The Sun joins transforming Pluto as divergent forces express their philosophical differences at the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle this week. Pluto's long-term transit of Sagittarius (January 1995-January 2008) pushes beliefs to their extremes and forces re-examination of what we consider to be true.

A conjunction of Mars (action), Neptune (dreams) and the Moon's South Node (old habits) fuels the need to fight for a cause. Yet, illusion may exist on all sides. Blind faith can hide meaning by over-simplifying the issues. The Moon's North Node (growth) in Leo shows that we need heroes, not martyrs.

The Sun and Pluto are also joined by Chiron, the Wounded Healer. This small body's role is to remind us to remain compassionate, regardless of how hurt we may feel. Wisdom comes from seeing the pain, but not being bound by it.

The Sun, Pluto and Chiron are in a close quincunx (150 degree angle of agitation) with controlling Saturn in Taurus, the sign of money and physical resources. Resolution of these vital matters will not come quickly. The conversation about free trade, workers' rights and environmental issues will continue for many years. Yet, dialogue is possible, perhaps not in the streets of Seattle, but in homes and work places throughout the world.

A key element, though, is to accept the possibility that those who disagree with us are not necessarily evil, selfish or completely wrong. There are so many issues and many different ways to see them. The truth, we will learn, is not an absolute answer, but an ongoing process of discovery.

WTO birth chart

Jeff Jawer is a founder of StarIQ.com. He has been a professional astrologer since 1973 and is well-known as a writer, counselor and lecturer in North and South America, Europe and Australia.