Anthropology and Pluto

This election is not about policy. It's about an anthropological step. There's never been one like it. I'm utterly fascinated as I watch old techniques and traditions fail to capture the moment, while the new works to reveal itself. Pluto is in its final days of retrograde in Sagittarius and at the end of the month it will go direct, job done for 248 years. Well done, I would add.

It hasn't yet been fully grasped -- the change in perception about to unfold as the first human being of African descent in United States history accepts the nomination for the presidency. The attempts to portray Obama as threatening are failing and now the racial fears are being consciously stoked once again. Haven't they learned? In fact, other people's efforts to define him in their images aren't working in general due to a more profound anthropological need. The deep and mysterious machinations are at work while this beautiful brown-skinned man keeps facing the people with his genuine smile, slim healthy graceful body, soft voice, and overall non-threatening demeanor.

The arrows are slung, the emotional sewage surfaces only to reveal the ugliness of the attackers, while Obama's face doesn't disappear. Deeper and deeper into the psyche of the public it goes creating a confusing picture on the surface, but probabaly a more accurate one where Pluto at 28 is working his magic.

The reality is, Obama is half black and half white. Both segments of the population identify. He has strong African features mixed with Caucasian and the shade of his skin is a lovely brown, not too dark, not too light. Added to the surface experience is a transcendental quality that beckons people to forget about the classifications altogether.

I think the mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune is fiddling with collective wiring as racial perceptions are altered in the universal mind. The lines are being blurred or redrawn probably to be followed by behavior changes over the coming transits of Pluto through Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. All through the month of August Pluto will be preparing to go direct and on August 28, Obama will accept the nomination on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I have a Dream speech. There appears to be some continuity in history tied to human evolution. As an astrologer I feel extremely fortunate to be able to read the connections. One week after the ceremony Pluto goes direct and where the road leads, we are about to see. Those of us who were born at this time were selected to particiapte in this unusual moment. I wonder why. Who are we?

Leo is in Full Swing

The Obamabash of the day centers around accusations of arrogance, cockiness, egomania, presumptuousness, and yes, uppityism. Sound like Leo? It's true. The man has confidence. Well the King of Jordan personally drove him to the airport in his Mercedes. That could swell a head. A soon-to-be head that is. I have a Saturn in Leo. Call it anything you want. I wish I had it. Here's the quote that surpasses all boundaries of humility ...

It has become increasingly clear in my travels, the campaign, that the crowds, the enthusiasm, 200,000 people in Berlin, is not about me at all. It’s about America. I have just become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions.

Pretty bad. Oh he did carelessly mention that he has a good chance of winning the election. This particular phase of the bash will likely continue for awhile as the Sun crosses his magnificent Leo stellium. Flaming, flaming, flaming -- firing solar insults -- until Virgo comes along when he delivers his historic and suitably humble speech. Then he'll probably be accused of not being aggressive enough, not fighting back against the smears, and things like that. Funny how astrology works. But for now, he's getting too big for his chair.

Fear of Power

People have discussed at length the tendency to project their own selves into the perceptions of their leaders. Thus the analyses of Obama are as varied as the people doing the critiques. He's a captivating figure and that in itself worries some, but they'd be worried anyway.

I admire Obama because I'm in the mood for admiring myself. I've just had a Saturn return in Leo in my 5th house and now Neptune is opposite. So collective engagement is my temporary path to actualization of this self-estimation. The experience is my own and not determined by what others think, therefore loyalty to my position is simple. Some feel dislike, fear, and assorted things according to their evolutionary moment, providing mirrors which can usually be seen in the transits of their own charts. Some don't relate to him much at all but use other reflections. There are infinite variations. The reactions are clues to self-understanding.

But if you'd like, let's take an "objective" look at this charismatic man and his relationship to power indicated by his natal chart. Since he is so strong a character, the attention diverts to the individual's relationship to authority figures, not at all surprising with Pluto in Capricorn soon taking the reins.

First of all I want to mention the Saturn-Uranus opposition and the developing awareness of this authoritarian element, since Uranus adds objectivity and intellectuality. His recent speech is Berlin is being highly questioned but Germany is especially noted for leadership puzzles having four planets in Capricorn. The interesting issue now is the breaking of boundaries indicated by the Saturn-Uranus transit. This is why he blasted past his own borders and included the world in his plea. It's time for that. The borders will likely be rearranged in lots of places in the coming 20+ years. Time to get a move on with Aries flashing ahead.

Those who don't like Obama will continue in that mode and they provide a vital function -- to provide ballast to keep the lovers from going overboard. It works out perfectly. It's wise to realize that neither side is likely to change. They don't need to. The ones in the middle, dare I say center, provide a comfortable balance.

Those who fear this rising leader's power and don't want to need not worry, and I'll show you why. There is extensive information contained within his Saturn retrograde in the 12th house in Capricorn. One of the significant factors is the plan to keep him grounded and to restrict his ego expansion, especially being exactly inconjunct Uranus in Leo. The North Node next door is the Ace that waits. Saturn placed in that position is pretty much guaranteed humiliation tied to guilt being resolved this lifetime, for what? They don't know. Probably never will. Time to forget.

With three planets in Leo the aggrandized leader is part of the package especially square Neptune in Scorpio. This is why they react so eagerly to him overseas. Neptune in his 9th house of foreign lands squares Jupiter in his 12th -- the spiritual-religious influence on the group. A Scorpio Midheaven also spells out a destiny around power but it's not really over people. The 10th is power over authority in general and Saturn in the 12th house takes the conflict to further dimensions. His power struggle is a philosophical battle being the dedicated thinker and perfectionist that he is. His battle is with an abstract authority. It's with God and the cosmos itself. He has little time nor interest in cultivating power over people as destiny. That control comes from the people themselves as needed. His fundamental fight with restricting entities led to his phrase, "Yes We Can." Perhaps if the whole collective says it in unison it will become reality much like the residents of Whoville in Horton Hears a Who, if you're familiar with that Dr. Seuss story.

There's a technique for reading events in astrology called beginning and ending planets and this reveals an interesting pattern in his chart. This can be seen over and over as experience is created. He starts with the emotional receptive Moon and ends with the deep restrictive sober Saturn, questioning all of life and fate, then finally ends with the uplifting expansive optimistic Jupiter in Aquarius spilling enthusiasm out to the people. You can easily see this sequence as feelings connect with the Moon and continue to rise, while the skeptics are loudly heard (his own Saturn). It inevitably ends in a mini downfall when the persecuting throngs get their way with his Saturn in the 12th. Punishment hunger satisfied. The cosmic proportions of Obama-bashing are the clue. Phenomenal in their extent. Then comes Jupiter and the rise begins again. So the guarantee that he'll be brought down is written in the plan. No megalomaniacal excess here. No Dionysian release as much as the people might think they want to go all the way.

Some people express fear of Neptune and his Mars does conjunct the country's natal Neptune with the possibility of hero worship and the like, but it's ultimately controlled by Saturn -- the final say over in the 12th. Before his Jupiter that is. :-) It all works out. He's learning about the philosophy of will versus god and fate and how to apply it to his own life. Collective responsibility happens to be an adjunct.

So his story becomes a metaphor for everyone's as the planet goes into Pluto in Capricorn square Uranus in Aries. Can I really do what I want? Who's the boss? Who decides? Am I truly autonomous? Is the future really mine to determine? What's really holding me down and back? These are the questions Obama represents and he provides a mirror in which each individual can look at him/herself in order to come to a working and equitable relationship with power and authority in a much broader sense than the president or the government. The idea is instead of being shy, people can use his genius and power to enhance their own existences. And as always .... to learn. There is no one in charge of you but yourself.

Surprise!!

Happy Monday and have a great week! Bouncing about. And no bouncing on or off the walls!

Rhythm & Grace

One of my heroes is Fred Astaire. He's the best dancer I've ever seen in popular America. And I love dance. He could be sharp and pointed, fluid and relaxed, and odd and inventive. Always suave and elegant. Understated. It's good to have him in the ethers and I'm so fortunate he was captured by celluloid. He's mine forever. The only flaw I can think of is that he was almost too precise. Too perfect. His singing, however, was not. It's still charming.

Obama's always reminded me of Fred. And after his dance across Europe and the Middle East .... I can see why. My dream come true. A song and dance man in the House.

Revelation

Lord,
Protect my family and me.
Forgive me my sins and help me guard against pride and despair.
Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just.
And make me an instrument of your will.

Obama's prayer at the Western Wall, a sacred spot in the Holy Land, was taken out and published. People are disturbed, some are frightened, most are outraged. No coincidence that Pluto just left the 29th degree of Sagittarius, the sign of religion and human diversity.
To the day.

The paranoid say it was a plant. Others are horrified at the desecration of religious law and tradition. Some are neutral and feel nothing. But I can't deny the orchestration and as usual, feel that a message is in.

From Israel to Berlin Obama traveled, and he talked about the walls. The wall separating East and West Germany, the wall between Christian and Jew, and Muslim, and the wall between black and white. Then out of the wall back in Israel comes the prayer on the very next day. Kind of amazing.

The prayer basically asks God to protect the man from himself. From the man's own evil nature dominating his good. Both live together in everyone. Do we have a choice?

The Sun is shining on Obama's 12th house Jupiter at 0 Aquarius, ruling religion and the collective. Uranus is still at 22 Pisces with all the spiritual connections going on there. And Saturn is on his Pluto, activating the deep and troubled Saturn retrograde in the 12th house of spiritual search. The 12th house is the place of redemption after all the human wrong-doings in the previous 11 houses of experience. The saint and sinner, the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It all comes together for resolution at the end of the wheel, particularly important to Obama with his Saturn placed there. Pluto is about to go into Capricorn where guilt and punishment, honor and right-doing are confronted in preparation for forgiveness and release in the 12th as the human understands and accepts the entire spectrum of life's experiences. Judgement over. Of course this is all symbolic and each life exists in shades of variation.

We all know the truth. Americans know what they've done to the Mongolian natives and Negro Africans. The Christians know what they've done to the Jews. The Jews know what they've done to the Muslims. And the Muslims know what they've done to women. It's endless.

So the prayer comes out of the crack while people try to figure out if the man who aims to lead is good or bad. Which side is he on? Well, which side are you on?

Then again, SpotDawa has an alternative viewpoint ......

"The whole idea of writing a note to God and putting it in a crack in a wall is just plain wacko. Why would you do this and think no one was going to come along and read it later? Does anyone who writes one of these notes think they are never read by anybody? Does anyone who writes them think that a Spirit reads them? The whole world is and always has been completely off it's rocker."

Could very well be.

Kids

Just a second .. Obama is speaking.

Says the mother ... "The quote in the title is from the oldest of the two pre-schoolers in our house. Early in the afternoon I tuned into the teevee broadcast to catch Obama's speech. Perhaps you've seen pictures from the event. Fast forward to after the dinner hour and some tinkering around with toys, etc. The kids disappeared into another room for a while. With preschoolers you get a little worried when things get quiet so we offered a gentle call to make sure they were still alive.

'Just a second, Obama is speaking' was the reply. This was quickly followed with a command to the younger sibling...'Help get the stadium filled.'

That certainly piqued enough curiosity to go take a look in the other room. This is what we saw:"

The Leo adorable kids affair has arrived. Obama has a natural affinity for children. They love love love his name. Everyone does. It touches a primordial chord. It's interesting to hear the media spokespeople bash Obama 24/7 while his comfortable reassuring name rolls off their tongues like a million little balls. Here are some comments from the thread:

My daughter's first word: Momma Obama! while pointing at the t.v.

We bought the most recent Rolling Stone with Obama on the cover. This weekend, I noticed that the magazine was missing from the coffee table and my son had gotten awfully quiet.
I looked in his room and there he was trying to hammer the magazine to his bedroom wall.
"What are you doing, doodlebug?" I asked him.
"Put Obama onna wall," he replied.
"You want a picture of Obama on your wall?"
"Yes!"
Since I wanted to keep the magazine in my collection, I scanned the cover, printed it out, and helped him tape it to his wall. He's so proud of that picture and shows it to everyone who comes into the house!

I have a 20-year-old (in years only) autistic son who has grown up on Disney. One night last February, I think it was, during Black History Month, he was asking me at bedtime about Harriet Tubman. I was explaining about the underground railway -- then said, "Isn't it amazing that here we are in 2008 and a black man is running for President?" He looked up at me and said, very quietly, "We can change the world." Stopped me cold. Turns out, he had been watching some CNN too and caught a commercial along the way that stuck with him.
Months later, he gets very agitated when he hears any negative press or comments about Obama. The other night he said, "Are we still going to change the world?"

His name does evoke the mother sensation. Such an intriguing gender blend here. Barack also sounds like "rock" which probably adds to the the security they feel. I find it odd that they take to his face so much considering his strong features and dark skin. I wonder what they see. Almost wish I had a toddler I could ask.:-)

My Thanks

To Senator Barack Obama for representing me with dignity on his "fact-finding" mission abroad with his Congressional team.

As the Sun transits Leo and pride returns for the moment I am reminded of the reasons for my lifelong attraction to this sign and those who have the good fortune to embody some of the best characteristics. While I am personally aware of the arrogance and sense of superiority that can sometimes accompany the stellar traits, I have confidence that the USA with her North Node in Leo will ultimately express the more benificent aspects. With Pluto so deep in Sagittarius, part of my pride rests on the glorious recognition of diversity in the human population and the fact that possibility of actualizing potential and trust in the future are within reach.

You are doing a fine job.

Fondly,
Jm

Traveling Space, Crossing Waters

There are some interesting aspects to Obama's overseas journey, timed as it is. One of the primary factors is the closing of the three month Uranus station at 22 Pisces, collective seas being stimulated across the globe.

At the top of the USA chart in the 9th house of foreign lands sits Neptune at 22 degrees Virgo, now being opposed by Uranus. Obama's Virgo Mars is also at 22. The glamourous mythic image the US historically held in the world's eyes and it's recent downfall have entered the spotlight and the opportunity for resurrection is apparent although with reservations and a more realistic end result. Saturn is also in Virgo. Saturn retrograde will be just off the 22 Virgo degree at 21 on the day of the inauguration. Going back for repairs.

America has always been a mythological kingdom, a promised land of fantasy to people around the planet. In the beginning of last century when the movie industry was created, the country released stories in serial form that had viewers everywhere enthralled waiting for each episode to come out and give continuity to their lives. The ability to capture human imagination reached its height. For the rest of the century people re-created themselves in America's image until the thin pop-culture veneer deteriorated to what it is today. Still all eyes are upon the young nation, so lively and unpredictable.

In the meantime, the image of savior also reached a high point with the liberation of Europe from the Nazis in WWII. But then the hero became the villain as the century ended in misbegotten wars, continuous acquisition, and ultimate disillusionment. No one believed that a man like the last president could be elected in this once worshipped haven of democracy and high spirits, the previous dips so conveniently forgotten.

Now the repair seems possible, certainly desired by many. But I think the repair is greater than that of the American image. I have a theory. Keep in mind my healthy imagination if you care to follow this.
I think it might include a shift in thinking about the German people indicated by the speech being scheduled in Berlin at this juncture. Why was Germany chosen? I did some research and, of course, found some very interesting connections.

My theory revolves around the fact that in order to evolve as a species, humans have to come to an understanding of genocidal tendencies, including a resolution of the guilt and responsibility the German people feel about one of the most troubled moments in history -- the rise of Adolph Hitler and the 3rd Reich, and the elevation of genocide to massive proportions. The actor today, Obama, exposes a similar side of the American character, and everyone else's for that matter. How much the Germans are to be blamed can never be ascertained, but the mere mention of Germans brings to mind the image of Hitler in many human brains. At some point I believe that association might be transformed. At least it would be wise to recognize that the impulse to degrade others is universal. Blame is a difficult thing to pinpoint. Especially with Pluto so deep into Sagittarius. It's everyone's or no one's fault, depending on how you look at it. Everyone's alive and participating.

The German Empire came into being on January 1, 1871 at midnight in Berlin, with Saturn, Sun, Venus, and Mercury all in Capricorn. Pluto will be there soon with lessons of authoritarian power, guilt, abuse, dignity, responsibility, mastery, and all things Capricorn. The full moon just passing these planets brought the formal announcement of the speech. It certainly does seem to be connected to the upcoming transit of Pluto through Capricorn. Obama's Saturn conjoins Germany's Mercury articulating these concerns. Mars is at 0 Libra on the Libra ascendant giving meaning to the tearing down of the wall of separation between the divided sections of Germany and credence to ideas about the necessity of unity in the world today. It seems like we do have some common problems to solve.

But here's where it gets really interesting. The chart of the 3rd Reich has Neptune, Mars, and Jupiter in Virgo, cleansing the white race of impurities, where Saturn is transiting currently with Mars, and Uranus is stationing opposite. Opposite what exactly? Jupiter at 22 Virgo. The North Node in Pisces sits on top of the chart, the collective seas reigning supreme, all colors of the spectrum included. Pisces can represent the pinnacle of compassion or the depths of humiliation. Redemption is written into every act of depravity.

Virgo square Pluto in Sagittarius:

An irrational certainty that ideas represent the only right way of thinking enables the influencing of others that can equate with prejudice. Virgoan ethics reinforced by Sagittarius morality can give a more profound interest in concepts of right and wrong than in the struggles of imperfect human beings. Both sides can make judgements without sufficient knowledge. On the beneficial side, Virgoan disciplines can purify the mind of the Sagittarian counselor, creating a living example of philosophy put to work.
From Astrology: The Divine Science: Marcia Moore & Mark Douglas

There's no telling how far the human race is advancing at any instant since people are inside looking out and have no historical, nor future perspectives. But as usual, time will reveal its secrets. Humans are always faced with their conflict between greed and desire for domination, and their idealistic urge for cooperation. I do believe, however, that if people are aware, they can influence the process even if only by keeping these thoughts in mind. Just looking beyond for a brief moment here and there could affect the outcome theoretically. Across space and waters into endless time.
Kees Veenenbos: One of Jupiter's Moons

Pride - Black, Brown, White, Yellow, Red, Blue, and Otherwise

The Sun enters Leo

I remember vividly my first experience in the Middle East. It was Istanbul, Turkey in 1967, and when the sun set that day, the haunting sounds of chanting from the Blue Mosque filled the city. I knew I was in another dimension never to return. The feeling inside the Mosque itself is overwhelming in its grandeur and silence. The darkness within, the brilliant light without streaming through the age-old stained glass. I'm reminded of those days whenever I see pictures like the one below. I still can't believe this is happening in this divided troubled world with so many shades of humanity.

King Abdullah of Jordan was not meant to be there when Obama arrived but he left Denver hurriedly at the last minute to meet with him. He personally drove Barack to the airport when he left. The Middle East is in a Leonine uproar, ecstatic at the arrival of this unusual and most dignified man in their homelands. The sunset song seems to herald an unknown future every day. The human voice crying out for recognition. An ancient tune.

One of my favorite people in the world is a long time friend, born and raised in Chicago, now living in Denver. An African American who found assimilation into the white world somewhat easy. We talked a lot about the situation over the years, she was a social worker, now a school psychologist. I hadn't seen her in a long time and last week I got a longing, hard and clear. I wanted to talk to her about Obama.

Last night, there she was. I found her in a store. Oh how we laughed. We've always met that way. Telepathically. She's a warm Taurus and boy did I ever fall into her arms. I quickly came to the subject of Obama and never in my life have I seen her so animated. I suspected this was going on in the black community, and I was right. Her two children are just now entering college and the enthusiasm for their futures is more than she ever imagined. It's happened so quickly, so much to adjust to, so much dazzling confusion and joy. And most of all .... pride. I'm proud, myself.

War and Freedom

There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.
Sun Tzu

The station of Uranus at 22 Pisces comes to a close.

The Iraq War was a strange one from the start. It began with the Sun at 29 degrees Pisces, the very end of the wheel of experience. Pisces was on the ascendant as well. The location in the birthplace of civilization added gravity to the situation and the invasion itself never had a clear mission nor an exit strategy. Confusion abounded and while Operation Iraqi Freedom started with great enthusiasm and fanfare, it's closing with a big question mark and feelings of disorientation. Why was the United States there and what was it doing? Those questions might never be answered but once thing is certain now. The people on all sides want it to end.

Pluto is at 29 degrees Sagittarius exactly square the Sun in the chart. The Full Moon in Capricorn had 29 degrees Gemini rising, also square that Sun. The long station of Uranus at 22 Pisces touches the war chart, Obama's Mars, and US Neptune square Mars. With all these forces aligned, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, just "not-officially" endorsed Obama's 16 month withdrawal plan. They meet in Baghdad today.

16 months you wonder. Why that figure? Does that mean 16 months from now or 16 from the inauguration?

The chart of the invasion on March 20, 2003 has Saturn at 22 Gemini exactly square transiting Uranus now, the planet of liberation. This repeats the Saturn-Uranus theme in the world in general. Added to that is transiting Saturn square USA Uranus. But here's where it gets especially interesting. 16 months from now, Uranus will be back at 22 Pisces where it is today. 16 months from the inauguration, Uranus will be at 29 Pisces, conjunct the war Sun. Take your pick.

So who exactly is being liberated and from what? Perchance the Iraqis will be freed from their age-old history of foreign occupation. Or the United States will be separated for a long time from her need to engage in mistaken wars. These are possibilities, mind you.

Wings of Change

The Obamabird has taken to the skies. His new craft. Our homing pigeon is off delivering messages to the world. The Gemini Moon winged wanderer who owns very few pairs of shoes, they say. Saturn is crossing his Pluto ... in humble Virgo? His name is only in fine print, but we're all beginning to recognize him anyway.

The family's golden-throated warbler. Aquarian man of the future. Speaking to history. Perhaps Pluto will be teaching the group something about the nature of true wealth.

What's Left?

"It's always great when people argue with others on their own side for the cause of greater understanding."
Ken Harvey

In preparing for what appears to be a time for progressive change in America I've observed those on the left of the political spectrum beginning to face their own schisms, faulty thinking, illusions, and hero worship, similar to those on the right. The left can be just as rigid and superior, but since their ideas might come into practice to a degree, it's a perfect time to take a closer look.

One of the intellectuals of the left, Naomi Klein, is followed by many, but I've always had reservations about her theories and facts and her black and white view of economics, politics, and social decay. I came across this long detailed critique by Jonathan Chait which some of you might find very interesting.

"Klein proceeds to interpret most of the events of the last thirty years as repetitions of the same inexorable pattern: elites forcing laissez-faire policies upon unwilling citizens. "

"The notion that crises create fertile terrain for political change, far from being a ghoulish doctrine unique to free-market radicals, is a banal and ideologically universal fact. (Indeed, it began its dubious modern career in the orbit of Marxism, where it was known as 'sharpening the contradictions.') Entrenched interests and public opinion tend to run against sweeping reform, good or bad, during times of peace and prosperity. Liberals could not have enacted the New Deal without the Great Depression. Communist revolutions have generally come about in the wake of wars. The liberal economist Victor R. Fuchs once wrote that national health insurance will probably come to the United States in the wake of a major change in the political climate."

"She recognizes that neoconservatism sits at the heart of the Iraq war project, but she does not seem to know what neoconservatism is; and she makes no effort to find out. Her ignorance of the right is on bright display."

This one is really interesting:
"The other piece of data that Klein cites to support her charge that Bush administration officials profit from the disasters that they cause is Vice President Cheney's holdings in Halliburton. 'When he leaves office in 2009 and is able to cash in his Halliburton holdings,' she charges, 'Cheney will have the opportunity to profit extravagantly from the stunning improvement in Halliburton's fortunes.' This is a spectacular accusation -- that the driving force behind the Iraq war stands to gain millions of dollars from it. You might wonder why John Kerry did not make this an issue in 2004, or why liberal pundits have not crusaded against Cheney's blatant self-dealing. The answer, of course, is that it is completely untrue. Cheney has signed a legally binding agreement to donate to charity any increase in his Halliburton stock. (Honest -- you can look this up on factcheck.org.) Lord knows Rumsfeld and Cheney have committed enough actual misdeeds not to need indicting with imaginary ones."

These could be exciting, productive, and rewarding times ahead, it can't be predicted for certain, but the conditions for reform are present. In view of the potential, I think it's a great idea to become as educated as possible, with the end result being the formation of one's own opinions and world views. Even though I came from a progressive intellectual political family, I feel like I'm just getting started myself.

Ifs, Ands, and Butts

This looks like a great place for a one-on-one chat. A tete-a-tete even. But I know myself at my recently advanced age. That hard seat. My adipose deficient posterior, otherwise known as my bony butt, would object most strenuously. I'd end up on the grass. But you can stay on the seat if you'd like. If you don't mind my feet up there. And I promise. No politics.

Another Capricorn Full Moon Event of Note

Miscalculation

The prestigious, dare I say elitist, publication entitled The Wall Street Journal -- WSJ to those in the know -- just humiliated itself in a fashion I've never seen before. They misplayed the money game quite magnificently.

As you might have heard, they underreported presidential candidate Barack Obama's June fundraising total by 22 million. Ripples were felt. Mouths flapped vigorously. And these professionals are considered financial experts.
The long revered news source took a hit on credibility it might never recover from. Respect can be ephemeral, you know. Economics fickle.

Astonishing. And with Pluto, sometimes known as the magician, on its way to Capricorn, I simply can't imagine what's ahead.
Bread Box: Eric Forstmann

Who's in Charge?

An amazing convergence is occurring this full moon and the events surrounding it make me think that a global coordination is underway. So who/what is behind it all?

The full moon is at 26 degrees Capricorn, conjunct USA Pluto and Obama's Saturn. Ceremony, authority, dignity, leadership, and serious consideration of world problems. From every angle agreement with Obama's foreign policy is pouring in. First the Iraqi government announced the plan for a timetable concerning American troop withdrawal. Pluto is squaring the 29 Pisces of the invasion chart. Then the White House said it would be moving troops from Iraq to Afghanistan. Finally, scheduling is in the works for talks with Iran. All of these have been recommendations of Obama's for a long time and they are being implemented just as he is about to make his international debut, including an important trip to the Middle East. It's almost too perfect. Are the authorities behind this and just who are the authorities? Are the world leaders planning for his presidency or are they just following cosmic orders? Stunning.

The really interesting addition is Jupiter also in Capricorn, retrograde at 16 degrees. When it returns to this degree, it will be shining over the USA 2008 presidential election, joining the moon in Capricorn once again. Whoever's in charge is doing a pretty good job.
I trust the same powers are guiding my own life with equal perfection.
James P. Blair: Swayanbhunath Stupa Nepal

A Tear and a Handkerchief

For the bedraggled Netroots. They're meeting in Austin this week-end and you know what I think? They're in the doghouse.
The incoming administration has not shown favor toward the group and their myriad requests and I know .... they're bummed.

But cheer up! It's Austin. Great party town!

And sleep well if you plan to camp out along the way.
Upp .. I mean .... I forgot about the gas.
Sleep: Chris Van Dusen

Yeeeaaay!!!!!!!

I am very very pleased. The anti-Muslim fervor in this country reminds me of many horrible spurts of group hatred in the nation's past, but I was relieved this time around, even with intense Neocon propaganda, that the people were exhibiting a hint of reason. I remember the Commie days with air raid drills in school when I was too young to understand the nature of threat. Well for that matter, the grown-ups weren't doing much better.

So I was disheartened when the accusations against Obama brought up the same dangerous possibility of manufactured hate against all Muslims. Tonight a Larry King interview with the Senator is airing and after his usual well-spoken response to a question regarding the New Yorker cover cartoon, he said this:

One last point I want to -- I do want to make about these e-mails, though. And I think this has an impact on this "New Yorker" cover.
You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim-Americans, something that we don't spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I've been derelict in pointing that out.
You know, there are wonderful Muslim-Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things. And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate. And it's not what America's all about.

Yes. I am pleased. Pluto in Sagittarius be blessed. The moon passed by today on her way to a full Capricorn moon. A highly important issue for me.

Obama on global community.

Fear of Air

No matter what the opinion of the soon-to-be Democratic Presidential Nominee, most people I know want the night of the ceremony to go perfectly. More perfect.

The most often repeated fear is that of the weather. "I'm afraid of rain", they whimper.

Faith my dears. Pluto in Sagittarius will approve. Let's hope the whole crew is ready. And if it rains? 60,000 umbrellas (some don't mind getting wet) could be witness to this unusual moment in history. There's almost always an element of chance.
The sky falls all the time.

Fear of Planets

"No one feels good about the astrological conditions on election day, nor the conditions on inauguration day. There is a shadow looming over the charts."
Barry C. Orr: The Cosmically Stressed Election of 2008

This is an astrological prediction concerning the upcoming 2008 United States' presidential election, echoing a common theme among today's astrologers. The Saturn-Uranus opposition is the culprit most identified with the looming disaster.
But let's take a closer look, since we can safely assume that these human creatures' sizable fears are a projection of their own internal conflicts relative to authority. Many have discussed the dangerous government the people supposedly labor under, yet the idea that the planets will bring catastrophe is strikingly similar ... a view of a world controlled by predominately punishing powers. Perhaps Pluto in Sagittarius will clarify.

As children, people put puzzle pieces together with glee, then with one Zeus-like stroke, undo the formation with equal pleasure scattering the parts anywhere to create sublime disorder. As they grow older they graduate to jigsaw puzzles, taking time and great pains to organize the creations, reluctant to mess with them often leaving them on the construction table for ages, not to be disturbed. Rigidity mounts.
Saturn builds a logical structure, then Uranus comes along to turn it upside-down, inside-out, and into assorted weird variations, so that it can be re-arranged in Pisces, the chips falling where they will, the perfect disorganized organization. Such is the set-up for this election as the present order is broken up and rearranged.

Oppositions can be troublesome, or they can be fairly easy to balance, usually a combination of both. Sometimes conjunctions are the hardest since they involve two or more entities competing for the same space with no perspective or wiggle room. With oppositions, they can bounce back and forth and play with one another.

"Opposition can represent the fullness of a cycle.
A time of choosing.
A reminder to make haste slowly, and determinedly proceed."
Kadimiros

I think this says it well. Every month it happens in the moon cycles. The full moon provides the perfect mirror when opposing forces are actually merged in a way, yet still separate, in a brief moment of extreme clarity and equality. So it will be on election day when Saturn opposes Uranus exactly to the minute.

In politics, Saturn and Uranus represent the established order opposing some kind of departure from the norm. It does not necessarily mean Liberal or Conservative in the usual sense, just a change from the model currently in use. The precise opposition probably means that the candidate we get will embody both. That the election and next presidency will bring reform within the existing system. How hard this blend is to bring into reality remains to be seen, while the struggle to create the balance continues to the election.

What interests me is the scenario unfolding before my very eyes. Obama is being divvied up and placed back into the status quo by some, now mixed with those who view him as an agent of change. A wondrous split in collective desire. So who will finally represent both so beautifully pinpointed by the transiting planets? This sort of union, if you will.

Here is a little quiz: which one of the following is most worthy of your fear?

A. Saturn
B. Uranus
C. Obama
D. All of the above
E. None of the above
F. One or two of the above

Revenge and the Wisdom of Immunity

A Metaphysical View

As usual, what's really happening is not the obvious.
The FISA controversy is interesting in some ways and part of a bigger picture. Today the puzzle is taking on a new form.

"The people in the second category are genuine in their fear and anger and it isn't really the crappy legislation written by appeasers in the House of Reps. It's that we aren't going to lock Bush up for a hundred years. When you set out for revenge dig two graves has a lot of meaning in this context."

Most of what is fueling the progressive outcry is a desire for revenge. Some are still angry that Clinton lost and always will be, others want the Neocons punished no matter what the expense and futility. Very few are concerned about the Constitution regardless of what they say. Mob hysteria rises and ultimately falls.

I have a South Node in Scorpio with karmic memory of such things and I will tell you this. Revenge doesn't work. To call it justice is a cover-up. Justice happens anyway with or without the executioner's hand. If you play that part you have to suffer the repercussions of guilt and continuance of the game. Granted, some have these lessons to learn, especially those with Scorpio planets, but the highest achievement leaves justice to the cosmos when the attempt to bring suffering to the perpetrators becomes useless, as it is now.

FISA was created to protect the people from illegal surveillance after Nixon and Watergate. Did it work? Of course not. Did the previous prosecutions secure our future? No. Naturally we need law and order, an official justice system, and an "effective" penal code, but until the true motivations of the accusers, and sometimes their unconscious complicity, are understood, the crimes will be repeated ad infinitum. Now is the chance for a breakthrough. We are trying collectively to end a long cycle and everyone is a player.

The perfection of immunity, metaphysically speaking, prevents the American people from wasting time, energy, and money going after the miscreants when the country is on a precipice ready to change direction. A clean break from the past would be ideal leaving cause and effect to work its magic. Immunity, more than protecting the companies, protects the people from pursuing this useless path. I guarantee that putting them in designer jails, paying for their expensive meals yourselves, will not bring the satisfaction you long for. The path to correction in the breakdown of civil liberties is elsewhere. From the looks of the transits today this path could be emerging.

Mars is conjunct Saturn in Virgo, a time for repair and forward motion indicated by Mars. They are inconjunct the South Node in Aquarius in the USA chart showing the collective concern for liberty and rights, now exposed to the light and this will continue for some time with all the Virgo and Aquarian placements coming up, especially in the inauguration chart.

The Moon is in Libra repeating the theme of partisanship correction, but today's conflict has exposed the problems in the left wing of American politics. The problems of the Right are already known, and the same emotional extremism permeates the Left. It needs attention and hard work, hopefully with the help of Virgo. Nothing illustrates this more than the quarrel that just erupted between Al Giordano and Glenn Greenwald, bringing to the surface the rifts we must face if we are to really fix our government and preserve our rights.

"Greenwald has a strong financial incentive to keep others off his little patch of Purity Turf. If he stops being 'The Guardian of Righteousness for the Pure Progressive Jihad' then he loses readers, page views, and ultimately cash. No more book deals, no more little columns in Salon banging the same tedious drum. Not that Glenn will ever admit it - but he saw his chance to achieve financially rewarding 'martyrdom' - and behold, the self-righteousness and self-pity flowed. I look at his aggression and extremism and feel that this isn't exactly progressive politics - and certainly not politics that stands a chance of winning converts. You don't get anywhere by kicking down the frontdoor as a prelude to a debate."

I expect to see the flap turn a corner into new territory as Saturn transits Virgo in preparation for Libra and the USA Saturn return. There is some possibility that fruitful civilized debate could emerge.

The other factor today is the start of a two and a half month station of the North Node at 18 Aquarius exactly on Obama's ascendant. Fascinating, n'est-ce pas? The illumination of independence and the real road to civil liberty. His "friends on the left," as he calls them, are none too happy, those on the right are equally unhappy. Some among us don't belong to any rigid ideological group, so we judge Obama for ourselves as we go, a man free to walk his own path, the "cave"man, caving in to neither Left nor Right, only crossing the center on his way here and there. The long station gives everyone the opportunity to look at the Senator objectively, from a mental perspective, just as the Sun leaves fearful Cancer, and then the 18 degree node leads us to this unusual nomination, revenge forgotten for the moment.

The best revenge is a realignment of the US government and a new working progressive majority. Freedom from the recent past and liberation from our own inertia.
Thy vote be done.
Spider: Louise Bourgeois

Sagittarius and the Family of Man

A Mile High and Getting Higher
On Obama's nomination speech in Denver

Mayor John Hickenlooper said the city would accomodate Obama if that's where he wants to give his speech. "From the point of view of the city of Denver, if the Obama team were to request us to go in this direction, we would move heaven and earth because it's a historic moment."

I promise you the end of Pluto in Sagittarius will be enriching. The sign of Sagittarius reaches upward and outward, the human's first experience beyond the familiar, closed, interpersonal, when the seeker connects to the larger family, broader horizons, and finally to the god-figure. A rocket ship to the cosmos, inclusive, ever-expanding, and dimension altering.

I have a Moon-Jupiter conjunction in Sagittarius in the 9th house. I feel at home anywhere in the world. I easily adopt the customs and fit into the life of the people whose home I'm visiting, and even if my Aries disagrees individually, I have an overall feeling of belonging with the human race.

One morning in a tea shop high in the mountains of Chitral, Pakistan, my traveling companions and I met a small, wiry, energetic man who invited us to his village. We set out on what was to become one of the most unusual experiences of my life. He took us along the cold mountain stream, over rocks all day as we leapt to keep up with him. We had no idea where we were going but we trusted him completely. Dedicated followers.

At sundown we arrived at one of the strangest places I'd ever encountered, a tiny village in the state of Kafiristan. The Kafirs are not like anyone else in the world. They are thought to be descendants of Alexander the Great's army when he conquered the territory in ancient times. They are small, stunningly beautiful people, with shells and ornaments all through their hair and the most luminous smiles I'd ever seen. They were thrilled to greet us and immediately provided a hut for the night leaving us dazed by their gentleness and lightness. Soon we heard a sound outside the door and upon opening it, found no one -- just a large basket of fruit and nuts. Later that evening they joined us in the hut around the fire in the center of the room, all of us animatedly sharing so much information knowing how brief our encounter would be. I think that's when my Sagittarius planets reached the pinnacle of ecstasy, an experience that's colored my whole life.

My mother was Hungarian and came to the States when she was in her 20s. I grew up in a typical American town in both the black and white neighborhoods, easily accepting of human variation in my large tolerant multi-racial and multi-ethnic family. I don't thrive in tense, hateful environments, so when I found Denver, I knew I'd found a place I might enjoy. Denver has a Venus at 29 degrees Sagittarius square Neptune at 29 Pisces, and is perhaps the most accepting and friendly place I've been to in the US. It's no wonder this historic breakthrough is happening high in these rocky peaks.

When I moved here we had a typical bloated white establishment mayor and I paid no notice. He was inoffensive. But soon after, with about a 12% Hispanic population, an American of Mexican descent was elected, Federico Pena, with great enthusiasm. Then came another white guy. Then with about the same percentage of Blacks, an African American was elected, Wellington Webb. I thought, "These people seem to have no prejudice". I'd noticed a relaxed attitude in daily life anyway. But the real proof came when they elected Hickenlooper, a science geek, not even a politician! I can't imagine what's next.

So it's with great joy that I look forward to this revisiting of the diversity of the human race, the human trust despite very obvious differences, as Pluto transits Denver's Venus and Neptune, opening up the experience to the people of the city, the country, and the world, outside under the heavens. There's a lot to celebrate.
Reclining Buddha of Zinathukha Pagoda: Thierry Falise

Dissent and Independence

The Saturn-Uranus opposition continues

Astrology provides the best navigational map in life I've found. The chart is a blueprint of the psyche and one of the greatest tools for learning, provided you are serious about acquiring knowledge.

I'm an Aries Rising with a Mars-Uranus square, born to blast into survival, to muscle against resistance. For much of my life I didn't understand my rage and determination. I was ostracized from most groups because of my dissent (I'm against just about everything), and those I was sort of allowed into, soon kicked me out. I wasn't permitted to tell the truth in my inimitable way, nor did I really want to belong and hide behind imitation and acquiescence. I got used to it and resigned myself to my separation from the merry crowd. My zealotry found no complete target. Until now. I also have toned down the flaming expression of adversity in hopes that some of my ideas will find more influence. People used to goad me into the outrage, enjoying the excitement, but it seemed to dissipate without serving any long-lasting purpose. And of course my Uranus is always up for experimenting with different approaches.

Saturn opposite Uranus is the meeting of the system and the rebel. This theme is repeated many times in Barack Obama's natal chart. His Saturn retrograde in Capricorn in the 12th house is the most important factor along with the South Node in Aquarius, and I will explore this further as we go and you can apply it to unfolding events. From a karmic standpoint he's been through revolutions before. Obama started out as a radical leftist then destiny brought him the realization that he would be working within the system, indicated by the weighty Saturn in Capricorn. The memory of revolt is contained in his Aquarian node, ready to be expressed anew through his Jupiter in Aquarius and Aquarius Rising. Earlier in this life, he studied Nietzsche and others for a year, along with revolutionary theory and technique, in order to understand the nature of power and how to use it to create political change. He applied his learning to his community organizing work and now is ready to use it in the broader world, particularly as the United States goes through governmental transformation with Pluto returning to its natal position, conjunct Obama's Saturn. He has a thorough knowledge of how the world's game is played, along with an unflinching recognition of the darker side of reality, all adding up to ability which can be highly useful. Change comes with rebellion but to be effective it must be channeled. His maneuvers now, not understood by some, are the efforts of working within the dense power structure he knows so well. He's moving in and his actions will change accordingly, adjustments made, as he navigates the complex web and takes his leadership position. More changes are ahead.

Recent events have awakened the political body to its predicament in a raw and immediate way, and the rage expressed has yet to find an accurate target. There's a lot to learn. Mass hysteria, the lynch mob mentality, can turn on a dime against the rebels. So foundation up meticulous organizing is desirable, along with just the right amount of emotion, inspiration, and courage to move into unknown territory. Learn as you go -- how to find real independence as Uranus transits Aries. This childish and clumsy start will mature as Pluto transits Capricorn. Naivete gradually becomes knowingness as experience teaches the way. Minor policy disputes give way to major transformation.

The global elite rulership is in place and cannot be dismantled now, so Obama can only work within the web on his end of it. People will try to guess whose side he's on and they will fail. He's on everybody's side and will show no particular allegiance to any one group. He works a lot in the abstract and the magnitude of his vision precludes distraction.

Pluto in Capricorn might be the weight that pulls the group back as it heads into the Aries frontier, but it also can provide ballast as the collective sails uncharted waters. I'm banking on Obama to prove himself an excellent captain with his Saturn retrograde in Capricorn in the 12th house seas. It's hard to imagine such a coordinated effort -- bottom to top, top to bottom, sky to earth, earth to galaxy -- but it's possible. If we truly believe, not in the government as oppressor, but as ally, the move can be successful. A government inviting dissent is surely an ally, no matter how much peeping people think is being done. And the governing body is merely an extension of collective will, the leaders temporary spokespeople for collective desire. The rulers as well as the commoners seem to be in shock right now, not knowing where the cues are coming from. Exciting to an anarchist revolutionary such as myself. Just enough pandemonium in the ordered system to turn me into a voter. People view the government as the enemy, but in truth, they also see one another as the same enemy whether they want to admit it or not. Wouldn't it be something if we forgot who the enemy was?

In the meantime, the fine fine art of successful dissent is on the schedule for next semester's lesson plan. Independence in the end is not really the herd stampeding out of control, hooked on some infraction of the perceived rules, but more important, it's recognition of each individual's unique place, his or her own center in the multitude of centers that make up the human race.

Love in Montana

Today Obama's older daughter Malia turns 10. Yet another connection to the heart of this struggling country. Pre-pubescence has arrived. 10 is my all time favorite age in human life. I remember vividly when my adorable sister (9 years younger) was 10 and how much joy she brought into my life. Lots of laughter, lots of questions and opinions. If the Obamas spend the next eight years in the White House it will be another joy for me to watch Malia grow into a young woman. Such a fascinating transition. A beautiful child and a good model for all our daughters as Pluto opposes USA Venus and Neptune conjoins our Moon.
I know how she feels. I loved my Dad too. Barack's got Venus in Cancer in the 5th house of children.
A perfect set-up for love.

The Center

L.centrum , GR.kentron - point

The point or place equally distant from the extremities.
A point from which effects, influences, etc., proceed.

"In astrology, the symbol of the Sun represents the circle of spirit with the addition of a dot at the center. This pivotal point makes the figure vital and dynamic. It shows that spirit has manifested itself through particular form. The Sun represents the individualized principle in nature. It is the nucleus of any entity and the determinant of its identity.

All existence involves an interplay between a central point containing an infinite number of dimensions, and an infinite number of points of no dimension."

That's a lot. So the way I see it, it doesn't matter where you are. I thought one was always trying to find the center. So then why are some people so afraid of it? Do they fear losing themselves there or do we find ourselves? Or neither, if the assumption that identity resides in the middle is false. Is there some magnetic force repelling the individual from the inner sanctum? What's the correct direction? What's right about left? Sometimes I find myself agreeing with the idea that there's folly in this, although I do find myself attracted to such a place so replete with dimension.
From the Divine Astrologer: Marcia Moore & Mark Douglas
Painting: Space, Rudolph Bauer, 1932

What Is

"Most Americans never bought into these simplistic world-views - these caricatures of left and right. All too often our politics still seems trapped in these old, threadbare arguments - a fact most evident during our recent debates about the war in Iraq, when those who opposed administration policy were tagged by some as unpatriotic, and a general providing his best counsel on how to move forward in Iraq was accused of betrayal...

Of course, precisely because America isn't perfect, precisely because our ideals constantly demand more from us, patriotism can never be defined as loyalty to any particular leader or government or policy. As Mark Twain, that greatest of American satirists and proud son of Missouri, once wrote, "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." We may hope that our leaders and our government stand up for our ideals, and there are many times in our history when that's occurred. But when our laws, our leaders or our government are out of alignment with our ideals, then the dissent of ordinary Americans may prove to be one of the truest expressions of patriotism...."

The Magic of it All

Today, AP is reporting on the long lasting health benefits of psilocybin. Terrence McKenna believed humanity owes its evolution, or at least the reason or inciting incident, to psilocybin.

"McKenna theorized that as the North African jungles receded, near the end of the most recent ice age, giving way to savannas and grasslands, a branch of our tree-dwelling primate ancestors left the forest canopy and began to live in the open areas outside of the forest. There they experimented with new varieties of foods as they adapted, physically and mentally, to their new environment.

Among the new food items found in this new environment were psilocybin-containing mushrooms growing in the dung of ungulate herds that occupied the savannas and grasslands at that time. McKenna, referencing the research of Roland L. Fisher, Ph.D. (College of Optometry and Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University), claimed that enhancement of visual acuity was an effect of psilocybin at low doses, and supposed that this would have conferred an adaptive advantage. He also argued that the effects of slightly larger doses, including sexual arousal (not reported as a typical effect in scientific studies) — and in still larger doses, ecstatic hallucinations and glossolalia — gave selective evolutionary advantages to members of those tribes who partook of it. There were many changes caused by the introduction of this psychoactive mushroom to the primate diet. McKenna hypothesizes, for instance, that synesthesia (the blurring of boundaries between the senses) caused by psilocybin led to the development of spoken language: the ability to form pictures in another person's mind through the use of vocal sounds.

About 12,000 years ago, further climate changes removed psilocybin-containing mushrooms from the human diet. McKenna argued that this event resulted in a new set of profound changes in our species as we reverted to the previous brutal primate social structures that had been modified and/or repressed by frequent consumption of psilocybin."

So what will the new climate changes deliver to this hapless race? Less of the brutal primate? Maybe, maybe, fingers crossed. The dung of ungulate herds is still around. It's astonishing. Evolution proceeds. The crush of oppression versus the expansion of freedom on the omnipotent see-saw of human desire. Afraid? why not? Unafraid? Just as well. My mantra? No one's in charge. Ingest as you will.

Glossolalia: glossolalia consists of strings of meaningless syllables made up of sounds taken from those familiar to the speaker and put together more or less haphazardly .... Glossolalia is language-like because the speaker unconsciously wants it to be language-like. Yet in spite of superficial similarities, glossolalia fundamentally is not language.
In other words ....

So If I'm understanding this correctly, "ecstatic hallucinations and glossolalia give selective evolutionary advantages?" Sign me up.