Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I’ve been thinking about the current Saturn/Pluto square, and all these Retrogrades. And just like that, I came across, for the hundredth time in my life, my favorite quote ever. It’s by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, that wonderful German poet, writer, philosopher, dramatist, playwright, and civil servant. (He was a good Virgo, with a Pisces moon – a man of service and discrimination with a soul connected to the pulse of his world. He was born in 1749 and died in 1832 – like us experiencing the turning from one century to the next. He is known as one of most influential writers of all time.)
The quote I love so much, and that presented itself to me today, is this:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
I do realize of course, that Saturn and Pluto are squared, seemingly wreaking havoc on our very foundation; and that Mercury and Mars are Retrograde – and that in just a few days Saturn will be Retrograde as well. All this Retrograde action translates to a time for mental and physical retreat, and a true internal reality check. This is not the best moment in time to begin anything new.
HOWEVER – there are words and ideas in the quote above that at this time on our journey, the time of Retrogrades and a Saturn/Pluto square, are of utmost importance. Goethe speaks of commitment, the realm of Saturn. He also speaks of hesitancy, drawing back and ineffectiveness – also the realm of Saturn, but from the lower vibration. He tells us that without commitment we can never be fully engaged in our dream! As long as we hesitate, i.e. as long as we act from a place of commitment phobia, our intentions are not clear to the Powers that Be, and therefore cannot gather force beneath and around us, to rally us forward toward our goals. As long as we are wishy-washy, even a little, Providence cannot help us fulfill our dreams, goals, and aspirations.
So take heed of the Retrogrades and ruminate, stand still instead of running forward just for now, and work with Saturn to get the REAL dream in place so that the Pluto purging of whatever is getting in your way or holding you back can work its mysterious magic that will lead to an incredible transformation in your life as you know it! (Think “work toward transformation”.)
This month and through the next several weeks, during this time of introspection, renewal, rehearsal and not so intrepid and forthright action, go inside and figure out what you WILL COMMIT yourself to. Make lists, meditate, visualize, test and rehearse. Be bold and allow your genius to arise from within – and then, when the time to move forward is ripe (you’ll feel it), the magic will happen – the support will show up, the people of like-mind will appear to help, like the shoemakers elves.
Saturn + Pluto = REAL MAGIC, COMMITMENT TO RELEASING WHAT’S USELESS AND DYING, TRANSFORMATION TAKING FORM, DEEP AWARENESS OF YOUR INNER TRUTH
Read the quote from Goethe several times, only say it in the first person (Until I am committed…etc.) until you can recite it without reading it. Allow it to become a part of you. Internalize it and meditate on it. Feel it. And then…when it’s time to move forward…feel your power, be BOLD and do it! Commit with no concept left of turning back.
See? Retrogrades, Saturn and Pluto really can be your friends!
Astrology with Michelle Gregg 
grt peice of writing.
i had lost this wonderful scripture somewhere..
however i could say 70% of it..
but now i will double make it sure , it say it like a mantra..
this scripture and momorising had already changed and made miracles happen in my life in 1982..
thks dear..
u made a big contribution to me today..
the last Saturn Pluto square in Dec-Jan 1994, transformed me from an employed person to starting up my nw business.
as of now, that business which I started then has now gone into bankruptcy..
i do not know … what;s next..
pluto is in my ascendat LEO at 16 degrees, it has entered enters Sagittarius ( cusp 7 15 47) .of .my 5th house….as per niryana system
next 2mths are crucial..
its like a change every 15 years…
it happenend simiarly in 1979-82..
i think as pluto moves from one house to another that itself is an important change …rather than the most talked about Saturn transit if 2 1/2 yrs..
Hi Atul,
I’m so glad to help you re-discover these amazing words by Goethe. I’ve rarely found a quote as inspiring to me as this one.
A Saturn-Pluto square (like the one we’re in now and the one in 1993/1994) will always produce radical changes (even in the weather!). With Pluto being in an applying trine to your ASC (sidereal system), it seems as though you’ve got some support through this one, which will become stronger as Pluto moves from 10 degrees closer to 16 (sidereal). Look to your close relationships for opportunities regarding what’s next after your bankruptcy, and focus on your internal resources to guide you to finding personal/business transformation. Whatever changes occur they will be visible to all, and have the potential of being very fruitful and healing. And remember that Saturn will be in sextile to Pluto by November of 2012 all the way through 2013. It will be interesting to see what opportunities and new births arise from the dying away and purging that is going on now.
I agree with you that the move of Pluto from one house to the next is a critical time personally, and represents a complete shifting of focus and a new area of transformation.
The change every 15 years can relate to Pluto certainly – though it does have an irregular orbit and can stay in a sign anywhere from 11 to 30 years, with an average being about 21 years. And depending on the house system you use, the times it stays in a house can vary quite a bit as well.
Relating the 15 year changes to Saturn though, Saturn’s orbit is very regular, and 15 years represents about a half turn around the Sun, which translates to Saturn opposing itself or some other point in a given chart. Maybe have a look at that and see what you come up with?
Thanks so much for commenting Atul. I appreciate you visiting my blog and hope to hear from you again!
Be well,
Michelle
Your explanation of what’s going on out there has calmed my panic and soothed my anxieties (well, mostly!). Wow, Michelle, your relationship with the planets is so special – you really are able to translate for us laypeople in such a way that we can truly get it, and without dumbing down. It is a singular talent and I am so grateful to be able to benefit from it!
I have been doubting everything – everything – and your words and energy have somehow whispered in my spirit’s ear, “just calm down and wait, it’ll all look different just around the bend.”
What a magical creature you are!
Wow. THANK YOU!! I’m glad that I could be a vehicle of calming energy for you. The word “doubt” is an interesting one, don’t you think? Healthy in very small doses to provoke a moment of sane introspection…but deadly when allowed to prevail, especially over a long period of time. Trade doubt, at its very short expiration date, for certainty, inspiration and commitment.