October 6, 2003

Washington Abuzz over Intelligence Scandal

Espionage, unauthorized leaks, bureaucratic intrigue, and an FBI investigation… all the raw elements for a new scandal stormed into the nation’s capitol last week. The illegal leaking of the CIA agent’s name actually reflects a deeper conflict* pitting intelligence from the White House’s National Security Council against the CIA, each with divergent views on Saddam’s nuclear weapons programs.

Astrologically, the scandal arrives as transiting Saturn is nearly conjunct the U.S. Sun. Exactly one Saturn cycle ago (29 years) the Watergate scandal brought the downfall of president Nixon, and already the whispers and comparisons to Watergate can be heard. Last week NewsScope featured the planetary challenges to Bush’s horoscope that led to this week’s developments, and can be expected to dominate the news over the next month.

Although Bush’s adviser Karl Rove has been accused of the leak, Rove’s chart (December 25, 1950) is not under unusual planetary pressure. However, Vice President Cheney (January 30, 1941; 7:30 pm; Lincoln, NE) has the Sun in Aquarius opposite Pluto near the twelfth house cusp. This polarity involving the house of secrets makes him intensely aware of potential threats from powerful enemies. Currently, transiting Neptune is right on his Sun, fully engaging him in a clandestine political battle.

Simultaneously, transiting Pluto is conjunct his Mars, giving him a natural tendency to play hardball politics. As recently as two weeks ago, Cheney was still pushing the Al Qaeda-Iraq connection as the case for going to war against Iraq, a link long discredited by the CIA as well as President Bush. One possible scenario: as transiting Uranus arrives on his Descendant over the next few months, Bush cuts his losses and leaves Cheney off the 2004 ticket.

MiaMania at the World Cup

As the Women’s World Cup was whittled down to the final four over the weekend, all eyes were on the U.S. team’s Mia Hamm, still the best female soccer player in the world. This will be her fourth and final World Cup, and she’s scored, passed, defended, and set up goals stupendously to help get the Americans into the semi-finals against Germany.

Like Dick Cheney, Mia Hamm (March 17, 1972; Selma, AL; time unknown) was born with the Sun opposite Pluto, giving her a naturally competitive spirit, and intense drive to overcome rivals. Her Moon is in aggressive Aries, and Mars trine Pluto adds to her competitive edge. This dynamic combination has contributed to her being the most dangerous scorer on the field since age 15 when she became the youngest woman to join the U.S. National Soccer Team.

Hamm’s Sun in Pisces gives her a compassionate side, and one that first awoke when her brother was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. After he died, Mia set up a foundation to support bone marrow disease research. Reflecting her dual interests, Mia’s Saturn opposes Neptune, pitting her idealistic, faith-oriented side (Neptune) against the demands and expectations of her professional life.

When Saturn was returning to its natal position as she entered her late twenties, her well-constructed lifestyle (Saturn) began to disintegrate (Neptune). She had knee surgery, divorced her husband, and wasn’t scoring so easily. Now, after this difficult transition, she’s back on her game, and continues to be the inspiration for tens of thousands of young women who vie to proudly wear her jersey number nine.

Halle Berry Moves On

Last week actress Halle Berry, widely touted as one of the world’s most beautiful women, announced that she and her husband, singer Eric Benet, are separating. The couple has been married since January 2001, but has long been plagued by his rumored infidelity and inconsequential counseling. Berry received the 2002 Best Actress Oscar for her role in Monster’s Ball, and is currently filming Catwoman.

Halle Berry (August 14, 1968; 9:03 pm; Cleveland) was born with a strong work ethic with her Sun, Mars, and Mercury all placed in the sixth house of jobs, and several planets in the duty-conscious sign of Virgo. Mars puts a lot of physical energy into her daily routine, but it squares Juno, the marriage asteroid, creating a natural conflict between these two spheres of interest.

As described in NewsScope’s November 26, 2002 issue, this marriage has been in serious jeopardy since transiting Uranus first entered Pisces to oppose her Mercury. Now, as transiting Mars just turned direct while forming an exact opposition to her Mercury, the split became inevitable. Although media reports blame his serial infidelity, her work schedule must also be a major factor.

Another planetary factor is transiting Pluto, which is near her Midheaven (her career point), and squaring her natal Pluto, found in the seventh house of partners. This repeats the underlying message that her career is in deep conflict with her committed relationships. However, Pluto’s presence at the top of her chart promises soaring celebrity status as it soon moves into a very favorable trine to her Leo Sun.


* For background, see http://www.msnbc.com/news/974912.asp?0si