August 11, 2003

Mars Illuminates Night Sky

Skywatchers are marveling at the blazing red light illuminating our summer nights. About every 15 years Mars gets this bright as it reaches its closest point to the Sun (perihelion) and simultaneously Earth passes between the two. However, astronomers have calculated that at 5:51 am EDT on August 27 Mars will be 34,646,418 miles from Earth, which is closer than it's been in nearly 60,000 years.

Astronomers refer to the Sun and Mars as being in "opposition", and astrologers likewise use this term to describe the martial events expected to manifest around that time. Terrorism, wars, and violence have been predicted, and in this column a direct confrontation with Saddam Hussein leading to his possible capture or death. This Mars event happens to coincide with several other astro-events which will likely boosts its impact well beyond expectations.

Pluto turns direct on August 28, an astro-event which in itself is cause for concern. Pluto's station often corresponds with major catastrophes, both natural and man-made. Then, on August 30 Jupiter and Uranus are in opposition, the third major astro-event within a few days. Jupiter-Uranus combinations are known to bring sudden and unexpected developments.

These clustered astro-events point to unstable meteorological and geological conditions. The last time Mars was in this configuration was in September 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert stormed through Mexico and Jamaica, and became known as the largest hurricane of the 20th century. We might anticipate severe and unusual weather systems, and a major earthquake or volcano, especially around the New Moon on August 27.

Presidential Astrology, Part 6: Howard Dean

As the Democrats' nine declared candidates met in Chicago last week to court an endorsement from organized labor, the latest public opinion polls showed that Joseph Lieberman remains the top choice, though Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, and John Kerry are all grouped around the number two spot. As discussed in recent NewsScope columns, Howard Dean will most likely become the favorite.

Howard Dean (November 17, 1948; 7:21 pm*; NYC) came to the forum with Time and Newsweek tucked under his arm, each featuring his surging campaign for their cover stories. Dean's Sun in intense Scorpio squares the U.S. Moon, indicating that his passion and anger are getting the Democrats riled up in order to incite a change in 2004.

Dean's progressed Pallas, which also squares the U.S. Moon, is likewise playing a large role in his campaign. The asteroid Pallas is known as a political strategist, and is closely associated with computers and networking. Dean's staff has taken advantage of the internet better than any other candidate. With his Pallas in financially savvy Taurus, Dean has secured $millions in campaign contributions through his website.

Last week transiting Saturn arrived on his Cancer Ascendant (assuming his 7:21 pm birth time is correct). Saturn here gives him authority and political weight. He's becoming the contender to beat as Lieberman's numbers sag. Watch at the end of this month when transiting Pluto turns direct while forming a square to his Midheaven. This marks a critical turning point in his campaign, perhaps when he either moves ahead of the pack, or a popular undeclared candidate enters the race.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Future Governator?

Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised Californians last week by announcing his candidacy to replace Governor Gray Davis in the October 7 recall effort. Although the action film star has broad appeal across party lines, he was vague on specifics when pressed by interviewers. On Friday President Bush said Schwarzenegger would "make a good governor", a pronouncement which sounded like an endorsement.

As reported in NewsScope on October 21, 2002, Arnold Schwarzenegger (July 30, 1947; 4:10 am; Graz, Austria) and his competent wife Maria Shriver are a fast-rising, power couple in the political realm. From an astrological basis, he's going to have a tough time focusing on real issues. As he enters the circus-like political race, transiting Neptune is opposing his Saturn, and transiting Saturn is squaring his Neptune.

This doubled Saturn-Neptune theme represents a conflict between image and reality, between fantasy and fact. Schwarzenegger has a keen talent for self-promotion (Mercury conjunct his Ascendant supported by a precise trine from Jupiter), and he has built his career around creating interesting cinematic images (Pisces at the Midheaven, ruled by Neptune). Is it enough to run the world's fifth largest economy?

That's where Saturn steps in. Saturn, the reality tester, will push him hard to explain his plans. As Saturn and Neptune challenge each other in his chart, he's personally challenged to turn California's chaos into order. If he can't come up with anything more than vague platitudes, the voters will see through him. However, with his progressed Jupiter forming an extremely favorable trine to his Midheaven, there's a strong likelihood that he will come through.


* Dean's data is rated DD until we get some confirmation from a reliable source. See NewsScope July 28, 2003 for more on Dean.