Hello, everyone.
Remember “irrational exuberance”? This afternoon I was listening to “Talk of the Nation” on NPR and I heard the term “irrational pessimism”.
Irrational exuberance – Fire signs
When Alan Greenspan, then Chairman of the Federal Reserve, coined the term “irrational exuberance”, the planet Pluto had just entered the Fire sign Sagittarius where it was to stay for the next twelve years. Pluto reflects the grand movements in society and the evolution of life on earth. Sagittarius is nothing if not exuberant. Pluto entering Sagittarius heralded an era of unregulated prosperity fueled by a frenzy of optimism.
At the time of Greenspan’s speech in 1996, Saturn was in Fire sign Aries in trine aspect to Pluto. Unlike our current Saturn in Libra transit, where Saturn is particularly strong, Saturn is weakened when in Aries. The passion and entrepreneurial attitude of Aries is at odds with conservative Saturn and Saturn becomes fairly ineffective. A weak Saturn in Aries combined with Pluto in Sagittarius was perfectly reflected in the phrase “irrational exuberance.”
Irrational pessimism – Saturn and Capricorn
Now we hear “irrational pessimism” – Pluto in Capricorn squaring a much stronger Saturn in Libra. Capricorn, and its ruler Saturn, are known for pessimism – they see the glass half empty. Saturn’s role is to contract, conserve, and limit. Capricorn is the part of the cycle that makes things real, brings ideas into the material plane, and builds structures to secure our belongings – serious business!
With Pluto in Capricorn until the mid-2020s this pessimistic, nose-to-the-grindstone attitude could be here to stay. There was an article in Newsweek this week that spoke about how “even one really tough year experienced in early adulthood is enough to fundamentally change people’s core values and behaviors”. Even though the economy is improving, Americans are still not spending, which potentially increases the downward spiral. Americans have quadrupled their savings rate and hope to save 15% of their income going forward. This seems rational, but those dollars tied up in banks allow the banks to make money, not small business owners who are the engine of the economy and provide the most jobs.
We all understand where “irrational exuberance” led us. Do we understand what will happen if we succumb to “irrational pessimism”?
Habituating to pessimism?
What do you think? As for myself, as an exuberant Sagittarius, I can’t live with pessimism and depression too long. I don’t care much about what’s “real”, I care about my spirit and greeting each day with enthusiasm. I learned many years ago that we create our reality from the habitual thoughts in our minds. Are we all habituating to “irrational pessimism”?
Please weigh in: do you think this pessimism is rational or irrational? And what do you think we should do about it?
Pingback: What to do about Pluto in Capricorn (Redux) « Astro4Business Intersections
#1 by stephen hernon on June 15th, 2010
Quote
I assume you never complained when there was the “irattional exuberance” that fit your mold. Now you want “irrational pessimism” to go away and/or be minimized. We have too much of the “let’s reap the reward and skip the consdequencs” attitude now prevelant in the society.
Don’t you realize that Lord Saturn will have his day and avoidance is delusional. Take your medicine now or drag it out and take it later. Spend your time addressing the reality and stop trying to find ways around it.
#2 by Ellen Longo on June 15th, 2010
Quote
Yes, thank you, Stephen. I mostly agree with you, that Saturn will have his day and that the medicine, while bitter, ultimately saves the patient. However, I also think that one person’s reality is another person’s delusion and we each have to find the viewpoint that works best for us. I also know that we see the “real” happenings of our world based on our own mindset. So I’m sticking to optimism and enthusiasm because that’s how I want to experience life, even when times are hard and lessons are being learned.
#3 by cement contractors on December 9th, 2020
Quote
I want to agree with this because I can relate to some point.
#4 by hand sanitizer on December 9th, 2020
Quote
Hmm. I can’t live with negativity as well. I guess we have similarities in vast proportions.
#5 by Quality Boots on December 10th, 2020
Quote
This blog really amazes me, the fact that you can combine astronomy and business is great!
#6 by Elysium Health on January 31st, 2021
Quote
Interesting. I didn’t know that planet and stars has something to do with my being pessimistic.
#7 by cleaning bbq Newcastle on February 10th, 2021
Quote
i have no idea but thinks it’s irrational
#8 by composite boards on February 19th, 2021
Quote
I think so !I am irrationally pessimistic some characterestic you decribe connected to me composite boards
#9 by shower renovation on March 5th, 2021
Quote
I like this topic! very interesting! thanks for sharing!
#10 by https://www.lakemacbathroomrenovations.com.au/ on March 9th, 2021
Quote
Thank you so much for opening up on this topic! You do have good points here.
#11 by concrete services on March 25th, 2021
Quote
This is a wonderful topic to read and it’s very interesting! The information and the content is very valuable. Thanks you for sharing!
#12 by Obligations as an Insured on April 1st, 2021
Quote
I guess I am. hmm
#13 by California LLC on April 1st, 2021
Quote
Do irrational (optimists) exaggerate their chances of success, thereby setting themselves up for disappointment when they fail?
#14 by Yacht on April 1st, 2021
Quote
Do you think it is a bad thing?
#15 by columbia landscaping company on April 1st, 2021
Quote
is there also rational pessimism? Is it a good trait?
#16 by retaining walls charleston sc on April 1st, 2021
Quote
Does this make it a better outlook?
#17 by www.fenceinstallationgreenville.com on May 11th, 2021
Quote
I am wondering how does this look like?
#18 by kevin on October 20th, 2021
Quote
This blog really amazes me