NewsScope for December 30, 2008

Israel Airstrikes Ignite Protests around Islamic World

Last week, as transiting  Mars and Pluto formed their powerful conjunction in early Capricorn, tension around the world's hotspots escalated to dangerous levels. Pakistan moving troops to its border with India was a major concern, as were confrontations in Zimbabwe and the Philippines. But the breakout conflict that roiled the Middle East was Israel's deadly airstrikes in Gaza that killed over 200.

Israel's horoscope (May 14 1948; 4:37 pm; Tel Aviv, Israel) reflects these tragic events, especially when considering its progressed chart. For astrologers who prefer Israel's 4:00 pm horoscope, compare and contrast how well each one performs. Primarily, the 4:37 pm chart shows the progressed Ascendant at 1º Libra, which the current transiting Mars-Pluto conjunction (at 1º Capricorn) is squaring.

The progressed Moon tells the story of how this action unfolded. Hamas and Israel signed a cease-fire agreement 18 months ago, as Israel's progressed Moon entered its 12th House. That cease-fire allowed Hamas to rule Gaza, as Israel played a wait-and-see if this works strategy. When the cease-fire ended on December 20, Hamas militants began lobbing mortar into Israel.

Israel's progressed Moon entered the First House of action as the cease-fire ended. Its position at 1º Scorpio is in concert with its progressed Midheaven, progressed Mercury (at 1º Cancer), and transiting Mars and Pluto—all working together in an explosion of repressed frustration over the Hamas insurgency. Over the coming months, transiting Saturn and Uranus will be squaring Israel's Uranus, which rules its 4th House of domestic conditions. Israelis won't rest easily under this cosmic challenge.

Top Five Astro-Events for January

1. Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5, and for the next year brings benefits to those who know how to network, build within systems, and participate in group think. Jupiter here advances through team work and with the aid of friends. Internet connections are exceptionally favored January 22-30 as Jupiter trines Pallas.

2. Mercury turns retrograde on January 11 while in a very close square to the U.S. Scorpio Ascendant and Obama's Neptune. For the next three weeks, the president-elect will be busy undoing the Bush agenda, rethinking the economic stimulus package, and promoting plans that will soon have to be reversed or amended.

3. Transiting Saturn squares the U.S. Mars on January 23, assuring that the military front is a chief consideration for the new administration. The U.S. Mars is also associated with the auto industry, and so the Big Three's perils will likely weigh heavily on Team Obama. In mid-February, transiting Uranus squares the U.S. Mars, keeping the pressure on.

4. Venus in Pisces is conjunct Uranus on January 21, providing a window for some spontaneous romance. This relatively minor astro-event becomes major since Venus also sextiles Mars and opposes Saturn, making for some dynamic relationship developments from January 20-24. The strong sexual tension in the air can create new situations between friends and lovers.

5. The New Moon in Aquarius on January 26 is conjunct Jupiter and Juno, providing a fascinating new start for anyone with planets in early Aquarius or the other fixed signs. This combination favors partnerships of all kinds, but especially those where the diverse partners are treated as equals. Watch for big developments in legal proceedings, especially related to the rights of individuals.

Gisele Bundchen's Mega-Venus

According to Guinness World Records, Gisele Bundchen is the world's richest super model, with a new worth of some $150 million. She's graced the covers of virtually every fashion magazine around the globe, has her own line of shoes and sandals, and signed a $20 million deal to pose for Playboy's September 2007 issue. Last week she agreed to marry pro football quarterback Tom Brady.

Gisele Bundchen was born with her Sun in soothing Cancer and Moon in sexy Scorpio (July 20, 1980; 5:00 pm; Tres de Maio, Brazil), an enigmatic, feeling-oriented combination that oozes sensitivity and imagination. These water sign placements are highly attuned to their environments, and can be moody and unreasonable when under stress. But her Capricorn Ascendant assures a lifestyle that is all business.

Like all super models, Gisele's Venus is well aspected. Venus rules her Libra Midheaven and forms a close trine to Pluto in the Tenth House of her professional role. This astrological success formula allowed her to become a renowned beauty by the time she was 15 years old and she took second place in Brazil's Elite Look contest. Her Venus in charming Gemini is further enhanced by aspects to all the outer planets.

Tom Brady (August 3, 1977; San Mateo, CA; time unknown) was born with his Mars in Gemini—not far from her Venus. Tom's Mars is as well aspected as her Venus: it's perfectly trine Pluto, and is enhanced by several additional aspects, including an exact sextile to his Leo Sun. He proposed to her on Christmas Eve, as transiting Pluto was exactly trine her Juno, the marriage asteroid.

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