NewsScope for April 20, 2004

Planetary Occultations

Last week's mention of the Venus occultation inspired several queries about this celestial phenomenon. An occultation takes place when one planet moves in front of another to obscure, hide, or "occult" its view from Earth. Similar in interpretive value to an eclipse, planetary occultations can signal sudden and spectacular events, especially when they trigger underlying dynamics.

The shocking death of David Kelly (May 17, 1944), one of, the world's premier experts on biological weapons, is a case in point. Kelly allegedly committed suicide on July 18, 2003. The day before the incident, the Moon occulted Mars, giving the hint of a violent act. This Moon-Mars conjunction opposed Kelly's Chiron and squared his Uranus, activating a natal potential for sudden, self-destructive actions.

Another example is the Moon's occultation of Saturn in Gemini the day before the infamous 9/11 incident. This event spotlights the importance of Saturn and its zodiacal position. The occulted Saturn was exactly aligned with Osama Bin Laden's Saturn in Sagittarius, activating his ambition and perverse sense of moral authority. It's also perfectly trine the U.S. Saturn. In a national chart, Saturn represents its institutional structures, the object of Bin Laden's attack.

The Venus occultation* coming on June 8 takes place at 17 degrees Gemini. Individuals with personal planets near this degree zone, and especially in Gemini or Sagittarius, are the prime targets for this particular astro-event. A noteworthy example is President Bush's Uranus at 19 degrees Gemini, which is his link to the U.S. Mars and his military ventures. Coincidentally, Bush's progressed Sun will be conjunct his Mars on June 6.

The Coming of the Mahdi, Part 2

Last week's taped message from Osama Bin Laden revealed that he is alive and well, and still plotting on a global scale. Could Osama Bin Laden soon proclaim himself to be the "awaited enlightened one." the Mahdi? Some reports indicate that many of his followers have joined Al Qaeda because they believe he is the one Islamic prophecy predicts will arrive at the End Times.

Osama Bin Laden was born with his Sun in faith-oriented Pisces (March 10, 1957**). Throughout 2004 transiting Pluto is forming a dynamic square to his Sun, pushing him to assume as much personal power as he can imagine. Since fanatical Pluto is in the religious sign of Sagittarius, it's not unreasonable that he is positioning himself to claim the title of Al Mahdi.

The Venus occultation on June 8 is aligned with transiting Pluto and with Bin Laden's Pisces Sun, directly connecting him to this astro-event. Astronomically, Venus can be seen moving across the surface of the Sun, as it shifts from being the evening star to the morning star. Venus here could symbolize the emergence of a popular leader who had previously been undervalued or even underground.

As Pluto opposes the U.S. Mars, many Christian Americans steeped in their own version of the End Times may be more than willing to accept Bin Laden as the Anti-Christ. Now that radical Uranus in Pisces is activating Bin Laden's Pisces planets, many Muslims may also be willing to accept him as their savior. U.S. policy makers may already have plans for a global religious conflict rather than a war on terrorism.

Donald Trump, Billionaire Celebrity

Last week's finale to The Apprentice drew 28 million viewers, and became the year's number one most watched show in the coveted 18-49 age bracket. The few business maxims that were showcased were overshadowed by the presence of The Donald's snake-like flick of the wrist as he announced the dreaded boardroom decision, "You're fired!"

Donald Trump's horoscope (set for June 14, 1946; 9:51 am; Queens , NY ) was marked from birth with luck, confidence, and a taste for the good life. His Sun conjunct Uranus trine Jupiter promised unusually fortuitous windfalls as he followed his bliss (see NewsScope January 6 for more details). However, many people were born with similar placements. What makes Trump so special?

Many of Trump's planets happen to align closely with the U.S. horoscope, indicating that he personifies much of the American character. His Leo Ascendant is the same as the U.S. Leo Midheaven, giving him a leg up in the entertainment business. His Mars opposes the U.S. Moon, allowing him to act on popular trends. And with his Sun aligned with the U.S. Mars and Neptune, he has become the poster boy for the American Dream. (Editor's note: WolfStar uses a Scorpio Rising horoscope for the United States.)

Transiting Pluto opposed his Sun when The Apprentice began in January. Simultaneously, Pluto was also opposing the U.S. Mars, the war planet. In the business sense, Pluto here symbolizes the all-powerful tycoon challenging America 's best and brightest. Trump was placed in the unique position of being able to demonstrate the parallels between business and war, as hired apprentice Bill Rancic explained in his winning strategy, "I'm a killer—in business."

*See an in-depth summary of the Venus occultation, including a global gathering called the Oneness Celebration.

**For more on Osama Bin Laden's chart, see NewsScope September 18, 2001 and November 19, 2002.

See a gripping essay on bin Laden as the Mahdi.

Personal readings are available from Michael WolfStar.