November 27, 2002
Nancy Lubar Sommers
As is quite apparent from recent news, the Middle East is once again entering a period of increased violence. Incidents of terror and the resulting counterstrikes are becoming more numerous, and the general mood is one of growing pessimism. Into this mix we find an upcoming election in which the Labour Party’s Amram Mitzna is running on a peace platform.
Mitzna has promised to remove all Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and will be challenging Ariel Sharon, the conservative hawk Prime Minister and leader of the Likud Party, in the coming January 28, 2003, election.
Historically, an increase in terrorism has strengthened the conservative and aggressive right-wing, those who feel a strong and heavy hand is the only solution to the continuing destructive stalemate between the Palestinians and Israel. There is certainly a possibility this trend will continue into the next election.
There are numerous aspects to suggest a tumultuous and brutal period from late November 2002 through mid February 2003, in the Middle East. However, I can find very little to suggest a continuance of the violence beyond these dates, so I am cautiously optimistic that something radical will shift by mid to late February in favor of peace. The relevant aspects are as follows.
Israel's tertiary progressed Sun (28 Scorpio) is square natal Mars (28 Leo) from Noveember 25 to December 25, 2002 (one degree orb waxing is given, but the progression could extend beyond these dates). Note the suicide bombing of a bus on November 21 with the Sun at 28 Scorpio. By itself, this aspect suggests significant violence increasing through December. Mars at 28 Libra on November 27 –28 and the Sun at 27 - 28 Sagittarius on December 19 - 20 are likely triggers. Beyond this, the Moon crossing 28 degrees, especially of the fixed signs, may act to ignite this aspect.
Ariel Sharon's swearing-in chart (3/7/01) - like an Inaugural chart - shows tertiary progressed Mars square the natal Sun all December through February. Since this outlasts the election, I see it as more than his campaign fight, though not excluding it. I would expect a very aggressive and hard-line stance from him during this time.
Also, in Sharon's birth chart (2/27/28), we find Pluto crossing his 9th house Saturn. This position of Saturn is known for rigidity of thinking and conservative, inflexible ideas. Pluto will intensify this, allowing for no flexibility whatsoever, in almost a fanatical (Pluto) way. This aspect is strongest through December but still quite active for many months.
The most significant aspect for Israel is the current transit of Uranus (28 Aquarius) opposite natal Mars (28 Leo). This is clearly an indication of unexpected and sudden violence, and also seems to indicate an aggressive stance from Israel. This has been reactivated since Uranus turned direct in early November and will be strongest in January through February 9, 2003. It will be significantly triggered by the Mars/Uranus square January 10 to January 12 and the Mercury station January 23 to January 27, 2003..
The potential for aggressive action on the part of Israel will be exacerbated tremendously by the transit of Jupiter over Israel's Pluto (12 Leo) from January 29 through February 7, 2003, either in response to increased terrorism or as a result of events emanating from Iraq. The fact that the Jupiter transit comes immediately after the January 28 election does not suggest a dove is in power at that time. However, I can find very little to suggest a continuance of the violence beyond these dates, so I am cautiously optimistic that something radical will shift by late February or March 2003 in favor of peace. The relevant aspects are as follows.