NewsScope for June 5, 2007

Merkel Hosts G-8 Summit on Global Warming

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has put global warming at the top of the agenda for this week's G-8 summit, but does not expect any agreement with the United States, which is offering a new initiative based on agreement among the world's top polluters. However, that initiative would allow a four-degree rise in global temperature by 2050, which Merkel has called a "dirty compromise". 

Angela Merkel was born with Mars rising in the cosmopolitan sign of Sagittarius (July 17, 1954; 5:45 pm; Hamburg, Germany), giving her toughness and a willingness to fight for her beliefs. Mars is given extra strength due to its conjunction with the Galactic Center, where it receives global vision. The Cancer Sun conjunct Uranus and the Moon in Aquarius double up her interest in universal issues.

Since she assumed office two years ago, transiting Pluto has passed back and forth over her already strong Mars, fortifying her efforts to unify the European Union around a plan of action. Transiting Pluto to Mars is uncompromising, and is reflected in her recent statement: "I will not allow the scientifically-based findings, such as those of the IPCC report of the United Nations, to be watered down."

While transiting Pluto to Merkel's Mars is actively engaged in long-term transformations, this week, during the three-day summit, the faster-moving Mars will be crossing her Fourth House cusp. Mars here is a troublemaker; it gives Merkel herself an extra dose of feistiness, but also corresponds to massive domestic protests. Mars entering her Fourth House of domestic security corresponds to increasingly violent clashes between protestors and the German police.

Fred Thompson Tests the Waters

Last week, actor and politician Fred Thompson shifted his presidential bid from "serious consideration" to actively "testing the waters." He's created a committee called "Friends of Fred Thompson" which allows him to legally accept campaign contributions, although he likely won't officially declare until July. A cosmic irony unfolds—perhaps one that only astrologers can appreciate—if Thompson wins the GOP nomination.

As a Leo (August 19, 1942; Sheffield, AL; time unknown), Thompson's larger-than-life figure (6'6"), and warm and engaging personality closely match his Sun sign's traditional profile. A Venus-Pluto conjunction in Leo adds to his charm, self-confidence, and dramatic expression. And as pundits and his adversaries suspect, his policies likely won't count as much as his friendliness and ability to play the role of president.

Although Hillary Clinton will most likely win her party's nomination, she suffers from high negatives, much of which are centered around her Saturnian stiffness and self-control. Her Saturn in Leo wants to feel spontaneous and warm, but gets caught up in judgments and what is proper behavior. Her Saturn is conjunct Bill Clinton's Sun in Leo, and the contrast between his warmth and her coolness parallels this Sun-Saturn connection.

Coincidentally, Fred Thompson was born on the same day as Bill Clinton (but different year). So his warm Leo Sun and her cool Saturn are likewise juxtaposed. Thompson's Venus-Pluto conjunction also resonates with Bill Clinton's Venus-Pluto sextile, a lusty combination that blends political power (Pluto) with beauty (Venus). Jeri Kehn, Thompson's 40-year old wife, is often characterized as being a trophy wife, but others say she makes him an attractive candidate.

LeBron James, the Promise Delivered

The stars were aligned just right for LeBron James last Thursday during Game 5 of the NBA playoffs. King James scored 48 points, including a record-breaking 25-in-a-row during the final minutes, to lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to a double overtime victory over the bad boy Detroit Pistons in what has been roundly hailed as one of the most exciting games in NBA playoff history.

LeBron James was born with his Sun in cautious Capricorn (December 30, 1984; Akron, OH, time unknown), a trait that came to haunt him during the first two games against the Pistons when he played too conservatively. However, by Game 3, transiting Jupiter had entered his natal Mercury-Uranus conjunction in Sagittarius, as his mastery and showmanship began to take over. As previously noted**, James' Mercury-Uranus gives him an incredible court sense.

Whenever Jupiter and Uranus align, spectacular, awe-inspiring feats become possible; the potential becomes manifest, and celebrity status bursts forth. Transiting Jupiter's conjunction with his Mercury-Uranus ignited his excitement for the game—and everyone else's as well. By the time Game 5 rolled around, the fast-moving Moon was also in Sagittarius, where it activated these underlying dynamics.

Theoretically, James was born with Jupiter rising (around 8:30 am), which would account for his ability to take and hold center stage, as well as his boundless enthusiasm for basketball. This puts his Moon at 12º Aries, a highly energetic, courageous placement that favorably trines his Mercury-Uranus. On Thursday evening, transiting Mars was conjunct his Moon, fueling his superhuman efforts. However, he was totally exhausted after the game, and needed IV fluids to guard against dehydration.

*For more on Fred Thompson and the other candidates, visit www.neptunecafe.com

**LeBron's rising star was first profiled in NewsScope May 27, 2003.

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