Predictions for the USA in 2018

In 2018 the national mood is likely to remain unsettled, notably concerning foreign relations and financial matters. As the year opens, there is already pressure on those fronts, notably with political protests in Iran and an accelerating nuclear threat in North Korea. Trump has on January 1, 2018 also declared that the substantial foreign aid to Pakistan will be cut due to lies and deceit by the government there. This is in line with the prediction made last year that foreign policy and agreements would come under pressure from September 2017. The USA is predicted to inch closer to international conflict in the summer. However, the national developments are expected to remain tame compared to the upheavals predicted in 2019.

METHODOLOGY
Before we delve into the predictions, it may be helpful to review the methodology. Vedic astrology  includes the 120 year Vimsottari dasa-bukhti planetary cycle. It was originally designed for maximum human life, however, it can also run multiple 120 year spans for longer lived nations. In the USA it is now nearing the completion of its second cycle, since the creation of the Perpetual Union in 1781. The history of the USA has been analysed for this entire period in terms of the nine major planetary periods, which range from six to twenty years in length. Each major period also has nine sub-periods, ranging from a few months to several years in length. At any time there is a major period and a sub period operating in the national life. The major period describes the trend influences over its entire operation. The sub-period describes a shorter lived trend, with its own influence. The sub-period normally has primacy in describing the trend of the national life. However, the major period trend is seen to be always operating in the background. On top of this, there is an analysis of the transits, which interact with placements in the national horoscope. The transits take precedence over the dual trend influences by bringing about significant events, of a positive or negative nature. When the transits involve the stationary movement of a slow moving planet, like Jupiter, Saturn, or Rahu and Ketu, in a Cancer rising chart (see explanation in following paragraph), the significant events can appear as a setback with subsequent stress during the transit. Some periods and transits have more influence than others, linked to how strong, weak, afflicted or afflicting the planets involved are in the chart. Just like people, nations can be strong in some areas and weak in others. Some experiences appear like problems out of the blue, while others are events caused by us or others. The nature of the problems may be read from the indications of the planets and signs involved.

The overall interpretation is based on the Systems' Approach to interpreting horoscopes, which requires an understanding of the 'Moolatrikona' signs and their lords, which, depending on the ascendant, alters their rulership of a house. Aries is ruled by Mars, Cancer by Moon, Leo by Sun, Virgo by Mercury, Libra by Venus, Sagittarius by Jupiter and Aquarius by Saturn. When Aries is the sign in the 1st house, Mars becomes 1st lord. As Cancer is in the 4th house, the Moon becomes 4th lord. By comparison, when Cancer is in the ascendant, Moon becomes the 1st lord and Mars the 10th lord, as that is where the sign Aries is. Both Jupiter and Saturn rule signs that fall into malefic houses  and hence they become functional malefic planets for Cancer ascendants, as 6th and 8th lords, respectively. Rahu and Ketu rule no signs and are malefics for all risings signs. Further, the Systems' Approach allows us to understand what planet brings a positive influence for the native. They are related to nine positive houses, especially where the Moolatrikona signs are found: 1st house of self, 2nd house of wealth and status, 3rd house of communication and transportation, 4th house of communal harmony and national resources, 5th house of speculation, young people, universities and management, 7th house of leisure and foreign relations and policy, 9th house of fortune and religion, 10th house of government, legislation and foreign trade, 11th house of friends, goals and income. Conversely, there are three remaining houses who indicate things that may have adverse influences in the life. These are the 6th house of conflict, the 8th house of obstacles and endings and the 12th house of separation and losses. This 'functional' understanding of the houses enables us to analyse the underlying social forces linked to specific planetary placements of the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart. The Systems' Approach has resulted in many accurate predictions in the past and it guides the annual predictions again this year for the country.

Many western or sun sign astrologers tend to consider the integrated horoscopic astrology as being too complex to deal with. These astrologers rely instead on a variety of partial methods to explain past events. Should they venture into making predictions, these usually don't pan out, serving to harm their reputation, and that of astrology in general. For better results, there is no real alternative to learning vedic horoscopic astrology. Add to this the fact that mundane developments tend to be highly complex. Even university professors apply all of their considerable mental dexterity and life-long learning to understand the range of economic, political or foreign policy developments they specialise in. Politicians then make decisions based on their often more general knowledge of situations. The task facing mundane astrologers is a demanding one. They must try to understand the cosmological influences that operate in the national life, based on their reading of the national horoscope. They then try relate these influences to the diverse national developments, by making predictions of future trends and signficant events! In these annual predictions, the periods and major transits are considered.

Fortunately, the Systems' Approach simplifies the task. By making accurate predictions, mundane astrologers can make a difference in the world, by offering policy makers and ordinary people guidance on what to expect in national and international affairs, so that they can take suitable precautions. The final point is that astrologers are human beings and can make mistakes in reading or evaluating the combined influences, such that something important is missed. However, with the correct birth chart and a reliable method of interpretation and prediction, overall there should be enough accurate insights and predictions involving the nature and timing of events to impress even the sceptics.

ASTROLOGICAL INFLUENCES

1. MAJOR PERIOD
The Sun major period is operating in the SAMVA USA chart from April 2016 to April 2022. As predicted since 2008, this is being accompanied by a concerted trend effort to revive the status and power of the USA on the international stage as well as to bring reforms of the economy that significantly boosts economic growth. The tax reforms in 2017 are judged to be regressive in nature, but the hope is that they will increase corporate investment in the US economy enough to create many higher paying jobs that have the result of reducing inequality, poverty and crime. This is related to the fact that the loss of higher paying manufacturing jobs in prior decades was the source of the increased inequality and poverty in the USA that resulted in the election of Donald Trump as President in  November 2016, based on his promise to "Make America Great Again." While it was a surprise to the pundits, it was predicted here. Moreover, all of this is consistent with the placement of the powerful and authoritative Sun as 2nd lord of wealth and status on the most effective point of the 7th house of foreign relations, aspecting also the 1st house of self and fame.

2. SUB-PERIOD

The Rahu sub-period is operating as the year opens and will end on May 8, 2018, when the Jupiter sub-period begins. Rahu is natally at 17° 47' Aries and in the most effective point of the 10th house of the SAMVA USA chart, from where it aspects the 2nd house of wealth and status, the 4th house of natural resources and communal harmony, the 6th house of conflict and financial stability. Fortunately, 10th lord Mars is strong at 10° 20' Scorpio and 5th house, in mutual aspect with 1st lord Moon at 7° 19' Taurus and 11th house. During this period we may expect issues of manipulation, deception and confusion to emerge concerning the government, legislature and foreign trade. However, the problems are greater if transit Rahu is afflicting and transit Mars is weak or afflicted in transit. Financial stability is also prone to become strained due to such influences. The recent debate and passage of tax reforms likely involved 'pork' as politicians pursued vested interests at the expense of the national interest. During this sub-period, Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies have become an international bubble, notably in the USA, with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange opening up a futures market in Bitcoin.

The Jupiter sub-period will operate from May 8, 2018 until February 21, 2019. Jupiter is 6th lord of conflict at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house. Natally, it is in opposition aspect to 1st lord Moon at 7° 18' Taurus and 11th house, making the mindset of American's war-like, such that they never back down from a provocation. During this time, the risk of conflict increases, especially if the transits become difficult. International provocations risk a fierce reaction by the USA at this time. Banking matters will also become important in the national life. If speculation has become excessive in the prior Rahu sub-period, then it can have negative repercussions for banks in the Jupiter period. All things big and expansive become more prominent in the national life.

3. TRANSITS
As the year opens up, transit 6th lord Jupiter is at 22° 50' Libra and the most effective point of the 4th house, also known as the MEP (+/- 5° of the 20° Libra). This introduces conflictual energy into the matters ruled by the 4th house, such as housing, natural resources, elementary schools and communal harmony. As such, Jupiter aspects the 8th house of obstacles and endings, 10th house of foreign trade, government and legislature and 12th house of wars, smuggling and losses. Moreover, for the first two weeks of the year, transit Jupiter is conjunct transit 10th lord Mars. This introduces a lot of controversy into these area, as highlighted by the publication of a book (Fire and Fury) that is highly critical of Trump and his administration. The situation is made more difficult, with transit 8th lord Saturn at 7° 20' Sagittarius and 6th house, adding obstacles and endings to the conflictual energy. An expression of this is the complete breakdown of cooperation across the aisle in the US Congress.

Faster moving planets also weakened in January. Transit 2nd lord Sun, ruling the wealth and status of the country, and the major period lord, is also transiting this sign and house in the first half of the month, making the situation more difficult for President Trump. Meanwhile, transit 3rd lord Mercury, ruling over communication and transportation, is there from January 7 for the remainder of the month, adding controversy to communication matters. That is made more difficult still as transit Rahu, the sub-period lord, begins the year in stationary movement at 21° Cancer and the MEP of the 1st house of self, from where it also aspects the 5th house of management and speculation, 7th house of foreign policy and relations, and 9th house of justice and religion. Pairwise, transit Ketu is at 21° Capricorn and 7th house MEP, from where it aspects natal 2L Sun at 23° 44' Capricorn, the 11th house of income, goals and friends, the 1st house, the 3rd house of communication and transportation. It is this aspect to the 3rd house, while 3rd lord Mercury is transiting the malefic 6th house, that creates problems for the indications of the 3rd house, suggesting breakdowns and even sudden accidents involving transportation and communication matters in the opening months of the year. The communication of the government with the people is also likely to endure setbacks given these adverse transits..

Nodal station in early 2018
The conjunction of the transit stationary nodes with the 1st and 7th houses with the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart began at 21° 50' Cancer and Capricorn on December 19, 2017, becomes exact at 20° 50' on March 19, 2018 and ends at 19° 50' on April 15. During this transit, problems are expected to crop up regarding how American's perceive themselves as a nation. Manipulations, deceptions or confusion are likely regarding foreign agreements or foreign cooperation. Upset involving  neighbouring countries, like Mexico and Canada regarding changes to the NAFTA agreement, are possible. Problems could extend to the payment and construction of a wall on the southern border. The dispute with Canada and Britain over the prohibitive import tariff on Bombardier airplanes could deepen in the first three months of the year. This is related to the fact that natal Rahu aspects the 2nd house of wealth, status and relations with close neighbours. Moreover, as transit Ketu becomes stationary at Ketu 20° 50' Capricorn and the most effective point of the 7th house, foreign relations and leisure issues are likely to suffer a sudden crisis. The sub-period lord, Rahu, also aspect the 6th house of conflict, debt repayment and health. Communal harmony may thus become more fragile. The national identity could become a prominent topic of debate in the country. There could also be strains for speculators, young people, universities and the management of the government and sectors like software and the internet. Already, the Net Neutrality legislation is seen to be advancing the interests of large corporations over those of start ups, typically organised and run by young people. As transit Rahu also aspects the 9th house of religious, judicial and foreign issues, we may expect strains there. Transit 2nd lord Sun will become conjunct transit stationary Ketu at 20° 50‘ Capricorn and the 7th house MEP on February 3, 2018. During this time, sudden problems for the President, wealth or status of the country is possible, possibly in relation to foreign policy matters. As Ketu aspects the 3rd house, ruled by Mercury, transportation, communication and high tech issues are vulnerable to setbacks at this time, notably when Mercury is weak and afflicted in transit (see next paragraph).

Sensitive conditions in the spring of 2018

The transit of 6th lord Jupiter becomes stationary from February 12 to April 4, becoming exact on March 9 at 29° 11‘ Libra and the 4th house. In early March, transit Jupiter is not afflicted but is afflicting transit 4th lord Venus and transit 3rd lord Mercury in old age in Aquarius and 8th house, while transit 2nd lord Sun is passing through the aspect of natal Ketu at 17° 47' Libra and 4th house MEP, while transit 8th lord Saturn at 13° 30' Sagittarius and 6th house is in applying aspect from natal Rahu, the sub-period lord, at 17° 47' Aries and 10th house MEP. During this time, the usually formidable ability of the US to engage in and win a conflict is reduced.  Also notable in the spring, is the transit of 8th lord Saturn, which becomes stationary at 14° 02‘ Sagittarius from March 14 to May 25, becoming exact at 15° 02‘ on April 18, 2018. Transit stationary 8th lord Saturn will remain under the aspect of natal Rahu at 17° 47' Aries and 10th house MEP, albeit the orb of affliction will be almost 3°, hence the influence is likely to be limited. That said, as its dispositor, Jupiter, is weak in transit, manipulations, deceit or confusion could create problems concerning easy gains, obstacles and endings. Moreover, the problems would be expected to be related to the areas ruled by the 6th house, conflict, health or financial issues. 

Nodal station in summer of 2018
Another difficult transit station of Rahu and Ketu takes place at 11° 46‘ Cancer and 1st house and Capricorn and 7th house, from June 12 to September 13. The station becomes exact on July 31, 2018. More worryingly, transit Ketu will be exactly conjunct 3rd lord Mercury within a 2° orb from late May to late September 2018. The aspect becomes exact on June 26. This transit suggests problems for transportation and communication issues in the country, but with foreign involvement likely. Significant problems in high tech are also likely. A similar but more malefic contact to Mercury's placement, involving both Ketu and 8th lord Saturn, took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The danger of nuclear war increased. However, as Mercury is fairly strong in the SAMVA USA chart, and with the powerful Sun on the 7th house MEP, a horrific war was averted. Transit 2nd lord Sun becomes conjunct transit stationary Rahu at 11° 46‘ Cancer and 1st house around August 6. During this time, a crisis is possible for the President, status and wealth of the country. In June, transit 10th lord Mars will be conjunct transit Ketu, before and as it goes retrograde. It will then briefly become stationary at 15° 09‘ Capricorn and 7th house in late June, before itself going retrograde, crossing over nodal Ketu and natal Mercury after mid July. It then goes direct at 4° 30‘ Capricorn and 7th house in late August. During this time it is likely the military will become involved in dealing with the challenges. Mars, like Mercury, is strong natally. A major setback to its indications is therefore not expected. However, we should take note that in the prior Jupiter major period (1937-1951) the US got involved in three difficult wars, World War II, the Cold War, and the Korean War.

From mid June to mid August, when transit 6th lord Jupiter becomes stationary at 19° 13' Libra and the 4th house MEP, where it will be conjunct natal Ketu at 17° 47' Libra, the risk of sudden conflict and financial upset increases. The situation in early July will be quite tense, as transit 2nd lord Sun in Gemin and the 12th house  passes into  the opposition of transit 8th lord Saturn at 12° Sagittarius and 6th house and the aspect of natal Ketu at 18° Libra, while transit 3rd lord Mercury passes over transit Rahu at 12° Cancer and 1st house. With transit Ketu at 12° Capricorn,where it is conjunct natal 3rd lord Mercury at 12° 05' Capricorn and 7th house, the foreign policy situation would be quite tense at that time, likely involving some challenge to American's sense of freedom in the world. Earlier, the dispositor of transit 6th lord Jupiter, transit 4th lord Venus will be in Gemini and the 12th house from mid May to June 10. At that time, communal harmony will be more vulnerable, especially as tr Jupiter will then again be in the 4th house MEP.

Transit 4th lord Venus enters Libra on September 2, and remains there until January 2, 2019. It goes retrograde in early October at 16° 40‘ Libra and 4th house. It will then be briefly afflicted by natal Ketu and Rahu, suggesting some problem for the communal harmony, natural resources or housing. Transit Venus continues retrograde and becomes briefly conjunct transit 3rd lord Mercury at 15° Libra and 4th house on October 16. This transit suggests some favourable development with regard to their indications. Transit Venus then goes direct at 1° 10´Libra on November 18 and moves through the sign as earlier noted.

Transit 8th lord Saturn becomes stationary at 9° 30‘ Sagittarius from August 1 to October 11, becoming exact at 8° 30‘ on September 6, 2018. During this time, the conflictual issues become challenged, if fast moving planets are aspected by it. Aside from the very fast moving Moon, this is not seen. Hence, the problems will be less realted to this particular placement.

Tensions concerning conflict in late 2018

The sub-period lord Jupiter enters Scorpio and 5th house on October 12. In this house, Jupiter as 6th lord creates conflictual energy for young people, universities, speculation and management. It will pass over its own natal placement at 4° 25' Scorpio on November 2. At the same time, transit Rahu will be at 6° Cancer and 1st house in applying aspect to both natal and transit Jupiter. This is not ideal, and could create tensions over conflict. Towards the end of the month, as Jupiter moves on, it will become conjunct transit 2nd lord Sun and transit 3rd lord Mercury and natal 10th lord Mars at 10° 05' Scorpio. This creates a complex challenge for also the government and military. Likely the power of the USA will dissuade potential foreign aggressors. 

On December 5, transit Rahu becomes stationary at 3° 40‘ Cancer and 1st house, still in close aspect to sub-period lord Jupiter at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house. This should keep the tensions going. The station becomes exact in mid January 2019 at 2° 40‘ and ends at 1° 40‘ Cancer and 1H on March 6, 2019, with the aspect to Jupiter progressively separating, thus easing the situation. 

As the year ends and the new one begins, transit 2nd lord Sun will become conjunct transit 8th lord Saturn at 17° Sagittarius and 6th house, under the close afflicting aspect of natal Rahu at 17° 47' Aries. This suggests problems for the US President, wealth and status. Possibly there will be dispute over abundant easy gains or concerning obstacles and endings. As the new year opens, other, much more difficult aspects await.