Astrology and Youth unemployment in the UK

Figures expected tomorrow in the UK – look set to confirm the highest rate in unemployment under 18-24 year olds in the UK since the early 1990’s: a million young people are without work. This led me to wonder what the astrology might have to say about it. This is not an exhaustive study – rather a personal attempt to see what if any correlations there might be between then and now.

If you were aged between 18-24 and unemployed in the early 1990’s then you would have been born anytime between 1966 and 1972. In 1966 – Uranus and Pluto were conjunct in Virgo – and in opposition with Saturn. During the course of the next six years – both Uranus and Pluto crossed the axis of the world – at 0 degrees Libra – and by the end of the period, only Pluto was left malingering around this point. The previous peak in youth unemployment – affecting this particular group of births – came in 1993 – when interestingly – two outer planets were once again conjunct, this time Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn.

If we look at the current figures – then the affected group of unemployed would have been born anytime between 1987 and 1993. Interestingly – Neptune stands on Jan. 1 1987- exactly at the same point that Pluto stands now – 5 degrees Capricorn. Furthermore, on Jan. 1 1987 – Saturn is approaching conjunction with Uranus in Sagittarius- while Uranus itself is actually squaring the 1966 Uranus/Neptune conjunction in Virgo. The plot thickens – when we see that from 1989 onwards – Uranus conjuncts Neptune in Capricorn. Again two outer planets conjunct in an earth sign.

Incidentally the figures now being released – come with Saturn almost exactly where it was on Jan. 1 1987 – and with Uranus on or around the axis of the world – 0 degrees Aries.

Conclusions: What is noticeable – are the conjunctions of the outer planets – Uranus, Neptune or Pluto – in the earth signs – during the period of high youth unemployment or during the birth period under consideration. Let us reflect here for a moment on the meaning of the earth signs: earning a living is about as basic and earthy and practical as you can get. The outer planets are always dramatic – and often in the collective – point to events that are beyond the control of an individual.

The mid 60’s Virgo conjunction – heralded possibly the start of the switch in the UK from an industrial based/manufacturing economy to a more service orientated economy. Viewed in this way – the conjunction preceded actual events. The Capricorn conjunctions starting in 1990 – saw the fall of Maggie Thatcher. A police assault on March 31st 1990 on a peaceful demonstration against the hated poll text (which 16 million people refused to pay) actually sealed her fate. If Capricorn is the establishment – then its opposite Cancer points to home and hearth. It is a fact – though not acknowledged by all astrologers but certainly acknowledged by this one – that any planet triggering one end of an axis – automatically draws its opposite end into play. Yin/Yang. Capricorn pierces the heart of Cancer – interestingly considering the current state of economic affairs (often ascribed to Pluto in Capricorn)- that homes and mortgages have played a central role in the crisis.

So – what of this current generation – born under the Capricorn conjunctions in the early 90’s? Capricorn represents the final stage of earth – the last in the earth triplicity. Born into  a highly developed form of materialism, one can only hope that this group will discover the inner potential they have to transform and change outer reality. Unemployment might even empower some born in this generational group to move beyond the outer trappings of materialism and find some inner truth about the ‘self’ that has nothing to do with specific brands or with gross materialism. Over the coming years Pluto will trigger the Saturn/Uranus/Neptune conjunction degrees – and set off beacons that will light up our skies. This is an extremely fascinating and potentially inspirational group. Neptune in Capricorn = the essence of spirit in matter / Uranus in Capricorn = a radical new approach to society.

Though unemployment amongst the young can have dramatic consequences – it is not entirely negative as it can teach some important lessons too. In truth we are not what we do – though we might like to think we are. If you ask me, the word loser – should be scrapped!