see in your virtual reality, the real world stays as it is. If you charge head on into wall, your forehead will hurt even if you believe tell you there is a passage there. 

Neptune spends 14 years in each sign so Neptune's placement in natal chart, defines believes and ideal practiced among one's generation. Aspects other planets make to Neptune show just how invested you are in these believes. There is a lot written about each generation, including by myself. It will make this article too long if I will repeat it here.

Neptune's transits are something to be cautious about. They could be (possibly pleasant) distraction from everyday life but they could also mislead you into some danger and losses. In a typical Neptunian fashion danger will not be apparent until it's too late. Do not eagerly jump into an adventure Neptune, has to offer. Sweet promises could as well be a Syren's Song, that will lead you to your doom. However, if you can make sure there is no catch, then you can take a detour or two.

Neptune governs all sorts of illusions and delusions, both pleasant and deadly. Despite risks people often indulge in these delusions to escape reality.

Uranus in Astrology

 

A while ago I already wrote an article about Uranus. There I outlined the key role; Uranus (Ouranos) plays in astrology. However, there is more to say about this ancient god, that that article has covered. Thus, I will add more here.

Astrologers seem dislike Uranus; they call him a rebel and summaries his role in often repeated phrase: "a square peg in a round hole". That is how Uranus is seen from a perspective of a conservative person, who is wed to status quo and wishes no changes. Astronomical Uranus differs from other planets by spinning along is axis of rotation around Sun, instead of perpendicularly to it like other planets.

Some compare Uranus with Prometheus, but that is rather incorrect as well. Prometheus simply gave humans, what gods had all along. He did not invent anything new. Uranus is creator of new, it's up to others to distribute it.

Uranus's real role however is different. Mythological Uranus was father of all titans and grandfather of all gods. He and Gaya together created all, that future myths were telling stories about.

Astronomical Uranus was discovered in late 18th century and his discovery predated many technological advancements and changes in society. Since the time, Uranus was discovered, human lives and societies have changed in dramatic ways. One might call this planet a harbinger of change.

Uranus is creator and inventor. However, before he invents new, he criticizes old as inadequate and calls for it to be replaced. Mythological Uranus was refusing to let any of Gaya's children be born, because he thought they all are not good enough. This attitude is what eventually led to his downfall.

Astrological Uranus has some of that too. Most people by their nature resist new and stick to tried and tested. One can expect that their new radical ideas will find plenty of opposition from parts of society that stand to lose. Figuring out how to get your ideas through them can be challenging and frustrating. 

Thus, Uranus experience is not always pleasant. You know you are right, but everyone else disagrees. Yet you insist that your way is the right one. Square peg in a round hole effect.

More humble or self-critical people might wonder if it is them, who are wrong. More self-assured will instead see themselves as the only bright one among the lemmings who all walk towards the cliff due to their own inertia and inability to see the truth.

Dark side of Uranus is his selfishness and self-absorption. He thinks and acts like no one other than themselves matter. People who do not listen to anyone likely have strong Uranian placements.

Transiting Uranus indicate what areas of life will experience Uranian mix of change and stubborn determination. Uranus in more forward-looking signs will bring scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that will move life forward. Uranus in more conservative signs means dogged determination to return to some mythological past, "when things were better". Currently Uranus is in last degrees of conservative Taurus, so you hear a lot about how 50s and 30s were good. Later this year it will enter innovative and quick early adopter Gemini, so well will see breakneck change.

Natal Uranus indicates trends and tastes of your generation, part of it to be precise. Uranus spends only 7 years in a single sign and either transits in the next sign together with Neptune or while Neptune is in the middle of its transit through the sign. This year both Neptune and Uranus are changing signs. Back in 2019 only Uranus changed signs and back in 2012 they both changed signs. 

Different placements of Uranus subdivide each generation into two parts. More forward looking first wave and more conservative second wave. Uranus in Fire or Air sign indicate that you are in the first wave while the Earth or Water placement means second wave. First wave are typically enthusiastic early adopters and supporters of their generation and their views and values. Second wave likely to be more skeptical and either reserved or downright disillusioned with ways of their generation. If first wave enthusiastically pushes forward, then second wave wants to rectify shortcomings and mistakes or looks for alternatives.

Uranus is God of change and creation and that reflects its role in astrology. He knows that everything in the world was created by people just like him and can be undone or changed to make it better. There is nothing eternal. Nothing is true and everything is permitted. He does face opposition due to human inertia and refusal to part with familiar. His role is challenging but essential to move society forward.

Saturn in Astrology

If Jupiter is liked, then Saturn is feared. People dread about him transiting anything in their natal charts. He, together with Pluto, considered to be one of the worst and scariest things in astrology. Some professional astrologers in contrast like to whitewash Saturn and present him as something like teacher of hard truth or a necessary evil. Each of these extreme opinions however is rather exaggerated. 

Astronomically Saturn is much like its larger neighbor, Jupiter, made mostly of gas. Despite being smaller than 'king of gods', Saturn has even more moons than the latter. Saturn also has its famous rings, that fascinate artists and astronomers.

Mythologically Saturn (or Chronos) is a king of titans. Compared to gods, Titans are members of the previous generation, of mystical beings. They are parents of gods, but also members of bygone demographic, whose reign have ended. Far from their former power, they are now either dead or imprisoned in Tartarus and could do nothing but watch as their children now call themselves gods and rule Olympus.

This story does reflect on role of Saturn in the astrology. He is former king, who once was mighty and ruled with prudence and fear but then was overthrown and lost his power. If Jupiter represents power and energy of the youth, then Saturn represents powerlessness and weakness.

Astrological Saturn makes you face uncomfortable "truth". There are things you cannot achieve, no matter what you try. Things you will never become and so on. Sometimes it is mere defeatism, sometimes it is indeed truth.

Saturn also represents old age and aging. As you grow older, you also grow weaker and wearier. The same things that were snap in your youth are now hard if not impossible.

Old age sometimes associated with wisdom. However, while all people age and die, not all grow wise. Thus, Saturn transits and aspects in natal chart will not always grand wisdom but will always be sad and frustrating.

That said sometimes realism and sobriety of Saturn can be of help, especially for people who overindulge in Neptunian delusions. However, one should not overindulge in it. It's like ballast in a ship or air balloon. A little bit of it is needed at the bottom of the hull to keep ship stable, but too much will do nothing but slow ship down and excess of it can even drown the ship.

Emotion and energy wise Saturn transits are always downturn when things do not move forward, and all your efforts are blocked by circumstances or something. Sometimes you might be better off to just weather the lull and continue during more favorable times. Other times however it will be more prudent to rethink what you are doing and change the course. Either way you will often have no choice but to reflect on your life every time Saturn is aspected in any way.

 

Mythological Saturn personally is infamous for devouring his children out of fear that they will grow up and overthrow him. That is both cruel and immoral, but prudent. Similarly, Saturn's wisdom is similarly prudent but cruel. It can be something that can hurt your feelings like realization that you will never be a movie star. It can be something more sinister too. A cunning but cruel way to solve some problem or get ahead in life. Saturn's wisdom is always cynical and practical based on experience and calculation.

However ultimate truth is that despite all his prudence and cunning, Saturn ultimately could not escape the fate, he so painstakingly worked to avert. Saturnian cunning and prudence are no replacement to Joval energy and fortune. Jupiter always triumphs over Saturn.

Back in ancient times Saturn was the last planet known to man. Both astronomy and astrology ended on Saturn being the last one. In that regard Saturn represents old age and inevitable finale of death. Both people and countries that were Joval in their prime times, turn Saturnian as they grew older. Unable to grow and reach further beyond, they rely on perseverance, resilience and cunning to keep what they still have. 

Old people rely on medicine, complex surgeries and nursery care in retirement homes to postpone the inevitable death just a little bit further. Similarly dying countries fall into cruel and cunning dictatorships, who sometimes do crazy senseless things to prolong regime's existences just a little bit more. In doing do both old people and old regimes destroy future generations and futures of their countries. Much like mythological Saturn devours his children.

At the same time a moment when either a person or a country already reached Saturnian wisdom, yet have not yet lost its Joval vigor, optimism goodwill and fortune is one of the most beautiful. This is when men flourishes and nations reshape geopolitics and make histories.

Saturn's placement in natal chart indicates areas you take seriously and where you exercise cautiousness, prudence and cynicism. These can be anything from, philosophy and travel for someone like me with Saturn in Sagittarius to something more mundane, such as work or family for someone with Saturn in Virgo or Cancer. Saturn is in detriment in Cancer, so being strict and cruel does not lead to good families.

On the other hand, Saturn's transits often affect personal boundaries. Certain things one is sensitive about and wishes no interference. Positive transits to Saturn can help reinforcing these boundaries while negative ones instead challenge your boundaries and put your comfort zone in danger. These negative transits are the reason why people rightfully dislike Saturn. No one likes an invader who destroys things you hold dear.

Saturn is God of old age with its wisdom but also with its limitations and awareness of inevitable death it wishes to staff off. He is rather sad and somber, but not that scary.

Jupiter in Astrology

 

We will start outer planets with fan favorite, Jupiter. Astronomically Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar system, it's made mostly of gas that is distributed in stripey layers. Jupiter also has many moons that orbit it, some of these interest astronomers as targets for potential exploration and even colonization. 

Mythological Jupiter (or Zeus) is king of gods who defeated his father, titan Saturn (Chronos) and went on to rule all gods on Olympus as well as turning into animals to seduce many women and father illegitimate children with.

All these facts do reflect on astrological character of Jupiter. Jupiter often associated with luck or good fortune, that is why it is so loved by many fans of astrology. Some astrologers like to downplay Jupiter, but his popularity does endure.

Most of the good things you hear about Jupiter are true. There are few caveats to them, however.

Jupiter does bring energy, optimism and vigor in your life. In natal chart it represents things you enjoy doing. In transits it represents boost in vigor and energy that fills you with confidence and optimism allow you to push forward with whatever you are planning. Jupiter is a like wind that fills your sails full and pushes your ship forward at full speed.

What Jupiter does not do is making sure you will succeed. You still have to steer the ship to make sure you get where you want and not crash into something. It is very possible to squander all this energy and effort and have nothing to show for it in the end.

Nonetheless most Jupiter transits does make you feel good. Just sometimes they also give you unwarranted optimist and expectations that you should be careful with. Either way however you will fill good and will want to do things and enjoy life. That is why people like Jupiter and look forward for his transits.

Conceptually Jupiter represents vigor, optimism and energy of youth. That can be contrasted with weakness, frailness and old age limitations of Saturn. On the other hand, Saturn sometimes has wisdom and practicality that Jupiter often lacks in general Jupiter and Saturn are two polar opposites and many of its traits are opposite of one another. I even thought about making a single article about them both.

Jupiter and Saturn relationships do not end there. Every 20 years a Grand Conjunction happens; a faster moving Jupiter catches up with Saturn on the sky. The event is said to represent death of the old king and rise of a new one. 

This can be taken metaphorically: old trends and ways die out and new way of life emerges from the rubble. Sign and the element where Grand Conjunction have happened is used to determine where the new trends will take society and the world. 

For example, for the last 200 years Grand Conjunctions always were in earth signs of Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn. However, from 2020 Grand Conjunctions instead happen in Air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius instead. This means era of earth is over and era of air is ahead of us. As Sun and Mars in Libra, with only one planet in earth signs, I do like this turn toward my element.

In general, good aspects between transiting Jupiter and Saturn can combine energy of youth with wisdom of the ages and achieve great things. On the other hand, hard aspects indicate conflict and disagreements between generations. 

Good aspects between these planets in natal chart it will allow you energy vigor work together with your practicality and wisdom towards the goals you and your Sun envision. I can be powerful driving force of success.

Jupiter is a generous king of gods, who sometimes shares his energy, power and vigor with people and allows them to achieve many things, or just feel great.