Week of March 3

Very few people like war. Probably fewer yet like the threat of terrorism, or living under a government that supports terrorism and forces its citizens to live in fear, and denial of basic human rights. But how do you counter the threat of terrorism without force? And what do you do when such a huge number of the world body opposes the use of force, at this time, to counter the threat of terrorism? This is the dilemma facing world leaders today, as we begin a New Moon on March 2 in the Pisces, the sign of peace, but forming a wide T-square to Saturn and Pluto, principles signifying the continued threat of terrorism.

Despite the delay in the use of force to disarm Iraq, and specifically remove Saddam Hussein, President Bush appears more determined than ever to carry out this plan. In the past week, following the massive worldwide protests against the use of force, and the objections of several members of the United Nations Security Council pending further time allowance for the weapons inspectors in Iraq, President Bush has declared that time has run out. But has it? And exactly why the insistence on the use of force right now, and apparently against the will so many people and leaders everywhere? Perhaps the study of astrology can shed light on the reasons behind current world tension?

In this quest, it may be helpful to consider the charts of both the United States as well as George W. Bush. Regardless of which July 4 chart one uses for the United States, Mars is posited at 21 Gemini, square to Neptune at 22 Virgo. Transiting Saturn has been stationary at 22 Gemini for the past month, and will be for most of March. Mars in a country's chart (or an individual's chart) represents the urge to be aggressive, to take initiative and action in a matter. It is considered the planet of war. Saturn as a transiting planet tends to coincide with delays, or frustrations, to the principle of whatever planet it aspects. So here we find a delay in the war, or a frustration to the initiative that the U.S. wishes to put into action.

Frustration in doing what one wants to do usually leads to anger, and a desire to steamroll ahead anyway, even if by force. With natal Neptune also involved in a hard aspect to this transiting Saturn, one can be vulnerable to great criticism. The combination of Saturn and Neptune can be akin to paranoia, fears of a trust being violated, and even accusations that portray the native (in this case, the US) in a distrustful light. This is certainly happening as the United States continues to force the issue of war on Iraq without consent from the majority of the world body, let alone the Security Council of the U.N. And, as other nations voice their opposition to its position, the United States' leadership in turns feels a frustrating violation of trust from its allies, like France and Germany. Instead of becoming a unified coalition, what we see instead is a breakdown, a fragmentation of support, and even the creation of a new political division in the world amongst the so-called "allies." And with this comes a great deal of uncertainty concerning the future of the investment climate in the world. Stock indices are under pressure, and their values decline.

People talk about rebuilding Iraq "after the war." But just as important will be rebuilding the trust of the community of allies "after the war." With actions taken under a strong Saturn transit, the consequences of any ill will can last a long time. And one wonders about the long-term impact upon world financial markets if there truly is a lasting split among the allies that make up a great part of the global financial community. The future would look a lot more promising from an economic point of view if there was a sense of support and trust between the world leaders, and especially concerning the role of the United States. Every time the White House makes a statement that they are willing to "go it alone if necessary," with or without the support of the United Nations or even its own allies, the US and world stock indices fall. There is a message in this phenomenon about the future of the world economy, and it has to do with the historical correlation of this phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle. As stated many times before in this column, from the opposition of these two planets to the conjunction (2002-2020), debt increases, taxes increase, and stock markets become stagnant. It is usually not a favorable investment climate. It is a time when one must relearn the virtue of saving money and protecting capital.

President Bush was born July 6, 1946, 7:26 am, in New Haven, Connecticut, according to the AstroDatabank. Presently Jupiter is sitting right on the tight conjunction between his natal Mercury, Pluto and Ascendant. It will remain there through mid-May. This is an aspect suggesting great confidence, strong conviction to his beliefs, and generally great success to his campaigns. He wins the battles now. But will he win the "war" in the long run? And by this, I don't mean just the physical aspect of war. I mean the goal of a safer world, a world of greater cooperation and trust, and a prosperous and healthy world economy for our children?

His progressed Midheaven is currently at 19 Gemini, conjunct his natal Uranus and Lunar North Node, showing an amazing propensity for acting independently and even rebelliously. Uranus can appear like a maverick, although I am certain he and his supporters do not see him as the rebellious one. But what is really a concern to astrologers may be the transiting Pluto in opposition to his progressed MC and natal Uranus and Lunar Node configuration. Pluto is a signature that—in opposition—has a tendency to incur the wrath of others, even hatred. Instead of building bridges of cooperation, it instead experiences a breakdown in support structures that then require an incredible healing, or reform effort, to correct later on. Oftentimes they are never repaired. Damage is done that simply wasn't realized by everyone involved at the time. So, will we really be able to rebuild Iraq? And more importantly, will we be able to rebuild a world coalition that supports one another in trade, political and military matters?

For two years beginning in June 2003, George Bush and the United States will have to endure transiting Saturn in Cancer, over its natal Sun. The government (and president) is apt to act like a parent to its citizens, whom it treats like children, inferring that it knows what is best. But that is apt to change severely when Saturn next moves into Leo in 2005-2007. The children are apt to rebel and take control of its leaders, if they see them as overly controlling. The last time this transit occurred was 1973-1977. In the US, President Nixon was forced to resign due to many of these same principles. History doesn't have to repeat this way, and the key with Saturn in this sector of the zodiac is to be mutually respectful of each other's voice, without conveying the impression of being the sole authority on what is right for everybody.

Last week many stock markets in the world made new multi-year lows, as the prospect of an imminent war in Iraq were rekindled. The German Dax, the Netherlands AEX and the Swiss stock markets all fell to their lowest levels since 1996. All rose by Friday's close, suggesting the possibility of a continued rally into this week. But that, of course, will depend upon the political and military outlook as we start this next week. In the Far East, the Nikkei fell again to an interweek low of 8267, just 70 points off its 20-year low, as it formed yet its fifth bottom in the 8200 area since last October. If it holds, it suggests a strong base for a powerful rally. But it is once again vulnerable to breaking, and accompanied by a mini-financial panic if it does. In the US, the NASDAQ continued to perform well. After dropping to 1292 mid-week, it rallied to close at 1337.50, near its high for the week, and with technicals pointing to higher prices yet. And yes, the continued threat of war could dampen that outlook still. But Saturn is still in trine to Uranus (technology) most of this year, so continued support underlies this market.

This next week will find transiting Mars entering Capricorn, March 4-April 20. As discussed before, the entire period of Mars transiting Sagittarius and Capricorn (January 17-April 20) is a time in which there is great likelihood of a military conflict in the Middle East. The possibly of a war remains high. The transiting Sun will soon begins its T-square to Saturn and Pluto, March 9-13, which becomes a more specific high probability zone for military conflict. And yet, with Uranus also entering Pisces March 10, the surge in world opinion wanting - demanding - peace, is also increasing.

My best guess is that Mr. Bush wants to get this war started and ended quickly, so he can begin the process of diminishing the almost unbearable tension (Saturn stationary) that permeates not only this country, but the entire world. The reduction of this tension is, I believe, essential to his prospects of being re-elected next year. Otherwise the children will likely rebel early, as the Democrats will seize upon the question, "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?"

Once again, we would like to remind readers that our Forecasts for 2003 book is now available, and for further information, please visit our website.

Disclaimer: No guarantee as to the accuracy of this report is being made here. Any decisions in financial markets are solely the responsibility of the reader, and neither the author nor the publishers assume any responsibility at all for those individual decisions. Reader should understand that futures and options trading are considered high risk.

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