From psyche to soul

Front row: Freud, unknown, Jung

Few authors in psychology have become as famous as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. And few were initially as close, but later fell out over their different ideas.

In this article the lives of these outstanding men are explored in terms of their sidereal or Vedic horoscopes, based on the Systems' Approach to Interpreting Horoscopes. 

In some sense, their innovations have by now been eclipsed by Western allopathic medicine, which can treat difficult mental illnesses, on the one hand, and on the other by Eastern methodologies for wellness, both physical and psychological, that can bring relief to those suffering from mental troubles or unhappiness. 

Let's begin with a review of their lives.

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud, a medical doctor by training, was deeply influenced by Darwin’s theories. He saw humans as evolved animals and believed that all behavior, including neuroses, stemmed from the repression of primal drives of sex and aggression. Freud theorized that personality disorders were rooted in childhood experiences that had been long forgotten.

Freud’s practice was largely composed of women patients seeking treatment. For women, Freud theorized that their psychological development involved the early realization of their lack of a penis, leading to feelings of castration and inferiority.

Despite his atheism, Freud dedicated his adult life to working closely with patients, delving into the unconscious and dreams. His theories were developed through the self-analysis of his own dreams, a pioneering approach that contributed significantly to psychiatry.

Freud’s work was groundbreaking in its exploration of the personal unconscious in the quest for mental health. He believed that by bringing repressed memories and experiences into conscious awareness, individuals could find relief from their symptoms. This formed the basis of his psychoanalytic therapy, which focused on healing childhood trauma through the exploration of the unconscious mind.

Freud’s magnum opus, The Interpretation of Dreams, was first published on November 4, 1899, but bore the publication date of 1900 to symbolize its association with the dawn of a new century. The book initially received a lukewarm response, with only 600 copies printed and taking eight years to sell out. However, it later gained popularity and influence, leading Freud to publish seven more editions in his lifetime, each time revising and expanding the text.

Freud’s work on the interpretation of dreams laid the foundation for the development of psychoanalysis as a method of treating mental disorders. His theories, though controversial, have had a profound impact on the field of psychology and continue to influence contemporary thought on the human mind and behavior."

In the 1920s, Freud became world famous. His groundbreaking ideas transcended the realm of science, captivating intellectuals, artists, and the public alike. His influence was so profound that he was repeatedly nominated for both the Nobel Prize in Literature and Medicine, despite never clinching either. His followers formed a global network, establishing psychoanalytic societies and journals, even as his theories sparked debates among psychologists, philosophers, and religious authorities.

Freud’s seminal work, The Ego and the Id published in April 1923, introduced his structural model of the psyche, dividing it into the id, the ego, and the superego. The book was met with both acclaim and criticism. Ernest Jones, Freud’s close associate, hailed it as a landmark in human thought, while Karl Abraham, a prominent psychoanalyst, underscored its significance for psychoanalytic theory. However, Otto Rank, a former Freud disciple, criticized it as a regression to pre-scientific psychology.

Carl Jung

Born into a humble family, Carl G. Jung’s life was a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His journey began with a childhood marked by poverty, but his relentless drive to succeed propelled him forward. At the tender age of 12, he faced a severe psychotic episode triggered by bullying, leading to a six-month hiatus from school. However, overhearing his father’s despair about his future, Jung found the will to recover.

When Jung was 21 and in his second year of university, his father’s death threatened to end his academic pursuits due to financial constraints. The expectation was for him to leave university, find employment, and support his mother and sister. Defying these expectations, Jung secured a loan and completed his studies. 

At 28, Jung’s life took a significant turn when he married into Switzerland’s second wealthiest family. This newfound wealth liberated him from the financial shackles of his profession, enabling him to work independently. Jung’s personal life was far from exemplary. Known as a womanizer, he had numerous affairs, including a long-term relationship with a former patient. His wife threatened to leave him multiple times, but each time, Jung’s psychotic episodes kept her from leaving. She would have taken her fortune with her when she left."

"In her will, the heiress bequeathed the bulk of her estate to her children, leaving Jung only the minimum amount demanded by law. After she died, Jung thought himself poor and took unnecessary measures to save money and live frugally (Bair, 2003)."

Jung spent his days healing wounded emotions through "talk therapy." However, he was not noted for clarity of thought. Jung was often criticized for a meandering writing style. He had a gift for expression, but it didn't necessarily guarantee his success. Nonetheless, he left behind a large collection of written words."

Throughout his life, Jung remained devoted to the study of the unconscious, developing his theories through personal consultations and introspection. 

"He lived to the hilt; gave himself away, where he sacrificed himself, he also fell from grace. He invented depth psychology, studied the shadow, astrology, and alchemy. He married money, had affairs, a near-death experience, psychotic episodes, and was the first to realize that alcoholism is a disease of spirit.

Despite the financial hardships and personal challenges that Jung faced throughout his life, his theories have had a profound impact on the field of psychology. His exploration into the collective unconscious and the development of the concept of archetypes have provided valuable insights into understanding the human psyche. In one way "he attempted to find balance in the inner reaches of the psyche". As such, his work continues to influence modern psychology and his exploration of his own shadow and his contributions to psychology are his enduring gifts to the world. It has been observed that "When Jung died, his public life came into the spotlight."

Famous falling out

In 1907, a young Carl Jung met Sigmund Freud and was quickly hailed as the successor to Freud’s psychoanalytic throne. Their initial unity, however, began to crumble by 1911 due to Jung’s interest in the Zurich occult and his concept of the collective unconscious, which Freud refused to acknowledge.

The rift deepened with Jung’s rejection of Freud’s theory that neurosis had a sexual basis. As such, Jung's work could be understood to be a refutation of the basis of Freud's psychoanalytic work. Jung’s Psychology of the Unconscious, published in 1912, signaled his departure from Freud’s theories. To differentiate his approach, he named it analytical psychology. 

As the Freud-Jung relationship deteriorated, a Secret Committee was formed to protect the psychoanalytic movement’s theoretical and institutional legacy. However, Jung eventually resigned from his editorial and presidential roles and the Zurich Society withdrew from the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). In January 1913 Jung had an official split with Freud, marked by a terse exchange of letters. Jung then found himself excluded from Freud’s inner circle and plunged into another psychotic episode. This period of introspection enriched his understanding of the unconscious for the rest of his life. Despite the professional setback and social marginalization orchestrated by Freud, Jung used this period productively for self-study of the personal unconscious. He emerged with a new understanding of the psyche as a battleground of inner gods.

Significant events in Freud's life

Here are ten significant dates in the life of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis:

1. May 6, 1856: Freud was born in Freiberg, Moravia, Austrian Empire (now Příbor, Czech Republic) to Jewish parents.
2. 1873: Freud entered the University of Vienna to study medicine.
3. 1885: Freud completed his habilitation and became a docent in neuropathology.
4. 1886: Freud married Martha Bernays and opened his private practice in Vienna.
5. 1896: Freud coined the term “psychoanalysis” and published The Aetiology of Hysteria, in which he outlined his theory of repression.
6. 1900: Freud published The Interpretation of Dreams, his magnum opus and the first comprehensive exposition of his psychoanalytic theory.
7. 1914: Freud published On Narcissism, in which he introduced the concept of the ego and its relation to the id and the super-ego.
8. 1923: Freud published The Ego and the Id, in which he elaborated his structural model of the psyche.
9. 1930: Freud received the Goethe Prize for his contributions to literature and psychology.
10. September 23, 1939: Freud died in London, England, after suffering from cancer of the jaw and throat for 16 years.

The astrology of Freud's chart

Sigmund Freud was born on May 6, 1856 at 6:30 p.m. (LMT -1:12:36) in Pribor, Czechia (then Frieberg, Germany), giving 14° Libra rising.

Libra is a moveable, airy and positive sign ruled by Venus, the significator for materialistic pursuits and comforts. Saturn, the planet of hard work and discipline, is exalted in this sign and the Sun, the significator of vitality and status, is debilitated. 

If Venus is strong, these factors render the Librans a magnetic personality, and they enjoy good health. Otherwise, they are vulnerable to diseases.

Libra signifies sense of justice, clarity, strong will-power, optimism and is highly sensitive. Its talkative characteristic provides the person capacity to communicate, including the use of body language and facial expressions for making the communication more effective. Its positive characteristic makes the person a contributor instead of being only a consumer. Its airy characteristic makes the person a thinker. Its semi-fruitful characteristic blesses the native with affluence and resourcefulness in life. 

Rahu and Ketu and Mercury are functional malefic planet for this ascendant, while Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon and the Sun are functional benefic planets. 

Libras are intelligent, restless and good natured and have a pleasant disposition. They want to win others with love and hate violence. They have keen interest in performing and fine arts. The weakness and affliction to Venus can turn them into depressed, stubborn, argumentative and annoying persons. 

Venus makes the person a life saviour through the practice of medicine and gives tremendous growth in business activities. As first lord Venus is well placed but weak in the 7th house of others, Freud was vulnerable to disease. Mars, as dispositor of the 7th house, is badly placed in the 12th house of losses. Indeed, Freud battled cancer for the last 16 years of his life. However, this is explained by Venus being conjunct the planet Rahu, which brings such hard to diagnose, long set illnesses. He was in Ketu major period and Rahu sub-period when he died.

A strong Saturn, being yoga karaka planet for this nativity, makes the person worldly wise and shrewd. Indeed, Freud's 5th lord Saturn, ruling his creative powers, was well placed in the 9th house of preferment and luck. His first work, that made him famous, was created and published at the start of his Saturn major period.

 

The eleventh house, signifying income, elder brothers, friends and desires, is ruled by the royal planet, the Sun. They think big and enjoy successes of a high order. They enjoy the patronage of highly placed friends, elder brothers and governmental authorities, whenever the Sun is strong in the nativity. Freud's Sun was exalted in the 7th house of others, suggesting his goals were focused on discerning their problems.

His 3rd lord Jupiter, which rules communication but also "younger brothers" is placed in the 6th house of conflict. Freud's falling out happened in his Saturn major period and Rahu sub-period, but also just preceded the Saturn-Jupiter period. The rupture of the friendship must have been a difficult experience for Freud as well.

Significant events in Jung's life

Here are ten significant dates in the life of Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology:

1. July 26, 1875: Jung was born in Kesswil, Switzerland, to a pastor and a philologist.
2. 1906: Jung began a correspondence and collaboration with Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis.
3. 1912: Jung published Psychology of the Unconscious, in which he diverged from Freud’s theory and introduced his own concepts of the collective unconscious and the archetypes.
4. 1913: Jung experienced a series of visions and fantasies that he later recorded and analyzed in his Red Book.
5. 1921: Jung published Psychological Types, in which he proposed the distinction between the introverted and the extraverted personality types.
6. 1934: Jung became the first president of the International General Medical Society for Psychotherapy.
7. 1938: Jung visited India and met with Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
8. 1944: Jung suffered a near-fatal heart attack and had a series of near-death experiences that influenced his later work.
9. November 27, 1955: Emma Jung, born Emma Marie Rauschenbach, the wife of Carl Jung, died.
10. June 6, 1961: Jung died in Küsnacht, Switzerland, after a long illness.

The astrology of Jung's chart

Carl Jung was born on July 26, 1875 at 7:32 p.m. (LMT – 0:37:20) in Kesswil, Switzerland. This time gives 9° Capricorn rising.

Capricorn is an earthy, negative, introvert and movable sign ruled by Saturn, the significator of dutifulness and responsibility. Mars, the significator of energy and ambition, is exalted in this sign and Jupiter, the significator of fortune and knowledge, is debilitated. These factors render the people born in Capricorn ascendant ambitious and hardworking. Capricorn is the sign of practical realization. At the same time they are conservative but selfish and selective in approach. They are secretive, pensive, proud and fastidious. They are vigilant and tactful. They have compromising nature in order to achieve leadership.

Rahu and Ketu, the Sun and Jupiter are functional malefic planets for Capricorn ascendant, while Saturn, Mars, the Moon, Mercury and Venus are functional benefic planets.

A domineering placement in the chart is Sun in the 7th house MEP, from where it aspects the 1st house of self. As 8th lord of obstacles and endings as well as easy gains, the Sun explains that he attracted a wealthy spouse. However, the same placement also caused troubles in his marriage, given his selfish behaviour. 

Carl Jung had 9th lord Mercury in the 6th house of conflict, enmity and illness. This gave a deep interest in higher ideas. Moreover, as Mercury is conjunct Venus as 10th lord of career, this helped to propel him high through his writings.

Jung's relationship with Freud is also seen in this 6th house combination, showing conflict with guru, but also with the aspect of 8th lord Sun to the 9th house. Carl Jung was destined to cause his teacher some amount of consternation, followed by a famous falling out between them, when Freud rejected Jung as his disciple, and open conflict, as Freud openly opposed his teachings.

The placement of Saturn in infancy but its own Moolatrikona sign of Aquarius, gave Carl Jung good status. Venus as 10th lord in the 6th house, albeit conjunct 9th lord Mercury, also gave luck in career, that resulted from conflict. Jung had to struggle for a long time for his ideas to reach the masses, which happened more after his death. The falling out with Freud made Jung famous by association. The bad placement and weakness of 10th lord Venus also explains the poverty of his family when growing up, although its did not prevent him from marrying rich.

The placement of 4th lord Mars in old age in the 11th house of friendship and income, shows that his inner harmony was sensitive and vulnerable to setbacks associated with challenging transits. Indeed, he became seriously despondent at various stages of his life, linked also to alliances and income. Moreover, with Moon ruling mind and as 7th lord ruling spouse and relationships, in the 4th house of inner harmony, Jung fell ill but his great fortune was that his wife took good care of him. 

The Sun is also the significator for the soul, whereas Jupiter is the significator for morality and generosity. While these planets are functional malefic planets for people with Capricorn ascendant, they may, if strong and not afflicting or afflicted, ensure a happy and harmonious married life. In Jung's case, Jupiter is well placed but weak in infancy of 10th house, whereas the Sun, strong by degree, was weak on account of its own affliction to the 7th house of spouse. 

Epilogue

The Western approach to understanding the mind, as exemplified by Freud and Jung, differs significantly from the Eastern approach. Freud and Jung focused on analyzing the unconscious mind, with Freud emphasizing the influence of repressed emotions, desires, and memories, and Jung introducing the concept of the collective unconscious. At the same time, both were in some way influenced by the 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who was influenced by Eastern philosophies. For instance, Schopenhauer’s philosophy of the will and his exploration of the nature of desire greatly influenced Jung’s understanding of the unconscious. 

In turn, the Eastern approach emphasizes a holistic view of the mind, body, and spirit, and promotes a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices. Indeed, Eastern mystics and their practices, such as yoga, aim to connect the individual with the all-pervading consciousness or life itself. The goal is not to ignore one’s mind and bodily sensations, but rather to achieve a state of balance and harmony beyond mental activity and bodily sensations that leads to a profound sense of peace and happiness.

In fact, for most people the best way to achieve health, happiness and wellbeing is not talk therapy and analysis, as Freud and even Jung advocated, but inner work that quiets the mind and ignores the bodily sensations, in order to experience life at its most pure and vibrant source, deep within ourselves. In a way, the work has thus shifted from the psyche to the soul. 

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The psyche refers to the mental or psychological part of a human being. It is considered to encompass a wide range of mental processes, including perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior. It is studied by psychologists and neuroscientists, and believed to be the key to understanding human behavior and mental health. The soul, on the other hand, is associated with religious or philosophical beliefs, and is believed to be the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being. It’s often viewed as the essence of a person, responsible for their personality, consciousness, and morality. 

References

• Allan, Kathy (2009). “Re-Visioning the Lunar Nodes”. The Mountain Astrologer, 2009/10.
• Bair, Deirdre (2003), Jung: A Biography, Back Bay Books.
• Sadhguru (2023). "The Scientific Benefits of Inner Engineering". 
• SapienThink (2023). "The Philosophers that Inspired Carl Jung." 
• Wikipedia
• http://yournetastrologer.com/, the web site created by V. K. Choudhry and K. Rajesh Chaudhary, the propounders of Systems' Approach astrology.

Predictions for the USA in 2024

As the new year opens, the legal travails of former President Donald Trump may begin to impact US national cohesion. His supporters may become frustrated if his ability to mount a national campaign is impeded. In the House, Republican efforts to impeach President Joe Biden may continue but not affect Biden's standing. Transit pressures in Biden's chart are shown to ease in the coming year. As 2023 ends, his poll numbers have even begun to rise slightly. 

In the fall, there could be violent events leading up to the Presidential election. The rule of law, the legitimacy of the elections and democracy itself may become challenged. Financial turbulence and a recession are also possible in the fall of 2024. The outcome of the Presidential election seems uncertain, if only the horoscopes of the leading candidates at this stage are considered. Trump has a far more dynamic chart. Nevertheless, Joe Biden may have an edge over Trump on election day.

Period influences

In the SAMVA USA chart, the Moon major period is continuing through 2032, suggesting that the focus of the nation is on the national identity, including its historical role as a refuge and opportunity for immigrants, and on the wellbeing of the citizens. 

Many years ago, I wrote this about the strong Moon in the US horoscope:

"The royal planet Moon is ruler of the chart. It is strong and exalted in eleventh house of income, hopes and friends, giving a visionary nature and excellent financial strength. Aspect from Mars gives technical know-how, magnanimity and lasting fame. Aspect from Jupiter gives a fixed and war-like nature, but also a religious nature. These influences explain the fact that the country has enshrined human freedom in its constitution and sent many manned missions in space, including to the Moon, and brought them safely back again. A strong role for caring is seen."

Given its auspiciousness, the Moon major period gives a huge lift and this has been the case in prior Moon major periods. However, the sub-period, which lasts for only a part of the ten-year major period, has an influence that is more important during its briefer passage. In 2024, the Rahu sub-period will be operating. In the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu is placed in the 10th house MEP, suggesting manipulations and corruption in government and legislative affairs. 

"Rahu periods can be associated with material progress if Rahu is not afflicted or afflicting in a chart. If Rahu is afflicted or afflicting in a chart it tends to be associated with manipulations that may result in significant gains but which usually leads to exposure and significant losses. In the SAMVA USA chart, Rahu is placed in Aries and 10th house, which causes manipulation and crisis in the political sphere. Rahu is also linked to intoxicants, manipulation for selfish ends and criminal activities. Among the professions, Rahu rules unscrupulous salesmen, diplomats, winemakers, shady characters and criminals."

Since the financial crisis of 2007-2009, the term "Crony Capitalism" has come to the fore in the public debate. Last year, Rahu transited the 10th house of government and legislature, when the House Speaker was voted out. In the past there have been many major upheavals in those areas of the national life. As Rahu transits the 9^th house in 2024, this suggests there will be plenty of manipulations and corruption in the affairs of the courts, religious institutions and diplomatic missions. 

As astrologer and author, K. Rajesh Chaudhary, also the co-Propounder of the Systems' Approach, suggests.

"The 9th house rules the judicial system, morality, religion, diplomats, foreign missions, progress and development. The close afflictions to the ninth house or its lord by the malefic planets, especially Rahu or Rahu-like planets, bring the incidence of corrupt practices and setbacks for the fortune of the country."

The transit of Rahu in that house may also undermine international support for the country. 

While transit Rahu passe through the sign of Pisces in a retrograde manner, from 30° to 0°, it will aspect three planets placed in the 5th house as well as the 5th house itself. As such, 5th house matters are also likely to come to the fore in the national life in 2024, involving increased crime, drugs and manipulations, causing harm to young people. Manipulations may create problems for universities, just like the courts.

"The 5th house rules intellectuals, emotional stability, communal harmony, speculative nature of the people, investments, stock exchange, children, population, universities, morals and values of the people. The close natal or transit afflictions to the fifth house or its lord by the most malefic planet or slow-moving planets indicate emotional upset for the country and setbacks to the financial markets of the country."

Two earlier Moon major and Rahu sub-periods took place 1783 -1785 and 1903-1905. Both were periods of progress. However, there were also challenges. Please note that the transits were likely quite different at those times, not accounted for here, thereby also influencing the events that arose.

A. September 9, 1783 to March 10, 1785

Auspicious:

• Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States. Further, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, and exchanged ratifications with Great Britain on May 12, 1784.
• After holding its first session in Philadelphia from March 2, 1781, the Congress of the Confederation met next in Trenton, New Jersey, on November 1, 1784, and then moved to New York City in January 1785.
• Land Ordinance of 1784 was passed by the Congress of the Confederation on April 23, 1784, establishing a system for surveying and settling the western lands.

Challenging:

• The United States faced economic and political challenges as a new and independent nation. As set out in the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the Congress of the Confederation lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. This was the prerogative of the states and they often acted in their own interests. The national debt after the Revolutionary War was huge, and the currency had been worthless since 1779, making people having to resort to a wide array of other but more insecure forms of money. Many veterans of the war were not paid and faced poverty and hardship.
• The United States also faced diplomatic and military threats from Britain, Spain, and Native Americans. Britain refused to evacuate its forts in the Northwest Territory, Spain closed the Mississippi River to American navigation, and Native Americans resisted American expansion into their lands. The Congress of the Confederation was also unable to raise an army or a navy to defend the nation’s interests and borders.
• The United States experienced social unrest and violence, such as the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783, which was a plot by some disgruntled officers of the Continental Army to overthrow the Congress of the Confederation and install a military dictatorship. The conspiracy was foiled by George Washington, who appealed to the officers’ patriotism and loyalty.

B. September 9, 1903 to March 10, 1905

Auspicious:

• Hay-Herran Treaty was signed on January 22, 1903, granting the United States a renewable lease in perpetuity from Colombia on the land proposed for the Panama Canal.
• U.S. Census Bureau became part of the new U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903.
• First silent film, The Great Train Robbery, debuted in 1903.
• Wright brothers made the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903.
• Panama Canal Zone was established on February 26, 1904, after Panama declared its independence from Colombia with U.S. support.
• Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, opened on April 30, 1904, celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
• First subway line in New York City opened on October 27, 1904.

Challenging:

• The United States faced labor and social problems as a result of rapid industrialization and urbanization. The working conditions in factories, mines, and mills were often harsh, unsafe, and low-paid, and workers had little protection from exploitation and abuse.
• The United States also faced racial and ethnic tensions, as well as immigration issues. The Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination in the South, and the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups terrorized African Americans and other minorities. 
• The United States also faced political and economic challenges, such as corruption, monopolies, and trusts. The Progressive Era, which began in the late 19th century and lasted until the early 20th century, was a period of social and political reform that aimed to address these issues and improve the lives of the American people.

Based on the above historical facts, and period and transit influences the following developments could take place in the third Moon-Rahu period, notably in 2024:

C. September 9, 2023 to March 10, 2025

Auspicious:

• Some significant advances are to be expected for the progress and development of the country. This may be more so in February and first half of March 2024, when transit 10th lord Mars passes through Capricorn, its sign of exaltation, and in the 7th house of foreign affairs, in June and until mid July, when it passes through its own sign Aries and the 10th house of government and legislature.

Challenging:

• A scandal may erupt in the judicial system, which may undermine the public trust or confidence in the rule of law. Some judge and/or prosecutors may be accused of abusing their power to harm certain candidates, such as former President Trump.
• A foreign war may erupt in the first half of 2024, but with the US not directly involved.
• A debt crisis may erupt in the fall as the public debt soares over $35 trillion, far exceeding the $26 trillion size of the US economy. If the federal government is perceived as being unable fund its operations, the bond market may react with alarm, driving up interest rates and sparking fears of a financial meltdown. Such a crisis would also strain the social safety net, as millions of Americans struggle to afford health care, education, and housing.
• After considerable monetary tightening, a recession may unfold in 2024, resulting in unemployment rate moving up again, adding to the concerns for financial and political stability.
• Allegations of corruption of leaders in the higher education system may emerge at some universities. 
• A mass shooting at a US university is possible in the fall of 2024.
• As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the country may be deeply divided and polarized. Violent clashes may erupt between supporters and opponents of different candidates and parties. The election itself may become marred by controversy and chaos, including allegations of election interference, which may serve to undermine the legitimacy of the election. 
• A threat of a constitutional crisis or civil war may arise, undermining the belief in democracy as a viable political system.
  

Let's examine the transits more closely.

Transit influences in first half of 2024

As the year opens, challenges are seen for the impartial rule of law, as well as for the functioning of the government and legislature. Note that the analysis does not cover the transits of the fast moving planets, which sometimes act as triggers. One exception is the transit of the Sun over the stationary nodal axis in early April and end September, when the President may face a sudden but short-lived crisis.

As 2023 closes and into mid-January 2024: Rahu in Pisces and the 9th house will be forming an exact aspect to natal 8th lord Saturn at 26° 46‘ Scorpio and the 5th house. Manipulation and confusion are possible in the courts involving issues that affect the legitimacy of US politics and society.

In the first three weeks of January 2023: Transit 8L Saturn in the 8^th house will be forming an exact aspect to natal 10^th lord Mars at 10° 09’ Scorpio and 5^th house. Obstacles and endings are likely for the function of the government, legislature and law enforcement.

In the fourth week of January into mid-February 2023: Transit 8^th lord Saturn in the 8^th house will closely aspect transit 6^th lord Jupiter in Aries and 10^th house. Obstacles and endings may create violence associated with conflict in the public sphere. There may be labour strikes or setbacks for the police or US military. Fortunately, this aspect does not become exact, albeit within 1° orb. 

January 1 to February 5, 2024: Transit 10^th lord Mars will pass through Sagittarius and the 6^th house of conflict.  Conflict involving the US government and legislature is likely. Strains in government finances are also possible.

Late March to late May 2024: Transit Rahu will be stationary conjunct the 9th house MEP. Manipulation and cheating are likely to be witnessed in the court system and in obtaining support for the country, with influences on the national identity, higher education, management of the country and speculation.M

In late March and early April of 2024: Transit 8th lord Saturn is passing through the 8th house MEP. This transit may impart setbacks involving obstacles and endings for areas such as speculation, management, university and entertainment, government, legislature and foreign trade, and wealth, close neighbours and status of the country. 'Easy gains' are also possible with regard to the above indications.

April 4-6, 2024:  Transit 2nd lord Sun will pass over transit stationary Rahu in 9th house. This brief transit suggests problems for the President with the courts, religious institutions and general support.

From March 10 to June 10, 2024: Transit Rahu will be stationary at 21° Pisces, the most effective point of the 9th house, from where it also aspects the 5th house, 1st house and the 3rd house. This suggests that manipulative energy will be focused in judicial matters, involving also management, communication and the self image of the country. 

From March 10 to June 10, 2024: Transit Ketu will be stationary at 21° Virgo, the 3rd house MEP, from where it also aspects the 11th house, 7th house and the 9th house. This suggests sudden adverse events involving transportation and communication, foreign relations, judicial matters and income.

Transit influences in the second half of 2024

The transit influences will become decidedly more difficult in the fall of 2024. At that time, violent events are likely to manifest. There is also the risk of a financial panic, possibly involving government debt, as well as a recession. 

From second week of September through 1^st week of November: Transit 6^th lord Jupiter in Taurus and 11^th house will be in stationary aspect to natal 8^th lord Saturn in the 5^th house. This is a violence inducing aspect, suggesting that conflict about the goals, alliances and income of the USA is focused on speculation, management, entertainment and university life. Possibly, there may be a disagreement involving labour unions that turns violent. There is also a possibility that there will be yet another deadly university campus shooting that disturbs the nation.

From mid September through third week of October: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will be conjunct the 8^th house MEP, from where it also aspects the 5^th house, 10^th house and 2^nd house. This transit may impart setbacks involving obstacles and endings for areas such as speculation, management, university and entertainment, government, legislature and foreign trade, and wealth, close neighbours and status of the country. Easy gains are also possible with regard to the above indications.

September 29 to October 1, 2024: Transit 2^nd lord Sun will pass over transit stationary Ketu at 12° Virgo and 3^rd house. This will be a time of a sudden crisis for the President and high ranking leaders, involving government communication and transportation.

From late October to early December: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will be aspected by natal Ketu at 18° Libra and 4H MEP. Fortunately, transit 8^th lord will no longer be stationary, and the aspect comes within 1° but does not become exact, lessening the influence. This is a time when a sudden explosive development is possible involving obstacles and endings. This may be linked to the election, suggesting that there is a sudden adverse development involving the legitimacy, requiring bureaucratic involvement.

From second week of December 2023 to mid January 2024: Transit 8^th lord Saturn will again be conjunct the 8^th house MEP, from where it also aspects the 5^th house, 10^th house and 2^nd house. See above reading for likely influence.

The 2024 US Presidential Election

As  the year 2023 ends, it seems as if Joe Biden will be the Democratic candidate for President in 2024 and that Donald Trump will be the Republican candidate. Of course, this could easily change as both are quite old by now, or 81 and 77 years old, respectively. As that were not enough, both men are being hounded by political opponents over alleged illegalities that would disqualify them from office. Joe Biden stands to be impeached by the GOP controlled House and twice-impeached Donald Trump stands to be prevented from running by his opponents if they have their way in the courts.

Joe Biden has 10° Scorpio rising and at election time will be running a favourable major and sub-period of 4th lord Saturn that is well placed in the 7th house of relationships, leisure and foreign travel. Moreover, as transit 4th lord Saturn is well placed in his 4th house during 2024, his inner harmony and home life is seen to be fairly peaceful. However, the recent transit station of 4th lord Saturn over his Ketu at 7° Aquarius and the MEP of his 4th house, was likely difficult, as it deprived him of exactly those attributes. Now that this transit has passed, things are lightening up for him, including the polls. Even if the affairs of government carry with them a good amount of stress, he seems to have delegated a lot of the work to others. On election day, Joe Biden will be contending with a station of Rahu in the MEP of his 11th house of friendships, goals and income, suggesting that his opponents will continue to make the case that he has received ill gotten gains from foreign sources through his family members that involve government favours in return. Transit Ketu will also be in his 5th house MEP suggesting difficulty surrounding his children, notably Hunter Biden, and that a hands-off management style may become the rule. Nevertheless, he may still have a chance of being re-elected if a health crisis does not sideline him before that date. 

Donald Trump has 6° Leo rising and is running a favourable Jupiter major period, with 5th lord Jupiter, ruling intelligence, management and children, that is well placed and strong in the 2nd house of wealth of status, which had begun to operate just after the election in 2016. The upset win was accurately predicted in 2015 by the late astrologer and author, V. K. Choudhry, the propounder of the Systems' Approach. 

In the 2020 election, Donald Trump was running a less helpful Saturn period, with also his transit 7th lord Saturn passing through the 6th house of conflict. In January and February 2021, upto six planets ganged up in his 6th house, involving him in the battle of his life, the January 6 riot or insurrection (take your pick). This was followed by his second impeachment by the Democrat-controlled House, but which he was also acquitted of by the GOP-led Senate as his transit 1st lord Sun had entered the 7th house and transit 12th lord Moon was in 8th house. 

From mid 2021 until late 2023, Trump was running a supremely strong sub-period of Mercury as 2nd lord in the 11th house. As predicted, Trump rallied after the post-election drubbing and regained his footing as the leader of the Republican party. 

However, in November 2023, his Ketu sub-period began. It will be running until October 2024. Ketu is exalted in the 4th house but it is conjunct a debilitated 12th lord Moon in opposition to exalted Rahu and old age 1st lord Sun in the 10th house. This is not a helpful combination. Indeed, Trump is now beset by him being thrown off the ballot in two states and is faced with numerous court cases that threaten his ability to stand in the election. It is not at all clear that he will make it to the GOP convention as the undisputed leader and candidate of his party. Even if he does so, he will have the Venus sub-period begin in October 2024, with 3rd lord Venus badly placed and weak in infancy in the 12th house of losses, where it is also conjunct 7th lord Saturn. 

At the close of polls on election night, transit 3rd lord Venus will be passing over his 12th lord Moon and Ketu in late Scorpio and 4th house. This is not an ideal combination. That said, his major period lord, transit Jupiter, will be strong in the 10th house in mutual aspect with his natal Jupiter in the 2nd house, in opposition with his natal and transit combination in the 4th house. This suggests some divine grace and some contentment. His 7th lord Saturn will also be strong in the 7th house, which is helpful for relations with others, including spouse. His transit 1st lord Sun will also be debilitated in the 3rd house, owned by his weak natal and transit Venus.

Verdict: It looks like Joe Biden will generally be at peace but face great scrutiny leading up to the election. By comparison, Donald Trump will be faced with a sudden deterioration in his overall position. Spontaneous remarks, that are usually not well received, are his stock in trade and this could sink his campaign in the final stretch. As a result, Joe Biden looks more likely to be re-elected of the two. 

That said, again, both these men may not stand for the election. Many hurdles remain to be overcome. In the event of their dropping out, the charts of those that replace them will then have to be examined for their relative strength to win.  

 

Summary

In the first half of 2024, the Democrats 'lawfare' campaign to end the candidacy of leading Republican, Donald Trump, for President, may create a crisis of legitimacy for the 2024 Presidential elections. Tensions are seen into the summer months. 

However, it is during the fall that most of the problems are expected. There may be violence and financial turbulence leading up to the election. A recession could unfold in 2024, with rising unemployment. The ability of the government to deal with the situation may become challenged, as investors demand higher interest rates on long-term government debt. 

Dangerous Russia

A year ago, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, began to alarm the world with his statements threatening nuclear war. After months of massing troops on the Ukraine border, Putin ordered his military to invade on February 24, 2022.

The West has been helping Ukraine escape Russia's orbit. Certainly, the majority of the citizens in the western and central part of Ukraine want to turn towards the West, while views in the east may be more mixed. Putin is angry that the US-led military assistance to Ukraine, which is fighting to reclaim occupied territories, thwarting his goal of restoring Russia as a power to be reckoned with in the world.

Not surprisingly, the western world increasingly sees Russia as a threat to world peace.

"Over 70% of global citizens see Russia as a threat to the world after more than a year of the country’s war with Ukraine, even as support appears to be waning slightly for the invaded nation, according to findings from the 2023 U.S. News Best Countries survey."[1]

But the picture is not black and white. Russia also has a long history of being invaded by outside forces and this hyper-defensiveness may be part of their collective psychology, resulting in aggression.

HISTORY OF INVASIONS

• In 1223, the Mongols invaded and began to conquer and rule over Russia for over two centuries. The Mongol Golden Horde ruled over Russia for centuries, but was defeated by the Russian army led by Prince Dmitry Donskoy in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. By 1480, the last of the Mongols were gone.
• In 1242, the Teutonic Knights, a Germanic military order, invaded Russia and were defeated by Alexander Nevsky, a prince of Novgorod.
• In 1605, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth invaded Russia during the Time of Troubles, a period of political and social upheaval, lasting until 1618.
• In 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia with a Grand Army of over 600,000 soldiers. The invasion ended in disaster for the French, with only 100,000 soldiers returning home a few years later.
• 
  On 22 June 1941, Adolph Hitler invaded the Soviet Union during World War II, leading to one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. The invasion resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to German Army medical reports, the Germans suffered over 1 million casualties, while the Soviet Union suffered even greater losses, with over 4.5 million military casualties. The Germans began their retreat in January 1942, and the last German troops left Soviet territory in 1944.

In the Putin era, since 2000, Russia has been increasingly assertive in defending its interests and borders. Putin has argued that Russia has the right to defend itself against perceived threats, both internal and external. In recent years, Russia has been involved in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, which it has justified as necessary to protect its national security.

In this regard, Putin has long singled out for criticism NATO's eastward expansion, which he sees as a threat to Russia’s security. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine have been controversial, with many countries condemning Russia’s actions as a violation of international law. However, Putin has argued that Russia was simply protecting the rights of ethnic Russians in Ukraine and that the annexation of Crimea was necessary to prevent NATO from expanding further eastward.

Indeed, NATO has been expanding eastward. Putin claims it is doing so in violation of earlier assurances by US leaders that it would not do so. It is clear that NATO has been cooperating with Ukraine since the early 1990s and the latest development is that Ukraine has been cleared to join the defense alliance once the current hostilities end. The EU has also been intimidating that Ukraine could become a member since 2002. On February 28, 2022, Ukraine formally applied, with the EU further clearing its path for membership since.

Putin is also focused on preserving Russia's national customs, especially language and religion. It is often forgotten that Russia is on a civilizational path that is different from that of the West.[2] Putin claims the West has become a cesspool of loose morality. He fails to recognize the progress for freedom of people to be as they wish, that it truly represents.

But more importantly, Putin is furious over the West's reluctance to cede to it the territories it has taken from Ukraine, thwarting Russia's ambitions.

Today, the following Russian war propaganda arrives:

"In #Russia, Kremlin’s propaganda released a short animation showing a Russian nuclear strike on the #US, with devastation of American cities including San Francisco and New York City. Kremlin’s wet dreams about the world they want to live in." [see video here]

 

BELLIGERENCE TOWARDS NEIGHBOURS

During the Putin era, Russia has become an increasingly belligerent actor on the world stage, with the treats far exceeding those made by the country's leaders during the Soviet Era and the immediate post-Soviet years (1917-2000).

Here are four aggressive steps Putin has taken to annex territories in neighbouring states.

• In 2008, Russia and Georgia fought a brief war over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Russia later recognized as independent states
• In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, a move that was widely condemned by the international community
• In 2015, Russia established a military base in Armenia, a country that has a long-standing territorial dispute with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region
• In 2022, Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, despite major battlefield reversals in recent days shrinking the amount of seized territory Moscow controls

Currently, according to a report by CNBC, Ukraine’s top military leader has said that the war with Russia has reached a “stalemate” and that a “beautiful breakthrough” is unlikely.

But that is not all, Putin and his proxies are busy making claims on other territories.

• In September 2022, former President Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, warned that any weapons in Moscow’s arsenal, including strategic nuclear weapons, could be used to defend territories incorporated into Russia.
• In September 2022, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said hat regions of Ukraine where widely-criticized referendums are being held will be under Moscow’s “full protection” if they are annexed, raising the prospect of the use of nuclear weapons if Kyiv tries to retake those territories.
• In February 2023, Ramzan Kadyrov, a key ally of Putin, suggested that Russia should “denazify and demilitarize” Poland next after Ukraine.
• In August 2023, Putin suggested that the Baltic states should become Russian protectorates.
• In October 2023, an official in the Ukrainian region which Moscow claims to have annexed said Russia should try to take territory that was formerly part of the Russian Empire “through the might” of weapons. He also suggested that Russia should have its eye on the Baltic states, as well as Poland and Finland, all five of which are NATO countries

GROWING RISK OF NUCLEAR WAR

Putin has also steadily been preparing to use his nuclear weapons as a last resort. Here are eight specific actions he has taken so far in this regard.

• In 2000, Putin signed the Federal Law on the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence, which established the legal framework for the use of nuclear weapons
• In 2007, Putin announced that Russia would suspend its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, which limits the deployment of conventional military forces in Europe
• In 2008, Russia and the United States signed the New START Treaty, which limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles
• In 2014, Putin signed a law suspending Russia’s participation in the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement, which aimed to dispose of weapons-grade plutonium
• In 2018, Putin unveiled a new array of nuclear weapons, including a hypersonic missile, that he claimed could evade US missile defenses .
• In 2019, Putin suspended Russia’s participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) after the US withdrew from the treaty.
• In 2022, Putin announced that Russia had developed a new hypersonic missile capable of evading US missile defenses .
• On October 5, 2023, Putin claimed that Russia had successfully tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile and warned that lawmakers could revoke its ratification of a global nuclear test ban.
• On November 2, 2023, Putin signed into law Russia withdrawing its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests. The move was condemned by the US and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. Putin revokes Russian ratification of global nuclear test ban treaty.

Putin is also scaring Western leaders. According to a report by LBC, Russian President Putin made a chilling reference to the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron in November 2022.[3] Putin is said to have alarmed Macron by suggesting that the 1945 atom bomb was proof “you don’t have to launch nuclear strike on a major city to win a war”. Diplomatic sources said that Putin’s remarks sounded like a very heavy hint that he might detonate a tactical nuclear weapon in the east of Ukraine, while leaving Kyiv intact.

Putin has also previously warned that if Western forces endangered the “integrity” of Russian territory then he would “certainly use all the means at our disposal”. Likely, this is because the Russian economy is far smaller than its western counterparts, and all it has is the threat of using nuclear weapons if it's resources are not up to the challenge, and it finds itself losing ground in a war it started.

ASTROLOGY OF THE COMING HALF YEAR

The transits and period influences in the SAMVA Russian Federation chart show grave difficulty for Russia in the coming year. Currently, the Ketu-Jupiter period is operating, with transit 6th lord Jupiter retrograde at 17° Aries and 10th house, under applying aspect from Rahu at 16° Sagittarius and 6th house. It is suggestive of conflict involving close neighbours, where Russia uses misinformation to achieve its goals. This aspect will reoccur in the Spring of 2024, but then with a host of other even more challenging aspects. Hence, the situation is expected to get even more difficult for Russia and, by default, its neighbours.

Any authentic horoscope of a nation suggests tendencies for the nation, specifically its leaders, to undertake certain actions that come with reactions. It is worrying to think about what the Russia's leader may find himself karmically compelled to do at that time, given the aggression seen in the horoscope for the Russian Federation, and in view of Russia's nuclear stockpile and advanced delivery systems.

Let's hope for the best.

REFERENCES

[1] Elliott Davis Jr. (2023). "Survey: Russia Rates Highest as a Threat to the World, Half See U.S. as a Global Danger". U.S. News & World Report. Sept. 7, 

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2023-09-07/russia-rates-highest-as-threat-to-the-world-half-see-u-s-as-global-danger

[2] Ravi Batra (1978). Downfall of Communism and Capitalism: A New Study of History. MacMillan, London. 

[3] Emma Soteriou (2022). "Putin 'makes chilling Hiroshima nuclear threat' during call with Macron".  LBC, London. 6 November. 

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/putin-hiroshima-nuclear-threat-macron/