NewsScope for September 30, 2008

Sarah Palin Under Scrutiny

Astrologers who have been tracking John McCain's horoscope may have been startled when he opened his remarks at last Friday's debate with this comment: "I've not been feeling too great about a lot of things lately". Although he went on to frame his statement in terms of the financial crisis, it reminded many viewers that this man is 72 and has a history of health problems.

John McCain (August 29, 1936; 8:38 am*; Cocosolo AFB, Panama) was born with Saturn  in his Sixth House of Health. This placement is under lifelong stress by being part of a Grand Cross, and as he debated last week, transiting Uranus -- the planet of unexpected action and surprises -- was exactly conjunct his Saturn. Many observers were taken aback when he decided to cancel his campaign until the bailout bill was secured.

While the Uranus transit can explain his abrupt turn, a closer look helps clarify what was really going on. Transiting Juno and Uranus were squaring each other last week as the two aligned with his natal Saturn. The involvement of Juno points to a break from his political partner, Sarah Palin, who had just conducted a disastrous interview with CBS anchor Katie Couric.

The Vice Presidential Debate is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm (October 2) when the Moon is at 22º Scorpio and squaring Palin's Aquarius Sun. Over the next hour, the Moon will square her Mars, suggesting that she'll be full of fire and on the attack. Then, during the following few hours, the Moon will square her Saturn (which is conjunct the U.S. Moon) as Americans weigh in on how well she fared.

Top Five Astro-Events for October

1. Mars enters Scorpio on October 4, energizing and intensifying American actions in the global village. Watch for new initiatives in diplomatic and military affairs, especially when Mercury turns direct on October 15 as Mars conjoins the U.S. Ascendant. Then, when Mars squares the U.S. Midheaven on the 27th, expect a major incident of violence in the news. 

2. Ceres opposes Neptune on October 11, but is a strong influence during the first two weeks of the month. Ceres in Leo brings out the paternal instincts, both in private families and government affairs. Ceres is the autocratic caretaker, while Neptune in Aquarius favors egalitarian principles that protect Main Street. Ceres-Neptune may also bring tainted food into the marketplace.

3. The Full Moon on October 14 offers an opportunity for reconciliation, healing, and cooperation, since the Libra Sun trines a compassionate and civil Neptune in Aquarius. The action-oriented Aries Moon sparks confrontations between independent idealists and those who favor consensus-building. The favorable Neptune influence allows a brief window for agreement and a new understanding.

4. Chiron turns direct on October 25 while conjunct the U.S. IC. Chiron has been hovering over this point for the last month, bringing a great deal of financial chaos (wounding) into America's domestic affairs. The transiting North Node is also on this point this month, indicating that a fateful new cycle is just beginning.

5. Saturn and Uranus oppose each other on November 4, but this aspect is a major influence throughout October. Saturn and Uranus represent clashing titans that can unsettle any sense of stability and order. Their interaction may lead to financial and social crises, unexpected developments in the political process, and spontaneous enemy action on the military front.

Paul Newman's Final Bow

When Paul Newman began his legendary film career in the 1950s, he was often mistaken for Marlon Brando. Both were domineering bad boys who studied at the Actors Studio in New York and then jumped to Hollywood. When Brando died, many remembered him for his bizarre excesses, while Newman's death last Friday offers a moment to honor his racing exploits and his humanitarian impulses.

Paul Newman was born with his Sun in emotionally cool Aquarius (January 26, 1925; 6:30 am; Cleveland Heights, OH) and his Mars dignified in Aries. Mars conjunct Chiron gives the impression of wounded pride, and a feistiness that flaunts independence and being an outsider -- traits which he expressed in Hud, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and many more of his 65 starring roles.

With Capricorn Rising, and Saturn -- his ruling planet -- located in the Tenth House  of Career, Newman was destined to dominate in his chosen profession, especially since his Saturn is favorably supported by Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Pluto. While his magnetic blue eyes and good looks indicate that superstardom came easily, his angular Mercury-Pluto opposition tells us that he was an ardent student of his craft.

Newman's 50-year marriage to Joanne Woodward (February 27, 1930; 4:00 am; Thomasville, GA) was exceptionally long by Hollywood standards. Her Juno in traditional Capricorn is conjunct his Ascendant -- a particularly favorable combination for a long union. Newman was once asked how they managed to stay together so long, and he said "Why have hamburger out when you can have steak at home?"

*McCain's birth time is rectified. See www.neptunecafe.com/mccain.html for details.

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