by Jude Cowell
"An army turned inward can quickly become an instrument of tyranny."
So stated Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center for Justice. One of her primary concerns: the Insurrection Act of 1807 and its easily abused presidential powers intended to quell protests, riots, assaults, and upheavals against the government or, to quash, harm, and discourage a dissenting population. So in case you missed it, check out Rachel Maddow's recent and insightful interview with Elizabeth Goitein concerning this and related topics.
America's Self-Destructive Cosmic Condition via Mars
Now beginning pre-2006, we can very much include the misbegotten Iraq War of 2003, 'thanks' to the Bush-Cheney regime using the Project for the New American Century neo-con think tank to help build support for the invasion and occupation of Iraq which was an efficient way to squander the US military, US resources, and America's reputation in the world (you warmongering plunderers, liars, and dunderheads - Jupiter the General was Rx = no victor, and a bottomless money pit). And of course, for various examples of a Mars turned self-destructive with Mars symbolizing males we can find many instances of martian energies turned inward against ourselves, too often with a Mars-ruled weapon in hand. Disabled soldiers returning home from war and homeless US veterans barely existing on our streets, are but two tragic examples of US Mars Rx.
Now once upon a time, our national Mars in Gemini was progressing in direct motion, 'ready for action', and capable of handling more than one thing at a time. Now we're told that the US military is infiltrated by those who prefer to undermine our country rather than support it. You may wish to see Amy Goodman's take on this. And you've heard that Florida Governor DeSantis has recently signed a bill creating an 'Election Police Force', no doubt intended to terrorize Florida voters which will surely scare a number of them away from the polls in time to sway the November Midterms 2022. Obviously, violence could occur. These sorts of forceful actions are known as the underhanded use of lies, fraud, and thuggery in order to gain undeserved advantages. But the thing is, everyone knows that cheating isn't genuine victory, it's theft.
Meanwhile, speaking of nazi-style tactics for grasping the reins of power, we know that this same progressed condition occurred with Germany's Mars and lasted (symbolically) for about 80 years. The time frame of America's SP Mars Rx is also 80 years which puts relief at or during year 2086, assuming that malevolent saboteurs haven't had their way with our country long before then. Of course, warrior planet Mars, along with karmic Time Lord Saturn of the adamant sickle, are considered malevolent planets and can do a great deal of damage whenever they turn a raptor's gaze toward a target without mitigation and protection from other planets and/or when less negative conditions exist in general. Yet as with most earthly things, Mars Rx, even symbolically by progression, tends to describe a mixed bag of positive and negative events and circumstances - simultaneously or alternately. And as often happens, impulsive Mars may actually benefit from restraint, partially due to a sense of uncertainty prior to rushing into action (where fools so often tread).
Perverted Anti-Societal Actions in October 2006
Then if we search for descriptive 'Mars Rx' type events in October 2006, the month that US Mars turned retrograde ('Rx') by secondary progression (here I'm progressing the July 4, 1776 11:08 am LMT Philadelphia, PA Horoscope - progressing other charts may give slightly different timings - ex: the US Powell Chart's Mars didn't turn Rx by progression until 2009), our memories are immediately cast back to yet another incidence of gun violence, this time against innocent Amish school girls. The West Nickel Mines School Shootings were perpetrated on October 2, 2006 in Bart Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by a 32-year-old milk man. (Note the lunar Cancerian symbolism of nurturance, family, and children; he left suicide notes identifying himself as a pedophile attempting to avoid committing such crimes again).
Horoscope: October 2, 2006 11:07 am edt Bart Township, PA:
So even though the effects of a natal or mundane planet changing direction by secondary progression ('SP') may be felt in the years leading up to the actual moment, the actual moment can represent a peak of influence within the cosmic flow of earthly events and as such, is symbolically displayed in the October 2, 2006 Horoscope, above. (For a timeline of events at the Amish Schoolhouse that horrific day, follow the West Nickel Mines link.)
Bi-Wheel: As you see, 'real-time' transits for the moment, date, and location that US Mars turned Rx by Progression on October 20, 2006 at 12:45 pm edt @18Lib42:20 (conjunct Herr T's 2nd house natal Jupiter Stationary @18:27) are outer, SP chart, inner. In the bi-wheel this may seem backwards but progressed charts are not descriptive for only a particular moment and, as noted, the influence of progressed planets turning direct or retrograde (aka, Stations), build up, peak, then wane or fade in strength depending on the orb you prefer to use.
Now in closing, you may have noticed that I've yet to mention the violent militia groups that formed since Tea Party days (2009), groups that were recently called into action by a certain saboteur then residing in the White House. This may be the strongest and most expressive form of US Mars Rx by progression yet, but we'll have to see how things develop as the next few months and years march on, jailings perhaps continue to occur, and the public airing of Jan 6th events takes place in June, last I heard.
A Related Post displays another event that occurred prior to 2006 but its societal significance was and continues to be a signpost on America's path to self-destruction which can be described in part by US SP Mars Rx: Violence in America and a School Massacre 1999.
And while we're at it, let's add a link to a horoscope that involves some of the largest rats in the martian woodpile: Horoscope of the NRA: Pan and the Trouble-Shooter.
A Further Note: Progressing America's Perpetual Union Horoscope of February 2, 1781 with Mars @00Sag56 may yield useful information concerning our 'energy turned inward against ourselves' topic. Recommended, if you have the time.