On Saturday 17 October 2026, protesters (rioters) in France clashed with police over cost-of-living conditions and increasing inequality, as hundreds of thousands of angry demonstrators rallied in Paris and across the country. Starting in high schools by student protesters last month, it has now evolved from peaceful protesting to cars, kiosks and buildings being set alight. The police used teargas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, and to create space for firefighters to douse the flames. People sheltered in shops from the violence. In Lyon, the tourist office was set on fire, there have been clashes in Marseille as well. The 143-year-old Limoges town hall has collapsed and burnt down. Over 1,200 people have been arrested and 150 police officers injured nationwide so far. Anarchy, chaos and looting continues, uncontained.
Astrologically, most planets are currently residing in Fire and Air signs, and we have a hot, dry flashpoint, or boiling point, given generations of simmering discontent.
Pluto stations direct in Aquarius
‘Lord of the Underworld’, and planet of power, transformation, death, rebirth, and evolution, recently stationed direct on Friday 16 October 2026 at 03°04′ of the ‘Water-Pourer’ sign of Aquarius, dispensing information rather than water. A planet’s energy is more intense when it stations direct (or retrograde).
Pluto, now in the sign of ideas and social connection, Aquarius until 2044 is unearthing and excavating all that needs to be dredged up to, ‘see the light of day.’ Exposure of any corruption, especially by the mega-rich, or ‘Plutocrats’ will see their demise. In Aquarius, a persistent Fixed Air sign, ruling independence, humanitarianism, being unconventional, inventive, friendly, altruistic, idealistic, progressive and possibly impersonal, detached and even eccentric reinforces the fall of any wrongdoers who give to the rich at the expense of the poor. Aquarius is society-oriented; preferring group egalitarianism over hierarchical relationships.
Aquarius sign ruler Saturn
Aquarius is traditionally ruled by the planet Saturn. Saturn rules boundaries, structure and order, and his basic nature is to reject, or exclude. He is currently transiting the sign of his Fall, Firey Aries where his energy is diminished. Further, Saturn is currently conjunct Neptune, the dissolver. This suggests the current social order is ending, democracy as we know it has had its time. The upcoming French presidential election in April 2027 is stirring the unrest, as the People seemingly seek an end to Emmanuel Macron’s leadership. This will potentially pave the way for conservative politician, Marine Le Pen, to take power.
Decan 1 of Aquarius
The first Decan (first 10 degrees) of Aquarius, where Pluto is currently transiting, is ruled by the minor arcana 5 of Swords Tarot card. The card depicts a smug winner looming large under jagged clouds holding two swords, while the two small losers have dropped their swords and are walking away with their backs to us. This card corresponds with “Winners and Losers” and is known as the “Lord of Defeat” in T. Susan Chang’s excellent book titled, “36 Secrets.” Themes arise of exclusion, exile and isolation, “insiders” and “outsiders”, tying in with Saturn’s themes of boundaries and borders, and linking into immigration as a current issue as well. We can ask ourselves, where do I see injustice, unfairness and inequality? Am I able to effect fairness, or do I leave it be?
Whatever battles are waged, someone wins and someone loses. It remains to be seen which group/s will get the upper hand in France – will the rulers be defeated?
