2003 Astrological Forecast (written 1/4/03)
As is my habit, this is an analysis of the midnight chart for the exact turning of the new year at my lattitude (San Francisco, California). In analyzing the chart I thus ignore houses, midheaven, and ascendant. The chart will then be effectively the same for all locations on the planet.
The dominant challenge is the T-square with a double vertex at Mars and Venus in Scorpio. These two planets are squared by Jupiter in Leo and Uranus in Aquarius. There are two important aspects of this configuration--the economy and war--and they are interrelated. Uranus in Aquarius square Mars can stimulate sudden war over issues involving hatred. Mars in Scorpio also indicates possible terrorist attacks (possibly with a nuclear aspect), and since Mars is conjoined Venus, these attacks could be directly on the economic superstructure of non-Muslim nations.
If the US and its allies attack Iraq, as seems likely, look for the ground force aspect of such a war to play an important part, be difficult and full of surprises. Emphasis on a quick ground strike could bring early victory. The possibility of near or actual use of nukes must be forewarned, and we cannot rule out Saddam lashing back by means of other countries to whom he has supplied weapons of mass destruction. In fact it is most likely that he has farmed them out, that being the reason they are not being found in Iraq. Intelligence will play a key role with Scorpio involved. It would be wise to employ males and females in such spy work.
With Moon conjunct Pluto in Saggitarius opposed by Saturn in Gemini missile attacks using gas on Israel and Eastern Europe are possible.
Also, within reach may be terrorist dirty nuke attacks over a more extensive range. With Neptune also entering weakly into the T-square, chemical warfare seems to be the most likely way for Saddam to react. This means that the war must be completed by April, when Iraq becomes too hot for troops to wear chemical suits and masks.
With Pluto and Moon Trine Jupiter, terrorist chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks on the US might be averted by alert intelligence, and understanding what possible moves might be taken by Saddam and Osama.
The balance of the T-Square is in the sign opposite the Vertex, which is Taurus. This has to do with proper financial management, and obedience in the chain of command in a war. If there are factions working in opposite directions in Iraq after the war, these must be harmonized under a central organized government.
During this year sufficient laws and procedures must be implemented to prevent further business treachery. This will have the effect of stabilizing the economy with Mercury sextile the T-Square Venus.
Notable too is the Sun conjunct Chiron at 10 degrees Capricorn. This can be a healing of the planet from dictators and oppressive governments. This works in favor the strengthening of the UN, the elimination of Sadam Hussein, Pyongyang of North Korea, and, possibly the dictator Chavez in Venezuela.
On a personal level, there is a possibility of a new level of intimacy obtainable in sexual relations, a merging of the masculine and feminine aspects of the personalities of the partners. There must be a determination, however, not to separate, and to work out financial issues in sharing. With the Moon conjunct Pluto, new psychological revelations regarding human resentments should come forth. They will involve the mastery of jealous impulses. With this configuration, working from home will become an empowered way to overcome debt. There will be a tremendous impulse toward debt management and learning about finances with Mercury sextile Venus.
With Jupiter experiencing four stressful squares and being in Leo, risks are perhaps not good to take in big business ventures, and charities will be severely impacted by the economic downturn. They will have to reinvent themselves to survive. Generosity is a key to the balance of the entire planet. Unfortunately, we have not helped Afganistan get back on its financial feet, and this could impact not only our image abroad, but could make us karmically vulnerable to a recession in this year. If it comes, it will SEEM related to the war but will have deeper roots.
The debate over the right to life vs. freedom of choice will be very vigorous this year. The results of this debate could have a profound effect on our karmic vulnerability to terrorism and our difficulty and loss of life in fighting a war.
Much hangs in the balance this year, it can be a year of great violence or great victory. Our generosity, sensitivity to life, and lovingkindness and prayer can make all the difference. (Moon conjunct Pluto is best resolved by fervent prayer and meditation.)
Narada Moy, PhD
Read my book Toward A New Scientific Astrology, and learn about conception, gestation, and birth.