Accurate prediction for Israel

On December 28, 2008, the 21° Capricorn rising chart for Israel (sidereal zodiac) was discussed. Based on this chart the following prediction was made

"The difficulties facing Israel are likely to escalate and reach a boiling point towards the end of January and in first half of February [2009]. "

The prediction was repeated on January 25, 2009 under the heading Political strain ahead and rephrased as Israel being "likely to have a setback, possibly in the area of foreign policy."
.
The timeframe for the prediction was January 27-29 when the transit 8th lord Sun would become conjunct a transit stationary Rahu/Ketu at 15° Capricorn/Cancer and opposite natal Moon as 7th lord of foreign affairs in the 7th house. Such contacts are usually seen to be accompanied by significant strain and when natal placements are involved to result in a setback to their indications.

According to the System’s Approach (SA), the indications under strain are the 7th house which rules "cabinet and internal affairs, pleasures, pleasure and amusement resorts, tourism, bond of relationships amongst masses and business establishments, foreign affairs and agreements" and the Moon which rules "the Administrator, the Cabinet, resources, fourth and seventh houses."

During these three days the following things happened:

January 27
#1 Israel forces attacked Gaza Strip after Hamas broke the 10 day truce by killing one soldier and wounding 3. The objective was also to stop smuggling of weapons through underground tunnels by Hamas.
#2 US President Barack Obama uses his first formal TV interview since taking office to reach out to the Muslim world.
#3 Iran resumes claims the Holocaust was a lie conceived to insert a Jewish state in Palestine.

January 28
#4 Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called Wednesday for "profound changes" in US foreign policy - including an end to support for Israel .
#5 After the Pope rehabilitated a Bishop who has claimed the Holocaust was a lie, the Rabbinate of Israel severed ties with the Vatican.
#6 Israel expels Venezuela envoy and political relations between the two states come to a standstill.
#7 Israel government announced it has severly reprimanded a solider for distributing a booklet to troops that advised they show no mercy to enemies.
#8 Seven human rights groups accuse Israel of “inhuman” treatment of Gaza detainees.

January 29
#9 After the election of President Obama, the USA has begun to make overtures to Iran aimed at reducing tensions. This has raised the hopes of the Iranian government but frustrated “hawks” in Israel like Benjamin Nethanyahu who said at Davos that ‘disarming a nuclear Iran was more important for world peace than resolving the global financial crisis’.
#10 The US President’s Envoy to the Middle East met with Palestinian leaders amid continuing violence on Gaza Strip.
#11 Turkey's prime minister Erdogan storms off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos after a heated debate on Gaza with Israel's president Peres.
#12 Spanish National Court names former government ministers as suspects in an official inquiry into if Israel committed a "Crime Against Humanity" when bombing the Gaza Strip on July 22, 2002.

News sources
(#1) Israel launches attacks in Gaza
19:17 GMT, Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Israel has carried out an air attack in the Gaza Strip and launched an incursion with tanks and bulldozers across the border.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7853803.stm

(#1) Israeli jets target Gaza tunnels
04:23 GMT, Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Tunnel smuggling resumed shortly after the cease-fires were declared
Israeli air strikes have targeted the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt, as part of Israel's response to an attack on one of its frontier patrols on Tuesday.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7855086.stm

(#2) Obama reaches out to Muslim world
07:51 GMT, Tuesday, 27 January 2009
President Obama speaking to Al-Arabiya about Iran
US President Barack Obama has used his first formal TV interview since taking office to reach out to the Muslim world - saying Americans are not its enemy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7852650.stm

(#3) Holocaust a 'big lie': Iran govt spokesman
Jan 27 08:20 AM US/Eastern
Iran 's government spokesman on Tuesday branded the Holocaust a "big lie" created to place the Islamic republic's arch-foe Israel in the Middle East , the state IRNA news agency reported. "The Holocaust is a concept coming from a big lie in order to settle a rootless regime in the heart of the Islamic world," Gholam Hossein Elham told a conference on Gaza in central Iran 's religious city of Qom .
Flashback: Ahmadinejad -- Why Isn’t The Holocaust ‘Open To All Forms Of Research’?
Pope Reinstates Holocaust-Denying Bishop Who Believes No Jews Died in Gas Chambers
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.dcc1dae7280236f3833645ed9fa891cb.5e1&show_article=1

(#4) Iran: US policy must 'profoundly change'
Jan 28, 2009 18:24
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called Wednesday for "profound changes" in US foreign policy - including an end to support for Israel and an apology to the Islamic republic for past misdeeds.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1233050195062

(#5) Israel's chief rabbinate severs Vatican ties
Jan 28 03:04 PM US/Eastern
Jerusalem (AP) - Israel's chief rabbinate severed ties with the Vatican on Wednesday to protest a papal decision to reinstate a bishop who publicly denied 6 million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. The Jewish state's highest religious authority sent a letter to the Holy See expressing "sorrow and pain" at the papal decision. "It will be very difficult for the chief rabbinate of Israel to continue its dialogue with the Vatican as before," the letter said. Chief rabbis of both the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews were parties to the letter.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D960BMO80&show_article=1

(#6) Israel expels Venezuela envoy
16:33 GMT, Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Hugo Chavez had called on Israelis to stand up against their government
Israel says it has ordered Venezuela's diplomats to leave the country, following the decision by Venezuela to sever diplomatic relations.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7856612.stm

(#7) Israel 'no mercy' officer rebuked
15:12 GMT, Wednesday, 28 January 2009
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza lasted three weeks
The Israeli military says it has "severely reprimanded" an officer who distributed a booklet to troops that advised they show no mercy to enemies.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7856384.stm

(#8) Gaza detainee treatment 'inhuman'
18:17 GMT, Wednesday, 28 January 2009
It is not known how many Palestinians were detained during the operation
Palestinians seized during Israel's operation in Gaza faced "appalling" conditions and "inhuman" treatment, Israeli human rights groups have said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7856372.stm

(#9) Tehran 'can co-operate with US'
17:13 GMT, Thursday, 29 January 2009
“Real change in Washington's policy in the Middle East would enable Iran to have a "co-operative" attitude towards the US, Iran's foreign minister says.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7859070.stm

(#9) Netanyahu: Iran nukes trump global economy
Thu Jan 29, 8:19 am ET (AP)
BBC DAVOS, Switzerland – Israeli election front-runner Benjamin Netanyahu told a session of the World Economic Forum on Thursday that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons ranks far above the global economy among the challenges facing leaders of the 21st century.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090129/ap_on_re_eu/davos_forum_netanyahu

(#10) US envoy to meet Palestinian head
09:46 GMT, Thursday, 29 January 2009
Mitchell says it is critical to extend the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire
George Mitchell, the new US president's envoy to the Middle East, is to hold talks with Palestinian leaders amid continuing violence in the Gaza Strip.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7857398.stm

(#11) Turkish PM storms off in Gaza row
23:52 GMT, Thursday, 29 January 2009
Turkey's prime minister has stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos after a heated debate on Gaza with Israel's president. Recep Tayyip Erdogan clashed with Shimon Peres, whose voice had risen as he made an impassioned defence of Israel's actions, jabbing his finger. Mr Erdogan said Mr Peres had spoken so loudly to conceal his "guilt".
..
Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries to have dealings with Israel, but relations have been under strain since the Islamist-rooted AK Party was elected to power in 2002.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7859417.stm

(#12) Top Israeli official blasts Spanish court's probe
January 30, 2009 -updated 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
Jerusalem (CNN) -- A top Israeli official named as a suspect in a war crimes investigation by Spain's high court has lambasted the move, claiming Spanish law is siding with terrorist organizations. The case names former Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer and six other Israelis. Israel's Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer is one of seven Israelis under investigation by Spain's National Court over a 2002 bombing in Gaza that killed 15 people and injured more than 150 others. He was then the defense minister.
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/01/30/spain.israel.gaza.lawsuit/index.html

Conclusion
As can clearly be seen, there has been a sharp increase of strain in the area of foreign policy for Israel. Importantly, it seems that Israel has also suffered a setback in its foreign policy in terms of likely changes in international relations, notably involving the USA which may take a more balanced approach to participants in the conflict. The international community also appears to be showing less tolerance for the hard line reactions of the Israel government even if dealing with extremist elements in the Palestine community. Accordingly, the prediction may be considered to have been realised. This is raising the confidence in the 21° Capricorn rising chart.

Looking ahead

Given the charged and unresolved state of affairs, it will be interesting to follow the developments in coming weeks when transit 12th lord Jupiter will become conjunct the transit nodal axis and oppose the natal Moon. At that time, there could be further losses for Israel in relation to the indications of the Moon.

Political strain ahead

Around 2:23 am GMT on January 29, 2009, following a solar eclipse on January 26, the transiting Sun will become conjunct stationary Rahu at 15° 17' Capricorn (in the sidereal zodiac) and opposite Ketu at 15° 17' Cancer. This conjunction suggests serious strain in the political life of countries with 15° rising or planets placed at this degree in Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces. Israel is likely to have a setback, possibly in the area of foreign policy. The UK may also experience some setback. The strain is predicted to be most acutely felt around 24 hours before and after the conjunction becomes exact.

Rahu and Ketu are maximum and minimum points in the Moon’s orbit around the Earth that intersect with the Earth's ecliptic orbit around the Sun. The ancients followed the nodes in order to predict solar and lunar eclipses. The meaning of the planets becoming conjunct the stationary nodal axis is explained in the article the truth about eclipses.

The horoscope of the United Kingdom

Most astrologers are in agreement that the authentic horoscope for the United Kingdom is based on the Act of Union which took effect at midnight on January 1, 1801.

Below, the historical account of the 16° Virgo rising chart for the United Kingdom is presented. Based on this chart an accurate prediction was made on September 9, 2007 of many financial problems ahead, but especially during the Saturn sub-period from May 2008 to June 2009. This prediction has been realised.

Historical basis of the chart
“The Act of Union, passed in 1800, formed a new country ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland’ by uniting England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. A new flag - the Union Jack - was created for it which had components from the flags of each member state. All regional parliaments were abolished, and instead the entire UK was to be ruled from a centralised London parliament. For most Irish, there wasn't a noticeable difference, but it meant the Irish government representatives could not pass laws on their own”[1].

Kingdom of Great Britain of 1707
The Act of Union of 1707 effected the union of England and Scotland into a single kingdom, called Great Britain, the "political term describing the political union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland made on 1 May 1707 under Queen Anne of England - "the two kingdoms of Scotland and England shall...be united into one kingdom by the name of Great Britain"[2].

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
On January 1, 1801 in London, King George R issued following proclamation “as to the Royal Style and Titles and as to the Ensigns Armorial, Standard, and Union Jack.” In the act it was stated that “Whereas by the first article of the articles of Union of Great Britain and Ireland, ratified and confirmed by two Acts of Parliament, the one passed in the Parliament of Great Britain, and the other in the Parliament of Ireland, and respectively intituled, An Act for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland, it was declared, That the said Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland should upon this day, being the 1st day of January, in the year of our Lord 1801, for ever after be united in One Kingdom, by the name of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland…“ This act took effect at midnight on this day creating the entity still known as the United Kingdom (UK)[2]. Importantly, the formation of the UK replaced the union known as Great Britain. The time gives 16° Virgo rising in the sidereal zodiac.

Changes to the Union in 1927
Changes to the Union in the early 20th century did not alter the governing institutions or symbols of the country. In the early 20th century, the push for Irish independence accelerated. Following the 1916 rebellion, a separate parliamentary election in Ireland in 1918, elected the Sinn Fein party into majority with 66 seats[3]. On 21 January 1919, 27 of the parliamentarians (with 35 in British prison and 4 having been killed) gathered in the Mansion House in Dublin to establish an Irish Free State (Dáil Éireann). After the partition of Ireland into South and North Ireland on May 3, 1921, the UK agreed in principle on December 6, 1921 to the Anglo-Irish Treaty allowing the Irish Free State to secede from the Union. The Irish Free State created by the Treaty came into force on 6 December 1922 by royal proclamation after its constitution had been enacted by the Third Dáil and the British parliament[4]. The Dominion of Northern Ireland decided to remain in the UK. Due to this change, it was on 12th April 1927, over four years later, that King George R.I. issued the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act, 1927, which provided “…for the alteration of the Royal Style and Titles and of the Style of Parliament.” In the act it was stated that “It shall be lawful for His Most Gracious Majesty, by His Royal Proclamation under the Great Seal of the Realm, issued within six months after the passing of this Act, to make such alteration in the style and titles at present appertaining to the Crown as to His Majesty may seem fit.[2]” Hence, this change in the Union was not seen by the Crown to herald the creation of a new union but simply to be an alteration of the existing one.

Natal Potential
According to the Systems' Approach, the sign Virgo in the ascendant would give the British an "attractive and charming" character. Virgo is a “negative, human, earthy and barren sign and rules the power of analysis and discrimination”. This sign brings the qualities of “thoroughness and critical thinking” to the fore. The sign also gives realism to the approach, with the ‘pros and cons’ of each situation weighed carefully. The British would be lovers of art and literature and be truthful. They would tend to be “appreciative of events liked by them” and have a characteristic of being “practical and composed.” The advice given to British gentlemen to 'keep a stiff upper lip’ is indicative of this sign. Being worrisome or uptight is another characteristic of Virgo’s owing to frequent transit afflictions by functional malefic planets in the chart. The Sun, Saturn and Mars are functional malefic planets in the chart in addition to the Moon’s nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

Mercury is the ruler of the horoscope. With the planet of communications placed in the 3rd house, the British put an emphasis on good communication and transport. It also gives the country an entrepreneurial and ruling disposition. The aspect of Rahu in the 7th house to Mercury can bring periodic problems to these fields. With 2nd lord Venus well placed in the 5th house of creativity, entertainment and speculation, it is not surprising to find many world famous artists coming from Britain, including the Beatles. The placement of Venus is also consistent with a prominent financial management industry. The aspect from Ketu in the 1st house would imbue these areas with wit but also suggest sudden setbacks. The placement of Ketu in the 1st house also adds to the peculiar image of the British in the world, and seen in their dry and often surreal sense of humor, e.g. in the art of Peter Sellers and Monthy Python. The well placed Mercury and an exalted 4th lord Jupiter have given the British affluence and a high standard of living. The 11th lord Moon, while in old age, is well placed in the 10th house. Along with the placement of Mercury and Venus, this is consistent with the UK being one of the major financial centers in the world. The affliction of the 12th lord Sun on the 4th and 10th houses, bring setbacks to housing, automotive production and communal harmony, as well as the government administration. The weak and bad placement of 6th lord Saturn suggests the financial stability of the country is vulnerable to setbacks. Mars as 8th lord of easy gains but also obstacles and endings, is strong and well placed in the 8th house. This would give a strong military. However, the weak placement of the 6th lord Saturn in the 12th house, would suggest continual losses emanating from foreign countries. From there it afflicts the 11th house of income, the 2nd house of wealth and 3rd house of initiative, which explains not only the easy gains in these areas but also major setbacks to these indications throughout the history of the country.

The rise and fall of the British Empire
The dramatic rise and fall of the British Empire is seen in the chart. Combined, the placements of 12th lord Sun, 6th lord Saturn and 8th lord Mars explain the fall of the British Empire. After establishing an empire on which the 'sun did not set', the British saw their empire gradually lost during the 20th century. Following World War II, the Pax Americana replaced the earlier Pax Brittannica. Hitler and the Nazis had also turned London into rubble with an endless bombardment with the V-2 rockets and India, the jewel in the Empire's crown, was lost.
.
Interestingly, the '50 year rule' states that for each 1° orb of seperation in a natal aspect the full impact of the aspect is felt 50 years from the nation's birth. As the natal 12th lord Sun is at 19° 06' Sagittarius and it is conjunct the most effective point (MEP) of the 4th house at 16° 00' Sagittarius , we would expect this natal affliction to the 4th and 10th hosues to become fully felt 150 years from the founding, or around 1955. Moreover, as the aspect is natally not that strong, the impact is less than it otherwise could be, making it easier for the country to recover from setbacks. By comparison, the relatively wide conjunction of 8th lord Mars at 20° 40' to the MEPs of the 11th, 2nd and 3rd houses at 16° Cancer, Libra and Scorpio, respectively, would only be marginally felt around the year 2135.

Great Irish Famine of 1840s
One of the most trying periods for many people in the United Kingdom was undoubtedly the famine that afflicted Ireland in the mid 19th century. The famie resulted in mass starvation and deaths, and a decline in the population of Ireland by 20% from 1841 to 1851. The dire situation resulted in the desperate Young Irelander Rebellion (sometimes called "Famine Rebellion"), which took place on July 29, 1848 in the village of Ballingarry, County Tipperary, Ireland. The revolt was crushed by the British forces[5].

Interestingly, “1848 was a year of revolutions throughout continental Europe. In February 1848, King Louis-Philippe of France was overthrown and the Second Republic was proclaimed in Paris. This revolution sent political shock waves across Europe, and revolutions broke out in Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Prague, and Budapest. At least temporarily, absolutist governments were replaced by liberal administrations, near universal suffrage was introduced and elections were held to constituent assemblies to draw up new national constitutions. It was sometimes described as the "springtime of the people." A conjunction of transit Saturn with the nodal axis took place.

In the UK chart, the Ketu major period and Saturn sub-period was operating making this energy strongly felt. At the time of the uprisings, transit Ketu at 0° 39' Pisces was conjunct transit 6th lord Saturn at 3° 07' Pisces and 7th house making for an explosive crisis and suffering among ordinary people.

Battle of Britain in 1940
Another dramatic event is the the Battle of Britain which was a sustained strategic effort by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) during the summer and autumn of 1940 to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF), especially Fighter Command. The name derives from a speech made on 18 June 1940 in the House of Commons by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He said: "The Battle of France is over. I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin..."

The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces. It was the largest and most sustained bombing campaign attempted up until that date. The failure of Nazi Germany to reach its objectives - to destroy Britain's air defence or to force Britain out of the war by forcing an armistice or surrender - is considered both its first major defeat and a crucial turning point in the war. Had it been successful, the planned amphibious and airborne forces landings in Britain of Operation Sealion may have followed. As the Battle progressed, operations were extended to the strategic level: systematic destruction of aircraft production centres and ground infrastructure. Eventually the Luftwaffe and the RAF resorted to attacking areas of political significance and terror bombing tactics.

British historians date the battle from 10 July to 31 October 1940, which represented the most intense period of daylight bombing. German historians usually place the beginning of the battle in mid-August 1940 and end it in May 1941, on the withdrawal of the bomber units in preparation for Operation Barbarossa, the Campaign against the USSR on 22 June 1941. The Battle can be roughly divided into four phases: 10 July–11 August: Kanalkampf, ("the Channel battles"). 12 August–23 August: Adlerangriff ("Eagle Attack"), the early assault against the coastal airfields. 24 August–6 September: the Luftwaffe targets the airfields. The critical phase of the battle. 7 September onwards: the day attacks switch to British towns and cities.

Bombing of London
On 7 September 1940 a massive series of raids involving nearly four hundred bombers and more than six hundred fighters targeted docks in the East End of London, day and night…On 13 October, Hitler again postponed the invasion until the spring of 1941; however, the invasion never happened, and October is regarded as the month in which regular bombing of Britain ended [6].

Saturn major period and Rahu sub-period. Transit Rahu at 18° 15' Virgo conjunct most effecitve point of 1st house and natal Ketu at 22° 59' Virgo. Transit Saturn at 21° 38' Aries and 8th house conjunct natal 8th lord Mars at 20° 40' Aries and transit 4th lord Jupiter at 22° 38'. Transit Mars at 18° 53' Leo conjunct MEP of 12th house and transit 12th lord Sun at 21° 32' Leo.

Present economic crisis
The UK economy has been struggling with intensifying difficulties in the financial sector. This was foreseen based on the horoscope for the country.

Message #14035 on Sun Sep 9, 2007 5:25 am
"If we look at the UK 16° Virgo rising chart we can see that there are many indications of problems with financial stability in the months ahead, and even in the next year or two [7]."

Northern Rock goes bankrupt
On 14 September 2007, the bank Northern Rock sought and received a liquidity support facility from the Bank of England, following problems in the credit markets. On 22 February 2008 the bank was taken into state ownership[8].

Message on SAMVA list on August 30, 2008
"The outlook for the UK economy is not particularily bright at the moment. In the 16° Virgo rising chart, Ma/Sa period is operating. Natally, 6th lord SATURN is badly placed and weak due to also infancy at 2° 17' Leo in the 12th house. Its dispositor, 12th lord SUN, is well placed at 19° Sagittarius, but its strength is zapped by its own afflicting aspect to the 4th house where it resides and the 10th house. So, the indications for financial stability are not very good in the UK chart…Not surprisingly, during a period of the lord of financial stability (a 6th house matter) placed in the house of losses is operating and when the transits turn quite bad, the Chancellor the Exchequer (equivalent to a Minister of Finance in most countries or Secretary of the Treasury in the USA), Alistair Darling, has admitted to the grave difficulty.

Darling warns of economic crisis
07:50 GMT, Saturday, 30 August 2008 08:50 UK
The UK is facing its worst economic crisis in 60 years, Chancellor Alistair Darling has admitted. He told the Guardian newspaper that the economic downturn would be more "profound and long-lasting" than most people had feared [9]. "

Message on SAMVA list on November 12, 2008
"We can estimate that the UK, a major world economy, will see financial trouble into the second quarter of next year, and then in the fourth quarter things will begin to improve. In the UK Chart, from the end of November, the axis will afflict within two degrees of all odd numbered houses (Rahu/Ketu are in the 5/11 houses). After the end of Feb 2009, it separates by 1 degree. The financial health (amongst other elements) of the country will be especially shaky during this period. From mid year 2009 the subperiod changes very positively, and in September the Lord of financial solvency moves from the house of losses."

Recession
On January 23, 2009 it was declared by the UK authorities that the economy had formally entered recession.

Conclusion
The Virgo rising chart for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland gives an accurate reading of the natal potential of the country and of significant events. As such it serves as a basis of accurate predictions based on it.

Sources
[1] http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/users/ireland/past/history/18001877.html
[2] http://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/britstyles.htm
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ireland
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Irish_Treaty
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Irelander_Rebellion_of_1848
[6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Britain
[7] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/14035
[8] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationalisation_of_Northern_Rock
[9] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7589291.stm

Financial concerns ahead

In the SAMVA USA chart, the transits in coming months suggest increased concerns about financial stability in the USA. One result could be a drop in the value of the dollar.

A review of the dollar shows that it has fluctuated quite a bit since 1973. Recently, the volatility has increased, with the dollar on a weakening trend from early 2003 to mid 2008. During the crisis in the fall, there was a well known phenomena of a 'flight to safety' as investors with positions in other international currencies moved their funds into the US dollar for safe keeping. This sharply reversed the earlier down-trend and the dollar strengthened. It is now predicted that the growing debt of the US government will shake the confidence of investors with potential ramifications for the dollar, which could again weaken.

Late 1978
In 1978 the dollar weakened and reached a trough in October of that year when transit stationary Ketu at 3° Pisces and 9th house afflicted natal Jupiter at 4° Scorpio and 5th house. Transit Jupiter also afflicted Mercury as 3rd lord in Capricorn and 7th house. As 6th lord Jupiter rules over financial stability in the chart and inflation became a growing concern during the latter part of the 1970s. In the closing months of 1978, transit Saturn as 8th lord of obstacles also became stationary on the most effective point of the second house of wealth. Even if the favourable Mercury-Sun period was operating, these stationary transit afflicitons increased worries about "stagflation" - a combination of sluggish economic activity and rising inflation.

Early 2009
A similar combination will occur in the first half of 2009, when the Venus-Jupiter and Venus-Saturn periods are operating. At that time, transit Jupiter will become conjunct transit stationary Rahu at 15° Capricorn and 7th house. The Jupiter sub-period is running until mid February. As Jupiter is weak in Capricorn, its sign of debilitation, its indications will likely suffer during such a time. Transit Jupiter will also afflict natal 3rd lord Mercury. This suggests concerns about financial stability will again become prominent among investors, which could reduce confidence in the US dollar. The cause will likely be the new and more expansionary economic policy of the Obama Administration, which needs to be financed by attracting foreign investments into US assets. In relation to the dollar, we should in particular note the transit of 2nd lord Sun which will become conjunct the transit stationary Rahu at 15° Capricorn and 7th house in late January, shortly after a solar eclipse. From February 13, 2009 the Sun will also pass through Aquarius and the 8th house of obstacles and endings. Until this time, transit 8th lord Saturn in late Leo is also receiving an afflicting aspect from natal Saturn at 27° Scorpio. Moreover, from April to July 2009, after the Saturn sub-period has begun operating, transit 8th lord Saturn will become stationary at 21° Leo and the most effective point of the 2nd house. At this time, economic activity could become sluggish with also concerns about the nations' wealth and the strength of the currency.

Cautionary note
It should be pointed out that it is relatively more straightfoward to predict financial stability concerns in a country than the value of its's currency. At the same time, such developments are sometimes linked. Ideally, when predicting relative strength of currencies the national horoscopes of other countries should also be studied. However, as this is time consuming it is skipped here. While this reduces somewhat the confidence in the prediction for the currency it does not affect the confidence in the prediction for changes in the financial concerns.