May 12, 2003
The Martial Struggle between Powell and Rumsfeld
Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld have been President Bush's leading architects in designing America's foreign policy. However, the two have very different approaches when dealing with Iraq and international opinion, and since Mercury turned retrograde on April 26, their differences have been characterized as feuding, especially after Newt Gingrich, a Rumsfeld confidant, openly criticized Powell's diplomatic strategy.
The competitive nature between Rumsfeld (July 9, 1932) and Powell (April 5, 1937) becomes obvious when looking at Mars. Rumsfeld has Mars in intellectual, articulate Gemini and Powell has Mars in cosmopolitan, big-picture Sagittarius. Mars shows how we assert ourselves, the way we go about getting what we want, and in this case, with Mars opposite Mars, their styles clash.
President Bush has Mars in Virgo, squaring both Powell's Mars and Rumsfeld's Mars. This three way Mars configuration creates a powerful dynamic, so that Bush's military strategy for the nation (symbolized by his Mars) is constantly in flux between these two department heads. As soon as he follows one advisor's path, the other goes on the offensive to change the President's mind.
So far, Bush has managed these giant ego battles well, but that may change when Mars enters Pisces on June 17. Then Mars will be forming challenging aspects to Mars in all three natal horoscopes, and sparking any underlying hostilities. Mars makes an extended stay in Pisces (due to the Mars retrograde cycle), so this high-powered conflict will be shaping national and international events through the summer and well into October. Look for a dramatic policy shift (when Mars and Uranus are conjunct) around June 20-24.
The Unborn Conner Peterson
Last Christmas Eve, the day eight-months pregnant Laci Peterson disappeared, her husband said he went on a fishing trip along the San Francisco Bay. When the bodies of his wife and their child washed up separately on the Bay four months later, Scott was arrested for the double homicide. The case has attracted spectacular national media attention, steadily building up since last Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, transiting Uranus was conjunct the U.S. Moon, giving one reason why this otherwise ordinary case should become so electrifying (Uranus) to the general public (Moon). Scott (October 24, 1972) has Mars placed in charming Libra, but it's modified by a conjunction with Uranus and opposition with Chiron, making him prone to unpredictable, possibly violent behavior.
Laci (May 4, 1975) has a Ceres-Uranus opposition, an aspect pitting parenthood (Ceres) against personal independence and separation (Uranus). This planetary duo aligns with Scott's Sun, so that their relationship tends to become unstable once she becomes pregnant. Transiting Saturn was conjunct her Venus on Christmas, a difficult transit in any relationship, and often referred to as the "love tester".
The asteroid Ceres is conjunct the Sun during the upcoming Lunar Eclipse on May 15, guaranteeing that Ceres-like events will figure prominently in the news. Last week Laci's family joined some national groups to push for "Laci's and Conner's Law", making Conner (Laci's unborn son) a pioneer for other unborn victims of violence. As for Conner, one of the big unknowns in this case is how he became separated from his mother, and whether or not he actually took his first breath.
Bob Hope, Citizen of the Century
Bob Hope's 100th birthday this coming May 29 will be celebrated and commemorated across the country, with numerous movies, books, and honors coming his way. Last week "My Life in Jokes" was released, a collection of one-liners co-authored by his daughter, Linda Hope, and two weeks ago the Hollywood Walk of Fame named him the Citizen of the Century.
Bob Hope was born with the Sun in witty Gemini (May 29, 1903; 3:36 pm; Eltham, UK) accompanied by a razor sharp Mercury-Pluto conjunction, also in Gemini. Although his birth time is rated "questionable", it gives a Libra Ascendant, the sign associated with partnership. Hope includes among his best memories his 69-year marriage with Dolores, and the "Road" pictures with buddy Bing Crosby.
Also included are the many ensemble shows he did for the American forces during several wars. Hope's Mars is in the military services sign of Virgo and forms a square with Uranus, a combination that relishes dangerous situations. This rebellious, adventurous Mars-Uranus vibe is what makes no politician safe from his barbs, and often inspired him to bring the show right up to the front lines.
Hope's longevity can be attributed astrologically to his Sun trine Saturn, and Pluto trine his Ascendant. While these factors are quite favorable, many people have similar placements without achieving his level of well-being. Bob Hope's active entertainment schedule, his family relations, and his devotion to a cause larger than himself all contribute to a healthy mind-body lifestyle. The upcoming Solar Eclipse on May 30 is very near his Sun, making this the celebration of his life.
Online classes and personal readings are available. Visit http://neptunecafe.homestead.com/classes.html or http://neptunecafe.homestead.com/reading.html for more information.
Reader feedback is welcome. Email: [email protected].
