A mundane horoscope for Japan

An authentic mundane horoscope for Japan has long been sought in astrological circles. Recently, the vedic astrologer V. K. Choudhry suggested that the Post-War Constitution Chart (PWC chart) "appears to be the right chart for Japan".

In The Book of World Horoscopes by Nicholas Campion (1996 ed.) it is stated that "Horoscopes for modern Japan are also set for the revival of the country following the defeat in the second world war in 1945, and its occupation by the USA" Campion mentions that the post-war constitution came into effect "apparently at 0.00 hrs on 3 May 1947 in Tokyo". The constitution was "promulgated on 3 November 1946, and formally presented to the Diet (parliament) by the Emperor in the morning [of 3 May] and marked by ceremonies in the afternoon."

Capricorn in the ascendant
First let us review some of the things Professor Choudhry has written about the sign Capricorn when rising in the ascendant and consider it in terms of a mundane chart:

“The sign Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. It is a negative, non-human, earthy and semi-fruitful sign. Capricornians are social as Venus rules their tenth house. They are conservative, selfish and selective in approach. They are secretive, pensive, organised, proud and fastidious. They are vigilant and tactful. They have compromising nature in order to achieve leadership.

The major stress area is the fluctuating status of their own fortune as Mercury, the planet of fluctuations, rules the ninth house of Capricornians. They long for leadership, political power, practice of law and business. Their major pursuits in life include acquisition of assets, partnerships and social contacts for personal benefits and selfish ends.

The significator for the soul, the Sun and significator for morality and generosity, Jupiter, are functional malefics for Capricornians. The strong Sun and Jupiter ensure a happy and harmonious married life and Capricornians prefer enjoying a comfortable life.

The mooltrikona sign of Mars is in the fourth house, and the strength of Mars in its period governs the acquisition of assets, good education, alertness and passionate married life. One gets happiness from long-lived mother when Mars is strong."

A strong Moon assures good success in foreign policy. As stated above, a major stress area is the ninth house, where mooltrikona sign of weakness prone Mercury falls. "The sign Libra of Venus plays a major role in the life of Capricornians, as their professional success is dependant on the good strength of Venus."

Placements in the PWC chart
Now lets us look at the chart based on the given time. First we see that 2nd lord SATURN is placed at 9° 34' Cancer in the 7th house of foreign policy. The Japanese people would be concerned with foreign policy and their place in the world. The dispositor of Saturn is the 7th lord MOON, which is placed at 17° 40' Virgo H9. This is a lucky placement. Moreover, Moon is under aspect from exalted 10th lord VENUS at 15° 50' Pisces H3. This suggests that foreign policy is closely connected with foreign trade. Next we consider the dispositor of the Moon, 9th lord MERCURY. It is at 3° 47' Aries H4 and thus has 75% strength. As Mercury is on the rising degree it is favourably aspecting the 4th and 10th houses. This ties the indications of the 7th house and 10th house closer together, but is also indicates good luck with regard to natural resources, fixed properties and social stability on the one hand and foreign trade and executive government on the other. However, given the slight weakness of Mercury in infancy, Saturn only enjoys 75% strength on account of its strength depending on its final dispositor, Mercury. Now we consider two additional influences on Saturn, namely the close aspect of KETU at 9° 30' Scorpio in the 11th house. This adds a pronounced separative influence to the status and ties with neighboring countries. Indeed, Japan is at odds with its closest neighbors China and Korea (both South and North), due to hard experiences in World War II and different political systems, notably in China. Moreover, Japan does not enjoy as active a role in foreign policy as its population size (around 100 million people) and significant economic power could suggest. Rather, Japan often seems to act as a silent partner to the USA in world affairs. Finally, with regard to Saturn, we can note that 12th lord Jupiter at 1° 02' Scorpio in the 11th house, is on the most effective point and thus afflicts the 7th house MEP, wherein Saturn resides. This adds weakness to Saturn and adds a further separative energy to the 7th house and notably Saturn. This may help to explain why Japan has become gouped with the Western countries due to its economic might and political arrangements although in geographic and historical terms it is very different. Moreover, these complex placements suggest the foreign policy is hampered by setbacks or limitations. Since WWII, the international community has not allowed Japan to have a strong military.

The key strength of Japan is the placement of its 4th lord, MARS, at 22° 49' Pisces in the 3rd house along with exalted 10th lord Venus. With both 4th and 10th lords in the 3rd house, Japan favours foreign trade in high tech goods and derives considerable satisfaction from new inititiatives. This placement suggests the business sector is quite dynamic. This is attested by the fact that some of the best known global brand names come from Japan, including Toyota, Sony, Yamaha and Mitsubishi. Many nice artists, including singers, musicians and filmmakers, hail from this country.

The SUN as 8th lord, is strong at 18° 14' Aries H4 and it is unafflicted. This suggests the leader of the country has an important role to facilitate the social harmony. At the same time, as it is 8th lord, there could be some obstacles to 4th house indications, such as real estate, natural resources or social harmony. However, as Sun is not on the most effective point on the house and is not afflicting or afflicted in the chart, the influence is not great.

As 12th lord, JUPITER is placed on the MEP of the 11th house, there could be losses to the sources of income. This influence could also mean that the nation has a sense of loss involving its national aspirations (unlike e.g. the USA which has L1 Moon strong in H11 and has a strong sense of accomplishment with respect to its aspirations). With Ketu in the 11th house, the sources of income or aspirations could be unusual. With RAHU in the 5th house, the children would be worldly and there could be problems in this area due to aspect of Jupiter. With Jupiter as 12th lord on H11 MEP and aspecting H5, there would likely be a sense of young people not feeling a part of adult Japanese society. The fashion trends of Japanese teens seem to reflect the influence of Rahu and 12th lord on the 5th house. As Jupiter is also an indicator of religion, these placements may also explain the emergence of a cult of young people who tried to harm ordinary people by gasing the subways (12th lord Jupiter also aspects the 3rd house).

Interestingly, the affliction of L2 Saturn by Ketu suggests sudden even violent events disrupting the wealth and status of the nation. The affliction of the 11th and 7th, 5th and 3rd house by the 12th lord of losses subjects the country to losses in income, foreign policy, speculation and new business enterprises. In short, the chart seems to offer sufficient potential for explaining disruptions to the economic life.

Notable events
Let´s examine a few notable events with respect to transit and period influences.

The Crash of 1990

A major stock bust happened as the new year of 1990 opened and it lasted for well over a decade.

In May 1989, the Bank of Japan began to raise its discount rate from 2.5% to counter a perceived threat of inflation. The original rate had helped propel the Nikkei 225 index from 11,500 as recently as 1984 to about 38,900 by late 1989. On Dec 31, 1989, the Japanese Nikkei Index peaked at 38,915 (when the DJIA was at 2753). The Nikkei index fell below 9,000 by 2002, shedding over 75% of its peak value. The discount interest rate stood at 6.0% by the end of 1990, which shows that the central bank of Japan was too late in reducing the rate, when the crisis was unfolding, increasing its severity, entrenchment and hence duration.

Natal potential: L12 Jupiter in infancy afflicting the most effective point of the 11th house and L2 Saturn is weak and severely afflicted in the 7th house. Period incluences: the Jupiter major period and Mars sub-period were operating. With Jupite influence there would be losses associated with income and speculation. With 4th lord Mars placed in the 3rd house, there would be contentment from new initiatives.

Transit influences: When the market crash began, transit L12 Jupiter was in the 6th house of financial stability. Meanwhile, L2 Saturn was transiting the 12th house with 8th lord Sun. Transit Ketu was in the 7th house exactly aspecting Mars in the 3rd house. The streak of optimsim and faith in an ever rising income was suddenly broken and the market crashed in the month of January - with the Nikkei sagging for many years.

The Kobe earthquake of 1995
This earthquake is better known in Japan as the Great Hanshin Earthquake. It measured 7.2 on the Richter magnitude scale. It struck at 5:47 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 1995 in the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture and lasted for approximately 20 seconds. The focus of the earthquake was located 16 km beneath its epicenter, on the northern end of Awaji Island, 20 km away from the city of Kobe with its population of 1.5 million. This is in the middle of the fault zone of the Pacific, Eurasian and Philippine tectonic plates.

Natal potential: Sun as 8th lord is placed in the 4th house of real estate. Ketu afflicts closely the 2nd lord of wealth Saturn, also a general indicator of structures.

Period: Saturn major period and Saturn sub-period were operating.

Transit influences: transit Ketu was closely conjunct 8th lord Sun, while transit Rahu was closely aspecting transit Saturn in the 2nd house. Transit 8th lord Sun was exactly conjunct the most effective point of the 1st house. Transit Moon in 7th house was under close aspect of natal 12th lord Jupiter. Meanwhile transit Jupiter in the 11th house was closely conjunct 10th lord Venus. Last but not least, 4th lord Mars was transiting the 8th house of obstacles.

In view of the above indications of natal potential and the match with two major events in the modern history of Japan, the study of this chart certainly begins with promise.

Early 2008
The present period and transit influences in the chart are interesting. The Saturn major period and Rahu sub-period are running. Rahu is strong and unafflicted and unafflicting in the chart. This suggests there would be worldly progress with regard to 5th house indications. The transits at the present time are, however not easy. Rahu is stationary conjunct the most effective point of the 2nd house of wealth and status, while afflicting the 6th house of financial stability, 8th house of obstacles and 10th house of foreign trade. Meanwhile transit Ketu is afflicting the 8th house, 12th house, 2nd house and 4th house. Ketu is also afflicting 9th lord, Mercury, ruling the "judicial system, morality, religion, diplomats, foreign missions and progress and development." Mercury is also indicator of "strategists, advisors to head of state and intellectuals." This suggests that sudden obstacles will take place with such indications. Moreover, the transit station of the nodes would be especially difficult as 2nd lord Saturn is now transiting the 8th house of obstacles. Hence, we would expect to see setbacks to the 2nd house indications, including such indications as the "national wealth, status and relationships within country and with neighbors, the purchasing power of the people, financial stability, national income, strength of currency, budget and balance of trade." Indeed, the Nikkei average has in recent weeks fallen very steeply. As the nodes will remain stationary until late March, the situation would be expected to remain especially difficult for Japan during this time. Adding to the strain is transit of 4th lord Mars through Gemini and 6th house under affliction now by Rahu in the 2nd house. The 4th house rules the "nation's natural resources, agriculture, mines, minerals, landed properties, peace, general and political stability, natural calamities, educational institutions, law and order, housing and communal harmony." Moreover, the transit of 10th lord Venus through the 12th house, also currently under the aspect of Ketu in the 8th house, would suggest a setback for foreign trade. Finally, as Jupiter is in its own 12th house, there would be less problems in foreign countries at the present time. In recent days, the situation would also have been aggravated by the transit of 8th lord Sun in Capricorn into the aspect of natal Rahu in the 5th house.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

The passing of Bobby Fischer

Bobby Fischer, the former world chess champion, has passed away. The cause of death was kidney failure. His brilliance as a chess player, the controversies that dogged him in later life and death are seen clearly in his chart with the Systems' Approach to vedic astrology.

In his Cancer rising chart, the brilliance is seen through the 1st lord Moon being placed in Aries on the most effective point of the 10th house with an aspect from an exalted 10th lord Mars on the most effective point of the 7th house. With Mars aspecting his 1st house of self and fame and Fischer was anything if not direct and powerful as a person as well as a supremely famous one. Mars also aspected his 2nd house of reputation and 10th house of career, explaining why his fame is based on his technical abilities as a chess player. His 4th lord Venus was exalted in the 9th house of higher thought. Venus gives knowledge and Fischers knowledge of chess was unrivalled. The placement of his 2nd lord Sun in the 8th house of obstacles under an aspect from 6th lord Jupiter in the 12th house showed his conflict and the problems Fischer had with the US authorities. With his Mercury as 3rd lord of speech in the 8th house, there were numerous problems with Fischers pronouncements.

After being granted asylum in Iceland and citizenship in 2005, Fischer was released from immigration detention in Japan and settled in Iceland.

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At the time of death, his chart was running the major period of Jupiter and the sub-period of Jupiter, since June 2006. As Jupiter is 6th lord in the chart, it becomes the lord of health and conflict. Jupiter was placed natally in the 12th house of losses and it was through conflict abroad that Fischer gained his world wide fame, during the World Chess Championship in Reykjavik Iceland in 1972, but it was also through his harsh statements and disputes with the US authorities from the 1990s that he eventually became imprisoned in Japan in 2004 due to an expired US passport. He remained in Iceland until his death.

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The transits at the time of death were stunningly clear. Transit Jupiter in the 6th house of health (illness) was closely aspecting transit Saturn as 8th lord of death in the 2nd house. In turn transit Saturn was aspecting exactly his natal Saturn in the 11th house. His 10th lord Mars was also badly placed in transit under affliction from Rahu in the 8th house, where it also afflicted his natal Mercury.

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May God bless his soul with peace.

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Addendum

"Among Bobby Fischer's many mysteries: Chess champ's own father", CNN - July 7, 2010
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/07/06/bobby.fischer.profile/index.html?hpt=C2&fbid=7RAHIdon6tp

SAMVA USA chart: Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962

One of the most electrifying foreign policy crisis faced by the USA during the Cold War was the Cuban Missile Crisis that threatened to escalate into a nuclear war. This event is seen clearly in the amazing SAMVA USA chart.

The crisis, which unfolded in October 1962, was a military confrontation between the United States of America on the one hand and the Soviet Union and Cuba on the other.

The peak period of the crisis began on October 16, 1962, when President Kennedy was informed at 8:45 AM that U.S. reconnaissance photographs had been taken by an American U-2 spy plane. The photos revealed missile bases being built in Cuba. The crisis ended thirteen days later, on October 28, 1962, when U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, with the intercession of U.N. Secretary-General, U Thant, reached an agreement whereby the missiles were withdrawn.

Background

In 1961, the U.S. deployed 15 Jupiter IRBMs (intermediate-range ballistic missiles) at İzmir, Turkey, aimed at the western USSR's cities, including Moscow. Given its 1,500-mile (2,410 km) range, Moscow was only 16 minutes away. Yet, Kennedy gave them low strategic value, given that a SSBN submarine provided the same magnitude of threat, and from a distance. Khrushchev publicly expressed anger and personal offense from the Turkish missile emplacement. The Cuban missile deployment — the first time Soviet missiles were outside the USSR — was his response to U.S. nuclear missiles in Turkey.

Astrological dynamics

During the month of October 1962 a rare astrological configuration took place involving the stationary conjunction of the transit shadow planet Ketu and transit Saturn in the 12th degree of the sign Capricorn. In the SAMVA USA chart this is the degree where Mercury is natally placed. Mercury is the 3rd lord of inititative in the chart and is placed in the 7th house of foreign policy. Saturn on the other hand is the 8th lord of obstacles and endings. Ketu is a planet of sudden and violent events. When Saturn and Ketu, two first rate malefics in the chart became conjunct this created a great sense of strain around the world (side note: this conjunction took place in the sign of Leo in October 2007, not connecting in the SAMVA USA Chart. At that time, global stock markets went into a swoon).

What produced the crisis is the fact that this conjunction took place exactly on top of the natal placement of Mercury in the SAMVA USA chart. This turned Mercury into a lightning rod for the release of this karmic energy. As 3rd lord, Mercury also is the indicator of transportation, communication and initiative, all areas that find ample scope for expression in the foreign policy arena. These indications came under phenomenal stress due to the combined energy of sudden violence and obstacles threatening death. How fittingly, that the US suddenly discovered the transport of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads to major population centers to its doorstep.

At the same time, transit Ketu was also afflicting transit Mercury in the 3rd house with an exact trinal aspect. This aspect further highlighted the transportation nature of this crisis, involving Russian ships that finally turned around and abandoned their destination of Cuba thereby resolving the crisis.

Finally, the sub-period lord, Venus as 4th lord of collective harmony and stability was conjunct Jupiter, the natal 6th lord of conflict. In short, the psyche of the American people was severely disturbed by this two week drama or high-stakes conflict.

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Epilogue
Interestingly, as the other shadow planet Rahu, which rules diplomacy, was at 12° Cancer, it was also afflicted and afflicting the transit aspect with Saturn as well as the natal Mercury. During the crisis, the US administration was heavily engaged in intense behind the scences diplomatic negotiations with the Russians. Little noticed was the covert dismantling and removal of the Jupiter missiles in Turkey some half a year after the Cuban Missile Crisis had been successfully defused.

References

The Cuban Missile Crisis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_missile_crisis

SAMVA USA chart: Bank Holiday of 1933

The SAMVA USA chart has an incredible ability to explain major historical events in the USA. One such event took place from March 3-14, 1933 when banking activity ground to a halt during the so-called Bank Holiday.

The below description of the event is a bit long, but it is revealing of the nature of the events. What follows is an astrological analysis of the period and transit influences in the SAMVA USA chart at that time.

Prologue to the Bank Holiday of 1933
In March 1929, some bankers had begun to exercise caution in lending to speculators, and the rate for "call money" soared to 20 percent. The market took another tumble but then recovered after Charles E. Mitchell, chairman of the National City Bank in New York, announced that his bank would loan as much money as necessary to "avoid a general collapse of the securities markets." In September 1929, the economist and educator Roger Babson predicted that, "Sooner or later a crash is coming, and it may be terrific." His words caused the market to skid, but share prices quickly recovered. On October 24, 1929 ("Black Thursday") investors panicked after the stock ticker fell behind. The market went into a free-fall as brokers and speculators scrambled to unload their holdings for whatever price the shares would bring. On October 29, 1929 ("Black Tuesday") another wave of panic selling sealed the marketʼs fate.

Signs of weakness in the U.S. banking system had begun to appear long before the stock market crashed. A statement issued in 1930 by the Comptroller of the Currency, the primary regulator of national banks, noted "the failure of 5,600 banks in the past ten year period." (Bank failures had hit 775 in 1924 and 976 in 1926.) Banks in less prosperous rural areas were particularly vulnerable. But in the aftermath of the "Crash", the banksʼ weakness became more pronounced, prompting President Hoover to press for reforms. Congress, too, gave banking reform a high priority, as did the banking industry. Unfortunately, the parties were unable to agree on an appropriate course of action. A few proposals were mulled by Congress, but no substantive measures were passed during 1930 or 1931. By some estimates more than one-quarter of the US work force was unemployed at the end of 1932. The Great Depression didnʼt really loosen its grip on the U.S. economy until 1940. But the Bank Holiday of 1933 marked a turning point. Federal action strengthened the financial system, restored public confidence in banking, and helped to dispel the sense of hopelessness that had begun to pervade every aspect of daily life.

The Bank Holiday (crisis)
By March 3, 1933, the mounting toll of bank closures and failures had forced bankers and their regulators to recognize the need for decisive action. The directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York adopted a resolution requesting the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C., to urge President Hoover to proclaim a nationwide bank holiday. On March 4, all twelve Federal Reserve Banks kept their doors locked, and banks in 37 states were either completely closed or operating under state-imposed restrictions on withdrawals. All that remained was for the President to order a nationwide bank holiday, but neither President Hoover nor President-elect Roosevelt appeared eager to take that step. Rooseveltʼs advisers were willing to remain vague until after their boss moved into the White House. Expectations ran high on March 4, 1933, as Franklin D. Roosevelt prepared to succeed Herbert Hoover. Americans fervently hoped that a change in Washington would lead to a change in the countryʼs economic fortunes. More than 100,000 people crowded onto a forty acre site near the U.S. Capitol to hear the new President take the oath of office and deliver his inaugural address; millions of others huddled around their radios.

Rooseveltʼs words were calculated to buoy public confidence, and by most acconnts they succeeded in doing so. He began by declaring his "firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." He blamed the economic collapse on "the rulers of the exchange of mankindʼs goods [who] have failed through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence, have admitted their failure and abdicated." For emphasis he added, "Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the court of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men ... The money changers have fled fiom their high seats in the temple of our civilization." Although the address was short on specifics, Roosevelt identified two immediate objectives: putting people to work and "strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments." immediately after the inaugural ceremonies, the new Administration and the new Congress began to grapple with the banking crisis. The Senate swiftly approved Rooseveltʼs cabinet choices, and later that afternoon the entire cabinet was sworn in during a single ceremony at the White House.

The following day, cabinet members joined with Treasury and Federal Reserve officials to lay, the groundwork for a national bank holiday, and at 1:00 a.m. on Monday, March 6, President Roosevelt issued a proclamation ordering the suspension of all banking transactions, effective immediately. To the Senate and House of Representatives: "On March 3, banking operations in the United States ceased. To review at this time the causes of this failure of our banking system is unnecessary. Suffice it to say that the government has been compelled to step in for the protection of depositors and the business of the nation. Our first task is to reopen all sound banks." The Emergency Banking Act was then speedily passed through both houses on March 9, 1933 and signed into law by President Roosevelt at 8:36 pm on that day. Only three days after the emergency banking legislation went into effect, President Roosevelt announced over national radio broadcast, on Sunday evening March 12, that the nationʼs banks would re-open during the coming week, starting on Monday morning March 13, with the banks in the the twelve Federal Reserve bank cities. By March 15, banks controlling 90 percent of the countryʼs banking resources had resumed operations, and deposits far exceeded witbdrawls.The immediate crisis bad begun to subside, but government officials, Congressional leaders, and most bankers recognized the need for a major overhaul of the U.S. banking system. Favorable reaction to the Emergency Banking Act had created momentum for comprehensive reform, audjust three months later, on June 16, 1933. President Roosevelt signed the Banking Act of 1933, more popularly known as the Glass-Steagall Act. After Glass-Steagall, the Roosevelt Administration completed its reform of the banking industry, with the Banking Act of 1935, which strengthened the monetary and regulatory system by granting the Federal Reserve greater independence from the White House, the Congress, and the banking industry.

The astrological dynamics

The Rahu major period and Venus sub-period were operating in the SAMVA USA chart at that time. Like today, banks had major problems associated with bank loan defaults. However, the disturbance created by the Rahu-Ketu period was the real cause of the Great Depression of the 1930s.

In SA mundane astrology, Jupiter and Sun are the general indicators of banking. Jupiter rules finance and the Sun vests the central banks with the authority of the state and gives legitimacy to the deposit banks. Moreover, in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart, Jupiter as 6th lord of financial stability becomes the functional indicator of debt finance.

During the banking crisis Jupiter in transit at 26° Leo and 2nd house was exactly afflicted by natal 8th lord of obstacles and endings, Saturn at 26° Scorpio. In short, both obstacles and endings were characterising banking services at that time. Transit Saturn was also exactly afflicting natal Ketu and houses 7, 9, 1 and 4, highlighting the disruption to housing and collective harmony at that time. Many, who had lost their jobs (means of subsistence) homes and cars, had moved in with relatives in the countryside. The aspect of Saturn to Ketu also adds to the energy of sudden breakdown. The government also had its fair share of problems. Transit Ketu was conjunct Mars in Leo and the 2nd house, As Mars is 10th lord it rules the executive branch of government in the chart. These two planets were under the exact affliction of natal Rahu placed in the 10th house. This suggests a crisis for the executive branch of government. Last but not least, transit Rahu and the Sun, indicator of the leader of the country, were in the 8th house of obstacles, were they were afflicted by natal Ketu. This also adding to disruptive energy and added strain on the new President, who had to deal with a huge national crisis upon entering office. Interestingly, on March 6th an assassination attempt was made on his life, highlighting the difficulty of the transits. The sub-period lord, Venus, as 4th lord of collective harmony and real estate, was also transiting the 8th house adding further strain to its indications.

Interestingly, as soon as transit Jupiter moved out of the aspect of Saturn, the banks reopened their doors. This is considered a pivotal moment in the decade long crisis, in that the recovery of finance was a crucial step in getting the wheels of prodcuction and commerce moving again.

References

"Closed for the Holiday - The Bank Holiday of 1933" by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
http://www.bos.frb.org/about/pubs/closed.pdf

Address of the President, March 12, 1933

http://www.mhric.org/fdr/chat1.html

More volatility in financial markets

Gloom descended on the financial markets in early 2007. As transits became quite adverse during the year, investors succumbed to bouts of worry associated with losses in exotic US mortgage instruments. This was seen in the SAMVA USA chart as Venus the natal 4th lord of fixed assets in the 6th house of financial stability became highly afflicted. The year 2008 also begins on a sour note.

In August 2007, liquidity on the inter-bank market began drying up and the central banks on both sides of the Atlantic had to step in and inject hundreds of billions of dollars, pounds and euros to prevent the credit markets from seizing up and a full scale meltdown taking place on the stock market.

In October 2007, the uncertainty associated with the magnitude of the losses in mortgage financing weighed heavily on the financial markets. At that time, the infrequent and difficult conjunction of Saturn and Ketu took place in Leo. Well known banks in the UK teetered on insolvency. While the markets and banks have begun to recover, the situation remains volatile. This period of difficulty was successfully predicted by V. K. Choudhry using the System's Approach on the SAMVA list.

After a partial recovery in the early part of December 2007, the stock markets again became morose due to the aspect of Ketu in Leo to Jupiter in Sagittarius, which was hard on financial stocks. The performance of stocks in December was accurately predicted on this blog.

A fresh round of anxiety began at the turn of the new year when the aspect of Rahu in Aquarius to Mars in Gemini became close. Mars rules industrial companies. Accordingly, the losses of share value have been greater recently among such companies. The aspect to Mars peaked for the first time on January 3, 2008. It will again become exact on February 25, 2008 before disappearing. During this time the stocks are expected to remain volatile according to Mr. Choudhry.

Adding to the strain in the month of January is the trinal aspect of Jupiter to Saturn, which will peak on January 21, 2008. This aspect will also weigh on the market.

Given these aspects, the financial markets are expected to remain volatile until late February 2008.

The higher purpose of Americans

While Americans as a nation may exhibit a war-like tendency by "not backing down from provocations", they have many other important characteristics.

Conflict (a 6th house issue), losses (a 12th house issue) and obstacles/death (an 8th house issue) are integral parts of the human condition. All countries, like individuals, will have some form of such tendencies in their history. They may experience conflict either as instigator or recipient. However, those who adhere to a fixed position are more likely to experience conflict than those who seek to avoid it through flexible adjustment or compromise. While all have negative traits to some extent, some exhibit them more prominently than others. In yestedays article it was noted that the USA has a 6th house element more prominently placed in its national chart than many other countries. This means that the USA has a tendency to feel sufficiently strongly about its own point of view and is less likely to adjust to the others point of view such that armed conflict is the result.

To round out the pictue of what America is all about let us consider a few other placements.

First, let’s consider the strong and powerfully placed Sun in the 7th house of foreign affairs in the SAMVA USA chart. This placement suggests the country has an evolved collective soul. Not surprising, the country has become a powerhouse in international politics. It has a natural tendency and strong status to rule based on its authority (a feature of a strong Sun). The placement of major international organisations in New York (UN) and Washington (World Bank, IMF) and US military bases around the world are a testament to the country’s global influence. This placement, along with the 3rd lord Mercury in the 7th house, makes the participation and initiative ofthe US in international affairs quite pronounced and could partly explain the involvement in wars or their resolution. The placement of Rahu, an indicator diplomats, in the 10th house of government in the chart, also helps to explain the presence of major international organisations near the seat of power in the USA.

For instance, the recent effort of President Bush, who has gained some reputation as a war-President, to mediate and resolve the critical and tragic conflict over land in Palestine, is a great example of the strong Sun in the chart. President Bush is there expressing the highest nature of the American people and what gives the nation a stong sense of identity due to the Sun’s aspect to the 1st house of self and its purpose or mission in the world with the Sun influencing the 7th house. This sense of purpose was prominent in WWII, in the fight against Nazism and fascism and during the cold war in the fight against totalitarian communism. This collective sense was lost in the Vietnam War and in recent years, especially when the country succumbs to being adamant or feeling very strongly about the righteousness of its views. That, however, is a necessary ingredient in getting into so many wars unprovoked (dubious Gulf of Tonkin incidient and Vietnam, bogus weapons of mass destruction and Iraq) or provoked (Pearl Harbor and WWII, 9/11 and invasion of Afhanistan).

A second factor to consider are placements in the SAMVA USA chart that explain the dynamic of social injustices and their removal in American national life:

• (5) the early maltreatment of indigenous peoples and imported slaves and subsequent racial tensions and civil rights turmoil,
• (6) the thrust to a more humane society resulting in a bloody civil war and human rights battles to improve the life of minorities and ethnic groups

The affliction of Ketu to the 4th house of communal harmony and the affliction of Rahu to the 10th house of executive government and the placement of 4th lord Venus in the 6th house of conflict explain the above problem (5). The strong Sun and Moon in the 11th house of ideals and its mutual aspect with Mars as 10th lord in the 5th house of creativity, explain the struggle to resolve these problems. Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy became such revered and much loved Presidents because they activated the higher sense and mission of the American identity in the sentiments of the general populace (6).

Please also consider that a national chart, which the SAMVA USA chartis, offers a birds eye view of a collective dynamic, which many may or may not agree with at the personal level. While many people in America oppose wars, social injustice or violence on the streets, the US still finds its way repeatedly into military conflict, even assembling and spearheading international coalitions in the invasion of Kuwait (1991) and Irag (2003). Integration of different races, ethnicities or nationalities, especially illegal aliens, is still an ongoing process. Violence and drug use still run rampant. Young people still die in wars. These problems take time to solve, and when one problem is solved (abolition of slavery) another pops up (civil rights of African Americans). While such problems are being addressed they will never disappear for good.

Interestingly, in the Cancer rising chart of Bush, the 6th lord Jupiter is placed in the 3rd house of initiative and the 3rd lord Mercury of initiative is placed on the ascending degree of self. He is a decisive man that feels strongly about his views, including the need to punish opponents that violate his sense of justice. Although he has many good qualities, with Sun placed in the 12th house, he may not be as easily tuned into the highest sentiments of American people as some earlier Presidents have been concerning the use of state authority to inspire compliance. This may explain why some view him as a poster boy for war rather than an inspiring leader. However, he is now making a major effort to restore his legacy by trying to resolve a major source of contention in the world, the festering decades old conflict over land in Palestine. Let’s wish him success in that effort. There is a saying that "an improving man has the best life."

While the USA has Presidential candidates talking the way they do towards Iran (2008) and the crowds cheering them on, as the excerpt from a news story yesterday described, then the war-like tendency would still appear to be strong among many "red-blooded" Americans. In this regard, the sense of righteousness of the American politicians is partly explained by the mistakes of the Iranians.

In the 24° Cancer rising chart for Iran (3 PM, April 1, 1979, Teheran), the country has major problems in dealing with other countries, due to Rahu's influence on the 2nd house of relations with neighboring countries but also due to the influence of 6th lord Jupiter in the 1st house, aspecting a conjunction of Mars the 10th ruler of the executive and 3nd lord Mercury ruler of initiative in the 9th house of higher thought. This latter configuration explains a theorcratic form of government that tends to be dogmatic (adherence to finite views). The situation is supported by a strong and well placed Sun in the 9th house. While 1st lord Moon is exalted in the 11th house, boosting idealism to protect others, it is afflicted by Saturn as 8th lord of obstacles and endings. Along with the Rahu affliction, this placement suggests the regime is prone to making wrong decisions that lead it down a dangerous path of confrontation and losses.

The war-like nature of Americans

The SAMVA USA chart suggests that one facet of the American character is a war-like tendency such that "the country does not back down from provocations" (V.K. Choudhry). This is consistent with the several hundred military events in US history, ranging from limited engagements to extended wars.

Astrologically, this tendency is seen in the close opposition aspect of Jupiter, as 6th lord of conflict, and the Moon as 1st lord of self. Jupiter is situated in the 5th house of creativity and Moon in the 11th house of ideals.

As Jupiter is in a wide conjunction with a strong Mars, as 10th lord of organisation, this suggests the technical know-how of the American military, its overwhelming might and the courage to use force when called for. Moreover, the close aspect of Moon to Mars imbues the powerful military with a fair share of idealism and zeal.

In recent days, the media has reported on an incident in the Straits of Hormuz, whereby small Iranian gunboats demonstrated foolhardy provocation towards heavily armed US war ships. Fortunately, the US military commanders did not take action. President Bush called the provocation a "dangerous action".

Following this event there have been some fascinating comments by US Presidential candidates on the election trail. Even more revealing is what the reporters observe about the audience reaction to the comments.

"Mr Huckabee has faced grave doubts about his foreign policy experience, his greatest vulnerability, but got one of the biggest cheers of the night when asked about the incident last week when Iranian boats swarmed US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Asked whether the American commanders on the scene were right in not attacking the Iranian boats, Mr Huckabee said he backed their decisions, before warning Iran: "Be prepared, first, to put your sights on the American vessel. And then be prepared that the next thing you see will be the gates of Hell, because that is exactly what you will see after that."

Fred Thompson, the former Tennessee senator and Law & Order star who is banking all on victory in South Carolina to revive his campaign, said of the Iranian boat crews: "I think one more step and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they're looking forward to seeing." The crowd cheered."

References

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3170279.ece

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_military_history_events

A compelling chart for the USA

Below is a summary of the analysis of major events in US history in terms of the SAMVA USA chart. The historical events are examined in terms of three KEY elements:

- NATAL potential
- PERIOD influences
- TRANSIT trigger.

The KEY elements in the following major tragic events in US history are very clear in terms of the Systems' Approach to Mundane Vedic Astrology. The reading emphasises the influence of functional malefic planets for the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart (Jupiter as 6th lord, Saturn as 8th lord, Rahu and Ketu):

1. SAMVA USA chart: civil war starts in 1861
Natal potential: KETU (separation, explosion) natally conjunct most effective point of 4th house (home) and 4th lord Venus in 6th house (conflict)
Period: Mercury - Mars
Trigger: transit Saturn (obstacles and endings) afflicts natal Ketu and transit nodes conjunct natal Venus

2. SAMVA USA chart: the start of the Great Depression of the 1930s
Natal potential: KETU (separation) in 4th house and RAHU (crisis) in 10th house natally afflict even numbered houses
Period: Rahu- Ketu
Trigger: Transit Ketu and Rahu conjunct natal nodal axis (the most painful transit of all)

3. SAMVA USA chart: the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963
Natal potential: SATURN as lord of death natally aspects 2nd lord SUN, indicator for the leader of the country
Period: Saturn - Sun
Trigger: Transit Saturn exactly conjunct natal Sun

4. SAMVA USA chart: America under attack - two events

a. Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941:
Natal potential: affliction of JUPITER (enemity) to 1st lord Moon (self) and affliction of SATURN (obstacles) to Sun as 2nd lord (status of country abroad)
Period: Jupiter-Saturn
Trigger: Transit Jupiter afflicts natal Saturn and natal Sun; transit Saturn afflicts natal Jupiter.

b. Attack on World Trade Center/Pentagon in 2001:
Natal potential: affliction of JUPITER to Moon and KETU (explosion) conjunct 4th house (fixed assets)
Period: Venus-Moon
Trigger: Transit Jupiter in 12th house (foreign matters, secrecy) in mutual affliction with natal Ketu (sudden event, explosion)

There are numerous other tragic events that also give such a close fit.

CONCLUSION: the natal potential of the chart, its astounding astrological match to events and the historical rationale for the moment the chart is based on all make for a unique and truly compelling national chart for the USA.

SAMVA USA chart: civil war starts in 1861

By far the most traumatic experience in the life of the USA as a young country was the outbreak of civil war in 1861. The reasons for the war and its outcome are seen clearly in the SAMVA USA chart .


In this article, the focus is on the natal potential and the transit and period influences at the start of the war.


The predicament in national life

In the SAMVA USA chart, the deeply ingrained aspirations of the people of the USA for a good and just society are clearly seen in the placement of an exalted Moon as 1st lord of self in the 11th house of hopes and wishes. As the Moon is closely aspected by Jupiter as 6th lord of conflict, the country has a war-like nature. As Moon and 10th lord Mars are also in close mutual aspect, the technical know-how and military strength of the USA is seen. This aspect also explains the country's early fame associated with its birth in a Revolutionary war in the late 18th century and the inspiring ideals the nation was built upon.

At the same time, the potential for maltreatment of groups of people is seen in chart in terms of the affliction of Ketu, the shadowy planet of separation, to the 4th house ruling the communal happiness. This is compounded by the bad placement of 4th lord Venus in the 6th house of conflict. The influence of Rahu, the shadowy planet of manipulation and deceit, in the 10th house of the executive government in the chart is another element to consider. This placement shows the role of vested interests in public life. While the country had inspiring ideals, it was at the same time founded on the insitution of slavery and the appropriation of land from the native indians. These placements show the tendency for the country to get into conflict and the disturbing influence of such activities on the collective psyche. The placements also show the ceaseless struggle for civil liberties on behalf of disadvantaged groups.

The outbreak of civil war

The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a war between the United States of America (the "Union") and the Southern slave states of the newly formed Confederate States of America under Jefferson Davis. The Union included all of the free states and the five slaveholding border states and was led by Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party. The coexistence of a slave-owning South with an increasingly anti-slavery North made conflict inevitable. Republicans opposed the expansion of slavery into territories owned by the United States, and their victory in the presidential election of 1860 resulted in seven Southern states declaring their secession from the Union even before Lincoln took office. The Union rejected secession, regarding it as rebellion. Hostilities began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked a U.S. military installation at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The first major battle of the war took place in July 1861, "the First Battle of Bull Run."

In heavy clouds, the flash of lightning and clap of thunder

On April 12, 1861, the nodes were afflicting the natal 4th lord Venus in the 6th house, unleashing the karma of conflict among the citizens. On that day, 6th lord Jupiter was afflicting the natal 2nd lord Sun, indicator of the President of the USA and Saturn, the 8th lord of obstacles and endings. These major afflictions on top of the natal triggers for such an event are another example of the exact fit of the SAMVA USA chart with the countries history. The Mercury-Mars period was running, which indicates the strong position of the Union government led by President Lincoln. At the same time, transit Saturn was afflicting the 1st lord Moon and transit 10th lord Mars in the 11th house of ideals. Natal Jupiter was also aspecting Mercury in Pisces and 9th house. In other words, all the bases were loaded.

The transits in the months preceeding and following this event also match the developments.

The Confederate states adopted their constitution in February 1861, when transit Saturn was exactly afflicting the natal Ketu, inflaming the seperation of and discord among the citizens.

The armies steamrolled into one another in July 1861, when the nodes had settled into stationary motion on the most effective point of the 6th house of conflict and 12th house of losses. From there the nodes also continued to closely afflict the natal Venus, further disturbing the sentiments of the people, as well as aspecting their own natal placements, a sure fire sign of crisis. A difficult time indeed.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War

SAMVA USA chart: Waco assault & Oklahoma city bombing

In the early 1990s there were two linked tragic events in the USA that are clearly seen in the SAMVA USA chart. The first was the siege and final assault by armed agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas on April 19, 1993. The second was the revenge attack by disgruntled ex-marine Timothy McVeigh and his accomplice Terry Nichols on the Alfred B Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma city center exactly two years later.

Assault at Waco – at dawn on April 19, 1993
The first event was the final assault on the Branch Davidian compound at Mount Carmel in Waco, Texas at dawn on April 19, 1993. On February 28, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) raided the Branch Davidian ranch, resulting in the deaths of four agents and six Davidians. The subsequent 51-day siege by the FBI ended on April 19 when fire completely consumed the complex, killing 76 people, including 21 children and Davidian leader David Koresh - inspiring Timothy McVeigh to carry out the Oklahoma City bombing exactly 2 years later.

The key astrological signature involves the sub-period lord Jupiter being transit afflicted by the lord of death in the chart, Saturn. The Ketu major period and Jupiter sub-period were operating. Jupiter is 6th lord of conflict in the chart and the general indicator of religion. It was transiting the sign of Virgo and the 3rd house casting an exact aspect to natal 3rd lord Mercury in the 7th. Mercury rules young people and students. At the same time, Jupiter was opposing transit 4th lord Venus, which rules women, and transit 3rd lord Mercury and transit 1st lord Moon, which rules mothers, in Pisces and 9th house. Natal Jupiter also exactly aspected transit 10th lord Mars in the ascendant and transit Moon in the 9th house. The 8th lord of death Sat­urn was transiting the 8th house where from it exactly aspected natal Jupiter in the 5th house. Finally, transit Rahu was exactly con­junct the most effective point of the 5th house of children with transit Ketu conjunct the 11th house. Ketu rules spiritual groups or cults. These massive transit afflictions in the chart were preceded by equally bad transits when the raid began on February 28, 1993, notably when Rahu and Ketu were mutually afflicting the natal Saturn in the chart.

Oklahoma city bombing – at 9:02 am on April 19, 1995
The second event was the Oklahoma city bombing. At 9:02 AM CST on Wed­nes­day April 19, 1995 in the street in front of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Build­ing a rented Ryder truck containing about 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) of explos­ive material detonated. The effect of the bombing on the city was imm­ense. Beyond the death toll - 168 confirmed dead including 19 children and one rescue worker, plus an unidentified leg indicating a possible 169th victim. The bomb injured over 800 people and destroyed or damaged more than 300 buildings in the surrounding area, leaving several hundred people home­less and shutting down offices in downtown Oklahoma city. The nation went into mourning for several days and President Clinton attended the Mem­orial Service for the victims. The chief perpetrator Timothy McVeigh was cap­tured the same day, tried and found guilty of the crime and subsequently executed. His co-conspirators were captured, tried and imprisoned.

The astrological signature of this event is similar, with transit Saturn aspecting its own placement, while Jupiter was also involved in afflicting aspects. The Ketu major period and Mercury sub-period was running. Transit Ketu was conjunct transit 3rd lord Mercury in the 10th house of the chart. Natal Jupiter was closely aspecting transit Venus in the 9th house. Transit 8th lord of death, Saturn, was in the 8th lord from where it closely aspected natal Saturn in the 5th house of children. Transit Jupiter was exactly conjunct the 5th house and aspecting transit 10th lord Mars in the ascendant.

Conclusion
Both events were accompanied by massive transit afflict­ions in the SAMVA USA chart. The astrological imprint for such a tragedy couldn’t be any clearer.

References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_siege
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma_city_bombing

The troublesome transit of Mars in Gemini

In early 2008, the planet Mars will lose its strength in transit, as it moves in retrograde motion into the early degrees of Gemini of the sidereal zodiac and under the close and adverse aspect of the shadow planet, Rahu. This situation suggests setbacks for industry and in military and police matters. Anti-social elements may become prominent at this time.

"Mundane astrology deals with the planetary influences through signs and planetary periods in the charts of nations, cities, organizations, corporations, business organizations" Professor V. K. Choudhry in The Systems' Approach for Interpreting Horoscopes. The interpretation of the transits of the planets in the sky is also important to understand global trends.

In mundane astrology, Mars is the ruler of the army, police, athletes and captains of industry. Mars is an indication of the motivation to control by the application of physical force. It is also a key indicator of industrial activities.

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It is good to keep in mind that the other planets will continue to have an impact as per their nature and transit condition during this time. For example, Saturn rules low-tech and mining industries; Mercury rules high-tech industries, commerce and transportation while Venus rules luxury goods, design, airline and leisure industries. By comparison, the Sun and Moon rule the government and currency and Jupiter rules banking activities. The conditions of the other planets in early 2008 are intermittently strong or weak. Importantly, the transit position of Jupiter and Venus will mostly be strong and their indications expected to do well during this time.

Due to the aspect of Rahu in early 2008, Mars becomes a temporary indicator of anti-social elements. This is because Rahu rules deceit and manipulations. Rahu is an indicator of sales people focused on a one-time gain, smuggling and diplomatic activities.

As the attached graph shows, Mars loses strength in transit as it moves in retrograde motion into a state of infancy in the first five degrees of a sign. In early January 2008, Mars comes under the exact trinal aspect of Rahu at 4° 45' Aquarius. In this state the power of Mars is reduced and its indications are afflicted.

On January 1, 2008, Professor Choudhry made the following prediction on the SAMVA list: "Transit Mars is going to be under continuous affliction of transit Rahu for next couple of weeks. This close affliction, in general, gives rise to infections, allergies, distress to police and security forces, accidents, volatility to financial markets and stress to executives. For various ascendants it causes stress to the significations of the house where the sign Aries is placed. Health and movements need care."

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In regards to volatility to financial markets we could note that the US stock market has had its worst start of the year in 2008 since the year 2000. The share prices of industrial firms have been affected and the concerns about the likelihood of an economic recession have recently increased linked to disappointing data on manufacturing activity.

In late January and early February 2008, Mars will be at almost 0° in Gemini where it is utterly powerless. Hence, the dynamism of the indications of Mars will be at a low ebb. Fortunately, the aspect of Rahu is not as close at these times, but felt nonetheless. However, when Mars turns direct and advances back into Gemini, it will come under the aspect of Rahu again at 3° 42' around February 25, 2008. At that time, the disruption in the stock market could again be felt more strongly.

In the SAMVA USA chart, the transit of Mars in Gemini is especially difficult as this sign falls in the 12th house of the chart. The 12th house is one of the three malefic houses, ruling "financial losses, expenditure, mishaps, group hospitalizations, foreign debt, wars and smuggling." Hence, US industrial firms, the police and military are being affected by these influences. Moreover, the aspect to Mars from Rahu is aggravated by the fact that Rahu is transiting through the 8th house, the most malefic house, which rules "beliefs of the masses, [bureaucratic red-tape], speed of execution of works, delays and obstructions, accidents, fatal accidents, epidemics, gold and precious stones, legacies, capital gains, floods, earthquakes, cyclones and storms."

Setbacks to these indications abroad, in some cases involving deception, are likely to be pronounced at this time. The recent killing of US troops by an Iraqi soldier because of his hidden loyalty to the Sunni cause of the late Saddam Hussein, is clearly in line with the transit condition of Mars.

As discussed in the article The year ahead for the USA, war and foreign policy are likely to become highly unsettling issues in the US political debate and disruptive of the collective harmony in 2008.