Aspect: 1987-89 Saturn-Uranus Conjunction

"If Uranus could talk, it would probably wisecrack: "The truth will set you free,
but first it may make you miserable." Textbook astrology tells us that Uranus is
"the freedom planet," yet what do we mean by freedom? The urge for freedom
pulsates strongest in the hearts of slaves and prisoners. But we are all
oppressed in some way, and it can be quite a shock to wake up to this. The shock
of oppression can sometimes incite sudden and disruptive reactions - knee-jerk
reflexes of revolt against the perceived oppressor. However, if our aggression
merely compounds the oppression, nobody is liberated; we are bound to what we
resist. Though anger can vitalize action, true freedom requires hard knowledge
of precisely what is oppressing us before we can do anything about it." [Antero Alli/ On Uranus]

There is a Smashing Pumpkin song titled "The End is the Beginning is the End". I think this title perfectly describes the Saturn-Uranus conjunction. Saturn is the planet most often associated with the principles of limitation, restrictions, and boundaries. Saturn governs authority and hierarchy, and conforming social structures. Uranus, the planet of sudden and unexpected changes, rules freedom and originality. In a society, it rules radical ideas and people, as well as revolutionary events that upset established structures.

It should not come as a surprise that this aspect has been associated with both the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and the end of Soviet Union. The end paves the way to a new beginning. But, should one take into account generational aspects such as this when analyzing a natal chart?

I have Saturn and Uranus conjunct in my 9th house. The Uranian energies in my chart are easier to distinguish than those of Saturn. Uranus is conjunct the Midheaven, at an angle. Uranus has power to act, and it does. Uranus squares my Sun in the 7th.I hold beliefs that some people might consider out of norm, and I have a natural dislike for all things conventional. Let's not forget about the 9th house emphasis. I seek growth through long distance travel, and through the pursuit of higher education. I have lived abroad many times, and I cannot imagine my life without a trip looming the horizon.

Saturn-Uranus conjunction brings trouble through authority figures. I think this placement could be manifested in two ways: first, you have a person who has a very rigid belief system lashing out against people who don't share the same ideas and, secondly, you can have a person who has very unconventional ideas trying to assert their freedom against Saturnian authority figures. My mom has Sun conjunct Saturn, go figure.

In both cases, what their are lashing out against is only a reflection of themselves, that Saturnian stubbornness they both refuse to accept in each other. There is a constant feeling of going back and forth between two extremes. For example, I can be a law abiding citizen one day, and the next day, I show a complete disregard for the law. I do not think Saturn and Uranus can fully merge. One has to take control, and in my case, Uranus has been victorious.

In order to see how this plays out in a native's life, one has to take into account the house where the conjunction occurs. I cannot stress this any further: house placements are very, very important.

Here are a few examples of how I have perceived this conjunction:

Case A:

A friend of mine has a Saturn-Uranus conjunction in the 2nd house. The challenge with this placement is finding a way to make money when all economic endeavors are bound to be very unpredictable. I'm not taking into account that Neptune is also part of his 2nd house stellium.

Case B:

My best friend has Saturn and Uranus conjunct in the 5th house. His attitude towards love and sex is very unconventional. Saturn comes into play, and it is a little bit difficult for him to express himself in 5th house related matters. On a sidenote, Saturn in the 5th makes for quite a barren love life, and it does not quite help that he has Saturn Square Venus. There is an immense need for love expression (Uranus) but no outlet can be found (Saturn).