Trends in 2013

As we enter the year 2013 – having survived the predictions of the end of history (as some people have interpreted Mayan astronomy) – the populations of the world are perhaps beginning to get accustomed to an atmosphere of crisis. The struggle for the survival of the Euro continues, and the whole European ideal, which truly sprang from an earnest desire of politicians in France and Germany to forever avoid new wars in the mid-1950’s is being questioned. The US continues to hover between recession and growth, China is battling with leadership change and the consequences of an overheated economy. Recession in the west creates problems in the developing countries, and only a few economies seem to be thriving, particularly Russia and Brazil. The Middle East is in turmoil; Iran is still perceived as a threat.  So when will we see improvements?

The Future of the Dollar

Much was made of the August 1999 eclipse at the time, not least connected with the prophecies of Nostradamus, but when the eclipse actually occurred, the world did not end, at least not unless you lived in Izmit, Turkey, where an earthquake took place 5 days later killing about 17,000 people. (Note 1) Nevertheless, eclipses are said to sensitize degrees for years after they have taken place. The 1999 eclipse occurred at 18.21 Leo, whilst Venus was retrograde at 2 degrees Virgo. Several weeks later Venus moved stationary direct on the eclipse degree, which must have made that position extra sensitive. At least when Venus returned to that exact spot two years later – 18.24 Leo – the World Trade Center crumbled into dust.

Germany and the Euro

If you ever hitchhiked around Europe in the 1960’s one of the things that would have irritated you is the fact that every time you crossed a border you would have to change your money. From the UK that meant pounds into francs, francs into guilders, guilders into marks and finally marks into kroner, if you were heading to Scandinavia. You lost money at every border. Although the British government, some would say very sensibly, maintains the independence of the pounds sterling, most EU countries today use the Euro, or have their currency pegged to the Euro, and this makes European trade stable and easy to administrate. Furthermore the creation of the EU has unified Europe to such an extent, that the kind of wars that destroyed Europe in the 20^th century seem unthinkable in the 21^st.

The Future of America

On November 6^th 2012 the future of America will be decided by the clash of Democrats and Republicans, as Barak Obama seeks to stave off the challenge of Republican candidate Mitt Romney. At the time of writing the population of the USA is evenly split. Republicans are determined to reverse the health care legislation that was the crowning achievement of Obama’s first presidential period, claiming that forcing people to buy health insurance is just another tax. In a country historically suspicious of government interference, the view amongst Republicans is that people should be free to choose.

Stellar Travel – electing a horoscope

One day I was called in for a tax audit, and as astrologers tend to do, I checked out the horoscope. It did not look good, with the Moon activating a Saturn/Jupiter square, but I soldiered on anyway through the interview – you can’t let astrology rule your life, right? – and it ended just as badly as the horoscope suggested it would. Another time, on a routine visit to the bank, I ignored the fact that there was a Moon/Pluto conjunction (in Scorpio), and my bank adviser took out her foul mood on me, which translated into financial difficulties for several months. As time went by, experience has shown that it is a good idea to arrange the time for important meetings, so that they will unfold harmoniously. So now if the tax calls me to a meeting, or if I want something from my bank, or if there is a business meeting, I make sure that we are going to reach a favorable agreement. If the date is not good, I am on the phone… sorry, I can’t quite make it that day, what about… ? – whilst I frantically work the keys of the computer casting charts for the alternative times we discuss.

Your Age – Part Two: Planetary Cycles

In the previous article on this subject, I examined predictable changes that would happen for people just because of their age. Knowing a person’s age means that you know the year of birth, and – perhaps with a little help from the planetary ephemeris – you will then know the sign positions of the outer planets and nodes. When the planet aspects itself at a specific age, then changes will take place according to the sign (and house) position of this planet. For example, I have Uranus in Cancer in the 9^th house, and when I was 20 – 21 and Uranus squared its birth position, I was traveling in India and my wife-to-be gave birth to our son there… the creation of a family abroad.

Your age and what it reveals – Part 1

It is amazing how much can be inferred about a person, even without knowing their horoscope. Any proficient sun sign astrologer knows how powerful the sun alone is in a sign, and how the sign ruler of the sun sign, in its orbit around the sun and interaction with the other planets, reliably provides background information about what is going on. In the first few months of 2012 for example, Mars was retrograde in Virgo. For Scorpios this is a solar 11^th house placement, which means that constant reorganization in connection with groups has been a feature of this period, whilst for Aries, this is a solar 6^th house placement, reflecting struggles in connection with the work environment and colleagues. Likewise Aquarians and Capricorns are sure to feel major changes as sign ruler Saturn moves from Libra to Scorpio on October 5^th and they will find themselves profoundly affected by Saturn’s immediate trine to Neptune just 6 days later – a trine that will last well over a year. That should soften up the ambitions.