The Mars-Uranus square of January 10 through 12 has come and gone, leaving a few Uranian surprises in its wake. North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has escalated tensions significantly during the two day aspect, by pulling out of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and by threatening to resume missile testing. Governor Ryan of Illinois has released all prisoners from death row (Mars), commuting most to a life sentence and even freeing a few deemed wrongfully accused. This action has overturned precedent and attempted to lift the shackles of an unjust societal norm (Uranus).
The current and unexpected nuclear brinkmanship between North Korea and the United States is the manifestation of the numerous tense planetary aspects of late December and early January. I had previously thought this volatile energy might spark Gulf War II. Instead, it has brought the Bush administration into an unforeseen crisis, with the Iraqi issue looming in the background.
The next several weeks look like a minefield for the Bush administration. There are some very difficult aspects that suggest the White House contingent will not be skipping merrily along. On the contrary, the Saturn station of mid-January through February will be exactly semisquare Bush’s Ascendant and square to Cheney’s Moon. For Bush, this suggests a time of forced restraint, burdens, and frustration.
Cheney’s Saturn aspect is compounded by the transit of Neptune on his Sun until February 3. Saturn remains within a square to his Moon from January 11 through March 18. This is likely to become a time of sadness and isolation for him. His goals will be thwarted, and he will be perceived as weak and perhaps ineffectual. Uranus squaring his Midheaven during the second half of January and the first couple of days of February could bring a surprise that sets off this rather difficult time.
A further set of aspects suggesting trouble ahead for Bush and his cadre is the intensified focus on the Pluto /Moon conjunction in the Inaugural chart. Transiting Pluto at 19 Sagittarius is currently crossing the Inaugural Moon for the first time. It will be exact by January 23, but will stay within orb through May, due to the stationary movement of Pluto. In addition, the progressed Moon in the Inaugural chart will be quincunx Inaugural Pluto from February 8th through March 8th. The natal Inaugural Pluto/ Moon conjunction suggests an underlying intense emotionality in the Bush administration, a compulsive need for security and control, and an almost paranoid attitude at times. It can indicate profound emotional upsets and fearfulness, which lead to the subsequent attempts to control and manipulate in order to create future safety. These feelings are also reflected back to the administration from the citizenry, since the Inaugural Moon further indicates the people and their relationship to the administration. It is this constellation of emotion that is being intensified from now through May 2003, with special emphasis on January 12 through 23, February 8 through March 8, and April 29 through May 24.
It is clear that the unfolding events of the next two months will not go as planned by the Bush administration. Whether this means war plans are thwarted for the moment or whether it means difficulties will arise with an Iraqi War or other crisis is unclear. It is possible that the Mercury station semisquare Uranus and the US Moon from January 19 through 24 will stimulate some unexpected events and upsets that will further explain the intensified emotional and volatile Inaugural Moon/Pluto energy of the next few months. From January 21 through February 8, transiting Uranus will cross the US progressed Sun, also suggestive of disconcerting surprises, upsets, and sudden shifts in direction. This aspect could also indicate a bold stance from the US, especially since it is followed by a Jupiter transit to Bush’s Pluto, February 14 through 22, which intimates a time of increased power and assertiveness from the Commander-in-Chief.
The US Aquarian Moon describes a people steeped in the Uranian ideals of social and economic equality, humanitarian benevolence, and universal justice. The January transit of Uranus over the US Moon heightens the importance of these concepts in the American psyche and induces rebellion when these ideas are thwarted. Thus, we witness the growing furor over Bush’s newest economic chicanery: another tax cut to enrich the rich at the expense of the rest of us. The outcry over this deranged policy is likely to grow to a cacophony until January 24, as Uranus moves to its exact conjunction to US Moon, further strengthened by the station of Mercury in semisquare for several days. In any event, the Bush “economic stimulus” proposal is likely to be radically revised before it is finished, due to its birth during retrograde Mercury.
The growing anti-war movement is another manifestation of the Uranian mood of rebellion awakening the US populace. Huge demonstrations are planned for January 18, both in San Francisco and Washington, DC, as Uranus nears its exact conjunction to the US Moon. There is some potential for violent disruption that day, given the strong Uranus transit, especially if either rally begins on time or within 10 minutes of the designated 11:00 AM starting time. This will put Uranus in an exact aspect to the Midheaven, setting the chart up to be triggered later in the day, possibly shortly after 2 PM.
The violent and disruptive Mars /Uranus square is now within two degrees of exact, which occurs near midnight on January 11, Eastern time, and on the morning of January 12 in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With this aspect coming while Uranus waxes in its conjunction to the US Moon, it could have a powerful impact on US citizens and US interests. The US 3rd House Moon focuses on the importance of transportation and communication in the American culture. As ruler of the 8th House, it can further suggest the importance of investment issues and hidden wealth. Mars/ Uranus can bring sudden, violent, and disruptive events. We have already seen a train collision in Los Angeles and a devastating aircraft crash in South Carolina in the past few days. Further transportation accidents are quite possible, and care should be taken during this wild and unpredictable planetary event.
There will be a potential for violent and sudden occurrences during this transit both at home and abroad, as well as wild gyrations in the Stock Market on Friday, January 10. In Israel, where Uranus is again crossing opposite the Israeli Mars, this transit could unleash significantly dangerous events. In North Korea, this transit will have a direct impact on the Sun in the chart of Kim Jong Il, possibly causing him to act precipitously or in some way manifest intense rage and verbal aggression.
One final manifestation of the Mars /Uranus square worth noting relates to its presence in the chart of the 108th Congress. The Aries Ascendant describes how this Congress will express itself, and with Mars, its ruler, square to Uranus and quincunx Saturn, we can expect an extraordinary amount of anger, verbal jousting, and aggressive tactics, with legislators struggling to stay within the bounds of civility (Saturn). This will be especially true during the first 4 months, while tertiary progressed Mars moves into the exact square position.
As mentioned in several places on this site, since late December, Pluto has been opposing Bush’s progressed MC/natal Uranus. This suggests sudden crises unfolding around him and involvement in profound and dangerous power struggles, as well as a willingness to act aggressively and exercise forceful command. The critical situation that has developed between the US and North Korea (thanks largely to Bush’s barbaric foreign policy, where nuance and diplomacy have been shunned like lepers) is the first expression of this Pluto transit. Whether or not the North Korean confrontation is soon resolved, this intense, confrontational, and crisis -laden energy will remain with Mr. Bush during the current four-month Pluto station through May, lingering through the remainder of 2003, but intensifying again in October and November.
There are other examples in the current environment of the impact of the Pluto transit on Bush. His newly proposed economic policy runs roughshod over the interests of virtually everyone but the super-rich. The promulgation of such a policy may itself turn into a political crisis. And Bush’s stated intention to push through his list of judicial nominations, including those already rejected for their unacceptable stands on race or women’s rights, even has some Republican lawmakers aghast. One would have hoped for some sensitivity after the Lott imbroglio.
As is quite apparent from recent news, the Middle East is once again entering a period of increased violence. Incidents of terror and the resulting counterstrikes are becoming more numerous, and the general mood is one of growing pessimism. Into this mix we find an upcoming election in which the Labour Party’s Amram Mitzna is running on a peace platform. He has promised to remove all Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and will be challenging Ariel Sharon, the conservative hawk Prime Minister and leader of the Likud Party, in the coming January 28, 2003, election. Historically, an increase in terrorism has strengthened the conservative and aggressive right-wing, those who feel a strong and heavy hand is the only solution to the continuing destructive stalemate between the Palestinians and Israel. There is certainly a possibility this trend will continue into the next election.
There are numerous aspects to suggest a tumultuous and brutal period from late November 2002 through mid February 2003, in the Middle East. However, I can find very little to suggest a continuance of the violence beyond these dates, so I am cautiously optimistic that something radical will shift by late February or March 2003 in favor of peace. The relevant aspects are as follows.
Israel's tertiary progressed Sun (28 Scorpio) is square natal Mars (28 Leo) from Noveember 25 to December 25, 2002 (one degree orb waxing is given, but the progression could extend beyond these dates). Note the suicide bombing of a bus on November 21 with the Sun at 28 Scorpio. By itself, this aspect suggests significant violence increasing through December. Mars at 28 Libra on November 27 –28 and the Sun at 27 - 28 Sagittarius on December 19 - 20 are likely triggers. Beyond this, the Moon crossing 28 degrees, especially of the fixed signs, may act to ignite this aspect.
Ariel Sharon's swearing-in chart (3/7/01) - like an Inaugural chart - shows tertiary progressed Mars square the natal Sun all December through February. Since this outlasts the election, I see it as more than his campaign fight, though not excluding it. I would expect a very aggressive and hard-line stance from him during this time.
Also, in Sharon's birth chart (2/27/28), we find Pluto crossing his 9th house Saturn. This position of Saturn is known for rigidity of thinking and conservative, inflexible ideas. Pluto will intensify this, allowing for no flexibility whatsoever, in almost a fanatical (Pluto) way. This aspect is strongest through December but still quite active for many months.
The most significant aspect for Israel is the current transit of Uranus (28 Aquarius) opposite natal Mars (28 Leo). This is clearly an indication of unexpected and sudden violence, and also seems to indicate an aggressive stance from Israel. This has been reactivated since Uranus turned direct in early November and will be strongest in late January through February 9, 2003. It will be significantly triggered by the Mars/Uranus square January 10 to January 12 and the Mercury station January 23 to January 27, 2003.. The potential for aggressive action on the part of Israel will be exacerbated tremendously by the transit of Jupiter over Israel's Pluto (12 Leo) from January 29 through February 7, 2003, either in response to increased terrorism or as a result of events emanating from Iraq. The fact that the Jupiter transit comes immediately after the January 28 election does not suggest a dove is in power at that time. However, I don't rule out a postponement of the elections given the intensity of the planetary picture in late January and early February.
Since August 2002, and continuing through February 2003, we find the Uranus in the Inaugural chart (19 Aquarius) getting a huge amount of stimulation from both progressions (conjunctions from progressed Mercury, tertiary progressed Sun and tertiary progressed Midheaven) and transits. This is accentuating the administration’s tendency to pursue bold, aggressive, and sometimes unilateral policies that may run against the current stream of opinion. The sudden and intense push for war with Iraq that began in late August, as well as Mr. Bush’s tying of that policy to a campaign broadside in October, are examples of that energy. On the domestic front, Mr. Bush’s recent rollback of clean air standards for industry is another example.
The unusual focus on Inaugural Uranus (19 Aquarius) has also brought rather sudden, unexpected, and powerful events impacting the administration that can redefine the landscape in a moment. Among these so far have been the unexpected victory of the Republicans at the polls in November, the reemergence of bin Laden actively threatening the West, and, most recently, the intensified accusations of Saudi complicity in financing terrorism. With Pluto (19 Sagittarius) moving into a sextile of Inaugural Uranus throughout January, we can expect an increase in Bush’s bold and aggressive stance and the likelihood of unexpected, powerful, and transformative events impacting the administration at that time. The Pluto transit will also be opposing Mr. Bush’s natal Uranus (19 Gemini) and progressed Midheaven (19 Gemini) from January through May 2003, strongly reinforcing and continuing this trend.
For the US to be engaged in a significant war, there must be indications in the US natal chart of July 4, 1776. From December 18, 2002, through February 16, 2003, there are two overlapping indicators that the US may be engaged in martial endeavors. Both of these are tertiary progressions (based on one day equals one month) and both bring together the Sun and Mars in a hard aspect. The tertiary progressed US Sun will oppose natal Mars (21 Gemini) from December 18, 2002, through January 18, 2003. The tertiary progressed US Mars will be square natal Sun (13 Cancer) from December 20, 2002, through February 16, 2003. The confluence of these two aspects, which suggest violence, aggression, and war, with the above mentioned Uranus aspects impacting Bush and the Inaugural chart, clearly suggest dramatic, violent, and transformative events of great significance from late December through mid-February 2003.
I believe that the administration will be held back from any military action until the turn of the year. Tertiary progressed Inaugural Sun and Mercury are both square to Inaugural Saturn through December 2002, causing delays and obstacles for the White House’s war aims. But after December 30, this aspect weakens, while at the same time, transiting Mars comes to 19 Scorpio and triggers both Bush’s progressed Midheaven/Uranus (19 Gemini) opposite transiting Pluto (19 Sagittarius) and the Inaugural Uranus/progressed Mercury (19 Aquarius) sextile transiting Pluto. This Mars transit on December 30 through 31, 2002, could precipitate an unexpected and significant event that causes Bush to move forward with his planned invasion of Iraq. Numerous aspects begin to come into play immediately thereafter, and especially between January 10 and February 18, that suggest this will be a key period in the unfolding of dramatic events for Bush and the country.
Into the tumult of current events, Al Gore has reappeared on the national radar as predicted in September on this site. The current Jupiter station on his natal Mars (18 Leo) has focused on the congenial, witty, and visionary aspects of his character. In addition, tertiary proressed Venus has been in opposition to his natal Mars for the past few months, exact through November 2002. And finally, transiting Pluto has begun its year-long trine aspect to Gore's Mars, intensifying his contact with larger numbers of people and his personal power. Since Mars is the ruler of Gore's natal Sun and Midheaven, any aspect to it becomes of great importance in charting his career (Midheaven) and the successful pursuit of his goals (Sun). These aspects clearly indicate the current beneficial boost to his reputation and worldly pursuits.
But there is another aspect that is currently impinging on Gore that is making his comeback somewhat of an uphill climb. This is the converse progressed Sun opposition to natal Saturn (16 Leo). This aspect will peak in March 2003 and is likely to cause Gore to retreat somewhat over the next few months. It is an aspect of feeling constrained and cautious. Quite possibly, the renewed intensity of the War on Terrorism and/or Gulf War II may make it difficult for Gore to feel comfortable criticizing the current administration. This is likely to pass by April or May 2003.
Another period of some difficulty for Gore will be from September through December 2003, when Saturn makes its station near to square his Sun. This suggests to me the numerous obstacles in the final months of the pre-primary campaign. It will also be during a period of extreme stress and likely crisis for the Bush administration. How this ties in with Gore during a time of caution and overcoming challenges remains to be seen.
Beyond these specified periods of difficulty, Gore's general outlook is excellent. Beginning in April 2003, he will move into a period of progressed Venus square his natal Sun, that lasts into early 2008. There will be no issues this time around of stiffness or uncongeniality. This aspect will focus on Gore's personal charm and attractiveness and has been, in my opinion, the crucial winning planetary combination in every presdiential race since 1992. It will be extensively triggered in Gore's chart during October and November 2004.
