FAR OUT ASTROLOGY

From time immemorial, astrology has evolved as the study of the influences of planetary bodies on human life. Until the 18th century, astrology was focused on the Sun and Moon and other visible planetary bodies moving across the sky. In recent times, other more distant bodies, invisible to the naked human eye, have been discovered in our solar system. These bodies have increasingly found their way into the practice of astrology in the Western world based on the adoption of metastories from Greek mythology mixed with insights from modern psychological theories. This article offers a closer look at these bodies and implications for astrological practice. The article is offered as an eye-opener to those seeking greater interpretative and predictive accuracy.

The visible planetary bodies
Without the benefit of telescopes, astrologers and astronomers of yore relied on their obeservations of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Calculated invisible points of the Moon's nodes (Rahu and Ketu) were also studied due to their importance in explaining the astronomical phenomena of precession of the equinoxes and solar and lunar eclipses. In the ancient Western world, Hellenic and Roman astrology evolved based on the visible bodies as was the case in the Eastern world with Vedic astrology. The accompanying photo shows some of the visible planets in the early morning sky. Of note are Mercury and Mars who are faintly visible over the horizon to the right.

Scientific advances
With advances in the science of telescopy, astronomers were able to discover other more distant bodies in our solar system, beyond the orbit of Saturn. In the fateful year of 1781, the planet Uranus was discovered. It is one-third the size of Jupiter but over four times as far from the Earth. Being also less than half the size of Saturn, Uranus is not visible to the human eye in the night sky. In 1801, puny Ceres in the Asteroid belt was discovered. It is one-fourth the size of our Moon, but much closer to Earth than Jupiter. In 1846, Neptune was discovered, which is similar in size to Uranus but almost twice as far from the Earth. Very distant dwarf planetary bodies have also been discovered. In 1930, the dwarf body of icy Pluto was discovered. It is around one-hundred thousand times smaller than Jupiter and over nine times as far from the Earth. The much smaller Sedna was discovered in 2003 at a 21 fold distance from Earth compared to Jupiter. Eris was then discovered in 2005, with similar features. Clearly, these tiny planetary bodies are way, way out there.

Size and distance determine visibility
The Earth is 12800 km in diameter and 150 million km (1 Astronomical Unit, AU) from the Sun. The Moon is 3475 km in diameter and only 385.000 km from the Earth. Aside from the Sun, the Moon is the largest disc to be seen from Earth, but only when it reflects the light of the Sun. The Sun is 1.4 million km in diameter and 150 million km from the Earth. It is the light- and life-giver in our solar system and the most clearly visible body by far. Of the other reflective bodies, Venus is 12000 km in diameter and 42 million km (0.3 AUs) from the Earth. It is the most visible of the planets. Mercury is under 5000 km in diameter and 92 million km (0.6 AUs) from the Earth. As Mercury and Venus are in an inferior orbit to that of Earth, their visibility also depends on their distance from the sun in orbit. Mars is 6800 km in diameter and 78 million km (0.5 AUs) from the Earth. The "Red planet" is beyond the orbit of the Earth but clearly visible. Jupiter is 143000 km in diameter, one hundred times smaller than the Sun, and 630 million km (4.2 AUs) from the Earth. Due to it being by far the largest planet in the solar system, it is more visible than the smaller planets closer to Earth, excluding the planet closest to us, Venus. Saturn, which is 120000 km in diameter, close in size to that of Jupiter but twice as far from the Earth, or 1.3 billion km (8.3 AUs), is also visible in the night sky.

By comparison, Uranus is 51000 km in diameter and 2.8 billion km (18 AUs) from the Earth and Neptune is 50000 km in diameter and 4.3 billion km (29 AUs) from the Earth. Neither of these planets is visible. Pluto is 2250 km in diameter and 5.7 billion km (39 AUs) away from the Earth, while Sedna has a diameter of 1800 km and is 89 AUs away. These dwarfs are not even easily detected with telescopes. Ceres is in the asteroid belt and is 900 km in diameter and 295 million km from the Earth. It is not visible, even if much closer.

The moon's of Jupiter and Saturn
We can also consider that there are many moon's in our solar system that are larger than the distant dwarfs and some are larger than Mercury, which is 5000 km in diameter! Compared to our own Moon, which is 3475 km in diameter, the moon’s of Jupiter, are quite large. Ganymede is 5260 km, Callisto 4800 km, Io 3630 km and Europa is 3140 km in diameter. Gallileo discovered these moon's in 1610 using a primitive telescope. Of Saturn’s moon’s, Titan is 5150 km in diameter and Triton is 2700 km. These moon's are also much closer to the Earth than the distant dwarfs but much further away than Mercury. Given their size and distance from Earth, these Moon's are far from visible on Earth. The close proximity of these moons to giants of the solar system likely has an effect to eclipse their influence on Earth.

Causality in astrology
Astrology has evolved over time as a symbolic language of the influences of the planets and the cosmos. Even if astrology is based on the influence of planetary bodies on human life, little is known about the actual causal mechanism. We do not know how the cosmic is having an effect on our experience in life or how it motivates our actions. It is a mistery, just like the law of karma is a mystery. However, we do know that the planets differ in size and distance, which affects their visibility or the pull of gravity on Earth. Moreover, we know that various influences have been detected through observation of human life by astrologers over thousands of years. At the same time, astrology is an extremely difficult field of inquiry as the stellar influences are highly complex. This makes it very challenging to isolate individual influences. That said, much progress has been made, such as embodied in the evolution of Vedic astrology, which is an integrated body of knowledge. One of the purest forms of Vedic astrology is the Systems' Approach, which has endeavoured to rid the age old astrology of accumulated contradictions and confusions, making it also easier to learn this ancient system of astrology.

Gravitational force
Gravitation, as a force of nature, is not commonly well understood except in terms of what we experience here on Earth. In fact, gravitational force is considered a weak force in the universe. With enough thrust, we can escape from Earths gravitational field. That said, it is a sufficiently strong force for the Sun to keep other bodies in orbit and for planetary bodies to affect each other in orbit. The formula for gravitation force (F) between planetary bodies is

F = G * (M1 * M2/R*2)

the gravitational constant (G) multiplied by the product of the mass of two planets (M) divided by the distance between them (R) squared. The sub-scripts 1 or 2 indicate the planets.

A calculation of visibility
The attached table shows, the diameter of the planetary bodies and their distance from Earth, as well as a calculation of visibility. In the calculation we replace the planet's mass with its diameter. The results are broadly comparable to a calculation of gravitational forces. As the product of the mass of two planets is not used, the distance between the planets is not multiplied by itself. The table shows the ratio, which gives an indication of the range of influence, going from the highly visible Moon and Sun to the completly invisible distant dwarf bodies.

The accompanying graph shows that aside from the Sun and Moon, Venus is the most visible of the planetary bodies, followed by Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Mercury, in that order. It is Mercury that is seen to be on the margin of visibility due to its small size. By comparison, the other planetary bodies, the moon's of Jupiter and Saturn, the planets Neptune and Uranus and the outer dwarf bodies are far from visible. This brings up the valid question if planetary influences are to a given extent proportional to their visibility or gravitational influences.

The detour of Western astrology
It has not helped astrology, that its rebirth in the West in the late middle ages resulted in a major detour from its historical forerunners as explained in the article Roman astrology in the ascendant. The result is that Western astrology is no longer a study of the mostly visible phenomena. As such, it has become removed from its intuitive and simple beginnings. Too often, one finds that rather than being rules-based Western astrology has evolved into a veritable free for all. When it comes to chart interpretation, in general it can be said that Western astrologers feel free to point to different factors without sufficient logical consistency. This is quite different from the Systems' Approach of Vedic Astrology, which is both a comprehensive system and relies on a scientific approach to astrology. Below, we can see four features of Western astrology where it has taken a major detour from its historical origins.

1. Wrong zodiac used: by not correcting for the precession of the equinoxes, the calculated tropical zodiac has lost its original moorings with the visible sidereal zodiac. The ancient Hellenistic astrologers knew about the precession and adjusted the zodiac for it (Holden, 1996). Since the early middle ages Western astrologers have systematically fixed the zodiac to the Vernal point, giving rise to the tropical zodiac. As a result, the zodiac of Western Astrology is moving with relation to the fixed stars such that it is now 24° removed from the visible sidereal zodiac.
2. Overemphasis on the Sun: the Sun has now become the veritable 'fixed star' of Western astrology. The starting point of the reading is the sun sign without relation to the house the sign Leo falls into. Moreover, many Westerners view themselves as being e.g. a "Sun in Leo", when they are in most cases with "Sun in Cancer" as per the visible zodiac. That said, in Vedic SA astrology Sun is recognised for its importance and interpreted according to its functional nature. Moreover, when other planets are placed in Sun-Like Houses (2, 3 and 9) or the sign Leo, they are considered stronger.
3. Ascendant logic lost: the practice of Horoscopic astrology has largely been lost in the West. Hellenic, Roman and Vedic astrology all place a primary emphasis on the Ascendant. People are considered Aries if they have this sign in the ascendant. In Horoscopic astrology the focus in not on the sun-sign. Associated with this is the important logic that each house and its lord have a functional rulership, which is either positive or negative in the chart.
4. Use of irrelevant bodies?: the discovery of distant bodies invisible to the naked eye has resulted in these bodies being readily incorporated into the practice of Western astrology based on the assumption that differences in likely influences based on gravitational force or visibility do not matter. These bodies are given major import in chart interpretation. This is possibly an error in assumption but more research is required to settle the matter.

Is Western astrology too far out there?
Due to the above, Western astrology has evidently become a 'far out' art that has as a saving grace the original planetary influences. Some Western astrologers manage reasonably well despite this state of affairs. However, they labour at a disadvantage working with an astrology that has been stripped of the rising sign logic and the ordering or ranking of influences. Moreover, the horoscope interpretation is out of phase with the galactic background. Perhaps this explains why a majority of Western astrologers rarely emphasise accuracy of horoscopic interpretation or prediction. It seems many consider this original contribution of astrology, to make accurate predictions, as something that goes beyond what can reasonably be expecteted of today's astrology.

Science and astrology
It is a fact that modern Western scientists have, based on research of Western astrological practices, concluded that it is a 'pseudo-science' at best. This is a state of affairs that astrologers must confront. More importantly, Western astrology must find its way back into the academic research setting, as it has in India, where Vedic astrology (sk. Jyotish) is now being taught at the university level. The effort must be to get astrology 'back to basics' with the rigorous application of a scientific methodology. This is the only way to ensure that the symbolic language of astrology is built on a robust foundation. While the scientists have identified a weak spot, it is also true that in rejecting astrology based on superficial studies and a fundamental lack of understanding of the field they were studying, the scientists became guilty of prejudice. Their efforts to date have, regretfully, mostly been aimed at debunking astrology rather than exploring its potential. In other words, the scientists have already rejected the notion before researching it. Joseph Schumpeter termed such a bias the "pre-cognitive analytic act". Scientists, just like the astrologers, have a responsibility to determine the truth behind this age old knowledge of humanity. Scientists must perform their research into astrology with an open mind and knowledge of the detour of Western astrology.

Conclusion
It has been shown that planetary bodies in the solar system vary in terms of size and distance from the Earth. Some are visible to the naked eye while others are invisible. It is suggested that astrologers can usefully reconsider their astrological approach to see if what they assume is really correct in terms of accuracy of interpretation and prediction. Ultimately, if astrology is to have the kind of bright future that the visible cosmos invites it to have, astrologers must discard those techniques and assumptions that do not work. A good starting place for this inquiry is to carefully consider the likely importance of size and distance on astrological influences. A closer study of the historical origins of astrology is in order. Vedic astrology can be considered in this regard as it is the closest living relative to the astrology practiced in the ancient Greek and Roman world. More importantly, the final arbiter of the usefulnes of any form of astrology should be how accurate it is, both in terms of horoscope interpretation and prediction. If the predictions are based on clear logic and turn out to be accurate, the interpretations are likely also correct. If the predictions are not working out that well or easily explained in terms of astrological logic, then likely the horoscope interpretation is not of much value either. Vedic SA astrology is practiced consistently with the aim of accurate prediction and interpretation.

Disclaimer
The views expressed are those of the author and should not be taken as the views of the Systems' Approach or its creator.

Sources
Gravitational force
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=235378
Gravitational constant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_constant
Planets and their mass
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/ast99/ast99227.htm
Calculation of gravitation force
http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=235378
James H. Holden, A History of Horoscopic Astrology, 1996
http://books.google.com/books?id=9p1igGF3gpUC&pg=RA1-PA198&lpg=RA1-PA198&dq=Far+out+astrology&source=bl&ots=19AudW3ciV&sig=KldTYdAC_jT1DEEZmyGJU9UuRqI&hl=is&ei=F68ZSub6Jo6sjAfv98WDDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPA3,M1
Astrology and science
http://www.rudolfhsmit.nl/hpage.htm

Jupiter and the UK Parliament scandal

In SA Vedic astrology, the 10th house is seen to rule the parliament and law making. In the absence of a moolatrikona sign in the 10th house, we may look to Jupiter as a general indicator of the law givers.

In recent weeks, one of the biggest scandals in the history of the British Parliament has broken out. It is no surprise to find that Jupiter has become badly placed and highly afflicted in the national horoscope for the United Kingdom.

The immediate result of the crisis is that several members, who were seen to misuse the financial reimbursement scheme, were forced to resign. Meanwhile, other parliamentarians, who took advantage of the overly generous scheme but within the guidelines set, are seen to have their reputation tarnished. Below is a brief recounting of the crisis and the astrological influences in the 16° Virgo rising chart for the UK.

Expense reimbursements
The political scandal followed the disclosure of expenses by Members of the British Parliament (MP) which were later reimbursed to them. The report indicates misuse of the permitted allowances and expenses claimed by some MPs and attempts by MPs to exempt themselves from Freedom of Information legislation. In the United Kingdom MPs may claim expenses, including the cost of accommodation "wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for the performance of a Member’s parliamentary duties”

Gathering clouds
In January 2005, journalist Heather Brooke made a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the release of details of MPs' expenses claims. Although the request was allowed by an Information Tribunal, the House of Commons Authorities challenged the decision, as per the 2000 Act, on the grounds that it was "unlawfully intrusive". In May 2008, the English High Court ruled in favour of releasing the expenses claims. The House of Commons authorities announced that full publication of expenses would be made in July 2009, with certain information, which they deemed sensitive, being held back.

A crisis erupts in May 2009
On 8 May, 2009, The Daily Telegraph newspaper, which had obtained a full copy of the expenses record, began publishing this in daily installments. Highlights were given great coverage in the British media, with the findings being considered to show flagrant and sometimes gross misuse of the expenses system for personal gain by many MPs across all ranks and parties. As of 15 May 2009, major national newspapers such as The Times described the resulting controversy as "Parliament's darkest day" and a "full blown political crisis", reporting upon cross-party firings and resignations, an exodus of shamed MPs, the prospect of criminal or tax evasion charges, and a vote of no confidence being prepared against the Speaker.

On 19 May 2009, Michael Martin issued a statement that following criticism of his handling of the issue he would step down on 21 June 2009 and an election for a new Speaker will take place the following day, this being the first such removal in the United Kingdom (though John Trevor was removed from the then English House of Commons in 1695). While not seen to have run afoul of the existing rules, the information published by the press revealed that Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, and Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, had made use of the generous provisions for financial reimbursement.

Astrology of the crisis
Jupiter is the general indicator for people of influence, including in the government, legislature or judiciary. In the 16° Virgo rising chart we can see the following:

The Mars-Saturn period is operating. It is well known in SA that periods of two functional malefic planets (Mars is 8th lord and Saturn is 6th lord for Virgo's) can be quite difficult. The influence of the period lords becomes important, especially of the sub-period lord, Saturn at this time.

With 6th lord Saturn natally placed in the 12th house, we can see the scope for financial scandals and losses.

In the chart, we can see that the dispositor of Saturn, 12th lord Sun, is placed at 19° Sagittarius. At this place, it afficts both the 4th house, owned by Jupiter, and the 10th house of the Cabinet and laws. This is suggestive of setbacks to the affected indications, especially when Jupiter as 4th lord is afflicted natally or in transit.

In recent months, transit Rahu in Capricorn and Ketu in Cancer have been moving over natal Jupiter at 10° 46' Cancer. This has created tension for the indications of Jupiter.

The scandal, however, broke out after transit 4th lord Jupiter had moved into Aquarius and the 6th house on 2 May, where it is badly placed and exactly opposite natal Saturn at 2° 17' Leo and the 12th house. In this position, Jupiter becomes weak and less capable to defend its indications. The influence of the sub-period lord Saturn and the influence of the 6th and 12th house placements is resulting in a lot of problems for legislators.

The scandal peaked around 19-23 May, when Jupiter was becoming exactly afflicted by natal Saturn. Adding to the tension at that time was the conjunction of transit 2nd lord Venus with natal Rahu at 22° 59' Pisces and the close affliction of transit 8th lord Mars at 28° Capricorn to natal 11th lord Moon in the 10th house. The Moon is also the dispositor of Jupiter making the situation even more difficult.

What can we expect for the months ahead?
The scandal may be revisited in some form as Jupiter in retrograde motion moves back over its opposition point with natal Saturn on 7 July 2009. Whatever tension is left from the crisis will then likely have greatly diminished as Jupiter moves into Capricorn on 31 July. However, when transit Jupiter becomes stationary at 23° 11' Capricorn in the Autumn months of 2009, where it will become exactly afflicted by natal Ketu at 22° 59' Virgo and 1st house, we can expect some significant problems for the indications of Jupiter at that time, possibly some sudden or violent event, consistent with the malefic nature of Ketu. If general elections are held in the UK this year, it will likely result in many sitting MPs being turned out by angry voters.

In sum, the scandal is clearly reflected in the period- and transit dynamics of the authentic chart for the United Kingdom.

Sources

Overview of the crisis
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7840678.stm
A list of the many parliamentarians involved

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8039273.stm
Speaker of the House of Commons quits due to scandal
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8057203.stm
Disclosure of expenses of British Members of Parliament
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPs%27_expenses_row
The Right Honourable Michael Martin, MP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Martin_(politician

The impact of fast moving planets

Normally we look at the transits of stationary planets when examining major or significant events in the life of a country. As a result we often times miss seeing the impact of faster moving planets in transit in terms of the mundane horoscope. Sometimes the transit of fast moving planets show up in remarkable ways in the authentic horoscope of a national entity. Below we examine two very different examples.

The might of Mars
First, let us look at what was going on in Russia yesterday. On the 64th anniversary celebration of the victory over Germany, the Russian government staged an impressive military parade in the Red Square of Moscow. This event is described in the following news story:

Russia warns foes in Soviet-style show of might
"Russia on Saturday sternly warned its foes not to dare attempt any aggression against the country, as it put on a Soviet-style show of military might in Red Square including nuclear capable missiles...."Protecting the motherland is our holy duty, it is a moral foundation for all generations," said [President] Medvedev. "The future of Russia will be peaceful, happy and successful." Before handing over to Medvedev as president last year, Putin resurrected the Soviet practice -- dropped after Communism -- of having missiles and heavy tanks rumbling over the Red Square cobbles in front of Russia's leaders. Thousands of soldiers and more than 100 items of hardware featured in the Red Square parade, which was matched by similar demonstrations across Russia involving almost 30,000 troops, officials said. Thousands of soldiers marched past Medvedev and Putin, before dozens of heavy tanks, including the main T-90 battle tank and the Sprut self-propelled anti-tank gun, thundered through Red Square to the sound of martial music. There was a rare public showing for some of Russia's best known missile systems, including the S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missiles, the short range Iskander-M and the medium-range Buk. As in 2008, Russia proudly showed off a half dozen examples of its nuclear-capable Topol intercontinental ballistic missile which has a range of more than 10,000 kilometres (6,500 miles). Squadrons of fighter jets also flew over Red Square.

The parade was overseen by Defence Minister Anatoly Serdukov, a civilian ex-furniture salesman implementing a hugely controversial military reform to eliminate Soviet-era structures and prepare the army for modern warfare. "Greetings comrades! I congratulate you on the 64th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War," Serdukov, dressed in a suit, told the soldiers from an open-top car. [1]"

The transit and period influences in the chart clearly are consistent with such a major demonstration of Russian might:

The Moon-Venus period is operating. Moon as 2nd lord rules the wealth, status and relations with neighbors. Moon is well placed in the 3rd house of initiatives. Hence during the 10 year major period of the Moon (2001-2011) there is emphasis on such things. During the sub-period of 5th lord Venus (March 2009 - November 2010) , as Venus is badly placed in the 12th house but in its own sign of Taurus, Russia has some challenges to manage in foreign matters, including Nato military exercises in its back yard at this time. Nevertheless, the transits this weekend are very favourable and also reflect the nature of the event amazingly well:

- Transit 5th lord Venus exalted at 12° Pisces and 10th house of government is EXACTLY conjunct natal Mars (Indicator of the military)
- Transit 11th lord Mars at 19° Pisces and in the MEP of the 10th house is EXACTLY conjunct natal 3rd lord Sun (indicator of the President)
- Transit 3rd lord Sun at 25° Aries is exalted in the 11th house of hopes and goals (owned by Mars).
- Transit 2nd lord Moon was in Libra and 5th house of entertainment

In March 2009, I noted the stunning accuracy of predictions for Russia based on this chart, including both the nature and timing of the predictions.

The powerful Sun
Second, there is the event when George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the USA as provided for in the US Constitution, the second constitution of the country (replacing the Articles of Confederation), which created a more powerful office of US President. While the US Constitution entered into force on March 4, 1789, the country still lacked a President to wield those new federal powers for almost two months. At around 1:00 pm on April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath to become the first President of the USA under the new US Constitution. This event, which is considered an auspicious event in the history of the country, shows up very well in the SAMVA USA chart.

Of first reckoning is the fact that transit Sun is exalted at 19° 49' Aries. Importantly, it is excactly conjunct the MEP of the 10th house (at 20° Aries), which is fitting as the Sun represents the leader of the country and the 10th house represents the government. Adding to that, transit 10th lord Mars was at 22° 37' Pisces in close conjunction with the MEP of the 9th house. Making the event signal a new direction under new leadership for the country. Transit 3rd lord Mercury and transit 4th lord Venus were also placed in the 10th house.

Interestingly, the longer term direction is shown by the Moon- Mercury period being in operation at that time. The major period revealed a heightened sense of self, as Moon is 1st lord. Washington wanted the US to turn inward and focus on developing itself. The sub-period of Mercury as 3rd lord placed the focus on improving the effectiveness of collective action, notably in the foreign policy arena, given the natal location of Mercury and Sun in the 7th house.

.

While the US Constitution divides foreign policy powers between the President and the Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy, the President early on took the lead in formulating and conducting foreign policy, consistent with the placement of Sun in the 7th house.

.

Of primary importance to President Washington was to define America's proper relationship with the rest of the world. How to secure American interests - especially those related to the nation's security and prosperity. He defined the objective as to “gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption, to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes.”[2]

Conclusion

In sum, we can note the times when fast moving planets, i.e. the Sun, Mars, Venus or Mercury, serving as functional benefic planets according to the ascending sign (in the sidereal zodiac) and powerfully placed in transit and well supported, can bring quite auspicious or memorable events - within the framework of longer term trends.

Sources

[1] Russia warns foes in Soviet-style show of might
May 9 07:20 AM US/Eastern
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.2bd8acd3958f3504b0e198ea61d1c3d0.a1&show_article=1
[2] George Washington's Farewell Address 1796
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp

Nuclear Iran

Iran is one of the important countries in the world. For several years, a serious foreign policy controversy has been brewing in the mid east concerning the nuclear ambitions of the Iranian authorities[1]. Neighbours like Israel, and in fact the international community, have repeatedly voiced concern about these efforts. In recent months, the leaders of Israel have stated that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons it will be a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. Consequently, Israel has declared its preparedness to strike at Iran in an effort to destroy these capabilities, much as it did by bombing the Osirak nuclear facilities in Iraq in 1981. Iran has already developed its own long range missiles capable of carrying such weapons.

Based on the national horoscope for Iran, with the pesent collective identity seen to be originating in the event when the Islamic Republic was proclaimed, significant difficulties are seen ahead for the country during the summer of 2009. Similar difficulties are seen in the horoscope of its secular leader, President Ahmadinejad. Significant strains are also seen in the charts of Israel and USA in the Autumn of 2009 involving foreign policy.

Origins of Iran
The name Iran derives from Aryan, and means "Land of the Aryans"[2]. The country has special geostrategic significance due to its central location in Eurasia, being bordered on the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia, to the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and on the west by Turkey and Iraq. Iran is a regional power and holds an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Spanning 1,648,195 km2 (636,372 sq mi), Iran is the 18th largest country in the world and with a population in excess of 70 million people it is among the larger ones. Tehran is the capital and largest city (35°N41’; 51°E25’). In 2008, the per capita income is estimated to be around $10,000, which is one fifth of the income levels in in Europe and North America.

The Islamic Revolution
Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7000 BC. Persia was unified under the Median kingdom in 625 BC and reestablished under the Safavid dynasty in 1501. “Persia's Constitutional Revolution" established the nation's first parliament in 1906, within a constitutional monarchy. The monarchy was overthrown in the Iranian Revolution and an Islamic republic was proclaimed at 15.00 hrs on 1 April 1979 in Tehran. A Supreme Leader is the highest state authority, while a President is the head of the government. The original Supreme Leader was Ayatollah Khomeini. The present SL is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The horoscope of Iran
The sign Cancer is rising with the most effective point of the ascendant being 23° 42’ Cancer. The 1st lord Moon is exalted at 13° 11’ Taurus and 11th house, where it receives an afflicting aspect from Saturn as 8th lord of obstacles and endings at 14° 43’ Leo and 2nd house. This aspect suggests danger to the self.

The functional malefic planet Rahu at 23° 40’ Leo is conjunct the most effective point (MEP) of the 2nd house of wealth and status and relations with neighbouring countries. From there Rahu also afflicts the 6th house of conflict, 8th house of obstacles and endings and 10th house of the cabinet, foreign trade and presence in the world. This placement suggest manipulation by the authorities will bring a crisis to the above indications. Also, as Rahu exactly afflicts the MEP, problems were there from the birth of the Islamic Republic, with Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq, ordering an invasion of Iran on September 22, 1980, thereby starting a war that lasted until August 1988.

During the summer and early autumn of 2009, transit Ketu will be stationary at 6° 11' Cancer, where it is closely conjunct natal 6th lord Jupiter at 5° 30' Cancer and 1st house. At that time, a sudden violent event would be likely.

The placement of the 2nd lord Sun in Pisces and the 9th house, suggests a state that has strong religious foundation. With the 10th lord Mars and 3rd lord Mercury conjunct in the 9th house, but in infancy where they become weak and afflicted through an aspect from Jupiter as the 6th lord of controversy and conflict in Cancer and the 1st house, the initiatives and expression in the world are liable to create controversy or conflict, even if they have a religious basis.

The 8th lord Saturn also afflicts Venus as 4th lord of land and natural resources, which is placed at 10° 22' Aquarius and thus in the 8th house of obstacles. Adding to the strain of this placment is Ketu being at 23° 40' Aquriaus and thus exactly conjunct and afflicting the MEP of the 8th house, making the energy suggesting loss of life through sudden violent events more pernicious. Indeed, this configuration involving Venus and the 8th house shows the frequent and harmful major earthquakes that have struck the country.

On SAMVA list on April 18, 2009, astrologer & author V.K. Choudhry, said that "[the problems ahead would be] more than tension and outright hostility is seen. Iran is in the sub period of the Moon in the main period of Rahu. Rahu is on the MEP of the house while the Moon is under the close aspect of the MMP. Rahu will not allow Iran government to make efforts to settle the matter for avoiding outright hostility[3]."

President Ahmadinejad
On August 6, 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became President of the Republic. Since assuming office, Ahmadinejad has injected himself into the Israel - Palestine conflict and made many statements that have been disturbing to Israel and its western allies, including predicting the destruction of Israel. President Ahmadinejad has maintained the Iranian nuclear development program only has ambitions to develop a civilian or non-weapons related nuclear capacity in order to "conserve the country's [abundant] oil and gas reserves", but there is scepticism about this claim. "The USA and many of its allies have deep suspicions about the potential military aspects of the program".[4]

The horoscope of Ahmadinejad
Based on a 10° Cancer rising chart tentatively rectified for Ahmadinejad, we can predict that he is likely to come under signficant strain this summer. In particular, there is a natal placement of Rahu at 5° 58' Scorpio conjunct Saturn at 8° 38' Scorpio, whch suggests major obstacles. Moreover, as the chart is currently running the Rahu-Saturn period, this energy in the chart is active and this summer it will be activated by difficult aspects of the transit nodes.

In particular, a few weeks from now, this natal combination will come under strain from the transit nodes, while transit stationary 8th lord Saturn in the 2nd house afflicts his 10th lord Mars in the 8th house. The tension regarding these aspects are seen from the present time, when the transit nodes move past 9° 38' Capricorn and Cancer, and into the Autumn of 2009. The greatest tension associated with the nodal station of Rahu in his 7th and Ketu in his 1st houses, which are closely afflicting his natal nodes in the 5th and 11th house, is from July 6 to August 24. At that time, the transit nodes will be stationary at 6° 11' Capricorn and Cancer. In particular we can also note that in addition to the mutual affliction of transit and natal nodes, natal Saturn as 8th lord is closely afflicting transit Rahu this summer, more so in the month of May. As this is a tentative chart for Ahmadinejad, the prediction of a significant event in coming weeks or months is offered as a test of this chart for him.

Source
[1] Iran could produce first nuke in 60 days (April 21, 2009)
http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=6035
[2] Information about Iran
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran
[3] Message #17077 on SAMVA list on April 18, 2009
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMVA/message/17077
[4] CNN : Iran could have enough material for nuke in months
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/07/iran.nuclear/index.html

THE PERPETUAL UNION

The formation of a nation in the largest part of North America, the USA, took place with accelerating speed during the 18th century. It involved first the emergence of the English language and culture as a dominant force in the colonies on the seaboard. After Britain emerged as the undisputed European power in North America in 1763, a conflict soon erupted with the colonists concerning different economic and political interests. After adversarial trade exchanges in 1773-74, a full blown revolutionary war broke out in 1775 resulting in the colonies declaring independence in 1776 while setting in motion the creation of a perpetual political union, which was born on February 2, 1781 and survives to this day.

Origins of human settlement
Prior to the discovery of the American continent by European explorers -- the Norse Vikings around the year 1000 A.D. and Spanish explorers before the year 1500 A.D. -- the continent was populated by people of an Asiatic origin, who crossed into Alaska likely around 15,000 – 30,000 years ago. When the European’s began to arrive in the 16th century, they encountered native peoples along the seaboard, ranging from semi-nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers in the North to the Mesoamerican civilizations in the South.

Colonial period
The settlement of the America’s by people of European origin is termed the Colonial period and in North America this period lasted from the mid 16th century to the latter part of the 18th century. The colonial period was marked by competition between the Spanish, French, Dutch and English for dominion over the new lands. In the 17th century British colonization took flight with English goods, language and culture dominating the colonies. By the early 18th century, a new national identity of the colonists was reinforced by a Methodist religious revival led by preacher Jonathan Edwards in 1734.

Political integration and autonomy
The French and Indian War (1754–1763) was a watershed event in the political development of the colonies. The influence of the main enemies of the British Crown in the colonies and Canada, the French and North American Indians, was significantly reduced. Moreover, the war effort resulted in greater political integration of the colonies, as symbolized by Benjamin Franklin's call for the colonies to "Join, or Die" in the May 9, 1754 issue of the Philadelphia Gazette. Following Britain's acquisition of French territory in North America, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763 with the goal of organizing the new North American empire and stabilizing relations with the native Indians. In ensuing years, strains developed in the relations between the colonists and the Crown. The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act of 1765, imposing a tax on the colonies to help pay for troops stationed in North America following the British victory in the Seven Years' War. The British government felt that the colonies were the primary beneficiaries of this military presence, and should pay at least a portion of the expense. The colonists did not share this view. Rather, with the French and Indian threat diminished, the primary outside influence remained that of Britain. A conflict of economic interests increased with the right of the British Parliament to govern the colonies without representation being called into question.

Rebellion begins
The Boston Tea Party in 1773 was a direct action by colonists in the town of Boston to protest against the taxes levied by the British government. In the following two years, the relations came to a boiling point with the Intolerable Acts being passed by the British Parliament in 1774. The acts sparked outrage and resistance in the Thirteen Colonies, which formed the Continental Association passing on October 20, 1774 the Articles of Association with the aim to boycott trade with Great Britain. The First Continental Congress hoped that by imposing economic sanctions, Great Britain would be pressured to redress the grievances of the colonies, and in particular repeal the Intolerable Acts. The Congress aimed to alter Britain's policies towards the colonies without severing allegiance. Personal gain was also a notable motivation of members of the Continental Association, made up mostly of those who had economic interests that would be served by forbidding imports from Britain. In response, the British government took punitive measures aimed at making an example of Massachusetts, in order to reverse the trend of colonial resistance to parliamentary authority that had begun with the 1765 Stamp Act. Rather than give in, the Colonists boycott became operative on December 1, 1774 resulting in a sharp fall in trade with Great Britain. The British responded with the New England Restraining Act of 1775 banning trade with the colonies. The American Revolutionary War broke out on April 18, 1775 and fighting continued until the British forces surrendered to the army of the Thirteen Colonies on October 19, 1781.

United in name and action but not by law
Side by side with the states' efforts to gain independence through armed resistance, a political union was being developed and agreed upon by them. The call for the colonies to "Unite or Die", based on Franklin's 1754 woodcut, appeared in The Pennsylvania Journal on June 7, 1775. The first step was to formally declare independence from Great Britain. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, still meeting in Philadelphia, approved the text for a Declaration of Independence of "the United States of America." The document was printed and approved on July 4, which is to this day observed as the birth day of the new nation. However, the United States had not yet been formed at that time. The colonies were still in a process of transforming themselves into States with their own constitutions. Moreover, no agreement had been arrived at to bind them in union. They were united in name and action, but not by law.

A perpetual Union
A Union of the thirteen states with a constitutional government, the Congress of the Confederation, first became possible with the ratification of the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. The drafting of the Articles began in June 1776 and the approved text was sent to the States on November 15, 1777 for their ratification. While most States passed laws to authorize their representatives in Congress to sign the document by 1778, Maryland refused to do so until a dispute between the states concerning Western land claims had been resolved. After Virginia passed a law ceding its claims on January 2, 1781, Maryland became the 13th and final state to pass an Act to ratify the Articles on February 2, 1781. Importantly, this 13th ratification established the requisite unanimous consent to the formation of a perpetual Union. The formal signing of the Articles by Maryland was completed on March 1, 1781 in Philadelphia. On the following day Samuel Huntington became the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled.

The surving 13th Article
A perpetual Union of the 13 American states was a key element of the Articles. The concept of a 'perpetual union' of the states was important enough to be a part of the title of the Articles. Moreover, in Article XIII it was stipulated that "their provisions shall be inviolably observed by every state" and "the Union shall be perpetual." The problem with the Articles was never the Union which it established but the Confederation type constitution. As the Federalist move began to replace the confederation with a federation, there was no need seen to reestablish the perpetual Union of the Articles.

Limitations of a Confederation Union
With the approval of Maryland, the Articles of Confederation took effect. The Articles stated that there was a perpetual union between the states, while individual states remained sovereign. The states retained every right not given to the central government. The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States of Amercia. However, due to the limitations of a confederation type government, including having to obtain revenue from the States, it was soon replaced by federation type government of the US Constitution, the second constitution of the new country. Importantly, the Union which the Articles of Perpetual Union had established was not affected.

A Constitution to form a more perfect Union
It became apparent early on that the new constitution was inadequate for the operation of the new government and efforts soon began to improve upon it. A series of attempts to organize a movement to outline and press reforms culminated in the Congress calling the Philadelphia Convention in 1787. Following its adoption by Congress on September 17, 1787 and the 9th requisite ratification by New Hamsphire on June 21, 1788, the structure of the national government was profoundly changed on March 4, 1789, when the American people replaced the confederation type government of the Articles with a federation type government of the US Constitution. The new representative and elective government had an executive, as opposed to a monarch. Importantly, while the new constitution changed the form of government it did not alter the Union itself, which had been established earlier in the decade. However, the constitution is considered to have changed the nature of the union. The Bill of Rights, which was ratified on December 15, 1791, also had an effect by guaranteeing individual liberties such as freedom of speech and religious practice and consisted of the first ten amendments of the Constitution. During the civil war of the 1860s, the enduring nature of the union, of the thirteen original States and the States joining later, was confirmed. Moreover, the war clarified remaining ambiguities about the relationship between federal and state levels of governments.

Conclusion
The birth of the USA took place with the ratification of the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. The signal event was the formal signing into law the Act by Maryland to ratify the Articles in the afternoon of Friday, February 2, 1781, which gave birth to a perpetual Union of the States . Importantly, the formal signing of the Articles by the Maryland representatives on March 1, 1781 in Philadelphia did not form the Union but formally enacted the Articles as a constitution and led to the Continental Congress becoming the Congress of the Confederation. Moreover, while the US Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as a governing document for the USA, it did not replace the perpetual Union that had earlier been established by the Articles. Rather, the US Constitution sought to make "a more perfect Union."

This moment on February 2, 1781 gave birth to a national entity that has carved a unique place in the annals of world history, including on the Moon. With the robust method of SA vedic astrology , it has been possible to explain the nature of the country, the significant events in its history and to accurately predict the future course of this collective entity, based on the horoscope that is referred to as "the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union)."

Ties that bind: Israel-USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astrology of increasing public debt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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