As we move into 2010 I wanted to mention a few of the astrological transits that are coming up this year. Many profound opportunities will be available in 2010 that can help us shed the contracted self-identities that have limited us in the past. New ways of connecting to a larger and more inclusive sense of self will be revealed. Ways of healing long-standing issues of separation and alienation will become self-evident. Underneath and supporting these changes is a new era of rapid change and evolution that will deeply impact our personal lives as well as the way we interact with our world.

Saturn in Libra Square Pluto in Capricorn

Saturn in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn January 10 - February 14 and August 12-29, bringing the potential for breakthroughs in the peacemaking process both globally and personally. With Saturn/Pluto aspects there is a tremendous amount of energy that is under pressure. The best way to deal with this transit is to be willing to let go of being right. What is fair, just, and equal must take precedence to static forms and structures that are contractive and no longer serve.

This transit is particularly important for people born with planets in early degrees of Libra, Capricorn, Aries and Cancer, as both Saturn and Pluto will form hard aspects to natal planets in the first 3 degrees of these signs.

If your Sun or Moon are involved, the Saturn/Pluto aspect will be very personal. With Saturn and Pluto aspecting your Sun or Moon, it indicates a process of letting go of old identities that no longer serve you. It's like peeling the onion and removing the old dead layers that aren't useful. Knowing that this process is occurring can give you an perspective on the old feelings that may arise like loss, grief, depression, etc. Allowing the feelings to surface without identifying with them enables you to let go of false and old ways of being.

Neptune in Aquarius Conjunct Chiron in Aquarius

Neptune in Aquarius is at the same degree as Chiron January 16-March 20 and August 31-January 5, 2011, helping us dissolve (Neptune) the wounds (Chiron) of separation. This the time to heal old wounds of separation, abandonment, alienation and feelings of not being supported in your life. The veil between you and your deeper connection with universal support is lifting now. It's time to let go of the old stories of separation and open to the connection that's always been there.

This conjunction occurs once at about 25 degrees Aquarius and then later at 28 degrees Aquarius. If you have planets at, or near these degrees in Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio or Taurus then this transit will affect you more personally. Neptune is the planet that rules dissolution of that which is not real. You have the opportunity during these transits to be more aware of the illusion that may be running in your life. Look to see what repetitive stories are still being told about core wounds. You will be able to see and heal the old story now and create new opportunities for growth.

Jupiter Moves into the Sign of Pisces

Jupiter moves into the sign of Pisces January 17, 2010- January 22, 2011 (with a brief foray into Aries June t - Sept. 8, 2010) calling us to expand our ability to trust in universal support. Jupiter in Pisces reminds us that we are connected to a larger whole, that we are not separate from God/Goddess. We are being asked to explore how we can transcend our separateness and move more fully into an understanding of what unity consciousness truly is this coming year. The key words to facilitate this process are surrender, faith and trust.

Saturn Opposition Uranus

Saturn, the planet of contraction, in Virgo opposes Uranus, the planet of change, in Pisces April 17-May 7 and July 15-August 4. Even though Saturn is a powerful planet, it can't hold back the evolutionary change of Uranus (think the falling of the Berlin Wall in 1989.) In other words, something has to give! The smart way to flow with these transits is to get clear if there are changes that you've been resisting. Try to go with the flow of change now, as resistance is futile and will cause more upset.

On a global level we could see unrest and conflict during theses times, as the forces of change rise up against the status quo. This could look like rebellions, overthrow of repressive regimes or conflict between conservative and liberal parties. Saturn/Uranus aspects are often found occurring during earthquakes as well, as the dynamic and static energies of the earth strain against each other. At this time it's a good idea to remember Jung's advice: "Whatever we resist persists!"

Uranus Moves into the Sign of Aries

Uranus, the planet of change, moves into the sign of Aries (ruled by Mars, the planet of action) from May 27, 2010-May 14, 2018, making change and evolution more rapid and unpredictable. The last time Uranus was in Aries was during the Great Depression, and before that, it was in the time of the gold rush of the mid 1800's. Both events revolved around changes in wealth. The sign of Aries represents new beginnings, catalytic events and forward movement. This could represent a new beginning in terms of our monetary system or it could be a breakdown of the old ways of doing business.

An example of this might be the way business is conducted during the period of Uranus in Aries. Since Uranus represents fast moving energy and hi-tech, we will probably see a profound shift away from "brick and mortar" businesses as more and more commerce is conducted on the internet. This shift will be facilitated by new innovations in technology that will replace many of the storage technologies and information delivery systems that we are used to such as CD's, DVD's, newspapers, hard drives, DVD rental and TV's. It is during the Uranus in Aries period that a truly integrated, streaming multi-media experience will come into being. This may be the new "gold rush" of the century as we completely change how business is conducted and structured.

On a personal note, Uranus in Aries will usher in a new era of innovation, personal empowerment and rapidly shifting growth. How we deal with change and the capacity we have to evolve will become more important as the world starts to change and evolve more quickly. People who can respond in a grounded way to the increased frequency of change will be sought out as exemplars and facilitators for others in how to gracefully adapt to a changing world.

James Jarvis, M.A. (Counseling Psychology) is a master vocational astrologer, career & marketing coach and self-improvement counselor. Through his international astrology, coaching and counseling practice, James has helped thousands of people draw out and productively use their inherent gifts and talent. For those who want support in discovering, clarifying and manifesting their vision and life purpose, James is available for astrological, career & marketing coaching sessions by phone. To schedule phone consultations call toll-free (866) 851-2906, or e-mail: jjarvis@lifeqwest.com. Website: www.lifeqwest.com