December 8, 2003

First Flight's One Hundredth Anniversary

Last week a flurry of media reports speculated that the Bush administration is considering a more adventurous space exploration program that would recapture the American taxpayers' imagination. Following the Columbia accident, investigators have concluded that the International Space Station gives the feeling of being stuck in low orbit, when a manned trip to the Moon and then Mars would be more exciting.

Astrologically, the First Flight horoscope (December 17, 1903; 10:35 am; Kitty Hawk, NC) is the best way to track space exploration. The key dynamic in this chart is the Sun-Uranus conjunction opposite Pluto. This polarity took place in the adventure-seeking sign of Sagittarius and the traveling sign of Gemini. Together, they represent a scientific revolution (Sun-Uranus) that transformed (Pluto) our collective transportation system.

Last week transiting Pluto was exactly opposite the First Flight Pluto, and heading into the Sun-Uranus conjunction. Transiting Pluto's usual mode of operation is through a slow process of death and decay, and then either dies completely, or is reborn with new agenda or program. We've seen the death and decay part, and last week we got the first hint of a re-birth.

NASA's horoscope (July 29, 1958; set for noon, Washington D.C.) corroborates the dramatic restructuring taking place. NASA's Saturn happens to be precisely opposite the First Flight Pluto, so transiting Pluto hits them both at the same time. NASA is indeed restructuring itself in preparation for a new start*. As Mars enters bold Aries on December 16, watch around the 100th anniversary of the First Flight for a big announcement.

Geneva Accord Challenges Sharon Government

Last Monday an alternative Middle East peace plan was formally introduced in Switzerland, and received immediate support from around the global village. The Geneva Accord offers solutions to some of the thorniest problems that have plagued previous agreements, including a shared Jerusalem. A letter signed by 58 international dignitaries called it "a glimmer of hope in one of the longest conflicts in the world."

The Geneva Accord horoscope (December 1, 2003; noon; Geneva) features a prominent Neptune in Aquarius. Neptune, the planet of hope, forms a close sextile to the Sun, and is conjunct the Aquarius Ascendant. The Moon and Mars in Pisces (Neptune's sign) give further emphasis to the planet of inspiration. Neptune here works through international organizations (Aquarius) to achieve its vision.

Israel's horoscope (May 14, 1948; 4:37 pm; Tel Aviv) echoes the current importance of Neptune. Transiting Neptune forms a tight Grand Trine with Israel's natal Mercury-Neptune trine. This closed circuit of visionary, idealistic energy represents a segment of Israel's population who heartily embrace the Accord. At the same time transiting Uranus is opposing Israel's Mars, which points to an over-riding concern about terrorism.

Over the next year Israel's chart shows dramatic, metamorphic changes coming. Transiting Neptune will be opposing Israel's Pluto, indicating an erosion of Sharon's uncompromising policies and his standing in the government. Also, Uranus (by secondary progression) is hitting Israel's Pluto, and this one points to deep, historical shifts. We can expect huge changes in Israel over the coming year centered on and reacting to the emergence of this viable peace plan.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Working on Chris Martin

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her British rocker boyfriend Chris Martin announced last week that they will become parents in the middle of next year. The two have been dating for over a year, but have remained ambiguous about their marriage plans. Over the weekend the New York Post reported that Gwyneth was spotted wearing a wedding ring, and that the two may have secretly married.

Gwyneth Paltrow was born with her Sun and several other planets in the partnership sign of Libra (September 27, 1972; Los Angeles; time unknown). Over the past year her Venus (by secondary progression) formed a conjunction with Mars, one of the best indicators for an intensely enjoyable romantic affair. Venus and Mars are the love planets, but they're more interested in sex than commitment.

Chris Martin was born exactly one Ceres cycle (4.5 years) after Gwyneth on March 2, 1977 (Devon, England; time unknown), a celestial coincidence that puts their parenting cycle --governed by Ceres, in synch. With his Sun in elusive Pisces and squaring foggy Neptune, Chris avoids being pinned down to anything, especially marriage. However, transiting Saturn, the planet of responsibility, is now forming a trine to his Sun, indicating he's getting serious.

Gwyneth's Juno is in Scorpio and early in 2004 will receive the benefit of a favorable trine from transiting Uranus. This indicates that she could soon emerge as a married woman. Since transiting Pluto is now opposing her Saturn, she's probably involved in some intense coercion, perhaps direct confrontation with Chris's evasiveness. As transiting Uranus conjoins his Mercury, he may impulsively change his mind and get with her program.


* Advanced astrologers will note that NASA is experiencing a progressed lunation which squares Saturn, indicating the end of a 29-year cycle and the beginning of a new one. The previous lunation ended the manned flights to the Moon and began the ISS program.