|
The
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) came about to assist indigenous peoples
in their adjustment to the white population explosion and the pioneer
invasion of their open lands. Now, it finds itself apologizing for its
policies and actions.
 The
Bureau of Indian Affairs received ratification by Congress on June 30,
1834. Charged with the Cancerian task of securing the domestic adjustments
of the Native People, the BIA set out on its fateful course. But the
natal Sun in Cancer squares stern Saturn in Libra in the organization’s chart.
As history reveals, destructive relocation marches (Saturn square Sun
in Cancer can symbolize loss of homeland) to inhospitable conditions (Saturn,
especially in the aesthetic Libra), a black market for food staples (Cancer)
and the erosion of a once-proud culture all resulted from BIA efforts.
Proud
Mercury and Venus in Leo oppose Neptune in Aquarius in the BIA chart.
While Neptune in Aquarius brings visions of social perfection and racial
melding, it can also inadvertently polarize into views of social or cultural
superiority. Neptune can also go off on fearful, paranoid tangents (Indians
scared whites with their indigenous nature, ceremonies and culture).
Opposing Neptune, the pride of the natal Leo planets (dramatically demonstrated
by both white and red people), magnified the self-righteous views and
social crises. Mercury represents learning, children and native tongues.
Venus refers to the women and female side of culture—ceremony and ritual.
Children (Mercury) were stripped from the women (Venus) and placed in
Indian schools (Mercury). If they spoke their language, they were beaten.
Their hair (Venus being appearance) was cut, which in some cultures prevents
ceremonial participation (Venus). Because of this, many tribal ways died
in the process of federal indoctrination.
The
BIA Apologizes
In
September of 2000, the head of the BIA, Kevin Gover (himself a Pawnee)
apologized to all indigenous peoples, proclaiming in an impassioned statement
that the BIA would never again interfere with tribal culture, religion,
language or pride in heritage. He apologized for the massacres, intentionally-spread
diseases and the introduction of alcohol. At the time of Gover’s speech,
transiting Saturn stood guard over natal Jupiter in Gemini in the BIA
ratification chart. Saturn’s movement prompted the acknowledgment of
the organization’s culpability for its shameful history. Natal Jupiter
refers to the mission statement, purpose and policy of an organization.
The transit offered the undeniable realization that the
BIA’s original aspirations missed their mark. Further, Gemini (sign of the
twins and siblings) contributed its view that white and native culture
ought to stand side by side without rivalry.
Over
the next months, both transiting Saturn and Jupiter (stationing at about
a degree away from the BIA Jupiter) will refresh their relationship with
the BIA’s birth Jupiter. Adding the influence of natal Chiron (the wounded
healer) in Taurus (more strongly stimulated by Saturn’s transit), we see
the deep need for healing. Somehow, saying “We’re sorry,” does not reverse
the abuses or resurrect the dead. Although it makes sense to the
Mars in Taurus of the BIA chart, economic compensation cannot even begin to
offset the wrongs.
Another
thing to note is that Gover apologized only for the BIA. The words did
not come from the White House. However, President
Clinton’s advisor on Indian issues did not object to the
speech. Still, even with efforts for reconciliation, the BIA’s Saturn
square the Sun prevails—it’s just not enough. With Saturn in Libra, the
peace-making efforts lack the full sanction of the highest governmental
offices. Native leaders want a complete federal apology, sanction and
sovereignty.
Both
Jupiter and Saturn are currently transiting the BIA’s natal Jupiter, bringing
to the surface issues of philosophy, religion, belief, purpose and unbiased
considerations. Now the BIA needs to take the lead. Use the momentum and
lobby with the White House.
Kevin
Gover’s message encourages all of us not to repeat the past (Saturn),
but to learn from it (Jupiter). Knowing the bias (a low-end Jupiter quality)
demonstrated by this arm of the United States government, let us ensure
that such ideas never again poison the planet, bringing cultures to the
brink of extinction. It is a Jupiterian prayer cast to the four winds
for all governments (Saturn) of the planet to hear. Maybe such an offering
is what the ancestors (Saturn) need to hear to find lasting peace.
*Two
previous attempts to form the BIA occurred under Secretaries of War Henry
Knox, August 7, 1786, and John C Calhoun, March 11, 1824.
|
