FORECASTS
In this section we will post world astrology forecasts on an irregular basis, or as requested by members of the public.
Posted November 2, 2024
Nova in Coronae Borealis: An Omen of Peace?
T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the Blaze Star, is a binary star and recurrent nova located approximately 3,000 light-years away in the constellation Corona Borealis. It was first observed in an outburst in 1866 by John Birmingham, although it had previously been recorded as a 10th magnitude star. There are records suggesting it may have been observed as early as 1217 and again in 1786.
According to Stellarium, the ecliptic coordinates are 20* Scorpio (tropical zodiac), or 26* Libra (sidereal zodiac). Its declination is 25*55’North, a fair distance from the ecliptic, possibly having more influence on the Northern hemisphere than the Southern.
Under normal conditions, T CrB has a magnitude of around 10, which is at the limit for typical binoculars. Documented outbursts were recorded twice, reaching a magnitude of 2.0 on May 12, 1866, and a magnitude of 3.0 on February 9, 1946. However, a recent study suggests the 1866 outburst might have peaked around magnitude 2.5 ± 0.5. Even at its peak brightness, T CrB is fainter than about 120 stars in the night sky. It is often referred to as the Blaze Star.
This system is composed of a large, cool red giant and a smaller, hot component. The red giant transfers material to the hot component, which is a white dwarf surrounded by an accretion disk, both hidden within a dense cloud from the red giant. When in a quiescent state, the red giant’s light dominates, making the system appear as an M3 giant. The hot component contributes some emission, particularly in the ultraviolet spectrum. During outbursts, material transfer to the hot component significantly increases, causing it to expand and brightening the system’s overall luminosity.
Astrological Significance of the Constellation Corona Borealis
Corona Borealis, the "Northern Crown," is a small yet striking constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, resembling a delicate crown or diadem. In mythology, it is often associated with the crown of Ariadne, the Cretan princess who aided Theseus in defeating the Minotaur. After being abandoned by Theseus, she was rescued by Dionysus, who gifted her a crown of stars, later immortalized in the sky as Corona Borealis. This constellation represents themes of renewal, destiny, and reward after hardship, embodying the journey from suffering to triumph.
Astrologically, Corona Borealis holds a profound significance, often symbolizing the culmination of personal struggles and the reward for resilience. People with prominent placements involving Corona Borealis in their natal charts may experience periods of trials and sacrifices but are often destined for spiritual growth, wisdom, and eventual success. This constellation resonates with the theme of enduring difficulties to achieve enlightenment or a higher purpose. It is particularly connected with themes of loyalty, devotion, and the rewards that come from unwavering faith.
Corona Borealis is also linked to the idea of inner illumination. Just as the constellation forms a crown, it symbolizes the "crowning" of wisdom, suggesting that those influenced by it may achieve insights that set them apart. This celestial influence is thought to be protective, offering a shield against adversity and a guiding light through darkness.
In mundane astrology, Corona Borealis can signify collective challenges and the promise of rebirth and renewal. Its presence in the heavens reminds us of the power of resilience, and it encourages us to trust in the cyclical nature of life, where every hardship is eventually rewarded with clarity, peace, or reward.
Historical Correlations with Previous Novas
T-Coronae Borealis has burst into novas at periods of about 80 years. The last nova was in early 1946, which corresponded to the end of World War 2. British troops withdrew from Iran according to treaty. Switzerland and the Soviet Union resumed diplomatic relations. Several countries achieve independence including the Philippines and Syria. This was the beginning of a new geopolitical era, the "Pax Americana".
The previous nova was in 1866. During this year there was a Reconstruction Treaty between the US Government and the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes, which completed the abolition of slavery. The Treaty of Prague was finalized , ending the Austro-Prussian war. The Treaty of Vienna likewise ended hostilities between Italy and Austria, and formalised the annexation of Venice to Italy.
Going back another 80 years to 1786, another nova would have taken place, though this was not documented. The treaty of Hopewell occurred between the US Government and the Choctaw Indians. There was also a truce between the Creek Indians and the US Army. A commercial treaty was formalised between the US and Portugal. Likewise there was also a commercial agreement (Eden Agreement) between England and France.
Predictions for the Next Nova
A number of dates have been proposed for the occurrence of next nova:
- 2026-2027 (predicted in 1946 by N.F.H. Knight or W.M. Lindley)
- Mid-February 2024 to end of September 2026 (predicted in March 2023)
Both the traditional astrological attributes and the historical record suggest that the next nova of T Corona Borealis could be a harbinger of peace. The dates of 2026-2027 also correspond to the prediction of a positive era by the famous French astrologer Andre Barbault, based on his cyclical index. Let us hope and pray that these patterns will hold in the near future.
COMET C/2023 A3 (TSUCHINSHAM-ATLAS)
Comet C/2023 A3 was first discovered on January 9, 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China and the ATLAS sky survey. It has a retrograde orbit, and is now approaching perihelion (27 September); it has just begun to be visible to the naked eye. It may become nearly as bright as Jupiter, and this has astrological significance. Soon after perihelion it will conjunct the Sun.
According to classical authors, comets are generally bad omens. They can bring about a variety of calamities such as earthquakes or weather extremes, or sudden unexpected events. Its position on the zodiac and relationships to other bodies can give a clue to the nature of events that may follow. If the comet is oriental to the Sun, events can take place soon after it becomes visible; if it is occidental, they may be delayed. The direction the tail of the comet may give some clues about localities where the effects are felt most strongly. The effects are said to be more intense if it appears at the same time as a solar or lunar eclipse.
In contemporary astrology there has been a decline in interest regarding comets and other celestial phenomena. This could be due to their absence from the standard ephemerides, or some difficulty in calculating the ecliptic coordinates from the standard astronomical values. This lack of interest in comets is something that the ancients would have found very puzzling.
In the case of comet C/2023, it has become visible at 21*21’ Leo (sidereal) or 15*21’ Virgo (tropical). Its declination is about -6*. Being oriental to the Sun, we would expect effects to take place within the next few weeks. The comet is in opposition to retrograde Saturn, indicating severe outcomes. Being in Leo, it could indicate the fall or demise of heads of state, or adverse events in countries ruled by Leo, such as France, Italy, Bohemia and Sicily. Cities traditionally ruled by Leo include Rome, Bath, Bristol, Taunton, Cremona, Prague, Ravenna, and Philadelphia.
This comet originates from the Oort cloud, with a long period of 80000 years. Whatever calamities it brings about, it will not come back to our skies for a long time.
Course of Comet C/2023 A3 in October to December 2024
First Victim: Hassan Nasrallah
The violent death of Hassan Nasrallah on 27 September 2024 could be the first political “victim” of comet C/2023 A3.
His sidereal horoscope (time unknown) is shown. It has a locomotive pattern with Mars in the lead. As one would expect for a leader, he was born with the Sun at 14* Leo (sidereal) and North Node at 22* Leo; his Mars at 25* Taurus was square the lunar nodes and in wide opposition to Jupiter.
The comet first became visible at 21* Leo, conjunct Nasrallah’s North Node and square his lead natal planet, Mars! Of course there may have been other adverse primary directions in operation, with the comet being the trigger, but I don’t have his exact time of birth.
This is another clear demonstration of the power of comets on natal charts, and confirms the first time of their visibility being when the ecliptic coordinates should be taken. Apart from the natural disasters that are witnessing, one would expect more political upheavals as long as the comet remains visible.
2033: NEPTUNE CONJUNCT DRAGON’S TAIL
Modern astrology tends to accept the Vedic notion that the lunar nodes are indications of karmic effects. These are plausible at an individual level but may not be applicable to world events. This modern trend is most likely due to the classical texts of Western astrology having little to say about the lunar nodes. Some authorities suggest that a conjunction with the North Node has a positive effect on the influence of a planet, whereas the South Node has a negative effect.
According to the famous Italian medieval astrologer Guido Bonatti (1210-1300):
“But the Head of the Dragon (Caput Draconis) is by nature a benefic and by nature masculine, but by accident, sometimes it becomes a malefic. Its nature is composed of the nature of Jupiter and Venus. It signifies increase and things which are increased, e.g. kingdoms, dignities, sublimity and good fortune.”
“The Tail of the Dragon (Cauda Draconis) is malefic by nature, feminine, it is of the nature of Saturn and Mars. And it signifies diminution, dejection, fall and poverty. And it signifies the diminution of every good and of every good fortune. When it is with the benefics, it diminishes their good and when it is with the malefics it diminishes their malice.” [Liber Astronomiae, Tractatus Tertius, Ch VIII].
The correlations of nodal conjunctions with world events have received limited attention. There has been some work on the influence of the North Node on financial markets, but very little on planetary conjunctions. Neptune is conjunct the South Node approximately every 17 years, with an irregular cycle. The next conjunction with the South Node is not due until 2033. Since both are slow moving, the effects should be felt over a wide time window.
In my previous post I performed an historical analysis of the effects of the Neptune-North Node conjunction. For this post I repeated the same type of analysis for the Neptune conjunct South Node configuration. I searched for past Neptune-Node conjunctions since the year 1800, using SolarFire software. I have entered the zodiac longitude of the event (tropical, sidereal-Lahiri), and any important aspects to Neptune at that time. For each year, I retrieved the likely Neptune-related events from Wikipedia. These are listed below.
Year **1816** Neptune 21*58’ Sagittarius 00*41’ Sagittarius
Quintile Sun, Square Pluto
- December 25, 1815–January 6, 1816: Tsar Alexander I of Russia issues an order to expel the Jesuits from St. Petersburg and Moscow.
- March 22: The United States signs a treaty with the Cherokee Nation, promising to return land in Alabama and Georgia that was illegally taken by the Creek Nation in 1814. General Andrew Jackson refuses to honour this treaty, using it to justify the removal of Native Americans from the South-Eastern United States.
- March 30–April 11: The African Methodist Episcopal Church is established in Philadelphia by Richard Allen and other African-American Methodists, becoming the first denomination in the U.S. completely independent of White churches.
Year **1832** Neptune 25*20’ Capricorn 3*46’ Capricorn
Grand trine Mars and Saturn
- July 9: The United States creates the post of Commissioner of Indian Affairs within the Department of War.
- August 7: William Howley, Archbishop of Canterbury, is attacked by a mob in Canterbury due to his opposition to the Reform Act in the UK.
- August 27: Sauk leader Black Hawk surrenders to U.S. authorities, ending the Black Hawk War.
- October 20: Principal Chief Levi Colbert and other leaders of the Chickasaw Nation sign the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek, ceding their land in northern Mississippi to the U.S. in exchange for proceeds from land sales and relocation expenses.
Year **1849** Neptune 4*40’ Pisces 12*54’ Aquarius
Trine Mars, Sextile Sun
- February 2: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican–American War.
- March 28: Four Christians are ordered to be burnt alive in Antananarivo, Madagascar, by Queen Ranavalona I.
- April 21: The Great Famine in Ireland causes 96 deaths in Ballinrobe Union Workhouse over one week due to illness and famine conditions.
- May 3: A levee on the Mississippi River breaks, flooding much of New Orleans.
- July 13: The Charleston Workhouse Slave Rebellion is suppressed, leading to the execution of three leaders.
- December 3: German missionaries become the first Europeans to see Mount Kenya. The Bavarian parliament's lower house passes a bill granting German Jews the same legal rights as Christians, which sparks strong opposition across Bavaria.
Year **1866** Neptune 11*27’ Aries 19*28’ Pisces
Conjunct fixed star Alpheratz
- March 13: The U.S. Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the first federal legislation to protect African-American rights. President Andrew Johnson vetoes it, but Congress overrides the veto.
- April 10: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded in New York City by Henry Bergh.
- May 10: Overend Gurney and Company, a London bank, collapses, triggering the Panic of 1866.
- July 10: A Reconstruction Treaty with the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations completes the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
- October 14: Seven French Catholic missionaries are executed by the king of Korea. As a punitive measure, French troops land in Korea's Ganghwa Island, marking the first military contact between Korea and a Western force.
Year **1883** Neptune 16*03’ Taurus 23*49’ Aries
Square Sun, conjunct Saturn
- May 30: A rumour of the Brooklyn Bridge collapsing causes a stampede that crushes 12 people.
- June 16: The Victoria Hall disaster in Sunderland, England, results in the asphyxiation of 183 children.
- July 3: The SS Daphne sinks during its launch in Glasgow, Scotland, leaving 124 dead.
August 26: Eruption of Mt Krakatoa and subsequent tsunami kills over 36000 people.
- October 15: The U.S. Supreme Court declares part of the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional, allowing racial discrimination by individuals and corporations.
Year **1899** Neptune 26*48’ Gemini 04*21’ Gemini
Quintile Sun and Venus, conjunct Betelgeuse
- February 6: The U.S. Senate ratifies a peace treaty with Spain, ending the Spanish–American War.
- February 24: Catholic priest and theologian Herman Schell's works are placed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, the Roman Catholic Church's list of banned books.
- March 4: Cyclone Mahina strikes Queensland, Australia, causing a 12-meter high wave that leaves over 400 dead. This was the most deadly natural disaster in Australia.
- March 6: Felix Hoffmann patents Aspirin in Berlin, and Bayer registers it as a trademark.
- April 13: The British freighter City of York sinks off Rottnest Island, Western Australia, due to a misunderstanding of signals from a lighthouse.
- June 21: "Treaty 8" is signed between the British Crown and various Cree groups in Canada, ceding land to the Canadian government.
- August 8: The San Ciriaco hurricane strikes Puerto Rico, leaving 250,000 people homeless with 3,369 reported dead.
Year **1916** Neptune 00*28’ Leo 07*47’ Cancer
Square Jupiter, trine Chiron.
- February 9: Tristan Tzara founds the art movement Dadaism.
- April 27: A gas attack at Hulluch, France, during WWI decimates the 47th Brigade of the 16th (Irish) Division.
- July 1–12: The Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916 result in four deaths and inspire the novel "Jaws" decades later.
- September 13: A circus elephant named Mary is hanged in Erwin, Tennessee, for killing her handler.
- October 20: A deadly storm hits Lake Erie, causing significant damage.
Year **1932** Neptune 10*08’ Virgo 12*17’ Leo
Square Mercury, square Venus, biquintile Saturn
- January 4: British authorities in India arrest Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhbhai Patel.
- March 21–22: A tornado outbreak in the Deep South of the U.S. kills over 220 people in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
- April 17: Haile Selassie announces an anti-slavery law in Abyssinia.
- November 9: A hurricane and massive waves in Santa Cruz del Sur result in about 2,500 deaths, marking the worst natural disaster in Cuban history.
Year **1949** Neptune 16*07’ Libra 22*58’ Virgo
Sextile Pluto
- January 1: A UN-sponsored ceasefire ends the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, leading to the division of Kashmir.
- January 28: Soviet media resumes a propaganda campaign against Soviet Jews, accusing them of being pro-Western and antisocialist.
- June 29: Apartheid policies in South Africa result in the suspension of citizenship to Commonwealth immigrants and a ban on mixed marriages.
- August 12: The Fourth Geneva Convention is agreed upon.
Year **1966** Neptune 19*35’ Scorpio 26*12’ Libra
Square Mercury, square Venus, trine Jupiter, sextile Uranus, sextile Pluto, conjunct fixed star Zuben Elschemali
- January 10: Pakistani–Indian peace negotiations successfully end with the signing of the Tashkent Declaration.
- May 15: Anti-war demonstrations against the Vietnam War take place in Washington, D.C.
- June 6: Civil rights activist James Meredith is shot while participating in the “March Against Fear”.
- November 4: Severe flooding hits Florence and Venice, causing significant damage.
Year **1983** 29*13’ Sagittarius 5*36’ Sagittarius
Square Sun, square Mercury, sextile Pluto, conjunct fixed star Acumen
- May 26: An earthquake in the Sea of Japan generates a destructive tsunami, killing about 100 people.
- June 18: An Iranian teenager, Mona Mahmudnizhad, and nine other women are hanged in Iran for being members of the Baháʼí Faith.
- June 22: Emanuela Orlandi, a 15-year-old Vatican girl, mysteriously disappears in Rome, leading to various speculations.
Year 2000 Neptune 15*33’ Aquarius 9*51’ Capricorn
Semisquare Venus
- February 9: Torrential rains lead to severe flooding in Mozambique, killing 800 people.
- August 12: The Russian submarine Kursk sinks in the Barents Sea, killing all 118 men on board.
- September 26: The Greek ferry Express Samina sinks, resulting in 80 deaths.
- October 11: A major coal sludge spill in Kentucky is considered a significant environmental disaster.
- December 24: Christmas Eve bombings in Indonesia target several churches, killing 18 people.
Year **2016** Neptune 9*14’ Pisces 15*09’ Aquarius
Sextile Venus, Biquintile Jupiter
- January 28: The World Health Organization announces an outbreak of the Zika virus.
- February 12: Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill sign an Ecumenical Declaration in a historic meeting between Catholic and Russian Orthodox leaders.
- April 3: The Panama Papers are published, revealing detailed information on offshore companies and prominent individuals.
- July 6: The augmented reality game Pokémon Go is released, breaking records in sales and revenue.
- October 3: Hurricane Matthew, an extremely powerful Atlantic hurricane, hits Haiti as category 4, causing significant damage and 674 deaths.
Notes
These mundane correlations are similar with those found with the North Node conjunction, with natural disasters occurring at comparable rates. However there is a greater frequency of negative influences at social levels. Peace treaties are concluded, but in several instances they are reneged upon, strongly contested or associated with significant losses for indigenous populations. There is a marked increase in religious persecutions, such as the execution of missionaries, or exponents of religious minorities. The hanging of the teenager Mona Mahmudnizhad and other women in Iran for being Baha’i was particularly deplorable. The Christmas bombings of churches in Indonesia are another example of violent religious intolerance. Human-animal interactions take a turn for the worse, such as Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916, and the grotesque hanging of a circus elephant for killing her handler. There is a marked reduction in advances of visual arts, the only exception being the short-lived art movement of Dadaism. This movement was based on the deliberate pursuit of irrationality, a typical negative Neptunian manifestation.
These findings in relation to Neptune lend more weight to Bonatti’s interpretations of the influence of planetary contacts with the nodes. Bonatti, in turn, relied heavily on the Latin translations of Islamic scholars of the day. The influence of the lunar nodes on world affairs is considerable, especially with the outer planets, but it has been underestimated in Western astrology. It may well be that some planets are more susceptible to nodal influences than others. A lot more research is required in this fascinating field, particularly the slow-moving planets as these are more likely to have significant impacts on world events.
Neptune Conjunct South Node 2033
This will be exact on June 10th, but will be active for several months before and after this date. It will occur in Neptune’s own sign, at 24* Pisces (sidereal zodiac). This constellation is traditionally linked to Israel and Palestine, hence significant developments could occur in these localities around that time. Neptune will be in a T-square with the Saturn-Mars opposition, and quintile Uranus; a very dangerous combination suggestive of involvement with armed conflicts. Losses at sea from naval warfare or other disasters are more likely. I would expect an increased number of cyclones and tropical storms. There could be new waves of persecutions against religious minorities, and possibly a deterioration in the conditions of indigenous populations. Peace treaties concluded around this time could be retracted or not honoured. Animal welfare may suffer. It is unlikely that significant new art movements will emerge.
2025: NEPTUNE CONJUNCT DRAGON’S HEAD
Traditional teaching at the individual level is that a planet conjunct the Moon's North Node is highly significant and often suggests a point of destiny or karmic direction in a person’s life. The Moon's North Node, also known as the Dragon's Head or Rahu in Vedic astrology, represents the path of growth, learning, and evolutionary goals in the current lifetime. When a planet conjoins this point, it infuses its energy and themes into the person’s soul mission and evolutionary journey. Some authorities suggest that a conjunction with the North Node has a positive effect on the influence of a planet, whereas the South Node has a negative effect.
Very little has been written on the effect of this conjunction on world events, in mundane astrology. Neptune is conjunct the Node approximately every 17 years, with an irregular cycle. The next conjunction is due in February 2025. Both entities are slow moving and hence the effects should be felt over a wide time window.
In order to estimate the likely influences for next year, I performed an historical qualitative analysis. I searched for past Neptune-Node conjunctions since the year 1800, using SolarFire software. I have entered the zodiac longitude of the event (sidereal, tropical), and any important aspects to Neptune at that time. For each year, I retrieved the likely Neptune-related events from Wikipedia. These are listed below.
Year **1807**
Neptune 9*42’ Scorpio, 0*52’ Sagittarius
Sextile Jupiter
- The British House of Commons passes the Slave Trade Act.
- The U.S. Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves.
Year **1824**
Neptune 15*27 Sagittarius, 6*52 Capricorn
Conjunct Uranus (with Vega), square Pluto
- The Westminster Review, founded by Jeremy Bentham, publishes its first issue in London.
- The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is established in the British Isles.
- The U.S. War Department establishes the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
- Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 premieres in Vienna.
- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is established in Great Britain.
- The Panoramagram, the first stereoscopic viewer, is invented.
Year **1841**
Neptune 24*53’ Capricorn, 16*31 Aquarius
At midpoint of Jupiter/Pluto and sextile to both
- During the First Opium War, the British capture a Chinese garrison at the Battle of Chinhai.
- Scottish surgeon James Braid observes animal magnetism, leading to his study of hypnotism.
- The first multilateral treaty to suppress the African slave trade is signed in London by Austria, Britain, France, Prussia, and Russia.
Year **1858**
Neptune 28*18’ Aquarius, 20*12’ Pisces
Trine Saturn, semisquare Jupiter/Pluto
- Mendelssohn's Wedding March becomes popular after being played at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter.
- Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes has her first vision at the grotto of Massabielle.
- A peace treaty ends the Indian Rebellion.
- The first aerial photograph is taken by Nadar from a moored balloon in France.
Year **1874**
Neptune 08*32’ Aries, 00*38’ Taurus
Wide T-square with Saturn, Uranus
- The Impressionism art movement begins.
- The passenger ship British Admiral sinks off Tasmania; only nine of the 88 passengers and crew survive.
- The ship Cospatrick catches fire and sinks in the South Atlantic, with only three survivors out of 472.
- The world’s first film, "The Passage of Venus," is produced.
- The Philadelphia Zoo opens.
- Harry Houdini , the illusionist/escape artist, is born.
Year **1891**
Neptune 13*13’ Taurus, 5*33’ Gemini
Conjunct Pluto, Mars; Wide T-square with Jupiter, Saturn;
- The Great Blizzard causes extensive snowdrifts and storms in England, resulting in 220 deaths and 14 ships sinking.
- The steamship SS Utopia sinks in Gibraltar, killing 564.
- Edison invents the Kinetoscope.
- Many Christian Democrat parties are founded in Europe.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak begins advocating for Indian Home Rule.
Year **1908**
Neptune 19*35’ Gemini, 12*06’ Cancer
Neptune conjunct Sirius, opposed to Uranus, biquintile Chiron
- The Messina earthquake and tsunami in Southern Italy kill between 75,000 and 200,000 people.
- The Tunguska event, a huge explosion near the Tunguska River in Russia, believed due to a meteorite.
- The first major commercial oil discovery in the Middle East is made in southwest Persia.
- The steamship Amalthea is bombed in Malmö harbor, killing one and injuring 20.
- The Hong Kong typhoon sinks the passenger steamer Ying King, causing 421 deaths.
- "The Melting Pot" play by Israel Zangwill opens, symbolizing immigrant assimilation in the U.S.
- A fire on SS Sardinia results in at least 118 deaths.
Year **1924**
Neptune 29*01’ Cancer, 21*50’ Leo
Conjunct Venus, quintile Saturn, trine Chiron
- Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Productions merge to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
- The British Empire Exhibition opens in London, representing 58 countries.
- U.S. President Calvin Coolidge signs the Indian Citizenship Act.
- André Breton publishes the first Surrealist Manifesto.
Year **1941**
Neptune 2*09’ Virgo, 25*07’ Virgo
Sextile Pluto, trine Saturn/Uranus
- Victor Hasselblad registers the Hasselblad Camera Company in Sweden.
- The National Gallery of Art opens in Washington D.C.
- The Valley of Geysers is discovered in the Tamtachka Peninsula, Russia.
- Disney animators go on strike over pay and privileges.
- The Federal Communications Commission authorizes commercial television in the U.S.
Year **1958**
Neptune 11*23’ Libra, 4*39’ Scorpio
Conjunct Jupiter, T-square Sun-Uranus
- Bertrand Russell launches the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
- Gerald Holtom designs the peace symbol for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
- The Turkish passenger ship Üsküdar capsizes, resulting in 272 deaths.
- The movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai" wins seven Academy Awards.
- An earthquake in Southeast Alaska causes a mega-tsunami in Lituya Bay.
Year **1974**
Neptune 16*34 Scorpio, 10*04’ Sagittarius
Conjunct Antares, Mars, Square Jupiter, biquintile Saturn.
- West Germany passes the Federal Emission Control Act, to limit atmospheric pollution.
- The OPEC oil embargo ends, which had caused the 1973 oil crisis.
- Watergate Scandal: U.S. President Richard Nixon announces his resignation.
- Guillaume Affair: West German spy scandal with a East German spy in government.
- Cyclone Tracy nearly destroys Darwin, Australia.
Year **1991**
Neptune 20*12’ Sagittarius, 13*56’ Capricorn
At midpoint Saturn/Uranus and conjunct both.
- Exxon agrees to pay $1 billion for the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup.
- The Soviet Union holds a referendum, with 77% voting to keep the republics together.
- The first documented South Atlantic tropical cyclone occurs.
- The Moby Prince ferry collides with an oil tanker, killing 140 people.
- A tropical cyclone in Bangladesh kills approximately 138,000 people.
- South Africa repeals the last legal foundations of apartheid.
- The "Perfect Storm" causes significant damage in the North Eastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada.
- Tropical Storm Thelma causes flash floods in Ormoc City, Philippines, killing over 4,900 people.
- The Salem Express ferry sinks in the Red Sea, killing over 450 people.
Year **2008**
Neptune 00*01’ Aquarius 24*07’ Aquarius
Conjunct Chiron, opposition Saturn
“Anonymous” launches Project Chanology against the Church of Scientology.
- A peace deal is signed in Goma, ending the Kivu conflict.
- "Grand Theft Auto IV" is released, becoming the highest-grossing entertainment product.
- Cyclone Nargis kills over 138,000 people in Myanmar.
- The U.S. President signs the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act during the global financial crisis.
- A scandal in Peru involving a Norwegian oil company leads to protests.
- Satoshi Nakamoto publishes the Bitcoin whitepaper.
- Bernard Madoff is arrested for securities fraud, operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history.
The correlations listed above have strong Neptune and Pisces themes, both negative and positive. The positive influences include peace treaties, advances in social welfare such as indigenous rights and animal welfare, the abolition of slavery, new art movements, improvements in visual media such as photography and cinema, and the release blockbuster movies. The negative features include political disruptions such as the collapse of the Soviet Union and the apartheid regime in South Africa (both took place the same year!) ; large scale frauds and scandals; natural disasters related to water include tsunamis, cyclones (they originate from the sea), tropical storms with flash flooding. Issues related to oil and OPEC. Naval disasters such as sinking of large ships are more frequent. Adverse effects on financial markets have occurred, such as the Global Financial Crisis, and the losses related to bitcoin trading.
This negates the theory that a planetary contact with the Dragons’ Head is beneficial to that planet’s influence. It appears instead that the planet’s influence may be augmented, either in a positive or negative direction. Neptune may have a greater affinity to the lunar lodes, being linked to the element of water, and it could be affected more strongly than other planets. In the years listed above, there is a trend for more positive events taking place when Neptune is also aspected by the benefics or having harmonious aspects with other. However, Neptune is only one factor determining mundane events, and all other factors need to be taken into account. Mars is important in timing events; example being the destruction of the city of Darwin in Australia when Mars was exact conjunct Neptune. The year 1908 was particularly catastrophic, with the Messina earthquake/tsunami, Tunguska event and multiple ship disasters. On this occasion Neptune was also conjunct Sirius and opposed to Uranus.
Neptune Conjunct Node 2025
This will be exact on February 7th, but will be active for several months before and after this date. It will occur in Neptune’s own sign, at 29* Pisces. This constellation is traditionally linked to Israel, hence a major development could take place there around that time. Saturn is applying conjunction to Neptune, a configuration similar to 1991 when the Soviet Union disintegrated. Neptune will also be conjunct Venus and quintile Jupiter. This points to further political instability and possibly another collapse in the Russian Federation. I would expect an increased number of cyclones and tropical storms, but also further advances in social welfare of indigenous populations. A major peace treaty could be concluded. Additional advances in imaging or movie-making are possible, or a new block-buster movie could be released. Given that this period coincides with Mars Max, losses at sea from naval warfare are more likely.
1956: THE BIRTH OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
According to Wikipedia, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) as a discipline was born from a workshop that started on June 18, 1956 in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA (the “Dartmouth Workshop”). The time is not reported, but I assume a starting time of 08:00, which was common for those events. It was essentially an extended brainstorming event attended by 47 participants including mathematicians and scientists. The birth chart for A.I. is shown below and is very, VERY revealing…
The event took place on the day of the Moon, hour of Jupiter. We have Uranus (planet of technology) rising on the Ascendant, at the midpoint of the benefics Venus/Jupiter, in the critical 1st degree of Leo – a domineering position. The Sun, ruler of the ASC, is sextile Jupiter and almost exact trine Neptune, planet of idealism and imagination. It is conjunct Betelgeuse, a fixed star associated with great fortune but also war and carnage.
Jupiter is exact conjunct Pluto and Regulus in the second house of finance; a promise of great monetary benefits!
However both are squared by Saturn, which suggests wealth at the cost of structural disruptions. They are also located at the midpoint of Sun/Neptune, pointing to wealth aided by creativity and imagination. There is a grand trine involving Moon, Venus and Mars, indicating benefits to the common people (Moon). In addition, the Part of Fortune is conjunct North Node…another positive indicator.
Mercury is the traditional ruler of AI, is averse from the Moon, oriental and in its own sign, and hence does not concern itself with people (=Moon); it runs its own show. It is involved in a T-square with Mars and the Nodes; the North node is with Antares and points to a potential for disruption or even violence. Furthermore, Mercury is oriental and well in advance to the Sun, showing it will benefit those in charge rather than the common people.
Recently Pluto was transiting opposition the natal Uranus/ASC, and Jupiter was squaring it, corresponding to the recent headlines about ChatGPT, the anxieties associated with it and other AI systems. Astronomers are predicting Betelgeuse to explode in a supernova within the next few decades, and this may coincide with some dramatic events involving A.I..
This is a chart showing great potential and wealth, but also portends some large scale disruptions to society. Mankind has valid grounds for concern. Be prepared.
PLUTO CONJUNCT ALTAIR: GLOBAL I.T. OUTAGE
Uploaded 20 July 2024
The recent “Global IT Outage” was initially a suspected cyber-attack, but now found to result from a “bug” in a software update from the IT company Crowdstrike. This has caused world-wide disruptions to airlines, banks and commerce, and will take several days to fix. It has been deemed as the biggest I.T. outage ever recorded world-wide. Large scale events are typical of Pluto’s effects.
This event just preceded the Full Moon conjunct Pluto of 21 July, which is occurring in both longitude and declination. Events triggered by a Full Moon often have an onset a few days just before the actual lunation. Pluto in turn is retrograde and within 2* from conjunction with Altair, in the constellation Aquila, “the Eagle”. Altair in the past has been connected with aviation and severe aerial phenomena, and is consistent with the concept of airlines being affected by a “virus”, in this case a software “bug” spread by the “ether” of the internet. In my previous post I predicted that Pluto’s conjunction with Altair would be most strongly felt in 2025. However, it appears that the Full Moon conjunction with Pluto has acted as a trigger for this constellation.
The second trigger was the exact Mercury square Uranus. It also in wide square to Mars. Mercury symbolism includes transport and communication, whereas Uranus is connected with aviation and electronics.
The other contributing factor is that Pluto is now in perigee, relatively close to our planet. This is shown in the heliocentric chart. Previous work by American astrologer Richard Nolle has shown that planets in their perigee phase have stronger effects than at other time.
There is a strong possibility that as long as Pluto is within orb of conjunction with Altair, hard aspects to Pluto could trigger similar major events. Mars aspects may coincide with large scale cyber-attacks, major airline disasters or large scale drone or missile attacks. Mars will oppose Pluto on November 3, 2024, January 3 2025, and April 26, 2025. The first two contacts also have Mars in perigee (“Mars Max”), hence the resulting events are likely to be more severe. Mars will square Pluto on September 24, 2025, which should be the time when these effects will fade. Another critical time period will be around Saturn in semi-square to Pluto, exact on 25 September 25, 2024 and 26 January 2025.
Full Moon July 2024, Sydney
July 2024 Full Moon, heliocentric chart. Pluto appears close to Earth
MARS MAX 2024-2025: LIVE AND LET DIE
Uploaded 11 July 2024
The astrological term “Mars Max” was first described by astrologer Richard Nolle many years ago in an issue of Dell Magazine. It denotes a time period in the synodic cycle when this planet is closer to us than normal. When Mars is close to Earth, it appears brighter and larger in the night sky, reaching its peak at perigee before gradually dimming. During this period, everything associated with Mars—such as haste, heat, fire, danger, aggression, and conflict—becomes more prominent. More details at https://www.astropro.com/features/articles/max/mars.html
Typically there is an increase in violence across the board, from personal disputes to large-scale terrorist acts and military conflicts. Criminality and conflict are never rare but they become more noticeable during the Mars Max cycle. Not all these incidents are due to malicious intent; recklessness and inattention can be just as harmful. The media will have plenty of violent events to report during this time.
These Mars cycles occur approximately every two years, and humanity has faced many of them in the past. This isn't a sign of impending doom but a predictable rise in human tendency towards chaos - fires, crashes, and explosions, disasters driven by impulsive actions.
The actual perigee coincides with Mars in opposition to the Sun; the start and end of the Mars Max period is less well defined. During part of this cycle there is retrograde motion, and may include the waxing and waning Mars square Sun. Once in the Max phase, Mars may remain in the same sign for up to 6 months.
The next Mars opposition Sun (perigee) will take place on 15 January 2025, when it will be conjunct the fixed star Procyon. Mars will be in the first degree of sidereal Cancer, trine Neptune and in opposition to Pluto, making this phase more dangerous than usual. The waxing square will be on 14 October 2024. Mars will go retrograde on December 7, 2024. Direct motion will resume on 24 February 2025. The waning square will take place on 20 April 2025. It is likely that he most intense Mars Max period will be between early December and late February.
Procyon has been linked to waterways, rivers and means of communication. According to Ebertin, this star configured with Mars and Pluto can be very dangerous. We should expect an intensification of current conflicts around the next Mars Max, including naval conflicts and cyberwarfare. The sign of Cancer is traditionally linked to China, hence natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis could occur there.
Mars perigee January 2025
for Washington, DC.
Full Moon for Beijing just prior to the Mars perigee.
Note the Mars-Pluto opposition angular in the 1st and 7th houses.
IRAN 2024: IN THE GRIP OF CHIRON
Added 22nd May 2024
The recent accidental deaths of Iran’s president and foreign minister on Monday following a “hard landing” of their obsolete helicopter were celebrated by a significant proportion of Iranians.
They did come as a surprise to me, having checked the transits to the natal chart of the current Islamic Republic, which are favourable. What I did not do earlier was to look at the sidereal Solar Ingresses, which paint a very different picture.
The Aries Ingress for Tehran took place at 5:42 PM of April 14. The chart shows Virgo rising and Gemini at the MC. The classical teaching is that if a mutable sign is rising, subsequent charts have to be cast for each cardinal ingress of the year. Both the MC and the Ascendant are ruled by Mercury, representing its ruling class and country respectively. However Mercury is in detriment in Pisces, conjunct and parallel to Chiron, the “wounded healer”. Chiron itself is in a critical position, being at the midpoint of Mars/Uranus and Mars/Jupiter. The Sun, another indicator of the ruling class, is close to the cusp of the 8th house of Death, square Pluto and also parallel to Chiron. These are very ominous signs for both the country and its leadership.
The Cancer ingress will take place on July 17, and will be in effect until the Libra ingress in October. Aries is at the MC, its ruler Mars in the 10th House, conjunct both Uranus and Algol, and in opposition to the Moon. The latter indicates the common people, and also rules the Ascendant, Cancer. A truly explosive combination that may affect the leadership very seriously, possibly another very bloody popular uprising if not a revolution. The Sun, another indicator of the political elite, is on the cusp of the 12th house and in opposition to Pluto. Saturn is on the cusp of the 8th house of death.
The Libra ingress will take place on October 18 and will be in effect until January 2025. Leo is rising, opposed by Saturn at the descendant. The Sun, its ruler, is in opposition the Moon/Chiron midpoint. Taurus is at the MC and Jupiter in the 10th house. Venus, its ruler, represents the leadership and is in opposition Uranus in Algol. The Moon, representing the people, is in the 8th house and square Pluto. These indicate ongoing serious troubles for both country and its leaders.
Finally, the Capricorn ingress will occur on January 15, and will be in effect until April 2025. Scorpio is at the Ascendant. Mars, its ruler, is in the 8th house and in opposition to the Sun. Leo 23* is at the MC in direct opposition from Saturn in the 4th house. The Sun, it ruler, is conjunct Pluto in the 2nd house, indicating major economic problems. There are no indications of any significant improvements in Iran’s situation.
The traditional teaching that eclipses and ingresses are more important in mundane astrology than transits is supported by these events. The charts above strongly suggest internal turmoil and possibly involvement in major wars for 2024-25. The current belief that these accidental deaths of prominent politicians will not have impacts on Iran is likely to be very wrong.
MARS, MACRON AND THE UKRAINE WAR
Uploaded May 5, 2024
Recently there have been some news about Macron considering sending troops to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.
France is a nuclear power, and this would be a major development in the conflict; Russia does not like it, as it would be yet another factor it did not consider in its calculus of this “special operation” .
The recent Aries ingress chart (sidereal) cast for Paris is of great interest regarding this potential scenario. The critical first degree of Leo is rising. This represents France as a whole and at the beginning of a new phase of its history. It is ruled by the Sun, which is trine the Ascendant but square Pluto. The Sun is at the midpoint of Uranus/Neptune, suggestive of involvement in disruptive ideologies, philosophy or technology.
For the French leadership, Macron, we have Aries at the MC of this chart. This is really interesting, as Macron was born with his Moon in sidereal Aries. Mars, its ruler, is consistent with an aggressive posture. It is strengthened by a sextile from Jupiter and a trine from the Moon, and located right on the cusp of the 8th house of death ...ready for battle.
In the 10th house and close to the MC we find the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction. This took place in sidereal Aries, near the fixed star Capulus (34-Persei), “right hand of Perseus holding the sword”. This is another general pointer towards open warfare.
Aquarius is at the descendant, with its ruler Saturn in the seventh house of enemies, both being traditional rulers of Russia. The Moon is applying trine Saturn. Russia is in a strong position.
The overall picture supports the hypothesis that Macron will get France directly involved in the military support of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Should this take place, it would mark a dangerous new turn in the conflict.
There is a long history of antagonism between Israel and Iran, with military actions limited to actions by proxy groups. This all changed on April 1, 2024 , when at 5 pm Israel launched a missile attack against the Iranian consulate in Damascus. A consulate is generally regarded as territory of the country it represents; hence a direct attack on the consulate represents an attack on Iran. Two high ranking Iranian generals were killed, as well as many others that were in the consulate. This was followed by a large-scale aerial counter attack by Iran. More recently, the bombing of an Iranian base in Iraq took place. The April 1st attack very likely represents the “first shot” of a new chapter in the Middle East conflict, and the event chart is shown below.
Leo rising at the Ascendant represents the aggressor, Israel. Its ruler, the Sun, is angular in the 7th house in the sign of Pisces – the latter being traditionally linked to Israel. The descendant, Aquarius, stands for Iran. Its traditional ruler, Saturn, is also in Aquarius. The “modern” ruler of Aquarius is Uranus, in the fire sign of Aries in the 9th house. The Sun is at the midpoint of Mars/Jupiter, a favourable configuration for military activity. It is also energised by a close quintile from Pluto, in turn conjunct the fixed star Altair – “the Eagle”, suggesting power arising from a strong air force. Another positive indicator is the Part of Fortune (17*Taurus) sextile the Sun.
The position of Saturn, representing Iran, is less favourable. It is cadent in the 6th house, applying conjunction with Mars, and square the Medium Coeli and the Part of Fortune. It is at the midpoint of the emotionally unstable Moon/Uranus. The Moon symbolises the common people; she is angular in the 4th house in the fire sign of Sagittarius, suggesting strong war-like feelings. The sesquiquadrate to Uranus points to probable harm from Uranian activities, such as air strikes and explosions.
The overall picture favours Israel, in a war where air power is likely to dominate. This however could come at a great cost to the people on both sides of the conflict.
I Uploaded April 20, 2024
Israel-Iran War: Leo Rising
Uploaded April 1, 2024
On April 8 this year a total solar eclipse will take place, with maximum visibility in North and Central America. Traditionally it is supposed to have major effects over areas of maximum visibility, and that is where most of the current comments focus on. However it can also affect nations ruled by the zodiac sign where the eclipse occurs. In this case it is taking place at 25* Pisces of the Sidereal zodiac. The sign of Pisces and this specific area of the zodiac have a long connection with Israel. Mercury was there at the 597 BCE fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadrezzar; the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction (”Star of Bethlehem”) took place there on 7 BCE; Mars was present there at Verdi’s premiere of the opera Nabucco (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves). The fixed star lambda Andromedae – “the chained right hand” – is found in this part of the zodiac.
The Tel Aviv sidereal chart for the Solar eclipse is shown below, erected for the time of the eclipse’s maximum intensity . At the MC we find 0* Leo – a critical degree, representing a leadership that is in trouble. The Sun rules Leo, and it is being eclipsed on the cusp of the 6th House of health and illness, service. The revolutionary Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is angular on the cusp of the 7th house, and in semisquare to Venus, ruler of the Ascendant. The Mars-Saturn war cycle conjunction is in the 4th house, suggesting conflict in home territory.
The sidereal Aries ingress takes place one week later on April 14. The chart is ominous. Leo is rising, its ruler the Sun in the 8th house of death and applying square Pluto. Chiron, the “wounded healer” is also in the 8th house, and conjunct lambda Andromedae, Israel’s star…The Mars-Saturn war conjunction is right on the cusp of the 7th house of enemies. Taurus is at the MC; Venus, its ruler, is square Moon (“the people”), pointing to ongoing unpopularity of the ruling class. The Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is found in the 9th house of religion and philosophy, trine the ascendant. There could be some major shifts in ideology that will affect the nation as a whole.
As I am writing this there are major ongoing demonstrations in Israel against the current leadership, while the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abatement. There is a significant chance that this eclipse will bring about a change in government in Israel, if not an actual revolution. The remainder of the year is fraught with great dangers for Israel and its people.
ISRAEL, THE APRIL SOLAR ECLIPSE AND BEYOND
RUSSIA 2024 – THE KILLING CONTINUES
Uploaded March 25, 2024
The Aries ingress (sidereal) for Moscow will take place on April 14 at 4:12 pm. The chart shows Leo rising, a fixed sign, and hence it will be valid for the whole year. The ascendant represents the nation as a whole, and Leo rising is an apt description of a country in a phase of aggression. It is conjunct the fixed star Denebola in the Lion’s tail, traditionally associated with misfortune and dishonour. Its enemies are on the descendant 7th house, the “West”, at the midpoint of Mars/Neptune – the enemy (Mars) is deceptive and imaginative (Neptune).
The Sun rules the Ascendant and is located in the 8th house of death and regeneration, applying square Pluto in the 5th. This suggests the nation will be affected by large scale casualties before the next phase of regeneration. Also in the 8th are Mercury, ruler of the 2nd house of finance, Chiron the “wounded healer”, and the North Node right on the cusp.
Taurus at the MC represents the ruling class. It is squared by the Mars/Saturn war conjunction, suggesting that the current conflict will have negative consequences for the Russian leadership. Venus rules the 10th, and it is in the 7th house but close to the cusp of the 8th. It is square the Moon, pointing to a possible loss of popularity and/or disagreements with the Chinese leadership. It is also quintile Pluto, pointing to the risk of using weapons of mass destruction.
Cancer is on the 11th house of alliances, a sign traditionally associated with China. Its ruler, the Moon, is in the 10th house, indicating that the Chinese influence on the Russian executive will get stronger. It is trine the Mars/Saturn conjunction – will China be benefiting from this conflict?
This chart does not bode well for Russia. An important factor to consider is the Saturn-Neptune conjunction due in 2026. In the past this configuration has been associated with major upheavals in Russian politics and society. It is likely that the next 12 months will see a series of major events that will unravel the current Russian political fabric.
Watch Your Allies: USA 2024
Uploaded March 5, 2024
The 2024 sidereal Aries ingress for Washington DC occurs at 9:24 AM of April 14th. This is an important event for any nation and the USA chart is shown below. It is important to note that the planetary positions and relationships are identical on a global scale, but the house placements and hence interpretations, will differ.
The ascendant – the “body” of the USA -is in Taurus conjunct the fixed star Rigel – the “left foot” of Orion the Hunter. Rigel is deemed to have beneficial effects such as honour, riches, inventive ability. Venus, its lord, is strong in Pisces, conjunct the North Node, although squared by the Moon. Overall, the nation should do well for the following 12 months. A fixed sign rising indicates that no further ingress charts are required.
Capricorn is at the MC. Saturn, its ruler, represents the leadership of the country. Very consistent with an old president. It is strong in Aquarius, in the 10th house, trine the Moon and separating from a conjunction with Mars. The MC itself is sextile the Sun, another positive indicator. These are all in favour of a strong and stable leadership, supported by the common people (Moon). It is of interest here that Joe Biden’s Sun is also in sidereal Aquarius, and these points to his possible victory at the elections.
A striking feature of this map is the satellitium in 11th House of national alliances, involving Sun, Mercury, Chiron, North Node, Venus and Neptune. Mars is conjunct the cusp of 11th. This suggests that there will be a strong focus on alliances, and with Mars’s involvement right on the cusp, there is a possibility they will come under attack. The seventh house of enemies is ruled by Mars and Pluto, the latter located in the 8th house of death and both in partile semisquare aspect. It indicates possible large loss of life among the USA’s enemies.
The Part of Fortune is in 4th house, the home territories, and confers some safety to the homeland. A direct attack on home soil is unlikely.
The economy and wealth of the nation is related to the second house, which is in Gemini. This is ruled by Mercury, which is weak in Pisces and conjunct Chiron, the “wounded healer”. There is a possibility of a significant economic downturn.
Stellarium screenshot of the western horizon, showing a prominent Serpentis constellation
Uploaded 18 February 2024
The Korean War broke out on 25 June 1950, about 2 months after the solar Aries ingress, and lasted until 1953. Prior to the conflict there had been border clashes and attempts by the North to unify the country. North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union whereas South Korea was supported by the United States and the United nations. This was a major conflict of the Cold War resulting in over 3 million fatalities.
The Sidereal Aries ingresses for 2024 and 1950 both took place on April 14, and exhibit some striking similarities.
In the 1950 chart, Scorpio was rising. The ASC was trine Pluto and square Venus. Neptune was at the midpoint of ASC/Pluto and sextile both – this suggests that ideology was at the centre of the conflict. Mars was close to perigee. It was at the MC in a T-square with the Moon at the IC and Uranus in the 7th house, a very clear indication of a serious conflict. The Mars-Saturn war cycle had just commenced, with Mars separating from conjunction with Saturn. Mercury, Lord of 10th, represented the leadership. It was applying square Pluto and sesquiquadrate the MC. Both Uranus and Pluto were strong, both being out of bounds in declination and parallel each other.
In the 2024 ingress, Scorpio will also be rising. This time Pluto will be at the midpoint of ASC/ Neptune and sextile both – suggesting that a craving for power could be at the centre of conflict. The Mars-Saturn cycle is at inception, Mars conjunct Saturn, and both in opposition to the MC. Saturn will be conjunct the fixed star Achernar; this is not a Ptolemaic star, being in Southern declination, and the effects – if any - are unclear. Leo is at MC, in sesquiquadrate Pluto in the 2nd. The Sun, Lord of 10th, will be applying square Pluto. It will be conjunct and parallel Mercury. The epochal Jupiter-Uranus conjunction will be in the 6th house, trine the MC. The Moon will be out of bounds in positive declination, in square to Venus and the Nodes, and trine the Mars-Saturn conjunction. The Part of Fortune will be conjunct the MC, a positive indicator for South Korea ruling class.
In both cases, the Lord of the 10th, representing the leadership of the country, is applying square Pluto. There is a midpoint combination involving the Ascendant, Neptune and Pluto, but in different permutations. The Mars-Saturn war cycle is at an early phase. Should a new conflict break out, the 2024 chart has some redeeming features. Absent is the Moon-Mars-Uranus T-square ; Pluto and Uranus are not as strong. Jupiter trines the MC and the Part of Fortune is at the MC.
North Korea now flaunts nuclear weapons and there has recently been more belligerent rhetoric coming from Kim Jong Un (https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/01/kim-jong-uns-hostile-rhetoric-reflects-north-koreas-warming-relations-russia-and-china) and war is indeed a real possibility. To predict the outcome of a new conflict in Korea, more data will required, such as the birth charts of the leaders of both countries and the inception chart for the “first shot”. The 25th June of this year is also an important date to watch, being the anniversary of the 1950 invasion.
KOREA IN PERIL : 2024 MIRRORS 1950
2024: The Year of the Angry Dragon
Uploaded February 11, 2024
For thousands of years the date of the Chinese New Year has been calculated on astronomical criteria. It is lunisolar, ie based on the sun and moon calendars, and it falls on the second new moon after the December solstice. This is held to mark the beginning of Spring, and it is celebrated on a grand scale, and not only in China, with festivities lasting more than one week. Given the importance of the event, and the outpouring of emotions, it should have astrological significance, at least on a horary basis.
The chart for this New Moon, the year of the Dragon, is shown using the sidereal zodiac. It is taking place in the first house, and this indicates that it affects the nation as a whole. The planetary hour of the lunation is the Moon, consistent with a relationship with China and the common people. It is square Uranus in the third house, pointing to potentially serious and sudden disruptions in transport and communications. Scorpio at the MC has both its ruler and co-ruler, Mars and Pluto, conjunct and cadent in the 12th house. Furthermore Saturn in the 1st house is square the MC. This angle has traditionally represented the king or ruler of a country, and in this chart suggests that the Chinese ruling class will experience considerable difficulties this year.
Jupiter is in the 2nd house of wealth, however it is afflicted by a square from Mercury (commerce and communications), and conjunct the fixed star Hamal, in the head of the Ram. This star has traditionally been linked to violence and brutishness, of the nature of Saturn and Mars according to Ptolemy. China economy is already experiencing major problems, and there may be further deterioration if wars or internal social upheavals occur.
At the descendant, opposite the ascendant, we find Cancer. This sign is traditionally associated with China, ruled by the Moon, in this case in the 1st house. This could indicate that China’s enemies are actually within China, ie possible civil strife.
This New Moon has recently been associated with minor earthquakes in both the hemispheres, most likely due to the square from Uranus. There is a possibility of more earthquakes in China later in the year. The Dragon’s Head is in sesquiquadrate the MC...the Year of the Dragon could be very bad for China’s political elite.
