2013 Global View
The major aspect through 2013 is the continuation of the Pluto/Uranus square which first began in 2012. This is a particularly challenging aspect both globally and personally.

2012 ended under the yod aspect pattern also known as the 'finger of god'. This occurs when 3 planets combine in a mix of soft and challenging aspects that look like a pointing finger, showing exactly where the energy will be released. It may be a finger but it packs a punch and many have felt the effect of that along with the difficult Pluto Uranus aspect that was also in play during 2012. These aspects have seen challenges to the political structure of many parts of the globe and on a personal level the restructuring of many facets of life. That is the nature of the yod, it calls out for readjustment, something isn't right and needs to be changed. There can be quite dramatic modifications under this and it is quite often not a change of choice, but rather forced upon us.

The last time the power and control planets, Saturn and Pluto were involved in this pattern was May 1989. This configuration calls for the release, or letting go of both and with the third planet Jupiter (also there in 1989), having faith that all will be well in the long run. These three planets will reform this pattern at the end of March 2013.This could be a lot tougher, as Uranus joins the mix this time and there is quite a build up of explosive energy in the double yod that is formed. This does not auger well for global matters, as these planets are not interested in creating peace and harmony, but jostling for control and breaking free of current restraints.

Pluto represents that which is hidden, in mythology Pluto was lord of the underworld, and also wealth. Uranus represents change, challenge, revolution and independence and individuality. In combination, they are a very explosive pairing. The fact that this amalgamation is an uneasy one adds to the power of the pair.

Early 2012 as the energy was first building, with the help of the faster moving planets, the crisis in the Eurozone worsened, with the truth of the real situation being revealed. This is something Pluto is known for, digging up the truth which has been hidden. At the same time the Arab Spring continued to gain momentum, with the aid of revolutionary Uranus. With these planets continuing their cosmic dance throughout 2013, these conditions will continue.

The Middle East has historically been a hot spot and is likely to heat up again around the time of the eclipse cycle in April/May. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, will be the main interest at this time, with both countries' charts again being activated, as they were in November 2012. The difference here though, will be the fact that Palestine now has status in the United Nations. It is only a matter of time before they take action in the International courts over Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people.

Government's will continue to fall as the populace more and more call them to accountability for their actions. There has been so much mismanagement of funds and abuse of power around the globe and people have had enough. This is the revolutionary aspect of Uranus, and in combination with Pluto, the secrets will be revealed. It won't just be governments however who come under closer scrutiny, big business will also feel the spot light. The average person is far more aware of the abuse of multi national companies, especially regarding their involvement in developing countries. The use of cheap labour has been under scrutiny for some time now and increasingly the way the earth's resources are being squandered for profit are also being more closely investigated. What was just accepted or tolerated in the past is no longer passing muster.

We are going through a major global shift and it isn't just the climate that is changing. Attitudes are also undergoing a transformation and the more that people find their voice the more they expect to be heard. This is a good thing, as long as the fervour isn't hijacked, as the masses are also susceptible to being caught up by a charismatic leader. It was under a similar Uranus/Pluto square that Hitler rose to power in Germany and then used propaganda to take the world into the deadliest conflict in history.

There is a possibility for a similar individual, or individuals, rising to a position of power and influence under the current aspects. With so much unrest and dissatisfaction it would be easy to fall under the thrall of someone who seemed to have all the answers. The demonstrations that we have seen in many parts of the world in recent times are proof that people are looking for answers and solutions. We have seen many demonstrations dealing with fiscal issues but also many have taken to the streets over moral, ethnic and general freedom issues. The world is a different place than it was in the early 1930s, and with the rise in the popularity of social media, people are becoming more aware of the plight of others and the different conditions many live under. This not only increases the understanding of global situations but hopefully will also act as a preventative for the rise of another Hitler, but doesn't mean some won't try.

The most volatile periods, globally, are late March, around the May eclipse cycle, late July/August and November/December.

There are several countries that will have the spotlight, perhaps more so than usual. China will continue to dominate the news. Germany, Lebanon, The UK, Belgium, Algeria and the Czech Republic, will also hit the news and/or undergo major changes during 2013. Vatican city will also be of interest with the catholic church continuing to be more than just a topic of conversation and the Vatican itself going under the microscope.

It is not only political and civil unrest that are indicated by these aspects, the earth itself is subject to more volatile changes and upheaval. This means an increase in earthquakes, volcanic activity, and severe weather conditions. These also are likely to be at their worst around the time of the eclipses, when the gravitational pull is strongest on the earth's crust

The first quarter of 2013 will see, Libya, Greece, perhaps Yugoslavia and Egypt, and as previously mentioned, the Czech Republic, come to the front of world news. Poland and in particular, the capitol, Warsaw, will also have a headline or two. New York state and surrounding areas have already felt the terror of so much loss in recent times, there may be more unsettling events to come in this general area. The USA needs to make changes and this is where the ground swell is likely to rise from.

In the second quarter, the centre of Africa dominates, with Sudan a particular hot spot. Likewise, South America will have more than its share of attention. The eclipse in May highlights the north-west of South America, which could indicate increased earthquakes in Equador and Peru. Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are also highlighted at this time.

The middle of the year, third quarter, sees things continuing to heat up on the African continent, while closer to home there is trouble in Indonesia.

In the final quarter of 2013, Far North Queensland (FNQ) and New Guinea come onto the radar. This time is normally a little early for cyclones but it is likely to be a busier and earlier than usual cyclone season. The eclipse in November highlights increased activity in Thailand and the Malay/Indonesian area, all areas under the Solar eclipse of earlier in the year.

On the home front, Australia as a nation will also come under scrutiny and the republic issue is likely to raise its head again. There will be changes to our government and constitutional changes are also on the cards. South Australia and Adelaide will be of particular interest.

There are several Australian companies that are directly in the line of fire from this configuration, which is likely to see restructuring. There are a number of food supply companies, such as Foodlands, Lion Nathan and the Coles Myer group, Westfield, St George bank, and the Australian Stock Exchange are a few of the higher profile businesses that will also be undergoing change over the course of the year.

As I mentioned some time ago, this summer was not going to be good for bushfires. We have already had an early start to a prolonged fire risk season and the first few days of 2013 are likely to see this escalate This is an annual worry but some years are worse than others, this is one of those years, so if you live in a fire prone area, be alert and be prepared.

Pluto and Uranus together have historically coincided with major changes globally. There have been major restructuring of countries and radical changes to thinking. The last contact, a conjunction and the seeding for the current cycle, was in the mid sixties, this coincided with defiance and civil rights protests and marches in the US. This time also saw anti Vietnam war protests and Indira Gandhi elected Prime Minister of India, rather ironic in view of what is happening in India at the moment, but perhaps an indicator that things are about to change for the better for women in that part of the world. The 1930s as already mentioned, the last time they were square, saw the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. All in all, we live in interesting times, let's hope it is a blessing and not a curse.

For a more detailed view on the year ahead check out Ed Tamplin's Astrology World

©Sherrynne Dalby 31 December 2012