Last September Toyota announced the biggest recall in its history to fix a problem with an accelerator pedal that could become entrapped in the floor mat, causing a "sudden acceleration problem". Then last week, Toyota added another 2.3 million to the 4 million recalled in September. Toyota also suspended sales and production of its most popular models, and extended the recall to Europe and China.
 
Toyota was founded on August 28, 1937 (noon; Toyota City, Japan), and a horoscope set for this date reflects Toyota's corporate identity and current troubles. With its Sun in detail-oriented Virgo and Moon in practical Taurus, Toyota's chart is geared for success in the material world. Four other planets in earth signs have helped to make Toyota the largest car maker in the world.
 
With Scorpio Rising, Pluto is the ruler of this chart. A Venus-Pluto conjunction in Cancer describes the company as being a family-run business and respecting its workers as family. On June 23, 2009, Akio Toyoda –  the grandson of the founder – became the new CEO after many years of the company being led by an outsider. This transition took place during the New Moon in Cancer, and while transiting Uranus was precisely trine Toyota's Venus.
 
On August 28, 2009, an incident involving a Lexus with four passengers ended tragically due to the unintended acceleration problem, triggering a government investigation and the eventual recall. The accident took place as headstrong Mars opposed intensifying Pluto while aligned with Toyota's Mercury-Chiron-Saturn T-square. Last week transiting Saturn and Pluto were forming close, hard aspects to Toyota's Saturn, forcing the worldwide restructuring of its business.

Last week a sudden and sharp contraction was felt across the American landscape that upset political, financial, and judicial expectations. Republican Scott Brown's election in Massachusetts effectively killed Obama's health care bill, while the stock market fell precipitously from its recent highs. On Thursday, the Supreme Court overturned finance reform legislation, essentially empowering corporate managers to become political kingmakers by using corporate treasuries.
 
Astrologically, these metaphysical earthquakes unfolded as Saturn turned retrograde while squaring Pluto. The Saturn-Pluto vibe represents the strong contraction that tends to favor conservative agendas and politicians. Fears and perceptions of threats lead to protective reactionary movements. In the Scorpio Rising U.S. horoscope, this astro-event is closely aligned with the U.S. Venus-Jupiter conjunction, contributing to the overall issue of wealth and how to manage it.
 
The Neptune cycle was also in play, especially regarding the corporate personhood issue. Last week when Neptune was conjunct the U.S. Moon, many observers saw the Supreme Court decision as an erosion (Neptune) of democracy (Aquarius Moon). The corporate personhood debate can be traced back to a May 10, 1886 Supreme Court decision*. This case established the principle that corporate interests are equal in rights to the freed slave under the Constitution's 14th amendment.
 
At that time, Neptune was at 25º Taurus, exactly squaring the U.S. Moon. Also, Saturn was at 5º Cancer where it was conjunct the U.S. Jupiter, and building a structured framework (Saturn) to protect America's wealthiest players (Jupiter). From now through 2012, four outer planets continue to activate the U.S. Jupiter, leading to open conflicts about how to conserve American wealth while maintaining democratic principles.

* Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad. For background info on this debate, see NOVA: http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/corprightsdebate.html or wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood_debate

1. The New Moon on February 13 is conjunct Chiron and Neptune – with all conjunct the U.S. Moon in Aquarius. Several simultaneous aspects indicate the kick-off of a confrontational, event-filled political landscape centering on the security needs of the American people. Beyond mainstream media, alternative health practitioners become celestially illuminated, including astrologers, acupuncturists, herbalists, and massage therapists.
 
2. Venus conjunct Jupiter is in effect on the 14th, 15th, and 16th. These are exceptionally favorable days for many, bringing spiritual, social, and financial blessings. Find ways to expand your network, give and receive gifts, volunteer, and attend or give a lavish ceremony. Whatever house Pisces occupies in your horoscope receives a boost or new opportunity.
 
3. Jupiter conjoins the U.S. Ceres on the 23rd, an event that happens every twelve years. Jupiter here tends to favor women in politics, especially those who upset the status quo, since Jupiter also squares the U.S. Uranus on the same day. The Jupiter-Ceres-Uranus combo makes for great political theater, with some women becoming newsworthy by their victim status.
 
4. Saturn squares the U.S. Venus on the 27th and is a major factor from the 21st thru 28th. This connection brings some harsh realities into the economic picture, and represents a consolidation phase in business management. Watch for some practical proposals or new developments emerging from the financial community, especially concerning foreclosures, debt and credit.
 
5. The Full Moon on February 28 is closely aligned with Jupiter in Pisces, lending a rosy glow to most interactions, especially in large celebrations or social gatherings. Many will experience a renewed sense of faith in a higher power, while in the political realm, look for religious figures to be headline news items.