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The Gathering Storm

May 4th, 2002
Nancy Lubar Sommers, LCSW

On a hot, sultry day one can almost feel the heavy moisture in the air slowly coalescing to form a layer of dense clouds. Within a few hours, a thunderstorm is brazenly whipping through the foliage, with deafening thunder roaring out its warnings to all. Soon cascades of water are plummeting from the heavens, and lightning is randomly selecting targets for destruction.

Like the heavily laden, moist air in hot summer, many policies of the Bush Administration have barely begun to take their toll. The financial debacle that is likely from the irresponsible tax cuts of last year is nearing the horizon and may soon impact not only the US but the global economy. The quagmire of military involvement in Afghanistan is also just beginning to be apparent. The potential destabilization of Asia by a US invasion of Iraq, as well as the outrage and fury it will unleash in the Arab world, are similarly waiting in the wings for their cue to appear on the world stage. Even the US War on Terrorism, though seemingly somewhat effective in weakening al Qaeda cells, may have consequences unexpected and unseen in irritating great masses of humanity who do not want US military forces on their doorstep. With all of these controversial and potentially hazardous policies unfolding, it seems a hazy layer of clouds is slowly forming over the Bush Administration. To the astrological eye, this is but the early stage of a dark and dangerous storm.

The year of destiny seems to be 2003, although the first half of 2004 also will bring high drama. Numerous astrological configurations suggest tumultuous events beginning in January 2003 that will have a powerful impact on President Bush and the country. The larger themes of 2003, however, can be understood through the meanings of Saturn and Chiron.

Saturn represents the straight and narrow path. If one is cautious, humble, disciplined, and self-sacrificing, Saturn’s influence can be benign and, indeed, strengthening. However, if one is reckless, overextended, self-serving, and arrogant, Saturn periods will mercilessly bring the lessons of humility and selflessness down upon the offender, often through limitation, forced restriction, and loss.

Chiron is a planetoid between Saturn and Uranus. It combines the meaning of the two planets: the responsible, strengthening, limiting, and humble qualities of Saturn and the awakening, sudden explosive quality of Uranus. Chiron is known as the “wounded healer”. Through pain and difficulty come awakening and redemption.

The lineup in 2003 is pretty impressive. From late January, throughout most of the year, President Bush will have transiting Chiron either opposed to his natal Sun or square to his Moon, Chiron, or Jupiter. This prolonged Chiron transit to Bush’s chart suggests that, whatever else is going on in 2003, the events of that time will be extremely difficult and challenging, as well as emotionally painful. The Chiron/Sun aspect suggests issues around authoritarianism, the need to be right, and arrogance, masking a weak inner center. The Chiron/Moon aspect could bring about moodiness and hyper-emotionalism, as well as some painful experiences with his mother (illness?). Chiron/Jupiter can indicate messianic tendencies and grandiosity and the difficulties these would engender.

The US chart will also be undergoing a significant Chiron transit during 2003, specifically square natal Saturn and opposite the Sun. The significant periods here are mid-January to mid-February, July and early August, and mid-October to late November. These suggest, especially given the other transits mentioned below, that the US will be going through some rather painful experiences that will provide the opportunity for the country to deepen its understanding of its place in the world and awaken to a more appropriate and selfless role.

There is also a tertiary progression of great significance to the US chart during 2003. The tertiary progressed Saturn will be conjunct the US Sun from February through October, building in intensity until exact in October. This will be compounded by the transit of Saturn conjunct the US Sun in late September and most of October 2003. This transit will be repeated in mid 2004. The Sun in a country’s chart represents the ruler. Thus, in the US chart, aspects that impact the Sun suggest events or conditions that have to do with the president. These two planetary configurations of Saturn in hard aspect to the Sun are another indication of a very traumatic and difficult time for President Bush. Saturn here suggests obstacles, unpopularity, and grave difficulties. The last time Saturn crossed the US Sun, President Nixon resigned and the US was embroiled in the final, demoralizing phase of Vietnam. The previous crossing was in 1944-45 when the US was actively engaged in World War II, and the crossing before that was 1915 –1916, World War I. Thus, Saturn crossing the US Sun inevitably brings with it exceptionally trying, hazardous, and difficult times for the country and its leader.

This very significant Saturn transit to the US Sun makes its final crossing in the first half of June 2004. Saturn’s influence here is magnified by the tertiary progressed Saturn square the US natal Saturn for most of the year. Again we have the suggestion of a trying and frustrating time for the US. The President (Sun) is struggling, and there is a challenge to America's international prestige, as well as a potential loss of respect (10th House Saturn issues).

There are several indicators of war during the early months of 2004. Most notable is the transit of Pluto conjunct the US Mars and the triggering of Bush’s progressed Sun conjunct his natal Mars by the transit of Jupiter. But with all of the Saturn element involved, national and military goals will be difficult to reach and lessons in humility and limitation may be forthcoming.

The ultimate lesson for the US is that its great power and abundance must be used for the greater good of humanity. To whom much is given, much is also expected. In a global world, there is little room for self-serving power grabs to maintain hegemony over all. There is no place for national gluttony and a policy that supports and encourages it. Such actions will lead inevitably to chaos and destruction when the karmic reapers, Saturn and Chiron, come around to collect their dues.