Thursday, April 29, 2010

Nodal trouble

In Vedic astrology, the Moon’s nodes, Rahu and Ketu, are functional malefic planets. Wherever they exert their influence in the horoscope, a strain or damage may result. Rahu is associated with things that obscure or poison, like smoke and pollution. Ketu is associated with sudden, explosive events that remove things from the life.
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In a karmic sense, these planets serve a spiritual purpose. By propelling some towards selfishness and materiality that usually ends in crisis, Rahu brings people around to a deeper meaning in life. By suddenly removing cherished things, Ketu brings isolation or separation, that is usually followed by a profound spiritual understanding. These karmic energies also are felt at the mundane level, in the national affairs. As per the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu can be a source of manipulation in government while Ketu can trigger bouts of social disharmony, due to some ethnic, racial or economic group feeling or being excluded.
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Major oil spill
At the present time in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart, transit FM Rahu is at 20° Sagittarius and thus exactly conjunct the most effective point of the 6th house, which rules e.g. accidents. On April 22, 2010, a major fire broke out at an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers and injuring others. Soon afterwards, the oil rig sank, raising concerns of a major oil spill. [1] The oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico is now estimated to stretch over 80 miles, threatening to become one of the largest pollution disasters on the shores of the USA in decades. On April 29, a State of Emergency was declared as the oil spill neared the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi.[2] There is an additional influence coming from Saturn, which rules things mined deep from the ground, and as 8th lord of obstacles and endings. Transit Saturn is now at 4° 39' Virgo and 3rd house, from where it exactly aspects natal 6th lord Jupiter at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house. This adds to the karmic tendency for accidents or violent events. Moreover, the location of transit Rahu in the 6th house of Jupiter adds complications to the initial accident at the oil rig. This development is in line with a prediction made at the turn of the year:

"Some violent events - natural or man made - are thus likely to take place during the summer."


Immigration problems
At the same time, transit Ketu is at 20° Gemini in the most effective point of the 12th house, where it is exactly aspecting the 4th house of social harmony, and closely aspecting natal Ketu in the MEP of the 4th house. This is leading to ethnic or racial discrimination issues coming back to the fore of the national discourse.[3] In response to the State of Arizona tightening rules concerning illegal immigrants, the Hispanic community is now planning a major protest at the May day celebrations this coming weekend. These developments are in line with another prediction made for this time:

"A contentious racial or ethnic issue could also explode on the scene."

Summer of 2010
Looking ahead, the nodes will shortly become stationary around 18° Sagittarius and Gemini. From there, they are still within the MEPs of the 6th and 12th houses and exactly aspect their natal counterparts in the 10th and 4th houses. Such or more challenging situations are expected to bring increased strain on the collective harmony. More so, as discussed before, these contacts in the SAMVA USA chart are accompanied by a stressful Jupiter-Saturn opposition. All these transits combined are expected to produce difficulty in the national life this summer.

References
[1] Potential for big spill after oil rig sinks - 5:58 p.m. ET April 22, 2010
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36683314/
[2] State of emergency declared as oil spill nears Louisiana - April 29, 2010 -- Updated 1813 GMT (0213 HKT)
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/04/29/louisiana.oil.rig/index.html?hpt=T2
[3] Arizona immigrant law energizes Hispanics, Democrats – Reuters, Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:08pm EDT
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63R5HP20100428

Monday, April 26, 2010

Land of ice and fire

Iceland is a well known country despite the fact that it has a small population and is remotely placed. Many famous artists, notably Björk, hail from the island. Iceland has recently been in the news following the collapse of its international banking system in early October 2008 and a volcanic eruption in mid April 2010 which closed down air travel in Europe.

Facts
Iceland is an island, with a total area of 104,000 km2 (or 40.000 sq mi), in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its size is equivalent to that of the US states of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware and Maryland combined. Located on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the island is geologically active, with frequent earthquakes and eruptions. At the same time, the population (about 320,000 in 2009) enjoys the advantage of renewable geothermal energy. The island has abundant fresh water, clean air and open spaces. The population mostly lives along the coast of the island. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík, with the surrounding area being home to some two-thirds of the national population. The interior mainly consists of a plateau characterised by sand fields, mountains and glaciers, while many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate despite its high latitude just below the Arctic Circle. The ocean shelf has abundant fishing and likely mineral resources, including oil.

History
The history of Iceland includes several periods. The first period is the age of settlement (874-930 A.D), which includes the discovery of the island by Viking seafarers, the arrival of the first permanent settler and the general settlement of the country. The second period is the Commonwealth (930-1262 A.D.), during which time the Althing, a parliament of free men, was established. It is the oldest surviving parliamentary body in the world. In the year 1000, the Althing agreed to replace Nordic paganism with Christianity. The Commonwealth ended in a civil war and a “little ice age,” which made Icelanders dependent on outside supplies. The third period is Iceland under Norwegian and Danish kings (1262-1944). During Danish rule (1662-1944) the Protestant reformation came to Iceland. In the 19th century an independence movement emerged, leading to home rule and sovereignty in the early 20th century. During World War II, Iceland became independent from Denmark, marking the fourth period of the Republic of Iceland (1944-). During this period Iceland became a member of NATO and other international bodies. The Cod Wars (1951-1976) broke out. Iceland’s integration into formal European cooperation began with membership in EFTA in 1970 and the EEA in 1994. The opening up of the economy resulted in considerable economic reform and expansion. In 2008 a financial crisis wrecked havoc with the economy, with Iceland applying for membership in the EU in July 2009.


Economy
Iceland developed an advanced fishing industry in the 20th century. The economy is based on free markets but also a Nordic welfare system, which includes universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. In recent years, Iceland has been one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. In 2007, it was ranked as the most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index, and the fourth most productive country per capita. In 2008, the nation's banking system systematically failed, causing significant economic contraction and political unrest that led to early parliamentary elections. A new left of centre government has dramatically raised taxes to balance the budget while boosting the welfare state.

Birth of a Republic
Many consider the Republic of Iceland to have been born at 14.00 on June 17, 1944, when the new nation celebrated the founding of a new Republic. This event obtains a chart with 10° Virgo rising and one that does not explain well all of the events in the history. Prior to this, a national referendum had been held on two issues, whether to cut the legal tie with the Danish Crown and whether to form a Republic in Iceland. The referendum took place over four days, May 20-23, 1944. The turnout amounted to 98.6 per cent of the voting age population, with 99.5 per cent of those voting approving to sever the ties and almost as many favouring the creation of a Republic. The referendum is described thus:

"The referendum began around the whole country on Saturday 20. May at 12.00 noon and lasted until Tuesday evening. The weather was fair during the referendum. In most places the turnout was good on the first day, in some places entertainment and merriment. An emphasis was placed on getting as much of the voting done on the first day to have ample room for voting on the remaining days. In many places (communities) the referendum was finished with a 100% turnout already on the first day."[1]
In other words, the population made a formal decision to sever the ties with Denmark and create a republic. This event may be considered the true birth of the modern Icelandic nation. Importantly, the horoscope that obtains explains many of the events in the history. The referendum ended at midnight on the evening of Tuesday, 23 May, as is made clear in the front page story in Morgunbladid (literally: the morning paper), the main newspaper in Iceland, on May 25, 1944:
"When the casting of ballots was finished in Reykjavik at midnight yesterday, a total of 25,277 votes had been cast out of about 26,300 registered to vote. That is just over 96 per cent." [2]
In this regard, it should be noted that, as is the case for a morning paper, the article was written during the preceding day, or on May 24. The reference is thus to midnight of 23 May. Finally, the horoscope is set for Reykjavik, the capital of the new country.

Astrology of the Referendum horoscope
Scorpio is the rising sign of the horoscope, with 19° 52’ as the rising degree and the most effective point of each house.

According to astrologer & Author V.K. Choudhry,

“Scorpio is a watery sign ruled by Mars, the significator of energy, and it is weak. Ketu, the planet of secrecy and intuition, is exalted in this sign and the Moon, the significator of change and tenderness, is debilitated. These factors render the Scorpios intuitive and rigid...Scorpio is a fixed, negative, rajasic, kapha, female, mute, violent, fruitful and multiped sign and signifies severe sentiments. Depending on the influences on the ascendant, the sign Scorpio usually renders their natives determined, disciplined, self-restrained, fearless, persevering, energetic, intense, dynamic, decisive, self-centered, straightforward and tough or very sensitive, introverted, secretive, stubborn and ready to defend themselves.”

Mars as 6th lord is debilitated at 7° 43’ Cancer but well placed in the 9th house. However, it suffers on two accounts. It’s dispositor, 9th lord Moon, is weak in infancy and badly placed in the 8th house of obstacles and endings. It helps slightly that the Moon is conjunct Saturn as 4th lord of fixed assets, natural resources and communal harmony, bringing some luck to those indications even if they tend to involved in obstacles. More importantly, Mars is conjunct the Moon’s north node, the functional malefic Rahu, which indicates that the nation is destined to experience crises of conflict and financial stability which involve manipulations, as well as enduring a harsh nature, such as through volcanic eruptions and natural disasters. The Moon’s south node, the functional malefic Ketu, in addition to aspecting Mars, also aspects the 10th lord Sun, well placed and strong in the 7th house of foreign policy. This suggests seperative influences on the Sun. However, this aspect is not so harmful given the strength of the Sun in the sign of Taurus and 7th house of foreign policy. Jupiter as 2nd lord is exalted and well placed in Cancer and the 9th house - a sun-like house. Along with the strong Sun, this placement assures the country a good status in the world. As Jupiter is in old age and its dispositor is weak, the strength of its indications is reduced somewhat and thus more vulnerable to setback when the planet is transit afflicted. Mercury as 11th lord is placed in the 6th house of conflict, which suggests income and ideals and friendships are sometimes caught up in adversity, conflict or instability. Venus as 12th lord of foreign matters, is in infancy and thus weak, but well placed in the 7th house. This placement suggests either losses linked to selfish actions in foreign policy or seperation in foreign cooperation. Overall, the chart indicates a few weaknesses and difficulties in the national life, but the strength of the state, and luck with status and wealth offer counterweight.

MARS major period
Modern Iceland came into being in the Mars main period and Mercury sub-period, which began on August 25, 1943. As Mercury, 11th lord of income, is placed in the 6th house of conflict, the economic conditions were improving but not problem free.

RAHU major period
Things got quite interesting in the 18 year Rahu major period from February 24, 1947, as would be expected due to its natal configuration, with Rahu mutually afflicting Mars as 6th lord of conflict and financial stability.

-Natural disasters
Rahu also rules smoke and the first notable event was one of the largest eruptions in mount Hekla on March 29, 1947. On October 16, 1961, a volcanic eruption in Askja began at noon, lasting until 7 December 1961. As the Rahu period came to a close, on Nov 14, 1963, Iceland got a new island, Surtsey, when a volcano pushed its way up out of the sea five miles off the southern coast. The eruption lasted, with diminishing force, until June 1967. These events attracted international attention.
- Foreign policy conflict
As Rahu is placed in the 9th house, which has to do with foreign matters, Iceland was a founding member in international organisations like the UN, IMF and World Bank. In 1949, Iceland received the Marshall aid. On March 30, 1949, it was the decision by the parliament to become a member of NATO that resulted in a major riot in the town square, which police had to break up with force. On May 7, 1951, the American army returned to Iceland following Defence agreement during Korean War. A week later, on May 15, 1951, Iceland began to protect its fishing grounds from foreign exploitation, which led to the outbreak of the Cod Wars with Great Britain, by expanding its economic zone from 3 to 4 nautical miles. This effort resulted in a series of foreign policy disputes and direct confrontations with primarily Great Britain. The economic zone around Iceland was expanded in stages. The next extension took place in 1961, when the economic zone was pushed out to 12 miles, to 50 miles in 1973 and, finally, to 200 miles in 1976. The British government and Navy and the fishing fleet did their best to defeat the efforts of the Icelanders, a nation only a fraction of the size of Britain. In the end, however, David beat Goliath. The victory came in the Jupiter major period, and in the sub-period of the strong and powerfully placed Sun in the 7th house of foreign policy. Interestingly, the description of Scorpio is not inconsistent with the ironic comment by chief UK Cod War negotiator, Lord Hattersley, that Icelanders were “bloody minded” when it came to negotiating .[3]
- Accidents
There were many accidents and disasters during the Rahu period. On 31 January 1951, Glitfaxi airplane crashed during the afternoon, killing 20 persons. Six young sailors perished in a storm on January 6, 1952. On April 2, 1953, 2 perished in a snow avalanche. A boat sank on November 17, 1953, with 9 dying. On January 26, 1954, a trawler, Eric the Red, perished in a storm at sea, with 5 dying. On June 7, 1954, 3 young sisters perished in a house fire. On 5 January 1959, a small airplane crashed, killing 4. Sometime during February 9 and 10, 1959, the trawler Juli perished, with 30 drowning. On February 18, 1959, gale force wind caused destruction in the North and the lighthouse ship Hermodur perished, with 12 drowning. On May 24, 1959, a small plane transporting patients crashed into a mountain, with 3 being killed. On October 11, 1959, 2 children perished in a fire. On January 4, 1960, Motorboat Rafnkell perished, with 6 dying. On September 15, 1961, Motorboat Helgi perished at sea, with 7 dying. On February 10, 1962, the trawler Jupiter saved 26 men from the sinking trawler Ellidi. On January 18, 1963, an accidental gas poisoning of crew of Trawler Rodull results in 1 dying and 12 being seriously injured. On April 4, 1963, a storm with frost hit the country, resulting in 16 sailors dying.
- Labour conflict
Not surprisingly, there were many episodes of labour conflict during this period, given the conjunction of 6th lord Mars and Rahu. A tense labour strike for six weeks took placed from March 18 to April 29, 1954. In early January 1961, sailors around the country went on strike until March 25. Women labourers went on strike March 27, 1961, until a law concerning equality in wages for men and women was approved on May 29, 1961. A general strike of labourers began on July 18, 1961, a strike of road construction workers took place. On July 24, 1961, there was a strike of engineers, which lasted for 16 weeks. On June 4, 1963, a strike of pilots began. On June 27, 1963, a strike of engineers began; ending with a judgement on October 28. On January 1, 1965, musicians went on strike along with motorboat sailors, lasting until February 3. On January 9, 1965, waiters also went on strike, in sympathy with muscians, ending on January 13.
-Criminal case
On November 19, 1974, a famous criminal case began with the disappearance of Geirfinnur. It was tied with the disappearance of another man. After the case went cold in 1975, it erupted in January 1976 with accusations of leading politicians of a cover up. Even though the case led to some convictions, it was never considered solved.
- Achievement
There were a few events boosting the national pride. One took place on October 27, 1955, when Halldor Laxness received the Noble prize for literature. A year later, on November 27, 1956, Vilhjalmur Einarsson won the Silver medal at the Olympic Games in Sidney. On August 16, 1963, an Icelandic woman, Gudrun Bjarnadottir, was chosen Miss World.

JUPITER major period

The status of the country got a boost during the 16 year Jupiter period from February 23, 1965. Iceland won the Cod War in 1976.
- International relations
On March 28, 1966, an agreement was signed for Swiss Aluminium to build aluminium smelter plant at Straumsvik. This was a major event for the diversification of the economy, using the abundant hydro energy in the country. On March 1, 1970, Iceland's membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) took effect, opening the country up to free trade in industrial goods. On June 22, 1970, the world famous band, Led Zeppelin, held a concert in Iceland. While there the band wrote a new song about the country, the Immigrant Song. The World Chess Championship between American Robert Fischer and Soviet Boris Spassky was held in Reykjavik in the summer of 1972, with Fischer crowned world champion on September 1, 1972. A meeting of US President Nixon and French President Pompidou took place in Iceland on May 31, 1973.
- Domestic advances
On May 4, 1966, the parliament passed a law to allow the building of Silica production plant at Myvatn lake. On May 13, 1966, the Icelandic stated bought Skaftafell and made it into a state park. On September 30, 1966, the Icelandic TV Broadcasting Service began operation. On June 24, 1967, a new jet Gullfaxi arrived in Iceland, shortening travel distances to neighbouring countries by almost half. On November 24, 1967, the Icelandic krona was devalued by 25% in the wake of the depreciation of the British Pound Sterling. On May 26, 1968, right side traffic rules were adopted in Iceland, aligning with the practice of most other countries. On June 1, 1967, an olympic size swimming pool was opened at Laugardalur. on November 11, 1968, the Icelandic krona was devalued by 35,2%. On September 11, 1970, Audur Auduns became the first woman to become a Cabinet minister. At 09:00 pm on June 29, 1980, the world's first female President was elected.
- Natural disasters
Mt Hekla erupted on May 5, 1970, lasting until July 5, 1970. The Vestman islands eruption began on Jan. 23, 1973 and ended on July 3, 1973. The population of 5,000 was evacuated on the first night. Lava flows laid to waste a substantial part of the town. The long standing Krafla eruption began on Dec. 20, 1975 and ended on Sept. 18, 1984. Mt Hekla eurpted on Aug. 17, 1980, but it only lasted for three days.

- Tragedy
On July 10, 1970, the Prime Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson, died in a fire with his wife and grandson.

SATURN major period

The 19 year Saturn major period began on February 23, 1981. This period would be expected to accompany obstacles for fixed assets, but also some good fortune, as Saturn is conjunct the lord of luck, Moon, in the chart. Indeed, inflation in the month of April, 1981, exceeded 100%, affecting investment patterns and undermining the stability in the economy. There were some notable international events, with the historic summit on arms reduction held on Oct 11, 1986 between US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. On November 14, 1985, an Icelandic woman, Holmfridur Karlsdottir, was selected Miss World. In 1988, another Icelandic woman received the title, Linda Petursdottir. On Jun 27, 1996, gay marriages were legalized in Iceland.
- Tragedies
At 04:00 pm, on January 22, 1983, 4 persons were killed in snow avalanche in Patreksfjordur. At 07:50 pm, on November 22, 1991, five drowned on boat. At 06:25 am, on January 16, 1995, a snow avalanche killed 14 in the town of Sudavik. At 04:05 am, October 24, 1995, a snow avalanche killed 19 in the town of Flateyri. At 01:00 pm, on April 5, 1986, 5 were killed in small plane accident.
- Economy
On February 2, 1990, a national agreement on wage and price stability was reached. On February 12, 1993, the parliament approved a law for Iceland to join the European Economic Area agreement, a milestone in the integration of the domestic economy in European economy. A major foreign direct investment in power intensive industry took place in 1996-1997, resulting in a manageable boom in the economy.
- Natural disasters
Mt Hekla erupted on Jan. 17, 1991, lasting until Mar 11, 1991. An eruption in Vatnajokull on Sept. 30, 1996 resulted in a destructive flood. It ended two weeks later. Grimsvotn eruption took place on Dec. 28, 1998, lasting only one week. At 03:40 pm, on June 17, 2000, a 6.5 on the richter scale earthquake struck in the south of Iceland, causing considerable property damage.

MERCURY major period

The 17 year Mercury major period began on February 24, 2000. It began with a minor eruption of mount Hekla on Feb 27, 2000. As 11th lord Mercury is badly placed in the 6th house, this period would be expected to be associated with conflict concerning the aspirations and some issues of financial stability.
- Foreign direct investment boom
Following a minor recession in 2001-2002, major investment took place in power intensive industry during 2003-2007, which along with a boom in the banking sector and lending, caused an overheating of the economy, with rising inflation and large trade deficits.
- Banking collapse
The boom was followed by a dramatic collapse of the banking system on in early October 2008, during an international credit crunch. The dramatic decline in the value of the currency, increased debts of households and firms. At the same time, real incomes dropped significantly while unemployment soared.
- Political turmoil
Political turmoil followed, with riots breaking out. The riots peaked in late January 2009 with the government resigning and a new left of centre government taking power. A parliamentary committee was established to identify wrong doing in the banking collapse. The findings were presented on April 12, 2010, singling leaders of the previous government and governmental bodies out for dereliction of their duties.
- International conflict
The year 2009, was also marked by conflict over the terms by which the Icelandic state would make good on deposits of foreigners in the branches of an Icelandic bank abroad, the so-called Icesave dispute. At the same time, an IMF stand-by-arrangement was held up by the delay in resolving the dispute.

- Natural disaster
A major eruption took place in Eyjafjallajokull glacier around midnight of April 14, 2010, which emitted ash into the atmosphere. This ash drifted over the UK and other countries, bringing air traffic to a halt.[4] The economic repercussions of the disruption in travel are considered greater than those associated with the terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11, 2001. The large eruption was preceded by an eruption at nearby Fimmvorduhals from Mar. 20, 2010 to Apr. 12, 2010. Earlier, Mt Hekla erupted on Feb. 26, 2000, lasting for less than two weeks. An eruption in Grimsvotn in Nov. 2004 lasted for one week.

Prediction update
On April 27, 2010, Astrologer & Author V K Choudhry made the following prediction based on the new horoscope for Iceland:

"Worsening of situation is seen on 4th and 5th May, 2010. There can be possibility of additional stress of volcanic erruption." [5]
On April 16, 2010, Cosmologer made the following prediction based on the chart.
"It is likely the natural event taking place will be felt [for some months] ... also as the transit nodes will become stationary in the MEPs of the houses they now occupy." [6]
Future periods
The KETU major period will begin on February 23, 2017. It is expected to be somewhat challenging, having to do with seperative or isolating influences. The VENUS period will begin on February 24, 2024, and it will have to do with foreign matters. An excellent SUN period will then begin on February 24, 2044. At this time, Iceland will enjoy a prominent place in the international community. This period will be followed by the period of the MOON, from February 24, 2050, which should be attended by good fortune but also obstacles.


References
[1] The Republic Celebration 1944 (in Icelandic), Leiftur H.F. publishers, Reykjavík, pg. 60.
[2] "Election turnout in Reykjavik (in Icelandic), Morgunbladid, May 25, 1944
http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?pubId=58&lang=is
[3] Hattersley, Roy (2010). “May I introduce the bloody-minded Icelanders”, The Times, London, UK. January 8. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6979915.ece [4] Stranded in Britain
http://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2010/04/stranded-in-britain.html
[5] Message #18617 on SAMVA list at 4:24 am, April 27, 2010
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/18617
[6] Message #18568 on SAMVA list at 12:44 am, April 16, 2010 (in attachment)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/18568

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Stranded in Britain

On April 15, 2010, all air traffic ground to a halt in the UK due to Volcanic ash carried by winds in the upper atmosphere from an eruption in Iceland . The disruption to air traffic lasted for over one week and hit the UK especially hard.[1] The economic impact of this event is now considered greater than the terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11, 2001.
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The astrology of this event is clearly seen in the Virgo rising chart for the United Kingdom. In fact, the transits at that time were indicative of problems especially for those individuals and countries with Virgo as a rising sign (sidereal zodiac). In recent months, predictions based on the Systems' Approach have warned of a difficult time for this ascending sign during the month of April.
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Astrology of the event
In general terms, all the functional benefic planets of Virgo as a rising sign were transitting in the sixth and eighth houses on April 15. Thereof, transit 1st lord Mercury and 2nd lord Venus in Aries and 8th house were under the close afflicting aspect of Rahu in Sagittarius and 4th house. Of several indications ruled by Rahu, one is smoke! Moreover, as Venus is a general indicator of air travel, this disruption was felt far and wide.[2]
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Astrology of the UK chart

In the 16° Virgo rising chart for the UK, the Mars-Mercury period is operating. Mars is the planet ruling obstacles and placed in its own 8th house. This placement suggests British people have a good ability to surmount the difficulty they may experience. The sub-period lord, Mercury, rules the 1st house of self in the chart. As it is natally placed in the 3rd house, indications like transportation and communication come to the fore in the national life. In addition to the above described factors, in the UK chart, Rahu was also closely afflicting the Sun as 12th lord of foreign places natally placed in the most effective point of the 4th house, suggesting this event tested the patience of the populace. Morevoer, Rahu also afflicted 8th lord Mars in the 8th house, increasing the problems. Finally, 6th lord Saturn, which rules break-downs, is transiting the 1st house of the chart, further accentuating the problems. These transit-to-natal afflictions, involving functional malefic planets, suggest that Great Britain would be likely to face quite signficant problems at this time for the general public, as well as the military and police and the leader of the country. In fact, in recent months Astrologer & Author V K Choudhry, in his weekly rising sign predictions, warned those with Virgo ascendants to prepare for difficulty during the month of April.
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The problem dies down
All airports in the UK remained closed until April 23.[3] The problems began to wind down around the 21st but the airports were not reopened until April 23. In this regard, we may note that Venus moved into the sign Taurus on April 21 and had gained good strength in transit by the 23rd.

References
[1] Volcanic ash spreads more travel misery across Europe, BBC, April 18, 2010
[2] Wikipedia: Air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption
[3] Europe's air traffic 'back to normal', 12:06 GMT, Friday, 23 April 2010 13:06 UK

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Accurate predictions

The many accurate predictions made by Astrologer & Author V K Choudhry deserve attention. This article reviews his key predictions concerning the outlook for the US and global economy made from late 2008, when the uncertainty about the economic outlook was at an unprecedented level.

Importantly, the predictions were based on the
Systems' Approach, which he has distilled from ancient vedic astrology, and the authenic national horoscope for the USA, the SAMVA USA chart, which was discovered and developed by Cosmologer, with critical initial assistance from historical scholar, John T W B.

US economic growth
The graph below shows clearly that the economy began to stabilise and improve in the third quarter of 2009.[1]


After economic growth began to decline in the 3rd quarter of 2008, with accelerating speed through the 1st quarter of 2009, it turned positive in the 3rd quarter of 2009. The economy was thus growing again although output had dropped to a lower level than before the crisis. In the 4th quarter 2009 growth was greater still.

While things remain difficult in many respects, and the transits in the SAMVA USA chart in the summer of 2010 are tough, with unemployment at high levels and the financial industry still struggling, it is generally accepted that he outlook for the economy has improved from August 2009. In part this is related to advances in technology, with leading IT companies like Apple producing one advanced product after the other.

This is consistent with three predictions made from late 2008 by Astrologer & Author V K Choudhry concerning the outlook of the US and global economy.

1. Message #16203 on SAMVA list on October 30, 2008

„The continued impact of transit Jupiter on transit Saturn; persisting influence of transit Rahu/Ketu axis in SAMVA USA chart and then the transit influence of Rahu/Ketu on transit Jupiter shows continued financial difficulties/ setbacks for US upto the end of February, 2009...The outlook is not likely to improve significantly even with the change of the Government. The sub period of Saturn shows that recovery of the financial setback is likely to take a lot of time.“ [2]

2. Message #16490on SAMVA list on December 22, 2008

„ASTROLOGICAL PREDICTIONS FOR 2009 FOR THE WORLD IN GENERAL
The economies of the world are influenced by the major economies - USA, Europe, India, China and Japan. The general trigger is the US economy. In the first seven months the things remain challenging for the financial sectors of the world...Things start taking positive outlook from August, 2009, onwards...The employment opportunities are likely to rise in the computer and IT industry.“ [3]


3. Message #17685 on SAMVA list on September 21, 2009

During the Saturn sub period things are likely to improve to a good extent once the persisting transit afflictions are over towards the end of the year. The sub period of Mercury will also prove to be helpful barring some transit influences. The economy will be on sound footing in long run with taking care of the extravaganza like aggressive / risky marketing and huge perks drawn by top bosses of the companies which was prevalent and contributed to the economic setbacks.“ [4]

Conclusion
In addition to the accuracy of the Systems' Approach, as demonstrated with the accurate predictions by V K Choudhry, it is of equal importance that the predictions for the US economy were made on the basis of an authentic mundane horoscope for the country, the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union).

„The chart is based on the event when Maryland became the 13th and final state to approve the ratification of the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union at 5:00 PM on February 2, 1781 in Annapolis, Maryland. In doing so, the USA effectively came into being as a Perpetual Union.“ [5]

These ingredients are essential for accurate predictions: 1) a reliable method of horoscopic interpretation and prediction, 2) an authentic mundane horoscope and 3) the ability of the astrologer to accurately assess the transit and period influences in terms of the natal potential seen in the chart.

References
[1] US Bureau of Economic Analysis
http://www.bea.gov/briefrm/gdp.htm
[2] Message on SAMVA list on October 30, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/16203
[3] Message on SAMVA list on December 22, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/16490
[4] Message on SAMVA list on September 21, 2009
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/17685
[5] Authentic chart for the USA: SAMVA (Perpetual Union)
http://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2007/12/samva-usa-chart.html

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rahu: greed and deception

The full extent of the manipulation perpetrated by American businessmen in the economic and financial bubble of recent years that has now burst is being revealed. The timing of behavior characterised as manipulative and deceptive being discovered has been predicted in US national life based on the SAMVA USA chart.
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The key feature in the chart to explain such behavior is the placement of Rahu, the Moon’s north node, in the most effective point of the 10th house of public life. From this placement, Rahu afflicts the 2nd house of wealth, the 4th house of communal harmony and real estate and the 6th house of debts. Venus as 4th lord is placed in the 6th house and thus its indications are directly affected by the deceptions.

Deception exposed
The New York Times reports on the latest piece of deception, which took place inside one the largest financial firms, Goldman Sachs[1]:


"Every time you pick up another rock along the winding path that led to the financial crisis, something else crawls out. Subprime mortgages were sold as a way to give low-income people a chance at homeownership and the American Dream. Instead, the mortgages turned out to be an excuse for predatory lending and fraud, enriching the lenders and Wall Street at the expense of subprime borrowers, many of whom ended up in foreclosure.” [2]

The deceptions were extended by willing accomplices, the rating agencies:

"The ratings agencies, which rated the complex investments that were built with subprime mortgages, turned out to be only too happy to have gained by firms that paid their fees — slapping AAA ratings on mortgage packages that were structured to fail.”[2]

A famous investment bank collapsed under the weight of its own manipulations:

“Lehman Brothers turned out to be disguising the full reality of its fatal balance sheet by playing accounting games.”[2]
The story goes on:

“All over Wall Street, firms pushed mortgage originators to churn out more loans that were doomed the moment they were made."[2]

Such deceptive behavior was motivated by greed. Ultimately, the desire for major gains led to deceptive behavior. This pattern of unethical or illegal behavior has been seen on Wall Street before, including in the boom of the 1920s. The main result of the crash, in addition to exposing the fleecing of ordinary investors in sophisticated scams involving the highest rungs of the corporate ladder, is to reduce trust in the financial markets as a means to grow ones savings. [3] Some commentators believe it will take generations to reestablish trust in Wall Street following the flagrant abuses.
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The summer of 2010
The Obama administration, with the support of the Democratic majority in Congress, has now announced it is going to enact laws to reform the financial system. It is likely this will be the scene of intense manipulation as transit Rahu will become stationary around 18° Sagittarius and the 6th house of conflict this summer, from where it is in mutual aspect with its natal placement at 18° Aries in the 10th house. Rahu also afflicts the most effective point of the 6th house, it thus aspects the 10th house of the public and administration, the 12th house of losses and foreign things and the 2nd house of wealth and status. These indications will thus feel the strain of this epic battle of the legislators trying to corral the wily businessmen, who tend to rule the roost in Washington.

References

[1] Janet Whitman (2010) "Goldman's fall." National Post, Saturday, April 17, 2010
[2] Joe Nocera (2010). “A Wall Street Invention Let the Crisis Mutate.” New York Times, April 16.
[3] "Goldman charges puts Wall Street confidence on the line?"CNN, April 22, 2010.

Monday, April 19, 2010

UK governing crisis ahead

The 16° Virgo rising chart for the United Kingdom suggests a governing crisis in coming months. This is interesting as parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on May 6, 2010, which determine what party forms the next government.

Astrology of the chart
The Sun in any mundane chart rules the leader of a country. In the UK chart, the Sun, as 12th lord, is placed at 19° 06’ Sagittarius and thus in the most effective point of the 4th house. Saturn as 6th lord of opposition and enemity is placed in the 12th house. This combination suggests the leader of the UK could be influential but at the same time a source of social disharmony. A review of UK leaders shows that two of the more prominent ones in recent decades, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, became so controversial that their time in office was shortened. Gordon Brown, who replaced Blair, has not been Prime Minister for very long, but already he is struggling to maintain popular support for his government.

Prediction
On SAMVA list on March 16, 2010 the following was predicted:

“An examination of the period (Mars-Mercury) and transit (transit nodes conjunct natal 12th lord Sun, transit Sun conjunct 8th lord Mars in 8th house, transit nodes going stationary in the MEP of 4th and 10th houses, etc.) influences in the chart, suggests an outcome that is not in favour of the government. A political crisis in the wake of the election even looks like a possibility.”

Possible manifestation
Traditionally, the UK has two parties, the Tories and Labour, which receive the most votes. Other parties, like the Liberal Democrats and the Independence Party, have received more marginal support in the past. In the wake of the financial crisis, both the leading parties have lost credibility. Labour’s problem is that it has been in government since the mid 1990s. The crash took place on its watch. The quandry of the Tories is that they are associated with the types of free market and favour-the-rich policies which are considered at the root of the financial crisis.


In a recent televised debate, a young leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nicholas Clegg came out a winner. While there are more debates ahead and voters can be a fickle lot, a likely outcome of the election is that neither of the two traditional parties will receive the customary majority of the vote, in part due to the increased recent popularity of the Liberal Democrats.[1] Such an outcome will force the party with the greatest support among the three to seek to form a coalition government with one of the remaining parties in order to form a majority in the parliament. Alternatively, a minority government would be formed. In either case, potential political instability would be there. Having had a de facto two-party system for a long time, the UK is not used to such outcomes. At least the nodal station on top of the Sun in the chart, suggests some such outcome. This would, moreover, render the UK without effective leadership for some time, while a power-sharing arrangement is hashed out. While most of the tension will be felt in May, it is nevertheless expected to remain for most of the summer. Add to this, the opposition of 6th lord Saturn in Virgo with 4th lord Jupiter in Pisces, which also takes place in May, and it is likely such a strain in the political life will also be attended by a reduction in the collective harmony.

References
[1] "LibDems push Labour into third - poll", Reuters, Mon Apr 19, 2010 4:42pm BST
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE63I44Z20100419?sp=true