Part 9: The Pluto in Aquarius Era — The Light of Diversity and the Shadow of 'Selection' via AI and Genome Editing
Pluto enters Aquarius — Toward diversity and a new form of 'selection'
In 2024, Pluto completely left Capricorn, which governs 'indigenous systems' and 'authority,' and entered the era of Aquarius, which symbolizes transformation, technology, AI, and 'universal fraternity,' in earnest.
As we have traced in previous installments, eugenics was
verbalized as a 'theory' in Gemini
ran wild as 'the madness of power' in Leo
and was implemented as a practical matter in Capricorn, linked with 'the state, institutions, and economic rationality'
And now, the Aquarius era. We are standing at the entrance to the most sophisticated and invisible 'selection' in human history, even while holding up the slogan of 'diversity.'
The light of 'diversity': A place for every life
Aquarius is a sign that seeks to connect through essence, transcending all differences such as nationality, gender, physical condition, age, and status.
For example, in the last few years, there has been rapid attention on
networks where people with disabilities communicate and connect directly
the redefinition of characteristics like autism spectrum and ADHD as neurodiversity
global solidarity in the LGBTQ+ community
These movements will likely accelerate further in the Pluto in Aquarius era.
'Exclusion' in the name of genome editing
On the other hand, when Aquarius energy is linked with 'technology,' it has the potential to bring about the opposite result of diversity.
For example, genome editing technology such as 'CRISPR-Cas9.' It is making it possible not only to eliminate specific diseases but also to 'enhance' individual capabilities, and intense ethical debates continue to surround its application to 'designer babies,' where children are designed to be ideal. What is happening here is not the 'exclusion' of those already born. It is the 'selection' of those before they are born.
However, that 'selection' is still 'exclusion' at the genetic level. Among the genetic information inherited from parents, information that might cause future illness or is considered 'inferior' is excluded and optimized through editing. This accumulation carries the danger of losing genetic diversity and creating a mass of standardized humans.
'The optimal human image' via AI
Furthermore, AI derives the 'optimal human' through algorithms based on vast amounts of data. AI judges based on data, not emotions.
Educational background, work history, health data, behavioral history, and genetic information.
By integrating these, humans are evaluated based on probability, determining that 'this person will have high social costs in the future' or 'this person has high productivity'.
AI making initial judgments in recruitment screening
Insurance premiums fluctuating based on health data
Credit and trust scores determining the degree of freedom in daily life
Such mechanisms are already beginning to be implemented in various parts of the world. In China, which has a strong Aquarius nature in its national horoscope, this system has permeated society particularly quickly.
Conclusion
Aquarius advocates for 'freedom' and 'equality.'
But if one takes a wrong step, that equality turns into 'convergence toward the average.'
If AI predicts that 'this trait is likely to cause trouble in the future,' and parents or society avoid it out of good intentions, the world will only be filled with 'safe, easy-to-handle, and predictable humans.'
That is a dystopia without violence.
A true Aquarian society is one that encourages the respect of diverse lives with equal weight, rather than managing and controlling life through technology.
Never forgetting the fact that it is the inefficient, unpredictable, and noise-filled existence that has evolved society and civilization,
“traits that seem useless at first glance”
“individuality that falls outside of social expectations”
— perhaps possessing the 'intelligence' not to exclude these is what will secure the future.
Do we want to become efficient 'parts'? Or do we want to remain imperfect and diverse 'lives'?
About 140 years ago, in 1883, the seed of selection called 'eugenics' was carried by the winds of Gemini. How we handle it is entrusted to the 'ethical maturity' of us living in this era.