Astroworld

Pity the poor White House. With so many doors closing, thwarting their attempts to prove, once and for all, that while oil and water may not mix, oil and blood does.

As goodwill and charitable feelings for the US continues to falter, this predatory administration, like a cunning substance abuser, seeks out the most "dysfunctional family" in the Middle-Eastern region who will shelter and enable them, for a hefty price tag, while Bush and his cronies continue to bully and cajole without facing or accepting their own responsibilities at home.

Since this month is the beginning of Spring, and that denotes the Spring Equinox, or the entrance of the Sun into Aries, how appropriate that the first chart under the microscope would be the Aries Ingress chart. Ingress charts, set up four times a year for each time the Sun enters zero degrees of a Cardinal sign. The Sun in the chart represents the leader. This particular Ingress chart is set for Washington DC, the nation's capital.

Aries Ingress Chart for Washington DC

The first thing that may stymie a good ole lustful crusade to battle for the US is the glaring appearance of Libra, the sign of peace and compromise, rising in the Ingress chart. Further, ruler Venus, in humanitarian Aquarius, is in a grand trine to Saturn in chatty Gemini, and the Ingress Ascendant, in Libra. Trines don't usually provoke feelings of agression, particularly involving Venus, and Libra on the Ascendant. This combination is more indicative of encouraging harmonious and diplomatic outlets than being involved in a minor grade conflict that could be the precursor to World War Three.

Further, notice that Saturn, the planet of slow and judicious caution, is in the Ingress Ninth, the house of foreign involvement. The indications are clear that the normally loyal US allies and associates are urging a less bombastic approach, and that all international tact and skillful negotiations be exhausted before they will support the US invasion of Iraq.

The Sixth House represents the military. The Sun in Ingress charts represents the head or executive of the country. The house position of the Sun shows his strength or weaknesses for the upcoming quarter. With the Ingress Sun in the Sixth, the conclusion is pretty obvious that Bellicose Bush continues to push for military intervention in Iraq. But with ruler Mars, the planet of war and violence, in the Third, the House of communications and discourse, AND ruling the Seventh House, the sector of war, likely all that will come of that is verbal threats (Third House) and heated disagreements (Mars).

This position is a close replica of Mars' placement in the 2002 Libra Ingress chart during which time Bush's deployment of military personnel escalated in the Middle East region. The Capricorn Ingress chart, the one just prior to this one, and the one that is technically in effect until this Aries Ingress takes over on March 21st, shows that all Mars aspects, including the important conjunction of Mars to the Capricorn Ingress Sun, have now been completed.

No other aspects will occur prior to the start of the Aries Ingress chart. If the strength and power of an angular Mars, as shown in the previous Capricorn Ingress chart, isn't going to activate a war, a Third House Mars doesn't have much hope. Further, the Tenth House represents the government with ruling and occupying planets specifically describing the President. Note the presence of expansive Jupiter in autocratic Leo in the Tenth House, telling us that Bush continues his confident preening, amplifying his obsessive hard-on for the head of Saddam Hussein on a platter.

But how does this "Play in Peoria"? What is the public reaction and support of Bush's one track, one subject rhetoric? Apparently not too sympathetic, as shown by the Moon, a reliable index for gauging the emotional needs of the people, in the public First House, squaring (conflict) Jupiter, in the Tenth, representing the President's objectives and agenda. During the first month of this Ingress quarter, Jupiter continues in retrograde motion, moving away from an exact opposition to Neptune, which won't occur until mid-June, just prior to the start of the Cancer Ingress cycle.

The Moon's square to deceptive Neptune shows the people (Moon) are continuing to be duped. Whatever subterfuge the administration feels is necessary to gain their tacit approval, that's what the public will be fed. One sure bet is that with Neptune in the Fourth, the sector of the Homeland, in square to the Moon, the patriotism or loyalty of any dissenting groups will continue to be a Red Herring of diversion used to manipulate the public's psyche. Jupiter in oppositon to Neptune, like the opposition operating between Jupiter and the US natal Neptune, just prior to the start of World War II in Europe, reveals more inequities and abuses of our rights and assurances while this quasi-Fascist regime continues to dismantle the Democratic process. Who can we trust? Who can we believe? Confused? Welcome to Jupiter opposite Neptune.

Mercury occupies a unique place in the Aries Ingress chart. At 29 degrees it's in the "clean-up" position, showing that the planet is in a transition phase; ready to leave the last degree of Pisces, but not quite ready to cross over into the beginning of the next sign, Aries. In this ambiguous state, Mercury as ruler of the covert Twelfth, and the foreign Ninth, indicates that fighting this war continues to be a clandestine objective, run behind the scenes (Twelfth) with a lot of coercive bullying done to countries (Ninth) that aren't as prosperous as the US, being seduced by the promise of billions in their coffers.

So far the indicators are that this may be the Best War Money Can Buy, but it looks more like an impotent war if it can't get off (ahem)...the ground.

Tri-Wheel Chart for Aries Ingress, The Traditional US Chart, and GW Bush's Natals

I have mixed feelings towards the tri-wheel forms. On the one hand I appreciate that the planetary energy operating between the three charts can be observed in one concise view, as in a "picture is worth a thousand words." Then again, the charts are always too busy and confusing for my tastes. But, they do serve a purpose, so I'll grin and bear it. Well....grin might be stretching things a bit.

One of the first dynamics we spot is the Grand Trine in the Aries Ingress Chart, involving Venus, Saturn and the Ascendant, in each of the Air signs, now extends to include the US Mars, at 20 Gemini, conjunct Saturn, and the US Moon at 18 Aquarius. Saturn controls and restrains the innate combative nature of Mars, while the Aquarius Moon shows the public prefers to encourage open dialogue, utilizing the wisdom and input of the international diplomatic community.

Note the close conjunction between the Ingress Venus and the US Moon, in the Ingress Fourth, in Aquarius. Clearly the American people (Moon) support a more fraternal, "Family of Man" viewpoint. With both the planets of solidarity, Venus and Moon, in trine to circumspect Saturn, in the foreign Ninth, the American people are keenly aware of the loss (Saturn) of stature we suffer in the eyes of the rest of the world.

An obvious inference could be made that, if left to our own devices, the will of the American people would favor a more watchful and deliberate approach. Too bad our intents and desires aren't being listened too---another reason to mourn the death of democracy. Take a look at the position of Mars, the planet most associated with violence, war, destruction and attacks, right in the Ingress Third. As mentioned before this indicates a lot of discussions, deliberations and examinations over the possibility of war.

But if peaceful Moon and Venus show that the American people are reluctant to commit to the irretrievable condition of war, then just who is pushing so hard, trying to change our minds? Note Bush's natal Cancer Sun, closely oppositing the Ingress Mars. The opposition shows that he has a battle (Mars) on his hands trying to gain the support of the American people by convincing us of the correctness of his stance. The rashness of Mars shows that he is likely to disregard public input and continue on his quest for war at any cost.

Be wary of the placement of his Sun in the Ingress Ninth House; the sector known for relentless attempts to convert others to your viewpoint. After all, there would be no need for diplomacy (Ninth House), if we were all of one mind. It doesn't help either that Bush is a tenacious Cancer Sun. Add to that his Leo Ascendant is conjunct the Ingress Jupiter, denoting that he'll continue to escalate and expand his efforts.

Further disagreement with Bush's drive for war in Iraq can be seen in the Ingress Scorpio Moon squaring his Ascendant, noting his personal agenda and objectives and his Leo Mercury, the planet of communications; an indication that the totality of his message is falling on deaf ears. Still, Bush's North Node, the point of destiny, is right on the US Mars, a strong factor pointing that he will engage us in a war sooner or later, somewhere on the planet. Ingress Saturn near this conjunction, indicates that this is Bush's destiny (North Node) to fight (Mars) to avenge his father (Saturn).

With Aries ruling the Ingress Seventh of war, Bush's Mars in the Eleventh indicates that he is actively pursuing the backing and support of other nations friendly to the US who will sustain and champion his perspective. Mars in this condition shows that is not without resorting to a great deal of bullying and coercion to get his way. The square to Ingress Uranus, in the Eighth, shows how erratic and inconsistant that support (eighth) is. Ingress Pluto closely opposing the US Mars, falling across Bush's Nodal axis, between Gemini and Sagittarius, also points to his intimidating use of power (Pluto) to trounce and overwhelm weaker nations.

We need to pay heed and careful attention to the close approach of Neptune to the US midheaven, the sector indicating our position and regard in the world's esteem. Neptune here, especially with the opposition of Jupiter, shows our high status (Midheaven) is dissolving (Neptune) around the world. With Neptune being a slow moving planet, whose impact is realized for a long time to come, this state may stretch interminably into the forseeable future.

I'd also like to examine the intense dynamic of the US Mercury exactly conjunct the Ingress Mid-heaven, with Bush's natal Saturn joining only two degrees away. Mercury rules the Ingress Ninth, bringing in activity involving foreign realms, and the diplomatic arena, and the Twelfth, the sector having to do with surreptitious, behind-the-scenes-activities. With chatty Mercury, the planet of communications, after all, right on the public sector Mid-heaven, the covert dimentions of this war won't stay secret for very long.

Upcoming Aspects

Remember one of the hallmarks of Saturn conjunct the Mid-heaven, and it happened with Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton; a sharp rise in popularity only to suffer a fall from grace, dishonor and discredit in the eyes of the public (Mid-heaven). This may be especially problematic for Bush with transiting Saturn getting ready to enter his natal Twelfth, in the Summer of 2003, setting the timing for his Saturn Return in 2004.

As Jupiter achieves direct motion in early April 2003, approaching an exact opposition to Neptune, the planet of lies and deceit, look for the media (Neptune) to manipulate Bush's poll numbers to reflect more admiration and favor than he deserves. Notice also that Bush's Saturn is closely opposing the US Pluto, indicating he would likely resort to an unsavory use of power (Pluto) to maintain his reputation (Saturn).

Another prospective worth mentioning, although I haven't posted the charts relevant to this, is the current progressions of the US natal planets, especially Mars. I think it's interesting to discover that Mars is making no contacts that would set off activity to the angles. One astrological truism, which is usually correct, is that nothing significant will happen if it doesn't involve the angles. Of course that also raises the stickly question of just which angles. If we aren't using the correct chart for the birth of the US, then, naturaly, the angles will be wrong as well.

Interesting thing about that is no matter which of the most popular July 4, 1776 charts, with speculative birthtimes, are presented, the Traditional US chart, which I've used in this examination; its counterpart, the Sagittarius rising chart, or Mark Penfield's Scorpio Ascending chart, none of them show strong angular activity to Mars. Matter of fact, no matter which chart is used, progressed Mars is in peace loving and amenable Libra. Hardly sufficient testimony of a nation about to go off to war. Of course I'm just looking at the progressed condition of Mars. Still, who would have a war and not invite the Planet of War??

Bi-wheel Chart for Saddam Hussein with Birthday Progressions

Oops, is that 29 degrees of Leo, the sign of royalty, rising on Saddam Hussein's progressed Ascendant? It is, and isn't that fitting considering his time as absolute dictator of Iraq may be coming to an end. 29 degrees, in effect for this year, shows a life in a time of transition; leaving regal Leo could indicate that Saddam's reign is also entering its last days.

No less an august authority than the acclaimed "Biography" program gives Saddam Hussein's birthday as April 28, 1937. The most popularly accepted birth time for him is 8:55 AM, Baghdad time, in Tikrit, Iraq. That's the chart we'll be examining, with progressions for his April 28, 2003 birthday.

Saddam has a lot of progressed, and transiting, aspects touching off key aspects and angles in his chart. An incredible amount of activity that appears to culminate in July 2003. With a recent proposal by the Gulf Cooperation Council--a group of six Persian Gulf nations--suggesting that Hussein step down and go into exile to divert a possible war, and advancing harsh weather conditions in Iraq possibly postponing an invasion by the US, the condition of Saddam's chart is very revealing.

Saddam has remarked that he would sooner die, or words to that effect, than go into exile and surrender his position as the Iraqi leader. Saturn, the planet of misfortune, indicating a disgraceful loss of authority and position, is involved in an incredible number of aspects in Saddam's chart. One remarkable interchange involves an exact conjunction between Hussein's natal Saturn, at zero Aries, and the Ingress Sun. The Aries Ingress, relocated for Baghdad, puts the Ingress Sun in the Second house of values and possessions. Saddam's Saturn in this same position could indicate that he would be losing (Saturn) something he highly values.

Saturn also governs status and reputation. Pay attention to transiting Saturn, entering the Cardinal sign Cancer, in early June 2003. That position will put it in an exact square to Hussein's natal Saturn, another indication of a time of heavy ruin, restrictions, and misfortune. This square of Saturn to its natal position indicates a dismal time of depression and mental exhaustion, along with a diminishing of esteem in the eyes of his supporters.

If we accept this birth time of 8:55 AM, that would mean that in early July 2003, transiting Saturn would also cross Saddam Hussein's Cancer Ascendant. The classic intrepretation for this aspect is a sense of isolation and rejection...possibly another indication that Saddam will endure the indignation of forced exile and removal as the leader of Iraq. Incidentally, although I don't show the Solar Return chart in this batch, that same aspect, of Saturn crossing the Ascendant, is also present in the SR chart; a double whammy for Saddam this year.

Further, shortly after transiting Saturn squares his natal Saturn, it will go on to make a conjunction to his progressed Mercury, just one degree from a conjunction to his natal Ascendant, suggesting a time when he will feel suspicious, frustrated and unable to clearly convey his message. His forum of freely speaking about and against anything that his heart desires could be severally limited, and he may no longer have access to the media he once manipulated. Particularly with Mercury ruling the Fourth, his fellow countrymen may disdain his authority (Saturn) as leader of the Homeland (Fourth).

Additionally, notice Saddam's progressed Moon is approaching a conjunction with his natal Sun, in Taurus, around mid-August of this year. This is similar to the new beginnings and fresh start dynamic associated with the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are in the same degree and sign. An aspect that indicates a lot of changes and alterations in his lifestyle are in store, especially with Moon ruling his Cancer Ascendant.

Another interesting dynamic can be found in examining transiting Jupiter, entering Saddam's Third House, which could signal a residential move, or a change of location. Towards the end of July transiting Jupiter will square his natal Mercury, the ruler of his domestic environment. I suppose, collectively, that would include ALL of the numerous lavish castles throughout Baghdad, available to Saddam Hussein.

The impact of the square between transiting Jupiter and natal Mercury is fully realized when we observe that Mercury, in addition to ruling the home sector Fourth, denoting the placement and condition of the primary residence, also rules Saddam's natal Twelfth, the area of exile and clandestine operations. Coming from the natal Eleventh, Mercury here, in square to Jupiter, can indicate that he may not be able to rely on his friendships (Eleventh), among the international community, as much as he envisioned, further emphasizing his sense of isolation.

Let's return for a brief look at Saddam's Solar Return set for his birthday in April 2003, and an examination of the planetary energy in that chart. Besides the presence of Saturn conjunct the Solar Return Ascendant, exact in July 2003, as outlined previously, note as well the close conjunction between SR Moon and natal Saturn, in the SR Tenth.

Saturn, involved in so many aspects in the natal, transiting, and Solar Return charts indicates a burdensome year with a lot of ensuing emotional (Moon) anxiety (Saturn) for Saddam. It can also be another sign that his domestic arrangement (Moon) is about to be severally hampered and restricted (Saturn), a classic signature of someone whose movements are being scrutinized and controlled.

I usually shy away from mixing charts that don't relate to each other, but I can't resist this one. Is it a coincidence that the North Node, indicating the path of destiny, is conjunct the covert Twelfth House in Saddam Hussein's Solar Return, at 29 degrees Taurus? We also see that same 29 degrees on the cusp of the Fourth House in the Aries Ingress chart set for Baghdad. Perhaps this may be another signal that Saddam's destiny (North Node) will be to leave his homeland (Fourth) and endure a restrictive and deflating (Saturn) time in exile (Twelfth).

While the whole world is tentatively holding its breath hoping for the best, but expecting the worse, my feeling, as judged by the charts in this grouping is that the time for action is dwindling. The activity in this Ingress chart tends to deny the possibily of war, at least for the three months this Ingress chart is operating. The next one is another matter. I think we're all safe in saying, regardless of the charts we study, that it will take something very extreme to redirect George W. Bush away from his obsessive mission. Maybe an act of God?