The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, are usually called the Transpersonal or Collective planets. They refer to forces, almost completely beyond the level of personality, which compel drastic personal/spiritual growth. When we make such growths, one can say that we have assisted the collective to grow, and this is part of the 'collective' character of the outer planets, as well as their connection with the inspiration of mass social movements and trends. In recognizing the outer planets as transpersonal, we recognize that they are beyond the little you and me, and in fact much more powerful. When they come around in transits (etc.) in our charts, we realize how powerful the Reality which they symbolize is.

Principally, the outer planets refer to great spiritual forces and the ever-increasing necessity for greater consciousness. Where they are located in our charts indicatess areas where we personally tap into an energy that is, by nature, transpersonal. It is very important, then, that we understand these forces as best we can, and relate to them in a healthful way. If we do not integrate their needs into our lives, it is as if we are ignoring a truck bearing down on us at 100 MPH. Really respecting the outer planets requires a lot of us. We have to avoid the traps and pitfalls of each planet, and allow the positive power of each to shine through. This is not easy, but it is the only choice we have. Sooner or later, we get tired of suffering, and become motivated to do the inconvenient things we need to do to open our eyes.

From time to time, the outer planets will feel like that truck driving through and destroying our lives. If we can trust that they are bringing us to ever-greater awakening, we can do our best to appreciate them while we are in the midst of their influence. Then we can know that we will be immeasurably strengthened when these times are over. Setting one's sites on spiritual oneness as the most important value in life is invaluable here. The outer planets will always pull us towards absolute surrender, completely honest power, and true expression of the Innermost. If we are not willing to go 'all the way,' the outer planets will always seem like a huge thorn in our sides. If we are unwilling to settle for ego, untruth, and delusion, the outer planets will seem like the best friends we've ever had.

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