The
Western Roman Empire
Pluto’s
Role in History
753
BC to 476 AD
(note: first published June 2010)
The Roman Empire marks a time in history filled with great achievements and great turmoil, and events during this period highlight the position of leadership over vast areas of land and people that proved both stunning and advanced for the times. Most of us no doubt learned about this period of time in school, and most of us also learned that history tends to repeat itself. For the sake of this presentation, the dates provided for this period are marked by the rise of Julius Caesar in 27 BC to 476 when Romulus Augustus was deposed as the last Western Roman Emperor. For the sake of this presentation, it is understood that this is a very broad overview of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, which illustrated a time in history when many features that continue to mark a society came into being, including education, baths, sanitation, art, language, religion, architecture, philosophy and law. The timeline for the Roman Empire varies slightly among historical records, but generally speaking it is thought to have been started when Rome (the Roman Republic) was founded by Romulus in 753 BC and ended by the annexation of Egypt in 27 BC. At this time Cleopatra dies, Mark Anthony is defeated and Augustus/ Octavianus declares himself the first Roman Emperor. The Roman Empire eventually ends when Odoacer defeats Romulus Augustulus in 476 AD, dividing itself into Western and Eastern empires at this time. So, to simply what is already simplified, Rome was founded in 753 BC, moved into a land governed by emperors in 27 BC and the Western Empire fell in 476 AD.
The beginnings of the Roman Empire took place with Pluto in Leo, and this sign emphasizes royalty and the concept of Kings and Queens. Leo also appreciates ‘nice’ things, including an appreciation for art and music. Major forms of Roman art are architecture, paintings, sculpture and mosaic work and minor forms of art include metal-work, coin-die and gem engraving, ivory figurine glass, pottery, and miniature book illustrations (source: Wikkipedia). This was indeed a grand period in history, befitting the regal sign of Leo and evidence of Leo’s presence in our physical world exists unlike anything time in history since.
Now we consider the three major points in the Roman period, starting with the beginning of Rome in 753 BC, to the fall of the Republic to the beginning of emperor rule in 27 BC and finally to the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. In each case transiting Pluto was in the sign of Leo, for a total of two Pluto cycles before collapsing. A Pluto cycle lasts about 248 years, whereupon it “returns” to the position it was at time of inception. Commonly this is called a Pluto return, and seismic shifts almost always occur at this time. Pluto represents power and control, as well as death and rebirth. Can you see how these themes played in historical events in the case the Roman Empire?
Now we shift to the USA. The beginnings of the USA took place with Pluto in Capricorn, even though our nation has a Cancer Sun. The mantra for this sign would be: put family first before oneself…and this includes the family one lives among as a nation. Our nation also began to thrive as a world force with Pluto in Cancer, which ranged from 1912-1939. Although Pluto aligns itself with all parts of the world, not just the USA, this passage of Pluto in the USA’s Sun sign accounts for the impact that this planet had on developments for our nation at this time. Powerful families began to emerge and take their place among the world of business and/or leadership, including the Kennedy’s, Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, Ford and many others.
However, the placement of Pluto in the USA’s chart is in the sign of Capricorn, highlighting themes connected to leadership and business. Remember, Pluto represents power and control and the USA’s development embraced the themes of business and a change in leadership at its conception. Gone were the days of being governed by the King, and in its place emerged a new nation founded on the idea of “we the people”. This emphasis on Capricorn is important in what lies ahead for the future, as the USA will experience a Pluto return in 2022. This will be similar to the timeframe of the fall of the Republic of Rome to the onset of the Roman Empire and emperor rule. This is not to say that the USA will fall into the rule of emperors, however it does suggest a seismic change is coming. As stated before, this is expected to coincide with the formation of a new political system or third party. The question will be: can we survive this shift, or will be perish like other nations before us?
Five Year Long Range Forecast By Sign
Aries: Aries is one of four cardinal signs, and cardinal signs are most affected by the planets at this time. Uranus enters your sign, signaling new beginnings and becoming more actively involved…it’s your choice as to where you channel this energy. Your public image also changes, leading to a milestone event that defines how others see you. Saturn activates your significant other zone, and events connected to them will in turn affect you. Single? If so, a karmic relationship could arrive and it promises to be unlike any you have ever experienced before.
Taurus: You are out growing what you do on a day-to-day basis, and for most people this means their job. Having lost the passion you once felt for your work, you are stimulated to branch out and seek another job, promotion or switch in career. Pluto signals a potential meeting with someone foreign, or places you in a foreign land. Your learning curve is at its highest, assisted by Neptune in the wishes zone, and this could allow you to follow your dreams. Uranus enters your sign in 2018, and promises major changes in career area, so no matter what you do in the coming months it won’t be forever. So go ahead and consider going with the flow rather than resisting it.
Gemini: There are pluses and minuses to your forecast ahead, however do not assume that the minuses will end badly. We start with the radical planet Uranus, which is the planet that is your “higher octave” and it enters the house of hopes wishes and dreams for a seven year stay. Coupled with this we have “Lord of Karma” Saturn entering your house of fun and pleasure, as well as children, romance and having fun. So far, so good, right? Now we add Pluto “the transformer” into the house of shared resources, money that is NOT earned income, intimacy, passion and shocks. This said, there could be an event that you have no control over but nonetheless impacts you in a profound way, with a hint that money may be a factor. In a worst case scenario, such as having to file for bankruptcy, the energies point towards an outcome that just might surprise you. Play the lottery within moderation, as it fits the profile just described.
Cancer: Some of the biggest changes take place with your sign, beginning with Pluto in your significant other zone. This could signal the beginning of a new relationship, or an end to an old one. As the needs of others press against your own, this could leave you feeling un-nurtured until you decide to put yourself first. Moving homes, or having domestic changes in the household, are indicated in the next two years. “Endings” are also indicated, and this could apply to a person or situation. Career opportunities open up almost overnight, as an event that happens suddenly and without warning. Use this to your advantage by planning a change rather than waiting for it to happen.
Leo: Houses connected to mental activities and higher learning are activated in the years ahead, and this may lead to opportunities for travel as well. Paperwork is also accentuated, which ranges from contracts and agreements to books, networking and legal matters. Relatives may also factor into events that are important to you. Profound changes affect everyday activities, including your lifestyle habits. This could result in a total switch in diet and/or exercise habits, such as deciding to become a vegetarian. Your sign is least affected by the major planets, which makes up for recent years when this was not the case. Take this time to connect with ideas and other people, and expand your mind in the process. Want to become an astrologer, a numerologist or teacher? The years ahead give you the inspiration to accomplish your cherished mental goals.
Virgo: Matters connected to money will take on greater meaning, which can lead to changes that affect money you earn as well as money you owe. Although progress will be slow, nonetheless progress will be made. Romantically your love life also experiences big changes, leading to the formation and/or ending of key relationships. Much activity is expected to take place in your personal life, including the possibility of having a spiritual relationship. Creativity is also emphasized, which has obvious advantages, which will get channeled through mental activities.
Libra: Like other cardinal signs, great changes are in store for you in the years ahead and may result in events that affect the major issues in life. In other words, your life will be impacted by events connected to your significant other, where you live and the concept of new beginnings. Relationships may be formed and/or ended, and new beginnings can include a range of possibilities so long as you initiate the process. You could also move, or have major changes taking place under the roof of your house. Parents and/or parenting issues are also indicated, as is the idea of an “ending”, although not necessarily tied to the parent issue.
Scorpio: At first it may seem as if little is going on for your sign, however significant changes will take place in time. The concept of closure and completion is strong for the next few years, and some events may be beyond your control to change. For example, you could have someone leave your life, or have a job end, and these changes move you towards new beginnings. However, these events are expected to take place gradually and allow you time to prepare, and once these changes start unfolding you will realize how profound these next few years will be. An unlike most other signs your changes will be karmic, and will allow your soul’s development to fulfill its mission.
Sagittarius: Although Shangra-La may be found in the comfort of your own home, social houses are activated for the next five years as well. Perhaps this means more entertaining at home, while those desiring children may see the birth of a child (or grandchild). Key friendships may be formed and/or ended, while is a different direction we have an opportunity to realize a hope, wish or dream too. Roughly four years from now Saturn visits your sign, signaling a 30 year period for personal development and recognition. With this in mind, put out the effort now so that you are better prepared to take advantage of any opportunity to increase your responsibilities…also known as climbing the corporate ladder.
Capricorn: Cardinal signs rank highest in terms of major events in the five years ahead, and your sign is no exception. In some ways, as this material arrives at your door, and for the next year and one half, this period marks a time for taking yourself and your needs more seriously and for making headway in matters of career. In fact, changes affecting your career could impact your personal life, including the household in which you live. The reverse is true too: because of your personal life you might be required to make changes in your career, perhaps because of a new relationship that demands making adjustments in order to continue being together. Parents and parenting issues are also activated, which could include the birth of a child and/or grandchild.
Aquarius: Like your cousin Leo, your sign finds houses of an intellectual being activated, which may manifest in a number of ways. Teaching, learning, writing, speaking, networking, communicating and/or travel are themes that will increasingly become important in terms of events for you. Relatives and siblings are another issue to consider, as events affecting them appear in your predictive forecast. Career matters reach a peak in the period between two and five years from now, perhaps signaling an achievement or period of recognition. If your career fails to fulfill you, then be prepared to move on. Take matters into your own hands by making sure you are where you want to be now, or get on with changing things. That way, a promotion can still reasonably take place 2-4 years from now.
Pisces: A rare once in every 164 years change of signs takes place for your sign, and marks a period of new beginnings in the years ahead. You will also find matters of finances taking center stage, as changes in income and/or spending (think paying off debts too) are also indicated. Changes with significant others also lies on the horizon, perhaps leading to commitments within a five year period. Dreams can actually manifest into reality, so be prepared to define your dreams with specific details rather than with lofty thoughts that are vague. You may also discover psychic or intuitive abilities that you did not know you had, while your nightly dreams may reveal important information.
