Mundane Astrology

Darkness Descends: The Cosmic Encounter of Uranus Conjunct Pluto in the 1965 Blackout

By astrologyplace August 22, 2010

On that fateful day, November 9, 1965, a disturbance occured through the northeastern provinces of America and Canada, plunging an expansive area of 80,000 square miles into a profound darkness that lasted an agonizing 12 hours. The repercussions were felt by 25 million people residing in Ontario, Canada, and Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey in the United States. Only those fortunate enough to possess generators retained a flicker of illumination amidst the pervasive blackness that engulfed their surroundings. In the chaos, sightings fiery anomalies flew across the sky, igniting vivid imaginations and fueling tales of unidentified flying objects. These nighttime spectacles, later explained as just “fireballs,” fascinated the bewildered masses. It is within this extraordinary backdrop that we may discern the hidden lessons and psychological undercurrents of the North American blackout.

Perhaps, the astrological alignment of Uranus and Pluto in the constellation of Virgo can offer us insights into the underlying cause of this cataclysmic event. Throughout history, the conjunction of Uranus and Pluto has heralded transformative shifts, marking the introduction of groundbreaking inventions such as the contraceptive pill, the silicon chip, and the computer revolution. It is closely entwined with the realm of nuclear power, representing the zenith of societal changes. Astrologer Sue Tompkins postulates that Uranus, akin to the mythological figure, embodies the idea of castration and severance. It signifies instances where things are cut off or eliminated—a symbolic amputation. Another manifestation of Uranus’s influence can be witnessed in individuals who detach themselves emotionally, distancing from their own feelings. Uranus governs phenomena of lightning speed and surges of voltage-laden energy, encompassing shocks, rebellions, lightning, and flashes. It is the harbinger of the technological age, a nod to humanity’s pursuit of transcending natural limitations.

In the wake of that turbulent night, the darkness eventually gave way to the return of light.

Uranus conjunct Pluto chart of 1965 powercut

Pluto, the ruler of destruction, possesses an uncanny ability to thrust us into the depths of darkness. When this enigmatic planet assumes its dominion, we find ourselves stripped down to our primal essence, compelled to rely solely on our most basic survival instincts. It is within this realm of Pluto’s influence that profound psychological insights and transformative lessons come to light. Astrologer Liz Greene draws a compelling connection between the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the constellation of Virgo and the flower-power generation that blossomed in the tumultuous 1960s. Virgo, as the ruler of daily life, governs the ebb and flow of natural cycles. This planetary pairing triggered a radical shift in consciousness, spurring contemplation on the very essence of our existence and the quality of our everyday lives. The energy crisis that befell society in 1965 serves as an enduring sign of this energetic powerhouse, underscoring the pressing need for renewable forms of energy and a fundamental reimagining of power utilization.

Pluto, as the planetary ruler of crisis, wields an extraordinary power. It reveals the depths of our vulnerability, forcibly exposing us to the tumultuous forces that lie beyond our control. In its grip, the normal rhythms of daily life (Virgo) are thrown into disarray, society’s well-oiled machinery ceases to function as expected, and chaos ensues. The impact of the blackout was far-reaching, unsettling the very foundations upon which our structured lives depend. It serves as a stark reminder that amidst the great strides humanity has made, illuminating our world with technological marvels and revolutionary fervor, we remain subject to the caprices of external forces beyond our grasp.

Pluto’s influence beckons us to confront the fragility of our existence, inviting us to delve into the depths of our inner reservoirs of strength and power. In times of crisis, our level of preparedness becomes a decisive factor in how we survive. It is during these moments of upheaval that we are called upon to draw upon our inner resources, relying on our instinctive nature to guide us through the darkness that envelopes us.

In the wake of the power outage, as the lights eventually flickered back to life, we are left with valuable insights.

I recall the blackout and all the fuss about it. My parents spent the day running around to provide us with lights, heat and food. We ate hot dogs cooked over the fireplace in the living room and played games. My Dad had a little transistor radio that provided updates about the blackout and general news.

I clearly recall sitting on the front steps of my house with my good friend Barbara, who lived next door, that night. We were singing, laughing, and killing time while the world sat dark and silent. We sat on the front steps singing our hearts out until about 10:30 or so that night. I recall it being a very crisp typical New York fall night.

A witness eloquently characterized the conjunction as an unforeseen event of Uranus’s unpredictability and Pluto’s tumultuous crisis. Moreover, incarcerated in prison individuals seized this opportune moment to unleash a full-scale riot, leveraging the chaotic influence of Uranus.