problematic, shadow elements of the Uranus-Neptune conjunction is to view the events of the previous era through rose-colored glasses. Given the potency and breadth of the energies of the Uranus-Neptune conjunction, some degree of psychological inflation was to be expected and was arguably healthy. With the exact conjunction occurring only approximately every one-hundred-and-eighty years, it would be a real tragedy to miss feelings of a heightened sense of spiritual or creative inspiration that these energies can afford. However, it was when individuals or groups became possessed by the archetypes-abandoning a balanced approach to life-that trouble ensued and the shadow side of the Uranus-Neptune conjunction manifested.
The revelatory and religious impulse of the times inarguably helped many to open up to the sacred for the first time in their lives and assisted in birthing a new era of spiritual awakening. However, the same spiritual fire that liberated and transformed so many lives in positive ways was also harnessed by a few in a destructive and ignorant manner. Some became so all consumed by the collective spiritual impulse that they could no longer discriminate between their earthbound, limited egos and the powerful numinous forces with which they were connecting. In the case of David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, spiritual vision became confused with a messianic inflation. With Marshall Applewhite and the Heaven's Gate cult, the thirst for transcendence was grossly misapplied. Finally, poorly interpreted prophecy and misappropriation of ancient religions led to the terrorism inflicted by the Aum Shinrikyo cult of Tokyo.
Although the more celebrated side of Uranus involves progressive revolutionary impulses and humanitarian ideals, the less commendable and more hidden aspect of Uranus can lead to a fervent, unapologetic fundamentalism. A counterreformation of political and religious fanaticism stood side by side with the liberal and tolerant-minded reforms of the time, with both agendas fueled by Uranus's vision of what constitutes a better world. Fueled by a pious moralism and an arch-conservative political stance, extreme factions of the religious right rose with tremendous force to counter the mounting tide of forces threatening to traditional family values. Often espousing a strange conspiracist point of view with hateful rhetoric, the radical religious right managed to attract those looking for permanence and convention in an age of increasing diversity and disintegrating cultural norms.
The technological and cultural innovations of the era undoubtedly helped to increase freedoms and leisure and improved the quality of life, however, these advances also served to bring out the worst in the Uranus-Neptune amalgamation: withdrawal, escapism, anti-social behavior, and an addiction to image and fantasy. Video games, computers, and virtual reality allowed one to marvel at the whimsy and brilliance of the creativity of the moment but also allowed an uncomplicated and easy escape from the more problematic, conflict-ridden demands of this reality. The proliferation of mega malls and theme parks created a nausea and vertigo; we were culturally being oversaturated and overstimulated with an empty glitz and kitsch.
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