December 31 As the calendar ticks toward the end of 2005, the tradition of New year prognostications persists. This year, however, uncertainty is a common thread -- whether opinions are from conservative or progressive platforms. Further, predictions are tentative and include qualifiers. -- like a gambler hedging his bets or an investor selling short to limit his downside risk. There are lots of maybes, ifs ands buts. The December 30 New York Times article, U.S. Growth May Hinge on Businesses, is so speculative, it even includes may in the title. Today's Washington Post editorial, The Year in Bad News, doesn't even offer pretend optimism, and instead slams governance and the press worldwide! This recalls, for some elusive reason, the band Chicago's May 1969 hit, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? -- with its compelling following rhetorical, Does anybody really care? Below are that trademark song's plaintive lyrics, familiar to nearly everyone and perhaps still haunting to those of us who remember the deepening national melancholia of those days. By then, the failed Vietnam War had dashed 1960's utopian hopes -- as first symbolized by J.F.K's youthful charismatic leadership and then by Lyndon Johnson's carrying out Kennedy's ideals in desegregation and Great Society programs. Richard Nixon had been sworn in that previous January, and that felt just plain bad.
Previous Celestial Wheels have predicted further challenges for G.W. Bush and the United States. Excerpting from a discussion of Bush's chart in the December 19 Celestial Wheel, As the (Baby-Boomer) Yoga will also be activated in G.W. Bush's chart when he runs planetary cycles of Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu from December 27, 2005 to May 15, 2006, it is a potent negative influence for him as well. Considering the ending of his 19 year Saturn planetary cycle occurs at the same time (which also is very harmful to Bush's career), he can only expect an ongoing relentless assault on his presidency for the next 6 months. The November 21 Celestial Wheel stated, The United States chart will be dangerous -- primarily for influences from restrictive Saturn. It's planetary cycles are Moon/Mercury/Saturn from December 10 to March 1...
Rahu, being placed in the terrible eighth house, opened the door to Nixon's malicious, paranoid and secretive actions that inevitably brought his resignation at the end of this Ketu cycle in 1974. So, Chicago's song hit home for more than just the music -- the social/cultural message of ennui was so accurate and impactive, we can still recall its lyrics 30 years later. Until March 1, as mentioned above, the United States' planetary cycles are Moon/Mercury/Saturn, and then Moon/Ketu begins. This planetary cycle combination continues until October 1. While a connection between the 1969 Ketu/Rahu cycle and this upcoming Moon/Ketu cycle is not obvious, consider that the Moon rules the eighth house, and when Ketu (the tail of the dragon) is activated, so it Rahu -- the head of the dragon -- placed in the eighth house. This naturally means that the the horrific eighth house is fully activated. Further, and this is a defining influence in the United States' chart, birthchart Ketu sits in Capricorn (a signed ruled by Saturn), and transit Ketu sits in Virgo, where birthchart Saturn is placed. This results in United States having a dual Ketu/Saturn combination coming up for the 7 months beginning March 1, 2006. Ketu/Saturn is one of the most difficult planetary combinations -- for these planets are even more unmixable than oil and water, which, after all, are both of this world. Saturn is concrete, practical, realistic, of the earth. Ketu is ephemeral, mystical and otherworldly. When they join, Saturn's focus with Ketu's fiery spiritual insight create a tremendous concentration ability -- but because their energies are so fundamentally alien, plans quickly break apart into confusion and collapse. So, yes, there is indeed a corollary between the beginning of Nixon's first term and this middle of Bush's second term. And further, the negative New Years predictions are not just correctly born from the challenges of 2005, but are also unwitting testimony to challenges foreseen ahead. The continuing problems signified by the United States chart is the reason recent Celestial Wheels have discussed karma in some detail. This, then, is a call for reality-based perception, akin to that which enlightened beings have achieved. This was described in the December 15 Celestial Wheel, Yogis do not deny reality, in all its shades of good and ill. Having conquered their karmas (attachments), they have gained the wisdom to know that life is a struggle. Yogi's can always respond affirmatively when asked, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? My suggestion for 2006 is be your own Yogi -- reexamine your priorities by applying the objective truth right in front of you, not wishful thinking. You will not only grow spiritually from that effort but realize a greater spirituality from it. Then, like a Yogi, worldly discomforts and setbacks will not disturb your equanimity and can even demonstrate how truly unimportant Gilded Age materialism is. Remember the lyric, A pretty lady looked at me and said her diamond watch had stopped...
December 27 The December 22 Celestial Wheel recited several Vedic Astrology stories of client's experiencing excellent results, even though these positive client reports must be colored by negative Mundane Astrology. ...mundane events and circumstances do not rob people of all personal benefits to be gained, excepting, of course, in exceptionally dire circumstances. I invited subscribers to share their successes and am very pleased that one fellow recently landed a book publishing deal. At the time of his first Vedic Consultation, he was in the midst of a Mercury/Rahu planetary cycle (Rahu is the head-of-the-dragon eclipse point) that blew him out of a automotive corporate position into what he thought was retirement, a career denouement. Now running Mercury/Jupiter, on December 12, he received a delayed call from his longtime publisher asking for layouts for his cartoon-type book. As he stated, My retirement now is suddenly looking a little better and I am quite energized about this! Another client reported narrowly escaping a marriage invitation, followed by a commitment to move back northern Arizona -- finally accepting her spiritual healing dharma. During her 19 Year Saturn cycle, she was a servant to the husband, and upon finally divorcing and then entering her psychic healing 16 year Mercury cycle in 2001, she's been on a pilgrimage of the searching soul -- experimenting with various locations and jobs. As Colonel Sanders didn't succeed with his chicken recipe until his early seventies, another client found her life her late sixties blossomed after a long business career dedicated to her boss and employees. As a family member stated, She's having the time of her life. There's a common thread in these stories speaking to another aspect, or quality, of karma -- by our own affirmative actions we balance out difficult past life karmas, sometimes even overcoming them completely. In all three cases, these folks were diligent in honoring their obligations, and equally sincere about being supportive to others. And, for all three, these decades-long efforts are finally bearing the fruits of happiness, contentment, and most of all, hope for the future. As the first example client said, My retirement now is suddenly looking a little better and I am quite energized about this! In regard to this path of karma (action) to grow spiritually (personal growth), my Hindu Library of Congress East Indian editor clarified to me yesterday that, while all paths lead to God, the three basic approaches are: devotion, knowledge and action. These are not mutually exclusive, of course, as devout people do good deeds, spiritual knowledge leads to devotion... Too, each person's planetary cycles (Dasas) stimulate differing emphases during the Dasa planet rotation -- bringing sequential experiences each of us is supposed to have during this incarnation that are intended to prod us ahead. G.W. Bush changes planetary cycles today from Saturn/Jupiter/Mars to Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu. This was discussed in the December 19 Celestial Wheel about the Yoga identified The First Baby-Boomers , of which Bush is one, As the Yoga will also be activated in G.W. Bush's chart when he runs planetary cycles of Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu from December 27, 2005 to May 15, 2006, it is a potent negative influence for him as well. Rahu typically brings its most intense effects at the very beginning and ending of its planetary cycle -- so watch for Bush to be hit with some very heavy karma over the next few days. The prediction for harm to the real estate market (beginning this past summer) has and is being realized, but the media has generally turned a blind eye toward it. A December 25 Washington Post article, House Market Lost Some Froth, finally admits this, After two years of torrid price rises, the market began to slow in the summer. Concern the real estate bubble must burst elicits primarily from the Mars/Saturn battle that began July 17, 2005 and continues until February 5, 2006, and which also is the principle villain in the tribulations since last summer. As Mars is machinery, Saturn is technical, and these combine for criminal activity, among which is the surge in internet viruses and junk e-mail that began in November, when Mars and Saturn were chewing at each other in retrograde motion.
E.J. Dionne Jr.' editorial in today's Washington Post hits two Celestial Wheel prediction topics in an editorial titled, When Cutting Is Corrupted. Here are the first two paragraphs -- bold maroon added.
Today,Reuter's article, in Holiday retail spending up 8.7 pct: report, gives overly optimistic read on holiday retail sales. Yet, the New York Times offers a somewhat conflicting view in, The Day After Christmas, Shoppers Take a Holiday. Regardless of which is correct, the deep discounting by stores must harm profits. The December 8 Celestial Wheel zeroed in on a September 19 Celestial Wheel prediction for plague by identifying early next June as the most likely time for the Bird Flu to turn into a pandemic. In this past Sunday's Meet The Press, Tim Russet asked Ted Kopple and Tom Brokhaw about the Bird Flu. Brokhaw responded first, advising that the only thing we can do, and indeed must do, is stock up on food, water, medicines and other essentials, which his wife has already done for their home. Ted Kopple chimed in with agreement, stating too that while he had not begun those self quarantine precautions, he would do so over the next few months. Kopple added two critical facts: first, that the time horizon on the virus mutating to an infectious human disease is three months or more and second, that there is no vaccine and can't be until the virus mutates to being transmittable among humans. News reports, much from government sources, about current vaccines providing protection are exaggerated and only mislead. These observations, with two longtime television newsman whom we might just be able to trust, are obviously of paramount importance to us all. I'm personally taking their advice to begin stocking up now -- recalling the saying, Take care of yourself, for no one else will. Fortunately, living in a rural part of small town Sedona provides some natural isolation from people who will be carrying the contagious and virulent Bird Flu virus.
December 22 Today's Washington Post reprinted an AP article, Consumer Spending Up, Jobless Claims Fall, commenting on the holiday retail sales, The holiday shopping season has turned in a mixed performance so far with the nation's retailers expected to increase discounting in the final days before Christmas in the hopes of making up for slower-than-expected sales since Thanksgiving. This dovetails with the prediction first made in the December 3 Celestial Wheel, It appears that retail sales will be sluggish, stimulating dramatic price markdowns the last few days before Christmas. Setting aside funds for last minute bargains makes simple sense. I delayed my Christmas shopping until yesterday, finding the key items on my list at amazing discounts. The meaning of karma is absolutely simple in its indicating action -- even though karma is concurrently the incredibly vast and intricate web of actions constituting the seen and unseen universes. The Vedic Astrologer's role is similarly simple and complex -- simple in that the dispositions of the planets and stars at the birth of persons, activities and organizations contain all the karma about them -- a square with 12 boxes and 9 planets It is complex in applying rules and techniques (unchanged since the dawning to time in ancient India) to identify, interpret and weigh the karmas within a chart that unfold over time -- personal celestial wheels. These karmas are about 70% fate and 30% free will, which mix requires prognostications to include when and how free will karma will be expressed. This mix is a large part of the mystery and surprise accompanying the actualization of foreseen karmas. As subscribers to this Celestial Wheel, you are curious about karmas determining events and circumstances in: the world, regional areas, the nation -- and too those global karmas impacting your own personal experiences. This specialty is termed Mundane Astrology. You subscribe out of personal interests and also for having a public conscience -- and perhaps too distrust of corrupt government and media in this Second Gilded Age. These Celestial Wheel commentaries have identified many current and unfolding Mundane Astrology karmic concerns, notably for the United States -- though I wouldn't immigrate to truly harsh and dangerous countries like Russia or Iraq. However, there is most certainly more going on (karma) than just these difficulties, even though knowledge of them empowers self protective strategies. This lessen was brought home to me, yet again, recently when several clients reported fulfillment in their lives. Part of the mystical nature of Vedic Astrology is that repeated situations alert investigating the operative planetary symbolism to improve astrological insights. If for example, I have a client suffering from greed, but don't see this in the chart, a couple more with the same problem will contact me, stimulating my search for the commonality, which in this case, is affliction to wealthy Jupiter. I'll often then contact all these clients with the correct information and counteracting Vedic remedies. This current case of clients experiencing excellent results is different from the greedy Jupiter example, yet also similar in all being about karma. These favorable personal reports jolted me to include them today in these otherwise dreary Celestial Wheel commentaries -- to more objectively report on the karmic soup currently cooking, and also to be humbled yet again by how vast and mostly unknown the ocean of karmic currents is. Certainly, these positive client reports must be colored by negative Mundane Astrology -- those whose income increased also must also spend more for gasoline and home heating. However, mundane events and circumstances do not rob people of all personal benefits to be gained, excepting, of course, in exceptionally dire circumstances. Even then, some net benefit tends to be realized. For example, last fall, over 100,000 Gulf Coast homes were destroyed by hurricanes -- brought by the collective karma* of that region. Yet, some people, running good planetary cycles and following their Dharma to properly harness those favorable energies, must benefit from this hurricane destruction. Such persons would have sufficient insurance to rebuild better homes. Others would find themselves immersed in helping other victims, and this experience creates a sea change in their realities -- even perhaps uplifting their greedy Jupiters to altruism and philanthropy. (*Collective karma is yet another type of karmic current.)
So, here are 5 positive Vedic Astrology stories, uplifting reports from clients, some of whom I worked with for half a decade. A woman narrowly dodged a catastrophic interest-only home purchase, and a month later, her live-in boyfriend used inheritance money to buy the house. Then, she landed an eco-friendly architecture job, which has long been her chosen, always elusive field, and her Dharma -- Life Purpose. I had told her for many years that this new exalted Venus Dasa would be superlative, but I also had cautioned her to avoid material excess. After many years of floating around teaching math and geography at high school and community college levels, this highly educated woman focused on a geography software teaching position. She hit the bulls eye last January, landing a position with the preeminent company of that industry. I had suggested this would happen in her excellent Venus/Mercury planetary cycles and also that only then would she be self actualized sufficiently to have a good relationship. She's now fulfilling both her passions -- her career Dharma and romance Dharma with a Greek fellow with bedroom eyes. A couple, suffering under the weight of an office building that only brought debts, were unexpectedly approached by an investor. I had long advised disposing of this property, and when consulted on this pending offer, I advised a good contract would come in late last week, they should accept it and that the husband would be at first resistant but then absolutely relieved. All four of these factors resulted. A very intelligent and talented woman has a clear and dominant Dharma for high-end horticulture, but whose stubborn exalted Saturn kept her stuck in cleaning work. I saw that when Jupiter transited across Saturn beginning this fall, it could break her out this Saturnian rut. I also pushed her hard to buy a yellow topaz for her Jupiter, to further empower its expansion and wisdom. Last week she reported getting a job at the finest landscape company in the region. A corollary here is that yesterday I happened to visit my first Vedic teacher's website -- James Braha.. There, to my great surprise, was a new section titled Non Duality, introducing his newest book, Living Reality. I was naturally very pleased to see this expansion and elevation of James' literary efforts and consciousness. I was also struck by how skillfully he had threaded the karmic needle during a recent Jupiter/Mercury Dasa planetary cycle, for I was previously aware this cycle had also brought an investment gain. In a single excellent planetary cycle, James had fulfilled three primary life aims: writing a book for the general public's illumination, finding personal unity and equanimity after a 30 year spiritual search and bringing his family financial security. I then realized that Braha's Taurus rising chart with Saturn/Sun opposite Jupiter was very similar to an artist client's chart. He too is Taurus rising and has Jupiter/Saturn opposite Sun/Mercury. This artist has been beset with financial obligations, which constrained his opportunities to paint and kept him in a dead-end art administration position. The artist is now running his Mercury/Jupiter planetary cycle, and I have repeatedly counseled he would gain a professorship at a nearby university. Still, I questioned myself on this interpretation of his planetary karmas for their complexity and my lack of a comparative chart. However, seeing the results James Braha enjoyed, with his similar planetary configurations, has confirmed my prediction for the artist, which further motivates him to pursue openings at that university. Although he has obviously not yet secured the university job, just my confirming to him the prediction has elevated his spirits and will uplift results of upcoming interviews. Astrologers and artists may appear to have little in common, but wealth is one obvious junction and another is raising consciousness, which Braha has done with this new book and my artist client will do by becoming liberated to paint from his soul. Together, these clients' Dharmic achievements -- their personal Celestial Wheels now turning ahead at their highest level -- also make the world a little better and must mitigate the ills besetting society. Of course, in astrology being my Dharma, these successes (excepting James Braha's) are my small contribution, and my great reward. Now, if my Venusian Viparati Yoga activates, as I believe it must during my current Mercury/Venus cycle in a sudden rise, I too will be liberated (from the astrologer's financial grind) to achieve my highest Dharma -- that of making The Celestial Wheel my primary focus. We'll see if I can be as prescient about myself -- being my own astrologer -- as I have been with clients. On this day following the Winter Solstice, when the Sun finally again starts to shine longer each day to brighten the world, these client vignettes may encourage you too, to new beginnings and renewed hope -- even as Mundane Astrology tells of continuing challenges during this Second Gilded Age. Too, if enough of us attain our Dharma, we will become a irresistible force to reduce suffering and regain a true sense of humanity. If any of you subscriber/clients have experienced similar personal triumphs, I welcome your sharing them for publication on this Celestial Wheel.
December 19 This Celestial Wheel follows up on the December 15 issue -- intentionally waiting a few days to see how the predicted calamity peaking at that time for the United States, G.W. Bush and Dick Cheney would actualize. I don't know what the internet publishing phrase is, but the old, the ink was barely dry, aptly describes the timing of publishing this prediction at noon and then seeing on the evening news that the the New York Times had broken the story of G.W. Bush secretly authoring the NSA to spy on Americans. (This was the one day I didn't pan that paper on the web.) Let's see what happens with the other two significant predictions made December 15,
The way the mind works is always fascinates. For a couple of months, I've been frustrated at not understanding why Arnold Schwarzenegger has been losing his popularity. Yet, I had already written the two cogent facts unlocking that door in the December 12 Celestial Wheel but failed to connect them. First, in a prelude to excerpting In-depth Forecasts from 2003 and 2004, I stated, ...it's been interesting how the expansive archived library of In-depth Forecasts -- 64 published from July, 2002 through July, 2005 -- contains information relevant to currently unfolding planetary karmas. A few paragraphs later, in discussing G.W. Bush, I wrote, Running Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu also activates the Saturn/Rahu Yoga (special combination) explained in the February 6, 2005 In-depth Forecast, #60 The First Baby-Boomers. (The Yoga is specifically Rahu in Taurus and Saturn in Cancer. Special Combination means that it adds a signification for gain or loss.) Yesterday, it dawned on me that Schwarzenegger is also one of the First Baby-Boomers, and his Saturn/Rahu Yoga has been activated by his planetary cycles being Rahu/Venus/Saturn August 3, 2005 to January 24, 2006. The second planetary karma needed to activate the Yoga is (restrictive) Saturn's position in transit -- where it is in today's skies. Transit Saturn moved into Cancer May 28, 2005 -- which means that it began returning on Schwarzenegger's birthchart Saturn at that time. This doubled-up Saturn influence is naturally harmful, stimulating the worst of the Yoga's significations. So, with Saturn in Cancer beginning May 28, and then Schwarzenegger began running Rahu/Venus/Saturn planetary cycles on August 3, both requirements for turning on the Yoga were met -- and Schwarzenegger began to tumble-down the mountain top of popularity. Here's why the Yoga brings both achievement and downfall. The First Baby-Boomers Forecast described this combination as follows:These two malefics in those sign positions combine for a lifelong drive for mastery in the person's field of endeavor, which brings long term success, often at the expense of others -- victimizing without conscience, but sometimes too, being the victim. In other words, there's both rise and fall in this Yoga -- and when transit Saturn crosses birthchart Saturn, the fall is initiated. This Yoga activation thereby explains Schwarzenegger's otherwise inexplicable problems. As the Yoga will also be activated in G.W. Bush's chart when he runs planetary cycles of Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu from December 27, 2005 to May 15, 2006, it is a potent negative influence for him as well. Considering the ending of his 19 year Saturn planetary cycle occurs at the same time (which also is very harmful to Bush's career), he can only expect an ongoing relentless assault on his presidency for the next 6 months.
December 15 The United States chart is currently particularly difficult. This was first detailed in the November 21 Celestial Wheel, with a reminder December 5 (below). There's a potent element for violence and calamity. While this peaks now, the difficult karma actually continues until March 1. Because the United States' fortunes are naturally linked to its leadership, it makes simple sense to consider the charts for G.W. Bush and Dick Cheney -- for they steer the ship of state. G.W. Bush Although the major media continues its slavish, admiring and knee-jerk reporting of G.W. Bush's every word, this cheerleader mentality cannot produce accurate and meaningful reporting. Certainly there are some bright lights in the media, but the additive effect of corporate media ownership plus incestuous relationships with public and private leaders degrades our objective free press, polluting the entire genre. This corruption is yet another manifestation of the Second Gilded Age -- see the two-part December 2, 2004 In-depth Forecast, Part I The United States Through Its Planetary Cycles Part II The United States Through It's Planetary Cycles Bill Moyers has recently spoken eloquently about press degradation, describing journalism as a lonely occupation. The rich and powerful are not the reporter's friends, they are his investigative targets. While the public generally understands this, the pertinent Vedic Astrology charts offer specific confirming information. See the October 24, 2002 In-depth Forecast, #3 The Bush Presidency - Profile & Prediction. As discussed previously, and most notably December 3, Mars (energy and logic) opposite Jupiter (wisdom and philosophy) stimulates for leadership (October 2005 through January 2006), which Bush now skillfully uses to his advantage. He is also absolutely stubborn, especially now, for Saturn (resistance) influences both his perceptional Moon and analytical Mercury with a doubled-up way. (Thus, Bush believes his own lies.) Bush markets this stubbornness as a great strength -- Stay The Course -- but this also constrains his ability to adapt, to change course in the face of reality. This reminds of the fable of blind men touching various parts an elephant to perceive different animals, none of which were correct. Still, because Bush really is a great salesman, which capability is enhanced by his predilection to lie believably, his upbeat messages must collapse upon the truth. This is especially applicable to Iraq, for the December 15 parliamentary election there (occurring today because of Iraq's early time zone), cannot quell the insurgency. Iraq's chart does include a potent love of country that brings leaders forward and citizens to the polls. However, there's also dislike for foreigners and mistreatment by foreigners (the U.S. occupation), a troubled and blind-sided national consciousness and conflicted and fractured religious philosophies permitting, even encouraging, violence. All of these are antithetical to establishing a peaceful democracy. As stated many times in previous forecasting, Iraq is Bush's Great Misadventure. While Bush believes the U.S. is the only elephant in the room for the country's power, the truth is that Iraq is a real elephant, the one he doesn't see, and it is a dangerous rogue. Further, Bush is beset with enemies at home and abroad, and Mars/Jupiter also stimulates leadership on the progressive side, objecting to his policies. Here's what I wrote about this on December 3.
In regard to the second sentence of this excerpt, today's Washington Post has a quite amazing article about Bob Novak (who started the Valerie Plame CIA leak scandal), which title is self explanatory, Columnist Says Bush Knows Who Leaked Name. Bush cannot make this, further scandals and the failures of his other policies to just disappear by not addressing them.
Dick Cheney The Vice President's career and cardiac system continue to be challenged, although the health issue hasn't yet actualized -- at least as far as we are told. Yet, the next few days must be difficult for him, and perhaps the lynchpin here is his paranoid insistence on keeping prisoner torture an option, while the rest of the administration claims the opposite. See another current Washington Post article, House Supports Torture Ban. Although Bush may indeed now be in a bubble, Cheney has insulated himself inside his own bubble since the beginning of this administration -- now not grasping the fact that he literally stands alone in the country and the world in advocating torture. Violent Mars is active in both Cheney's planetary cycles (Dasas) and transits, presaging physical stress as well as paranoia, and the latter only aggravates the former. Overall, the public well understands the press's duplicity and continues to lose trust in Bush et al -- for Americans are increasingly aware of the disconnection between the reality we feel and the reality we're told. I've mentioned in the past that many spiritual folks, especially those in the New Age community, avoid any negative thoughts and prognostications, believing that these will bring harm. Instead, they focus upon love, believing that will somehow make everything better -- shine a light into the darkness, and the darkness goes away. Reality, however, isn't that benign, although it is also true that love, faith, surrender and the resulting detachment mitigate the effects of challenging karma. These also reduce suffering. So, even as Yogis (described as self realized or enlightened) get the flu from residual karmas, their infections are not as virulent. Even more valuably, the physical discomfort doesn't disturb their equanimity. However, Yogis do not deny reality, in all its shades of good and ill. Having conquered their karmas (attachments), they have gained the wisdom to know that life is a struggle. During stressful times like these, you can counteract the difficult karmic currents by performing good deeds -- helping and supporting others during this upcoming holiday season. Charity and service work also stimulate comparisons between your situation and those who are disadvantaged, bringing a positive feeling of gratitude for the good things in your life -- and also objectifying concerns about your benefits in your life in contretemps with your unfulfilled desires.
December 12 I've often joked about psychics being sharpshooters on specifics, but that they aren't good at pinning down event times, for spirit doesn't wear a watch. Similarly, Vedic insights come unbidden, preventing a fixed schedule for Celestial Wheel compositions.
Although Mars having regained forward motion Saturday reconstitutes its logic, drive and courage, the perceptional/emotional Moon is not quite finished running its monthly sensitizing gauntlet through disruptive and aggressive Mars and Rahu. So, use care today in your activities, considering actions carefully and avoiding overreacting -- if you read this before day's end. Still, it's difficult to resist Mars' energizing at the beginning of a week so close to the holidays. Mars thereby stimulates another Celestial Wheel publication today. The December 8 Celestial Wheel suggested, The combined influences of Mars and the Moon will doubtless stir up more controversy nationally and globally... One manifestation of this effect was the intense and extensive media coverage and commentary on Sunday's TV news programs -- examining the Iraq war, prisoner torture, political scandals, New Orleans... -- in regard to G.W. Bush's speeches boosting his approval rating 5%. It may be that Mars' renewed initiative and bravery is stimulating the press to finally waking up to its responsibilities. Reporters didn't pull their punches and neither did pundits (Note: My office is set up with a TV to silently monitor the cable channels, a stereo to hear NPR and and high speed internet to follow national and international news reporting. Yesterday, I found myself barraged with so much information, I gave up and was captivated watching cable news.) For those of you who read yesterday's Celestial Wheel during the day, I understand this type of information can be difficult to grasp. I spent more hours editing the text last evening to improve clarity. So, you may benefit from another look. Also in regard to yesterday's Celestial Wheel, the January 3, 2003 In-Depth Forecast, #5 Face-off 2003, Bush/Hussein was a (hopefully) effective contemporary example of illusion versus truth in regard to personal growth -- toward the detachment required for self-realization. Also, it's been interesting how the expansive archived library of In-depth Forecasts -- 64 published from July, 2002 through July, 2005 -- contains information relevant to currently unfolding planetary karmas. (Note: there's a link on The Celestial Wheel masthead back to this archive, or you can access the library archive directly at Forecast Archives.) In this regard, following is an excerpt from the (before Iraq war) Face-off Forecast -- and below is a discussion about Joe Lieberman's warrior mentality, also from a previous In-depth Forecast,
The the January 18, 2004 In-depth Forecast, #41 The Presidential Candidates -- An Early Look, evaluated the then 6 Democratic candidates, including Joe Lieberman. Here's that section, which in including discussion of lifelong planetary karmas, explains his hawkish nature. (Don't worry about following the planetary symbolism, as the plain English descriptions are definitive.)
Joe Lieberman's currently elevated militarism issues primarily from running Mercury and Venus planetary cycles (Dasas -- the underlying karmic current) from February 2005 to December 2007. Mercury rules his eighth house of catastrophe and eleventh house of goals and groups, and Venus rules his seventh house of partnerships and twelfth house of final liberation (the end). This is a mentally changeable and creative combination, placed in the third house of desires. So, Lieberman., in perceiving catastrophe bringing an end to America, reflexively champions again the Republican hawk side. However, like Bush's polls rise is a blip, Lieberman's militaristic view is similarly unimportant and of temporary influence. The Celestial Wheel has predicted that G.W. Bush suffers a popularity decline, most notably due to Iraq and emerging scandals, during his Saturn/Jupiter/Mars planetary cycle from November 3 to December 27. He then runs Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu until May 15, 2006, when his long 19 year Saturn cycle ends. (Because Saturn is endings, and this is a destructive and vengeful Saturn, the final months of this planetary cycle are harmful regardless of other planetary significations.) This set of planetary cycles is perplexing because his birthchart Rahu brings power and goal fulfillment, especially through the auspices of friends. Running Saturn/Jupiter/Rahu also activates the Saturn/Rahu Yoga (special combination) explained in the February 6, 2005 In-depth Forecast, #60 The First Baby-Boomers This Celestial Wheel is already lots to read, and more examination of Bush's chart is needed to unravel a conflicting set of karmic currents. I'll examine this ending of Bush's Saturn Dasa -- first 5 1/2 months of 2006 -- and the introductory part of his Mercury Dasa -- the remainder of 2006-- in an upcoming Celestial Wheel. Other topics on the investigative list are the December 15 Iraqi elections and the March 28 Israeli election. Keep in mind that Subscriber comments and questions are welcomed, even encouraged, for these often stimulate other vantage points.
December 11 In Yogananda's famous 1946 Autobiography of a Yogi, a primer for western spiritual seekers, Chapter 16 is enticingly titled, Outwitting the Stars. There, Yogananda describes how his guru, Sri Yukteswar, (also a famous astrologer) predicts the onset of a painful liver problem with startling accuracy, and how an astrological bangle shortened the illness from six months to exactly twenty-four days. (Bangles are popular remedial measures in India which have been little used in the West, where mantra, Ayurvedic techniques and gemstones are emphasized.) This Celestial Wheel could be titled, Tempting the Planets, because on Friday, I foolishly took my car to a repair shop to fix a door lock and oil leak -- just as Mars (machinery) became unstable in its transition from retrograde (backward) motion to forward. This was a convenient time to have the car repaired, and further, I judged the oil leak was just a minor problem. Late Friday afternoon the mechanic called, unhappily complaining about blocks and delays in all his repairs that day and advising he would need to finish my car Saturday morning. I got a ride to the garage about 2 PM yesterday to find my car still on the lift and was shown the broken part, an indeed minor gasket for the oil pump. The car won't be finished until Monday noon, and the mechanic's delays increased labor costs by $140. (I was right about the problem being minor but wrong in believing the repair itself to be similarly simple.) My chart has Mercury in the first house of the self, stimulating an independent nature; and because I'm running my 16 year Mercury planetary cycle, it is natural, even inevitable, that tough lessons teach me to Surrender to the Planets. Here are a few excerpts from Outwitting the Stars, which also discusses how astrology works, the value of remedial measures and the benefits of self--realization (personal growth toward detachment).
This information is especially useful now, when the planetary configurations signify challenges throughout the spectrum of human experience and organizations -- stripping away pride, ego and arrogance, whether we like it or not. Chapter 16, indeed the entire book, also speaks eloquently about the benefits -- or reduction in harms -- resulting from exploring and developing our spiritual natures, advancing, even if only in an incremental way. After all, if I had surrendered to the planetary karmas, instead of foolishly challenging them, the mechanic would have been more productive and my bill much lower. Using this perspective, current challenges are truly opportunities to conquer difficult karmas which restrain the process of unifying the temporary incarnated self with the eternal soul -- and Vedic Astrology is a practical tool by forewarning challenge and deflecting (or reducing) harms via remedial measures. The benefit is not just in smoothing some ruts our karmic paths, but also in empowering our capabilities to advance on our paths -- to dispel the fog of Maya and see truth.* Outwitting the Stars also discussed the biblical story of Adam and Eve, giving an explanation of humanity's ascent that is more more intelligent than Intelligent Design and more inclusive than evolution. If you would like to read all of Chapter 16, let me know, and I'll forward it to you in a Word document. If by chance, you haven't read Autobiography of a Yogi, or its memory has dimmed, please do so. Consider too this book as a holiday gift for friends, family and acquaintances in need of understanding and inspiration. Similarly, if the dissonant planetary karmas now swirling over the globe are also bringing the realization that you simply can't power through on willpower (ego) alone any longer, consider a Chart Update (for continuing clients) or a Life Consultation (if you haven't had one), to gain the power of self knowledge and the uplifting capability of remedial measures. As I stated to a client just this week about her arthritis suffering mate, There's no need to suffer needlessly. Also know that Vedic Astrology costs are minor compared with the losses of being a victim of your own karma. For Vedic Astrologers, a great sadness often accompanies the work -- people typically call upon us only after they have suffered needlessly, and often that suffering has also brought losses to others within the person's circle. However, there's another other part of the astrologer's Celestial Wheel of Karma. When he puts his shoulder to the wheel for a client, and the client consequently empowers himself to advance over karmic ruts, the life journey is smoothed and personal growth is facilitated. This naturally brings the satisfaction of helping others and hammers-home to the undeniable spiritual nature of our work -- selfless service in a selfish world. I've often thought that we Vedic Astrologers are truly only special or unique in our greater need to experience, and learn about, karma -- the work itself thereby being our journey ahead.
Some pain is evitable, but suffering is optional
[* See the January 3, 2003 In-Depth Forecast, Face-off 2003, Bush/Hussein, which, in discussing The disconnection between the reality we feel and the reality we're told (about the upcoming Iraq war), is a potent example in world affairs about how the Celestial Wheel of karma dispels the fog of Maya, revealing the truth that sooner or later crushes those who deny it.]
December 8
Dogs, on the other hand, will tend to be recalcitrant, even boisterous during the next few days. This results from Mars symbolizing dogs and slowing down to end its retrograde Saturday afternoon. When this energy shift (from latent and inward retrograde to outward and aggressive forward motion) of the planet of courage, desire and discord occurs, an unstable impetuousness results. At the same time, the all-important Moon will be crossing Mars and Rahu (the head of the dragon eclipse point), stirring up the emotional drive and sensitizing emotions. (Recall the monthly lunar transit across Mars and Rahu last summer/fall, that brought havoc in personal experiences and hurricane events.) This lunar turbulence occurs tomorrow (Friday) through Monday. The Moon is the mother, suggesting care in dealing with her. The combined influences of Mars and the Moon will doubtless stir up more controversy nationally and globally, as well as throw people off balance in their personal lives. This is a good weekend to lie low, and don't take the dog to mom's house (Vedic humor). Mars' forward motion, together with its aspecting Jupiter, the planet of wealth, influences to overspend. The Moon's volatility adds an impulse factor. Use care in holiday gift shopping this weekend, or even better, avoid it. Again, set aside some funds for big markdowns of luxury goods, and high end electronics, just before Christmas. After Christmas sales should be favorable as well. In other words, don't fire your VISA until you see the whites of the sale signs. Forward moving Mars aspecting philosophical Jupiter is also a combination for leadership, suggesting more force and clarity in objections to the Iraq war, the suffering in Mississippi and other unfair policies. G.W. Bush's recent rise in the polls (from 35% approval to 40%) will not last. It's a blip. Subscriber R.C. in California recently asked about the Bird Flu. I haven't addressed this issue in depth, though, in the September 19 Celestial Wheel, I commented that, The U.S. and the Bush administration are vulnerable to: scandals, civil war in Iraq, oil supplies, plague and foreigners not buying up our escalating debt. Early next June would be a likely time for plague, because then Mars (infectious diseases) will have moved to conjunction with Saturn (death) in Cancer, and Rahu (toxicity) will be aspecting both these planets. There's also risk then for an earthquake, or other earth disruption. Because The U.S. chart it has a Moon Astrocartography line running through California, that state is vulnerable to earthquake activity then, especially on June 6.
December 5 Today's Washington Post has a fascinating article, Flaunt What You've got -- D.C.'s New Gilded Age, The article states, The result is a strange version of increasing income inequality, Washington-style: a growing gap between the haves and the have-powers. This is a fascinating contretemps to the New York Times article cited in Friday's Celestial Wheel, Buying Used Just Could Turn Out to Be the Next Best thing. The article continues,This doesn't excuse, but it may help explain, some of the capital's more repulsive recent episodes. I contemplated listing the scandals enveloping Bush's administration, but after finding ten cited in weekend papers, I decided this would not be informative to subscribers. Only hermits, and Vice President Cheney from his undisclosed location, could be unaware that past and continuing misdeeds are being unveiled daily. In regard to this second Gilded Age, A&E channel had an informative program on the U.S. Presidents last week. It tracks very well with last December's In-depth Forecast, #58a Part I The United States Through Its Planetary Cycles (12/2/04) #58b Part II The United States Through It's Planetary Cycles (12/2/04) The discussion about Teddy's Roosevelt's two terms is particularly revealing about how the U.S. Federal policy moved from supporting the excesses of a greedy elite to the concerns of the common man. As A&E typically repeats programs like these, watch for a rerun soon. This historical perspective is useful, both in understanding our cultural/political/social/religious dynamics and your planning for the future -- as discussed in the December 1 Celestial Wheel,
This Gilded Age concept is popping up all over. Here's another reference in today's Talking Points Memo, ending with the note, Monopolies of the New Gilded Age. Actually, it's the Second Gilded Age, but he almost got it correct. (Thanks Subscriber C.S. in Florida for sending this on.) Here' an excerpt from the November 21 Celestial Wheel (red/bold added), giving caution for this month of December and highlighting danger to the U.S., particularly mid month.
If you missed the beautiful after sunset combination of the waxing Moon with lovely Venus, they remain conjunct in Capricorn this evening -- and murky red Mars is another contretemps in the eastern sky.
December 3 Publications on planetary retrogrades are not precise about when these begin and end. Having a Vedic astrology computer program allows me to pinpoint these direction changes. Mercury ends its retrograde tonight, just before midnight -- bringing a welcome breeze of clearing communications tomorrow morning. Mercury is, however, Sandhi (dead) at the edge of Scorpio, and it won't be until Wednesday, December 7, that it reaches two degrees, restoring its power. Mars will end its retrograde on Saturday, December 10, in the mid afternoon, restoring courage, logic and advocacy. Perhaps, then, by mid month, we'll be able to make some sense out of the predicted November government crisis. Too, the predicted emergency/resurgence of progressive leadership should emerge then. Although Iraq will likely continue its center stage position, watch for the scandal net to catch more and more republican officials, giving grist to progressive positions. The holiday gift season, always a bellwether for the economy and our own personal experiences, has thus far been uncertain. Reports are mixed, even for high end stores. There is, however, a clear interest in electronics. This focus makes astrological sense, for technical Saturn is transiting the fourth house of fixed assets, where it is aspected by engineering Mars and scientific Rahu. Today, Venus, the planet of gifts and celebrations, transits (moves) into Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn. Transit Saturn in Cancer aspects Capricorn (and Venus), a double Saturnian restriction. From the retail sales view, Venus/Saturn will make an already cautious public even more careful about sp ending.. There is also a Saturnian influence for old and used things, and this is already being reported upon -- see today's New York Times article, Buying Used Just Could Turn Out to Be the Next Best thing. Beyond electronics, look for durable, no frills, practical gifts to sell well -- so try to be understanding of gifts like winter coats, snow tires, fire wood... (I do, by the way, offer holiday gift certificates, and a Vedic Consultation is inherently practical.) Venus does not come under Saturn's full glare (when these planets are exactly opposite each other) this month. In fact, Venus begins a six week retrograde December 24 (ending February 4), moving it away from exact opposition with Saturn. Still, the Saturnian influence continues. It appears that retail sales will be sluggish, stimulating dramatic price markdowns the last few days before Christmas. Setting aside funds for last minute bargains makes simple sense. Also, because Saturn influences for practical and inexpensive gifts, high end electronics and baubles (like jewelry) will sit on the shelves -- suggesting prices on these may be really slashed just before Christmas. So, if that wood stove you've been eyeing doesn't drop much in price, look for out-of-reach luxuries to be suddenly affordable. As Venus is vehicles, Saturn's influence will slow sales of new cars. Look for significant sales events after New Year's, and with interest rates rising, those promotions offering low interest rates would be particularly valuable. Also, if you must have an SUV or truck, new models prices will be slashed, but the real bargains would be in the used car lot, for the public is trading out these gas guzzlers. One interesting manifestation of Venus retrograde just before Christmas is that this will stimulate people to return gifts. Keep your receipts! On a personal level, Venus/Saturn mutes the holiday spirit to some degree. Try to propitiate Venus by attending holiday celebrations, particularly musical and spiritual events uplifting the spirit. Also, be sensitive to the Venus people in your lives, which include the wife, lover and daughters. Saturn is a cold and separative influence -- so expressing warmth and affection toward these people in your life is helpful. Last, as Saturn is charity, and Saturn's day is Saturday, extend yourself to those less fortunate these next few Saturdays. In the November 27 Celestial Wheel, I included paintings of the planets' Hindu deities to better help subscribers to connect with these complex and alien symbols. Currently, we can also see these energies in Venus and Mars both being prominent. Venus is a bright white evening star in the western sky, and Mars is a bloody red beacon high in the eastern sky. Also of astronomical/astrological interest is that tonight and tomorrow evening, a waxing crescent Moon approaches lovely Venus in the early evening's western sky.
December 1 This is a difficult interval to make further predictions -- in part because Mercury, Mars and Saturn continue in retrograde motion, and and also because of the uncertainty caused by national and world events both brings hope for a better future and naturally causes concern. Where will the Iraq war debate lead? How do the benefits of U.S. withdrawal from match up against the possibility of full-blown civil war in Iraq? While Bush's popularity plunge is a bellwether of neoconservative failure, where is the progressive leadership to rescue the nation from its destructive policies? How will the fusillade of scandals affect government's ability to function -- especially with regard to the ruination of New Orleans and other urgent domestic issues? Can the U.S. emerge from this second Gilded Age sooner than 2009 (when it's 10 year Moon cycle ends), and what happens then? After all, Teddy Roosevelt didn't ride to the rescue, to beginning reversing the havoc of the 1880s first Gilded Age until 1901 -- when he took over the presidency upon William McKinley's death. What about bird flu, global warming, health insurance, the minimum wage, illegal immigration, more tax cuts for the rich, cuts in social programs for the poor, the housing bubble, gas and oil prices, a dangerous federal deficit and even more dangerous trade imbalance..? How can the Chinese be our trading friends when their communist dictatorship must be planning an economic/political take over...? Is there anyone we can believe in either government or the press? On top of all of these concerns, should we shop and celebrate the holidays when money is tight, the future uncertain and so many are suffering? And, if we don't, will constraint harm the economy? There appear to be no good answers to these dilemmas, and while the planets may very well bring a spring Treat following the Halloween Trick (See the October 32 Celestial Wheel), does anyone truly feel comfortable that the American Dream is not turning into an American Disaster? Is New Orleans not a continuing metaphor for our way of life being swamped? How can we stay the course maintaining confidence, when that G.W. Bush approach has failed. But what else can we do with our lives? Isn't the feeling of powerlessness the worst kind of uncertainty? Here's an update on the retrogrades: Mercury November 14 -- December 4 Mars October 2 -- December 9 Saturn November 22 -- April 7
After December 4, Mercury's return to forward motion will begin to clarify what has been occurring. After December 10, Mars' joins Mercury, restoring courage, logic and advocacy. Then, Saturn's retrograde will not be so important, although authority figures, organization and stability will continue to be challenged. Still, these retrogrades are limited planetary influences, and they have more to do with perception of reality than reality itself. When objective reality will begin to turn away from destruction, waste and inequity toward positive problem solving with a proactive view is unknown; clear weather is only an uncertain hope when one is in the midst of a storm. Yet, the planets promise resolution of conflicts and problems beginning in mid February, when Jupiter, the planet of abundance, luck and fortune, becomes very strong. Hopefully, this will not just be a finger plugging a New Orleans dike.
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