Changes in the Collective Consciousness

We have seen the universalising of science whereby the old (17th - 19th century) view that science had all the answers was shown to be relative not absolute truth. Our knowledge of the vastness of the macro and micro cosmos has expanded, teaching us that there is far more to the material realms than we ever dreamed.

We have seen the shrinking of the globe, from been a huge place to that of a global village. The expansion of: global communications systems, transportation, sea, air, radio, audio and visual media has all contributed to this shrinkage. We have realised our global inter-dependence whereby actions in one part of the globe, such as an oil crisis or embargo, can have direct impact on others.

The two World Wars have also helped to break down our old paradigms whereby the West was seen to have the knowledge and authority and the rest of the world was supposedly more in ignorance. These Wars showed that the result of trying to control the destinies of others leads to friction and discontent and the peaceful options of other peoples has much to recommend for the maintenance of a harmonious world.

We have learnt that virtually every type of lifestyle and consciousness is present on planet earth and that planet earth is a planet of variety and diversity. That is, there is no one truth but rather many different expressions or viewpoints of the universal source which connects us all.

The 1950's and 1960's brought in an experimentational era by sections of youth in the world of alternative ways of being to the more rigid expectations of their parents. This has opened up an acceleration of technology and consciousness, which depends on the innovative and unusual. Until recently, the Western world has accepted the technological developments of this revolution, but has being shy of the consciousness explosion, whereby people are re-claiming their own spiritual and psychic power.

The 1970's saw this "new-awareness" enter into the “fringe” big-time. The 1980's saw the mainstream gingerly embracing the less controversial aspects of this such as yoga, and herbal medicine. The 1990's has seen a major opening where all aspects such as Tarot, Clairvoyancy, Mediumship and Astrology are re-entering the main-stream. The rational is opening up to its counter-part, the intuitive, and Wisdom is becoming valued alongside knowledge.

All these periods correlate to major planetary shifts. And now we are in one of the most exciting times, astrologically speaking, ever in history! We have seen the results of our attempts to rigidly control our world. That is, environmental, social, national and international problems becoming more apparent during the 1980's through to the present. We have had to face our shadow-side, the possibility of mass human extinction, as Pluto travelled through Scorpio in November 1983 - November 1995. Everything that was hidden (Scorpio) has being powerfully brought to our awareness, the most beautiful aspects of ourselves as a species and the most disturbing. The pain has surfaced and the task of the next 12 years, as Pluto moves through Sagittarius (From November 11th 1995 - 27th November 2008), is to touch on fundamental wisdoms that will allow us to heal our collective pain. Sagittarius is about getting to the Truth. It is about seeing and living by the Truth, no matter whether painful or joyous.

Our old ways have led to dysfunctionalism and dis-ease for many globally. This is a fundamental truth. The healing is to change our global structures so that we stop hurting each other and start supporting. You may be of a different colour, gender, religion, economic or social background to me - but you are a part of my global family and if I keep alienating you because you have a different perspective to me then we are in conflict. The real challenge is for me to accept your differences and to work with the fundamental areas where we are the same.

That is we share similar needs and if we can allow for variety of expression of these needs, we can complement, rather than compete. The fundamental realisation is that we are ONE FAMILY and ONE SPECIES.

With Uranus having entered Aquarius in February 12th 1996 (and remaining in this sign through to the end of 2003), we are seeing the growth of the individual (Uranus) in the collective (Aquarius). There is a break-away from the old controlling beliefs, where we were supposed to fit into imposed societal beliefs, and a rediscovery of our uniqueness within the human family. That is a re-discovery of how we as individuals fit into the collective processes of change. Such understanding is facilitated through networking and sharing, rather than the old ways of controlling and suppressing.

In my work as an astrologer, I am meeting many people who are arriving at a turning point in their lives. Many have arrived at a time when they have to make a decision to venture into new and uncharted territory or to try and withstand the inevitable for a little longer. There are so many people who are tuning into how they can live a more fulfilling life. The challenge is giving up past securities for temporary unknowns. The rewards are the benefits gained through maximising our skills and talents to the fullest. That is being fluid and creative; offering quality and sincerity as the major product of our time and actions.

We are at the crossroads. On the one-hand, we have the shadow-world beckoning us all to collective sleep. On the other hand, we have the light-realms beckoning us to re-awaken to our essential divinity. Sitting on the fence is no-longer good enough. We all have to make the choice about what we are helping to create on this planet, fear or love. I know that I have no interest in contributing to the old paradigms of total self-absorption. This is too limiting, constricting and boring for my nature. I'd much rather contribute to the forces of creativity, individual and group growth processes and openness to new positive energies. This I find to be more exciting and less bounded. What about you?

Copyright. Stephen Winder.