On that fateful day, November 9, 1965, a profound disturbance rippled through the northeastern provinces of America and Canada, leaving behind an indelible mark on the psyche of millions. It was a moment when the delicate balance of power was shattered, 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 archaic generators retained a flicker of illumination amidst the pervasive blackness that engulfed their surroundings. Amidst the chaos, flickers of fiery anomalies danced across the sky, igniting vivid imaginations and fueling tales of unidentified flying objects. These celestial spectacles, later explained as mere “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 celestial 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 concept 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 testament to humanity’s pursuit of transcending natural limitations.
Within the intricate tapestry of this historical event lies a profound lesson: the peril of hubris, the dangers of tampering with forces beyond our understanding. The allure of progress, of emancipation from the shackles of nature, can sometimes blind us to the delicate balance that sustains our existence. The North American blackout serves as a reminder that we must tread cautiously as we traverse the realms of innovation and change, always mindful of the potential consequences that lie in wait. In the wake of that turbulent night, the darkness eventually gave way to the return of light.
Pluto, the harbinger 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 celestial convergence 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 echo of this cosmic dance, underscoring the pressing need for renewable forms of energy and a fundamental reimagining of power utilization. The power outage, a confluence of Pluto’s influence and Uranus’ disruption, assumes a symbolic significance, casting light on the weighty implications of this celestial alignment.
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 profound 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 resilience. In times of crisis, our level of preparedness becomes a decisive factor in navigating the treacherous waters of change. 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. How well we weather such storms is a testament to our adaptability and our capacity to embrace transformation.
In the wake of the power outage, as the lights eventually flickered back to life, we are left with valuable insights etched into the tapestry of our collective consciousness. The lessons learned from the convergence of Pluto’s destructive forces and Uranus’ disruptive energies resonate deeply. We are compelled to seek alternative paths, harness renewable sources of energy, and revolutionize the way we wield power. Our ability to thrive amidst the ebb and flow of change hinges upon our willingness to embrace uncertainty, to nurture our inner resilience, and to harmonize our existence with the ever-shifting cosmic dance.
In this delicate interplay between the external and internal, between forces beyond our control and the depths of our inner strength, we find the keys to navigating the complexities of existence. It is through embracing the transformative lessons of Pluto and the disruptive energies of Uranus that we can forge a path forward, where resilience, adaptability, and a profound appreciation for the fragility of life guide our every step.
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 collision of Uranus’s unpredictability and Pluto’s tumultuous crisis. Moreover, incarcerated individuals seized this opportune moment to unleash a full-scale riot, leveraging the chaotic influence of Uranus.