USA goes big

The USA has a long history of devoting its massive resources abroad, to its own benefit but also that of others. 

 Joe Biden has now announced the spending of a massive 200 billion US dollars on an infrastructure project to counter China's infrastructure project abroad. 

As Biden explained at the G-7 meeting in Austria yesterday: 

"This isn’t a charity. It’s an investment that will deliver returns for everyone, including the American people, the people of all our nations. It will boost all of our economies, and give a chance for us to share our positive vision for the future," Biden said. "To let communities around the world see for themselves the concrete benefits of partnering with democracies, because when democracies demonstrate what we could do, all that we have to offer, I have no doubt that will win the competition every time." 

Moreover, today it has been announced that NATO will dramatically increase forces on high alert in NATO countries on Russia's border to over 300,000 from 40,000 amid the Russia threat. Around one-third of these is US armed forces.

This demonstrates again, during the onset of the Moon period, what was written about the SAMVA USA chart in Dec. 2007:

"The characteristics of Cancer as a rising sign and the many auspicious placements are quite consistent with a nation that first liberated Europe from the danger of Nazi fascism and then came to the rescue of the destitute countries of Europe after World War II with the Marshall Aid package that helped quickly rebuild the lives of the citizens and thereby also prevented another threat from gaining a foothold, Soviet Communism."

In the SAMVA USA chart, transit 3rd lord Mercury, ruling action, and transit 1st lord Moon, ruling the self, were in the most effective point of the 11th house, of plans for the future and foreign alliances. 

At the same time there are several challenging aspects in the SAMVA USA chart, consistent with the pressure this places on the finances of the US Treasury, but also political opponents who would prefer to devote such huge resources on solving pressing problems at home.

1972 revisited

Jane ROE v. Henry WADE

The June 2010 article "1972" was published on this blog to document the many significant events that took place in the national life as the Mercury major period dawned in the SAMVA USA chart.

These included the Breakdown of the Bretton-Woods International Monetary System and the Floating of the US Dollar, Détente and Nixon's trips to Moscow and Beijing, Shuttle Diplomacy, End of the Vietnam War, the Apollo-Soyuz Program, the Panama Papers, the Independence of Print Media and the Watergate Scandal, the birth of the Semiconductor Chip and Personal Computing, the Beginning of De-Industrialisation of America (a/k/a the Hollowing Out of Industry, later known as Outsourcing of Better Paying Manufacturing Jobs) and the penultimate Victory of US Chess Champion Bobby Fischer over the Soviet chess machine in Reykjavik, Iceland). 

Indeed, such a fit is only possible with this veritable national horoscope of the United States of America.

In addition to the above noted events is another no less significant event, which also took place at the beginning of the Mercury major period in April 1972. It is the act of the Supreme Court of the United States to decide on Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973). The case was

• Argued on December 13, 1971
• Re-argued on October 11, 1972
• Decided on January 22, 1973

Indeed, Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States generally protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion. The decision struck down many U.S. federal and state abortion laws, and fueled an ongoing debate in the United States about whether, or to what extent, abortion should be legal, who should decide the legality of abortion, and what the role of moral and religious views in the political sphere should be. It also shaped debate concerning which methods the Supreme Court should use in constitutional adjudication.

The case liberalised abortion, without much of a moral judgement, ruled by the 5th house, being made. Rather, the decision fitted the neutral nature of Mercury, which is placed in the 7th house of others.

At the time the court decided the case, the Mercury-Mercury period was operating. Transit Rahu was conjunct natal 3rd lord Mercury in the 7th house. Transit 3rd lord Mercury was at 22° Sagittarius and 6th house of court cases, which is aspected by Rahu in the most effective point of the 10th house. This suggest a pronounced material influence was strongly influencing the dual period lord. As transit Mercury was also conjunct natal 4th lord Venus, the decision would have been pleasing to women. Transit 8th lord Saturn, a Rahu-like planet and lord of death, was conjunct natal 1st lord Moon, ruling maternity, in the 11th house of future plans.

Interesting accurate prediction

Some commentators are already reporting on the significance of the Roe vs. Wade reversal decision by the Supreme Court of the USA (SCOTUS) on June 24, 2022. 

 Here is one American returning from travels abroad:

"Apparently I’m coming home to a different country from which I left."

Because of several recent major decisions by SCOTUS, Townhall declares:

"America is a new nation today".

The article New Age of Progress, about the Moon period, was published on April 11, 2022. This was many weeks before the pending surprising SCOTUS decision was leaked on May 2, 2022. Interestingly, for this article I had selected a photo of a young pregnant woman with the Moon as a backdrop.

In the article I had noted that "A change to a new major period or the entry of a slow-moving planet into a sign involves a TREND SHIFT in the national life. In mid April 2022, the USA enters the Moon major period, which lasts for ten years..." 

The title refers to social changes expected in that strong and favourable major period, which began that month.

"Moreover, the Moon, the most feminine and MOTHERLY of all the planets, is in mutual aspect with the male oriented 10th lord Mars, at 10° 05' Scorpio and 5th house. This is likely to bestow fame, technical mastery, military and exploratory success, and intelligence in the national management. The Moon is also in mutual aspect with another male oriented planet, 6th lord Jupiter, at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house, adding an element of expansiveness, optimism, RELIGIOUSNESS, and determination of not backing down in the face of provocations. Both aspects bring out the polarity involving the 5th house of MORALS, CHILDREN and creativity and the 11th house. This may bring a new age of progress, such that the UNETHICAL policies of the past, ..., are not likely to make headway at this time." (Words in BOld letters for emphasis).

Indeed, many are apprehensive about the changes, viewing them as setback. 

In the long run, however, they may result in more thought and care being given to decisions involving  

• birth control measures, 
• the sexual relations of young people, 
• medical guidance on the health of mother and fetus/child during pregnancy 
• other factors involving the decision to terminate, 
• support to single young mothers, as well as 
• family planning. 

Moreover, as the attitudes of Red and Blue States differ on such socially sensitive issues, it may ease national conditions that the States will now have more say in them.

In other words, positive trend changes are to be expected, although adverse transits will tend to go the other way, but only during their shorter occurence. Divisiveness may nevertheless be especially pronounced in USA during the fall of 2022. 

Finally, good astrologers do not rely on psychic insights like they are watching a television set. However, by closely reading the SAMVA USA chart, they may gauge fairly well the nature and timing of important shifts in the national life, as is the case here.

New Age of Progress

A change to a new major period or the entry of a slow-moving planet into a sign involves a trend shift in the national life. 

In mid April 2022, the USA enters the Moon major period, which lasts for ten years, but involves a sequence of nine planetary sub-periods of differing qualities. 

At the same time,  Jupiter transits into the sign Pisces, where it remains for one year, and Saturn enters Aquarius, where it remains for two and half years. 

In March 2022, the Moon's nodes, Rahu and Ketu, entered the signs of Aries and Libra, respectively, where they stay for one and half year. 

All told, we may expect fresh and positive winds of change in the national affairs, as a trend influence, as read from the Moon's placement in the SAMVA USA chart. 

MOON IN THE CHART

The Moon is the best and most important planet as the ruler of the 20° Cancer rising chart. As 1st lord of self and the overall condition of the country, the Moon is well placed at 7° 20' Taurus, its exaltation sign, and the 11th house of ideals, aspirations, friendships and income. The Moon also the general indicator of the mind and the masses. 

Moreover, the Moon, the most feminine and motherly of all the planets, is in mutual aspect with the male oriented 10th lord Mars, at 10° 05' Scorpio and 5th house. This is likely to bestow fame, technical mastery, military and exploratory success, and intelligence in the national management. 

The Moon is also in mutual aspect with another male oriented planet, 6th lord Jupiter, at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house, adding an element of expansiveness, optimism, religiousness, and determination of not backing down in the face of provocations. Both aspects bring out the polarity involving the 5th house of morals, children and creativity and the 11th house. This may bring a new age of progress, such that the unethical policies of the past, favouring the wealthy few, are not likely to make headway at this time. 

In the divisional charts, the Moon is generally well placed. Notably, in the Navamsha (D9) chart, Moon as 7th lord is placed in the 3rd house, and in Dasamsha (D10) chart, it is 11th lord in 7th house. Both placements support progress in its diplomatic activities. Let's hope the USA is able to bring peace to war torn Ukraine, find some compromise with Russia, and keep China, North Korea and Iran from adding to the sorrows. 

NEW PROGRESSIVE AGE

While the signposts for some positive shift are there. Unlike in the prior Progressive Era (especially 1902-1912), a dynamic national politician has not yet appeared. The present national leadership in the White House or Congress is generally viewed as lackluster. 

Possibly, new leadership is coming that invigorates the nation. Time will tell. Meanwhile, in the private sector, people like Elon Musk, are pushinig ahead with many exciting projects.

All told, for the remainder of 2022, when the Moon-Moon period is operating, there is an indication that many of the above noted influences will find a prominent and successful expression. The positive trend change may be more noticeable as the weak sub-period of Venus of the past year ends. 

Despite the very difficult transits in 2019-2020, the Sun major period (2016-2022), which is now ending, has been positive for the country, as seen in the revitalisation of the economy and military as a result of the policies of the controversial Donald Trump. Indeed, overall the country has prospered, even if inflation is now threatening to undo it. Importantly, with the 2nd lord Sun, placed in the MEP of the 7th house, from where it aspects the 1st house. This adds further positive such energy to the indications of the Moon, therefore being felt in its period.

DOLLAR'S FUTURE 

The monetary affairs of the USA may improve in the Moon major period. The real strength of a currency is normally seen in the placements of the Sun ruling the state, Moon ruling the government of the people, the 2nd house ruling wealth and the 11th house ruling income in the national horoscope. All these are generally strong, seen in terms of the strength of the US dollar, even as many call for its demise. The advent of crypto currencies and even the attempts to use roubles as petro-currencies, may be seen as a challenge to the dollar. However, the planetary indications are that such developments will not present a meaningful challenge to the dollar, and may rather, become ancillary to the further global spread of the US business empire.

However, despite the overall positive trend influences seen, associated with the period change, the transit influences, are not seen to be supporting in the autumn of 2022. Rather, that time promises to be quite difficult due to challenging transit influences. 

Possibly, an increase of spiritual desire may arise in the collective mind, especially if the transits in the fall bring death like experiences, as transit Saturn, the 8th lord of death, becomes stationary at 24° 30' Capricorn, where it is conjunct 2nd lord Sun at 23° 44' Capricorn, in the most effective point of the 7th house. As the conjunction does not become exact, let's hope no national tragedy is experienced.

ENHANCEMENT OF MIND

C. Gray "The Neverending Dreamer"

One interesting possibility for the Moon major period is that meditation becomes a popular daily practice. If so, it would infuse the public sentiments with more clarity as to what is important in life. It could be noted that such practices are not based on religious belief, rather, they simply improve the mental clarity, emotional stability and overall quality of life, by infusing it with an inherent loving vibe.

Since the late 19th century, many famous Indian yogis, like Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Meher Baba, Ramana Maharshi, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Sathya Sai Baba, Anandamurthi, Amma, and Sadhguru, have either travelled to the USA to teach the practices, sent their emissaries, or received students from the West in India. The Tibetan exile, Dalai Lama, has also supported this culturual change. The internet now enables all access to such ancient self-realisation practices from living masters. 

LONG VIEW

The slow moving planets, all of which are functional malefics in the SAMVA USA chart, will influence the Moon at different times during this ten year period. Transit 8th lord Saturn will become stationary conjunct 1st lord Moon in early 2031, when it also becomes conjunct transit Ketu while also transit 6th lord Jupiter become conjunct 8th lord Saturn in the 5th house. This is a time when obstacles and endings are likely to be felt in the national life. Food production may become disturbed, possibly involving a drought and civic disorder.

American nation

Why is the SAMVA USA chart, based on the 1781 Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the authentic mundane horoscope for the USA? 

Let's review the arguments for this, with reference to the 1776 Declaration of Independence and the 1787 U.S Constitution, which many still hold to be the true birth of the nation. 

Let me just add that the logical and factual basis of the SAMVA USA chart is quite solid. It was developed by me from 2008 to 2011, with helpful historical insights from the late historical scholar John Thomas Wyder Battalana. The astrological case for the chart was improved by the late and great propounder of the Systems' Approach, Vinod Kumar Choudhry. Since the discovery of the SAMVA USA chart on December 30, 2006, I have been testing it against significant events in the nation's history and with repeat predictions, most of which have been accurate.

For anyone open to facts and logic, here are the key reasons, including historical, legal and astrological factors.

 

A constitution is usually defined as a set of laws, or fundamental principles, that constitute the legal basis for how a nation is to be governed and what "inalienable" rights the citizens enjoy. 

The 1787 US Constitution was the second constitution for the USA. The first constitution of the USA was the 1781 Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. Importantly, the Articles created a Perpetual Union, a nation. 

The Articles legally gave the stile United States of America. Before then, during the independence struggle, the legal stile was united States of America. Note the lower case u. This is because the States were originally independent and sovereign colonies and then States. While not yet legally united they were united in a bond of friendship in their struggle to get rid of the dominant political influence of the British Crown in American affairs. In short, the Declaration of Independence was a "divorce cree". It was not intended to create a nation. Congress had envisioned that to take place on a separate track, the Articles.

Further, the Articles created a Perpetual Union, but the US Constitution made it "more perfect". After the Civil War. the US Supreme Court affirmed this interpretation, as described in an article on the Inviolability of the Union. 

The main impetus for the change were governing inadequacies with the Articles and the Government in Congress Assembled. The constitutional assembly to fix the Articles as a constitution, which sought its spending permissions in the confederated States, soon morphed into an exercise to write a new set of laws, whereby a direct relationship was created between a federal government and its people. Further, the Federalists won the day on that change.

COMMUNITY OF ASTROLOGERS

V. K. Choudhry once opined that a change of constitution was rarely a national birth moment. More importantly, he said accurate predictions would give confidence in the relevant chart. As noted above, this has been the case.

Further, V. K. Choudhry included a discussion of the SAMVA USA chart in the 2015 book Financial Astrology. co-authored with his brilliant son, K. Rajesh Chaudhary. 

The pioneering System's Approach astrologer and author in the USA, the illustrious David Hawthorne, as well as the inspirational astrologer and author, Jayant Kalawar, have used this chart with good success.

For those wishing to learn the System's Approach, they are advised to study from these and other astrologers, including Sara Hawthorne, an up and coming Systems' Approach astrologer. Her weekly newsletters, also on social media, are beautifully designed as well as informative. 

Participation in the SAMVA discussion list on Groups Io is also a great resource to share views and information with other interested and many extraordinary Systems' Approach vedic mundane astrologers from around the world, like Sumit Chum, Ron Day and Sky.

Finally, the amazing Jyotish Tools Pro astrology software, which was created by the legendary software engineer, Brian Conrad, makes a study of any astrological chart with the System's Approach easy.

Predictions for the USA in 2022

While the transits remain challenging in 2022, a favourable trend shift is foreseen in the emphasis of US society from April. The impetus for greater power and affluence in the Sun period (April 2016 to April 2022) will likely give way to a greater focus on forging a new, more inclusive and upbeat national identity in the Moon period (April 2022 to April 2032). A pronounced shift away from corporate influence over the government and national affairs towards a greater focus on the interests of the American people is likely during this major planetary period.

During that time, more attention is expected to be placed on the economy generating a good income, boosting alliances with friendly nations and laying bold plans for the future. At the same time, progress demands that unjust arrangements be swept aside.

People's sense of what it means to be an American will find more common ground as many highly divisive issues like conservatism vs. socialism, orthodoxy vs. liberalism, patriotism vs. globalism, Christianity vs. Islam, Europe vs. Africa will slowly fade from the headlines as the year passes. 

In part, this increasingly shared vision may be linked to a change in the national leadership, such that a more dynamic and unifying figure emerges to lead the nation. External challenges, like the Covid-19 pandemic are also expected to finally cede ground as summer arrives, bringing long hoped for relief.

However, the transits also suggest significant financial problems are on the horizon for Americans and the world in 2022, especially in the fall. These transits could also be linked to an intensifying risk of conflict with Russia, China and/or Iran.

Analytical roadmap

A singular purpose of this blog is to offer detailed analysis of astrological developments for students of astrology to learn the reliable Systems' Approach method for interpreting horoscopes. Annual predictions for the USA are given due to its importance in the world, but also to showcase the Systems' Approach and the SAMVA USA chart. Indeed, repeat accurate predictions require both an authentic national horoscope and a reliable method of horoscopic analysis. Further, the underlying analysis may be seen to involve several levels. 

1. The first level is the major period. The major period sets the trend in the national life for many years, running from six to twenty years. The condition of the respective planet in the natal chart, based on its house rulership, the sign and house placement and aspects influencing it, will determine this overarching theme. 
2. The second level is the sub-period in operation at any given time. Every major period has nine sub-periods, involving all the planets. Each sub-period can run from a few months to a few years, depending on the length of the major period. The sub-periods impart a strong influence on the major period trend, for better or worse. This is either due to the strength of the planet involved by degree or sign/house placement, beneficial aspects and unafflicted state (very good results) or its weakness, bad placement and/or affliction (bad results).
3. The third level is the transit influences involving the slower moving planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu), which can produce significant events in the national life, especially when they become stationary for two to three months at a time in aspect to each other or planets or houses in the chart. The effect depends critically on their functional nature as per the rising sign. In all charts, there are benefic houses with lords ruling one of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 houses and malefic  houses for the lords ruling one of the 6, 8 and 12 houses. Understandably, such influences can be remarkably good/easy or bad/difficult. 
4. The fourth level is the transit influences of the fast moving planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus), which can serve as triggering influences for the timing of significant events. These are hard to identity over long stretches of time, and hence cannot be covered in detail in the annual prediction for the USA. 

In the 20° Cancer rising horoscope for the USA, Jupiter as 6th lord, Saturn as 8th lord and Rahu and Ketu become the functional malefic planets. Moreover, 1st lord Moon, 2nd lord Sun, 3rd lord Mercury, 4th lord Venus and 10th lord Mars become functional benefic planets in the SAMVA USA chart. 

An example is the USA, where from 2017 there was growing political controversy surrounding the counter-revolutionary Presidency of Donald Trump followed by waves of the Covid pandemic from late 2019. This was accompanied by a sequence of bad periods and adverse transits that brought tremendous difficulty lasting several years.

Shift from Sun to Moon major period  

Looking forward, we will again see a major period change in the year 2022. It is therefore helpful to take stock of history, to gauge the nature of the events that may manifest with the same change in major periods, from Sun to Moon. Of course, a lot depends on the transits, but at least the trend influences should become clearer.

In 1781 and 1782, as the first Sun major period in the SAMVA USA chart came to an end and the first Moon major period began, a significant political shift occurred in America. Thirteen colonies had become independent States and were united in repelling British rule. The States had also united in creating a new sovereign and democratic nation, the United States. This new nation embodied a clear shift from the rule by the British crown to a new American civilian form of government.

The first government of the USA, as a national entity, was the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA). It was created by the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, which was required to be ratified by all thirteen states. Maryland was the 13th and final State to do so on February 2, 1781. The Articles then came into force on March 1, 1781. Stipulated in the Articles, was that the USCA government began to formally operate on November 5, 1781. John Hanson, from Maryland, was elected to be the first President to serve for one year. His tenure was marred by his weak health.

This formal start of government operations under the USCA happened during the latter half of the first Sun-Venus period. A mere two weeks earlier, General George Washington proved victorious over British General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, on October 19, 1781, effectively ending open hostilities of the Revolutionary War with Britain.  Peace negotiations were conducted in Paris, France and these were concluded on November 30, 1782. The peace agreement was ratified by Britain a year later, by which time all British forces were removed from US territory. As a result, on December 23, 1783, in the Maryland State House in Annapolis, George Washington, finally assured that peace was at hand, resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The action was considered significant for establishing civilian authority over the military, a fundamental principle of American democracy.

In the second cycle of the Vimsottari dasas, from 1901 to 1902, an inspirational young leader took the helm as the second Sun major period came to a close, with the nascent Progressive Era taking firm hold during the second Moon major period. The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt removed the influence of American monopolies over the government affairs as had been the case under William McKinley and his predecessors, in favour of a government for the people and by the people.

A dynamic shift took place as the second Sun major period was drawing to a close. On Sept. 6, 1901 in Buffalo, New York, President William McKinley was shot. McKinley  had, through war and diplomacy, acquired imperial territories in the Caribbean and Asia; embraced the gold standard; emphasised “reciprocity’’ in trade policy (evoking Trump’s “fair trade” policy), established the Open Door policy in China; and forged the U.S.-British “special relationship.” When he died on Sept. 14, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became President. Roosevelt left a “larger than life” legacy as an inspirational figure, noted for his bonhomie, courage, being an outdoorsman and a “trust buster”. While his reforms institutionalised the new Progressive Era, they were to a large extent built upon the foundation established earlier by the more modest but equally effective President McKinley. 

In 2021, at the close of the third Sun major period, a generally well liked but weak leader replaced a dynamic but controversial one. A leadership change, bringing a more dynamic personality to the helm, is considered likely before 2022 is out. A political shift involving the removal of corporate control over the government and national affairs is likely.

While reversing a number of policies, Joe Biden has built on major accomplishments of his predecessor, Donald Trump, including tax reforms, deregulation, a rebuilt military with a greater focus on space, and a more pragmatic relationship with China. At the same time, Biden is emphasising a more inclusive national identity as the third Moon major period beckons. It has earlier been suggested that the Sun-Venus period will bring division about the national identity, what Joe Biden calls a "Battle for the soul of the Nation" by trying to bring more liberal values to the fore, reflecting also long neglected minorities. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is fighting to "Save America", based on more conservative values. On a more positive note, the conflict is expected to give way to a synthesis of the opposing views during the Moon period. If history is any guide, such a benign transformation may involve a leadership change, whereby a more dynamic and legitimate leader emerges.

Joe Biden's Libra rising horoscope

Given the above, it may be helpful to consider the horoscope of Joe Biden. A common view is that Joe Biden has a 10° Scorpio ascendant based on his own recollection. However, on the SAMVA discussion list on Io Groups, a better fit is found with a late Libra rising chart. 

This ascendant would explain his fairly charming personality as 1st lord Venus ruling self is conjunct 11th lord Sun ruling goals and friendships is in the 2nd house, where both receive an aspect from 3rd lord Jupiter, ruling communication and divine grace, in the 10th house of career. 

This ascendant and benign placement would also explain his generally confident personality that is "capable of getting out of difficult situations", including his documented plagiarism and lies on the campaign trail. The lies would, however, also be related to 12th lord Mercury being in the 1st house MEP, from where it afflicts the 7th house of spouse and others. Indeed. it explains his early struggle with stammering, a tendency for selfishness, as well as the loss of his first young wife and their daughter in December 1972. 

With Rahu, ruling manipulations, in the 11th house of income and friendships, in aspect to his 10th lord Moon, ruling career, in the 7th house of foreign relationships, the chart also explains the alleged corruption involving his family members profiting from deals with his foreign political connections. As 3rd lord Jupiter of communication and action, is placed in the 10th house of career, the influence of Rahu is also felt with regard to his enterprising efforts in the career. Finally, the Libra rising chart, with 5th lord Saturn in the 8th house of obstacles and endings, explains the tragedies involving his children, including the 2015 death of his eldest son, Beau, and the hurtful revelations involving his remaining son, Hunter, as well as the evident decline in his cognitive abilities in the summer of 2021, when transit Rahu stationed over his natal Saturn in the 8th house. 

A transit of functionally malefic planets, Rahu and Ketu, from April to July 2022 is of particular concern, when transit Ketu will become exactly conjunct Biden's 12th lord Mercury at 28° Libra in his 1st house MEP for three months. It is possible Joe Biden may suffer a sudden setback or loss involving his foreign connections, spouse or body, notably the nervous system. 

The second half of April 2022 looks especially difficult for him. Being removed as President due to failing health, as provided for in the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, is one possible manifestation of this transit. In the event, Kamala Harris, the Vice President, would become President. 

By comparison, if Biden has 10° Scorpio rising, the possible setback would be less, involving a setback to his goals, income and friendships, but also nervous system. Let's hope the best for him.

Gemini rising horoscope of Kamala Harris

If the prediction of health problems for Joe Biden is realised in the summer of 2022, another scenario could also play out. It is possible Biden's failing health will be treated as a national secret (it has happened before). This might be done to facilitate another leader being able to take over, someone who has demonstrated good judgement, strong nerves and resonates with most Americans. Indeed, having been at the helm for just over one year, while working with Harris, it may have dawned on Joe Biden that Kamala Harris is not matched to the difficulty of the job. She may be better suited for a cabinet or top diplomatic post. 

Yet, Harris' horoscope shows no real difficulty for her until the Rahu-Ketu period begins in January 2023. This suggests the former scenario is more realistic for her. A difficulty during the dual nodal period would be related to her natal placement of Rahu in the 1st house MEP, which tends to give a manipulative tendency to the personality. On the campaign hustings, Trump picked up on this and nicknamed her "Phony Kamala". She also has Ketu in the 7th house, which may bring relationships, where the other is somehow separate. She had a relationship with future San Francisco Mayor, Willy Brown, whose public advice was for Harris to decline Biden's offer to become his Vice President, if elected. This is more so as Kamala's 7th lord Jupiter is placed in the 12th house of losses. Additionally. the nodes afflict her 3rd, 5th, 9th and 11th houses, bringing vulnerability to their indications. Kamala became step-mother to Doug Emhoff's two teenage children upon their marriage in 2013.

To be fair, her chart speaks of many talents, but they are all attended by some weakness. The conjunction of a debilitated 3rd lord Sun and combust 4th lord Mercury in the 5th house MEP suggests she has ability to speak in a harmonious way, but lacks confidence and nerves of steel. The placement of 5th lord Venus in Leo and the 3rd house gives intelligent actions. The aspect of 2nd lord Moon in the 11th house MEP to Sun and Mercury, adds status to her life. Moreover, 9th lord Saturn is in the MEP of the afflicted 9th house, from where it aspects the 11th house and 2nd lord Moon. Surely, she has taken many intelligent actions that combine with the support her mentors gave her, resulting in her speedy rise in life. After all, she has become the first woman to occupy the office of Vice President of the USA, a major milestone. With old age and debilitated 11th lord Mars in her 2nd house, there is weakness seen to her goals and status, making them vulnerable to setbacks. 

In any event, during this adverse period, a difficult transit will occur in the fall of 2023, when the transiting nodes become stationary in her 11th and 5th house MEPs, in aspect to their natal counterparts, suggesting a crisis involving manipulations and estrangements in her life. 

As 2022 begins...

In early 2022, the Sun-Venus period will be finishing its operation in the SAMVA USA horoscope, associated with weakness and division in the national life. This is more so as a few transits of functional malefic planets have been disturbing the good going further as the old year closes.

Since October 2021, transit Rahu has been stationary conjunct 1st lord Moon in the 11th house. This transit has brought confusion about the national identity of Americans, as well as their source of income, goals and international alliances.

Adding to the difficulty is the transit of 8th lord Saturn in the most effective point (MEP) of the 7th house (5° +/- the 20° rising degree in the chart), where it is in exact aspect to natal Ketu in the 4th house MEP as the year opens. This aspect has brought plenty of obstacles or endings, as well as some easy gains, to marginal populations, like undocumented or illegal immigrants. Saturn in that position also adds difficulty to the national identity and foreign policy.  

Transit 2nd lord Sun is in the 6th house of conflict and controversy, along with transit 4th lord Venus. As the Sun is under aspect from natal Rahu on New Years day, the President may be feeling strain, however, it would be an annual occurrence. With the sub-period lord there until end February 2022, the communal harmony is definitely not at ease.

Transit 6th lord Jupiter is in Aquarius and 8th house, adding further obstacles to the national life, in the form of an explosion of Covid infections as the year ended, however, with fewer deaths than before. This owes to more widespread use of the mRNA vaccines, better prophylactics and a milder variant, Omicron. 

Most importantly, as the year opens, Americans are undergoing a certain catharsis of identity, to expand their concept of what being an American is all about, in order to open the way for a brighter national future in the coming Moon major period.

With transit 8th lord Saturn moving through the 7th house MEP in January 2022, there will be plenty of tension involving foreign policy. However, as Saturn is moving at normal speed, the influence is not seen to produce a long lasting crisis.

In February, transit Ketu will move over 6th lord Jupiter in early Scorpio and 5th house, adding separative qualities to the national debate and conflictual matters. Meanwhile, transit 6th lord Jupiter in the 8th house MEP will be under the aspect of natal Ketu. Transit 8th lord Saturn will also pass over 2nd lord Sun at 24° Capricorn and 7H MEP, placing pressure on the President. On February 21, 2022, the latter two aspects become exact.

On April 14, 2022, transit Jupiter will emerge from Aquarius. While it will then enter a mutual aspect to its natal counterpart in early Scorpio peaking in early May, it is expected the Covid pandemic will have wound down by then.

The Moon major period

In mid April 2022, as the Sun major planetary period ends and the Moon major planetary period begins, a healing effect is expected to develop in the country. Even if political differences may remain, more agreement among Americans is likely about who they are as a people and what the focus of their activities should be. 

In the national horoscope of the USA, the Moon as 1st lord is at 7° 20 Taurus and the 11th house.  As the Moon is exalted in this sign, its indications should flourish in the national life.

This is gains more importance, if we recall that the Moon is lord of the sign Cancer in the ascendant. As such it is the ruler of the chart. 

In a general sense, the Moon rules "the public administration especially the management of food, hospitality and healing. The Moon also is an indicator of masses, 'Women’s Power', professions include training, public relations, administration and healers." 

In a functional sense, the Moon as 1st lord governs "the general conditions of the country as a whole, state of law and order, people and their general outlook, public health, government, reputation, valor and its position in the world. 

Moreover, the 1th house rules income, gains, and future plans. It also rules friendly international alliances. 

The Moon, as 1st lord, aspects 10th lord Mars in Scorpio and 5th house, giving fame to the USA, based on the progressive laws of the country, its legislature, government, military, industrial might and technical achievements.

Moon also aspects 6th lord Jupiter in the 5th house, giving a warrior like stance, whereby the nation does not back down from a provocation.

All of these areas should do especially well in the national life during this ten year long major period.

June and July should be mostly a peaceful time, with no major transit afflictions seen, aside from transit 6th lord Jupiter aspecting natal 10th lord Mars in Scorpio in early June, when some short-lived controversy may involve the police, military, foreign trade or the legislature.

In the first half of August, transit Rahu in Aries will cast an aspect to natal 4th lord Venus at 24° Sagittarius and the 6th house MEP. Some events are likely to arouse a short-lived disturbance to the communal harmony or a sense of unease. 

A crisis is likely in the fall

Rahu will proceed to become conjunct the MEP of the 10th house at 20° Aries on September 24, where it will become stationary until December 23, 2022. The peak of the stationary movement of transit Rahu will be at 19° Aries, where it will also be conjunct natal Rahu at 18° Aries. 

This stationary transit to natal aspect was earlier seen during the onset of the Great Depression in late 1929. However, at that time, the period was bad, the Rahu-Ketu period. Long standing manipulations of share prices on Wall Steet had propelled them into the stratosphere. When the Ketu sub-period began in mid October, a sudden bursting of the asset bubble took place. This shock ushered in a multi-year period of painful adjustment in the national life, characterised by a collapse of banks, mass unemployment and with poverty spreading throughout the land. As Rahu rules crisis and fear, a newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his inaugural address in March 1933: 

 "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Earlier such stationary transits took place fleetingly in early 1967 and 1986, with limited influence. However, when they went stationary closer to the 1929 degree, the following effects registered:

- in the summer of 1948, during the Jupiter-Sun period, transit Rahu stationed at 21° Aries, when the "Red Scare" began to affect the employment of suspected communists and the Berlin airlift took place. An atmosphere of fear was doubtless created for those Americans of a liberal bent.

- in the summer of 2004, during the Venus-Rahu period, transit Rahu stationed at 17° Aries, when the Iraq war was being prosecuted and the Abu Ghraib prison abuses came to light, serving to spoil the reputation of the USA. As an act of revenge, islamic terrorists began the practice of releasing a videotape of a US citizens being beheaded, causing widespread revulsion and fear.

At the time of the upcoming transit to natal nodal conjunction at 19° Aries, the Moon-Moon period will still be operating, which is far preferable to the Rahu-Ketu period. As the crisis period of three months ends, the upbeat trend of the Moon period should therefore resume. Nevertheless, the transit to natal nodal conjunction is always difficult, especially when in a house MEP. 

"The tenth house rules executive, parliament, administration, foreign trade, law and order. The close afflictions to the tenth house or its lord by the malefic planets spoil the reputation and indicate setbacks for the international position of the country."

The crisis that could unfold would therefore be expected to reverberate through the national government, foreign trade, the national legislature, and communal harmony, with a fear inducing effect. Some manipulation is likely to come to light, that generates a crisis marked by panic or fear. 

In late September,  transit retrograde 6th lord Jupiter will also be aspecting natal 10th lord Mars, adding tension for the government, military or police. A riot, possibly involving identity issues, is possible at that time.

In early October, transit 8th lord Saturn in the 7th house MEP will become exactly conjunct 2nd lord Sun in the 7th house MEP, adding pressure for the President, asset prices and the US dollar. This challenging time will last until mid November. 

From early November to mid December 2022, transit Jupiter will go stationary at 4° Pisces and 9th house, where it will be in mutual aspect to natal Jupiter at 4° Scorpio and 5th house. This aspect suggest quite a bit of conflict in the national life, linked to the management of the country and the judiciary and foreign relations.

______

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the discovery of the SAMVA USA chart on December 31, 2006.

Happy New Year!

 

Father of the nation

Credible information exists concerning the birth of George Washington, which offers a basis for the study of his life. 

By all accounts, George Washington was a commanding figure in the birth of the United States, and is the only man to be considered the "father of the nation".

The time from an early account is that he was born "about 10 in the morning" on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland county, Virginia. There is the recognition by modern observers that "the problem of discovering the exact time remains." A tentative 13° Taurus rising horoscope is rectified for George Washington with a time of 10.50 a.m. The rectification is made with a view to influences in the horoscope explaining his reserved personality, tall height, strategic intelligence and dignified manner, as well as the periods and transits during major events in his life.

Biography

By profession, George Washington was an American soldier, military leader, statesman, a Founding Father and served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

George Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress to serve as commander of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War against Britain from 1775 to 1783. 

Washington led the Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War, and presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution and a federal government. 

 Washington's first public office was serving as official Surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia from 1749 to 1750. Subsequently, he received his initial military training (as well as a command with the Virginia Regiment) during the French and Indian War. He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and was named a delegate to the Continental Congress. Here he was appointed Commanding General of the Continental Army. With this title, he commanded American forces (allied with France) in the defeat and surrender of the British at the Siege of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. He resigned his commission after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.

 Washington played an indispensable role in adopting and ratifying the Constitution of the United States. He was then twice elected president by the Electoral College unanimously. As president, he implemented a strong, well-financed national government while remaining impartial in a fierce rivalry between cabinet members Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. During the French Revolution, he proclaimed a policy of neutrality while sanctioning the Jay Treaty. He set enduring precedents for the office of president, including the title "Mr. President", and his Farewell Address is widely regarded as a pre-eminent statement on republicanism.

 Washington owned over a hundred slaves, and he signed measures passed by Congress to protect slavery, as well as measures passed by Congress to curtail slavery. He become troubled with the institution of slavery during the 1770s, and in his will he stipulated that one of his slaves, William Lee, should be freed upon his death, along with 33 more slaves that he acquired in a prior debt agreement with his brother-in-law. He also stipulated that the other 123 slaves that he owned should be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha Washington. She decided to respect her husband's wishes and freed these slaves on January 1, 1801, before her death.

 He endeavored to assimilate Native Americans into the Anglo-American culture but fought indigenous resistance during instances of violent conflict. He was a member of the Anglican Church and the Freemasons, and he urged broad religious freedom in his roles as general and president. Upon his death, he was eulogized as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

 Washington has been memorialized by monuments, a federal holiday, various media, geographical locations, including the national capital, the State of Washington, stamps, and currency, and many scholars and polls rank him among the greatest U.S. presidents. In 1976, as part of commemorations for the U.S. Bicentennial, Washington was posthumously promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States.

Horoscope of George Washington

The 13th degree of Taurus is rising. This earthy sign usually gives caution, prudence, stability, endurance, fixity but also adaptability and gentleness. It is associated with good planners and communicators and those carrying a deep conviction of being always correct. 

Venus, that rules this sign, is the significator for pleasures, materialistic pursuits and comforts. It is well placed and strong as the exalted 6th lord in the 11th house of goals, friendships and income. 

Importantly, Venus is conjunct a strong 10th lord Saturn in the most effective point of the 11th house. This placement involved Washington's career in long standing conflict to establish thirteen disparate colonies as a fully fledged nation.

In this position, Saturn aspects 

• 1st house of self, explaining his tall height, international fame and prestige in later life as well as giving a dignified, reserved manner, 
• 5th house of intelligence and creativity, and 
• 8th house of obstacles and easy gains.

The Moon, the general significator for caring, tenderness and affluence, rules the 3rd house of communication and action. As such it is a sun-like planet, giving it more strength. It is badly placed in the 8th house, suggesting his actions were embroiled in obstacles and endings. It may also contribute to explain his reserved nature.

As 4th lord of inclinations, the Sun determined his approach to life. As it is placed in the sign Aquarius and the MEP of the 10th house, Washington was a technical person, beginning his career as a land surveyor. In this place, the Sun brings a calming influence, which made Washington a well liked and contented man. The Sun also gave him a high status and a top position in the government. 

Washington was analytical in his approach. His Mercury, as 5th lord, was well placed in the MEP of the 9th house, aspecting the 3rd house, giving support from others in the field of management. Washington was given the weighty responsibility of being Commander of the Continental Army, on which the fate of the new republic rested.

The functional malefic planets are Rahu and Ketu,  6th lord Venus, 8th lord Jupiter, and 12th lord Mars. Only Jupiter aspects Mercury, but it has an orb over 2° rendering the malefic aspect harmless, while imparting some energy of obstacles and easy gains for the management and creative efforts of George Washington. 

As Jupiter, ruling easy gains, was well placed and strong in the 5th house, along with it's dispositor being in the 9th house of fortune and 4th lord Sun in the 10th house MEP aspecting its own house, George Washington inherited the famous Mount Vernon estate. 

The placement of 12th lord Mars in Scorpio and 7th house, made it natural for Washington to lead a military against foreign forces.

The fact that the Moon's nodes were not afflicting in his chart, suggests Washington was a fair and square dealer in his life. He freed his many slaves upon his death and that of his wife.

On July 3, 1775, when Washington was given command of the American army, his Jupiter-Saturn period was operating with transit 10th lord Saturn in the MEP of the 5th house of management in aspect to its natal placement in the 11th house.

On December 23, 1783, when Washington resigned his commission, after Britain had ratified the peace agreement and removed its forces from America, his Jupiter-Sun period was operating, with natal placements suggestive of retirement from public life.

On January 10, 1789, when he was unanimously elected by the Electoral College to become the first President of the federal government, his Saturn major period had begun, with transit 10th lord Saturn placed in full strength in the MEP of the 10th house. 

George Washington was not only a giant of a man in his time, he was a giant in the history of his country. 

Source

Biography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

Hero of Two Worlds

A hero of the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution was the Marquis de La Fayette, whose real name was Gilbert du Motier. His name was later Americanised by Hamilton, to Lafayette.

He was a French aristocrat, honorary American citizen, and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded American troops in several battles, including the siege of Yorktown. After returning to France, even if an aristocrat, he was a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. 

Lafayette was a contemporary of George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte, and knew both men. In his time, monarchies ruled the world. Even if an aristocrat, he aligned with Washington on the creation of a democratic nation-state in the USA, involving the violent overthrow of British colonial rule. Later, he supported the French revolution and opposed the autocracy of Napoleon, who sought a reversal to monarchic rule in his own name.

Lafayette's legacy as a national hero survives to this day in both countries.

From an astrological perspective, the history of this man, involving significant progress from a young age, suggests a horoscope with a powerful personality, including ample natal strength of planets to explain the propitious periods in the early life. At the same time, setbacks to the life, such as his 5 year imprisonment in a foreign country, and loss of his beloved wife in middle age, should be explained by the otherwise auspicious chart.

LAFAYETTE'S GLORIUS HISTORY

Hero of the American Revolutionary War

Lafayette was born in 1857 into a wealthy land-owning family in south central France. 

Raised by his grandmother until the age of 11, he moved in 1868 to Paris to live with his widowed mother. He followed the family's martial tradition and was commissioned an officer at the young age of 13. 

At 14, it was arranged that he betroth a young aristocratic woman, Adrienne, that later resulted in them falling in love and marrying. The couple had four children, including a son, Georges Washington de La Fayette. They remained married until her death in 1807, at the age of 48. 

Only 18 years old in 1775, Lafayette became convinced that the American revolutionary cause was noble.

Two years later, after much opposition, he traveled to the New World seeking glory in the war. Likely, fighting the British was not anathema to the French in the late 18th century, or to him, as his father had been killed by a cannonball while fighting a British-led coalition in Westphalia, during the Seven Years' War, when Gilbert was only 2 years old. 

War hero and saviour

Unlike many French military men who traveled to America, Lafayette's membership in the enlightenment-inspired order of the Masons helped him make his way into the top leadership at the time. However, while being made a major general, he was initially not given American troops to command. Lafayette was wounded during the Battle of Brandywine but still managed to organize an orderly retreat, and he served with distinction in the Battle of Rhode Island.

Americans have kept Lafayette's memory alive

In the middle of the war, he departed for home to lobby for an increase in French support. He returned to America in 1780 and was given senior positions in the Continental Army. 

In 1781, troops under his command in Virginia blocked forces led by Cornwallis until other American and French forces could position themselves for the decisive siege of Yorktown. 

A little known fact is that the troops he brought from France amounted to half the fighting force at Yorktown. Lafayette's instrumental role in the positive outcome of this momentous fight is therefore all the more impressive. It is little wonder why American's have a fond memory of his contribution to the Republic, issuing a stamp in his honour at his bicentennial in 1957. General George Washington was so enamoured with Lafayette, 25 years his junior, that he effectively adopted him into his family at Mt. Vernon.

A hero's welcome

Lafayette's rousing reception in Philadelphia in 1824

At the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette arrived in the United States on July 13, 1824 as the nation's guest, where he visited all 24 states in the union and met a rapturous reception. He departed for France on on September 7, 1825, having been showered with untold honours, including citizenship, honorary degrees and a land grant in his name in Florida. 

One sign of Lafayette's immortal greatness was his early advocacy for the end of slavery, in keeping with the philosophy of natural rights. In this way he transcended even Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who also advocated the new philosophy and led the fight for America's liberty and democracy, but retained their ownership of hundreds of black slaves.

A leader of the French revolution

Lafayette's story does not end with the American Revolutionary War. After the fighting ended, he returned to France and was appointed to the Assembly of Notables in 1787, convened in response to the fiscal crisis. He was elected a member of the Estates General of 1789, where representatives met from the three traditional orders of French society: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. After forming the National Constituent Assembly, he helped to write the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen with Thomas Jefferson's assistance. This document was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence and invoked natural law to establish basic principles of the democratic nation-state.

After the storming of the Bastille, Lafayette was appointed commander-in-chief of France's National Guard and tried to steer a middle course through the years of revolution. 

Imprisonment

In a foreign jail

The French revolution is famed for killing its own. On August 14, 1792, the French revolutionary leader Danton ordered Marquis de Lafayette arrested. The reign of terror had begun, where moderate voices were quickly silenced. Upon hearing news of his impending arrest, Lafayette fled to the Austrian Netherlands (now Belgium). Lafayette was captured by Austrian troops and after he was recognised as a revolutionary figure and a threat to monarchies, Lafayette spent more than five years in foreign prisons, or until his release on September 19, 1797, at the demand of Napoleon Bonaparte. During Lafayette's imprisonment, Danton was beheaded in 1793, and a year later, Robespierre was put to the guillottine. Even if enduring the ordeal of imprisonment, Lafayette may be considered lucky to have been spared a more grim fate.

Later years

Hero of France's revolutions

Bonaparte was removed from power in the Bourbon Restoration of 1814. Upon Napoleon's return in 1815 from Elba, Lafayette refused a seat in his new government, but became a liberal member of the Chamber of Deputies, a position he held for the remainder of his life. Rather than support Napoleon after his fall, Lafayette saw fit to regret the three million French lives lost in the Napoleonic wars. Nevertheless, he arranged for his exile to the USA, but the British prevented it, and imprisoned Napoleon on the isle of St. Helene, where he died.

During France's July Revolution of 1830, he declined an offer to become the French dictator. In this he recalled Washington handing in his commission after the Revolutionary War. Instead, Lafayette supported Louis-Philippe as king. However, he turned against him when the monarch became autocratic.

Lafayette died on 20 May 1834, at the age of 76, and is buried in Picpus Cemetery in Paris, under soil from Bunker Hill sprinkled on his casket by his son, George Washington Lafayette.

John Quincy Adams gave a eulogy of Lafayette that lasted three hours, calling him "high on the list of the pure and disinterested benefactors of mankind".

The Marquis de Lafayette is known as "The Hero of the Two Worlds" for his accomplishments in the service of both France and the United States.

ASTROLOGY OF LAFAYETTE'S CHART

The time of Lafayette's birth is not known down to the hour or minute. However, there is a report that he was "born in the morning" of September 6, 1857 in Chavaniac-Lafayette in the province of Auvergne. 

Two astrologers have proposed birth times, 3:34 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., respectively, placing the sign Leo in the ascendant. This ascendant gives a ruling temperament, that seems to fit. The time 5:00 a.m., giving 18° Leo rising, however, is used here for a better fit with events in his life.

The first thing to note in this chart is his moderately strong but well placed Sun, as 1st lord in the 1st house of self, giving a royal personality. 

The second thing to notice is his powerful and well placed 9th lord of luck and general indicator of bravery in the 11th house of aspirations, aspecting also the 2nd house of status, wealth and family, the 5th house of creativity and management, and 6th house of conflict and competition. Indeed, Lafayette, had grand aspirations that he had the good fortune and wherewithal to realise. 

Third, is the strong 2nd lord Mercury in the 2nd house of wealth, status and family. Lafayette had it all, in spades. With 3rd lord Venus also well placed in the 2nd house, he would have been a master of the humorous repartee, ingratiating himself in good company. 

Georges Washington

Additionally, with 5th lord Jupiter in the 3rd house of enterprise, courage and action, he was bold and clever at the same time in pursuing any course of action. The aspect of 9th lord Mars to his 5th house, along with this good placement of Jupiter, gave Lafayette a son, he named Georges Washington, as "a tribute of respect and love for my dear friend". With such placements, Lafayette's enjoyment from his son, must have been great.

Moreover, as 7th lord Saturn is in the 6th house, there is conflict involving others seen. Indeed, Lafayette defied not only the wishes of the King of France to join the American Revolutionary War, but he also turned down the offer of Napoleon, then Emperor of France, to join his ill-fated cabinet. As such, he showed great loyalty to his principles, but managed to please Napoleon anyway, by joining the elected assembly.

Finally, the difficult placements are seen in Rahu being placed in the MEP of the 12th house of losses and conjugal bliss, with 12th lord Moon placed in the 11th house of aspirations, while Ketu is in the 6th house of conflict and competition. It is these planets that brought Lafayette, the early loss of father, danger abroad, imprisonment in a foreign country, exile abroad, and loss of his wife in middle age. 

Loss of father

On July 9, 1759, his father, Michel Louis Christophe Roch Gilbert Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, a colonel in the French Grenadiers, was killed. 

The Mars-Moon period was operating. Mars as 9th lord rules the father, along with the Sun. Moon is 12th lord of losses, and is placed in the 11th house of income, aspirations and older brothers. At the time of death, transit Rahu was stationary in the most effective point (MEP) of the 11th house, while transit Ketu was stationary conjunct transit 12th lord Moon in the 5th house MEP, from where it also afflicted the 9th house of father. Transit 1st lord Sun, general indicator of father, was in the transit afflicted 11th house. 

Indeed, while his Mars has full strength in this house, his father passed out of the world at that time, leaving him in the hands of a noble family to oversee his education. Moreover, with his father gone, he was now the Marquis, freeing him up with ample resources from a young age to pursue his ideals and goals. Even the king, while formally trying to restrain his adventurous ambitions, felt compelled to applaud his accomplishments after the fact.

Danton issues arrest warrant

In August 1792, Jacques Danton issued an arrest warrant for Lafayette, resulting his capture by Austrian royalists who held him in captivity for five years. He was running Jupiter-Rahu and Saturn-Saturn periods. Rahu is in his 12th house of imprisonment and Saturn is in his 6th house of enmity, where it is conjunct Ketu, the lord of isolation.

 Lafayette walked out of prison in September 1797, when his strong sub-period of Mercury had begun. His status, seen by Napoleon's threat, compelled his captors to release him.

Loss of wife

His beloved wife, Adrienne, Marquise de Lafayette, died on December 24, 1807, when Gilbert, Marquis de Lafayette, was 50 years old. There had been long separations in their marriage, but it was believed to be a happy one. 

The separations are explained by 7th lord Saturn being in the 6th house where it is conjunct Ketu, which aspects his 2nd house of family and 10th house of career. Rahu is also in the 12th house, aspecting his 8th house of marital tie and 4th house of home, hearth and happiness. Indeed, the captivity imposed a great burden on Lafayette. He was running Saturn-Rahu period when his wife passed.

Conclusion

The ruling disposition of Lafayette's Leo ascendant, with the strong placements in his chart show an ability, resourcefulness and principle to leave a great mark on the world. 

At the same time, his life was burdened by losses of freedom and loved ones. 

The late 17th century saw great personalities on the world stage, when the Enlightenment ideals were implemented against fierce resistance by the privileged classes.

Such examples speak to our time, when the world is yet again faced with the privileges of the few and the needs of the many. 

As ever, there is scope for solutions, where freedom and equity are balanced, to bring positive change. It may involve pushing the existential envelope of humanity a bit, as was the case back then.

Strong personalities, have emerged and will emerge, that seek to lead society in enacting changes that improve the lives of multitudes. 

It is up to all of us, as citizens of democratic states in a globalising and spatially expanding world, to ensure that the right solutions are identified and enacted, that bring greater freedom and opportunity for all.