Sunday, May 31, 2009

Living by Starlight 06/09

On Wednesday May 27th at 4:12 P.M. EST Jupiter and Neptune conjunct. This energy coincides with the recent swine flu hysteria. As this aspect completes and these two planets separate the incidences of outbreaks will lesson and the fears will subside. However they will conjoin once more on December 21st 2009 and that may be when we see the true severity of this illness. Jupiter will exacerbate whatever it comes in contact with, and Neptune rules infectious diseases. This is also why we are having one of the worst allergy seasons in recent memory. In 2010 Neptune will dance across America’s Moon three times. The Moon in America’s rectified chart rules the 8th house of death and joint financial holdings. It is also the house that rules the banking industry. We may be in for some serious, confusing and possibly debilitating situations. I am not at all convinced that our banks are secure, and with Neptune coming along, a great deal of misdirection and underlying festering infection may be uncovered.

Neptune is also the great illusionist. The combination of Jupiter and Neptune is also creating a pie-in-the-sky attitude in the financial markets and has led to the recent roaring bear market rally. The consumer confidence number, (Jupiter – Neptune can create a false sense of hope) which in itself is a joke, was so much higher than expected that it set off a 200 point rally in the DOW. But with unemployment continuing to rise, and the dollar moaning its death rattle, most of that confidence is of the Neptunian kind – more faith than fodder.

Jupiter will retrograde on June 15th. Historically this is usually a bearish signal in the stocks. When they are rallying, the turn around of Jupiter usually (about 80% of the time) represents a change in direction for the markets. If they are already heading downward, this indicates a more severe drop. Remember, Jupiter overdoes everything, good or bad. With Saturn moving towards its next opposition to Uranus you can expect continued instability and a return of fears, both rational and irrational. This rally is coming to a close. The completion of the Jupiter – Neptune conjunct, the retrograde of Jupiter, and the coming Saturn aspects are all pointing down.

Saturn has ended its retrograde motion and is moving forward once more. It will reach 18 degrees Virgo the week of July 18th where it was when the markets crashed last fall, and again in early March 2009 when they crashed the 2nd time. Mars in the NYSE chart is 18 degrees Virgo, and July will once again be a time of testing for the stocks. As Saturn continues to move forward through the summer it will once again apply to the opposition to Uranus, which completes next in September. This opposition has completed twice so far, on November 4th 2008, and February 5th 2009. Each conjunction has led to a stock market crash. There is no reason to believe the three more passes of this aspect will have any different reaction. The continued instability in our financial markets is a result of real fundamental problems. We still face the potential collapse of the commercial real estate markets, and the personal credit card crunch that has yet to make itself fully known. The dollar’s continued weakness is a catastrophe waiting to happen. If our bonds do not sell at auction, (a whisper of which has already taken place) then there is no way we will be able to continue to spend our way out of this recession-depression and our status as the currency of safety will be lost, possibly forever.

The shrinking of America 1 – 2 – 3.

In the days before Pearl Harbor, those in the Japanese high command who were conscious of America’s industrial might, warned their superiors not to attack. They understood the strength and magnitude of the enemy they would face and recognized its endless potential. Once war began and our factories turned in earnest to the war effort it was just a matter of time before we wore out the German and Japanese industrial potential. After the war we held the position of the only financially secure nation in the world. Today, after decades of stripping away the heart and soul of this country, shipping industries and jobs wherever we could to have our blue jeans made cheaper, we are a shadow of our former glory and may lack the strength and impetus to regain that position. The next world war will be fought in the trading pits. And right now China is the powerhouse not to be underestimated.

In July 2010 there will be a configuration of great force. That is the last pass of Saturn opposite Uranus, and it will fall at 1 degree Aries – Libra, known as the World Point. It is the beginning of the zodiac and has great implications throughout the world. Pluto will be in square to that opposition, and this all falls right on America’s Venus. This intense and complicated aspect is gaining the attention of astrologers all over the world. The last time these planets were is a similar configuration was in 1930 - 31, when Saturn opposed Pluto and squared Uranus. But even then these three planets didn’t create this close a t-square.

In late July 2010 Mars will conjunct Saturn in opposition to Uranus. Jupiter will square Pluto, which will be in opposition to America’s Venus. This all takes place within several degrees. At the same time Neptune will be conjunct America’s Moon, ruler of our 8th house of banking and joint resources. This will be an explosive moment in the universe of humankind that may have long-lasting effects. We will try to make useful predictions as far in advance as possible. For now all I can say is: don’t build your castle on quicksand. The foundation is unstable, so act accordingly.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Living by Starlight 05/09

Mercury will retrograde on May 7th. Besides the usual mess this creates we may uncover some previously buried information. The usual words of advice are perhaps more important than usual. There are many things brewing in our culture that could come to light during this period. As always, expect serious delays and problems with travel and communications. Take it all in stride and try not to get angry. If you use the energy that the universe is emitting at any given moment you will enjoy our life more and achieve a higher percentage of your goals. That is what astrology is all about.

On May 27th Jupiter will conjunct Neptune for the first time. Because Jupiter retrogrades on June 15th this conjunction stays within orb for about 7 weeks until the middle of July. Last month I wrote: Because Neptune rules infectious diseases, and Jupiter will expand and enlarge anything it comes in contact with, there is some chance that this transit could result in some sort of medical problem involving an infectious agent. There has recently been an outbreak of a new strain of influenza that reports say is a mixture of bird flu, human flu and a mutation of swine flu, previously only contracted by direct contact with hogs. Now it apparently can be passed from human to human. Mexico City is under a state of emergency, and this super-flu has spread to the western U.S. This is an example of the potential this combination of planets can produce. Jupiter expands whatever it comes in contact with. Neptune rules infectious diseases; ergo a small pandemic would fit nicely with the astrology. I would be less concerned if there weren’t so many difficult transits completing this year, including Saturn opposite Uranus, Saturn square Pluto, etc. I strenuously suggest extra caution this spring and summer, especially if this Jupiter – Neptune conjunct sets of your chart. Avoid infected people, and if you do get sick make sure you deal with it. Although this Jupiter – Neptune conjunct may produce some wonderful results, it can also create a devastating health issue. With so many uninsured Americans, if this thing actually does develop into a pandemic we will see some horrific situations with the sick lining up outside hospitals begging for help, the rapid spread of the infection and limited social services to provide comfort and security. Universal health care is not charity. It is for the protection of everyone.

Of course there is also a beautiful, creative and generous side to this aspect as well. Our society will be tested, personally and collectively. Our humanity will be shown repeatedly. It is always that way in a depression. But this configuration will increase the flow of compassion and charity. Will it be enough?

Saturn will retrograde back to 18 degrees Virgo exactly conjunct Mars in the NYSE chart, the 2nd week of July. This is the degree it was at in late October early November 2008, and again early March when the markets tanked. Expect one of two results. Either the stocks will continue to decline, in which case this date will represent a bottom and could signal a turn around, or the stocks will rally, as I expect, and crash in the middle of July. Either way we are far from a recovery. We may even test the lows in the S&P’s either in July or September. The banks, despite receiving unprecedented amounts of money in taxpayer’s bailouts refuse to lend that money back to the public. Unemployment will continue to rise throughout this year and into 2010. If there is any major health issue it would be the icing on the cake. At least we would see first hand what an underinsured populous would do in such a crisis.

A few of you have asked what Obama’s void of course inauguration will mean. When the Moon is void of course it has completed the last aspect in the sign it is in. The energy is unattached and things do not go as planned. This doesn’t mean that everything will be a failure, only that you can expect some sudden changes in direction and difficulty bringing things to fruition. I have great faith in this president. I am quite impressed with his rhetoric and persona, and his refusal to back down from the many controversial changes he is trying to install. His audacity could only come from a Leo, god bless them. And only someone with his strength of ego could even imagine the enormous changes he has proposed. But a void of course presidency has the chance of ending with a sense of incompletion. This could happen as a result of any number of situations. It is only through great attention to detail and a sharp and critical eye that one can avoid the potential missteps of a project begun in a V.C.

Saturn will square Pluto for the first of three passes on November 15th 2009. This will be a moment of great stress in out society that will demand our attention. It will complete several times over the year. Remember, Saturn was close to the opposition to Pluto when the World Trade Center was hit.

In last month’s newsletter I made a comment about the need to redistribute the collective wealth necessitating a strong oversight. Several of my readers misinterpreted this to assume that I was in favor of big government controlling the business world. This is not the case. I was simply responding to my frustration with the inequities in our society and my continued belief that corporations and banks have no soul, no regard for the human element, and no interest in anything unrelated to profits. There must be some way to protect the individual and balance this problem in a logical and compassionate manner. I don’t know what that solution is. With Saturn in the 10th house in Libra in square to America’s Sun we are basically a centralist nation with a strong desire for fairness. Yet we are a two party system, each with its very different agenda.  Perhaps if we could compose a citizen’s review board unattached to government or any outside influence whose purpose would be to examine the fairness of deals and acquisitions it would be a step in the right direction. But with the current economic mess, the escalating infighting between the two parties and a depression circling us like we are an isolated wagon train, we are too concerned with survival to see past next week.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Living by Starlight 04/09

Living by Starlight
April 2009

Most pressing on everyone’s mind, of course, is the economy. Have the stocks bottomed out? Absolutely not. The reason why up markets are called Bulls, and down markets are called Bears is because a Bull market will move along in a normal up and down pattern of trading, slowly and meticulously aiming higher. It prods along, not unlike a bull. A down market is violent, unpredictable and easily upset. It can rise thousands of points on nothing, and drop back down to test the lows in a flash. It is dangerous to trade or invest in a bear market. That is what we have to deal with for a number of years to come. As I said in this newsletter over the past few months, the last time we saw Saturn in opposition to Uranus began a 16 year bear market, from 1966 – 1982. But the world didn’t fall apart, America didn’t go out of business, and we eventually began a new bull run. It will take time to fix this mess – a lot of time. All the patchwork done to stop the bleeding will come home to roost before a real solution is found.

The last time we saw this opposition, in ’65-’67, Johnson declared his “War on Poverty”, a need to redistribute the wealth of our country. Now this opposition completes again, but in the opposite signs as in the ‘60s. Then, Saturn was in Pisces and Uranus was in Virgo. Now they are in the reversed signs. On this pass we are seeing a “War on Wealth”, also a need to redistribute the wealth. It is the same war with a different name. The real problem, of course, is in the fundamental workings of the system. There is nothing wrong with being rich, I would like to try it myself sometime. And I am basically a capitalist, although I prefer to call myself a Sociatolist, a believer in free enterprise with strong intervention for the distribution of the goodies. It is obvious that bankers, corporations and such can not be allowed to just run the world. Humankind is not that generous or fair-minded. If allowed free reign, they would enslave all humanity in the name of profits. Unrestricted, usury credit cards are only one yoke our culture wears.

Jupiter will conjunct Neptune three times this year; May 27th, July 10th & December 21st. That will lead to inflation, confusion and the mistaken belief that everything is wonderful long before it is. As a result, I believe we will see a massive bear market rally this summer, complete with optimism, enthusiasm and glee. But I don’t believe it is for real. The potential this aspect has for creating illusion and fantasy is so overpowering that it could distract the entire world into some sort of dreamy non-reality. But the other underlying transits are very powerful as well, and not as enlightening. Saturn will conjunct the New York Stock Exchange’s Mars in late July, just as the Jupiter – Neptune conjunct completes. This could be a strong pullback in any advancing markets, so keep an eye on any profits that may be on the table.

This Jupiter – Neptune connection will also add a great deal of energy to our collective compassion and the artistic world. Hopefully it will encourage some terrific art to be produced, as well as some innovations in charity and help organizations.

Because Neptune rules infectious diseases, and Jupiter will expand and enlarge anything it comes in contact with, there is some chance that this transit could result in some sort of medical problem involving an infectious agent. Do not ignore even the smallest of cuts or infections, especially if this sets off a personal planet in your chart.

Neptune rules rivers and streams, and we have seen several major rivers expand (Jupiter) beyond their limits. Fargo is besieged and its very existence has been threatened by the expansion of the Red River, which is rising to record levels. We may see more similar activities this summer as that conjunct gets closer.

Saturn will oppose Uranus three more times; September 15th 2009. April 26th 2010, and July 26th 2010. Any of those passes could manifest as another stock crash or other debilitating result. I will discuss each as they approach, as they will display their own unique identity based upon where this aspect falls in the charts of the NY Stock Exchange, America and other nations.

Saturn will square Pluto for the first of three passes on November 15th 2009. This will be a moment of great stress in out society that will demand our attention. It will complete several times over the year. Remember, Saturn was close to the opposition to Pluto when the World Trade Center was hit. This is a very powerful and stressful aspect that will certainly make itself known. I am examining various charts and will present my predictions regarding this transit over the next several months.

Pluto will oppose America’s Venus and Jupiter for the next several years. It does not complete its final opposition to our Jupiter until November 2011. We have already seen the beginnings of this transit. Pluto rules control and power, and its opposition to Venus has created the new oversights for the banking and trading industries, as well as the collective rage Americans are feeling. 

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Living by Starlight 02/09

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Mercury goes direct on February 1st, and this has been one doozy of a retrograde. The usual difficulties are noted, but with the world in the mess it’s in, you can only imagine what they may have done without our knowledge.

The barrage of mistakes, bad judgment and dishonesty that currently permeate our society seems endless. While Mercury was in retrograde in October, our government was sold a bill of goods by the banking industry, and was bullied in a time of great panic to set up the TARP program. Half the money was released on that retrograde and, as you can see; it has been an expensive and illogical failure. The second half of the money is now being demanded by President Obama, again while Mercury is retrograde. This too will be a failed attempt.

Also while Mercury was in retrograde, New York governor Patterson appointed a pro-gun, conservative democrat to fill Hillary Clinton’s most prestigious seat in the senate – at a time when the left needs to be empowered in order to tip the balance of power in this country back into the center. This appointment is sure to create more infighting in the Democratic Party. There is already a lack of solidarity and innumerable agendas clouding the main concerns. Without complete clarity and unflinching agreement will we accomplish even a small part of what this administration, and the large majority of the people hope for?

Mr. Obama became president at exactly noon on January 20th 2009. I don’t care how many times he was administered the oath. Those delays and mistakes were all part of the retrograde Mercury, and have nothing to do with the facts. I hate to bust so many bubbles, but he was inaugurated automatically at noon, and thus began his presidency under a void of course moon. You can discuss and analyze all the charts you want to, that won’t change reality one little bit. There will be serious distractions and a lack of purpose to this first Obama administration. This does not mean that everything he does will be a failure, nor that he won’t be reelected. What it means is that just like on every void of course moon occurring every 2 ½ days, we can expect things to be redirected, set off course and in general be more difficult to control. Unexpected events and situations will come up more often than usual. It will be a particularly frustrating few years, but not necessarily a failure. Spiritual matters will become far more important. And with Jupiter about to conjunct Neptune three times over the next year, I suspect that we will see an increase in religion, philosophy and even astrology and the occult. I am preparing a financial and political update to discuss these aspects at greater length. In the meantime, please view my recent brief youtube segment regarding the Great Alignments of 1962 and 2000.

Saturn will oppose Uranus for the second time on February 5th. Those of you familiar with my work know that I have been marking this transit for some time. This is a time of upsetting events and instability in most things. I discuss it below and will expound further in my update.