Ties that bind: Israel-USA

Astrology opens up a window on many mysteries in life. In the God-centered astrology of the Vedas, all living things follow some destiny based also on their decisions involving free-will. This holds true at the level of the individual as well as the collective. In SA mundane astrology, the karmic destiny of nations may be read from their authentic horoscopes with a robust astrology method like SA.

Important similarities between horoscopes can point to some shared destiny. In this regard, please note the number of stunning connections between the authentic horoscopes for the USA and Israel. Both the 21° Capricorn rising chart for Israel and the 20° Cancer rising chart for the USA have been rectified on the basis of SA astrology, including with repeat accurate predictions. While placements in one chart against another are normally not considered as having significance in SA astrology, there are cases were such an analysis is warranted. Let us explore why and how.

Connections between Israel and USA
In the horoscopes of Israel and USA, a number of interesting connections are readily apparent.

1. Identical rising degree in signs classified as cardinal and negative
   
2. The 2nd lord is in an identical degree in the most effective point of the 7th house
   
3. Affliction of nodes to MEPs of 4th and 10th houses (closer for Israel)
   
4. Jupiter is a malefic planet (more malefic for Israel)
   
5. The 4th lord is badly placed (more afflicted for Israel)
   
6. Moon is in exalted or own sign and well placed

Ties that bind
The placement of the 2nd lord in the same degree in opposite signs of the MEP of the same 7th house in both charts reveals a shared importance in international affairs. However, the fact that the 2nd lord is the Sun in the chart of the USA shows its comparatively greater authority and importance in international affairs. In the chart for Israel the 2nd lord is Saturn, which is a contracting planet, reflecting also ancient things. Hence, Israel's influence in these countries is primarily linked to it being the cradle of the Judeo-Christian faiths. In both charts, Jupiter, the planet of the divine is having an influence in the charts. In the case of the USA, it aspects the 1st lord of self, showing that American's tend to be of a religious view. The fact that Jupiter there is 6th lord, infuses the sentiments with some fixity. In the case of Israel, Jupiter is 12th lord placed in the 12th house, giving some sense of separation to the religious influences. The aspect of Jupiter to the 4th lord Mars, also suggests some upsets in the collective life in relation to the religion. This can be seen in the fact that Israel is surrounded on all sides by those beholden to Islam. Adding to the sense of separation is the fact that the Israeli state is a secular one based on the Jewish faith.

Both countries also have to contend with the malefic Moon's nodes being placed on the MEP of the 4th and 10th houses - afflicting the other even numbered houses. This gives frequent upsets to collective life and the executive government. Sadly, life in Israel seems to be one of a constant siege. The USA has given Israel significant financial and military support since its founding.

Differences cement the ties
Interestingly the differences in the horoscopes also help to explain the ties between these two countries. First, let us note that Israel has a weak 8th lord Sun and 10th lord Venus. The lack of a state authority and a powerful executive create a vacuum in the public life. However, the 9th lord Mercury is strong and well placed in the most effective point of the 5th house of creativity and management from where it powerfully aspects the 11th house of friends. This reveals that the state of Israel is karmically destined to have the help of a strong friend or friends. Indeed, the USA but also many European countries have been backers of Israel since its founding. In the case of the USA, it has 6th lord Jupiter and 10th lord Mars that are strong, well placed and favourably aspected.

The 24th degree in Cancer and Capricorn
When the functional malefic Jupiter becomes stationary conjunct either 24° Cancer or 24° Capricorn, where the 2nd lord is placed in both the horoscope of Israel and USA, this area of life becomes caught up in strain. As the placement involves the 7th house, the common focus on the area of foreign policy. At such times, both nations become engaged in similar problems. Of course, the nature of the problems is slightly different based on the functional malefic nature of Jupiter in the charts and its placement either in the 1st or 7th houses in transit. For Israel, this transit affliction creates problems with 12th house issues of e.g. "loss" of status in foreign policy sphere, whereas for the USA, the problem has more to do with the 6th house issues of e.g. "conflict" involving the nation's status in foreign policy.

Importantly, as Israel does not have a strong Sun or Mars, but a phenomenal yoga concerning friendship, it receives steady military support and political backing from the USA which has a world class military and state authority.

Problems in the Autumn of 2009
In the fall of 2009, when transit debilitated Jupiter becomes stationary at 24° Capricorn, both countries are expected to experience a prolonged problem. Israel is likely to experience some crisis in the area of foreign policy and relations with neighbors, while the USA will likely endure strains related to that as well as other problems.

Astrology of increasing public debt

At certain times in US history, the debt of the government has increased sharply. Such a development is of a major importance to tax payers. When the government accumulates debts, tax payers must prepare to foot the bill through either higher taxes or inflation or reduced government services or transfers. Otherwise, the debts may become unsustainable. In the SAMVA USA chart, the astrological reasons, in terms of transit and period influences, of such adverse debt development are readily explained.

A number of times in US history the public debt has surged in relation to the total incomes of the country (equal to the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP). In the past 150 years, the public debt in the USA has been found to be the result of many things, but fundamentally it has been the result of growing public budget deficits. In turn, the deficits have most often been seen to be less the result of massive increases in government spending and having more to do with a shortfall in tax receipts during wartime or severe recessions.[1] However, at certain times, such as in World War II and today, government expenditure is growing rapidly, contributing the larger share of the deficit.

In the first half of the 1940s, the public debt rose from around 50% of GDP to over 120% of GDP, a historic peak. During the post war boom, the debt steadily declined.

The 1943 debt shock
The largest increase in US public debt took place during the major period of Jupiter as 6th lord of debts and conflict, which ran from 1937 to 1953. At that time, the US was engaged in a major world war and following its conclusion, it entered a Cold War with Communist countries and also participated in a war on the Korean peninsula. The debts of the government rose sharply during WW II, especially from 1942 to 1945. At that time, the Mercury and Ketu sub-periods were operating. Interestingly, the transits were highly adverse, involving all the functional malefics in the chart. However, the most notable affliction involved transit Jupiter at 24° Cancer being opposite natal Sun at 24° Capricorn. The aspect took place briefly in late 1943, when the nodes were also stationary afflicting the natal Sun, and for a longer time in the spring of 1944 when Jupiter became stationary on that degree.

New US debt shock
In 2009, the debt of the US Treasury is again reported to be surging. Following the sharp reduction of US housing prices and widespread defaults on risky mortgage loans, most US financial institutions have collapsed and the US government has had to sharply increase expenditure to prevent the collapse of the US financial system and an implosion of the economic system. At the same time, an economic recession is underway, which will result in a sharp contraction of tax receipts. The net effect of all this is ballooning deficits and surging debt levels.

US Debt on a sharply rising trend
At this time, when transit Jupiter is at 23° Capricorn, the news are brimming with stories about new estimates showing a stunning rise in US public debt in coming years.

Obama budget projected at $9.3 trillion in next 10 years
March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON (IHT): President Barack Obama's budget proposals, if carried out, would produce a staggering $9.3 trillion in total deficits over the next decade, much more than the White House has predicted, the Congressional Budget Office said on Friday. The office's estimates of deficits in the fiscal years 2010 through 2019 "exceed those anticipated by the administration by $2.3 trillion." The deficits under the Obama plan would be $4.9 trillion more than the projected deficits if there were no changes in current laws and policies — what the nonpartisan budget office calls its baseline assumption.[2]

US Congress budget office sees $1.8 trln deficit
Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:51pm EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. congressional budget experts on Friday offered a darker economic and budget outlook, projecting a breathtaking $1.8 trillion deficit this year, which could complicate President Barack Obama's efforts to win passage of his $3.55 trillion budget for 2010. [3]

The 2009 debt shock
From 1996 to 2016 the Venus major period is operating in the SAMVA USA chart. During this period, housing debts and participation in wars are expected to become problems and to undermine communal harmony. This is because Venus is 4th lord of housing and communal harmony in the chart and its bad placement of the 6th house of debts and conflict. In 2008 and into early 2009, when the Jupiter sub-period was operating, the transits became quite difficult, setting the stage for major problems in this regard. The Saturn sub-period is now operating and in the autumn of 2009 transit Jupiter at 24° Capricorn will again become stationary and closely afflict the natal Sun at 24° Capricorn, just as it did in 1943 and 1944. In the autumn of 2009, US government debt is likely to register further increases and may reach high levels, albeit not as high as during the 1940s.

Source
[1] Noll, Franklin. "The United States Public Debt, 1861 to 1975", EH Net Encyclopedia, March 16, 2008.
http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/noll.publicdebt
[2] Obama budget projected at $9.3 trillion in next 10 years
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/20/business/Obama-Budget.php
[3] US Congress budget office sees $1.8 trln deficit
http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN2049806720090320

MAGNIFICENT INDIA

In this world, there are few if any countries that can match the magnificent history and cultural significance of India. The achievements of its civilization and its contribution to our understanding of what it is to be a human being are simply stunning. At the same time, India has been fraught with upheavals of monumental proportions and the range in living conditions and experiences among its people is likely the widest in the world. In this article, we explore the horoscope for this epic country.

A horoscope for modern India is based on the time of midnight on August 15, 1947 in Delhi when British rule ended. This time gives 7° 46' Taurus rising in the sidereal zodiac. However, before we discuss the horoscope it is better to discuss the history of the country to for better understanding of the national entity.

THE HISTORY OF INDIA
The history of India stretches into the vast unknown of antiquity. Indian artifacts dating back to as much as 500,000 years have been found, including rock paintings and cave art. By comparison, modern India possesses both nuclear and space technology.

Ancient India
The pre-civilizational Mehrgarh culture, which existed from 7,000 BC is thought to have been replaced by the impressive Indus Valley civilization from around 3,300 BC. It came to an end around 1,700 BC, after the Saraswati river, the life-blood of the civilization, dried up following a tectonic shift in the Himalayan plateau, which diverted its source to other rivers.[1] A Dravidian tradition was established in south of the country in the third or second millennium BC.

Science of Tantra
Ancient India gave birth to the science of "tantra, " which is the praxis of human enlightenment that flowered in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and other religions. This is a major contribution of Indian civilization to the world.

Hinduism
A high point in Indian history is the Vedic Period, which features the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts, was documented around 1500-900 BC, but is likely much older. The philosophy of the Vedas includes astrology as one of the six limbs of enlightenment knowledge.

Buddhism and Jainism
In the 6th century BC another cultural development took place with the saintly lives of Gautama Buddha (563 -483 BC), the source of Buddhism and Mahaveera (599 BC), the founder of Jainism. [2] In the 3rd century BC, the emperor Ashoka spread Buddhism throughout the Mauryan Empire. From the third century AD, the Gupta dynasty oversaw India's Golden Age when the arts and sciences flourished and great temples and palaces were built.

India and the ancient world
Trade routes have existed between India and Europe, Asia Minor and Central Asia from ancient times. There have also been sea routes between India and Africa over the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and the Red Sea as well as sea routes to Europe over the Caspian and Black Seas. Through these routes goods and ideas passed from India and back. Certainly, the astrology of the Vedas has enriched and been enriched by such interaction. It may be noted that the most famous mathematical idea of Pythagoras from the 3rd century BC was already documented in 9th century BC India.

Invasions of India
Alexander 'the Great' and his army invaded India in the 4th century BC but did not leave a lasting impression. In the 13th century AD, the Mongol invasions began and a Sultanate was established in Delhi. The Mughal Empire, which was a Muslim imperial power, was established in 1526, when Babur conquered the Sultanate. During the early Mughal period some of the most beautiful buildings in the history of the world were erected, including the Taj Mahal in Agra. By the late 17th century, the Mughal empire extended to most of the Indian Subcontinent, but it drew to an end in the mid-19th century, with the rise of British colonial power in India.

Colonization by Britain
With growing sea-power of European countries, colonization was the next stage of India's history. The East India Company was formed in the 17th century. During the 18th century, British Rule was slowly established and it peaked with the British Raj in the mid 19th century.

Independence struggle
Opposition to British rule began following the prohibition of Sati in 1829. A major effort was the first Indian war of Independence in 1857 and the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885. The struggle continued in the 20th century following the massacre at Jallianwalabagh in 1919. Nationalist figurehead Mahatma Gandhi launches anti-British civil disobedience campaign in 1920 to 1922. The Congress Party launched the Quit India Movement in 1942.

In some sense, the coup de grace for British rule in India was World War II. The war with Germany depleted Britain's military and economic might to such an extent that it became unable or unwilling to maintain its hold on power in the face of a peaceful but determined resistance by the people of India.

Independent India
British rule came to an end in 1947 as the sub-continent was divided into mainly Hindu India and Muslim-majority state of Pakistan. India became an independent republic at midnight on August 15, 1947.

THE HOROSCOPE OF INDIA
The 7° 46' Taurus rising horoscope of India, which is set for the capital city Delhi (77E13, 28N40) and time zone -5:30, should explain the present characteristics of India as a nation and be consistent with its rich history and recent events. An authentic chart also becomes the basis of accurate predictions.

Taurus ascendant
According to the Systems' Approach, "Taurus is an earthy sign ruled by Venus, the significator for pleasures, materialistic pursuits and comforts. The Moon, the significator for caring, tenderness and affluence, is exalted in this sign. Ketu, the significator of spiritual pursuits, is debilitated in this sign. These factors render the Taureans materialistic, motherly and sensual, enjoying comfort, beauty and luxury around them, being convinced that in all circumstances they are correct." [3]

"The sign Taurus in the ascendant give qualities of cautiousness, prudence, stability, perserverence, adaptability, gentleness, good planning and communication. It also makes one analytical, direct, refined, attractive, patient, romantic, kind, sentimental, devotional and charming or forceful, possessive, jealous, stubborn, obstinate, resentful, passionate, lethargic and pleasure seeking."

"Enjoyment of life to the fullest extent is the aim of life when Taurus is rising. They are analytical in approach, as the fifth house is ruled by Mercury. The fourth house, signifying inclinations, ruled by the planet Sun, determines their approach in life. The sign Aquarius falling in the tenth house makes these people technical and, if other planets are strong, the native may pursue an engineering course."

Indeed, this ascendant seems to fit India quite well as a country. For instance, there not many countries which demonstrate such beauty and charm through their arts.

A large and active population
India is the second-most populous country and largest democracy in the world. The chart for India has an unusually prominent third house containing five planets and receiving two aspects. The 3rd house rules growth, enterprise, initiative, communication and transportation.

The MOON as 3rd lord is placed at 3° 58’ Cancer, in its own Moolatrikona sign. As the Moon is placed in its own house, the 3rd house, which is a sun-like house, the Moon has 100% strength in this chart, even if it is also slightly in infancy. Moreover, the Moon is conjunct the most effective point of 3rd house at 7° 46’ Cancer. While the orb of the conjunction is 3° 42’, such that the benefit of this aspect is not powerfully felt, the strength of the 3rd lord and influence in the chart nevertheless give India a phenomenally large population. Another aspect is from the Moon's node, KETU, at 5° 44’ Scorpio and 7th house to both the Moon, with an orb of 1° 46’, and to the most effective point of the 3rd house, with an orb of 2° 02'. While the strength of the Moon as 3rd lord protects it and its indications from setbacks associated with this aspect, it would likely result in a tendency for a seperate or otherworldly quality to the culture. The aspect would also produce a peculiarity to the communication and transportation activities. However, the influence of 3rd lord to its own house would outweigh this quality, giving a sense of vibrancy.

The placement of VENUS, as the lord of design, also in the 3rd house, gives phenomenal diversity. A strong 6th lord Venus, is also good for financial stability, communal health and communal harmony. A strong Venus also gives the ability to resolve conflict situations in ones favour.

A large country with abundant resources
India is a large country, with a total land area of almost 3 million square kilometers - over five times the size of France. India is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometers (4,671 mi). India has the largest mountains in the world and is set on large plains with big rivers and the country is hugged by a huge coastline. The country is home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats. The main natural resources of India are iron ore, bauxite, and copper ore. India is one of the major producers of iron in the world. Electricity is generated with hydroelectric, coal and nuclear power. The diversity of architecture in India is stunning, although the country also has a large collection of huts and shacks. Astrologically, this is explained by the 4th lord SUN being placed at 27° 59’ in 3rd house, with good strength, giving large territory. Astrologer and author, V.K. Choudhry, has noted that "the fourth lord's good placement gives India tremendous resources."

Tense relations with neighbors
India is the seventh-largest country in the world in terms of geographical area. It is bordered by Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north-east; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia in the Indian Ocean. In the chart, 10th lord SATURN at 20° 28’ Cancer is combust, but its placement in a sun-like house adds to the strength, which helps to fend of problems associated with it being conjunct 6th lord VENUS at 22° 33’ Cancer. Nevertheless, controversies for the government would be there. With 5th lord MERCURY at 13° 40’ Cancer in the 3rd house, strengthens the communication.

Rapid growth but many poor people
Economic reforms since 1991 have transformed the country into one of the fastest growing economies; however, it still suffers from high levels of poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition. There is a large gulf between the rich and poor. There is a big middle class society of the educated people. With five planets in the 3rd house gives India a dynamic economy. However, as 12th lord MARS is at 7° 27’ Gemini and in the most effective point (MEP) of the 2nd house, this makes India vulnerable to set­backs in wealth and status. The affliction of KETU to the 11th house would reduce the income. Some manipulation is possible given the aspect of Mars in 2nd house and RAHU at 5° 44’ Taurus and 1st house to the 5th house of speculation and creativity. Rahu also afflicts the 7th house of foreign affairs and 9th house of luck.

V.K. Choudhry also notes that "India is not a poor nation but has many poor people who have taken refuge in India coming from Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, etc. etc. India is supporting them."

Progress in analytical fields
India is a pluralistic, multilingual, and multiethnic society. India has made good progress in the field of Information technology and other intellectuals fields. Indian professions in medical, engineering, academic, IT fields, etc. are all around the world and making good contributions to the countries of their residence. This is explained by the good placement of MERCURY in the third house with the third lord MOON.

V.K. Choudhry observes that "the 3rd house planets give entrepreneurship. There are big businesses in India and some of the people are in the list of richest people in the world. Entrepreneurship and communication have given fame to Indians in many fields including in spiritual field and astrology."

He also notes that "the good placement of Mercury in the 3rd house with the 3rd lord Moon in the 3rd house give good progress to India in the field of Information technology and other intellectual fields. Indian professions in medical, engineering, academic, IT fields, etc. are all around the world and making good contributions to the countries of their residence."

Spiritual tradition
The ancient religious tradition of India is a well spring of spiritual thought. Four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated there, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium BC. Astrologically, this is explained by SUN as 4th lord in the 3rd house, which is aspected by both 3rd lord MOON and KETU, would give ancient spiritual tradition. The aspect of RAHU and 6th lord MARS to the 9th house along with JUPITER in the 6th house would give strife regarding religious ideas.

History of mighty kingdoms
The rich history of India is explained by SUN, MOON, MERCURY and SATURN in the 3rd house along with VENUS. Placement of 8th lord JUPITER in the 6th house gives a controversial legacy.

Socialist republic
Following independence, India became a republic and a new constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950. The preamble of the constitution defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Astrologically, 10th lord SATURN and 3rd lord MOON with 5th lord MERCURY and 4th lord SUN in 3rd house is consistent with a democratic form of government emphasising the rights of people.

Challenging developments
Since independence, India has faced challenges from religious violence, casteism, naxalism, terrorism and regional separatist insurgencies, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India. Since the 1990s terrorist attacks have affected many Indian cities. India has unresolved territorial disputes with China, which in 1962 escalated into the Sino-Indian War; and with Pakistan, which resulted in wars in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999. The multiple afflictions in the chart, involving, 8th lord JUPITER, 6th lord VENUS, 12th lord MARS and the Moon's nodes, RAHU and KETU give challenges in many spheres of life, including border wars and internal strife.

A nuclear power
In 1974, India conducted an underground nuclear test and five more tests in 1998, making India a nuclear state. India maintains a "no first use" nuclear policy. India maintains the third-largest military force in the world, which consists of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The President of India is the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces. In the horoscope, 12th lord MARS is afflicting 2nd house of neighbors and 8th house of death, KETU afflicting 7th house of foreign relations and 3rd house of initatives and RAHU on ascendant and 8th lord JUPITER in 6th house gives power of nuclear threat.

Mixed foreign relations
India maintains close defence cooperation with Russia, France and Israel, who are the chief suppliers of arms. Since its independence in 1947, India has maintained cordial relationships with most nations. It took a leading role in the 1950s by advocating the independence of European colonies in Africa and Asia. India was involved in two brief military interventions in neighboring countries - Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka and Operation Cactus in Maldives. India is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement. After the Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, India's relationship with the Soviet Union warmed at the expense of ties with the United States and continued to remain so until the end of the Cold War. India has fought three wars with Pakistan, primarily over Kashmir but it also facilitated the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Additional skirmishes have taken place between the two nations particularly in 1984 over Siachen Glacier and in 1999 over Kargil. In recent years, relations between the United States and India have improved. In the economic sphere, India has close relationships with other developing nations in South America, Asia and Africa. In the chart, RAHU and KETU influence 7th house of foreign relations, 12th house MARS afflicts the 2nd house of close neighbors and along with RAHU aspects the 9th house, both of which give mixed foreign relations.

MODERN HISTORICAL EVENTS
A national horoscope needs to be studied with respect to significant events. It should be able to convincingly explain significant events through natal potential in the chart, period influences and transits.

Assassination of Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement. He was the pioneer of satyagraha—resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, firmly founded upon ahimsa or total non-violence—which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. He is commonly known around the world as Mahatma Gandhi (Great Soul). He was assassinated at 5:17 p.m. on January 30, 1948 in Delhi, shot three times at point-blank range by Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse. Gandhi was heard to utter the words, "Hai Ram [Oh God] ... Hai Ram ... Hai Ram" as he hit the ground. Gandhi was was rushed to Birla House, where he had been staying, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Prime Minister Nehru said “it was a fanatical wing of the Hindu Mahasabha that hatched the conspiracy and saw it through.” In May 1944, Godse had lunched at Gandhi with a knife but was overpowered by onlookers and in September 1944 he was arrested near Gandhi with a concealed knife but was again released.

Saturn – Saturn period was operating in the chart. Natal 10th lord SATURN is well placed in the 3rd house in the chart but is afflicted by 6th lord VENUS. Gandhi was a strict in his ascetism and non-violence and incited mass movements. Hence, he seems to have represented this energy in the national life of India. At the moment of Gandhi’s death, transit SATURN was at 26° Cancer, closely conjunct 4th lord SUN at 27° Cancer but under aspect from transit 8th lord JUPITER at 28° Scorpio and 7th house. It is more than a coincidence that it was a group of religious fanatics that conspired to kill Gandhi as JUPITER rules religion and 6th house rules fanatical adherence to ideas. Transit KETU, the lord of sudden violent acts, was also at 26° Libra where it was conjunct natal 8th lord JUPITER at 26° Libra and both were aspecting transit 6th lord VENUS at 22° Aquarius and 10th house.

Mumbai attacks
The 2008 Mumbai attacks were more than ten coordinated shooting and bombing terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital and its largest city. The attacks, which began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killed at least 173 people and wounded at least 308. The attack began at 9:20 pm on Wednesday 26 November 2008. At that time, the key malefic influence in the Taurus rising chart of India was the applying conjunction aspect of transit 6th lord VENUS at 22° 42´ Sagittarius and 8th house and transit 8th lord JUPITER was at 27° 19' Sagittarius. The orb of the conjunction at that time was around 4° 37'. The conjunction became exact in the early hours of Monday, December 1 and then began to separate, leaving the effective 5° orb on December 6. The attacks drew widespread condemnation across the world and damaged India's already strained relationship with Pakistan. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee declared that India may indulge in military strikes against terror camps in Pakistan to protect its territorial integrity. There were also after-effects on the United States's relationships with both countries, the US-led NATO war in Afghanistan, and on the Global War on Terror. Fortunately, the crisis died down as the transit affliction lifted. In late 2008, astrologer and author V. K. Choudhry predicted that "a war between India and Pakistan is not foreseen in 2009."[5]

Prediction for India in 2009
In early 2009, V. K. Choudhry made the following prediction for India:

“The next stationary transit turn of Rahu-Ketu axis from June to August, 2009, would be around 7 degrees in Capricorn-Cancer near the ascending degree of the Indian independence chart. The Rahu-Ketu would also influence natal Rahu and Ketu and the natal Moon. Mars and Venus both being functional malefics for Indian chart would also be in Aries in the twelfth house in close conjunction between early June to first week of July, 2009.

"This transit does not augur well for the country in matters of weather, economy - including stock markets, relations with foreign countries and accidents besides being vulnerable to weather vagaries and persisting viral and allergic health problems. This period would be more uncomfortable and unfavorable for the government and females. Some new scams are likely to come to light. Even an earthquake is likely during this transit influence. The third week of June shows more chances for mishaps, accidents and setbacks for the government.”[6]

Favourable Sun period ahead
On September 14, 2009 the auspicious dual period of 4th lord SUN begins in the chart for India. The Sun period is suggestive of better governance.

Sources
[1] Indus Valley Civilization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilization
[2] Timeline of Indian history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Indian_history
[3] V.K. Choudhry's description of each rising sign
http://www.yournetastrologer.com/impact.htm
[4] Assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Mahatma_Gandhi
[5] SAMVA message#16492 at 2:28 am on December 23, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/16492
[6] SAMVA message#16604 at 7:54 pm on January 17, 2009
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/16604
[7] Wonderful eye-popping photos of India
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=638698

Roman astrology in the ascendant

While the knowledge of the practice of astrology in antiquity has been shrouded by the mists of time, some important truths have survived to this day.

We know that Alexander "the Great" opened Greece up to the ancient practice of Chaldean astrology, which was linked to Egyptian astrology and possibly also to the astrology of the Vedas. In turn, Hellenic astrology subsequently informed Roman astrology as the civilizational thrust moved westward.[1]

While closer to us in time, there is little known about the practice of astrology in Roman times. However, there are some important insights that have survived. An essential truth concerning Roman astrology as it was practiced more than two millennia ago is that it placed prime emphasis on the ascendant in interpreting the horoscope, in line with the horoscopic astrology of the Hellenic world [2] . In fact, some even suggest the astrology in Roman times was the same as Hellenic astrology[3].

Octavian "the Capricorn"
According to the poem Astronomica, which was written in the early first century A.D. by a poet named Marcus Manilius, the rising sign was taken as the sign under which one was born. According to modern Western notions Emperor Octavian, who was born on September 23, 63 BC, would have been born with the sun sign of Libra as per the zodiac in use in his day and thus be considered a "Libra".[4] However, in Roman times it was noted by Manilius that "Capricorn [was] the sign under which he was born."[5] It is of importance to note that he was considered to be born under his rising sign, and not the sun sign*. This is further evidenced by the fact that Octavian, or Augustus as he became known as Emperor, had his rising sign with a fish "tail" minted on the back side of a Roman coin bearing his image on the "head".

Ascending sign or Sun sign?
The Vedic astrology of today also places prime importance on the ascendant when interpreting the horoscope. It has retained the link to its ancient origins. By comparison, the emphasis that modern Western astrology places on the sun sign is likely a more recent invention. That said, the Sun is without a doubt the single most important heavenly body, representing as it does the spirit of man and the evolution of the soul. By comparison, the ascending sign and its ruler give the psychological and physiological make-up of man and are the basis for ordering the karmic nature of the planets in the horoscope as per their house rulership.

Important breakBut why did the shift take place?
A key element in the break between modern Western astrology and its ancient forerunners occurred in the 3rd century AD[1]. This was the practice of correcting for the precession of the equinoxes. From Babyloninan astrology and well into Roman times the sidereal zodiac was used.[6] The objective of the correction is to maintain correspondence of the calculated zodiac to the cosmic background of the visible constellations. The ancient astrologers new about the precession and compensated for it. However, for some reason the solar reference to the Vernal Point in the Spring became a new benchmark for astrologers in Rome. In not making the correction, the 0° Aries point in the tropical zodiac began to drift from the 0° Aries point in the visible sidereal zodiac. This technical shift evidently made the Sun more important for the overall consideration. In this regard, we should keep in mind two things, a) the rise of Christianity in the 3rd century and b) the total collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century. Together, these events ushered in the birth of Western civilization. However, far from its modern glory, the early beginnings were a picture of complete social and intellecutal breakdown, described as the dark ages. The true rise of Western civilization took place with the renaissance of the late middle ages, which was fueled with ideas and knowledge from the Arab world. The immediate result of the breakdown of pagan Roman civilization is that the connection with the practice of horoscopic astrology of ancient Rome was for the most part shattered. "After the fall of Rome, there was almost no astrology in the West until the 11th and 12th centuries"[7]. With the rediscovery of astrology in Europe in the late middle ages, it was the sun-sign that became its centerpiece. The birth of modern Western astrology thus represents a clear break with the tradition of horoscopic astrology of ancient Rome, and which is still practiced in India. Adding to the divergence is the compelling fact that the new branch of western astrology evolved based on a zodiac moving with respect to the galactic background while Vedic astrology retained its link with a zodiac firmly anchored on the visible fixed stars.

The constancy of the Ides
History records that the Ides of March (literally, the change of signs in March) was the time when a Roman astrologer warned Julius Caesar about two thousand years ago to take care. While Caesar did not heed his warning, the Sun on March 15, 44 B.C.E. passed into the sign Aries in the sidereal zodiac. It no longer does so, due to the precession of the equinoxes.

By comparison, in the tropical zodiac, the Sun was at 24° Pisces in Rome on that fateful day two millennia ago (adjusting for the change from Julian to Gregorian calendars in the late 16th century). It still makes the appearance there today. This is because western astrology is based on a zodiac that has as its reference the movement of the sun with an emphasis on the regular appearance of the solar seasons. In doing so, the tropical zodiac lost its moorings in the cosmic background, or the visible fixed stars that make up the signs. 

By comparison, the Sun now enters Pisces in mid March in the sidereal zodiac of Vedic astrology. This is because the precession of the equinoxes has moved the constellations backwards by almost one whole sign as seen from the earth in mid March over two millennia later. 

In a few hundred years from now the difference between these two zodiacs will be a whole sign, or 30°. Surely, if the constellations and the signs which they make up have meaning at all as reference points in the sky, then this would matter for the interpretation of the influences emanating from the regions of the cosmos. Moreover, as the precession-adjustment gained importance, the focus of the reading apparently and gradually was deflected away from the primacy of the ascendant and house rulerships as in ancient astrology to the placement of the Sun by sign in modern Western astrology. In some sense, the sun had become the fixed star of Western astrology.

Vedic astrology is closer to Roman astrology
Considering that Western astrology has also by now included the outer planets and minor bodies in the solar system, all of which are invisible to the human eye, there is no doubt that it has thoroughly departed from its historical origins in Hellenistic and Roman astrology. In fact, it is modern Vedic astrology that is the closest living relative of the ancient traditions. Importantly, in addition to the different zodiacs, the Western and Vedic forms of astrology now represent radically different approaches to horoscopic interpretation, with one focused on the sun sign while the other begins with the ascendant. The extent of the divergence is not always fully understood or appreciated, including the use of planetary periods in Vedic astrology.
Planetary periods
As in ancient Egyptian astrology, it is possible the Romans also used planetary periods, in addition to transits, when explaining the past and predicting the future. This would have been another similarity with the Vedic astrology tradition.[8] Planteray periods reveal the general trends operating at different stages in the life while transits indicate the nature and timing of significant events. Such systems have evolved through the eons due to the gift of insight by great astrologers, both past and present. The aim has always been to discern the pattern which gives the most accurate reading of a horoscope and predictions for the future.

With hindsight, Caesar would undoubtedly agree that the practice of astrology in Roman times was keyed to predictive accuracy. This is also very much the case with Vedic astrology today.

Footnote
*) Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus was born sometime between 1 PM to 3 PM on September 23, 63 BC in Rome, giving Capricorn as the rising sign. His Sun was at 4° Libra in the tropical zodiac (9° Libra in the sidereal zodiac). The Moon was at 29° Libra in the tropical zodiac (4° Scorpio in the sidereal zodiac). Importantly, this excludes the possibility of Capricorn being his Moon sign.

Source
[1] History of Astrology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_astrology
[2] Dr. Gustav-Adolf Schoener, “Astrology: Between Religion and the Empirical”
http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/VolumeIV/astrology.htm
[3] J. Tester, "History of Western Astrology"
http://books.google.com/books?id=L0HSvH96alIC&dq=History+of+Western+Astrology+tester+book&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=is&ei=YNAXSuepFYfUjAegy-XkDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4
[4] Augustus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus
[5] Marcus Manilius, "Astronomica"
http://fathom.lib.uchicago.edu/1/777777122543/
[6] Robert Harry van Gent. "The Constellations and the Fixed Stars"
"Hellenistic astrological tables and horoscopes indicate that the sidereal zodiac was employed up to the end of the 5th century AD. The use of a sidereal zodiac was continued by many astrologers of the Hellenistic and Roman Period."
http://www.phys.uu.nl/~vgent/babylon/babybibl_fixedstars.htm
[7] Western sidereal astrology, an interview with Kenneth Bowser
http://www.westernsiderealastrology.com/articles/MountainAstrologerInterview.pdf
[8] Hindu wisdom: India and Egypt
http://www.hinduwisdom.info/India_and_Egypt.htm

Another accurate prediction for Russia

On August 18, 2008 another accurate prediction was made on the basis of the chart for Russia and Belarus.

WHAT WAS PREDICTED
“The acid test of the authenticity is always prediction, especially when the chart suggests a significant event is likely to take place. In this regard we may consider the transits in MID SEPTEMBER 2008. While an event may occur at any time until then, we can note for instance the aspects on September 12, 2008:

Moon/KETU period is operating
-transit KETU at 24° 20' Cancer and 2nd house is closely afflicting natal 4th lord MERCURY at 24° 19' Pisces and 10th house and natal KETU at 23° 20' Pisces.
- transit RAHU at 24° 20' Capricorn is closely afflicting natal RAHU at 23° 20' Virgo and 4th house
- transit 4th lord MERCURY is closely conjunct natal RAHU at 23° 20' Virgo and 4th house
- transit 11th lord MARS and transit 5th lord VENUS are also afflicted by natal and transit RAHU in 8th house
- transit 2nd lord MOON at 23° Capricorn and 8th house is aspected by natal RAHU and conjunct transit RAHU.
- transit 3rd lord SUN is in old age in Leo and 3rd house, along with transit SATURN.

At such a time, we would expect, if the chart were authentic indeed, that some sudden significant event would take place that disturbs the communal harmony.” [1]

HERE IS WHAT HAPPENED
Russia’s financial markets, which had been experiencing a gradual decline since May 2008, collapsed in mid September of that year. The crisis is seen to have been compounded by the international financial crisis, political fears over Russia's war with Georgia over break-away regions, concerns about state intervention in corporations of strategic interest and the plummeting price of oil, a major export item. [2]

The stock market collapses
In September 2008, the RTS stock index plunged almost 54%, making it one of the worst performing markets in the world. According to the Wall Street Journal and Gazeta.ru, as the Russian market declined in September, conspiracy theories circulated in Russia among the leadership that the U.S. government allegedly incited large American investors to withdraw their funds from Russia, punishing Moscow for the recent war in Georgia.

On September 17, 2008 trading was halted on the dollar-denominated RTS on the orders of a government agency. The index fell over 6 percent in the first two hours. At that point the index had lost 57 percent since hitting an all-time high in May.

Banks fail
On September 15 the KIT Finance brokerage failed to pay off its debt, signalling problems in Russia's financial sector. On September 17, 2008, Foreign minister Carl Bildt said the current Russian financial crisis was "obviously more worrying" than the ongoing subprime mortgage crisis in view of the political development in Russia.

Money markets seize up
The money market crunch passed its first lowest mark September 15–17. On September 17, the government lent the country's three biggest banks, Sberbank, VTB Bank and Gazprombank, 1.13 trillion rubles ($44 billion) for at least three months to boost liquidity; the Central Bank lowered the reserve requirement. This was followed September 24 by Central Bank loans to keep the current accounts afloat and prevent a bank run. The regulators also raised the cap for deposit insurance from 400 to 700 thousand roubles (equivalent to 25 thousand dollars). These actions served their short-term purpose but failed to revitalize the money market: no bank was willing to lend for longer than overnight.

The economy hits the skids
Interestingly, given the affliction to the 4th house, which rules automobiles and real estate, the Russian automotive sector, which had been seen to be booming, declared production cuts in September, with e.g. truck production cut by a quarter. At the same time, major real estate developers announced freezing of future projects and intention to dispose of ongoing projects in early stages, citing an unacceptable increase in interest rates and uncertain demand. According to a real estate executive, "our clients are panicking, and that is affecting our business."

The government intervenes
On 18 September Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered ministers to inject 500 billion roubles of funds from the state budget into the markets and pledges that the financial system would receive "all necessary support".

Conclusion
A significant event, a major financial crisis, did materialise as predicted in mid September. Furthermore, the development was disturbing for the country. The accurate prediction offers further confirmation of the authenticity of the newly discovered horoscope for the Union of Russia and Belarus. To this we can add, the aspects mentioned in the prediction lasted from September to November. Not surprisingly, the crisis continued to deepen during this time frame.

Source
[1] http://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2008/08/union-of-russia-and-belarus.html
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%932009_Russian_financial_crisis

Amazing prediction for Russia

An amazing prediction has been realised on the basis of a newly discovered horoscope for Russia. The prediction is linked to the Moon/Ketu planetary period in the chart, which began on August 14, 2008 and ends on March 15.

Ketu is of the nature of separation in life. Under the influence of Ketu, one can become isolated or separated from others. In the case of Russia, Ketu is conjunct the 4th lord Mercury in the most effective point of the 10th house. This implies a tendency for separation or isolation which disturbs the presence of Russia in the world and the communal harmony of the country.

Strongly countering this tendency, however, is the strong influence of 3rd lord Sun on the MEP of the 10th house and the conjunction of 7th lord Jupiter on the MEP of the 7th house of foreign affairs. The fact that these strong planets are so prominently placed explains why the Western powers did not seem to be able to cower the Russian leadership into submission by giving them the cold shoulder.

It was predicted that this period would be characterised by increased isolation for Russia. This indeed has been the case, due to friction with the Western powers over break-away regions in Georgia. It was also predicted that the isolation would begin to lift as the period ended.

Indeed, the isolation took place and now the frosty relations appear to be thawing at the behest of President Obama. While the relations may still not be quite normal it seems a positive change is in the wind. To this we could add that the transit situation of the Gemini rising chart is also quite favourable at the present time.

In the Blog Union of Russia and Belarus on August 18, 2008, the following prediction was made:

"The present crisis with the USA is clearly seen in this chart. Moon/KETU period is now operating, since 14 August 2008. This suggests Russia may become INCREASINGLY ISOLATED until next year." [1]

A month later the following headline appeared:

Rice: Russia becoming isolated, irrelevant
September 18, 2008 -- 2306 GMT
“Russia's policies are putting it on a path to "ISOLATION AND IRRELEVANCE", U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday. [2]

Also mentioned in the blog on August 18, 2008 was the following:

"This crisis should begin to lift later this year, as the nodal station lifts and be gone by Spring 2009. " [1]

Now, half a year later, a new headline emerges with a completely different tone:

Nato to resume Russian contacts
12:55 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009
Nato ministers have agreed to resume high-level contacts with Russia, making what US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called a "fresh start". Relations conducted through the Nato-Russia Council had been frozen by Nato in protest at the brief war last summer between Russia and Georgia. [3]

This is followed by news of a 'first' meeting between US President Obama and Russian President Medvedev in early April 2009:

Pressing the US-Russia reset button
17:28 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009
As US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the first time on Friday, it is time for the new atmospherics to start being turned into new policies. The meeting in Geneva follows a decision on Thursday by Nato foreign ministers - Mrs Clinton among them - to resume relations between Nato and Russia. These were broken off after the Russian action in Georgia last year. The Clinton-Lavrov talks will be followed by the first meeting between Presidents Obama and Medvedev on 2 April in London, where they will both attend the G20 economic summit. [4]

In other words, a dual prediction has been realised. The nature of the event, of increased isolation of Russia in the international community, as well as the timing of the eposide, both in terms of the beginning of the episode but more importantly its end, have been realised. This is a powerful validation of the chart in question but even more importantly of the the astrological methods being applied, the Systems' Approach to mundane vedic astrology.

Source
[1] http://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2008/08/union-of-russia-and-belarus.html
[2] http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/18/rice.russia/index.html
[3] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7925944.stm
[4] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7926096.stm