|
On July 25,
peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian
leader Yasser Arafat broke off with no agreement. Though observers say
that progress was made, especially on the key issue of Jerusalem, there
was not enough movement to end the bitter dispute that has persisted for
thousands of years between Israelis and Palestinians.
U.S. President
Bill Clinton
told both parties they could come back to the bargaining table at Camp
David any time for further discussion. Senior officials of Israel and
Palestine have been meeting, but resumption of talks between the two leaders
could be months away. The coming buildup of planets in September, and
especially October, indicates that Israel and the Palestinians must resume
negotiations now, before long-simmering resentments suddenly erupt, plunging
that area into another period of violence and destruction.
The
Peace Summit
Before looking
ahead to the fall, it might be helpful to look at what was happening astrologically
during the peace talks at Camp David. The peace summit began July 12,
shortly after Jupiter, the planet that rules religion and belief systems,
entered the sign of Gemini on June 30. This transit of Jupiter indicated
that the time was right for dialogue between groups with religious differences.
Jupiter is the planet that shows what we believe in, and represents that
part of us that believes it knows the truth. In Gemini, Jupiter is more
open-minded and is willing to talk and discuss issues. The sign of the
twins is eclectic in its approach and can see value in many different
theologies and "isms."
Unfortunately,
the summit began while Mercury, the planet that rules Gemini and therefore
communication, was in retrograde motion. Communications during a retrograde
period generally fail to yield satisfying results. So while Jupiter was
ready to talk, nobody was listening. Predictably, the talks ended without
reaching an agreement.
Palestine
to Declare Sovereignty
Back in their
homelands, Barak barely survived removal from office because the right
wingers in his government thought he was making too many concessions,
while Arafat was hailed as a hero by his people for his stance during
the talks. Arafat reaffirmed previous statements that he would unilaterally
declare Palestine an independent sovereign state on September 13. Clinton
responded by saying that if statehood is declared, he would move the U.S.
Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Such a move would be a staggering
blow to the Palestinians because it in effect would say that the U.S.
considers Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. Politically the stage
is being set for a showdown.
On August
17, however, a ray of hope shone when Arafat, during a visit to Indonesia,
said that due to lack of international support he may reconsider the September
13 deadline. There are reports he may defer action until November.
The
Jupiter-Pluto Opposition
Now let's
look ahead to what will be happening with the planets during the coming
months as these crucial decisions are being made. On Monday, September
4, nine days before Arafat's announced deadline, Jupiter in Gemini will
transit to an exact opposition to Pluto in Sagittarius. This opposition,
which occurs approximately every twelve years, symbolizes a confrontation
between ideology (Jupiter) and power (Pluto). Pluto is the planet that
decides when things have gone far enough and there is a need for change.
Pluto harbors long-festering resentments and decides when it's time to
settle things.
When Pluto
gets into a face-off with Jupiter, the issue is always ideology of some
kind, whether political or religious. Sometimes, when these two planets
oppose each other, the world comes to a standstill and watches as tense
international events unfold. In 1962, it was the Cuban missile crisis.
In 1975, it was the fall of Saigon.
Enter
Mars in October
 The
opposition will occur with Jupiter at 10 degrees Gemini, exactly conjunct
Mercury in Israel's horoscope. Pluto will be at 10 degrees Sagittarius,
opposite Israel's Mercury. Mercury is the ruler
of Israel's Ninth House of religion and international
relations. It also rules Israel's Twelfth House of secret enemies.
During this
confrontation, matters, while tense, could be put on hold for awhile because
both planets will be practically motionless in the heavens. In fact, the
two planets will be trying to stare down each other from their positions
across the zodiac during most of September and October, and especially
during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
The situation
could heat up intensely, though, between October 4–13. On October 4, Mars,
the planet of aggression and anger, transiting in Virgo, will make square
aspects to Jupiter and Pluto. A square is an aspect of friction, and usually
results in action of some kind. On October 13, Jupiter in retrograde motion
will back up for another exact opposition with Pluto, with angry Mars
still in range of aspect.
Danger
from Extremists
At the time this three-planet formation takes shape, Mars will be near
Yasser Arafat's Virgo Sun. Pluto and Jupiter will be aspecting his Jupiter,
suggesting that he may be feeling unusually assertive and may back up
his promise to declare sovereignty with action. But even if he bows to
international pressure, and defers action, the real danger lies more with
fanatical extremists on either side being set off by the building tension.
The potential
for a very volatile situation exists in October, but it can be averted.
The key is to heed the underlying message of the Gemini-Sagittarius polarity
containing Pluto and Jupiter. These mutable signs represent either wisdom
or ignorance. Both sides need to talk, but, more importantly, they both
need to listen. Wisdom can conquer ignorance.
|
