The Fourth Turning

Last week, I posted on the Strauss-Howe Generational theory which is not unlike astrological returns but more for historical generational periods.

 

 

 

 

 

Turnings occur every 20-25 years or so, resulting, ultimately in the Fourth Turning that completes a human life cycle of a generation. According to Wikipedia, the four 20-25 year turnings are part of a larger cyclical "saeculum" (a long human life, which usually spans between 80 and 100 years, although some saecula have lasted longer). A crisis recurs in American history after every saeculum, so every 80 years or so, which is happening to us now - in the 2000s.

The Fourth Turning is an era of destruction, often involving war or revolution, in which institutional life is destroyed and rebuilt in response to a perceived threat to the nation's survival. After the crisis, civic authority revives, cultural expression redirects towards community purpose, and people begin to locate themselves as members of a larger group. The previous Fourth Turning in the US began with the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and climaxed with the end of World War II.

The G.I. Generation (which they call a Hero archetype, born 1901 to 1924) came of age during this era. They say their confidence, optimism, and collective outlook epitomized the mood of that era. The Millennial Generation (which they also describe as a Hero archetype, born 1982 to 2004) show many similar traits to those of the G.I. youth, which they describe as including: rising civic engagement, improving behavior, and collective confidence.

Horoscope for the Week of October 31, 2022 - Mars Retrogrades in Gemini

Some of our actions may be a bit too strong for the moment as Mars retrogrades in Gemini. Whoops! So let's conserve our energies as best as we can. There will be a perfect time to take action … but not just yet.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2022 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

You are aching to say something right now but holding off on expressing your strong opinions is the better action, Aries. Neighbors and local issues can bring on some stress but things are still evolving. Who knows? It might all simmer down in a few days. In the meantime, chill, mellow and allow yourself some down time.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Taureans may be tempted to make a big purchase or otherwise shift their financial strategy. But don’t do anything dramatic for a while. Hold off if you can while you carefully survey the whole monetary landscape. Sometimes a small pause will help clear up any questions or reveal something you didn’t realize before.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

You are a firebrand, Gemini, and can grab all the attention with your mere presence. But sometimes holding back and seeing who is in the room first is the best attention grabbing strategy. You have some great personal plans that feel ready to put into place but maybe a short pause will give you even great insight and strategy.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

There is so much going on behind the scenes that Geminis can be forgiven for feeling more stressed than usual. It is the undercurrents that have washed over you. But take a careful and calculated appraisal of what you feel compared to what is really going on. Action can be taken but exactly what action is still the question.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Your social life may rev up to a frenzy but as your social calendar gets tighter, so can you, Leo. The trick to the cosmic phase is to not over commit. Find ways to maximize every encounter so that it gives you and others the greatest pleasure and fun. That may mean graciously declining some invitations but, trust me, there will more.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Your desire for acclaim and reward can become a bit intense, Virgo, and so much so that you might over react when the path to success is delayed or stymied. Sometimes a step back to reassess is the best action. There are events that about to unfold that might change your perspective and direction. Keep your eyes open and observe.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Your quest for adventure may have to wait for the time being as your plans might be about to change. Libras want to get out of their rut but sometimes meditating on it is the best route as your options and opportunities evolve. What looked great last week may pale in comparison to what is available next week. Who knows?

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

As much as you seek a deeper connection with another, you may want to wait and see how you feel in a couple of weeks. Scorpios love large and deep and often this intensity needs time to form and develop. Emotions can run high now so express how you feel but temper it with caution as you see how it all plays out.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

Sometimes interacting with others who don’t seem to see your point of view can be very frustrating. And, Sagittarius, this might be one of those times. Try to maintain a calm patience even as your stress increases and you are tempted to overturn the landscape. Things are evolving and some folks just need more time.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Capricorns strive for good working relationships but if you find yourself at a crossroad with co-workers, remember that words and actions cannot be taken back. If you need to take a longer lunch break or some “me” time, do it. Any form of distancing and relaxation will prove to be a more successful option than conflict.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Fun may actually be less fun than usual for you, Aquarius. Maybe it is because you will have a tendency to take on too many responsibilities for all of the festivities. Stress can build and your energies can be dissipated. So learn to relax and hold off on your more ambitious projects. Sometimes doing nothing is much more fun.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Family issues may reach a crescendo as relatives ask more of you than you have the capacity to give. Allow yourself to say no, nicely, Pisces. Find ways to find balance and harmony that do not require drastic or urgent actions. There will be time to change the scenery or upend the dynamic but now is not the time.

(c) 2022 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes

Lucky Numbers for the Week of October 28, 2022

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of Oct 28-November 3, 2022:

2, 10, 24, 35, 36, 41, 49, 61,

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

Mars Retrograde

Eminent astrologer Felissa Rose analyzes the upcoming Mars Retrograde:

Approximately every two years the planet Mars goes retrograde.    This next happens on October 30^th  at 9:14 am EDT when Mars is at 25 degrees and 36 minutes of Gemini.   It turns direct at 3:54 pm on January 12 with Mars at 8 degrees and 7 minutes of Gemini.  Mars returns to 25 degrees 36 minutes of Gemini on March 15^th.

When a planet is retrograde whatever it governs tends to slow down and acts in a more internalized manner.   Mars being the planet of action  moving through Gemini a sign of mental activity and communication, manifests  as a combination of thought and action.   With Mars retrograding through Gemini, people are more likely to think about what they hope to do and act accordingly for as mentioned  it’s a period of reflecting on what one  wants to do as thought combines with action.

Mars as well as ruling movement also governs building and construction.   Usually when a project is either initiated or in the works, it tends to slow down during this retrograde.   If possible, it won’t be a good idea to start a building project while Mars is retrograde, aside from taking longer to get going and finish, there are  often mishaps most often unexpected,  that can put a stop to the actual project.   When I was living in a loft in Soho, my upstairs neighbor began remodeling his kitchen while Mars was retrograde.   He was working away in anticipation of his girlfriend moving in with him.  After he completed the work, his girlfriend told him that she wasn’t going to live with him.  Not long after the building went coop and he couldn’t afford to buy his place and had to move out.

Cutting instruments are ruled by Mars , including knives, blades, razors, scissors, scalpels as well as swords.  While  using any of these (hopefully not swords), be particularly careful so as not to hurt yourself or others.  If possible, avoid elective surgery.   Although most surgical procedures will go as planned, have known of more people who have been disappointed or needed to return for corrected surgery that was initially done when Mars was retrograde. 

Gemini rules the arms, fingers, shoulders and lungs of the body.   Whiles Mars is retrograde areas of the sign that it’s moving through tend to be more sensitive.   With colds, the flu and Covid along with winter weather these areas, most especially the lungs are more subject to inflammation and congestion.  Gemini rules circuits and this includes the nerves in the body.  While retrograde the reaction to the planet in that position and sign it’s moving through tends to be internalized, which with Gemini can increase agitation.  Gemini is a sign of communication so thinking whatever is upsetting one over and discussing it with someone or if possible the one who that  you  have a problem with, it would be helpful to lessen and clear out anxiety and/or distress.    Mars rules anger and as mentioned retrograde energy is internalized.   By not expressing whatever is bothering you the body can be  physically affected.   Have seen someone in a situation where they felt they were upset about something outside of their control while Mars was retrograding in Sagittarius, sign of the leg above the knee and hips.  They developed sciatica when after the individual that created the  problem had ended their visit.  As Mars rules physical energy as well as movement,  often when a difficult situation seems over a physical condition is more likely to erupt as retrograde energy is internalized.   So as mentioned think about what’s happening and express whatever it is.  

As mentioned Mars rules movement.   If you’re planning to initiate a new physical exercise program, it    would be better to wait until Mars goes direct.  There’s likely to be an alteration if started while this planet is retrograde, either  ending the program or switching to something else.  This is even more noticeable when Mars returns to the place it went retrograde at after March 15^th. Mars will next be retrograde from December 6^th, 2024, until February 25^th, 2025, in the signs of Cancer and Leo.  

The sign opposite Gemini is Sagittarius.   It’s important to look at the opposite sign to achieve balance, regardless of what that sign might be.  Gemini rules communication as well as ideas and activities often in the mainstream.   The philosophical sign of Sagittarius  goes beyond present and local issues to how actions are effective on a broader scale as well as in the long run.  So as Mars moves through Gemini communication with action can effectively change the world.

Turnings - Generational Trends with an Astrological Relationship

This is a big topic to discuss in just one post so this introduction to the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory is Part 1 of 2 posts. The Strauss–Howe generational theory, devised by William Strauss and Neil Howe, describes a cycle of generations that last around 20-25 years that, because of their nature and energies, impact history.

This reminds me of the Saturn Return which occurs for individuals every 28-30 years, patterning the orbit of Saturn within one's individual horoscope and the overall generational Pluto transit that impacts history (although with Pluto, because it orbits in an elliptic, doesn't have a standard amount of time in each sign. Scorpio is for 12 years while Taurus is 30 years.) Remember the Pluto in Leo generation of flower children?

Strauss-Howe's theory is not that different from a planetary return in that it determines that because historical events are associated with recurring generational personas (archetypes), each generational persona unleashes a new era (called a turning) where a new social, political, and economic climate (mood) exists.

According to Wikipedia, Strauss and Howe define a social generation as the aggregate of all people born over a span of roughly twenty years or about the length of one phase of life: childhood, young adulthood, midlife, and old age.

Generations are identified (from first birth year to last) by looking for cohort groups of this length that share three criteria. First, members of a generation share an age location in history: they encounter key historical events and social trends while occupying the same phase of life. So members of a generation are shaped in lasting ways by the eras they encounter as children and young adults (which are called turnings) and they share certain common beliefs and behaviors. Aware of the experiences and traits that they share with their peers, members of a generation would also share a sense of common perceived membership in that generation.

Over the span of a general lifetime (around 80 years) there are four turnings - "The High", "The Awakening", "The Unraveling" and "The Crisis".

"The High" - institutions are strong and individualism is weak. Society is confident about where it wants to go collectively, though those outside the majoritarian center often feel stifled by the conformity, such as post–World War II beginning in 1946 and ending with the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

"The Awakening" - an era when institutions are attacked in the name of personal and spiritual autonomy. Just when society is reaching its high tide of public progress, people suddenly tire of social discipline and want to recapture a sense of "self-awareness", "spirituality" and "personal authenticity". This corresponds to the 1960's of free love, campus upheaval and inner-city revolts of the mid-1960s to the tax revolts of the early 1980s.

"The Unraveling" - with a mood the opposite of a High: Institutions are weak and distrusted, while individualism is strong and flourishing. Society wants to atomize and enjoy such as during the 1980s where "greed is good" and includes the Culture War.

"The Crisis" - the Fourth Turning which is an era of destruction, often involving war or revolution, in which institutional life is destroyed and rebuilt in response to a perceived threat to the nation's survival. This turning would have started in the 2000s.

Is there cause for optimism? Strauss-Howe believe that after the crisis, civic authority revives, cultural expression redirects towards community purpose, and people begin to locate themselves as members of a larger group.

Stay tuned for next week's Part 2 post describing the Fourth Turning.