The Outer Planets

The outer planets are often referred to as the 'transpersonal' planets. This refers to the notion that the energies which they represent sit beyond the normal reach of our egoic consciousness. While it is true that the outer planets are rarely expressed in a conscious manner, they do find expression through a few, unusual individuals.

Uranus - The Genius & the Radical

Uranus is the god of the bright and starry heavens. Psychologically Uranus represents the universal or 'higher' mind. The knowledge gained through Uranus arrives in flash of inspiration. Our intuition leads us beyond the bounds of conventional thought.

The ability to tap into this universal mind is the mark of the original thinker or Genius. It is Uranus who allows us to 'think outside the box'. The placement of Uranus within the horoscope describes our capacity for creative thought. It is here that we may break with the norm and adopt an individual approach.

We live Uranus as we seek to expand our field of awareness. If Uranus remains undeveloped then we a liable to live a relatively mundane and conventional life. At the same time we may grow bored and restless. If we are possessed by Uranus we may disregard convention and common law. Here we meet to radical and the crazed idealist. A well integrated Uranus allows us to think differently, and follow our own unique path through life. In this way we may contribute to the ongoing creation of consciousness.

Neptune - The Mystic & the Dreamer

Neptune is the god of the oceans. Like Uranus, Neptune reflects a non-ordinary mode of consciousness. Through Neptune we gain the ability transcend our individual selves and experience the greater unity of life. The ability to work with such a vision is the mark of the Mystic.

Neptune's placement in the charge points to where we look to experience the sublime. He we look to both loose and discover ourselves. At its best Neptune characterises our spirituality. At worst it describes our tendency to self-delusion and compulsive behaviour.

The force of Neptune may be at work in the creative artist be they a poet, musician, story-teller or painter. Neptunian art is visionary, and provides us all with a glimpse of undiscovered worlds. The visionary artist opens up a into a new and greater world experience.

Neptune's placement also points to our capacity for devotion and self-sacrifice. It is here that we look to live beyond our own interests, and offer up our selves to the greater good. Neptune describes the Saviour in each of us.

We live Neptune when we open ourselves to the whole of life. In Neptune remains undeveloped we may feel cut off from life. Many of us will resort to alcohol or drugs to dull our sense of self in a bid to transcend the confines of our being. If we are possessed by Neptune we may loose touch with reality. Here we meet the idle dreamer, the escapist and the deluded, each of whom have lost their footing. A well integrated Neptune allows us to go beyond ourselves and devote ourselves to life's greater purpose.

Pluto - Transformation & Regeneration

Pluto is the dark underworld god of Death. He is also the keeper of great hidden wealth. Psychologically Pluto relates to our capacity for regeneration - he ends the life of what has grown old and outworn, and clears the way for new life to follow. Pluto represents the capacity for transformation within each of us.

Pluto represents an extremely primal force within the personality. Typically this force sits like a dormant volcano. Those individuals who have managed to tap the power of Pluto may serve as an agent of change in the world. Alternatively Pluto energy may be expressed through the healer who can see through the darkness to the source of the problem.

Pluto's placement within the horoscope points to where we must confront our darkness and remain extremely honest with ourselves. Here we have the opportunity to cut through to deeper state of awareness. Through such honesty we grow stronger and wiser.

We live Pluto when we face the let go and face the need for change. If Pluto is denied our life begins to stagnate. We can grow bitter, or may develop some illness. If we are possessed by Pluto we become a force of destruction. A well integrated Pluto keeps us vital and healthy. It allows us to embrace our fears and overcome the various hurdles of life.