America's date with destiny

Seven years ago a long-term prediction was made on this blog. It was about a revitalisation taking place in the USA after the onset of the Sun major period in the SAMVA USA chart in April 2016. The prediction was twofold. First, the USA would experience a resurgence of power on the international stage. Second, domestic policies would be enacted that would reduce inequality and social injustices plaguing the country in recent decades. There are clear indications that this twofold development is in the early stages of being manifest in the national life.

I. The return of greatness

The first blog to comment on the coming sea change in the international position of the USA was published in early 2008.

The end of greatness

Cosmologer's blog - April 4, 2008

"In the third SUN dasa in the 3rd dasa cycle, which runs from April 9 2016 to April 10 2022, we can expect the extension of the territory, the increased authority of the USA abroad, in short, the return of the might of the country."

In another blog, published in early 2010, this prediction was reiterated. It was stated that there would be a surge in US power, similar to what took place in the late 1890s, under the the Presidency of McKinley, and later Roosevelt.

Rise of U.S. Imperial Power

Cosmologer‘s blog - March 7, 2010

"A predicted U.S. resurgence will likely take place in the coming Sun major period (2016-2022)."

Almost a whole Vimsottari dasa cycle (120 years) later, in the summer of 2015, a candidate for nomination of the Republican Party has suddenly emerged and become the most popular one based on the simple mantra MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. While controversial, billionaire Donald Trump has proposed unconventional policies that would invigorate entrepreneurship, reduce the political privilege of the wealthy and increase well-paying jobs through fair trade policies. Having led in national polls among Republicans since the summer, his candidacy seems to have struck a cord with many Americans.

Freedom and liberty
Americans place great importance on freedom and liberty. Astrologically, this is explained by the placement of Mercury as 3rd lord of action and Sun as 2nd lord of status in the 7th house of others. They also have the Moon as 1st lord in the 11th house of aspirations, making them idealistic.

"I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it's marked by the blood of those who died defending it." (John Thune, 1961-)

There is a sense of opposition to limits being placed on the freedom and liberty of Americans. This is likely rooted in their sense of self-reliance. There is also a distrust of big government, such that its encroachment into the lives of ordinary people is often considered unwelcome. While this emphasis will likely continue to dominate the political scene in coming years, a sea change is about to take place in attitudes towards large corporations and the influence of the wealthy in politics. 

Lack of competition
Up until now the large corporations have operated free of government restriction and the wealthiest Americans have enjoyed unfettered access to politicians through their lobby groups. This has resulted in laws and regulations that favour the wealthy, such that the large corporations do not face sufficient competition. In fact, they are able to buy up profitable new competitors, reducing competition further. As a result, they charge higher prices, keep wages lower and exhort their employees to work ever harder. This has resulted not only in growing inequality but also in serious economic and financial imbalances. As this is increasingly being recognised, the real change will likely come when the big behemoths are broken up and subject to more stringent rules of competition, as was the case in the Progressive Era. In other words, the country will rein in the big firms and restore true competition on the market place. As such, the emphasis in politics is slowly shifting towards policies that address long standing social injustices, such as many Americans being forced to move into lower paying service sector jobs as better paying jobs are shipped overseas.[1] Astrologically, this is due to the strong Sun in the horoscope, which gives discrimination about moral issues, the ability to know right from wrong. Moreover, the Sun is also an indicator of the national leader, hence it will likely be the President that ushers in this major change.

II. Policies that reduce inequality and social injustice

In late 2009 the following prediction was made for the USA in 2016 and later:

From Gilded Age to Progressive Era

Cosmologer‘ blog – November 18, 2009

From the late 19th century and in the early 20th century, there was a major political shift in the USA, which is very much aligned with the planetary periods in the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union). In fact, while planetary transits explain the significant events, the periods give an amazing insight into major trends in US history. The chart indicates a similar major shift will take place in US politics from around 2016, with a general improvement lasting for several decades.

…

Conclusion
We can see that the Gilded Age was replaced by a much more confident and progressive era in US national and political life. This is consistent with the major planetary periods of the time. The national life in the USA since the 1980s has been characterised by great economic progress, with notable advances in communications infrastructure. However, imbalances, financial panics and social tensions have also been there. The forthcoming periods of the Sun (April 2016 - April 2022), Moon (- April 2032) and Mars (- April 2039) indicate that the US will experience a return to considerable progress in the national life during these periods, associated with policies that lead to a reduction in tensions over inequality or injustices, consistent with earlier such periods in the national life. 

On October 13, 2015, the Democratic Party held its first televised debate. In their 2 minute introductory statement, the five Democratic candidates for President stressed inequality and social injustice in America and what they plan to do about it.

• “As we look to the future I want to reduce income inequality and close the gap between the haves and have-nots.” (Lincoln Chaffee, 1953-) 

• “People are disgusted how money has corrupted our political process...I have spoken about economic fairness and social justice.” (Jim Webb, 1946-) 

• “There is a deep economic injustice in America today…our middle class is shrinking, our poor families are becoming poorer. Seventy percent of families are earning less than they were 12 years ago.” (Martin O´Malley,  1963-) 

• “For the past 40 years, the middle class has been disappearing, millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages and yet almost all of the new income and wealth being created is going to the top one percent.”  (Bernie Sanders, 1941-) 

• “I have sought to even the odds for each child to reach its God given potential.” (Hillary Clinton, 1947-)

In other words, the issue of inequality and social injustice has come to the very forefront of the public debate in America. In 2009, this was not the case. It was in the fall of 2010, when the Occupy Wall Street Protests began, that the issue of rampant inequality began to come to the attention of most people. Now the media is full of stories on it.

Economic Inequality: It’s Far Worse Than You Think

The Scientific American - March 31, 2015

"If poor people knew how rich rich people are, there would be riots in the streets." (Chris Rock, 1965 -)

It is clear the situation is grave and the politicians know about it. However, it will not necessarily be the Democrats who bring in the change. They are more the party of taxation and expenditure, associated with big government. It is likelier that a Republican, favouring free enterprise and limited government, will be the one to address these problems, by increasing competition and restoring industrial production, consistent with the period influences seen in the SAMVA USA chart. Unrelated to this prediction, the respected Indian astrologer & author V. K. Choudhry has predicted that a Republican is likely to win the Presidential election in November 2016. 

In any event, the accurate prediction of the nature and timing of events in the USA show that SA astrology, which works so well when applied to the horoscopes of individuals, also works in the mundane sphere when it is applied to an authentic mundane horoscope like the SAMVA USA horoscope. In fact, the many other accurate predictions for the USA based on it increase the confidence that it is indeed the AUTHENTIC horoscope of the USA.

Reference
[1] Batra, Ravi (2015). End Unemployment Now. St. Martins Press. 

Ketu's aspect to Saturn

KETU

The contracting and crystalising planet Saturn is transiting the secretive and rigid sign of Scorpio from November 2, 2014 to January 26, 2017.

From September 1 to October 15 2015, Saturn in the first decan of Scorpio will be under the close afflicting aspect of the separating and isolating planetary point, Ketu, which will be transit stationary at 7° in the mystical and generous sign of Pisces during the fall.

During this period, the general significations of Ketu, such as sudden explosive events, are likely to be visited on the general indications of Saturn, such as working people, traditional industries, structures, and things mined from the ground. As Saturn represents cold and Ketu represents extremes, there could be an unseasonal cold snap or an explosion involving extremes of hot and cold. As both planets are transiting watery signs, there could also be problems having to do with water.

The impact of this aspect, however, will be strongly influenced by the national horoscope of the countries involved, especially, where the ascending degree is around 7 or where some natal planet is at 7 degrees in the even numbered signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces.

Indian astrologer & author V. K. Choudhry has analysed, based on the Systems’ Approach of house rulerships, what the influence of the transit of Saturn through Scorpio is likely to be for each of the rising signs.

In this article we focus on the likely impact of this aspect from Ketu where Saturn is also a functional malefic, as per SA. This is the case for the signs of Cancer, where Saturn becomes the 8th lord of obstacles and endings, Virgo, where it is 6th lord of conflict, and Pisces, where it becomes 12th lord of losses. In countries with these ascendants, and where the rising degree is around 7 degrees or some planet is in even signs at that degree, the problems are likely to be greater.

For Cancer ascendants, the transit of Saturn through Scorpio is expected to cause stress to the indications of the 5th, 7th, 11th and 2nd houses. The transit of Saturn in Scorpio and 5th house suggests financial setbacks, problems with young people, foreign policy and the economy. The six week aspect of Ketu in the 9th house is likely to bring a sudden setback for the credibility of the country as well as violent storms that upset people.

United States of America

In the SAMVA horoscope for the USA, which has 20° Cancer rising, the Venus-Ketu period is operating. This places an emphasis on the energy of Ketu in the horoscope, but it is conjunct the most effective point of the 4th house and aspects the 8th house, 10th house and 12th house. Hence, the natal factors are likely to be triggered by this aspect of Ketu, but also in relation to natal 6th lord Jupiter at 4°Scorpio and natal 10th lord Mars at 10° Scorpio, suggesting the problems involve the police and military but also corporate leaders in the country. The aspect of Ketu to 8th lord Saturn could involve violent events with mass casualties.

During the summer months, the conjunction of transit stationary Saturn at 5° Scorpio to natal Jupiter, is likely to cause the expansion of the US economy, ruled by Jupiter, to be halted by contracting Saturn. From mid-September to mid October, the banking system, ruled by Sun and Jupiter, could come under stress, especially on September 23, when transit Sun becomes conjunct transit stationary Rahu.

Another important aspect at that time, is the exact aspect of transit stationary Rahu at 7° Virgo and 3rd house to natal 1st lord Moon at 7° Taurus and 11th house. This aspect, which lasts from beginning August to end October, is likely to bring stress for the condition of the people and reputation of the country. There could be an expose of efforts to cover up pollution in the mining sector, such as shale oil extraction poisoning the water supply affecting large numbers of people. The problems for corporate leaders may be more prominent in early October, when transit 6th lord Jupiter comes under the exact aspect of natal Rahu in the 10th house of the SAMVA USA chart.

 

By comparison, the European Union, with 24° Cancer rising, will likely be less affected by this transit aspect.

For Virgo ascendants, the transit of Saturn in Scorpio is expected to cause stress to the indications of the 3rd, 5th, 9th and 12th houses. This transit can make Virgo rising countries more aggressive, causing problems for their financial system. In particular, the aspect of Ketu in the 7th house of others to 6th lord Saturn in the 3rd house of action and communication is likely to bring setbacks for financial obligations, communicable diseases or court cases involving transportation or communication. Germany and the United Kingdom have Virgo rising horoscopes but the influences are not seen to intimately involve these countries.

For Pisces ascendants, the transit of Saturn in Scorpio is expected to cause stress to the indications of the 9th, 11th, 3rd and 6th houses. This transit can make Pisces rising countries unlucky, involving e.g. their judicial or religious systems. In particular, the aspect of Ketu in the 1st house of self to 12th lord Saturn in the 9th house of luck is likely to bring setbacks for the judiciary or religious institutions, including old structures.

 

Other countries, where Saturn is a functional benefic planet, due to its Moolatrikona rulership of an auspicious house, such as India, with 7° Taurus rising and Iceland with 19° Scorpio rising, but FM planets around 7° Capricorn and Cancer, could also experience setbacks at this time.

A fortunate change for Greece

German Finance Mininster Schauble and his Greek counterpart Varoufakis

On February 27, 2012, a new horoscope for Greece was introduced on this blog and SAMVA list. Significant events in the history of the country were examined in terms of the Systems‘Approach (SA), and the events were found to be remarkably consistent with the natal, period and transit influences of the horoscope. Further, the near term development of 2012-2014 was seen to be difficult but this was expected to be followed by relief.

The prediction in 2012
“ This horoscope seems to reflect well the events of Greek national life. At the same time, it does not paint a hopeful picture for the financial or political position of Greece in the summer of 2012 when the Mercury-Mercury period is operating and difficult transits are felt. Venus, Mars and Saturn are the helpful planets in this horoscope. Their placements suggest some amount of comforts, fortune, energy and status - all of which is consistent with what we know about life in Greece. Barring challenging transits, the Venus sub-period from January 2015, promises a fortunate change of events.“

Moreover, the following was stated.
"The recession from 2006 to 2011 is associated with the Rahu and Jupiter sub-periods of the Saturn major period. Now the Mercury major period has started, the difficulties are likely to continue during the Mercury and Ketu sub-periods lasting through 2014."

Recent developments

Youth unemployment in Greece has been near 60 percent in recent years

In late December 2014, the Samaras government collapsed.[1] It had been beholden to the fiscal austerity policies for several years, which had caused much suffering in Greek society, including keeping unemployment at depression levels.
   In the election on January 25, 2015, a new government came to power. It had the single aim of ending the austerity policies. It made bold statements about the need to scupper existing agreements. 
   On February 20, 2015, this was effectively achieved, when Greece and its Euro-area partners reached a deal to give Greece up to four months to renegotiate its debt agreement with the EU, IMF and ECB.
   While this initial agreement falls short of the initial demands to immediately renegotiate the debt, the change nonetheless represents a victory for Greece in that the austerity policies are in effect being relaxed with the consent of its Euro area partners. However, Greece does not have carte blanche to change its policies or the debt burden.

Challenges to gain a consensus
The new Greek government must also show good faith efforts in coming months to continue to reform the government and management of the country. This is hard given the placement of Mercury, as 8th lord of obstacles and endings, is on the most effective point of the 11th house of incomes and future plans and in aspect to the 5th house of speculation and management. This placement, as Indian astrologer and author V. K. Choudhry has pointed out, explains why the Greek people have such a hard time reaching agreement amongst themselves. This divisive energy is focused on the future direction of the country (11th house) and its management (5th house).
   Indeed, the country has historically been rife with corruption and mismanagement. During the 1940s, 1960s and 1970s, the country was in a state of civil war or political turmoil due also to extreme factionalism. During the major period of Mercury, the problems of factionalism have been there but the major problem has been the economic hardships following the financial crisis of recent years.

Scope for improved policies
The Greek economy is now predicted to be emerging from the recession. Such a change will help usher in better conditions for the working people in Greece. Moreover, the new agreement gives increased scope for the government to quickly implement policies that begin to reduce the high unemployment levels.[2]
   Kelly (2015) emphasises the advantages of the new agreement.[3]

"Greece gets to pick its own austerity.“

Meanwhile, Evans-Pritchard (2015), a noted critic of the EU, describes the overall implications thus.[4]

“Greece has secured a four-month reprieve from eurozone creditors at a last-ditch summit in Brussels, heading off imminent default and a traumatic rupture of monetary union.  The interim accord gives Greece breathing room to flesh out its economic agenda and reform plans, and effectively scraps the draconian fiscal targets imposed by the EU-IMF Troika."

   To this we can add that the alarmists were proved wrong, Greece did not opt out of, nor was it forced to leave the eurozone. Indeed, that would have been a disastrous outcome for the country. In short, the country has not suffered an additional loss at this time. Rather, the agreement ensures that Greece continues, despite the problems and challenges, as an integral member in in the European Union and euro zone.
 

   In November 2014, OECD, the international think tank in Paris, noted the rapidly improving economic outlook for Greece.[5]

“Following six years of deep recession, growth is projected to be positive in 2014, and to gain additional momentum in 2015-16.“

   In short, the sequence of recent events resulting in easier policies along with the rapidly improving economic situation may aptly be described as a "fortunate change" for the Greek people "from January 2015".[6] 
   It is also of interest that the Moon-Venus period that began in June 1949, ushered in a time in Greek life when a dire situation of civil war began to be resolved. This is important in that since January 22, 2015, Greece has been in the Mercury-Venus period. Hence, the prediction made three years ago.
   We should keep in mind that the Mercury major period runs from August 2011 to August 2028. Given the affliction of Mercury in the horoscope, we may expect that the legacy of the financial problems will remain in the background during the remainder of  this 17 year period, although the current developments will reflect more the sub-period and transit influences at any time. 

   The prediction is additional evidence to the reading of the history and recent developments in terms of the horoscope. Importantly, this prediction which was made far in advance ( in February 2012) has proved correct both in terms of the nature and timing of the developments. As such, it increase our confidence that the tentative 26° Aquarius rising chart is the authentic and correct national horoscope for Greece.

Developments in the EU
The developments are also revealing concerning the EU and Germany.
   In a blog article on January 1, 2015, European Union at cross roads, the Rahu major period from February 2015 in the 24° Cancer rising horoscope for the EU was described as follows.

“The influence of Rahu can be to obscure and mislead. This placement suggests that vested interests try to  manipulate the management of the union, the scope for speculation and that crises can develop, also concerning young people and universities.“

   Further, during February to May 2015 is likely to bring a crisis to the affairs of the EU, notably the management aspect of the union.

   "There will likely be a crisis for the management of the Union, including obstacles and endings for the vested interests, such as financial creditors. There may be exposures involving manipulations in the management of the EU.“

   Indeed, it seems the leaders of the Eurogroup were united in resisting the demands of the popular Greek leaders to reduce further the debts owed by Greek government to its various creditors. Even the leaders of countries like Portugal and Ireland have taken an adamant stance insisting that Greece honor its obligations. They likley felt compelled to do so, as they were pushed into a corner to also pay their debts at great cost to their tax payers but arguably with less economic difficulty than Greece. Likely, this hard line against the long suffering Greeks will give a bad impression to most people in the EU concerning the leadership.
   The situation was examined in late 2014 in terms of the newly discovered 24° Virgo rising horoscope for Germany, with the prediction begin made for early 2015 that there will likely be 

"...conflict in the area of initiatives and communication[, which] will create problems for... communal harmony.“

   Indeed, the Greek drama has been a part of the problems facing Germany, as Chancellor Merkel and Finance Minister Schauble were at the forefront of reaching the controversial agreement with Greece on a way out for the beleagured country. 
   Finally, the following was also predicted based on the tentative 1° Gemini rising horoscope for France.  

"Early 2015 does not look quite as challenging for the France as it does for Germany or the EU."

   The French leader Hollande and his government have not been in the forefront of the tough negotiations. Rather they played a supportive role, staying in the background.

Conclusion

A prediction was made three years ago for the economic crisis to remain through 2014 but for a fortunate change in the national affairs of Greece starting from January 2015. This prediction is seemingly now being realised. 

References

[1] WSWS (2014). The collapse of the Greek government. 31 December.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/02/150220-eurogroup-statement-greece/
[2] EU Council (2015). Eurogroup statement on Greece. 20/02,  21:00. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/02/150220-eurogroup-statement-greece/
[3] Kelly,  Lorcan Roche (2015). Scoreboard: Here's What Each Side Got in the Greece Negotiations. Bloomberg. February 20, 9:42 PM GMT.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-20/scoreboard-here-s-what-each-side-got-in-the-greece-negotiations
[4] Evans-Pritchard, Ambrose (2015). Greece averts bankruptcy and softens austerity in last-ditch deal. Telegraph  20 February, 10:29PM GMT.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11426378/Greece-averts-bankruptcy-and-softens-austerity-in-last-ditch-deal.html
[5] OECD (2014). Economic outlook, analysis and forecasts for Greece. November.
http://www.oecd.org/eco/outlook/greece-economic-forecast-summary.htm
[6] Kapoor, Sony (2015). The Greek Deal – A game changer or a mere name changer? February 24.
http://re-define.org/blog/tue-02242015-1501/greek-deal-–-game-changer-or-mere-name-changer?sthash.jMs0Ipjl.mjjo 

 

La France

Recently, the authentic horoscope for France has been identifed, after considerable effort. It is based on the time when the citizens of France approved in a referendum the creation of the 5th French Republic. The referendum closed at 10:00 pm on 28 September 1958 in Paris, giving 1° 13‘ Gemini rising. Below is a description of the horoscope with some historical anecdotes and musings.

Astrology of the chart

The first house represents the self of any entity and Gemini is an airy sign owned by Mercury. This brings out a pleasing communicative ability in French national life. This is more so as 4th lord Mercury at 6° 35‘ Virgo and 3rd lord Sun at 11° 56‘ Virgo are fairly strong in the 4th house. Mercury is combust but gains additional strength from being in own MT sign. Moreover, although Sun‘s strength depends on that of Mercury, it also gains additional strength by ruling a sun-like house. This dual placement gives an interest in communication, which could be of an analytical, verbal or intellectual nature.

The lode star of the French horoscope is the powerful, unafflicted and well placed 2nd lord Moon at 22° 30‘ Pisces and 10th house. This placement of a lord of a sun-like house gives France its good international status, adds regality to its leader and an importance for the state in the affairs of the people. The placement also contributes to an overall satisfaction of the French with their way of life.

There are two other planets in Virgo and the 4th house, Venus and Rahu. As a result, there is a pretty extensive focus in the natural psychology on the “masses, nation's natural resources, agriculture, mines, minerals, landed properties, peace, general and political stability, natural calamities, educational institutions, law and order, housing and communal harmony.“ Indeed, the French have an abiding interest in democracy, with an emphasis on fairness (fr. egalité) and a strong bond (fr. fraternité) among the masses. Agriculture has an elevated stature in French live, seen in its celebrate culinary products such as cheeses and wines.

Although the French seek peace and political stability, they often find themselves dealing with the opposite conditions. This is explained by the other two planets in the 4th house. Fifth lord Venus is weak in debilitation and infancy at 1° Virgo. However, it is well and influentially placed in the most effective point (MEP) of the 4th house, giving some amount of creativity to the indications of the 4th house as well as the 10th house which rules the “executive, parliament, administration, foreign trade, law and order.“ However, it is Rahu at 28° 58‘ Virgo and 4th house but which is also conjunct the MEP of the the 5th house. The orb of affliction is 2° 15‘, which is quite prounounced as Venus, the lord of the 5th house is so weak. This tends to introduce some amount of confusion into 5th house matters, such as “intellectuals, emotional stability, communal harmony, speculative nature of the people, investments, stock exchange, children, population, universities, morals and values of the people“. Indeed, there is a certain amount of emotional volatility to French life, which quickly affects the communal harmony (Venus‘ influence in 4th house) and government (Venus‘ influence on 10th house).

Jupiter, which rules the 7th house of „pleasure and amusement resorts, tourism, bond of relationships amongst masses and business establishments, foreign affairs and agreements“, is placed at 10° Libra and 5th house. This explains the popularity of the France as one of the worlds leading tourist destinations. With Venus on the 4th house MEP, France is know for its art and beautiful houses. Indeed, Paris is considered by many the most beautiful city in the world, although it‘s beauty is circumscribed by such things as congestion, traffic jams and air pollution.

Rahu also afflicts the 9th house of “judicial system, morality, religion, diplomats, foreign missions, progress and development“, the 11th house of income, gains, friends and future plans, and the 1st house of “general conditions of the country as a whole, people and their general outlook, state of law and order, public health, government, reputation, valor and its position in the world“, causing confusion and manipulation to involve these indications. This is especially harmful regarding the 11th and 9th houses. Indeed, Mars as 11th lord is weak and badly placed at 8° 18‘ Taurus and the 12th house. France does not easily gain from its foreign alliances and would tends to experience a loss of income and friends and upsets to its future plans from its involvement in wars. Saturn, as 9th lord, is weak and badly placed and in old age at 26° 50‘ Scorpio and the 6th house of conflict where it receives an afflicting aspect by Ketu, with an orb of just over 2° making its indication subject to sudden, explosive setbacks linked to conflict.

Germany invades France

Significant events prior to the founding event are commonly seen in mundane horoscopes. Indeed, it was in the Saturn major period that France was attacked, subjugated and briefly ruled by Germamy in World War II. The invasion started on May 10, 1940 during the Saturn-Venus period with transit stationary Ketu at 26° 42' Pisces conjunct natal Ketu in Pisces and 10th house in exact aspect to natal Saturn at 26° 50' Scorpio and 6th house. This not only is consistent with the horoscope, but also the insight by Indian astrologer & author, V. K. Choudhry, that the stationary nodal return is the most painful aspect known. In the case of France it was especially difficult as it also involved the transit and natal affliction by Ketu of 9th lord Saturn in the 6th house.

Labour relations in France
Saturn is a general indicator of people working hard for low wages, is a feature of the emotional tenderness of French national life, not least the delicate balance on the labour market. French labour unions in the transportation sector play a critical role for the rest of the labour market, by suddenly calling strikes that paralyse national transportation, resulting in negotiations and a settlement for all union. The emotional nature of such strikes is prominent, reflecting the difficult 5th house influences. Indeed, the drawn out and inconvenient strikes are also showing the influence of the nodes to reduce the pleasure of life in France, ruled by Venus.

Student uprising of 1968

The student uprising in May 1968 is also a testament to the strength of this chart. The Ketu major period began on April 30, 1968. On May 2, 1968, the authorities closed the univiersities in Paris in an effort to maintain calm. This had the opposite effect and a full blown student uprising ensued that threatened to turn into a bloody revolution. Rahu and Ketu afflict the 5th house ruling young people and universities. At the time, transit stationary Ketu and transit 9th lord Saturn were conjunct at 25° Pisces and the 10th house. They were also conjunct natal Ketu at 29° Pisces.

The affliction of the 9th house and its ruler, Saturn in the 6th house of conflict, may also explain the secular and materialistic side to French culture. Indeed, French philosophers have a long pedigree of questioning the religious ideas of their Catholic Church. Indeed, the ideas of the French philosophers have driven the enlightenment no less than those of British philosphers. The religious influences in France are also indicated by Jupiter and Sun, which are both well placed and where the Sun is of moderate strength while Jupiter is weak.

The rise of mass immigration from former colonies took place in the 1950s, during civil wars in some of the colonies. Many immigrants are beholden to their native muslim faith. This situation has had a major influence on French national life, challening the secular phiolsophy that all people and all faiths can co-exist peacefully. The events of recent days have shown that the immigrants need to be better integrated into French culture if this idea is to survive as nationalist parties are on the rise to curtail the openess of the country and protect the security of ordinary French citizens.

The terrorist massace of 17 people in France from January 7-9, 2015, happened during the Mars-Mercury period, where transit stationary 7th lord Jupiter at 28°Cancer and 2nd house (and in 3H MEP) has been under the close affliction of natal Ketu at 29° Pisces and 10H (and in  11H MEP). As the events unfolded transit 2nd lord Moon passed over transit Jupiter and into the 3rd house MEP. Meanwhile, transit Ketu has been moving in retrograde motion of natal 2nd lord Moon at 22° 28‘ Pisces and 10th house. Meanwhile, transit 4th lord Mercury and transit 5th lord Venus were in Capricorn and 8th house of obstacles and endings and transit 11th lord Mars was in early Aquarius and 9th house under aspect of natal Rahu while transit 9th lord Saturn was in Scorpio and 6th house. Indeed, with Jupiter as 7th lord in the Gemini rising chart, the event created considerable strain to the foreign relations of France with regard to its openeness.

The 11th house is further harmed by the affliction of Ketu at 28° 58‘ Pisces and 10th house, in the MEP of the 11th house. From there is also afflicts the 3rd house of communication and transportation, 5th house and 7th house of foreign agreements. Hence, while the French national life has a pleasing national character, it is made more difficult due to the nodal affliction to six house, two of which, the 9th and 11th, are so evidently weak and vulnerable to setbacks, as the recent events attest to.

French cars

The revered Citroen DS debuted in 1955

As the 3rd lord Sun is placed in the 4th house, along with Mercury and Venus, there is an emphasis on automaking in France, but it is not free of problems. There is a certain elegance in French cars, but electrical problems are rarely far off, given the affliction of Ketu to the 3rd house.

Venus as the planet of art

George Brassens, the legendary singer

Venus is the planet of art. It goes to some way to explain the artistic influences in France, which are somewhat different from art in the USA or the UK. The best French music often reaches audiences in the non-French speaking world by way substantial reformulation. Likely this is because of the greater emphasis the French place on verbal interpretation, with 3rd lord Sun in Virgo and 4th house, along with 4th lord Mercury and 5th lord Venus conjunct the MEP of this house. Certainly, the French adore their language and take pride in speaking it in an expressive manner. However, in the English speaking world, the music is  not always appreciated as performed in France. Nevertheless, several French songs have become hits for English speaking artists. However, the anglozised versions usually bring the melody, previously in the background, to center stage. Early examples of this are the French song Je t‘appartiense by Gilbert Bécaud, which became the hit Let it be me by the American duo Everly Brothers in 1960, and La Mer by Charles Trenet in 1954, which became popular for Bobby Darin in the USA in 1959 as Beyond the Sea.

Outlook

Early 2015 does not look quite as challenging for the France as it does for Germany or the EU. Indeed, the affliction of natal Ketu to transit Jupiter is separating and the Mars-Mercury period influences are fairly positive. That said, the aspect of transit Ketu to transit Saturn in the autumn of 2015, will nevertheless likely be difficult for France, as Saturn is in the 6th house, and given the hurtful natal influence of Ketu on Saturn. Likely, the luck of the French, or labour relations, will experience a sudden setback and strain at that time.  The period influences turn more adverse from October 28, when Mars-Ketu period begins, however this aspect of Ketu to Saturn will be separating at that time, reducing the maleficience. The onset of the Rahu major period in May 2018 looks more difficult.

References

V.K. Choudhry. Mundane Astrology.

http://www.yournetastrologer.com/mundane_astrology.htm

 

European Union at cross roads

On February 1, 2015, the major planetary period of Rahu begins in the 23° 29‘ Cancer rising horoscope of the European Union. This major period runs until 2033, while the sub-period of Rahu ends on October 2017. During the coming almost three years, the influence of Rahu, both natally and in transit is predicted to be prominent in the life of the union.

RAHU PERIOD

Rahu is placed at 9° Scorpio and 5th house, suggesting a material influence in the area of speculation, creativity, universities and young people. Fortunately, Rahu is not afflicting or afflicted in the chart. Importantly, there are no bad placements in the EU horoscope, only several weak planets, some of which have nonetheless positive influences through house placement and aspect.
   The influence of Rahu can be to obscure and mislead. This placement suggests that vested interests try to  manipulate the management of the union and the scope for speculation. As a result, crises are likely to develop concerning these areas, and possibly also with regard to young people and universities.
   The only affliction in the chart is an aspect of Saturn as 8th lord of obstacles and endings at 29° 52 Capricorn and 7th house to Mercury as 3rd lord at 26° 04‘ Libra. The orb of affliction is 3° 48‘, which is sufficiently close to have a harmful effect on the indications of Mercury due to its modest weakness being in old age. Mercury is placed in the most effective point of the 4th house with an orb of 2° 31‘, which by itself suggests that the communication of the leaders of the EU is helpful to the public discourse and for the credibility of new legislation. However, the legislation and public discourse are liable to setbacks on two accounts.
    First,  the aspect of Saturn is quite hurtful to Mercury‘s indications and influence. Saturn is the most malefic planet in the horoscope and its weakness from being in old age makes it more malefic. The harm to Mercury‘s indications includes reducing the credibility of the leaders communication.
   Second, there is another important influence in the 5th house affecting legislation that concerns the placement of Mars as 10th lord of laws and government at 0° 20‘ Scorpio. While Mars is favoured being in its own non-Moolatrikona sign, it is weakened in a state of infancy. At the same time, it receives an aspect from Moon as 1st lord of self at 0° 33‘ in its sign of exaltation, Taurus, and the 11th house of future plans, income and friends. The mutual aspect gives potential for fame, originality of laws and technical know-how, more so as both planets are in excellent signs and good houses. However, the weakness of both planets in infancy is a drawback. While this aspect and placement is almost identical to that seen in 20° Cancer rising in the SAMVA USA chart, both Mars and Moon are quite weak in the EU chart while strong for the USA. These indications for the EU thus become liable to setbacks when challenged by malefic transits.
   Indeed, the history of the EU is replete with cases of obstacles and setbacks for legislation and government decisions, including the attempt to pass a new constitution which was aborted in June 2005. Importantly, the effort to write a constitution came during the Moon major period (February 1998 - February 2008). Compare this to the history of the USA, where the effort to form a federal government with a suitable new constitution also came during its first Moon period (April 1782-April 1792).  This correspondence is further evidence of the authenticity of both horoscopes but also of the close philosophical links between both collective entities and the strong cultural ties that bind them together in the world.

TRANSIT INFLUENCES in 2015

In February to May 2015, transit Saturn as 8th lord will become stationary at 11° Scorpio and 5th house, where it becomes closely conjunct natal Rahu at 9° Scorpio. This is likely to bring a crisis to the affairs of the EU, notably the management aspect of the union. There will likely be a crisis for the management of the Union, including obstacles and endings for the vested interests, such as financial creditors. There may be exposures involving manipulations in the management of the EU. Weather vagaries and natural disasters may also create obstacles and involve fatalities.
From July to September 2015, transit Saturn will be stationary at 4° 20‘ Scorpio, where it afflicts the 10th lord Mars and 1st lord Moon, suggesting a setback (obstacles and endings) for the governance, laws or identity of the Union.  As Mars rules the military and policy and industry, there may be fatalities involving their activities.

SUMMARY

The shift to a Rahu major period signals a trend change in the European Union from early 2015. Likely, difficulties in managing the union will be the source of the change.
   News from Greece, suggest that election outcomes there will force a renegotiation of the terms of assistance to the country. It is theoretically possible that the EU expels Greece if the country unilaterally terminates its participation in existing agreements. However, a likelier outcome is that the EU will decide to renegotiate the agreements to relieve the long suffering Greek people, who have endured six years of austerity and recession. Indeed, the tentative horoscope for Greece indicates an improvement after the parliamentary elections to be held on January 25, 2015, when the Venus sub-period has begun and transit Venus has entered Aquarius and the 1st house.