Wall of Shame

Walls are a human construct that separate people. 

Israel built a wall to prevent Palestinians from continuing numerous bloody terror attacks on its citizens. In turn, the Palestinian's consider Israelis as trespassers, oppressors and usurpers of their native land. 

Donald Trump built a wall to keep Mexicans and others from illegally entering the United States of America. His logic was that unregulated entry brings with it crime, drugs and economic chaos for American citizens living in border communities. Joe Biden opened the borders, in sympathy with the views of many American's that the wall on the Mexican-US border is anathema to their dream of a border-free world. 

Before these walls, there was the Berlin Wall. Below, is an examination of its history and astrology.

History of the Berlin Wall

After the end of World War II in Europe, what remained of pre-war Germany west of the Oder-Neisse line was divided into four occupation zones (as per the Potsdam Agreement), each one controlled by one of the four occupying Allied powers: the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union. The capital of Berlin, as the seat of the Allied Control Council, was similarly subdivided into four sectors despite the city's location, which was fully within the Soviet zone.

Within two years, political divisions increased between the Soviets and the other occupying powers. These included the Soviets' refusal to agree to reconstruction plans making post-war Germany self-sufficient, and to a detailed accounting of industrial plants, goods and infrastructure—some of which had already been removed by the Soviets. France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Benelux countries later met to combine the non-Soviet zones.

In 1948, during the multinational occupation of post–World War II Germany, the Soviet Union blocked the Western Allies' railway, road, and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Western control. The Soviets offered to drop the blockade if the Western Allies withdrew the newly introduced Deutsche Mark from West Berlin. This has become known as the Berlin Blockade from 24 June 1948 to 12 May 1949. It was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. 

In response, the Western Allies organised the Berlin Airlift from 26 June 1948 to 30 September 1949 to carry supplies to the people of West Berlin, a difficult feat given the size of the city and the population.

This accelerated efforts of the USA and its allies to found a West German state, which culminated in the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) at 5:03 pm on May 23, 1949 in Bonn.

The schism between the East and West only grew and on August 13, 1961 the Soviet rulers of East Germany began the construction of the Berlin Wall.

The Berlin Wall was a guarded 155 km long concrete barrier that encircled West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating it from East Berlin and East Germany (GDR). Construction of the Berlin Wall was commenced by the government of the GDR. It included guard towers placed along large concrete walls, accompanied by a wide area (later known as the "death strip") that contained anti-vehicle trenches, beds of nails and other defenses. The opening of the wall on November 9, 1989, became a symbol for the collapse of oppressive Soviet Communism in the Soviet Union and its satellite states in Eastern and Central Europe. The builders of the Wall sought to stem the growing exodus of people from the East to the West.

American friends

During the Wall's existence, there were two remarkable and positive events involving visits by US Presidents John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Ronald Reagan in 1987 to witness the wall and comment about it.

Below we consider the astrology of these four related events in terms of the 23° 44' Virgo rising horoscope for Germany.

The Soviets separate

An Iron Curtain separated the Western Bloc and neutral countries from the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War. The Berlin Wall became a symbol of it.

The Eastern Bloc portrayed the Wall as protecting its population from fascist elements conspiring to prevent the "will of the people" from building a socialist state in the GDR. 

 The West Berlin city government sometimes referred to it as the "Wall of Shame", a term coined by mayor Willy Brandt in reference to the Wall's restriction on freedom of movement. It was part of the separate and much longer Inner German border between East and West Germany, it came to symbolize physically the 

On 13 August 1961, the Ketu major and Ketu sub periods had just started. Astrologically, it is very fitting that the dual period of Ketu, the planet of separation, had begun to operate a few months earlier. The sign Leo falls in the 12th house, and its Moolatrikona lord, the Sun, also carries this influence. 

All the slow moving functional malefic (FM) planets were being afflicted or afflicting. Transit 12th lord Sun was also conjunct transit 1st lord Mercury in the 11th house of alliances and goals, signifying the loss for the national identity of Germany resulting from this giant symbol of separation. 

This is particularly strong evidence in favour of this horoscope for Germany, which the author rectified and presented on the SAMVA list on December 14, 2014. 

A friend consoles

Following the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, US President John F. Kennedy visited Berlin to protest the wall, which deprived East Germans of their freedom to visit or live with their family, friends and countrymen in the western part of the city. Kennedy's speech which became known as "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I, too, am a citizen of Berlin), was given at the Rathaus Schöneberg on 26 June 1963.

The Ketu/Moon period was operating. Natally, 11th lord Moon is in the most effective point (MEP) of the 7th house of others and foreign agreements. The Moon also aspects the 1st house of national identity. This suggests Germany enjoys significant influence globally, and it brings them satisfaction. The placement also suggests friends play a big role in the country's affairs, but also that its goals and aspirations motivate their foreign agreements and alliances.

Kennedy's visit inspired the people of Berlin, Germany and the West, seen in aspects indicating a burst of optimism, notably transit 4th lord Jupiter being conjunct natal 11th lord Moon and the MEP of the 7th house and transit 1st lord Mercury and transit 2nd lord Venus being conjunct 1st lord Mercury in the MEP of the 9th house.

However, there were also difficult transits such as the placement of transit 6th lord Saturn at 29° Capricorn and 5th house where it received an aspect from natal Ketu at 2° Libra and 2nd house. Transit Ketu in the 4th house MEP was also in aspect to 8th lord Mars in the MEP of the 8the house MEP. These aspects were fitting for the difficulty of the cold war, during Kennedy's visit.

A friend exhorts 

Ronald Reagan´s speech came on the heels of his summit meeting with Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland in the prior year. In it he offered a challenge to Mr. Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall". The speech was given at the Brandenburg Gate on12 June 1987. Helping matters was that in 1985, Mr. Gorbachev had come to power in the USSR. He immediately set about to initiate reforms, called Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (transparency), reflecting his commitment to change the Soviet Union and make it a less repressive and more humane system. In the event, he lost control of the changes he unleashed, resulting in breakdown of the Soviet Union from 1989 to 1991, terminated in the creation of the Russian Federation in December of 1991.  

The Venus-Ketu period was operating, signifying the ongoing separation. Transit  6th lord Saturn was in the MEP of the 3rd house opposite to transit 12th lord Sun in the MEP of the 9th house. As such, these malefics were also afflicting 1st lord Mercury in the 9th house, signifying the tension involving outside influences involving the fortunes of the city. Transit 8th lord Mars was in the MEP of the 10th house, aspecting also the 1st, 4th and 5th houses. Obstacles and endings were being highlighted in the public mind. Transit Ketu was in the 1st house in aspect to 2nd lord Venus in the 9th house, there was tension involving relations with neighbouring countries.

Fall of the Wall and German Reunification

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, during the Peaceful Revolution, was a pivotal event in world history which marked the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the figurative Iron Curtain and one of the series of events that started the fall of communism in Eastern and Central Europe, preceded by the Solidarity Movement in Poland. The fall of the inner German border took place shortly afterwards. An end to the Cold War was declared at the Malta Summit three weeks later and the German reunification took place in October the following year. The breeching of the Berlin Wall was followed immediately by efforts to demolish it.

The Sun-Jupiter period was operating. Natally, 4th lord Jupiter is in the 5th house, suggesting an inherent interest in managing situations, linked to the homeland. On this day, transit 4th lord Jupiter was in the 10th house, signifying the prominence of the homeland. It was in opposition to transit 6th lord Saturn in the 4th house, involving a victory in a long standing land dispute. Transit 2nd lord Venus was conjunct 12th lord Sun in the 9th house and transit 12th lord Sun was conjunct 1st lord Mercury in the 9th house. These aspects were separating, suggesting the tension was fading.

Conclusion

The horoscope for the Federal Republic of Germany does a magnificent job of explaining these events in the country's history, raising confidence in it. Systems' Approach Mundane Astrologers may therefore continue to use it with an eye to the periods and transits of slow moving planets in coming years. 

Study References

Here are some articles dealing with the astrology of the Cold War in terms of the SAMVA USA chart:

• Jupiter and World War II - https://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2010/01/jupiter-and-world-war-ii.html
• Saturn and the fear of death in 1953 - https://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2016/12/saturn-and-fear-of-death-in-1953.html
• SAMVA USA chart: Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 - https://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2008/01/samva-usa-chart-cuban-missile-crisis-in.html
• Cold Warriors on the Moon - https://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2009/09/cold-warriors-on-moon.html
• 1972 - https://cosmologer.blogspot.com/2010/06/1972.html

Predictions for the USA in 2023

For two and a half centuries, the USA has been an unusually dynamic national entity with much influence in the world. It is guided by admirable ideals about individual human freedom, but which coexist with pathologies that have entailed the suffering of large sub-sections of its society. These characteristics are clearly visible in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart. 

The struggle to improve the conditions of those disaffected has been there for the world to see, including the American Revolutionary War when the colonists freed themselves from restrictive British rule in the 1770s, the repercussions to the Trail of Tears of native American indians in the 1830s, the US Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the 1850s, the repulsion towards the Jim Crow laws that segregated the newly freed blacks in the South in the 1870s, the Populist movement to curb the excesses of the 'Robber barons' in the 1890s, the Progressive Era to spread the prosperity among ordinary Americans in the 1900s, the rebuilding of the economy and creation of new jobs based on a greater role for the federal government in the Great Depression of the 1930s, the fight for the cause of freedom in the face of the rise of totalitarian fascism around the world in WW II of the 1940s, the civil rights battles and victories for blacks in the 1960s, the rise of the 99 percent in the 2010s and Trumpian revolution to reclaim prosperity for the middle class in 2016, and the fight over open borders to ensure that America remains a nation that welcomes immigrants fleeing poverty and persecution, but also that protects its own citizens from the associated drugs, crime and human trafficking in the 2020s. 

MOON AS LORD OF IDENTITY 

In an sense, the USA has a rather unique national identity among the nations of the world. Fittingly, the statement 

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses …” 

is inscribed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty pedestal. 

In 1944, Gunnar Myrdal, a Swedish economist, referred to the American Creed in his study of race relations. He suggested the creed was a 

"collection of  ideals that include the rule of law, equality, freedom, hard work, and individualism." 

In 1984, the UN suggested the Statue of Liberty evokes 

"ideals such as liberty, peace, human rights, abolition of slavery, democracy and opportunity."

In the 2020s, the evolving demographics of the nation (see graph) demand an ever greater recognition of  the values and aspirations of the growing non-white population of the USA, with a greater diversity in religious or atheistic outlooks, in terms of an ever greater freedom for personal expression.

As described in the 2007 article introducing this authentic national chart for the USA:

"The national character of the USA is shaped to a large extent by the sign Cancer that rises in the ascendant of the SAMVA USA chart and the influences of planets on the ascendant or on its lord, the Moon. There are many happy events in the lives of those with Cancer rising. The sign brings grace and cleverness and makes those born under it good hosts, capable of receptivity and adaptability, generous, peace loving, with humor, wit and imagination or overly emotional, sensitive, shy, moody, attached, dependent and full of concern, both for themselves and for others. Cancerians tend to be sensitive and restless."

The nature of the national identity was further explained in terms of 

"The royal planet Moon is exalted in Taurus, the eleventh house of income, hopes and friends. This makes the Americans visionary but also gives them a good income. The aspect of Jupiter, as the lord of conflict, in Scoprio, to the Moon gives the Americans a fixed and war-like nature. The aspect of 10th lord Mars in Scorpio to the Moon as 1st lord gives the nation its fame for their laws, technological know-how, bravery and enterprise. The creation of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights spread the fame of America far and wide in the early years of their Republic. It is also an important ingredient in their ability to be the first nation to send men to the Moon and bring them back alive.

A further and major influence on the American character is the placement of the Sun in Capricorn, in conjunction with the rising degree of the seventh house. The king of the planetary cabinet, the Sun, becomes the lord of wealth and status for Cancer born, as well as the President. It is the general indicator of the soul and vitality. This powerful placement gives Americans their considerable status and influence in the world and a strong Presidency. It also gives American's their sense of identity as "God's own country."

At the same time, there are numerous elements in the chart that reveal a less than ideal situations, such as those of the functional malefic (FM) Moon's nodes.

CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES

"The placement of the lunar nodes, Rahu in Aries tenth house and and Ketu in Libra fourth house, has caused many tragedies and difficulties in the national life, involving upsets in the political sphere and the social calm. The influence of Rahu has repeatedly led to exposure of corruption in government and legislative affairs, disrupting the communal harmony."

In the fall of 2022, as predicted, there have been numerous exposures of such manipulations in terms of the Twitter files and then there has been an intense clash over the open borders policy, involving human trafficking and the smuggling of deadly Fentanyl. Indeed, by exposing the truth, the US has a hope that it's future remains bright.

In any event, through all of its upheavals, American prosperity has steamed onwards and upwards, as shown in this figure, but more so during the periods of strong and functional benefic planets, like the Sun, ruling the 2nd house of wealth in the 7th house of foreign affairs, and Moon, ruling the 1st house of self placed in the 11th house of income. 

With population growth and technical progress, the natural environment has been infringed upon. However, this has resulted in corrective forces being gradually awakened and in needed changes being implemented. Pollution abatement, nature preservation and the ongoing shift from Internal Combustion Engines to Electric Vehicles are cases in point.

MOON PERIOD

As explained above, the most significant feature of the Cancer rising chart is the placement of its ruler, the Moon, as 1st lord in the 11th house of ideals, alliances and income. 

For the third time in its history, the Moon period is running in the SAMVA USA chart, from April 16, 2022 to April 16, 2032. Given the many constructive influences on the Moon and its 1st house, we may expect significant progress for the masses, involving the laws and governance. 

The sub- periods, however, carry an additional important trend influence in 2023, including:

• Moon-Moon: April 16, 2022 – February 14, 2023. Strong focus on indications of Moon.
• Moon-Mars: February 14, 2023- September 15, 2023. Strong focus on indications of Mars.
• Moon-Rahu: September 15, 2023 – March 16, 2025. Strong focus on indications of Rahu.

Moon is 1st lord in 11th house and Mars is 10th lord in 5th house. Both planets aspect one another, boosting each others indications, a fame giving aspect. Moreover, as they are strong and well placed as functional benefic planets in the SAMVA USA chart, their influence is powerfully positive, unless adverse transits upset the good going. In the Rahu period, however, problems may be expected, as natal Rahu afflicts the houses owned by 10th lord Mars, 2nd lord Sun and 6th lord Jupiter. Moreover, transit contacts involving FM Rahu will take place from the summer of 2023.

As before, we look to the transits of the slow-moving FMs in the SAMVA USA chart, 6th lord Jupiter, 8th lord Saturn, FM Rahu and FM Ketu.[1]

JUPITER

"For Cancerians Jupiter's Moolatrikona sign, Sagittarius, falls in their sixth house and Jupiter, as 6th lord, becomes a functional malefic planet for them. 

As 6th lord, Jupiter rules 

"public amity, relations with neighbors, general health of the public, political stability, financial solvency of the nation, management of debts, litigations, judicial functioning, communal harmony in the country and labor relations." 

Natal Jupiter is strong and well placed in Scorpio and the 5th house of the SAMVA USA chart. As such it supports the management of the health and financial position. However, malefic transit influences can adversely affect its indications.

Jupiter begins the year 2023 at 7° Pisces and 9th house. It will move forward with normal speed until it enters Aries and 10th house on April 23, 2023, where it will stay until May 2, 2024.

1. While in Pisces and 9th house, JUPITER is generally considered strong and well placed. As the 9th house rules the Supreme Court, its transit there in early 2023 is therefore likely to see court decisions that are generally respected. Interestingly, in April 2022 two astrological developments took place: transit Jupiter entered the 9th house and the important Moon major period began. A few weeks later the decision to strike down Roe v. Wade was leaked, causing a great deal of national controversy. After the decision was made, a grudging acceptance was gradually observed.
2. After 6th lord JUPITER moves into Aries and 10th house in the early summer of 2023, an increased energy of conflict is to be expected in public affairs. Moreover, the strength of 10th lord MARS, the dispositor of Jupiter, in transit becomes important for the strength of transit Jupiter there. This is doubly so, as the Moon-Mars period runs from mid February to mid September 2023. Transit 10th lord Mars will be weak from mid March to end June 2023, which is adverse for industrial production, notably the automotive sector as well as the legislature, government military and police. 
• Transit 10th lord Mars becomes badly placed and weak in Gemini and the 12th house from March 13th until May 11th. During this time, the affairs of the US Congress, the government, the military and police, as well as foreign trade, become vulnerable to losses. Moreover, in early April transit transit 10th lord Mars will come under the aspect of transit stationary Ketu at 10 °Libra and 4th house. Further, in mid April, it comes under the aspect of natal Ketu in Libra and the 4th house MEP. These disturbing transit influences may result in some sudden adverse events for the indications of Mars. Those events are also expected to adversely affect transit Jupiter at that time. Unfortunately, transit Jupiter will become conjunct transit Rahu from May 13 to June 20, while receiving an aspect from transit 8th lord Saturn from May 25 to July 15. 
• Transit 10th lord Mars will become debilitated and weak in the sign of Cancer and 1st house from May 11th until June 30th. Transit Jupiter will become equally weak at that time, even if well placed in the 10th house. This suggests fierce political conflict in the Congress at that time. The expansionary power of the US economy, especially in terms of bank lending, may become reduced at this time.
3. This is more so as transit 6th lord Jupiter in mid Aries will receive a close aspect from transit 8th lord SATURN in the 8th house from May 25 to July 15, 2023. This is a violence inducing aspect, and could be associated with obstacles and endings. A prominent personality, ruled by Jupiter, possibly in Congress or government, may leave the scene.
4. The above factors become more problematic still as transit Jupiter will also become conjunct retrograde transit RAHU from mid May until mid June. This aspect suggest confusion or manipulation involving conflict and health matters. Problems with illicit drugs and even legal intoxicants could become more noticeable. This aspect becomes exact at 9° Aries on June 2, 2023. The aspect adds an energy of manipulation to the difficult Saturn aspect to Jupiter.
5. From late July, 2023, transit 6th lord JUPITER becomes stationary around 20° Aries and the MEP of the 10th house until mid October 2023. This suggests a lot of conflict in the US Congress and government, especially after the Mo/Ra period begins. Financial problems involving foreign trade are also possible. Transit Jupiter will go retrograde on September 10, 2023 at 21° until January 2024, when it stations at 11° Aries and 10th house. 
6. Related to the above transit of Jupiter, it will become conjunct natal RAHU at 18° Aries from July 11 to July 26 and again in the second half of October. Moreover, during the latter, transit 6th lord Jupiter becomes opposite transit 10th lord Mars and transit 3rd lord Mercury on top of natal Ketu on October 29, 2023. This suggests a controversy over the long standing manipulations of corporations in Congress and the US government will undermine the communal harmony. Possibly, the government and/or Congress will try to more meaningfully address the issue of illegal immigrants at that time, but with significant push back from the political opposition. 

SATURN

Saturn enters Aquarius on January 18, 2023, and stays there until March 29, 2025.  

As 8th lord, Saturn rules 

"beliefs of the masses, red-tape actions, speed of execution of works, easy gains, delays and obstructions, accidents, fatal accidents, epidemics, gold and precious stones, legacies, capital gains, floods, earthquakes, cyclones, storms, etc."

As 8th lord, Saturn is the most malefic planet in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart. However, the transit of Saturn in Aquarius, its Moolatrikona sign, makes Saturn strong, even if badly placed in the 8th house. At the same time, this is a somber placement, lacking the flair of e.g. Saturn in Leo.

Saturn earlier transited this sign from

• February 1905 to April 1907, a boom in "Trusts" leads to a financial crisis in fall of 1907,
• February 1934 to July 1937, the US economy is stabilised in the middle of the Great Depression,
• January 1964 to April 1966, first phase of the Vietnam War with growing loss of US lives,
• March 1993 to February 1996, Bill Clinton is President and US economy struggles to gain momentum.

Importantly, transit Saturn will move out of the seventh house, which promises relief for US foreign policy, international agreements and the leisure industry.

A change of signs by a slow moving planet is usually attended by some events that signify the associated change in national conditions.

•  On January 27, 2017, transit 8th lord Saturn entered Sagittarius and 6th house of conflict and illness. Establishment-hostile President Trump was sworn in, followed by increasingly hostile media coverage of him and his administration. 
• On January 25, 2020, transit 8th lord Saturn entered Capricorn and 7th house. The Covid pandemic and the impeachment trial of President Trump a few days from that date.

The transit of Saturn in Aquarius and the 8th house, into its own Moolatrikona sign and the 8th house is generally seen as good. When unafflicting or unafflicted it is indicative of easy gains and legitimacy, help from unexpected sources, protection from sudden reversals or relief from difficult situations. We may thus expect some event of that nature to take place in the third week of January. The labour movements in the USA may become stronger than they have been, making demands to raise wages and improve working conditions. Mining for oil and other resources may become more rewarding.

In 2023, Saturn’s stations will not be in the MEP, and will therefore not afflict other houses. However, such placements are seen in 2024, when transit Saturn will spend most of the year around 20°-23° Aquarius, or in the MEP of the 8th house, thereby aspecting and causing prolonged issues for public affairs (10th house), status and relations with neighbouring countries (2nd house) and the management, creativity and young people (5th house). 

1. With Saturn's entry into Aquarius, it remains weak in infancy for around one month that is up to the middle of February, 2023. This may be seen as a transition phase from the conditions of the past few years and what to expect in the coming year.
2. During 2023 transit 8th lord Saturn reaches its peak of 13° 01’ Aquarius and the 8th house. It then retrogrades on June 18, 2023.
3. From March 27 to April 30, 2023, transit 8th lord Saturn in 8th house receives a close aspect from transit stationary FM Ketu in the 4th house. At that time, sudden difficulties may occur with respect to obstacles and endings. At the same time, transit 8th lord Saturn will aspect transit stationary Rahu at 10° Aries and 10th house, suggesting obstacles and endings due to manipulations in the public sphere. These aspects peak in mid April.
4. From mid May to end July, 2023, transit 8th lord Saturn will station around 12° 30’ Aquarius and 8th house. It aspects sub-period lord 10th lord Mars at 10° Scorpio and 5th house, suggesting tensions for the government involving the management of the labour force. Union strikes are possible at this time.
5. From early October to end November, 2023, transit 8th lord Saturn will be stationary around 6° 30’ degrees Aquarius and 8th house. From there transit 8th lord Saturn aspects natal 6th lord Jupiter at 4° 25' Scorpio and 5th house, a violence inducing aspect, which could see setbacks for young people or children. In this placement, transit Saturn favours 6° Leo rising Donald Trump but is difficult for 10° Scorpio rising Joe Biden. 

RAHU & KETU

Transit Rahu remains in Aries and 10th house and transit Ketu in Libra and 4th house until November 28, 2023, when they pass, respectively, into 30° Pisces and 30° Virgo. The transit in the 9th and 3rd houses respectively, suggest disturbances to the indications of those houses, notably transportation and communication and the courts, but more so when transit Rahu in the 9th house aspect 8th lord Saturn at 27° Scorpio and 5th house as the year ends

Transit Rahu will station twice during the year, at 10° Aries from early March until early June 2023, and at 1° Aries from end August until end November 2023. In neither case do the nodes afflict natal planets or the MEPs of the SAMVA USA chart. However, they do afflict other transit FMs as noted above. Moreover, when the transit 2nd lord Sun passes over the stationary nodes has usually been accompanied by difficulty for the US President. The days in question are April 23 to 25 and October 17 to 19. The latter date is more extreme as transit 2nd lord Sun will be in abject weakness due to extreme infancy and being in its sign of debilitation.

Transit Ketu will station in the same degrees and periods in the sign of Libra and 4th house during the year, with the influences described above.

Sadly for women, 1° Gemini rising Kamala Harris, Vice President, who will be running Ra/Ke period in 2023, will likely have a very difficult time in the fall of 2023. She may not continue on the Democrat ticket heading into 2024.

SUMMARY

The USA is at a cross roads. Befitting the Moon major period from April 2022, there are forces that seek to make the country more tolerant and compassionate towards marginal communities but also illegal immigrants. The open border policy of the Biden administration is an expression of this sentiment. Moreover, this is in line with the traditional identity of the USA, as a caring nation. At the same time, there are those who feel that ordinary Americans have for too long been sidelined from the prosperity in the country. MAGA Republicans want to close the border and put Americans first. These opposing positions will likely be reconciled before this major period ends. 

The transits suggest temporary difficulties in the summer but more so in the fall, after the Moon-Rahu period begins. The public sector will likely see its share of conflict and confusion in the coming year. While the financial sector is not likely to flourish in 2023, the conditions facing labour are expected to improve, but also to be associated with problems, including how to deal with all the undocumented immigrant workers. Crony capitalism, the nexus of big money and politics, may become a target of a revitalised labour movement. 

REFERENCES

[1] Layout and insights gratefully acknowledged: "Saturn in Aquarius" by K. Rajesh Chaudhary, YourNetAstrologer.com, Gurugram, India, 2022. Link: http://yournetastrologer.com/saturn_in_aquarius.htm.

Accomplished Geminis

Persons with the visible constellation of Gemini (in the sidereal zodiac) rising over the eastern horizon at time of birth can make substantial contributions in their chosen field. Below are four notable case histories, including astrological analysis.

The Indian Astrologer and Author, K Rajesh Chaudhary and his late father, Vinod Kumar Choudhry, describe Gemini in the ascendant thus:

"Gemini is an airy sign ruled by MERCURY, the significator of communication and confidence. These factors with fairly strong SUN render the people born in Gemini ascendant with good power of speech and communication. They have an energetic nature and are always looking for change, interchange, motion and invention. If the mind is turned inwards, the native has the ability to progress far in the spiritual field.....Depending on the influences on the ascendant, the sign Gemini usually renders their natives with a sharp intellect and conscious mind, spontaneous, adaptable, analytical, educated, learned, helpful, with teaching abilities, intense sense of humor, wit and imagination....The people born in Gemini ascendant are persuasive, communicative and show diplomacy and tactfulness in their approach....There are less hurdles and setbacks in life, as Rahu and Ketu are the only functional malefic planets. The Moon, the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are functional benefic planets for the people born in Gemini ascendant. The Moon and Saturn act as Sun-like planets...A powerful, unafflicted and properly placed MOON blesses the people born in Gemini ascendant with good status, reputation, healthy living and happy family life," 

When the planets are strong and well placed, they promise good progress for their indications, especially when their periods operate and they are involved in benefic transits.

In an earlier article, the difference between those with Virgo and Libra in the ascendant was explored.

Albert Einstein 

Dr. Albert Einstein

Perhaps the most famous Gemini ascendant of all is Dr. Albert Einstein. He was a German-Swiss-American scientist, a physicist who developed the theory of relativity in 1905, and the general theory in 1916, laying the groundwork for 20th century physics and providing the essential structure of the cosmos. On 9 November 1922, he was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physisc, notably for his contributions to theoretical physics, especially for his discovery of the photo-electric effect law [1].  His name has been synonymous with genius, and the scientific definitions of the modern age--ranging from the Bomb to space travel, electronics and quantum physics - all bear the stamp of his conceptualizations. He died at about 1:15 AM on 18 April 1955 in Princeton, NJ. Just before New Year of 2000, Einstein's picture appeared on the cover of Time magazine as Person of the Century.

Einstein's horoscope

According to his birth certificate, Albert Einstein was born at 11:30 AM (local mean time: m10e0) on 14 March 1879 in Ulm, Germany (48n24, 10e0), giving 15° 16' Gemini rising. 

Einstein had a stellium of 4 planets in the 10th house, giving an inordinate emphasis on his public career. However, a lot depends on the nature of the planets and their interactions in the chart. In his case, all the planets there were functional benefics. meaning that their influence is positive in the life. 

- With 3rd lord Sun there, communication and vitality became important. However, as the Sun is weakened being in infancy, the vitality was not a defining characteristic. 

- Mercury as 4th lord of communication and deep interests is in the most effective point (MEP) of the 10th house. It gave him a profound interest in public expression. 

- As 9th lord Saturn ruling luck and preferment is also in the MEP, there is much preferment that guides his career. Finally, 

- With 5th lord Venus, ruling intelligence and creativity, exalted there, a fabulously successful career ensued. 

We should pay special attention to the close conjunction of a debilitated 4th lord Mercury, ruling analysis, and 9th lord Saturn. One one hand there is a lot of luck in the career. On the other hand, this conjunction suggests a mathematical bent. Einstein learned mathematics and spent his life in its application to the field of theoretical physics. Moreover, as both planets are in the most effective point (MEP) of the 10th house, they have a strong influence on the career and inner satisfaction deriving from the same. 

Of special interest is the debilitation of Mercury in Pisces. It suggests the analytical nature had to find expression through mystical insights. Indeed, most see Einstein's mind as having transcended normal logic, through his vast ability to comprehend with his mind the unseen nature of reality. The contribution of Saturn as 9th lord likely made a critical contribution to this ability. Moreover, the insights were expressed with unusual mathematical acuity and comprehensiveness, as Mercury's indications were helped by the lord of luck and structure, Saturn. As a result, Einstein's insights were considered mystical in their depth but also amazingly well structured, as his most famous equation suggests.

At the time of Einstein being awarded the Nobel prize, his Moon major period had just commenced. The 2nd lord of status, the Moon, is placed in the mystical Scorpio and 6th house of competition. It was transiting his 1st house MEP of self and fame on the day the award was announced.

John Nash

Dr. John Nash

Another successful Gemini is Dr. John Forbes Nash Jr., who was an American mathematician who made fundamental contributions to game theory, real algebraic geometry, differential geometry, and partial differential equations. Nash and fellow game theorists John Harsanyi and Reinhard Selten were awarded the 1994 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, popularly known as the Nobel Prize in Economics.As a graduate student in the Mathematics Department at Princeton University, Nash introduced a number of concepts, including Nash equilibrium and the Nash bargaining solution. which are now considered central to game theory and its applications in various sciences. 

In 1959, Nash began showing clear signs of mental illness, and spent several years at psychiatric hospitals being treated for schizophrenia. After 1970, his condition slowly improved, allowing him to return to academic work by the mid-1980s. His struggles with his illness and his recovery became the basis for Sylvia Nasar's biographical book A Beautiful Mind in 1998, as well as a film of the same name directed by Ron Howard, in which Nash was portrayed by New Zealand Australian actor Russell Crowe. John Nash passed away on May 23, 2015.

Nash's horoscope

According to his birth certificate John Nash was born at  07:00 AM (EST h5w) on 13 June 1928  in Bluefield, West Virginia (37n16, 81w13), giving 24° 16' Gemini rising.

With 4th lord Mercury in 1st house and on the edge of the MEP, there is wit and charm, but more so in the 5th decade of the life. Mars as 11th lord of goals and affiliations, and Moon as 2nd lord are conjunct in the MEP of the 10th house, giving plenty of status. With 7th lord Jupiter in 11th house, close partners and spouse become friends that sustain him. 

However, with 5th lord Venus and 3rd lord Sun in the 12th house, the mind can become troubled and vitality was less. Rahu is also there, suggesting confusion can add to the problems. As 9th lord Saturn is in the MEP of the 6th house, in aspect to 5th lord Venus, there is also an ability to solve complex mathematical problems. 

Likely, the placement of his 5th lord Venus, ruling mind, in the 12th house of losses, with Rahu there, adding confusion, contributed to his mental illness. However, the aspect of 9th lord Saturn in the house of illness, to 5th lord Venus, likely helped him manage the illness and return to a productive life. With 3rd lord of Sun in old age in 12th house, likely made his communication more challenging, when ill. His Sun major period ran from 1957 through 1962, followed by the more helpful Moon major period.

On 11 October 1994, it was announced John Nash had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. The Rahu-Sun period was operating with transit 3rd lord Sun in the MEP of the 4th house from where it aspected the Moon - Mars combination. Moreover, transit 5th lord Venus was conjunct 7th lord Jupiter in the 5th house, suggesting the joy that accompanied the award.

Arnold Schwarzenegger 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

A Gemini who mastered three different fields is Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is known as an Austrian and American actor, film producer, businessman, retired professional bodybuilder and politician who served as the 38th governor of California between 2003 and 2011. Time magazine named Schwarzenegger one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and 2007.

Schwarzenegger won the amateur Mr. Universe title at age 20 and subsequently won the professional Mr. Olympia title at age 23, winning the title an astounding seven times. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, and has written many books and articles about bodybuilding. 

He then went on to gain worldwide fame as a Hollywood action star, with numerous box-office hits including Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984) and Predator (1987).

On 26 April 1986, he married Maria Shriver, a niece of President John F. Kennedy, in 1986, having four children together. 

On October 7, 2003, Schwarzenegger was first elected Governor of California. In 2011, at the age of 64, he reached his term limit as governor and returned to acting. However, he does not have seen the same box office appeal as before, even if his popularity seems undiminished. 

In May of 2011, after he admitted to having fathered a fifth child with their housemaid in 1997, Maria Shriver announced their separation. Their divorce was finalized in 2021. 

Rise to fame

A defining moment in Arnold Schwarzenegger's body building career was the Mr. Olympia 1970 competition on 3 October 1970 at New York city's Town Hall. It was titled as The Arnold & Sergio Rematch. Arnold had challenged the reigning champion, Sergio Oliva, the year before and lost.

At the event, Arnold is described as having come out "strong as ever," but having improved his physique and posing technique. Meanwhile, "a less than ideal Sergio lost the spotlight." 

"The epic posedown showcased Sergio’s shortcomings and saw the 23 year old Arnold crowned the new King of Bodybuilding."

Schwarzenegger's horoscope

Based on his own account, Arnold Schwarzenegger was born at 04:10 AM (MEDT h2e, daylight saving time) on 30 July 1947 in Graz, Austria (47n05, 15e27), giving 25 58' Gemini rising.

With 4th lord Mercury in the MEP of its own non-Moolatrikona sign of Gemini, Schwarzenegger is famous for his quick wit, charming personality and handsome physique. 

At the 1970 competition, where Arnold became the leading body builder in the world, transit Mercury had entered its exaltation sign and 4th house, along with 3rd lord Sun. Transit 2nd lord of status, Moon was conjunct transit 5th lord Venus in the MEP of the 5th house, in opposition to 9th lord of luck, Saturn, in the MEP of the 11th house of goals. Meanwhile, transit 11th lord Mars was in the MEP of the 3rd house. It was a defining moment for his goals in life.

Not surprisingly, armed with his wit and winning charm, Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to become a major global movie star, despite his heavy German accent. In fact, his German accent turned the phrase "I'll be back" into a well loved trademark.

As Mercury aspects the 7th house, his 2nd lord Moon is placed there and 7th lord Jupiter is well placed in the MEP of the 5th house of creativity and romance, he made a home in a foreign country, the USA, and became famous there. He married a beautiful and accomplished lady who was already a nationally-known as a journalist. 

Vinod Kumar Choudhry 

V. K. Choudhry

A less well known Gemini, but important none-the-less, is Vinod Kumar Choudhry. As propounder of the Systems' Approach to Vedic Astrology, Mr Choudhry became famous in the world of horoscopic astrology, by infusing it will much needed clarity and efficacy.

Mr. Choudhry was born and raised in Gurugram, India. He obtained the Bachelor’s degree in arts from Punjab University and the MBA from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. His son, Krishan Rajesh Chaudhary, similarly educated, has contributed meaningfully to this body of work over the years. 

Mr. Choudhry joined a spiritual organization in childhood with his father at the age of 10, whose aim was to spread the teachings of Ramayana for peace, spiritual attainment and universal brotherhood.  

In the mid 1980s, when Mr. Choudhry began exploring the world of astrology, while holding a managerial position in the export sector, he found that because of the confusions, contradictions and inconsistencies in numerous classical principles many scholars were exploring various techniques, with mixed results. His motivation to enter the field astrology was to eradicate the existence of such confusions and contradictions, and to create a systematic approach for interpreting horoscopes and present the findings to all lovers of astrology. His findings with the initial Systems' Approach predictive techniques were published in the form of a book, Systems' Approach for Interpretation of Horoscopes in October, 1991.

For his valuable contributions to the field of astrology, a degree and several titles were conferred upon Mr. Choudhry. In 1995, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Alternative Medical Sciences by the Board of Directors of International Council of Alternative Medicines and the title of Dharam Yogi by the International Foundation of Peace, Fraternity and Humanistics in Mumbai. In 1996, the title of Vastu Shastra Samrat was bestowed on him by the International Council of Astrological Sciences in Mumbai, as well as the title of Sthapatya Ratna and Vastu Shastra by the Bhartiya Ved Jyotish Vigyan Sansthan in Modinagar. 

During his three decade teaching career, Mr. Choudhry attracted clients and students from all over the world before his passing on 11 August 2017.

It may be said that the contribution of Vinod Kumar Choudhry to Horoscopic Astrology is comparable to the contribution of Albert Einstein to Theoretical Physics.

Mr. Choudhry's horoscope

According to Mr. Choudhry himself, he was born at 12:30 A.M. (E05:30 STD) on 13 September 1951 in Delhi, India (77e18; 28n40), giving 13° 08' Gemini rising.

A stellium of four planets in the third house ruling communication. It explains how Mr. Choudhry,  along with his son, K. Rajesh Chaudhary, wrote 16 books that revolutionised the field of vedic horoscopic astrology. They have also developed and maintained a major educational resource, the website yournetastrologer.com.

Venus as 5th lord of intelligence is conjunct 4th lord Mercury in the MEP of the 3rd house. Ketu is at the edge of the MEP, suggesting the field of communication is an unusual one or with a spiritual emphasis. Finally, 3rd lord Sun is also there, adding authority to this area of activity.

With 7th lord Jupiter in the 10th house, Mr. Choudhry's professional reach became truly global. Importantly, both Mercury and Jupiter represent astrology, and they are very prominent in the chart of Mr. Choudhry.

Mars as 11th lord of goals and friendships is placed in the 2nd house of status in mutual aspect with 2nd lord Moon in the 8th house of transformation. Mr. Choudhry was a realised master, offering transformational insights through his teaching and guidance.

When his major book was published in October 1991, he was running the Jupiter - Moon period. Aside from transit 9th lord Saturn, which was in the 8th house, all the planets were in good houses, notably the third and fifth houses.

Summary

Above, we have seen four examples of interesting lives of very accomplished persons with Gemini rising in their charts, with important roles played by the placements of Mercury, Sun and Moon, as well as Venus and Saturn, in how their lives manifest and progressed. 

Nuke threat predicted

In late 2021, in the article Predictions for the USA in 2022, the following prediction was made;

A crisis is likely in the fall

1) "THE CRISIS THAT COULD UNFOLD WOULD therefore be expected to REVERBRATE THROUGH THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, foreign trade, the national legislature, and communal harmony, WITH A FEAR INDUCING EFFECT.

2) Some manipulation is likely to come to light, that generates a CRISIS MARKED BY PANIC OR FEAR.

3) 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."

These predictions have now been realised to a stunningly accurate extent. The link is to the fear that the planet Saturn produces as lord of the eighth house of death. In fact, when the Saturn major period in the SAMVA USA chart began, the threat of nuclear war was never greater, as described in the article Saturn and the fear of death in 1953. It is this fear that was reawakened in recent months. Adding to the fear, as well as domestic discord, is the transit station of Ketu conjunct the most effective point of the 4th house and natal Ketu in the chart.

1) In the fall of 2022, Putin shocked the world by threating to use nuclear weapons if the war in Ukraine did not go his way.

September 21: Putin warns West: Threat to resort to nuclear weapons ‘not a bluff’

October 6: Biden: Nuclear ‘Armageddon’ risk highest since ’62 crisis

October 9: Former Joint Chiefs Chair Mullen: Take Putin Seriously, He's a 'Cornered Animal'

Elon Musk @elonmusk on Twitter: "Nuclear war probability is rising rapidly"

October 14: Kremlin officials warn of 'guaranteed escalation' to 'catastrophic World War 3'

                   NATO Begins Nuclear Exercises Amid Russia War Tensions

October 15: Upcoming Russian nuclear exercises a challenge for the West

October 22: ‘Dr. Doom’ predicts NYC destroyed by nukes, storms in next 20 years

October 25: 'New, troubling developments' with Russia's nuclear arsenal -US official

October 26: Putin oversees ‘nuke strike on West’ during 'Operation Thunder' WW3 drills

October 27: Putin says coming decade will be 'most dangerous' since end of World War II

October 29: Putin laughs like movie villain after making sick nuclear apocalypse threat live on TV

November 6: Putin warned ‘Hiroshima & Nagasaki nuke attacks are proof you don’t need to hit major cities to win war’ in Macron call

2) Stocks fell sharply from mid August to mid October as the US dollar strengthened. Then stocks recovered as the dollar fell in value. In November, the crypto world went into panic over the collapse of a large exchange, with the price of  Bitcoin dropping from $22K to $16K. 

November 9: FTX Hurtles Toward Bankruptcy With $8 Billion Hole, US Probe

                      Bitcoin price drops below $16K after FTX-Binance deal falls through

November 12: Funds vanish at bankrupt crypto exchange FTX; probe underway

The following prediction was also made and it has also been realised:

"However, the transits also suggest significant financial problems are on the horizon for Americans and the world in 2022, especially in the fall."

3) In October, President Joe Biden came under significant pressure as predicted. The opposition criticised him for pushing NATO on Russia's doorstep, not doing enough to prevent the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe, given Putin's insane threats, and then scaring the public with intemperate remarks. As is normally the case, the real pressure for Biden was likely felt behind the scenes.

October 8: 'You Are Putting Fear in Americans, So Unproductive': Nikki Haley on President Biden's 'Armageddon' Warning to Russia

October 9: Biden’s ‘Armageddon’ comments ‘reckless’ and ‘foreign-policy failure’: Pompeo

Again, the SAMVA USA chart has shown its true colours, when the manifold transits were suggesting difficulty. However, it was also suggested that after these transits ended, that things would recover quickly, given the strong Moon major period influence. This was also recalled in the article New Age of Progress, published on April 11, 2022:

"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." 

UK: Accurate Prediction

On October 20, 2022, Liz Truss resigned as UK prime minister in a statement outside Downing Street. 

This turn of events had been accurately predicted based the 16° Virgo rising horoscope for the United Kingdom using the Systems' Approach to Mundane Vedic Astrology on the SAMVA discussion list.

On July 5, 2022, Thor (Cosmologer) wrote under the subject heading of "UK: Crisis in the fall"

"..., it looks likely that the heavy transit afflictions involving 12L Sun in 4H MEP in the fall MAY CREATE A CRISIS FOR THE PM THAT WILL BE HARD TO SURVIVE."

 The following was also predicted on July 23, 2022:

"Looking at the UK chart on Sept. 5, 2022, the selection of the new PM will likely be accompanied by a surge of optimism. However, the bonhomie will likely be short lived as LATER THAT MONTH SERIOUS PROBLEMS ARE LIKELY TO DESCEND as tr Rahu goes stationary in 8H MEP in exact aspect to 12L Sun in 4H MEP and tr 6L Sat becomes stationary conjunct 2L Venus in 5H."

In the event, on September 23, 2022, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced the biggest raft of tax cuts for half of century. Ms Truss and Mr. Kwarteng were of one mind on this budget plan. It strongly evoked the memory of Margaret Thatcher. Nonetheless, the financial markets immediately went into turmoil, as they realised that this plan might create funding problems for HM Treasury. On October 13, 2022, Liz Truss told Parliament she was not going to change the mini-budget. On the following day, she relented and sacked Mr. Kwarteng. She hoped that would stem the bleeding. Jeremy Hunt was then brought in to replace him. Mr. Hunt did a u-turn from the previous budget, calming the waters a bit. However, by then Ms. Truss had lost the confidence of her Party, with the predicted result.

 

It was also observed, based on a speculative horoscope for Liz Truss on July 23, 2022:

"[Liz Truss] seems to have adopted an "Iron Lady" persona but may lack the personal magnetism of Libra rising Margaret Thatcher to convincingly pull it off."

Further on  July 3, 2022, Cosmologer wrote on the subject of  "Crisis in the fall"

"The transits look exceedingly difficult for the UK this coming fall. In particular, the transit station of Rahu over 8L Mars in 8H in aspect to 12L Sun in 3H, while tr 8L Mars in 9H aspects natal 1L Metcury in 3H and tr 12L Sun is conjunct 1H MEP looks particularily challenging concerning the UK's identity and well being of its people. Moreover, tr stationary 6L Saturn will be conjunct 2L Venus in 5H while tr stat Ketu is in 2H MEP. The status and wealth of the country will be challenged."

_________

Finally, we may note that the challenging transits will continue for several more weeks.

In sum, this is another case of an accurate prediction being based on the trusted method the Systems' Approach and a national horoscope that has been tested with historical cases and earlier accurate predictions.

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.