Iran election protests

Mass protests and rioting broke out in the aftermath of a contested election result that saw victory declared by incumbent hard-liner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over the moderate challenger Hossein Mousavi. In an unprecedented move to mollify opposition protesters, Iran's religious leadership under Ayatollah Khameini has agreed to a partial recount of the results. Just where these protests may lead remains unknown, as a new generation of young Iranians try to seize the this opportunity to bring their country into the 21st century.

The astrological indications for this uprising is quite clearly seen in the horoscope of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it was declared on April 1, 1979 at 3 p.m. The dashas provide the first hint of trouble as the chart began running Rahu-Moon in March 2009. Rahu is conjoined with malefic Saturn in the 2nd house in Leo suggesting uncertainty or trouble surrounding the speech and communication which are 2nd house indications as well as possible economic losses. One doesn't want to put too much emphasis on dasha lords which have a long term background influence (Rahu runs from 1993 to 2011) but it's interesting how Iran's economy has suffered in recent years and the current economic slowdown is not helping matters any. Also more of its citizens are becoming aware of the gap between the official government line and the everyday reality in the street so this is another possible manifestation of an afflicted 2nd house.

Perhaps more important is the minor period lord Moon which runs from March 2009 to September 2010. With Cancer rising, the Moon is the chart ruler and we can see that it receives the full strength 10th house square aspect from Saturn in the natal chart. Saturn tends to be associated with hardship and privations, so one would expect to see some basic sorts of afflictions with the natal Moon to correspond with the current unrest. To make matters worse for this Moon, the aspect from Saturn is just one degree from exact and so it has more capacity to do damage and it rules the malefic 8th house (Aquarius) of upset, obstacles, and scandals. Clearly, the Moon minor period is very problematic for Iran.

If anything, the transit situation gives an even clearer picture of trouble as it is an extremely afflicted chart. Uranus, the planet of quick or sudden occurrences, is just minutes away from the natal Mars in Pisces in the 9th house of religion and law. Symbolically, this can mean explosive (Uranus) anger (Mars) directed at religious authority (9th house). This is an massive amount of energy since Uranus vastly increases the scale of anger and violence that we traditionally associate with Mars. Uranus is going stationary retrograde on July 1, so it is infused with extra incendiary power in the coming weeks.

Transiting Ketu is conjunct the natal Jupiter in the 1st house and this combination often signals changes in philosophy and underlying principles. Interestingly, Jupiter rules the 9th house of religious authority in this chart and is exalted in the first house in Cancer, a plausible enough signature for a theocracy ruled by fundamentalist clerics. Ketu (aka the South Lunar Node) is a planet that symbolizes transgressions and change, and is considered a separating or world-denying influence. Ketu transits to Jupiter, therefore often mark times of legal or religious controversy. Certainly, the essential principles of the Islamic Republic are being called into question by an increasingly Westernized and technologically-savvy younger generation who are seeking a more moderate co-existence between Islam and modernity.

In addition, transiting Saturn is conjunct the 2nd house Rahu, and this is another expression of failing propaganda as Rahu, the "dragon's head", is a source of deception in speech and is no longer believed by a majority of Iranians in the wake of this apparently rigged election.

The next few days will likely see an escalation of the situation as Venus and Mars will conjoin at 21 Aries in near-exact aspect to the natal Rahu. This comes exact on June 22. The question is: will the government back down and re-run the election or might it even be on the verge of collapsing altogether? Certainly, the chart has a level of affliction that suggests major changes are afoot over the next year or two. After the Moon subperiod, the Mars period runs from Sept 2010 to Oct 2011 and given the close proximity of transiting Uranus to the natal Mars during that time, Iran is likely going to see continued instability and conflict. The planets suggest that the least likely outcome is that the protests will just fizzle out and things will return to normal. I would not be surprised to see some significant concessions to the opposition here. To be honest, the chart has such a high level of affliction that does not rule out any conflict scenario including "regime change".

Certainly, Ahmadinejad's own chart (October 28, 1956) is extremely stressed as Saturn has recently stationed exactly opposite his natal Mars (21 Leo) but that could still only account for the current crisis, rather than any additional hardship that may foretell his ouster. I do note, however that Saturn-Uranus opposition will conjoin his natal Venus (2 Virgo) in September so that is likely to spell continued problems for him. Saturn will station at 10 Virgo in his 12th house in December, so that is another period where he will have many troubles. Given all these afflictions, Ahmandinejad's days as president are likely numbered.

October will see Jupiter's station (23 Capricorn) on the 7th house cusp in the Iran chart so that could indicate a new period of calm, perhaps involving other countries such as the USA. Conceivably, this could occur after the establishment of a Mousavi-led government. Less dramatically, it could represent a compromise third candidate taking the reigns of power. In any event, with Saturn heading for its June 2010 station (4 Virgo) in close opposition to the Mercury-Mars conjunction in the Iran chart, one should think that we are entering an era of continuing difficulties rather than heralding some happy new day of moderate Islam in Iran. Therefore I think is more likely that we will see a protracted struggle between the forces of moderation and fundamentalism. Anyway, let's see how the Venus-Mars conjunction plays out in the coming days so see where the trajectory is going.

New Moon in Gemini

New Moon June 22 2009 3.35 p.m EDT Washington, DC
As I noted in last month's newsletter, the very close harmonic aspect between Mercury and Mars in May 24 Taurus New Moon may well cause some significant problems for Mercury-ruled affairs. The events of the past week indicate that some of that energy has already been released. GM declared bankruptcy on June 1 as the US government is now a part-owner of America's largest car marker. Saturn was close to the 4th house cusp which often indicates "the end of the matter", so that is somewhat appropriate for symbolizing the end of US auto industry in its previous form. Mercury rules transportation, so it's not too much of a stretch to see that the negative Mars influence here was somehow implicated. Yesterday's fatal crash of an Air France jet off the coast of Brazil is another possible expression of this Mars affliction to Mercury, the planet of that rules transportation. North Korea also re-emerged as a concern for world leaders as they detonated an underground nuclear device on May 25, just one day after the New Moon. Besides the prominent Mars in this chart, I wonder if the Sun coming under the aspect of distorting Rahu (North Lunar Node) might point to uncontrolled (Rahu) actions from leaders such as Kim Jung-Il (Sun). Interestingly, the Sun-Moon conjunction in the May 24 New Moon chart falls near the cusp of the 12th house, representing faraway places and secrecy.

The Gemini New Moon of June 22 looks fairly intense with a number of tight aspects that are highlighted in the Washington, DC chart. Given the United States pre-eminent position in the world, I am focusing on the DC chart. If this is astrological US imperialism, so be it. The Sun-Moon conjunction occurs exactly on the equal 9th house cusp closely opposed by Pluto. To make matters a little more pointed, the New Moon occurs in Ardra, a nakshatra that is not know for its calming or uplifting effects. It is associated with storms, moisture, toxins, limitations an purging. The 9th house represents foreign countries, so this may indicate some harsh or crude exertions of power on the world stage. The 9th house also represents law and religion and having that kind of affliction there may point to problems with Obama's recent Supreme court appointment of Sonia Sotomayor. Religious figures may also be in the news from late June onwards, in the form of conflict or disputes. Benefic Jupiter also aspects the New Moon, so we shouldn't be too pessimistic about the outcomes of 9th house matters. Another unusual characteristic of this chart is that the nodes are sitting exactly square the ascendant, as Ketu conjoins the equal 10th house cusp and Rahu is on the 4th. This placement may foretell unusual or eccentric actions by leaders and governments, ("thinking outside the box") and family and educational settings may undergo some upset or significant changes.

Another key configuration for the Gemini New Moon is the exact conjunction of Venus and Mars in close trine aspect with Saturn. This pattern creates a lot of pressure on Venus-ruled matters such as women, art, and money. On the plus side, the Mars and Saturn influence can translate Venus into more real manifestations of its often subtle energy, such as an artistic vision realized, albeit often under less than perfect circumstances. More negatively, this can be just a bad pattern for female energy, as it seems to be defined in terms of males (Mars) or the "real world" (Saturn). Mars is supported by Venus here, so that can bode well for athletic or physical endeavours, especially those that are connected with ancient or traditional practices (Saturn), such as yoga.

New Indian government

The new Congress-led Indian government under Manmohan Singh was sworn in May 24 at 6.34 p.m. IST. This is quite a strong chart with the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction very close to the 4th house cusp. This placement will tend to aid in the maintainence of domestic tranquility. Prosperity is more mixed here since Jupiter the karaka of wealth and also lord of the second house of wealth is conjunct the dissolving influence of Neptune. So on one hand wealth creation is improved because the 4th house placement supports the 2nd house but the Neptune influence may indicate that some of the wealth may be illusory or unsustainable in the long term.

Mercury is retrograde and forming a close aspect to the ascendant and this may mean that the government will be activist and in the news with its various programs. It may also change its direction on some issues that could lead to confusion. The Sun in the 7th house is in a close aspect with Rahu suggesting a prominent leadership role under PM Singh but it also indicates that his actions may ruffle more than a few feathers. This is perhaps a reflection of the free market economic reforms that are planned. Singh's government will likely implement a significant number of reforms that will be upsetting to many people. The fall period seems troubled by the Saturn-Pluto square. Transiting Saturn (7 Virgo) will come under the disruptive influence of the aspect from natal Rahu (8 Capricorn).

North Korea tests nuke

North Korea (Sept 9 1948) has been causing some problems for the world community recently with its underground nuclear test. Saturn stationing on its Sun (22 Leo) is one possible explanation for its stubborn and headstrong behaviour. The Sun represents government and leaders and Kim Jong-Il is as intransigent as ever with this defiant gesture against the wishes of the rest of the world. Transiting Ketu on natal Venus (7 Cancer) suggests problems with relationships. Indeed. We can speculate that the effect of the stationing Jupiter in close aspect to the Gemini ascendant may be the success of the test and perhaps the attention it has brought. North Korea uses its nuclear policy as a bargaining chip for food and material from other countries. As frustated as the US and Japan may be, the successful test will likely improve North Korea's chances for greater concessions.

Pluto is on the 7th cusp now and will aspect the ascendant and Uranus over the next year or two. This is suggests some major tensions are likely to lead some significant changes in the make-up of the country. The Saturn-Pluto square due this fall is likely to increase the stress felt inside and outside the country since it will activate the ascendant/Uranus conjunction.

New Moon -- Aries to Taurus

Given that the Sun and Moon are the two most significant bodies in the sky, the lunar phases provide useful clues to the prevailing energies that inform the month to come. The New Moon of March 24 featured a strong Sun in the 10th house suggesting a greater visibility for government and leaders. April has seen the Obama administration continue to take the lead on a number of fronts including the salvaging of the US auto sector. The prominent Mars in the 9th house of foreign countries in that chart may also have signified some friction involving North Korea's missile launch and more generally may reflect Obama's overseas trip in early April to the G20 summit and later in his swing through various European and Middle Eastern countries which caused some consternation in conservative circles. And of course, the swine flu did originate outside of the US in Mexico so that is another plausible expression of tension and difficulties involving foreign countries.

As we noted in the previous newsletter, the last New Moon on April 24 contained several intriguing and potentially troublesome patterns. In light of the recent swine flu scare, the Mercury square to the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction was a plausible expression of this energy. In fact, I suggested that this aspect may be related to "communicable diseases" among other things, and that the the Sun/Moon square to the nodes Rahu and Ketu might be a sign of strange incidents or situations when nothing appears to be going right. While fears over the H1N1 influenza outbreak seem somewhat exaggerated at this point, it's clear that the prospect of a flu pandemic on top of an already failing economy could be seen in terms of the weird Rahu/Ketu type of energy where insult is piled on top of injury. I also noted that the the Mercury-Neptune aspect might reflect "deceitful communications", and given the growing questions concerned the sweeping WHO pronouncements and the media fear-mongering, that notion may not be far off the mark. Look for more of that kind of distortion of Mercury's energy over the next two or three weeks. With Saturn in the 10th house of that April 24 New Moon, the US government will likely be seen as strong and capable in the coming weeks. This may be the natural outgrowth of its protective efforts towards the American people over pandemic fears as well as overseeing the bankruptcy and reorganization of the auto sector.

Since the April 24 New Moon is "in effect" until May 24, it's very possible that the swine flu will continue to be an ongoing concern. Indeed, the May 24 New Moon at 9 degrees of sidereal Taurus still features the Mercury square to the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction because Mercury begins its retrograde cycle on May 7. What makes this pattern potentially worse for the period May 24 - June 22 is that Mercury is in a very close harmonic aspect with Mars. This increases the likelihood of problems relating to Mercury-ruled significations. These significations include communication (such as the internet), disease, trading (international trade agreements, or the stock market, for example), and transportation, (especially involving accidents). On the plus side, Jupiter and Neptune are just minutes away from an exact conjunction for this New Moon so that ought to help hope prevail over fear. The Jupiter effect on Neptune may also create an atmosphere of idealism where higher principles and aspirations for humanity such as sharing, oneness, and collective responsibility receive greater publicity and stimulate the public consciousness. This should be a good time for any UN-related organizations and initiatives, as well as supportive for liberal or socialistic social policies by the Obama administration and other governments around the world. Also of note, the forthcoming Taurus New Moon will contain to exhibit further nodal influence by virtue of the trinal aspect from Rahu to the New Moon. This could indicate more surprising or disruptive developments which will likely amplify the difficulties contained in the Mercury-Mars-Jupiter-Neptune configuration. Saturn also falls very close to the unequal 4th house cusp, (or IC) and this may also tip the scales towards the troublesome side of the Taurus New Moon coming to the fore in some tangible way. The 4th house can refer to the "end of the matter" so endings and closings may be more prominent from late May into June in the United States.

Swine flu: real threat of media scare?

The swine flu threat has emerged as a significant development in recent weeks after originating in Mexico in mid-April where it has caused over 100 deaths. While the number of cases and deaths remains quite low around the world, there is real concern by governments and health authorities that a dangerous pandemic is possible. While I alluded to the possibility of some kind of disease threat in last month's newsletter based solely on the New Moon chart, this matter deserves a closer examination. Just how serious could this flu outbreak become?

Many Western astrologers are pointing to the close conjunction between Chiron and Neptune at 2 degrees of sidereal Aquarius as a poignant astrological signature for this disease scare. Chiron, a planetoid beyond Saturn's orbit discovered in 1977, is said by some to symbolize "the wounded healer" and therefore is secondarily connected to health matters after Neptune, which is the primary significator for illness in Western astrology. While I do use some Western notions such as Neptune, I am more agnostic on Chiron's role in this flu outbreak. A cursory review of recent flu outbreaks does not reveal an obvious Chiron influence. The 1918 Spanish Flu featured an extremely rare configuration as Neptune crossed very close to the ecliptic at the same time as Saturn opposed Uranus. Lesser flu outbreaks in 1957 and 1968 also do not strongly implicate Chiron. Whatever the role of Chiron might be here, I tend to focus on the planets that have a more firmly established symbolism. At present, Neptune is conjunct Jupiter which ought not to indicate disease or pandemic but rather the opposite, such as the ending of disease since Jupiter is a benefic influence. Perhaps one can argue that Jupiter acts as an expansionary or magnifying energy here for Neptune's penchant for disease and weakness, but that seems counterintuitive. Perhaps the Jupiter influence here refers to the media hype (Jupiter = bigness/exaggeration; Neptune = image/media), or perhaps to the finding of a quick cure for H1N1.

Saturn is the traditional Vedic ruler of disease and we note that it is soon coming up to its direct station on May 16. At that point, it will be motionless in the sky and thereby exert greater force. Saturn is in the middle of a year-long opposition cycle to Uranus which began last November. Another exact opposition is due in August. Uranus is a destabilizing energy which can bring out the negative side of Saturn such as disease and hardship when it is in tense aspect. This is basically the case now, so we have to consider the Saturn-Uranus opposition as a contributing factor to the swine flu outbreak. And as mentioned above, the Spanish Flu in 1918 was characterized by the same Saturn-Uranus opposition so there is at least some historical precedent. But it is noteworthy that the swine flu scare of 1976 that never materialized also coincided with a Saturn-Uranus aspect, although it was a square. Perhaps that instance lacked the additional planetary affliction to actually create an infectious influenza. Perhaps the worst post-war flu pandemic occurred in 1958, as the Asian flu killed over one million people over a one-year period. It's interesting to note that Saturn was parallel to Neptune as reckoned by latitude, a pattern that brought together both traditional and modern rulers of illness.

While the apparently positive Jupiter influence on Neptune is heartening and would tend to suggest that this current flu outbreak will not be very severe, I am a little worried by some afflictions I see in some key natal charts. Using the Houck USA chart, the Saturn station will closely aspect the natal Mars within one degree. Mars rules the 8th house of serious illness in this chart, although Mars more often is connected with violent or sudden situations rather than situations that are drawn out. That chart seems to indicate that some significant suffering involving will occur in the next month or two, although it could relate to something other than the swine flu. The more often cited 1776 USA chart is also indicative of some Neptune-type situations since Neptune will make its retrograde station just two degrees from the natal Moon (4 Aquarius) in the 2.18 sidereal Libra rising chart. The Moon represents the population as a whole, and Neptune is clearly a marker for disease and illusion, so we have the possibility for some kind pandemic, or more optimistically, of a pandemic scare. Again, Jupiter's presence on that degree ought to provide some protection from the worst case scenario. More worrisome is that transiting Ketu will conjoin the natal Mercury in this chart in July-August, and given Mercury's association with transmission and communication, we need to be aware of the possibility of trouble on those fronts.

So it's a mixed picture. The planetary patterns don't clearly show a worsening pandemic, but there is still some risk that it could intensify over the summer. The Mercury retrograde cycle that begins on May 7 under the distorting influence of Rahu will be the first test. Mutation of the virus is always a possibility, since Rahu has that potential to disrupt the current state of things. Hopefully, the difficulties I foresee in the US charts over the next few months refer to some other stressful situation such as a relapse for the economy or stock market, or perhaps some other new challenge. Obama's chart also shows siginficant Mercury-related problems over the coming months as Ketu transits over his Mercury at 9 Cancer. These may be related to the economy and indeed this is the most likely outcome. However, they could also relate to national health since Mercury rules Gemini which is his 6th house of health. What is also interesting is that the nodes will activate the Sun-Mercury conjunction (6 Capricorn) and the Moon (5 Scorpio) in the Obama inauguration chart in June and July. One potentially important date to watch is the time around July 11 when Mars aspect Rahu and both these malefics will form close aspects to the aforementioned planets in the inauguration chart.

Thailand in Crisis

Thailand natal chart April 21, 1782
As the recent wave of violent protests by the anti-government "red-shirts" wind down, Thailand's future political and social stability remains an open question. This peaceable kingdom known as the Land of Smiles has become riven with factional struggles that has divided the population across a range of different issues. At the centre of the cleavage is the controversional leader Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist coalition won elections in 2001 and 2006 but was removed from power due to corruption charges. His supporters believe that he was unjustly denied the reigns of the government by judiciary and military elites. The current government is in the hands of the Democrat party who regard Thaksin as a criminal with no legitimate claim to power. How this split will be resolved is uncertain, since both sides are increasingly intolerant of the claims made by the other. Moreover, neither side appears to have a clear majority in parliament that would stabilize the situation if new elections were held. As a BBC analysis has suggested, there are no clear winners in the current phase of the conflict.

The recent upsurge in civil unrest is manifested by a number of afflictions to the relevant horoscopes for Thailand. The chart of the founding of the current Chakri dynasty (Apr 21, 1782) shows transiting Ketu conjunct the natal Moon at 11 Cancer. (Please see chart above) Ketu is often a disruptive influence and here it is more likely to produce problems since it sits in the 6th house of conflict and ill-health in the natal chart. The Moon represents the people as a whole and the mood of the nation, so that pattern coincides with a sense of unease and upset that pervades the kingdom. Transiting Pluto (9 Sagittarius) is approaching a conjunction with natal Saturn, suggesting a transforming or eroding of order and structure that bind the country together. This is a long term influence over the next 1-2 years, so this is one reason why Thailand's unsettled politics are unlikely to be resolved any time soon.

More immediately, transiting Saturn (21 Leo) is moving to station in a harsh square aspect against the natal Mars (19 Taurus). While this direct station will not occur until May 16, it is very close now and is one of the main astrological indicators for the violent protests that forced martial law to be declared in Bangkok. Mars-Saturn aspects often denote destruction and violence since the aggressive and assertive energy of Mars is distorted by malefic Saturn. We may expect sporadic incidents over the coming weeks until Saturn has once again resumed its direct motion and moves away from the natal Mars. In particular, the time around April 27 and the Mars-Ketu aspect may see another unfortunate violent of conflictual development in this situation. Then on May 6, Mercury will go retrograde at 7 Taurus which will conjoin the natal Mars in the 1932 chart (Please see chart below). This could also represent a combative political development.

The situation is similarly troubled in the chart for modern Thailand, which came into effect as a constitutional monarchy was adopted after a coup on June 24, 1932. In this chart, transiting Pluto is opposite the natal Sun (9 Gemini), symbolizing tensions and struggles over power and authority. And like the 1782 chart, we find the Moon similarly afflicted as Saturn is stationing just a few degrees from the IC (4th house cusp) and a few degrees from the natal Moon. The 4th house represents the population as a whole and the Moon symbolizes the people, or national mood. Transiting Mars (violence) and Uranus (change) are conjoined in square aspect to the ascendant reflecting a sudden explosion of energy and violence. Moreover, Mars and Uranus are transiting over the equal 10th house cusp, which represents government and leaders.

The political situation should stabilize somewhat after Saturn moves direct May 16 and as we approach the Jupiter station in June since this will aspect the ascendant of the 1932 chart. But watch for a possible deteroriating situation in August and September as the Saturn-Uranus opposition occurs in exact square to this ascendant. The period from December to February 2010 if anything looks more difficult for government and leaders as the Saturn-Pluto square will set up on the natal Sun. This points to a possible change in government and a lot of anxiety and frustration with the power structure in Thailand. Interestingly, the 1782 chart also seems to be in a stressful condition as the Saturn station at 10 Virgo will activate the natal t-square of Sun (10 Aries), Saturn (10 Capricorn) and Uranus (8 Gemini). This combination of planetary energies indicate that Thailand may be going through a time of profound political and social transformation.

The role of the much-beloved King Bhumipol is the wild card in all these developments, since he alone seems to have enough authority to quell any significant differences of opinion. So far, he has resisted the temptation to make a clear public statement for either side. This reluctance may reflect his advancing age (the King is 83) and widespread reports of weakening health. Given the rough transit pattern in early 2010, the power and sanctity of the monarchy itself may be called into question.

Thailand June 24, 1932