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September 24, 2006
King Bhumibol,
the World's Longest Living Monarch
Last week, when
Thailand's Prime Minister was in New York to address the United
Nations, the military staged a coup d'etat. Tanks rumbled through
Bangkok, and Prime Minister Thaksin - accused of corruption
and mismanagement - took refuge in London. Surprisingly,
a mood of calm and even celebration passed through Thailand
when King Bhumibol gave his approval only two hours after the
coup.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born with a responsible Sun-Saturn conjunction in
the philosophic sign of Sagittarius (December 5, 1927; 8:45 am*; Cambridge, MA).
A Vesta-Ceres conjunction near his Capricorn Ascendant reflects his devotion
to his duties and a caring, hands-on manner that gives him the aura of a protective
patriarch. Venus in Libra at his Midheaven shows his tremendous popularity among
Thais of divergent ethnic and religious backgrounds.
A Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in the King's third house shows his love of knowledge
and learning. He would have been happy to spend his life as a perpetual student,
except his elder brother, King Rama VII, was mysteriously murdered on June 9,
1946. Bhumibol was next in line, and took over immediately, as a transiting Sun-Uranus
conjunction (unexpected, sudden twist of fate) landed on his karmic North Node
in Gemini - the sign of brothers.
Bhumibol has remained in power through 18 military coups and 22 Prime Ministers.
His Aries Moon trine Neptune gives the Buddhist philosopher king an unusual reservoir
of spiritual protection, or perhaps, just plain luck. In spite of U.S. and other
western criticism of the coup, there's a good chance that he discreetly encouraged
the generals, since transiting Pluto is trine his 12th house Pallas, the political
strategy asteroid.
Top Five Astro-Events
for October
1. Pluto squares
Lunar Node axis - exact on October 26, but close enough now
to be the primary geopolitical influence all month. This combination
may coincide with natural disasters, such as earthquakes and
volcanoes, as well as man-made disasters, including major accidents
and military confrontations. Mideast nations go through major
transformations under this aspect.
2. The Full Moon in Aries - takes place on October 6, as the Sun and Moon align
with U.S. Saturn. Watch for key debates around this time that focus on national
security and the direction of American institutions. After this Full Moon, the
Sun and attendant planets enter the U.S. 12th house and prepare the nation for
the annual October Surprise.
3. Sun conjunct Mars - exact on October 23 in the last degree of Libra. The Sun-Mars
combination makes politicians, business leaders, and military personnel extra
aggressive throughout October. Mars opposes the new dwarf planet Eris on October
10, followed by the Sun's opposition on October 13, marking the October 6-13
time-frame when confrontations should reach maximum voltage.
4. The New Moon on October 21 - features a quadruple conjunction between
Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars. The convergence of four planets often signals major
history-making events. The tide turns; surprising and unexpected developments
call for immediate response. A political crisis is likely where the U.S. must
take some forceful action, since this complex squares the U.S. Pluto.
5. Jupiter square Saturn on October 25 - this is the first of three contacts
between these two outer planets, which historically has often brought reverses
in the business cycle, and other long-term social and cultural developments.
Saturn in Leo represents imperial leadership, while Jupiter in Scorpio questions
the moral authority. Legal, ethical, and religious issues move to the forefront.
Richard Branson
and Virgin Fuels
Last week, British
tycoon Richard Branson became the latest billionaire to engage
in spectacular philanthropic gestures when he promised to donate
$3 billion over the next decade to combat global warming. As
president of several train and airline companies, Branson is
uniquely positioned to replace oil with renewable energy sources,
which he hopes to accomplish through a new company called Virgin
Fuels.
Richard Branson** was born with his Cancer Sun in the twelfth house (July 18,
1950; 7:00 am; Blackheath, UK) and Pluto rising in Leo, a combination shared
by George W. Bush. However, with Saturn placed in his second house of money,
Branson's ambition is geared toward making money. Pluto rising shows an individual
keen on making a difference in the world, on creating revolutionary changes.
Over the past few months, as Branson became increasingly alarmed by the scientific
evidence of global warming, transiting Saturn was passing over his Pluto while
transiting Neptune opposed it. Saturn here gave him the sense of responsibility,
as he realized he was in a unique position to do something constructive. Transiting
Neptune's opposition from his seventh house gave him the realization that oil
and coal are the enemies.
A number of analysts have questioned Branson's commitment to this cause, saying
any economic blip would lead him to cut back. However, Branson recently experienced
a progressed New Moon in his second house, indicating he's embarking on an entirely
new life cycle. This progressed lunation took place near his Saturn, pointing
to the seriousness of his financial pledge. The announcement came with former
president Clinton at his side, as the Solar Eclipse landed right on his second
house Juno, the committed relationship asteroid.
