Oct 2022: Trump target of Thor's Hammer

Is Goofy Face Politician in Trouble?

by Jude Cowell

With yesterday's resolution by the J6 Committee to subpoena Donald Trump, we find that a Thor's Hammer, with the Saturn-Uranus square at its base, now points to transit Mercury @5Libra and to Trump's natal 2nd house Neptune @5Libra. On an astrological level, this aspect pattern symbolizes the stress and pressure the orange insurrectionist is under from fighting against authority (Saturn-Uranus square) along with his natal Neptune's eroding effects, lawbreaking, thieving tendencies, lies, and fraudulent schemes perpetrated by a fellow who pretended to play president while acting as a foreign agent in the White House.

So let's break down conditions a bit more using the lens of Astrology:

Under the influence of a Saturn-Uranus square, actors of a certain rebellious mindset often act out as if they're a law unto themselves. Resistent to authority, they're emotionally volatile and may resort to violence. Their activist tendencies seldom if ever benefit society on a positive level. Troublemakers!

Reading the pattern (aka, a Fist of God) as midpoint pictures we have potentials for:

Saturn-Uranus = Mercury: 'necessary changes; separation; making great demands on nervous energy; ability to hit back under provocation and to organize resistance' (R. Ebertin); 'monotonous politicians' (M. Munkasey); 'necessary stages of rethinking' (N. Tyl).

Add Trump natal Neptune: 'inability to face emotional stress, falsehood or malice caused through weakness; resigning oneself to the inevitable, abandonment of resistance; weakening strength; mourning, bereavement (RE); 'the delusion that change will improve traditional methods' (MM); 'breakdown under pressure; feeling lost; a new vision fighting to be understood; sadness' (NT)

Plus, with communicating Mercury conjunct the orange menace's natal Neptune, papers, documents, and keys are misplaced or hidden (more documents secreted in other places), and investigations lead to more questions (they do). Confusion clouds issues, facts try to hide, and travel over water may be indicated. Significantly, both Mercury and Neptune relate to theft and gaslighting the public, while America continues to be assaulted by Trump's Mercury-Neptune square of deception, sneaky schemes, spying, and misperception.

And of course, there's Mercury's traditional role in commerce as a trader - of secrets? Then in Trump's case, it's traitor.

Previously on SO'W: America's initial Mercury-Neptune Cycle. Also see: Trump's natal Mercury in Cancer (note that gossipmongering coordinates well with blackmailing for the purpose of manipulating people).

Roman Empire: Birthday of the New Order

Horoscope of the Roman Empire (Campion #255):

13 January, 0027 BC; 11:10:04 am GMT Rome, Italy: ASC 4Tau34; Midheaven ('MC', The Goal) 18Cap32; Sun 21Cap34, Moon 3AQ43; Mercury 26Cap19 (conjunct US natal Pluto Rx 27Cap33) opposing Pluto Rx 26Can52 (confess your secrets); Thor's Hammer pattern (aka, a Fist of God) with the Jupiter-Neptune square at its base (see upper right for details) and pointing toward the people's Moon (confusing real with unreal).

Goddess planet Venus Rx @10AQ51 as chart-ruler makes no applying aspects which emphasizes 10th house and Venus in Aquarius (protection via sponsorship; peculiar ideas and plans - R. Ebertin); disruptive Uranus (not discovered until 1781 but we see it there) @12Sag56 conjuncts South Node of the Moon (preserving traditions against new social movements).

For major karma there's restrictive Saturn Rx and powerful but hidden Pluto Rx at the bottom of the chart in the area of The Foundation and/or Roots and suggesting the extreme, often harsh, control at the Basis of the Roman Empire's authority through the centuries, authority that was transmuted into the realms of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the Pope:

Then expansive Jupiter Rx 20Gem58 in 2nd house leads a ruthless Locomotive shape of the planets and will return to his (the Pope's?) natal position three times in 2024 into 2025:

1. September 24, 2024; 2. October 24, 2024; and 3. April 29, 2025. All three Return horoscopes are significant particularly the second and third, both of which show forceful T-Squares from Mars-oppo-Pluto to the Sun. Accidents, injury, shocks, and/or violent measures are potentials (R. Ebertin). Jupiter in Mercury-ruled Gemini has philosophical interests but the research can be on a superficial level.

Then note that the chart's MC = 1993's Uranus-Neptune Conjunction/s, planetary duo of The Enlightenment - in our era, a major signpost on the path to a New World Order. At MC, Uranus-Neptune suggests utilizing the right side of the brain, and/or 'guidance sought from other realms or never-before tapped sources' (N. Tyl). And with the Mercury-Mars midpoint also at MC, 'courage' is indicated along with the potential for 'retaliation' (R. Ebertin).

Now to me the Sabian Symbol that most closely applies to the Roman Empire in 'the goals department' (MC) and to current events is "18 Capricorn": The Union Jack Flies From a British Warship" = "Keynote: The protection afforded to individuals and groups by powerful institutions in charge of maintaining order. {} Where this symbol appears, the need for protection may be in evidence--or it may be a warning against using power for selfish advantage. {} It brings to us a realization of the ambivalence of POLITICAL POWER, its value and its dangers." (An Astrological Mandala, Dane Rudhyar #ad).

Perhaps we agree that the 'using power for selfish advantage' yacht left the harbor a long time ago.

Gemini-Sagittarius: Ethics and Morality

Penned on the chart in 8th house you see "PE 20Sag08 opposite Jupiter" which marks the position of the Prenatal Solar Eclipse of the Roman Empire. However, 0027 BC is simply too long ago and I have no information on the eclipse, its Saros Series, themes, etc. But I can say that an eclipse opposed by Jupiter (20Gem58) indicates that the observance of correct moral practices is a must for best results, and the strongest temptation leading to ethical errors is via Jupiter's house, here the 2nd house of Money and Values. These karmic issues are always around but they prominently surface during the years in which a solar eclipse in the (mystery!) series repeats, a cycle of 18.6 years, and this is a process that no person or entity on Earth can escape. Yet through the eclipse cycle, the Cosmos gives us multiple opportunities for dealing more positively with recurring events and ethical conditions if we wish to evolve and progress, or, if neglected, karmic blocks continue and may very well fester.

Additonal note: as you see, the Roman Empire's Mercury was conjoined by America's Pluto in 1776 as it is by transiting Pluto now, suggesting that previous methods of control and manipulation are altered for more efficiency.

Ohio Horoscope: Trump's First MAGA Rally since 1/6

Monday June 21, 2021: It has been announced that Tr*mp's first MAGA 'Save America' Rally since his failed January 6th insurrection (aka, his attempted neo-nazi coup of the US Congress intended to keep his wide caboose lounging in the Oval Office by stopping America's peaceful transfer of power) is scheduled for June 26, 2021 7:00 pm edt at the Lorrain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio. At last his circus barker personality can fully express itself within its native environment!

So it occurs to me that perhaps a dear reader or two of this post would care for a peek at a 7:00 pm horoscope set for this exciting political event (assuming the rally isn't cancelled). Note that most of Tr*mp natal planets are penned around the outside of the chart and are highlighted in lavender. You'll want to note the Mars-to-natal Pluto transit for its karmic intensity and possible expressions of jealousy and revenge:

Naturally, it's doubtful that Tr*mp's June 26th appearance and evening of rhetoric (whines, belly-aching, falsehoods, insults) will actually begin at 7:00 pm precisely and if so, this chart may act primarily as a symbolic or speculative horoscope for those who keep up with such things. But as you see, warring Antares rises at 7:00 pm but Tr*mp's first natal planet to rise is his Moon @21Sag12 closely preceded by his South Node, a combo that does not make for the best timing or the most popularity with the public. Of course, his 10th house Sun-North-Node conjunction in sparkling Gemini gives him plenty of contacts with the public but for emotional, unconscious reasons (Moon-SN) things don't always turn out so well for 'His Touchiness'.

And actually, this horoscope suggests to me that with chart-ruler Jupiter retrograde ('Rx') in the 3rd house of Communications and making no applying aspects in the chart, his reception may not be quite as uplifting for this narcissist extraordinaire as he wishes, plus, a Rx chart-ruler tends to denote some form of delay if not cancellation. However, his grand Jupiterian utterances will probably be repetitious (Rx) even though they may begin later than advertised. And with Jupiter and Mercury issues in evidence it's even possible that travel difficulties may occur.

Meanwhile, there's the rally's Midheaven ruler Mercury, planet of oration, speeches, and messages (happy in one of his own signs) for it also makes no applying aspects which is why I splashed, "A speech that goes nowhere?" across the MC angle, the most visible point in any chart and The Goal or Aspiration Point. And yet Mercury @16Gem46 (7th house) turned Direct on June 22nd, and conjuncts royal star Rigel ('to bring knowledge to others; to educate'). But as you see, traveling with transit Mercury is asteroid Cupido which signifies The Family, Corporatism, and/or The Syndicate (a reference to underworld criminal elements).

Well yes, Tr*mp will 'bring it' (although 'it' may be more on the gossip or overpromising side than the knowledge side) but that doesn't mean his rhetoric will impress anyone but the most zealous fanatic and bigot. Plus, scandals are never far away from this amateur politician and much can go astray during the 5 days until June 26th.

So in closing, for your consideration here are two dynamic planetary patterns in the 7:00 pm horoscope detailed as midpoint pictures of potentials using Reinhold Ebertin's and Michael Munkasey's interpretations:

T-Square: Mars-Saturn = Uranus: an unusual power of resistance; application of brute force; sudden accident or illness; separation or a case of death. And Mars-Saturn with US Inaugural Ascendant ('14Taurus') = separation; obstacles; illness; mourning.

Thor's Hammer (or, Fist of God): Saturn-square-Uranus = MC: releasing old ideas that no longer work (new whines in an old, out-of-shape bottle? jc); accepting change; rebellion; provocation; separation.

And if you will, please Share if you care! jc

DC Horoscope: Summer Solstice 2021 w Jupiter Rising

Summer 2021: Karma and Tension Yet Jupiterian Optimism

by Jude Cowell

February 25, 2021: Below you see the DC Horoscope of Summer Solstice 2021 set for the moment on June 20th 11:32:23 pm edt that the Sun reaches 00Cancer00:00 in our hemisphere. As you see, the 2021 Summer Solstice Moon @9Sco26 falls into the 9th house when the chart is set for Washington DC, Sun is in the 5th house, and together the two luminaries create a Double Water blend of energies. Rising in 1st house is stationing Jupiter @2Pis11 which turned retrograde 12 hours 27 minutes ago, followed by Neptune:

Chart-ruler and co-ruler, Saturn and Uranus, retain their disagreeable square relationship, here from 12th house to 3rd house but separating, suggests a continuation in Summer 2021 of conflicts between the status quo, or The Establishment, vs th radical, disruptive forces of zealotry and anarchy. Plus, in futuristc Aquarius, karmic Saturn in Politics tends toward progressive policies which angers radical reactionaries even more in their quest for control. All in all, tremendous tension and frustration simmer and erupt when stirred off and on by bad faith actors as we've seen over and over again with the January 6th Mob Attack a crescendo - and a 'dry-run' for more.

Meanwhile, whatever financial aid and improvements the Biden administration intends to put in place to help the beleagured American people, and whatever level of optimism exists within the Sun-Jupiter trine, funding of various kinds may recede, and opportunities may be withdrawn since financier-corporatist-politician-guru planet Jupiter retrogrades in June. For as you know, periods of Jupiter Rx are always significant to political proceedings as well as financial matters and conditions. Plus, religious concerns and military issues will also be affected (Jupiter The Hierophant, and The General).

However, with Stationing Jupiter, altruistic in its traditional sign of compassionate Pisces, we may hope the Great Benefic's favors will extend for a while, then pick up once Jupiter turns Direct in mid-October 2021 @22AQ19. It seems significant that the only applying aspect to the Solstice 2021 Sun - and the closest - is the trine with Jupiter! Perhaps the protective function of Jupiter plus, the protective Fire Grand Trine of spontaneity and confidence will defend many lives and lift conditions above the bad-loser vibes of the 'previous guy' and his hate-filled comrades. For violent implications, check the chart, lower left, for the T-Squares and their midpoint potentials, plus, lower right, is a Thor's Hammer (or, Fist of God) between the Moon-Mars square with its anger issues and lack of empathy, and deceptive Neptune in Pisces.

That both Jupiter and Neptune in 1st house are in the intercepted sign of Pisces identifies some of the karmic conditions we face across the victim-savior axis of Virgo-Pisces (exs: income inequality; minimum wage increase), plus, large events involving water and other liquids are indicated which suggests natural disasters and may suggest issues that concern the Green New Deal (Jupiter, the 'Jolly Green Giant'?). Additionally, Jupiter-Neptune's tendencies toward fraud, inflation, and other speculative financial schemes will be on the rise and must be dealt with. And tiresomely, the Jupiter-Neptune duo also indicates political conflicts and possibly the wrong diagnosis (Ebertin).

Meanwhile, for our domestic scene oncerns, we may wish to add the North-Node-conjunct-IC factor to our protective, good fortune list of benefits! And there in 4th house is the Prenatal Solar Eclipse ('PE') of Summer Solstice 2021 with its 5 North themes of 'visions, hunches, prophetic dreams, and inspired insights' (Brady) in Mercury-ruled Gemini, the sign of good news!

Now I realize that it's quite foolhardy to publish this post and horoscope so far in advance of the Summer 2021 season (for much will transpire between now and then) so the rest of the chart's karmic conditions and other planetary factors and implications I'll leave for a future post. This may give you, dear reader, time to prepare for Summer Solstice 2021 and perhaps in the mean time may spur an interest in studying the horoscope for yourself! Then as always, your on-topic comments, observations, and/or conclusions are invited with cordiality expected and - no exceptions - your name attached. Jude

A related post: Astoundingly, the chart angles of the Spring Equinox 2021 Horoscope are the same as those in the chart, above!

The YOD in America's Solar Return 2020 Horoscope

Is America's Great Seal Reversed?

by Jude Cowell

April 3, 2020: After writing Stars Over Washington for nearly 15 years, it turns out that I'm quite an expert at assuming that any reader who bravely ventures herein possesses a measure of astrological knowledge. And once upon a time I tended to assure those who didn't 'speak astrologese' not to fret for my posts were written in English so they had only to ignore the astrology parts.

Now I see that such a work-around probably didn't work for many readers. In fact, a reader recently tasked me with providing a key for those who don't understand all the terms and abbreviations. She may think I've forgotten but no! It's only that events have been overly time consuming, as for us all. So this I hope to write and publish here before much longer in a post all its own.

But tonight I want to mention a factor of concern - or at least it's a factor that may help explain in general terms using Astrology some of our current conditions including health matters and our enforced circumstances of 'isolation and 'social distancing'. And this is where a basic knowledge of astrological terms and principles would come in handy - if only so that this post could be on the briefer, less cumbersome side rather than blossoming into e-book form. Oh well, let's give it a go and see where we land, shall we?

US Solar Return 2020 and a YOD of crisis

Special task, crossroads, turning point, karmic opportunity--all describe potentials that may be shown by a YOD pattern when it turns up in a horoscope. But another connotation of a YOD (which visually favors a squished triangle, aka, a Finger of God) is that it can symbolize a health indicator suggesting crisis conditions which must be handled with care when the time comes. (As you know, timing is everything! And our SR 2020 chart is 'good for' one year until America's next Solar Return in 2021.)

And so a YOD (of sorts) has turned up in America's Solar Return 2020 Horoscope, our 'birthday' chart. Please note that 'SR' stands for 'Solar Return' calculated for the moment the Sun returns to its natal degree, minute, and seconds (if known) when a person or entity is born or founded--in this case, America (July 4, 1776 5:09 pm LMT is the chart I use, Philadelphia, Pa) with 12Sag08 Rising, Cardinal World Point 00Libr47 at Midheaven, and Moon @27AQ09 (We The People) in SR 3rd house. And if you're familiar with the US natal horoscope, you know that it contains a Thor's Hammer pattern (or, Fist of God) with a Sun-Saturn square at its base pointing toward We The People's Moon. This pattern shows that our country has had health issues (Sun-Saturn) from the start, particularly for women (Moon) aggravated or blocked by men (Sun square Saturn), plus, a midpoint picture is formed of Sun-Saturn = Moon denoting 'emotional depression due to organic troubles; fear' (which leaders use against us to direct our behavior en masse - as they do now--we're "at war" once again), and/or 'bereavement' (Ebertin). This, we've got.

So the Ascendant rising in our SR 2020 Horoscope (@27Scorpio, a health sign with regenerative power) is part of the YOD pattern and thus this is not a traditional YOD pattern for there should be planets in all three points. Plus, the apex of the 'YOD' is the North Node of the Moon at a critical-crisis 29th degree of Gemini. Why, this is not a YOD at all, exclaims astrologers! Okay, but what I'm actually trying to get at is the midpoint picture formed by the trio of Saturn-ASC-North-Node. For as a pair in the biological sphere, Saturn-ASCendant indicates potentials for certain health conditions (exs: 'skin troubles; middle ear inflammation; defective connective tissues or organs; myopia'), but also 'suffering caused by the environment; disadvantages through others; segregation or separation from others; feeling hindered or depressed; suffering from limiting or poor conditions; hindered or inhibited development; a wrong outlook on life' - or some combination which we're feeling already. Add the directional North Node and we have:

Saturn-ASC = North Node: 'secluding oneself from others; being placed in unpleasant family circumstances' (Ebertin).

'Unpleasant circumstances' is seconded by Noel Tyl.

Now let's close this dreary post (intended to inform not worsen!) with Michael Munkasey's evaluation of the difficult Saturn-ASC duo in Hegelian Dialectic form and note that you'll find the Trump 'administration' of purposefully inept kleptocrats and his dreary mishandling of our current health crisis somewhere within the following potentials--if not within them all:

Thesis: Difficulty for others to understand internal leadership or direction; policy or authority dictated or restricted by external demands; inflexibility or an inability to adapt to necessary change.

Antithesis: A replacement or a lowering in status of advisers or leaders; curtailment of programs for the disadvantaged; a disregard for checks and balances within an enterprise; repression as a function of policy.

Well, I don't know about you, dear reader, but I think Mr. Munkasey has described our tragic health calamity all too well based on astrological principles and translated into English.

A closely related post: Independence Day 2020 and a Capricorn Lunar Eclipse which will 'eclipse' our national Sun (13Can19), the leaders/s of the US government such as they have devolved.

Here's America's SR 2020 Horoscope:

American Turmoil December 2019: A Fist of God forms

December 2019: America's Evolution into Turmoil

by Jude Cowell

Astrologer Alice Portman has worked with the volatile and dynamic pattern called a Thor's Hammer, aka, a Fist of God, and here is a discussion of the pattern for those who are curious. As you see in the upper right horoscope pictured here, a Thor's Hammer pattern has formed in America's Secondary Progressions ('SP') with a Moon-Mars square at its base pointing toward our national progressed Midheaven, the Career-Public-Reputation-Social-Status Point (2Gem25).

As you see, America's totem planet of war and revolution, Uranus (SP @7Gem07), will be taken across our SP Midheaven in 2024 but that topic is beyond the scope of this post. Suffice to say that dramatic adjustments will be needed and major changes of direction should be expected via disruptive, chaos-loving Uranus to MC. (Note that this December 3, 2019 SP chart is based on America's July 4, 1776 5:09 pm LMT Philadelphia, PA horoscope; a different hour will give slightly different timing.)

On the left of the chart are a few of the December 3, 2019 transits (2:00 pm est) to our SP planets (same date, same hour) including transit Uranus opposite SP Saturn, Saturn square SP Mars and conjunct SP Moon (legal eagle Saturn aggravating the Hammer), and Neptune still 'covering for' the SP Sun (the leader) with brief indications for each. You'll discover more factors, I suspect. Yet, as we know, Astrology adds the element of timing and assures us that this situation is only temporary!

But for now, we're in a pickle, but I won't mention the conditions and situations of turmoil we find ourselves in these days for you know all too well what they are. And if you look on the right center of the chart, you'll see a few general notes about the Moon-Mars square and you may agree with me that Donald Trump's selfish, nitpicking nature is described ("Offense-Defense" - Alan Oken). My observation is that a Moon-Mars square denotes someone who thinks they're the only ones who deserve to become furious!

Thing is, the Thor's Hammer (with royal Regulus and Apollo rising, he probably thinks of himself as a godlike "Thor"--and as a "hammer') pattern does a pretty good job of describing Big T as well: volatile, willful and hard to discipline as a child (plus, he still behaves like a toddler so --), and continues to act out stressful feelings by rebelling against society from which he receives severe criticism. Plus, there's no third planet to act as an outlet for the blocked, bottled up energies--only the Midheaven as noted, above, which represents the World Stage on which Trump regularly makes a dumblehead of himself while embarrassing America, lowering our national reputation even further, and subjugating our nation to pipsqueak Russia.

And so, my fellow Americans, as the Trump impeachment inquiry grinds on, we as a collective have progressed or evolved to a state described in part by a Thor's Hammer pattern and by the cosmic midpoint picture of Moon-Mars = MC: "self-promotion" and/or, "getting things off the ground" (Tyl) but also, on a lighter note, of "a woman with strong principles" (Ebertin)! Now that sounds better, doesn't it?

Recommended for more information on progressions is Lynn Holt's Secondary progressions as an indicator of inner growth.

Dual charts shown above: America July 4 1776 5:09 pm LMT Philadelphia PA (lower left) and US Secondary Progressions to December 3, 2019 2:00 pm est Philadelphia, PA (upper right).

August 12, 2019 Messenger Mercury whistles at Trump

When a CIA analyst became alarmed at Trump's shadow foreign policy after hours of going over records, he compiled his concerns into a report and hit the 'Send' button on August 12, 2019 thus blowing the whistle on scofflaw Trump and thereby triggering the current impeachment inquiry chaired by Rep. Adam Schiff.

Imagine my surprise yesterday when I finally got around to setting up an August 12, 2019 horoscope (exact hour of the 'Send' unknown so noon was used) and found Mercury, planet of communications and messages, @00Leo59 - and triggering potentials of the January 21, 2019 Lunar Eclipse that 'eclipsed' US Inaugural Sun; this was previously posted upon as significant for Donald Trump and the office of the presidency in 2019 with the lunar Eclipse reflecting and revealing all manner of unsavory things. This also means that during that time message-sender Mercury conjoined a couple of Trump's natal midpoints that surround his natal 12th cusp which thresholds the house of Self-undoing, Karma, the Unconscious, behind-the-scenes activities, Secret Enemies, and...Politics.

And in the Lunar Eclipse chart the ongoing Jupiter-Neptune square of dream worlds and rude awakenings formed the base of a Fist of God, or Thor's Hammer pattern pointing toward August 12th Mercury and the eclipse Moon 00Leo52 (and Sun opposite--instability, deception, risk-taking, grand schemes) so a cosmic imperative was at play for the CIA analyst as he defended the rule of law against a lawless president and his syncophant cronies. Even governmental planet Saturn chimed in for transit Saturn @13Capricorn opposed US POTUS Sun, a time of delays, frustrations, criticism if responsibilities are not lived up to, and authority, integrity, and leadership are challenged by law-abiding legal eagle Saturn!

And hence we have Impeachment Inquiry 2019 into Donald Trump, the current thespian appearing in the POTUS role which always comes with a limited engagement.

NASA photo: Mercury

February 2019 Full Moon Conjunct Royal Regulus!

February 19, 2019: POTUS and a Full Moon with Lots of Stars

by Jude Cowell

If the Trump administration remains in the White House until February 2019 as I suppose it will, the Full Moon horoscope of February 19, 2019 seems significant to me for multiple reasons: royal star Regulus @00Vir05 ('the king' or 'the kingmaker') will be reflected and revealed by the light of the Full Moon along with the natal Ascendant (29Leo) of Donald Trump. Note that prominent New and Full Moons sometimes act in Uranian fashion as if they are 'wild card' eclipses, and fixed stars express or are activated via eclipses (Ovason).

Alcyone rises at the moment the Full Moon perfects (10:53:29 am est) at the location of the White House, with the star's key phrase, "something to cry about." Plus, Trump's natal MC (25Taurus) with furious Algol upon it (and Nancy Pelsoi's natal Mars!) has just risen and languishes in the 12th house of Politics and Karma. The Sun-Moon midpoint (00Sag42) sets upon the Descendant along with asteroid Kassandra, key phrase: "a prophetess telling the truth but no one believes her" which may suggest someone's testimony in the Mueller investigation or to Congress. As you know, Lying vs Truth is such a problem for Mr. Trump and his associates with so many activities to cover up. (Confession: I still wonder if there's a love child behind Trump's curtain!)

Also of interest in the Full Moon chart is the Mercury-Neptune conjunction in mid-Pisces, sign of secrecy, for it conjoins fixed star Achernar, key phrases: crisis at the end of the river and risk of rapid endings. This conjunction is particularly notable since Trump's natal Mercury-Neptune square has always given him much to lie and leak about and has provided our nation with a fantasy-prone, indiscreet, unreliable, unable-to-learn, emotionally immature man playing the role of US president. As you see, this conjunction falls in the 11th house of Groups and Associations. And legal eagle planet Saturn @16Cap53 (conjunct steady, strong Rukbat = Mr. Mueller?) has just conjoined the January 2019 Solar Eclipse @15Cap25 (which conjoins the 9th cusp of this chart) in the 2 South Saros Series--theme: 'joining a new group and gaining a great deal by it' (Brady). In a previous post I related this eclipse theme to the new members of the 116th Congress which seems appropriate, agreed? Perhaps Mr. Trump will soon join a new group!

Now notice in the center of the chart I've penned an 'Image for Integration' for the practical Water-Earth Sun Pisces-Moon Virgo combination: "Small events bring enormous consequences" (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, by Charles and Suzi Harvey). Another 'Image' for this combo: "Faith and reason shake hands." (btw, this is the natal personality blend of Senator Ted Kennedy.)

Well, there are several other chart factors worth noting here and many of my study notes are penned upon the chart if you don't mind enlarging the image to read them. See if you agree that the February 19, 2019 Full Moon may represent a significant signpost on the Path of Donald Trump with Full Moons the phase of culmination, fulfillment, awareness, and relationships (or perhaps the ending of them) - perfecting as the Full Moon does upon Trump's natal Ascendant, replete with several activated stars--plus, a Thor's Hammer pattern with its midpoint picture notated on the right side of chart:

Of course, perhaps I fret over nothing for a Full Moon conjunct Trump's natal Ascendant could simply indicate a larger, more revealing publicity event than unusual. But really now, how is that even possible?

Winter Solstice 2017: a Neptune and Sun-Saturn Season

DC Horoscope Winter Solstice December 21, 2017: Watery Neptune Ascends and then...

That nebulous, scandal-plagued, hider of secrets, Neptune, rises at Winter Solstice 2017 in Washington, DC and considering the administration of Donald Trump, it seems his first year (barely holding) office will end much as it began--clouded by leaks and shrouded in mysteries with questions of fraud and conflicts of interests on America's menu as We The People move into 2018 with our actual needs and concerns, for the most part, unaddressed.

Now as an astrologer of sorts, I tend to think of higher octave planets as co-rulers or sub-rulers of their respective signs and can't quite bring myself to tag Neptune as 'chart-ruler' here. But the original or traditional ruler of Pisces, Jupiter, is very much so, though perhaps in a Piscean secretive and/or confused sort of way (rather than Jupiter's rulership of its own sign Sagittarius would suggest).

Yet expansive Jupiter's many potential roles in a mundane chart include politician, The General, thespian, banker, investor, CEO, judge, lawyer, mentor, and other masks that pertain to Politics, Religion, or Business.

Plus, as astrologers know, there is one curious thing about soft, mutable Pisces in a mundane sense -- military generals are quite often born under the sign with General George Washington as our primary example. And since America in 2017 is under attack by monster storms and floods once again, we may expect more oceanic actions from Neptune rising, chart-ruler or not, with plenty of confusion, scandals, leaks, corruption, lies, and fraud involved as well.

First, Let's Talk About Solar Eclipses

Now the 1 North August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse manifested in fiery Leo and was coined as 'The Great American Eclipse' by NASA, if memory serves. But did this manifestation of a 1 North Solar Eclipse trigger the fires which have consumed large ares of the West Coast and inland where the eclipse first 'hit' the US as its path of totality raced across our country and took its leave by way of South Carolina? How about hurricanes, typhoons, and floods in the US and across the globe?

As you know, natural disasters often accompany heavy-duty eclipses and total eclipses are the strongest instigators of all. Yet one theme of a 1 North eclipse is: information is distorted and possibly false (Brady) just as it was in 2001 to 2003 in order to finagle the American people under false pretexts into a Middle East war of plunder, racketeering, and conquest. Plus, the government's tactical use of fear is the usual accomplice in these bogus matters, as you know. Exs: the 9/11/01 attacks, "mushroom cloud", "WMD"...you remember Vulcan 'VP' Cheney and the 1% gang's neocon lies. Anyway, their lies are examples of events that demonstrate 1 North's 'info is distorted and possibly false' theme.

Winter Solstice 2017 and Sun-Saturn Energies

And since 1 North first manifested on January 4, 1639 @13Cap48--opposite what turned out to be America's natal Sun position (POTUS), the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse in Sun-ruled Leo should be viewed through a (1639) Saturn-ruled Capricorn lens which in 2017 into 2018 provides a Sun-Saturn signature to events and activities which can be clearly seen in the Winter Solstice 2017 horoscope via Saturn entering its own sign of Capricorn conjunct the Solstice Sun (@00Cap00, a Cardinal World Point of Manifestation).

When Karmic Saturn pairs its restrictive energies with the Sun, at least two other Sun-Saturn signatures resonate with this chart and they both relate to current events:

America's natal Sun-Saturn square which denotes potentials for hard work and planning paying off, taking responsibility seriously, karma (reaping what was sown), separation/isolation, a lack of vitality; perseverance, determination. This 'presidential-and-lawmaker' square forms the base of a Fist of God (aka, a Thor's Hammer pattern) aimed directly at US natal Moon (We The People, if you use a late Aquarius position for our national Moon-- here on SO'W we'll soon consider the Solar Eclipse that 'hits' this natal Moon position on February 15, 2018 @27AQ).

Potential expressions of Sun-Saturn = Moon: instinctual caution and self-control; sensitivity to otherwise rigid frameworks; discipline in daily activities (Munkasey); fear; feeling inferior; emotional depression in part due to organic disturbance (Ebertin) (from lack of health insurance and much needed medical care? - jc.) Manipulating and controlling the American public is one of the primary goals of this pattern.

Expert astrologer and author Michael Munkasey, in his section on Politics and Business, adds the following Hegelian dialectic for Sun-Saturn:

Thesis: Form and definition in an enterprise; the will of the people as defined in the principal founding documents; the checks and balances within enterprises as implemented by various administrations.

Antithesis: Pessimism and gloom as a center focus of policy; unreasonable centralization of authority in one location; a leadership preoccupied with the various forms of law enforcement; older and more distanced leaders. (Midpoints: Unleashing the Power of the Planets, Munkasey)

Another Sun-Saturn signature now in force: transit Saturn's off-and-on-again visit to Donald Trump's natal planets: conjunct his natal Moon (which conjoins his natal South Node of the Moon, a Saturnian, separative conjunction denoting emotional distance, bad timing, and unpopularity with and odd attitudes toward women) and simultaneously Saturn's opposition to his natal Sun (ego, pride, goals, hero's journey) when failure to live up to his promises and a neglect of responsibilities leads to discouragement from authorities and a lack of success with his objectives, murky as they may seem.

What Jupiter Sextile Pluto Reveals

Now let's consider the chart-ruler's applying aspects to see how things will proceed from December 21, 2017 into 2018. Since I've already excluded Neptune as chart-ruler (but see Neptune's two primary aspects, below), let's look at expansive Jupiter @15Scorpio, the Eagle Point, posited in the 8th house of Corporations, CEOs, Shared Finances, Credit and Debt. Jupiter applies to only one Ptolemaic aspect in the chart, a sextile (60 degrees; 3A19) with powerful Pluto. If we consider the two planets as 'actors' in a scene we discover that Jupiter sextile Pluto denotes those who sabotage themselves by their rigid opinions, secretiveness, evasiveness, willfulness, inflexibility, and an obsessive fear of loss. In addition, they have a hard time letting go of old relationships which no longer serve or are now inappropriate, and are desperate to overcome feelings of vulnerability. Living by their own rules, their focus on loyalty or its lack can trigger problems in friendships and other alliances.

Taking offense when not treated with dignity, a Jupiter-Pluto sextile suggests those who continue to be motivated by past slights which are never forgotten, another example of being unable to let go. Good at psychological warfare and taking pride in their self-reliance, they often must face their losses and crises alone for others may abandon them, plus, they are reluctant to ask for help from other people. Another inability to let go is seen by a lack of forgiveness for those who withhold information from them or who misinform them in order to keep them 'in the dark' (Epstein). After all, knowledge is power.

Then if we consider the applying Jupiter sextile Pluto aspect by transit, it denotes a time of analyzing one's skills and talents with the goal of using them more efficiently in order to benefit from this helpful energy. Opportunities may arise for increasing one's power and control or for understanding how this may be achieved (Skalka). And naturally with contacts between Jupiter and Pluto we tend to think of people who promote large-scale projects (exs: infrastructure, wall construction, etc), wealthy donors, other huge investors, global bankers and financiers--and power-hungry plutocrats.

Winter Solstice 2017 for Mr. Trump

Now if you are familiar with the Solar Return 2017 horoscope of Donald Trump, you know that 00Cap00 falls within his SR 3rd house of Communications, Siblings, Short Journeys, and the Lower Mind. (Thanks, Pat, for catching mea culpa!) So one topic we might think of is his older sister Maryanne, a judge (via judgmental Saturn, the old man/woman, with Donald playing the solar role). Another thing that first occurs to everyone's mind when it comes to Donald Trump is communications--speeches, tweets, insults, and all so I shall leave it for you to decide how he may best use the astrological energies of Winter Solstice 2017 and beyond into 2018.

Perhaps a future SO'W post concerning Trump's Inauguration Solar Return 2018 will soon appear here--assuming that he continues in the role of POTUS until January 20, 2018 without hitching a ride on the helicopter of ignominy!

~:~

As you see, evasive Neptune is involved in two applying aspects in the above chart:

1. Mercury square Neptune (1A27) which echoes Mr. Trump's problematic Mercury-Neptune square of distorted perceptions, falsehoods, confused rhetoric, over-promising, indiscretion, and "the sneaky mind" (Oken); 2. Mars trine Neptune (3A59) denoting potentials for successful but hidden activities, investigations of the occult or perhaps probing into mysteries or crimes, medical breakthroughs, increased intuition or insight, and/or energetic work with charities, entertainment, oil or gas industries, marine life projects, photography pursuits, prison systems, military projects, the Internet, work in or against Big Pharma, and/or action concerning the trafficking of drugs and/or sex workers.

But wait! There's one more chart factor that relates directly to current events and that's the Earth-Air Sun Cap-Moon AQ blend of energies which 'click into place' as soon as the Sun reaches 00Cap00. You see, this blend has at least two former US presidents born under its influences--Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon. It's a blend of a "practical idealist" who is "up front' yet private, very ambitious, and has a good business sense. In their book Sun Sign-Moon Sign, the Harveys give two interesting Images for Integration for this blend:

"An historian points the way to the future...Having struggled unaided to the peak, a mountaineer hitches a ride on a passing helicopter." Wonder if this can possibly mean that Mr. Trump will follow the example of the resigning Mr. Nixon...?

Okay, there's my Political Astrology view of Winter Solstice 2017 as seen through my preferred 'common good' lens. How about yours? Care to share?

9.13.17 Update: here's a related post: images of DC Horoscopes 2017: Autumn EQ and Winter Solstice displayed on the same page...September into December into January and February until Spring Equinox (Aries Ingress), March 20, 2018.

Image: Neptune Ascends, a pencil drawing by Jude Cowell; this drawing originally appeared in my Secret Moon Art collection.