2010 New Year Outlook

January 1, 2010 00.00 EST Washington, DC

With the start of 2010, here are a few general ideas about what the New Year may bring. For New Year predictions, I like to refer to the New Year's horoscope, that is, the position of the planets at the stroke of midnight on January 1. This is a simple, easy way to get a snapshot on some emerging themes for the year ahead. It will not provide any specifics, but it is a fairly efficient way to get a general overview on the coming twelve months. Some might object to the use of a chart that doesn't reflect any particular astronomical reality in a way that eclipse or conjunction charts might, but the New Year's chart does nevertheless provide interesting insights into the year ahead. For example, the New Year chart for 2008 (See bottom below) showed that trouble was brewing with the close opposition aspect between Mars and Pluto (conflict, power struggles) with Jupiter (wealth, wisdom) also in close proximity. While this combination did not explicitly say "financial crisis", the presence of Jupiter signifying wealth suggested that some disruption of the financial system was possible. Certainly, those planets inclined towards a fairly pessimistic outlook for 2008, especially when considered alongside Saturn in the 12th house of loss in aspect with the Sun. The Mars-Rahu aspect may have suggested a significant new development in leadership as we witnessed in Barack Obama's election given Mars' 10th house occupancy ( the house of government) and Rahu's penchant for breaks with the status quo. By contrast, the 2009 New Year (see middle below) chart seemed much more positive on the Mercury-Jupiter conjunction ("good news") and the happy conjunction of the Moon with Venus. This is pretty much what one would expect to see for a chart that suggested a year of economic recovery and hopefulness that was embodied in the first year of the Obama administration.

This year's chart looks more negative, however, as Saturn, the planet of constraint and responsibility, rises in sidereal Virgo. While Saturn has a good side that suggests "doing what is necessary", it is in a close square aspect with Pluto, the planet of large organizations and social structures. This would tend to bring out its more troublesome side so that efforts to re-structure and transform the economy will be accompanied by significant measures of awkwardness and hardship. The close proximity of Venus to Pluto and the aspect of Saturn is not helpful and increases the chances for continued restrictions and limits in economic life. This combination of planets can symbolize asceticism and renunciation so there is a chance that the economy will actually worsen through the year as people will have to make do with less. The positive side to this pattern is that simpler pleasures and self-discipline will be more fully appreciated as consumer society undergoes significant renovation. The worst effects of this combination will likely be muted because Venus is closer to the Sun than it is to Pluto, a possible sign that a base level of social harmony will be maintained regardless of what happens.

January 1, 2008 00.00 EST Washington, DC

Another potential trouble spot is the close Mercury-Rahu conjunction that occurs in close minor aspect with retrograde Mars. Rahu's effect on Mercury can be energizing in terms of awakening the intellect to unusual and unconventional solutions and this could well be reflected in further technological advances. Predicting more breakthroughs in technology is not much of a prediction these days, but the problem here is that Mercury is retrograde so there may be something that goes awry here, as if the products of the human mind are not moving forward but are focused on questions that were previously considered resolved. Perhaps we will see more controversy on climate change, as the hitherto firm consensus is weakened by the fallout from the "Climategate" e-mails. That is but one possibility of course, as this Mercury-Rahu conjunction could manifest in any number of ways. The close Mars 6th house aspect is not a full strength aspect according to Vedic astrology, but it may still manifest. Mars is the planet of conflict so it's not unreasonable to expect some significant conflict to emerge regarding prevailing ideas or programs (Mercury). Climate change is one possible area of conflict, but so is the economy as the various government stimulus packages are due to be unwound as the economy recovers. Just how governments will guide the next phase of the economic recovery is something of an open question as they will have to walk a fine line between removing stimulus too quickly which could create another recession or maintaining the stimulus too long and sparking a round of inflation.

January 1, 2009 00.00 EST Washington, DC

The Moon is conjunct Ketu (South Lunar Node) in the 10th house of government in sidereal Gemini. This combination suggests that spiritual or unusual cerebral experiences will gain the limelight this year. The fact that this occurs in the 10th house may indicate that religious ideas will find increased resonance in governments around the world. More generally, political leaders will undergo sudden and unexpected changes as Ketu's influence on the Moon can make for suprises and fast-changing circumstances. The Ketu influence here means that leaders and governments are more likely to be different or even revolutionary in some way as there may be a sense that conditions demand unorthodox or radical approaches.

On a more positive note, Jupiter is conjunct Neptune in this chart and that points to the continued relevance of hope. Jupiter's expansion and Neptune's idealism make a potent pairing in the sky so no matter what happens in 2010, there will be continued reservoir of hope and optimism about the future. This influence should prevent some kind of worse case scenario from unfolding in the economy, although it may not be enough to forestall a "double dip" recession. Both Jupiter and Neptune are also associated with the higher realm of human experience, so there may be greater interest in metaphysical and religious matters. Given the supernatural aspects of the Moon-Ketu conjunction, it seems likely that religion and spirituality is likely to have a higher profile this year.

Overall, the best thing one can say about this chart is that it is "mixed", although I think that is being generous. 2010 looks like it will be more difficult than 2009 was in many respects, including perhaps the economy. At the same time, there are enough positive planetary influences there to spur humanity on through the darker periods as challenges will be met with equal portions of resourcefulness, ingenuity, inspired leadership and faith.


Addendum:

N.B. Given America's continuing dominance in the world -- for now, at least -- I locate the chart for Washington, DC, although one could recast the chart for one's home country for a more specific local reading. It should be noted, however, that the New Year's horoscope doesn't change much no matter it is located. Invariably it will have sidereal Virgo rising, such as in Sydney, Australia where the first degree of Virgo rises to Washington where 14th degree of Virgo rises. The Moon also changes its position a few degrees depending on where the chart is cast, although this variation is fairly small. The rest of the planets do not shift appreciably.