Predictions for the USA in 2015

In the year 2015, there is a change of sub-period in the SAMVA USA chart, from the favourable Mercury period to the adverse Ketu period. There will be several stationary transits of slow moving malefic planets over natal placements to contend with during the year, especially in the late summer and fall. The combined influences suggest an increased likelihood of growing involvement in foreign military conflicts with mounting fatalities and significant violent events and communal strife at home.
   Importantly, as the Venus-Ketu period draws to an end, a shift in the collective mindset of Americans will likely have taken place, towards a more just and inclusive society.

PERIOD INFLUENCES
The Venus major period will continue to operate until April 19, 2016. This means that for the next 16 months the energy of this weak but important planet, as 4th lord of communal harmony, fixed assets and natural resources in the 6th house of conflict, health and financial stability, will continue to be a prominent background influence in the national life. A signal development during this period was the housing and banking bubble that grew from the mid 1990s until it burst with a bang in 2007-2008. Since then, US households and the economy have been on a gradual mend. The development of shale oil extraction (fracking) has also been a prominent feature in the latter part of the Venus major period. With it have come concerns about its potentially harmful environmental impact, as reflected in the ban on such activities in New York State on December 18, 2014.
   In early 2015, the positive sub-period of Mercury, since February 2012, comes to an end. The energy of Mercury is related to hi tech, communication and transportation activities as well as intelligence-based foreign and security policy. In the headlines have be the Snowden revelations about the National Security Agency (NSA) gathering of intelligence from the on-line activities of ordinary Americans, stunning innovations in transportation by Elon Musk,  great advances in remote space exploration, advances in mobile telephony and robotry, and the smart-power foreign policy. Such advances will of course continue but it is likely that their isolating and estranging aspect will become more prominent in the year ahead. Indeed, the US is likely to find itself in a more isolated or unusual position both abroad and at home, associated with the new Ketu sub-period.
   The Ketu sub-period runs from February 18, 2015 to April 19, 2016. Ketu, as the Moon‘s south node, is associated with an abrupt, separating and estranging energy that has a spiritualising effect on those caught in its throes, such as being suddenly confronted with a loss. The pain propels us to reach for a higher understanding in order to deal with it. Over time, this has the effect of making us better people as we become more in tune with our humanity or divinity. Indeed, when Ketu has an influence on a sensitive placement in the horoscope, there can be sudden, even explosive such events.
   In the SAMVA USA chart, the Venus major period is an important feature of this final sub-period, of Ketu, because Ketu afflicts the 4th house, owned by Venus. The combined influence of a weak Venus and Ketu afflicting its own house, increases the probability of some form of collective strife during this sub-period. Those feeling estranged or on the outs in society will likely come to the attention of society, which is normally not easy. Fortunately, the transit of Ketu this year will be easier as Ketu is placed in the 9th house of luck and higher knowledge and its transit influence is less. We may hope that a gradual social awareness of the wrongfulness of social exclusion, in all its forms, becomes a high minded feature of this energy as the Venus major period and Ketu sub-period run their course.
   Historically, the Ketu major period has been attached to strange trends in the life in the United States. When the first Ketu major period began (April 1869 - April 1876), the Civil War had ended, with the Northern states prevailing in their fight to keep the southern Confederate states in the Union. The next order of business for the US government was to stamp out slavery and desegregate the south, including combating the rise of the clandestine white supremacist Ku Klux Klan organisation. In 1871, President Grant passed the Ku Klux Klan Act.  As the second major Ketu period opened (April 1989 - April 1996), the USA found itself isolated as the sole global superpower following the collapse of Soviet Communism in 1990. Domestically, there were race riots in LA from April 29 to May 4, 1992. A siege from February 28, 1993 led to a fire that destroyed the Branch Davidian compound in Waco on April 19, 1993. A terrorist bombing took place in the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993. It was followed by an even more destructive and painful bombing in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. There were also natural events of the nature of Ketu in the USA. The destructive Northridge earthquake struck on January 17, 1994 and a firestorm devastated parts of the city of Oakland on October 19-23, 1991.
   The above is indicative of the energies that may be seen in the national life during the Ketu period. However, for historically significant events to occur, the transits of functional malefic planets over sensitive natal placements must also be there, more so if transit or natal Ketu are involved.

KEY TRANSIT INFLUENCES
6L Jupiter: From the beginning of the year to its end, Jupiter will move from 28° Cancer to 29° Leo. The key transit involving Jupiter in 2015 is when it becomes stationary at 18° Cancer from mid March to mid May. In this stationary placement, Jupiter afflicts the 1st, 5th, 7th and 9th houses, and imparts a conflictual energy to the planets placed therein. The USA is likely to adopt a more strident approach in foreign policy, reflecting a realisation that efforts at informing and persuading in the Mercury period have not yielded the hoped for results. 
     In January, transit 6th lord Jupiter will be in aspect to natal 8th lord Saturn while transit Saturn is in a separating conjunction with natal Jupiter. These are violence inducing aspects, albeit not stationary, and hence less problematic. However, as they occur at the same time, caution is warranted. 
   In early October, transit Jupiter in Leo will move into the aspect of Aries at 17° 47' Aries and 10H MEP. While brief, this transit adds to other energies at that time suggestive of conflict and violence.

8L Saturn: From the beginning of the year to its end, Saturn will move from 7° Scorpio to 17° Scorpio. There are two key transits involving Saturn in 2015.
   The former is its station at 11° Scorpio from February through April. At that time, transit 8th lord Saturn will be conjunct 10th lord Mars at 10° 06‘ Scorpio and 5th house. Saturn will then impart its functional energy of obstacles and endings to the planet that is general indicator of the military and police and functional indicator of government, laws and foreign trade. As Mars is natally strong, a significant setback to its indications is not expected. However, there may be increased civil disobedience at that time, as well as efforts to reform the military and police. Criticism of the government and legislation may increase at that time. The ongoing trade dispute with Russia could also intensify. 

The transits in late July are difficult

   The latter key transit is when Saturn becomes stationary at 4° 20' Scorpio from July to mid September, where it will become conjunct natal 6L Jupiter at 4° 25‘ Scorpio and 5th house. This is a very difficult transit as it increases greatly the probability of violent events and actions in the national life. In late July and early August, when transit Jupiter is in early Leo, it will receive the aspect of transit Saturn. This dual affliction of natal and transit Jupiter by the Most Malefic Planet (MMP), 8th lord Saturn, raises the likelihood of violent events at that time.
   As transit Ketu, the sub-period lord, aspects transit Saturn from mid July, with the aspect becoming exact in late September, the likelihood is further increased of sudden, explosive events taking place at that time. As noted, the transit of Jupiter will also add to the combustible mix.

Rahu: From the beginning of the year to its end, Rahu will move from 21° Virgo to 1° Virgo. While Rahu will be stationary at 16° Virgo and the 3H MEP from March to mid May, this is not a pronounced affliction, although some tension may arise for communication and transportation.
   However, it is the second station of Rahu at 7° Virgo from August through October that will be tenser, as it is accompanied by other malefic transits. During this time, transit Rahu will stationary afflict natal 1st lord Moon, which may increase manipulation regarding the collective self-identity of the American people. As Rahu natally afflicts 10th, 2nd, 4th and 6th houses, effort to manipulate may involve the distribution of wealth in society. Vested interests may emphasise the ideology of individual freedom, private ownership and small government to counter political pressure from enacting policies that reduce the wide disparity of wealth in the country. The efforts to manipulate by the narrow vested interests are not likely to succeed. Spies or traitors of the nation may be exposed during the second nodal station.
   When transit 2nd lord Sun becomes conjunct the transit stationary Rahu around September 24, at 7° Virgo and 3rd house, the difficulty facing the US President and highly placed persons will increase significantly. Transit Mercury will also become stationary direct from October 8-11 at 7° Virgo. At that time, problems in communication and transportation are likely.
  

Ketu: From the beginning of the year to its end, Ketu will move from 21° Pisces to 1° Pisces. Ketu will become stationary at 16° Pisces and 9H MEP from March to mid May. As sub-period lord it may create some tension regarding the indications of the 9th house of higher knowledge, the courts and religion. When transit 2nd lord Sun becomes conjunct the transit stationary Ketu at the end of March, at 16° Pisces and 9th house, some difficulty may be experienced by the US President and highly placed persons. 
   The stationary placement of Ketu at 7° Pisces from August through October is likely to become more tense, as transit Ketu will then aspect transit 8L Saturn in the first decant of Scorpio. The aspect becomes exact on October 1. This energy will add to the scope for serious violent acts or events associated with the stationary conjunction of transit 8th lord Saturn with  natal 4th lord Jupiter at 4° Scorpio and 5th house, as well as its opposition aspect to 1st lord Moon at 7° 19' Taurus and 11th house, while Rahu is also afflicting natal Moon. 

     As the year opens, the nodes will be passing through the MEPs of 3rd and 9th houses in normal retrograde motion. Perhaps there will be a brief increase in tension concerning the communication of US foreign policy, a sign of things to come.

SUMMARY

The Occupy protests of 2010 began the change.

The transits in the late summer and fall are of most concern in 2015. Growing conflict with increased violence is possible at that time. Americans will likely feel the heat abroad and at home. 
   A transformative change in the mindset of Americans is also expected to take place as this difficult major period and sub-period run their course. This will perhaps not be easily discernible while it takes place. However, the events that unfold and the long standing difficulty in the national life will likely have the cumulative effect to reduce the willingness of Americans to endure any longer the destructiv, divisive and extreme inequality of wealth, income and opportunity that has characterised the national life for so long and become truly onerous in the Venus major period.
   It will become the challenge of the political establishment in 2015 to respond to the growing demand of the population for a more inclusive society. If the politicians in Congress do not heed the call, they run the risk of being increasingly sidelined by a fair minded President. More importantly, if the Congressional majority does not heed the call, it risks being overturned in a historic progressive shift after the Sun major period begins in 2016.  

 

Federal Republic of Germany

Adenauer proclaims the creation of the FRG

A promising new horoscope has recently been discovered for Germany. It is based on the event when -- after 59 of 61 representatives of the German Lander signed a new constitution from 4:07 pm -- the first Federal Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, proclaimed the creation of a new Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) at 5:03 pm on May 23, 1949 in Bonn.[1][2] 
     Importantly, the union of Germany at midnight on 3 October 1990 in Berlin is considered to be the enlarged continuation of the Federal Republic and not a successor state.[3] As such, the reunification of West and East Germany was an auspicious albeit challenging event in the life of the FRG, created 41 years earlier, and not a replacement for it.
     The German horoscope has 23° 43‘ Virgo rising which is similar to the rising degree of a tentative horoscope for the European Union (EU) with 23° 29' Cancer rising, suggesting that the fortunes of the German people are in synch with those of the people within the larger EU of 28 countries.

HOROSCOPE OF MODERN GERMANY

The modern German collective identity is signified by its rising sign, Virgo, which is an earthy sign, ruled by Mercury. This ascending sign tends to make the collective identity practical, analytical, cautious, protective, dependable and discrimminating. Mercury is frequently afflicted in transit which can make the collective psychology feel a bit tense at such times. However, Mercury, as 1st lord of self and identity, is strong and favourably placed at 24° 03 Taurus, in the most effective point (MEP) of the 9th house (with an orb of 0° 20‘),  making the German people normally of calm nervous disposition, lucky and of a sound self-identity. The placement of Mercury also gives a positive and high minded collective outlook that positively influences the communication of the country‘s leaders. Adding to the favourable sense of self, is the placement of Moon, as 11th lord of friends, income and future plans, at 20° 38‘ Pisces and in the 7th house MEP (with an orb of 3° 05‘). This placement gives favourable and rewarding diplomatic relations but also adds a hopeful influence to the collective identity. Indeed, the Federal Republic of Germany and its leaders have been a driving influence for increased economic and political cooperation in Europe from its creation. This is based on the prior involvement of Germany in war which has caused a lot of pain and suffering for the country.

     Venus as 2nd lord of assets, wealth and relationships with neigboring countries, is also very well placed at 18° 39‘ Taurus and 9th house. However, causing potential problems for relations with neighboring countries, initiatives and communication and income and future plans is the placement of Mars as 8th lord at 24° 16 Aries and 8th house MEP (orb of 0° 27‘), due to its aspects to the 2nd, 3rd and 11th houses.

     The placement of Mars is, however, good for easy gains and the credibility of the country. Jupiter, as 4th lord of communal harmony, fixed assets and natural resources, and general indicator of young people and religion, is well placed, unafflicted but debilitated at 9° 00‘ Capricorn and 5th house. This placement gives potential setbacks to its indications but also creativity in their use.

     The Sun, as 12th lord of losses and general indicator of the leader of the country, is well placed at 8° 58‘ Taurus and the 9th house. However, it is afflicted by Saturn, as 6th lord of conflict, health and financial stability, which is badly placed at 6° 35‘ Leo and 12th house of losses, war and foreign countries. The aspect of Saturn to Sun gives problems to the leader of the nature of war, financial debts and losses. Saturn‘s indications are further harmed by an aspect from Rahu at 2° 05‘ Aries and 8th house (orb of 4° 30‘), adding harmful influences of manipulations based on desire. Moreover, Saturn casts its aspect on Ketu at 2° 05‘ Libra and 2nd house, giving rise to sudden problems of the same nature as on the Sun. 

 

ASTROLOGY OF PRIOR HISTORICAL EVENTS

Dresden after WW II

A remarkable feature of SA mundane astrology is that prior historical events may be read from an authentic horoscope. This has been seen in the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union). Indeed, The placements in the new horoscope for Germany are consistent with the prior history of the country. Indian astrologer and author V.K. Choudhry has stated that this finding raises the confidence in the authenticity of the new chart. 

     In particular, the two key significant historical events seen from the chart are the hyperinflation of the Weimar Republic in the early 1920s and the misguided expansion into neighboring countries from the late 1930s took place in the sub-periods of Rahu. A singularily important observation involves the aspect of Rahu in 8H of obstalces to Saturn as 6L of war in 12H of foreign countries.

     Germany has on two occasions taken the initiative to declare war in the 20th century with catastrophic losses for the country. A major fit is the fact that Germany started WW II in Saturn - Rahu period. In this regard, note that the major period  of Saturn, as the 6th lord of conflict, was operating until May 1944. At that time, the course of the war turned decisively against Nazi Germany. The Allied forces had invaded Italy  in September 1943, but in June 6, 1944, the Allies also landed in France, on D-Day. This is very similar to that seen in the 20° Cance rising SAMVA USA chart and the 16° Virgo rising horscope for the United Kingdom. In the USA chart, the major period of 6th lord Jupiter commenced in 1937, as the ill winds of war began to blow in China and Spain. The period lasted until 1953, when the US had also fought in Korea. In the UK chart, the period of 6th lord Saturn from December 1925 to December 1945. As Saturn is weak in 12th house of losses, the UK lost the remnants of Empire during the war.

We may also note that 8th lord Mars is in Aries and 8H MEP where it aspects the 11th house of friends and plans, 2nd house of wealth, status and neighbouring countries and 3rd house of communication and initiatives. In Mars sub-periods (preceding Rahu sub-periods), there has been observed a heating up of national sentiments.

     In March 1938, when the Saturn-Mars period was operating from November 1937 to December 1938, Germany initiated the Anschluss crisis by absorbing Austria and causing the Sudenten crisis, leading to the absorbtion of areas populated by German speaking peoples within Czechoslovakia. This is similar to what Putin did in Ukraine in the spring of 2014 and the historical paralell with Germany has inspired the USA and EU to react sternly, with an ever tightening trade embargo. 

    In the Mars major period from 2004 to 2011, Germany was busy co-managing the European Union along with the other large member countries.  During this time, the sentiment was strong to support the EU, even if it involved Germany putting itself at risk of financial losses. During this period, German banks lent out increasing amounts of money to other member states, including Geece. When the international banking crisis began in 2007, significant losses began to be realised by the German banks.

 

ASTROLOGY OF RECENT HISTORICAL EVENTS

In May 2011, the situation took a dramatic turn for the worse when Germany entered the major period of Rahu. This is seen with the bad placement of Rahu in the 8th house of obstacles and endings from where it afflicts Saturn as 6th lord of financial stability and conflict in the 12th house of losses. The Rahu sub-period lasted from May 2011 to January 2014. During these two and half years, the euro-area sovereign debt crisis peaked, creating tremendous problems for the German government. Not only did the government have to make difficult decisions involving the assumption of debt obligations incurred by other EU countries but these very same decisions caused a lot of domesetic debate, with several court cases being filed in an effort by concerned citizens to stop the actions of the government.

The Rahu – Jupiter period is running from January 2014 to April 2016. Jupiter is 4th lord placed in its sign of debilitation and 5th house.  In early 2014, Germany was blindsided by the Ukrainian crisis, involving Russia, creating a rift in an otherwise good relationship since the fall of Soviet Communism. The demanding situation in the Spring was explained by the nodal return from the spring. In late 2014, the situation deteriorated. At the same time there was an increase in domestic disharmony.  In mid December, German  people with nationalistic sentiments engaged in protests against the steady dilution of the white German nationality by immigrant races, especially the muslims. The aspects explaining this are the conjunction of a stationary Rahu in the MEP of the 1st house of self-identity, and its aspect to 1st lord Mercury in Taurus and 9th houses, during the fall and the entry of Saturn as 6th lord of strong views into the sign Scorpio and 3rd house of communication and initiatives in November, from where it aspects natal Jupiter as 4th lord of collective harmony at 9° Capricorn and 5th house of emotions. Saturn also aspects natal Saturn and is in a house aspected by 8th lord Mars. The public demonstration of nationalism has raised concerns outside of Germany due to the country´s dark past with regard to such sentiments. 

    

OUTLOOK

The year 2015 begins with the auspicious conjunction of transit 1st lord Mercury and 2nd lord Venus in conjunction with natal Jupiter around 5-8 January. This aspect suggests an enjoyable festive occasion for Germany, notably in the area of creativity and young people, that pleases the citizens. 

     Soon afterwards, however, there are a number of difficult aspects which suggest a renewed bout of tensions for the country.
     At the beginning of the year, transit 6th lord Saturn will be in applying aspect to natal 4th lord Jupiter at 9° 00‘ Capricorn and 5th house. The influence of this aspect will increase in early February when Saturn becomes stationary at around 10° Scorpio and 3rd house. From this placement Saturn will cast its afflicting aspect to Jupiter, suggesting that conflict in the area of initiatives and communication will create problems for Jupiter's general indications of religion and CEOs, but also its functional indications of communal harmony, the housing market, elementary schools and natural resources. These developments are likely to find expression in relation to univiersities, young people, creativity and speculation.
     As transit Saturn will at the same time be in opposition aspect with natal 12th lord Sun at 8° 58‘ Taurus and 9th house, any conflict is likely to lead to losses and difficulty for the German Chancellor and high ranking officials of the government. This influence will be more pronounced in mid February when transit Sun enters the 6th house into the dual afflicting aspects of Ketu at 2° Libra and 2nd house and Saturn at 6° Leo and the 12th house.

     Also felt from the beginning of the year and into March, is the aspect of transit Rahu in Virgo and 1st house to natal Venus and 2nd lord in Taurus and 9th house. This aspect suggests that some desires of the German people may place a strain on their status and wealth and relations with neighboring countries. However, as the aspect is temporary and Venus is strong natally, no setback will be realised for the indications of Venus. Moreover, from late February, transit Jupiter, the sub-period lord, will be in retrograde motion in its sign of exaltation, Cancer, and 11th house where it will come into a mutual aspect with transit Ketu in Pisces and 7th house. This suggests that foreign policy developments may serve to reduce the collective harmony in the spring but that some divine influence helps to becalm the situation.
     In June, transit Jupiter, the sub-period lord, will pass into the sign Leo and 12th house, where it will remain for one year. During this time, the placement of Juptier suggests that the domestic harmony of Germans will be less, possibly due to losses involving its indications.
     In the fall of 2015, a crisis for the Chancellor or highly placed government officials is likely, as transit 8th lord Saturn in the 3rd house and transit stationary Rahu in the 1st house aspect the natal 12th lord Sun in the 9th house


References
[1] Stenographic Office (2014). Information obtained by Harald Muller. December 22.
[2] Deutschland.de (2014). 65th Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany. May 23. https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/politics/global-issues-law/65th-anniversary-of-the-federal-republic-of-germany
[3]. Wikipedia (2014). German Reunification. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_reunification

 

Another key trend change in the Mercury major period

In several articles I have described the onset of the Mercury major period in the SAMVA USA chart in April 1972 on the basis of extant changes in technology, the observed changes in US government diplomatic policy and cultural trends. A new signal development has now been identified. Before I share it with you let us quickly recall what we know so far about the signal developments of this period, which ran from 1972 to 1989.

First, let’s recall the natal potential associated with Mercury as 3L of action and expression in the 7H of others. It gives the USA a tendency to emphasize freedom of action and expression of others (including foreigners).  Mercury also rules analysis and high tech activities. This is seen most clearly during its period. It helps a lot that the USA has a very strong sun-like Sun, as 2L of status and wealth, that empowers the 7H through its placement in full strength in the MEP of this house. This benefits the indications of Mercury. Indeed, at the outset of this period, the US President Richard M. Nixon adopted a policy of “Détente“ (thaw) in its relations with the Communist block countries, the Soviet Union and China. Nixon also redoubled efforts to end the Vietnam War, even at some cost for the image of the US military. These policy changes significantly eased the dangers of the cold war for not only the countries involved but also for the whole world. We can also recall that the cold war reached its peak in the major period of 8L Saturn (1953-1972), which rules death-like experiences, such as the Cuban Missile crisis of 1962. Moreover, at this time, the Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, perhaps the most ‘mercurial’ and prolific author of all Secretaries of State, initiated “Shuttle Diplomacy“ to resolve the crisis in the Middle East in October 1972, which coincided with first oil price shock, where oil prices began to react more to market conditions. President Nixon also abolished the Bretton-Woods international monetary arrangements of a fixed exchange rate of the US dollar towards gold, which had become a burden. The era of floating exchange rates was born. Mercury is also associated with flexibility and versatility. Later in the Mercury period, in 1981, President Ronald Reagan emerged with the supply side revolution, with an emphasis to lift regulations restricting entrepreneurial activity.

I have also mentioned the transformative role of the media in national affairs as the Mercury period opened, leading to President Richard M. Nixon being compelled to leave this the highest office in the land in August 1974 after a long standing battle with the newspapers. First, there was the battle to suppress the release of the Pentagon Papers in 1971, which emboldened the media to act independently of the government. This was a prelude to it its efforts to find out and expose criminal acts of Nixon's political dirty works outfit in the Watergate Affair. Indeed, investigative journalism became a hallmark of the newly independent press.

A technological revolution was also heralded at the start of this period, which guided developments for years to come, with notably the development of the semiconductor chip, which made the personal computer possible as well as other advances emerging in 1972 leading to the realization of email and the world wide web, which both constitute the internet as we know it today.

Another cultural expression was the fact that US citizen Bobby Fischer became a globally recognized figure for his victory in the intellectual World Chess Championship match in Reykjavik, Iceland in the summer of 1972 over the reigning Svoiet World  Chess Champion Boris Spassky. As it turned out, it became symbolic of the cold war being battled out in a sports match. Indeed, a similar development was seen in the prior Mercury major period, 1853-1869, when American lawyer, Paul Morphy, toured Europe and was recognized as the greatest chess player of his time.

To this list we can add a major academic work which has been cited as prophetic about the impending social transformation associated with this period. Indeed, Mehta (2013) cites the 1973 book “The Coming of Post-industrial Society” by sociologist Daniel Bell as heralding the United States’ transition from a labor-intensive economy that produced goods to a knowledge-based one geared toward providing services.” Note also that the preceding major planetary period was that of Saturn which rules labor and low skill economic activities, also fitting the description. Indeed, this is another important socio-economic change fitting the Mercury period in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart.

References

Mehta, Jal  (2013). Why American Education Fails – And how lessons from abroad could improve it.” Foreign Affairs, May/June issue.

Predictions for the United States of America in 2014

The year 2013 turned out to be more eventful than the previous year (2012) as predicted based on the SAMVA USA chart. In 2014, the Venus major period and Mercury sub-period continue to operate. A few important transit influences are, however, likely to result in significant events that will dominate the national news during the year. The nature of the expected trends and timing of likely developments in 2014 are discussed in greater detail below, with predictions highlighted in bold letters.

Venus major period (1996-2016)

Natal Venus is weak in the SAMVA USA chart making its indications vulnerable to setbacks associated with transit afflictions. As 4th lord of fixed assets and domestic harmony, Venus is badly placed in the 6th house of opposition and financial (in)stability. As a result, the Venus major period, from April 1996 to April 2016, has been linked to the massive housing bubble that burst in 2006 as well as the trend increase in inequality in the country. The ensuing banking crisis of 2007 and 2008 resulted in a huge rise in government debt after the government decided to save banks that were deemed to-big-to-fail, in order to ensure a continued flow of credit to households and businesses. Despite efforts to save ‘Wall Street‘ and reflate the stock market, a deep economic recession took place in 2009 that hurt ‘Main Street‘, as unemployment shot up. During the boom, middle- and lower class Americans became excessively indebted to keep up with the rapidly increasing affluence of the wealthiest Americans. As a result, ordinary Americans had become highly vulnerable to the loss of jobs and stagnating purchasing power of the 2009 recession. Moreover, the recovery has been weighed down by the efforts of ordinary Americans to reduce their debts. In 2013, signs appeared that the recovery was finally picking up more steam.

A major trend in the national life has been the growing wealth inequality since the early 1980s, reaching toxic levels in the Venus major period. This development fueled discontent that prompted a reaction in national politics, starting with the election of Barack Obama in 2008, who has put an emphasis on ensuring that most Americans have access to health care. In the winter of 2010/2011, the Occupy Wall Street protests burst on the scene, focused on the extreme inequality. As the 2014 opened, Bill de Blasio was sworn in as the new Mayor of New York city. Mr. de Blasio has promised to make a reduction in inequality his priority as Mayor. His promise signals a major shift in the focus of the national political debate on more economic and social fairness.[1] Importantly, this shift has long been predicted based on the negative dynamics of the Venus major period and the arrival of the more positive Sun major period in 2016. In 2014, the policy stimulus, to help the economy recover, will likely continue to be wound down. It is likely that the debate about ways to reduce inequality will become more prominent but also that it will remain controversial. 

Mercury sub-period (2012-2015)

Mercury is strong and well placed in the SAMVA USA chart, giving support to its indications. Mercury as 3rd lord of speech and action is placed in the 7th house of others. During the Mercury sub-period (April 2012- April 2015), the economic recovery has gained strength as predicted. A greater focus in the national affairs has been towards the high tech or IT sector in notably communications and transportation. 

The NSA spying scandal has put the issue of invasive government intelligence gathering on the front burner, involving also large private high tech companies. The freedom of the press has also been brought into question.  In Mercury periods, the focus of national affairs in the USA has turned to the preservation of the freedoms of speech and action. Such trends are predicted to continue in the national affairs in 2014.

As Mercury is sub-period lord, we should pay special attention to its transit placements. One transit of Mercury of note is its passage through the sign of Gemini and 12H of losses in the SAMVA USA chart from May 23 to July 29, 2013. While Gemini is owned by Mercury, which is helpful, its placement in the 12H is not helpful. During this time, the confidence of investors is likely to be reduced as Mercury is the general indicator of commerce and it also rules the 3H of courage. This trend could be more pronounced as transit Mars, which is the general indicator for courage and confidence, will at the same time pass through the sign Virgo and 3H, or until July 15. As Virgo is the Moolatrikona sign of Mercury, its weakness in the 12H is expected to also affect the general indications of Mars as it transits the 3H of courage. Efforts of the Federal Reserve to withdraw the policy stimulus, the tapering, could be part of the development. Lessening this temporary negative influence is the fact that both 10L Mars and 3L Mercury are strong in the SAMVA USA chart. Fortunately, transit 6L Jupiter will leave Gemini and 12H on June 9, reducing the stress for financial stability, conflict, etc. However, before then, in late May and early June, the effect of discouraged investors could become quite visible in the stock market, especially while both transit 6L Jupiter and transit 8L Saturn aspect natal 4L Venus in the 6H. Moreover, transit 4L Venus will then become conjunct transit Ketu at 4° Aries and 10H. This suggests that some conflict, possibly about inequality or social fairness, disrupts the domestic harmony which could contribute to the loss of confidence.

The transits of RAHU and KETU in 2014

The Moon‘s nodes, the malefic Rahu and Ketu, afflict the 4H and 10H MEPs of the SAMVA USA chart. As 10H is strong, due to good placement of 10L Mars in Scorpio and 5H, the problems for government, laws and foreign trade are only short lived. However, as 4H is weak, due to the bad placement of 4L Venus in 6H, during this transit setbacks are likely in matters pertaining to domestic harmony and fixed assets, as the US history confirms.

In 2014, transit Rahu continues its retrograde motion through the sign of Libra and 4H of the 20° Cancer rising in the SAMVA USA chart. On January 1, 2014 it will be at 11°29‘ Libra and 4H, past any natal contacts in this sign and house. The same is true for transit Ketu in Aries and 10H. On December 31, transit Rahu will have moved to 21°25' Virgo and 3H MEP, a distance of about 20° over the 12 months, having become stationary twice, at 5° Libra and 4H and 25° Virgo and 3H. Likewise, transit Ketu will have become stationary at 5° Aries and 10H and 25° Pisces and 9H. The presence of the nodes in a house is expected to have a disruptive influence, even if not on the MEP. The disturbance is likely to be greater when the nodes are in stationary motion (appearing standstill for an extended period when viewed from earth), as they do for three months at a time, upto three times per year.

For the USA, the transit of Rahu in Libra and Ketu in Aries is expected to bring problems for domestic harmony and, more briefly, for the government and legislature, including the health sector. Indeed, this was predicted for 2013 when the fiscal cliff and government shutdown as well as the disastrous roll-out of Obamacare became major issues of controversy and domestic disharmony in 2013. This was evident from the Spring 2013 when transit Rahu and Ketu at 23° Libra and Aries afflicted the 20° of Libra and Aries, the most effective points (MEPs) of the 4H and 10H. It was also notable in the fall when the transit nodes became stationary at 13° 30' Libra and Aries, where they were still conjunct their own natal placements at 17° 47‘ Aries and Libra, respectively.

For the first half of 2014, during the remaining stay of Rahu in Libra and Ketu in Aries, some continuing stress is expected concerning the domestic harmony and real estate market as well as government affairs. In particular, transit Rahu becomes stationary around 5°-4° Libra from March to May 2014. As this station is not afflicting in the chart, it will be of less importance, except when fast moving planets pass over the stationary nodal axis. Around April 17-23, when transit 2L Sun and then transit 3L Mercury pass over transit stationary Ketu, stress is likely for assets, banks and the US President as well as transportation and communication. As the conjunctions take place in the 10H, the temporary stress would likely involve the US government, laws or foreign trade.

On July 13, 2014, transit Rahu will enter the sign Virgo and 3H, where it will stay until January 9, 2016. The shift of a slow moving planet to another sign and house is expected to result in a change in the trends influencing the national affairs. Over the same time, Ketu will transit the sign of Pisces and 9H. During the stay of Rahu in Virgo and Ketu in Pisces, stress is to be expected in matters of self-image, transportation, communication issues, young people, universities, emotional stability, foreign policy, income and future plans. The transit of the nodes in Virgo and Pisces would be especially stressful for matters having to do with high tech activities, networks and commercial transactions, especially as the transit of Rahu through the sign of Virgo coincides with the sub-period of Mercury, which continues until April 2015.

From late June to late December, transit Ketu will be within a 5° aspect to natal 8L Saturn at 27° Scorpio and 5H. This aspect becomes exact in late August. During this aspect, especially from August 24 to November 30, 2014, when transit Rahu and Ketu become stationary at around 25°-24° Virgo and 3H and Pisces and 9H, respectively, there could be deadly natural calamities or sudden violent or explosive events. There could also be a sudden setback to easy gains at that time. An accident with fatalities involving an airliner is possible in mid October, when transit 4L Venus becomes conjunct transit stationary Rahu at 25° Virgo and 3H, while transit retrograde 3L Mercury is weak in infancy at 0° Libra and 4H.

The impact of transit stationary Rahu in Virgo and 3H in the fall of 2014 would also be felt for the indications of 2L Sun at 24° Capricorn and 7H MEP. At that time, some stress is possible involving US assets, including the dollar, or a crisis concerning the influence of the USA in the world or for the President of the USA, notably around October 13, when also transit 2L Sun becomes conjunct transit stationary Rahu.

The transit of JUPITER in 2014

Jupiter is fairly strong in the SAMVA USA chart, being placed in Scorpio and 5H. Detracting from its strength is an afflicting aspect by Ketu in the 10H to the 6H, which Jupiter rules. Hence, the aspect reduces the strength of Jupiter. Further, 4L Venus, is weak and badly placed in the 6H. As a result, afflictions to Jupiter, such as linked to the involvement of the USA in foreign conflicts tends to arouse domestic disharmony, with e.g. difficult war protests seen during the US wars in Vietnam and Iraq.

Jupiter begins the year at 22° Gemini and 12H, in retrograde motion. It ends the year at 28° Cancer and 1H, also in retrograde motion, having advanced 36° in the sidereal zodiac over the 12 month period. Jupiter will be in the sign of Gemini until June 19, 2014. As this is the 12H of the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart, Jupiter can impel the US to take an aggressive position that causes problems relating to its interests around the world. This can lead to conflicts, fraying of relationships and sudden setbacks when Jupiter is afflicting in the natal or transit charts. As Jupiter is weak in the 12H, health problems and financial stress may also be felt, especially when Jupiter afflicts or is afflicted. In this placement, foreign policy initiatives are likely to have setbacks due to conflict with foreign laws or customs. Accidents are also likely, which may entail losses. Certainly, the NSA spying revelations after Jupiter entered Gemini in June 2013, caused problems for the foreign relations of the US government. Moreover, the chemical attack in Syria in August 2013 and the negotiations over Iran‘s nuclear programme in October 2013, were highly problematic for the USA and required yielding ground on important issues, which caused anger among long time US allies, like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

While Jupiter is in Gemini, until June 19, 2013, problems are likely as noted above. This is especially the case when Jupiter becomes stationary at 17° Gemini from late January to early April. In this placement, Jupiter will be in mutual aspect with natal Ketu at 17° 47‘ Libra and 4H MEP, with the aspect becoming exact in early February and again in early April. Depending on other transit aspects, this placement and transit-to-natal aspect involving two malefic planets can result in conflict abroad that may result in losses abroad or sudden explosive events at home. Terrorist attacks on the USA, either abroad or at home, are more likely at such a time, as was the case when the '9/11' terrorist attacks took place.

After Jupiter enters Cancer, its sign of exaltation, and the 1H for the USA, domestic harmony, financial stability and judicial matters should improve. However, when transit 6L Jupiter is afflicting or afflicted in this sign and house, it can cause problems to young people, foreign policy and the self-image of the country due to increased aggressiveness, which may lead to conflicts or accidents.

In late October 2014, transit 6L Jupiter will be moving forward at normal speed in the third decant of Cancer. At that time, it will come under the aspect of transit Ketu in Pisces and transit 8L Saturn in Libra. These aspects are linked to sudden violent events. While the aspect from Saturn does not become exact and remains outside the orb of 3° 30’, reducing the impact, the aspect between Jupiter and Ketu will become exact on October 21. At that time, the US may come to blows with some other country. On October 20, transit 3L Mercury will be exactly conjunct transit stationary Rahu at 25° Virgo. This additionally suggests a temporary setback for the indications of Mercury, possibly involving some revelations about the US high tech sector or intelligence gathering, or a virus attack affecting the national computer network or a significant accident in the national transportation system.

From November 8, 2014 to January 9, 2015, transit 6L Jupiter will become stationary at around 28°Cancer and 1H. From there, Jupiter will aspect 8L Saturn at 27° Scorpio and 5H, suggesting scope for violent events in the national life. Moreover, the influence of Jupiter in November, adds to the strain on natal Saturn felt from the aspect of transit Ketu in 9H. Jupiter will also be in mutual aspect with Ketu at that time, although the orb between the two malefics will be over 3° and thus less problematic.

The transit of SATURN in 2014

Transit Saturn begins the year at 26° Libra and ends it at almost 7° Scorpio, having travelled over 10°. Saturn spends most of the year in the sign of Libra, moving into Scorpio on November 2, 2013. For Cancer ascendants, the impact of Saturn in Libra and the 4H is to give easy gains but to make the domestic affairs vulnerable, which is increased while transit Rahu is also passing through this sign. Setbacks may take place in property-, relationship-, professional- and health matters. From May to September 2014, transit 8L Saturn will be in close aspect to natal 4L Venus at 24° Sagittarius and 6H. There may be easy gains for home owners but also obstacles and endings for the domestic harmony or some other indications of the 4H or Venus (see prediction made for 2013). 

After Saturn moves into Scorpio on November 2, 2014, it will remain there until January 26, 2017. For Cancer rising entities, Saturn in the sign of Scorpio and 5H can cause emotional stress and problems to young people, foreign policy, income and status matters. In November and December 2014, transit Saturn will be conjunct natal 6L Jupiter at 4° Scorpio and 5H, with the conjunction becoming exact on December 11. At the same time, transit 6L Jupiter at 28° Cancer and 1H and transit Ketu at 24° Pisces and 9H will be aspecting natal 8L Saturn at 27° Scorpio and 5H. These are all violence inducing aspects. Fortunately, transit Saturn will be in direct motion and the other transit aspects will not be exact, reducing the impact. Nonetheless, some violent events may be expected at that time, an upset to financial stability, a drop in the stock market, the outbreak of a deadly illness, etc..

Summary

In 2014, we may expect to see a continuation of the national trends highlighted in 2013, such as the ongoing recovery from the bursting of the housing bubble, including the withdrawal of policy stimulus. The emphasis on technology and communications is likely to continue, with some problems in this area during the year. Controversies involving the freedom of the press or the right of citizens to online privacy may continue. Barring some problems from the difficult transits, the economy should move ahead. The good going in asset markets is, however, likely to run into headwinds during the year, especially in the late Autumn. There are risks of violent events in early and late 2014, respectively. The year 2014 is likely to be similarly or slightly less tense than 2013. 

---

[1] Colvin, Jill (2014). “Bill de Blasio Sworn in as 109th Mayor of New York City.“ Politicker, January 1, 2014, 12:53AM. http://politicker.com/2014/01/bill-de-blasio-sworn-in-as-109th-mayor-of-new-york-city/