December 15, 2003
Saddam Captured!
The U.S. and its coalition allies achieved one of their main objectives for the invasion and occupation of Iraq Saturday with the capture of Saddam Hussein, undoubtedly one of the world's bloodiest tyrants. A consensus emerged from the international community that he would be given a fair trial so that the scope of his crimes would be revealed for all to see.
Saddam Hussein's was born with Chiron very near his Gemini Ascendant (April 28, 1937; 8:06 am; Tikrit*). The Pentagon says that Saddam's location was revealed by a family member, probably a few days earlier when the Sun and Pluto were conjunct, and the two opposed Saddam's Chiron near his Ascendant. Transiting Sun-Pluto opposite natal Chiron is a solid indicator for betrayal and capture.
Over the next few months transiting Pluto will enter Saddam's seventh house, as transiting Uranus arrives at his Midheaven. These would be extraordinary transits in anyone's life, but for Saddam they ensure that his fate will take center stage for the entire global village. Pluto opposing his Ascendant represents the coalition forces allied against him, those who want him dead, and those who seek immediate revenge.
Uranus crossing his Midheaven marks the public exposure, the truth of what really happened during Saddam's dictatorship. Uranus here may also represent the international opinion that wants a U.N.-sanctioned trial with Iraqi participation. With transiting Pluto opposite the U.S. Mars, the Pentagon may opt for a more American form of justice which would further polarize the international community.
Mercury Rollback
Last week the FDA warned pregnant women to watch their intake of certain fish because of the high levels of mercury which could harm the nervous system of the developing fetus. Paradoxically, at the same time the EPA removed mercury from the "hazardous pollutant" category, a shift which would allow coal-fired power plants to continue spewing some 50 tons of mercury into the air annually.
The neurotoxin mercury and the astrological Mercury are closely related. As a liquid hard metal, mercury behaves much like the attributes we assign to Mercury, the swiftest planet. Mercury and mercury do not stay put. As a liquid hard metal, mercury easily moves up the food chain and into the human brain, where it adversely affects memory, cognitive processes, and communication skills - all areas governed by the astrological Mercury.
Ceres, the parenting asteroid, turned retrograde two weeks ago when the EPA proposals were leaked by the NRDA**. The retrograde station is when Ceres is strongest and has its greatest influence, and it happened to make that turning point right on the U.S. Mercury. The combination of Ceres and the U.S. Mercury had an immediate reflection in the national concern about mercury and its effect on children.
On December 17 Mercury turns retrograde while opposing the U.S. Sun. This astro-event will likely coincide with some major news stories about presidential politics, announcements, revelations, and policy changes. And since transiting Pluto is simultaneously opposing the U.S. Mars, the energy planet, we might expect that energy policies will be a focus point, especially those relating to mercury and children.
Brad Pitt, Mythic Hero
Capping the latest Hollywood trend of depicting large-scale, heroic battles, A-List star Brad Pitt plays the nearly invincible Achilles in the upcoming sword-and-sandal epic "Troy". In the Homeric myth, Achilles' only weakness is his heel. As if identifying with the archetypal hero, Pitt recently tore his left Achilles tendon while filming a rough battle scene, forcing him into a cast and crutches.
Brad Pitt was born with his Sun and Ascendant in the story-telling sign of Sagittarius (December 18, 1963; 6:31 am; Shawnee, OK). Mars, the war planet, is found in ambitious Capricorn, and given a sense of adventure by squaring Jupiter. Mars is also favorably linked to all three of the outer planets, so that his personal actions reflect the inspiration, independence, and power of an entire generation.
Chiron, the so-called Wounded healer, squares the Ascendant. Chiron's prominence suggests that Pitt struggles with his public image, which seems perfect, but inside he must know that he is an ordinary mortal. Chiron's myth resonates with Achilles' myth, since Chiron's only weakness was his heel which was accidentally struck by a poisonous arrow.
At the time Pitt injured his Achilles tendon, transiting Juno, the marriage asteroid, was right on his Ascendant and squaring his Chiron. As far as anyone knows, his marriage with Jennifer Aniston remains a storybook romance, but this injury indicates tension there. We will watch with interest as Pitt begins filming the thriller "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" with Angelina Jolie.
* This time is rectified; see NewsScope March 31, 2003. Advanced astrologers will note Saddam's progressed Midheaven is conjunct his Sun.
** For more info, see www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/031205.asp
