March 2, 2001
Nancy Lubar Sommers, LCSW
During the mid-twentieth century, after decades of increasing tension between Arab and Jewish nationalists in Palestine, the State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948. The following day troops from Transjordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt entered the country, occupying areas not yet controlled by the nascent government and attempting to blockade Jerusalem. Thus, Israel was born, amidst a swirl of violence and resistance to its very being. The controversy over its existence continues to this day. To Jews Israel is seen as the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of the Jewish people, a nation founded on the soil of their ancient homeland. To the Arabs it represents an alien and hostile presence, forcibly established within Arab dominion.
In the astrological chart for Israel we find the Sun (the government) in the seventh house, indicating the continual focus on relationships with other countries as a central theme. Because the Sun is in square aspect to both Saturn and Mars, these relationships are fraught with hostility and violence (Mars) as well as obstacles, struggle, and restrictions (Saturn). There is an ongoing tension in this configuration that manifests as these planets get activated by progressions and transits over the course of time.
Another extremely important configuration in the chart of Israel is the Uranus/Jupiter opposition that ties in harmoniously to Mars through the sextile and trine aspects, respectively. Although the Jupiter/Uranus opposition can bring about tensions between the traditional religious forces (Jupiter) and the forces of unorthodoxy and freedom (Uranus), the strong harmonious aspects to Mars also indicate a tremendously creative, bold, and energetic power.
Interestingly, these two planetary configurations often get activated at the same time because the Sun (24 Taurus) and Uranus (24 Gemini) share the same degree from two different signs. Although their relationship is only a weak semi-sextile, transits or progressions to the 24th degree of any sign will activate both planets simultaneously. Historically, many of these occasions have coincided with significant and dramatic military engagements. Some examples are: the 1956 invasion of the Sinai by Israel, France, and Great Britain (progressed Mercury 24 Gemini, transiting Jupiter 23 Virgo); the early 1967 bombardment of territories by Syria (transiting Uranus 24 Virgo) and the subsequent June Six Day War (Uranus had retrograded back to 20 Virgo); the Yom Kippur War of October, 1973 (Uranus 23 Libra); and the invasion of Lebanon including the bombing of Beirut in June, 1982 (Pluto 24 Libra, Neptune 25 Sagittarius, retrograde). In addition, it should be noted that every one of these events (with the exception of the early 1967 bombardments) occurred during a Mars retrograde cycle. This astrological phenomenon occurs for a few months every two years and frequently brings intensification of hostilities to vulnerable parts of the world.
With this background in mind, let us look at the current astrological situation as it pertains to Israel. One factor that spells trouble is the biennial Mars retrograde period that will go into effect around mid-March, beginning with a rather intense and volatile Mars/Pluto conjunction, and continuing through August. Mars retrograde periods almost always signify a time of increasing belligerence and strife somewhere in the world.
Another factor that points more specifically to Israel in the coming months is a powerful Mars progression in the Israeli chart. As of the summer of 2000 and waxing until about March 2002, progressed Mars (23 Virgo) remains in a square aspect with natal Uranus (24 Gemini). The beginning of this progression coincides roughly with the declaration of intifada against Israel in September by the Arabs and may be linked to the corresponding increase in violence that has occurred since. Progressed Mars square Uranus brings together two highly inflammatory energies and suggests great turbulence, violence, and unexpected and disruptive events. The timing of these events often occurs when transiting planets activate the exact degree of the progression. Unfortunately, the period from late March through August brings with it repeated and forceful activation by several planets: Mars crosses 24 Sagittarius three times during April, May, and June; Uranus will be crossing 23-24 Aquarius almost continually from late March through July; and Jupiter will cross 23-24 Gemini through the middle weeks of June. Each of these transits on its own is significant, especially the Uranus square to the Israeli Sun. Taken in combination and with the Mars progression, they indicate a period of intensified conflict that will include sudden, violent, and explosive situations, possibly for several months. The Middle East, and Israel in particular, will thus be facing grave and dangerous challenges during the spring and summer of 2001. By September, with the passing of the retrograde Mars period, we can hope for the situation to quiet somewhat.