October 8, 2001
Economy Enters Recession
Most economic analysts agree that the September 11 attack pushed the fragile
U.S. economy over the brink into recession. The unemployment rate will likely
increase to six percent by early next year, meaning an extra million jobs
lost on top of the 500,000 lost since March. More than 700 companies have
already warned of lower third quarter profits.
The astrological basis for this weary trend, as frequently reported in
NewsScope over the past year, is the Saturn-Pluto opposition which takes
place in the second and eighth houses of the U.S. Scorpio Rising* horoscope
(see December 18, 2000; August 20, 2001). Then, the key sector within the
overall economy is the passenger airline industry, which suddenly became an
instrument of terror.
The first passenger airline service was the St. Petersburg-to-Tampa Airboat
Line which began operations on January 1, 1914 (10:00 am; St. Petersburg,
FL**). A chart set for this historic event establishes an astrological
framework for understanding the current plight of the passenger airline
business. At the moment this First Passenger Flight chart is experiencing an
important Saturn Return.
This Saturn Return is fundamentally shaped by the simultaneous opposition
from Pluto, leading to an industry-wide restructuring process. Then,
transiting Uranus is passing over the Aquarius Ascendant, lending to the
ongoing crisis atmosphere. The ruler of this horoscope is Uranus, found in
the 12th house of secret activity. Transiting Neptune is currently right on
this chart ruler, adding an element of uncertainty and fear of attack. The
outer planet hits to this chart describe a long-term process that won't
improve any time soon.
Bioterrorism, the Next Attack?
One of the biggest concerns in this new war against terrorism is a biological
attack, especially in the form of smallpox virus or possibly anthrax. The
U.S. government is now pouring financial and human resources into shoring up
the nation's defenses against bioterrorism, especially in health-related
programs.
From an astrological perspective, the fear of bioterrorism is well-founded.
The key planetary culprit in this scenario is Uranus which is navigating its
way through the U.S. fourth house of domestic affairs. Any time Uranus makes
a link to another natal planet in the U.S. horoscope, major domestic actions
can be expected. For example, the 9-11 attack occurred as transiting Uranus
was trine the U.S. Mars from the fourth house.
The most important link that transiting Uranus will make is the conjunction
to the U.S. Moon. The Moon here represents the people themselves, and their
basic needs for security. Transiting Uranus to the Moon creates a highly
disruptive political climate, and the people are in a chronic state of
anxiety.
One Uranus cycle ago (84 years) the first U.S. incidence of an influenza
epidemic was discovered on August 27, 1918 when transiting Uranus was
exactly, to-the-minute conjunct the U.S. Moon. Some 500,000 Americans died
and about 25 percent fell ill from this ravenous bug. Uranus will be conjunct
the U.S. Moon throughout 2002, and will make its first exact hit on February
24.
George Clooney and Renee Zellweger Team Up
Free-spirited George Clooney may be settling down, according to Hollywood
reports released last week. The object of his affection is Renee Zellweger
who recently broke off a serious relationship with funny man Jim Carrey.
Clooney and Zellweger have been hiding out in his Hollywood home over the
last month rather than hitting the town.
George Clooney was born a dependable Taurus (May 6, 1961; 2:58 am; Lexington,
KY) with his Moon in steady, ambitious Capricorn. Ordinarily this earthy
combination leads to highly stable relationship patterns, with marriage or a
steady partner over the years the norm. In Clooney's case however, his Sun
and Mercury square unpredictable, wild Uranus which carries an inherent
disdain for being tied down.
Clooney's "eligible bachelor" status can be seen astrologically from Juno,
the marriage asteroid, placed right on his Pisces Ascendant. Juno here gives
the impression of being identified as a partner, one half of a team. But Juno
is opposite Pluto, and the intense focus and frequent possessiveness that go
with this Juno-Pluto aspect run counter to his free-spirited Uranian side.
This combination is a classic "fear of commitment" aspect.
At the moment transiting Uranus is exactly opposite Clooney's natal Uranus,
offering him the mid-life task of re-working his old patterns. Renee
Zellweger (April 25, 1969) is also a Taurus, and the two share dynamic, sexy
Venus-Mars trines, ensuring a healthy love life. Taurus appreciates a good
meal, and with her Ceres on his 12th house Jupiter, they probably spend
quality time over a private meal.
Reader feedback is welcome. Email: [email protected].
** www.thehistorynet.com/aviationhistory/articles/1997/0597_text.htm
* Adherents to two popular versions of U.S. horoscopes, the Gemini Rising and
Sagittarius Rising horoscopes (sometimes referred to as the Sibley chart),
found ample proof for their convictions since the Saturn-Pluto opposition is
taking place in Gemini and Sagittarius. This deserves some brief commentary.
Please click here for a discussion of Sagittarius and Gemini Rising United States Horoscopes.
