Episode 605: The Stars Over Salem with Special Guest Aliza Kelly
In this episode of Morbid, astrologers examine the astrological events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. They analyze the volatile planetary tensions and conjunctions that fueled the paranoia and hysteria at the time, including the Sun-Neptune conjunction opposing Saturn and the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Gemini.
The astrologers also explore the astrological profiles of key figures like the accusers Anne Putnam and Betty Parris and judges like John Hathorne and Cotton Mather, revealing how the celestial energies may have influenced their interpretations and actions. Finally, the episode draws eerie parallels between the astrological conditions of 1692 and today, emphasizing the importance of discernment and reason when facing such challenging transits.
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Astrological Analysis of the Salem Witch Trials
Astrologers examine the celestial movements during the Salem Witch Trials, providing perspective on the events' progression and key figures involved.
Trials' Inception: Volatile Planetary Tensions
The trials began during Capricorn season in January 1692, amidst a tense astrological backdrop. Mars was retrograde in Gemini, while outer planets like Uranus, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto occupied challenging positions, suggesting an intense build-up that could destabilize society. Pluto's position in late Cancer reflected a curiosity to uncover hidden truths that fueled the accusations.
Key Astrological Events Inflaming the Trials
March 1: Sun-Neptune Conjunction Opposing Saturn
The sun's conjunction with Neptune in Pisces on March 1 opposed Saturn in Sagittarius, Sanger-Katz explains, creating a powerful fantasy-versus-reality dynamic that allowed fantastical beliefs to prevail over legal institutions.
May 27: Jupiter-Uranus Conjunction in Gemini
In May, a stellium in Gemini involving Jupiter, Uranus, and other planets opposed Saturn, catalyzing an era of aggressive fact-gathering where unreliable spectral evidence was accepted, contributing to the hysteria.
Mid-September: Saturn Regains Influence
By mid-September, Saturn regained influence while Uranus opposed it, signaling a growing desire to reestablish order amid the chaos, reflecting the real-world shift as the trials wound down.
Key Figures' Astrological Profiles
The accusers like Anne Putnam (a dramatic Libra) and Betty Paris (a Sagittarius experiencing a nodal opposition) played pivotal roles influenced by their astrological profiles. Judges like John Hathorn (a religiously fervent Leo) and Cotton Mather (an Aquarius undergoing his Saturn return) interpreted events through the lens of their astrological energies.
Modern Parallels and Lessons
The podcast highlights eerie parallels between today's astrological conditions and those of 1692, such as Pluto's transition into late Capricorn and the Jupiter-in-Gemini/Neptune-in-Pisces alignment. This suggests society may face a reckoning and the dangers of unchecked information spreading hysteria. The podcast cautions that navigating these challenging transits requires discernment, empathy, and a commitment to justice and reason to avoid repeating past mistakes.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Astrological correlations do not imply causation; the Salem Witch Trials can be explained through historical, sociological, and psychological factors without reference to astrology.
- The belief in astrology is not universally accepted; many consider it a pseudoscience because it lacks empirical evidence and methodological rigor.
- The interpretation of astrological events is highly subjective and can be retrofitted to match historical events, which does not constitute reliable evidence.
- The assignment of personality traits to individuals based on astrological signs is not supported by scientific consensus.
- The suggestion that modern society may face similar challenges as in 1692 based on astrological conditions could be seen as fearmongering and not grounded in empirical evidence.
- The use of spectral evidence in the Salem Witch Trials is a historical fact, but attributing its acceptance to astrological events is speculative and not supported by historical documentation.
- The idea that planetary positions influence human behavior and societal events is a belief that is not substantiated by the scientific community.
- Drawing parallels between current events and the Salem Witch Trials using astrology may oversimplify complex social issues and divert attention from more concrete factors.
- The notion that navigating challenging transits requires discernment, empathy, and a commitment to justice and reason is a valuable perspective, but attributing these qualities to astrological understanding may not resonate with those who seek evidence-based approaches.
Actionables
- You can create a personal astrological journal to track how celestial events correlate with your daily life, noting any patterns or significant occurrences during specific transits.
- Start by getting a basic astrology chart done for yourself, which you can find for free online. Each day, jot down key events, moods, and decisions. Look for any astrological transits happening that day, such as Mars retrograde or a Sun-Neptune conjunction, and see if there's a connection. Over time, you might notice trends, like feeling more argumentative during Mars retrograde, which can help you plan better for these periods.
- Develop a habit of critical thinking by questioning information sources, especially when you encounter sensational or unusual claims, to avoid the spread of hysteria.
- Whenever you read a news article or a social media post that evokes a strong emotional response, take a step back and analyze the source. Check the credibility of the information, look for corroborating evidence, and consider alternative explanations. This practice can help you stay grounded and prevent you from contributing to the spread of misinformation.
- Engage in community discussions that promote empathy and justice, using historical events as a springboard for contemporary relevance.
- Find or start a book club or discussion group focused on historical events and their modern parallels. Use the Salem Witch Trials as a starting point to explore how societal fears can lead to injustice. Discuss how empathy and a commitment to reason can prevent similar occurrences today. This can be done through local community centers, libraries, or online platforms.
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Astrological analysis of the Salem Witch Trials events and timeline
Astrologers examine the historical events of the Salem Witch Trials under the lens of celestial movements, discussing the impact of planetary positions from the trials' inception to their resolution.
The astrological backdrop when the trials began in January 1692
The trials commenced during Capricorn season. As the events began, significant outer planet placements were noted: Mars was retrograde in Gemini, Jupiter was in Taurus, Uranus in Gemini, Saturn in Sagittarius, Neptune in Pisces, and Pluto at the final degrees of Cancer, indicating an intense build-up of tension that could lead to deep societal transformations or significant breakdowns.
With Pluto in the final degrees of Cancer, there was a curiosity within the collective, a drive to uncover hidden truths which led to misdirected attempts to find the core narrative behind the witch accusations.
Key astrological events that fueled the trials
On March 1, 1692, the sun's conjunction with Neptune in Pisces, opposing Saturn in Sagittarius, created a powerful fantasy-versus-reality dynamic
March 1st marked the beginning of Pisces season, with the sun conjunct Neptune at 11 degrees of Pisces. This aspect brought high fantasy to the forefront, connecting to the elusive nature of Pisces, the last zodiac sign, and heightened the association with illusion and mysticism. A square from this conjunction to Saturn in Sagittarius, representing rules and the legal system, highlighted the clash between fantastical beliefs and structured religious and legal institutions.
The rigorous and restrictive nature of Saturn directly clashed with imaginative Neptune, and as the trials progressed, the fantastical aspects won, casting spectral evidence as truth in a legal framework.
In May 1692, a Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Gemini, opposed by Saturn in Sagittarius, catalyzed a new era of aggressive, unrestrained fact-gathering
On May 27, 1692, the alignment of a stellium in Gemini—Jupiter, Uranus, the Sun, Chiron, and Mercury—marked a shift from Taurus’ rationality to Gemini's chaos and impulsivity. This created a tension between the gathering of extensive information and established legal orders.
The court, swayed by this aspect, accepted diverse forms of evidence, including the highly unreliable spectral evidence, contributing to the hysteria of the trials.
During this time, on May 27th, a significant concentration of planets aligned to create a stellium in Gemini and a Sun-Jupiter conjunction at Taurus, indica ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Astrological analysis of the Salem Witch Trials events and timeline
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Astrology is not a scientifically validated method to analyze historical events, and correlations between planetary movements and human affairs are not supported by empirical evidence.
- The belief that celestial bodies influence earthly events is a form of magical thinking and lacks causal proof.
- The Salem Witch Trials can be more accurately understood through the lens of social, political, religious, and psychological factors rather than astrological interpretations.
- The use of spectral evidence in the trials was more likely a result of mass hysteria, social tensions, and the dynamics of the Puritanical legal and religious system rather than the influence of planetary positions.
- The shift towards order and reason in September 1692 could be attributed to the growing public skepticism about the legitimacy of the trials and the intervention of more rational authorities, rather than the influence of Saturn and Ura ...
Actionables
- Track planetary movements using an astrology app to reflect on personal and societal patterns. By observing when certain planets are in retrograde or when they align, you can journal about any shifts in your own behavior or in public sentiment, drawing parallels to historical events like the Salem Witch Trials to better understand the influence of astrology on collective behavior.
- Create a personal "evidence assessment" criteria for decision-making. Inspired by the diverse forms of evidence accepted during the trials, you can develop a checklist to evaluate the reliability of information you encounter daily. This could include checking the source's credibility, cross-referencing facts, and being wary of information that plays on emotions, which can help you make more rational decisions.
- Host a themed book club focusing on ...
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Astrological profiles of key figures involved
As we delve into the Salem Witch Trials, understanding the key figures through their astrological profiles can provide an intriguing perspective on their actions and decisions.
The accusers: Anne Putnam, Betty Paris, and Abigail Williams
These young accusers played pivotal roles in the Salem Witch Trials, with their testimonies and behavior significantly influencing the tragic events.
Anne Putnam, a Libra born on a lunar eclipse
Anne Putnam, a Libra with her sun at 25 degrees, was born during a full moon and a lunar eclipse, which often adds a sense of drama to life events. At the age of 12, she was going through her Jupiter return — a potentially powerful and beneficial period that happens every 12 years when Jupiter returns to the position it was in at birth. Despite her youth, Putnam wielded considerable influence, underscored by karmic destiny points—the nodes of destiny beside her sun in Libra and moon in Aries—and Chiron, the wounded healer, suggesting an element of inevitability to her actions. Further, her admission of fabricating accusations to gain church admission hints at an attention-seeking aspect of her personality, as indicated by her chart.
Betty Paris, a Sagittarius with a powerful nodal opposition
At just nine years old, Betty Paris found herself at the heart of the Salem Witch Trials, embroiled in a nodal opposition. Born during a new moon, Paris' lunar energy was powerful and, coupled with nodal opposition, marked a significant turning point or reckoning with destiny. After making an impact at the trials, Paris was quickly removed, likely to protect her family's reputation.
Abigail Williams, with a Cancer stellium
Abigail Williams’ chart is dominated by Cancer, including Venus, Saturn, Pluto, the Sun, and Mercury, revealing a person deeply connected to themes of motherhood, home, family, and values. These fixations in her natal chart may have driven her actions during the trials to protect community values.
The judges: John Hathorn, Cotton Mather, and Bartholomew Gedney
The individuals responsible for delivering justice during the trials interpreted their roles influenced by their astrological signs.
John Hathorn, a fiercely religious Leo
Well-known for his formidable presence in court, John Hathorn's aggressive style and fervent religious beliefs were in line with his Leo sig ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Astrological profiles of key figures involved
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Astrological profiles are not scientifically proven to influence an individual's actions or decisions, and attributing the behavior of the Salem Witch Trials participants to their zodiac signs lacks empirical support.
- The use of terms like "karmic destiny points" and "Chiron placement" are based on beliefs rather than verifiable facts, and their influence on Anne Putnam's actions is speculative.
- The concept of a "nodal opposition" as a significant turning point is astrological jargon that may not have any actual bearing on Betty Paris's experiences or actions.
- The assertion that Abigail Williams was driven by themes of motherhood and family because of her Cancer stellium is an interpretation that cannot be substantiated through historical evidence.
- John Hathorn's demeanor and actions during the trials are more likely to be a result of his personal beliefs and the social context of th ...
Actionables
- You can explore your own astrological chart to identify personal strengths and challenges that may influence your life decisions. By using free online astrology chart services, you can input your birth details and receive an analysis of your planetary placements, similar to how the historical figures' astrological aspects were discussed. This can help you understand potential karmic destiny points or significant transits that might be affecting your current life phase.
- Create a journal to track life events against astrological transits to find patterns that may resonate with your experiences. Just as the podcast mentioned significant astrological events during the Salem Witch Trials, you can note down when you face turning points or challenges and see if they correlate with major astrological transits like Saturn returns or nodal oppositions. This practice can offer insights into how celestial movements might be symbolically linked to your personal growth or struggles.
- Engage in reflective practices to understand ho ...
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Parallels between the past and present astrological conditions
The podcast highlights astrological patterns that resonate between today's climate and historical moments. It suggests that the positions of Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune may have profound implications for the current era, possibly indicating impending societal changes and challenges.
Pluto's transition from the late degrees of Cancer to the late degrees of Capricorn, mirroring the historical shift, suggests we may be on the precipice of a significant societal reckoning.
In the fall of 1692, astrology marked a significant turning point when Pluto, the planet traditionally associated with transformation and upheaval, shifted out of the late degrees of Cancer and into Leo. Currently, Pluto is traversing the late degrees of Capricorn and is poised to enter Aquarius. This transition mirrors the past astrological conditions, hinting at a similar potential for a societal reckoning on the horizon.
The current Jupiter-in-Gemini and Neptune-in-Pisces placements echo the past, warning of the dangers of unchecked information and mass hysteria in the modern age.
Jupiter is presently in Gemini, while Neptune is positioned in Pisces, a rare occurrence considering Neptune's 144-year orbit. Neptune has been in Pisces since 2011 and is expected to remain there until 2025. The podcast reflects on a past Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Gemini and its role in spreading unchecked information and inciting mass hysteria, drawing parallels to today's astrological condition.
As we navigate these challenging astrological times, it is crucial to approach information ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Parallels between the past and present astrological conditions
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Astrology is not a science; its principles and effects are not empirically proven or widely accepted in the scientific community.
- Correlation does not imply causation; historical events cannot be reliably predicted or explained by planetary movements.
- Societal changes are complex and influenced by a multitude of factors beyond astrological conditions, such as economics, politics, and technology.
- The interpretation of astrological patterns is subjective and can vary significantly between different astrologers or cultures.
- Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning should be the primary tool ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal "truth filter" by setting up a simple checklist to evaluate new information you come across, considering its source, evidence, and alignment with known facts. This helps you practice discernment in the face of potential misinformation, especially in the context of astrological claims about societal changes. For example, when you read an article or social media post claiming a major societal shift due to astrological conditions, run it through your checklist to see if it holds up to scrutiny before accepting or sharing it.
- Start a reflective journaling practice where you explore your reactions to societal events and how they may be influenced by the astrological themes discussed, like Pluto's transition or Jupiter's placement. This can foster empathy and a commitment to justice by encouraging you to consider multiple perspectives and the historical context of current events. For instance, if you notice a strong emotional response to a news story, write about it in your journal, exploring why you feel this way and how it may be connected to the broader astrological narrative.
- Engage in small-scale community discussions, such as book clubs or interest grou ...
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