The Biggest Challenges in 2019

2019 is a year you'll always remember. Massive bedrock changes are on the cusp of unfolding globally as life and the world as we know it face powerful cosmic forces operating at a very fundamental level. 
Two of these - Saturn and Pluto - are covered in this post.
 They both produce conditions which can be the most demanding ever. As 2019 opens both continue to transit Capricorn. 

 By year's end these two powerhouses will come to near exact conjunction, just over a degree apart but every step towards early 2020 is one to use well as you climb your personal mountain.

Matterhorn

Why is this significant?

Saturn and its relevant zodiac sign Capricorn are strongly connected to government, business, corporations, banking, structures, infrastructure, history, ancient things, senior citizens, rules, regulations, conservatism, cost-saving, austerity, walls, fences, borders, boundaries, limits, rules, regulations, controls...and the flow on effects have economic impacts..these are just some of the standout manifestations of Saturn energy in our daily lives

Pluto which expresses most authentically through Scorpio is not totally at home in Capricorn -but it does share the control-freak tendencies with Saturn and it likes structures in the context of restructuring - but by demolition. Both Saturn and Pluto have a connection to end of life, broken things, people who are wrecked or worn out - because both energies harnessed positively can work to rebuild, restore, regenerate.

Saturn energy often functions as the methodical fixer due to the application of well-defined boundaries, limits, a clear management plan that has rules and responsibilities acknowledged and factored in.

Pluto energy works more dramatically and extremely to break down a person or thing in body/mind or to the core - in order to transform the dross material into a superior version: Pluto's task is evolutionary and the same relentless approach is applied in aspects of life that come under this planet's gaze.

Since 2008 Pluto has been eyeballing governments, corporations, business, banking, infrastructure, democracy & the global economy and let's not forget -that very Capricornian institution - the Patriarchy. Does anyone believe that #TimesUp and #MeToo are finished?

Pluto and Saturn together are megaforces from the cosmos set to deliver changes at the bedrock that allow whole new structures to permeate global human institutions and people to make enormous growthful changes.

Saturn in Capricorn reinforces the energy of retaining ancient practices, institutional power and traditions -such as practised in fundamentalist faiths.
Pluto in Capricorn is the energy to annihilate these and or replace then with updated versions that meet current societal conditions.

All the talk about taxation [especially capital gains tax and mega corporates having to confront tax liabilities] is totally reflective of the Capricorn restructuring under the pressure of Saturn and Pluto energies converging and combining.
No amount of political whinging and whining will prevent both a massive restructuring of taxation and of banking sector practices - the beginnings already  underway and processes of change extending through the period up to 2022

18 year old Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun fled her family in January 2019 to seek a new life. By fleeing a life where she claims physical and psychological abuse from her father and brother she personifies the essence and zeitgeist of the deep global change that is clearly underway as a consequence of Saturn and Pluto converging in Capricorn. The timing is reflected by these combined forces being in conjunction with the early January 2019 Capricorn New Moon eclipse.

Frazey Ford's treatment of "Done" also spells end-times for the patriarchy.

Saturn came again into Capricorn at the tail end of December 2017.

These 2 planets combine forces strongly in 2019 and remain close in Capricorn for some parts of 2020.
There is definitely a power struggle aspect to these two forces being combined. Each one is most comfortable being boss and so in your resolution of these planets in the areas of relevance, you are likely to meet some opposing force that seeks to block or delay your process. This blocking force could come from within you or from an external source.

In the world of politics Brexit, The Wall and the Federal Shutdown are all classic examples of high stakes power struggles between opposing forces.

See links below for the global aspects of these two planets in Capricorn.

The following information is related to individual personal development in 2019

Not many people will call Saturn or Pluto their friend or favourite planets - but we are all best advised and clearly forewarned to cosy up to both of these forces and say Yes to the processes that will unfold for all of us and have significant impact on all of us. There is truly nowhere to hide when these two come to town - but they will work with you and for you if you commit to working with them.

Each of us has two areas of life that will resonate strongly like tuning forks to the profound need for rebuilding and regenerating. Capricorn is a slow-paced sign -treat this period as careful steady progress with periods of delay, blockage and frustration. 

• If you have a personal chart based on your birth-time you will look at where Capricorn is placed -specifically the range from 11-23 degrees for 2019.
• If you know your zodiac/sun sign you can identify the other significant area for this process
• The 2 planets together in Capricorn ask you to enter a new phase of adulthood or maturity -no matter what your chronological age. First you may need to find out what adult and mature actually mean. You will also be pushed to adopt practices of self-management -not relying on others or society at large to set the rules and limits for you. Capricorn is a sign very suited to solitude. This space in which to reflect will prove to be very beneficial as you tackle the challenges set for you. Great courage is being demanded as you face having to firstly dissemble, destroy, lose or abandon what you have built, acquired or a lifestyle you have clung to for a long time before the replacement can be put in place. What begins in 2019 will be extended into 2020

For Aries it is about career goals or ambitions. For those functioning more spiritually it is about vocation or calling 

For Taurus it is about expansion and exploration -mind/body/soul - and can involve travel, formal study,  professional sport

For Gemini it is about death and transformation which are both very related to Saturn and Pluto. Maturing, finding a deeper state of empowerment, developing advanced metaphysical abilities based on working with energies

For Cancer it involves powerful shifts in relating to others, being able to function in relationships.

For Leo the challenges involve routine work commitments as well as health conditions related to diet, nutrition, digestion as well as structural skeletal and bone. Skin and teeth are also related to Saturn.

For Virgo it involves the ability to love and to create. A mature phase is on offer in these areas as well as regarding children

For Libra the past has to be dealt with - family especially - roots, origins, ancestry - and how to deal with family challenges with a new level of maturity. The influence of Father will be very relevant for many. Home and its responsibilities and commitments are a major area of focus

For Scorpio the way your mind has functioned and your way of communicating are both up for a major makeover. You are pressured to go deeper, be more serious and insightful as well as recognising the need to have a more mature outlook, meeting your responsibilities or being a source of knowledge when it comes to communicating. This could involve becoming an educator or having a word-related career

For Sagittarius it really is time to face the responsibilities of income and assets. Either make plans to manage these better or abandon the material world as much as you practically can. Looking after your body is a big requirement -recognising limits - or the big defects will start to arise in the skeletal system in particular.

For Capricorn -you get potentially the best [or least aggravating] deal - you should know lots of ways in which you are already quite typical of your zodiac sign -but wait - there's more: clearly all the Capricorns in the world have to do more work -and this may not be defined so much as employment - but work on yourself -self management - since you are already a talented boss or manager you can now direct those skills at that face in the mirror. Maybe you have been too Capricorn - too restricted, repressed, too conservative or conventional, too stingy, too negative, too cautious: now's time to look at Capricorn at it's best - being a guiding, mentoring parental type person, happy to support and nurture others and to contribute to a benevolent society where government has those same ideals underlying policy. The basic guide for your sign is: whatever version of Capricorn you have been is set to be upgraded to an advanced version fully ready to become the sort of role model that all human societies need to function well. Teeth, skin and bones may all break down under the pressure.

For Aquarius the commitments and responsibilities you now have involve personal isolation. At best this involves self-selected retreat and solitude - a necessary retreat from the world in order to gain new insights and growthful qualities. The other common isolation environments are more challenging: hospitalisation, imprisonment or being kidnapped. It is far better you go willingly rather than attract an enforced period away from the everyday world. Look at whether your unconventional or rebellious ways have let you get into difficulties with authorities or the system 

For Pisces big things will be happening in friendship relationships. Longstanding connections may have to be annihilated in order for new qualities of friendship to be developed or current friendships restructured if they have started to crumble. Other arenas for this activity are in group/community/networks - including digital/social media housekeeping where friends may need to be let go off and some culling of alliances by unfollowing. Overall a transformed notion of friendship should evolve & you will know better how to function as a friend due to understanding the role, responsibilities and commitments.

The other very significant influences in 2019 include:

• The shift of planet Uranus into Taurus for a 7 year period from week 2 of March 2019
• The combination of Jupiter and Neptune which creates another set of blended forces - evident in extreme environmental effects [such as intensified rainfall and flooding] and excesses in human behaviour [substance addictions, lack of self control] 

Watch 2019 periods of strong Jupiter-Neptune activations: weeks 3 and 4 in January; the Full Moon period, end of March; around June 10th and the 3rd week of June; week 2 and week 4 of September; week 4 of November

Also on this blog:

for further major planetary influences in 2019 read Astrology of 2019 global forecast and 2019 Zodiac in a nutshell

2019 Zodiac Astrology in a nutshell

The astrological signs are usefully sorted into groupings that have matching types of expression and this method helps to show what similar themes apply in 2019 for related signs
If you want a global perspective on 2019 a detailed forecast is posted on this site

In this forecast the zodiac Sun Signs are presented in their groups CARDINAL FIXED and MUTABLE

 and their shared group themes are revealed

The Cardinal group is Aries Libra Cancer Capricorn

In 2019 all these signs are unusual in that they are all dealing significantly with cardinal issues. Cardinal issues are those that involve:

•  working on your personal style of self expression or personality
• improving how you function in relating to others especially private relationships
• dealing with career issues, matters of true calling or vocation
• focussing on family, roots, the meaning and function of home

All of these are on the table for cardinal signs in 2019 -for many this is a continuation lasting several years. All that differs is the degree of emphasis of the cardinal themes and where additional influences - Jupiter, Uranus Neptune and Pluto - play out:

• Aries is likely to be pulled towards living, studying or travelling overseas with an emphasis on seeking retreat. Money/income changes/unstable. A lot of personal change needed. Partnerships have less of a focus. Habits and expectations around survival needs undergo major change.
• Libra has a home and family/parenting focus. Personal and partnership needs hard to cater for. Resources/assets undergo unexpected changes. Health is weakened. Digestion especially weak/sensitive. Service work or volunteering is a positive expression. Contact with foreign language - perhaps a new study. Habits and expectations around survival needs undergo major change.
• Cancer has an emphasis on the challenges in partnerships & these can cause issues re home/location and career. Friendships affected by change -new beginning, some ending. Spiritual study or travel, better healthcare and nutrition are all beneficial. Habits and expectations around survival needs undergo major change.
• Capricorn is required to do a lot of personal growth regarding self expression, self management -switching away from controlling others to controlling self. Less energy for home, family, career. Personal retreats/going within and reading spiritual self help are all beneficial. Relationships with children, lovers are changeable. Try to find a new creative outlet. Habits and expectations around survival needs undergo major change.

The Fixed group is Taurus Scorpio Leo Aquarius
In 2019 all these signs are dealing significantly with mutable issues. In addition points are made regarding  where other important influences - Jupiter, Uranus Neptune and Pluto - play out:

Mutable issues are change/adaptation/movement conditions that involve:

• the mind - how it functions and grows, thought patterns, ideas, beliefs, mental patterns

With a strong mutable effect the fixed [stubborn, rigid, obsessive] signs are being pressured to become more easy going, tolerant, educated, lateral, laid-back, accepting, forgiving through making changes to their conscious and subconscious ways of thinking.

• Taurus has a strong emphasis on mind expansion drawn from overseas experiences or with other nationalities at home or the energy can be used through higher education/spiritual studies. Demands of work and health may conflict with these goals. A change of personality is on offer to shift you from old attachments and values.  Habits, behaviours and expectations around relating in general undergo major change. Becoming a community volunteer and finding greater empowerment from esoteric explorations and sexual intimacy are all beneficial options.
• Scorpio is mostly asked to transform through you  altering your everyday communication style -making sure any overbearing, domineering and controlling traits are corrected . If obsessive, vengeful and destructive thinking takes hold help should be sought as it truly is time to continue the process of making your mind more healthy. Try to channel mental energy into reading, writing and education. Work and health are areas of challenge during 2019. Relationships are set to be unconventional and or unstable. Financially a good year. Romantic energy may best be put on hold and be used in an imaginative creative outlet. A compassionate role with children is a beneficial option. Habits, behaviours and expectations around relating in general undergo major change
• Leo has a strong continued emphasis on service types of employment and health matters. This issue could conflict with any travel plans and educational options. Changes are sustained in the career sector -new goals or discovery of a true calling. Involvement in charity or philanthropy is beneficial. Romance, creativity and children are focus areas all offering potential growth and positivity. Habits, behaviours and expectations around relating in general undergo major change.
• Aquarius is best focussed on retreating from the world -whether by choice or through forced circumstances such as health. Changes in the home and or family circumstances are indicated. Travel with friends or to be in a group is very beneficial for learning and growth. Money and assets can be much less significant as part of this withdrawal towards a greater spiritual emphasis. Habits, behaviours and expectations around relating in general undergo major change.

The Mutable group is Gemini Sagittarius Virgo Pisces
In 2019 all these signs are dealing significantly with Fixed issues. In addition points are made regarding  where other important influences - Jupiter, Uranus Neptune and Pluto - play out.
Fixed issues are those that involve:

• survival: this will be faced in the context of any or many of the following aspects of daily life - financial position, income, assets, resources, personal power/self empowerment, charisma/attractiveness, love and attention, feeling of being supported through networks of friends or contacts or community in general

• Gemini - changes regarding resources previously shared with others or gained through others can become a factor propelling you towards the responsibility for accumulating greater personal resources. Personal empowerment or charisma needs to be developed now. Fixed ideas around love and attention need to be revised. You are on the path towards making meaningful spiritual contributions to the world at large. Changes in the subconscious clear away obstructions. Best growth area in 2019 is through partnerships and an overseas factor could be in that mix. Issues around love and friendship are being resolved in order to reap the relating benefits.
• Virgo will develop most in areas involving areas of creative expression such as love affairs, children and the arts. A big emphasis on overseas is noted  -coming either through travel, study, home relocation. Beneficial energies also relate to expanding the home or family and through having a spiritual [not boozy or druggy] partnership -such as a teacher-student interchange. Fixed mental patterns involving control, power, jealousy, revenge need to be revised.
• Sagittarius has a big focus on material and financial assets and how to manage and transform them. Living by water or in a spiritual environment is beneficial. A very positive year of freedom adventure, success and personal growth. Changes in health and health routines, nutrition/diet are all worth exploring. Routine work situations also subject to change. Fixed beliefs involving freedom  and independence need to be revised.
• Pisces has a big focus on friendships, networks, communities, expanded contacts. Personal expression continues to move towards more spiritual compassionate responses to the world in general. Fixed mental patterns are subject to significant change. Career or true calling is very positively linked to overseas or people of other nationalities