Horoscope: Spring EQ 2014 (Aries Ingress) w Jupiter and Sirius Rising

As you see here, Spring Equinox 2014 (aka Aries Ingress 2014--Sun to 00Ari00:00) occurs on March 20, 2014 at 12:57:09 pm EDT when the horoscope is set for Washington DC, my former place of residence.

Please click image to enlarge and hopefully you can read a few factors penned upon the chart since not all notes will be mentioned in the following text.

Any year's Spring EQ chart works as a background for the astrological year: for comparing to other charts, watching transits, keeping up with planets hitting Angles, entering Houses, forming aspects, etc. And with President Obama's shout-out in his recent SOTU Address that 2014 be "a year of action", we may wish to keep a squinty eye on the transits of Mars, planet of action, motivation, energy, war, and activism. here, Mars @25Lib14 Rx is conjoining North Node, a point of encounter, so the results we may expect are meetings, cooperation, teamwork, and, negatively, males (soldiers, policemen, etc) to be swept along with the impassioned masses.

However, as you see in the chart, banker, guru, adventurer, broadcaster, politician and/or general Jupiter @10Can46 rises with Fixed Star Sirius close behind...'The Scorcher' denotes 'the mundane becomes sacred' and is the Dog Star of ancient Egypt. Plus, Jupiter, moving direct since March 6th, is again the handle of a bucket pattern and as such is the focal determinator of the planets opposite which represent a particular and uncompromising direction of effort for the nine actors (planets), plus Chiron (the Healer and Priest.)

In that sense, Jupiter-as-handle adjusts his efforts and alliances where they count most; on a positive level for 2014, he acts as the instructor and inspirer of others. Negatively, handle Jupiter--now amongst America's natal planets in Cancer--Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun (leader)--is the malcontent and agitator full of unrelenting zeal. There are many persons in the US which this can describe including broadcasters, reporters, economists, pundits--and maybe a few bloggers, too.

Yes, extravagant Jupiter is prominent in the Spring EQ 2014 horoscope and rules the 6th house (cusp 9Sag40 conjunct warring Antares--6th house = Military and Police Service, plus, Health, Work, and Daily Rounds); Jupiter also rules the 10th house of Public Status, the World Stage, and Career through its MC cusp @24Pis59 (along with deluded Neptune--inflation, conflation, speculation, fraud, grand plans? Jupiter rising has grand plans, too.)

Now the Sun @00Ari00:00 is in the 10th along with rebel and anarchist Uranus @11Ari45. Unexpected events may affect America's public standing during 2014 (not that it hasn't been affected a lot in the last several decades.) President Obama is scheduled to kiss the Pope's ring in Rome in March which may be one of the manifestations of this 10th house Sun. Reportedly, one topic they will discuss is The Poor of the World. Hmm. Will the scandal-plagued Vatican Bank help out?

Moon (We the People) in Scorpio, ruled by forceful Mars and Pluto

A chart factor which must always be considered is any major applying aspects formed by the chart-ruler to see how things will proceed--here, the Moon @17Sco21 in the 5th house of Risk-Taking, Gambling, Creative Pursuits, and Children. Since it's an Hour of the Moon, we may expect changes, fluctuations, and publicity concerning these departments of life and which relate closely to America with our natal Sun (13Can19) rising--our first natal planet to rise--and this supports the 10th house implications mentioned for the Aries Sun, above.

Well, the only applying aspect made by the Moon is a conjunction to status quo Saturn @23Sco02 Rx in the 5th house. The energies of this duo when blended denote depression and oppression--especially of women (the Moon)--but can also lead to ambition, strategy, and a more realistic direction, usually in business matters. Here there is a corporate tone as well since they are posited in the Big Business sign of Scorpio.

Of special interest is the dynamic Cardinal T-Squares that are formed due to the Jupiter-Pluto opposition across the ASC/DESC axis of Self-Others. the 'Others' are secretive Pluto of toxin fame and one link is to environmental issues such as the destruction of America's water tables through gas fracking, the Keystone XL Pipeline, other pipelines, and chemical spills from holding tanks and ponds, and from train 'accidents'.

As you see, Jupiter-Pluto point toward the 10th house Uranus yet a Grand Cross is formed if we include the US planet opposite Uranus (or soon will be again), natal Saturn @14Lib48. This supports what we don't need Astrology to tell us--that things are complex and issues difficult to solve--and that's assuming that everyone on Capitol Hill wants to solve them.

Banking Jupiter rising hints at more economic stalemates with US natal Saturn and investing Jupiter having different perspectives on how money should be spent or not spent. The old Guns v Butter paradigm comes to my mind though you may disagree, as you wish!

Meanwhile, in a contest of wills, transiting Pluto of the Underworld continues to challenge US natal Sun in a titanic power struggle of no-compromise proportions and it is immediately on the menu for Spring Equinox 2014 as We the People deal with austere Saturn and Venus (money, values, relationships) in 8th house of Credit, Debt, and Corporations, inconjuncts (150 degrees = adjustment) the Spring EQ 2014 Ascendant (13Can55) and US natal Sun (13:19) which denotes tendencies toward over-compromising, over-extension, and security and protection concerns in Finances and other 8th house matters. Coercive measures may be used due to a 'success at any cost' mentality.

Fortunately, Jupiter rising in self-protective Cancer really likes to provide protection and is part of a Water Grand Trine pattern with the Moon, Chiron, and Ascendant. Plus, a Water trine supports the protection implications and needs of the 2014 chart and season during which a more spiritual attitude (Chiron) will be most helpful (Saturn-Neptune = ASC) rather than enforcing a materialistic one.

As always, your on-topic queries and comments are welcome! However, please do not use this post or any other to link to your own advertisements. Thanks, jc

Jan 30, 2014 New Moon is a 'Lunar Transit' of the Sun

More info is now available on the January 30, 2014 New Moon @10AQ55 which is actually a 'Lunar Transit' of the Sun, a phenomenon that can only be seen from space:

Space Weather News for Jan. 29, 2014

LUNAR TRANSIT: The Moon is about to pass in front of the sun, producing an eclipse that can be seen only from space. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory will record the 2.5-hour "lunar transit" beginning at 1331 UTC or 8:31 EST on Thursday, Jan. 30th.

Tune into SpaceWeather.com for pictures during the event.

If you're curious, a few astrological notes may be found in a previous post concerning the New Moon of January 30th which is the second New Moon of January 2014 and that leaves February with only one lunation, the Valentine's Day Full Moon in romantic Leo!

Feb 14 2014 a Full 'Snow' Moon in Leo

Feb 14, 2014 Full Moon in Romantic Leo, Sign of the 'Natural Leader'

by Jude Cowell

Since in Georgia we're facing possibly a major snowstorm this afternoon, I'm looking at the Washington DC horoscope of the Full Moon on Valentine's Day February 14, 2014, what is traditionally called the 'Snow Moon' for obvious reasons.

Perfecting in DC at 6:53 pm est, this particular Full Moon is personalized for America by its degree of 26Leo12 with Sun @26AQ12 falling upon US natal Moon @27AQ10 (We the People). A Full Moon (fulfillment or culmination phase that relates to relationships, alliances, and full awareness) highlights the Leo-Aquarius axis of Self Will and there are romantic v humanitarian vibes going on with this Fire-Air blend.

Occurring during an Hour of the Sun, we find the horoscope showing several planetary patterns and one is a T-Square between Sun and Moon and Mercury and Moon--all pointing toward an apex Saturn @23Sco06 in 3rd house of Communications, Neighborhoods, Siblings, and Primary Education. Midpoint pictures are formed and indicate potentials for addressing problems and issues, separations, weakened systems, and possible depression 'if the tide has turned' (Tyl.)

Apex Saturn, a karmic planet, in a Fixed T-Square describes those in executive positions who are extremely dedicated to their preferred causes which they focus upon with laser-like obsession, an indomitable will, stubbornness, and--as we might expect from the austerity lovers of Washington--with a deep need to control others. In fact, ambition is the main motivation in life and they are always on guard to make sure personal vulnerabilities are not exposed. So determined toward concrete goals are they that abusive tactics toward those who stand in their way are used whenever necessary. Character assassination and 'the power of the half-truth' comes to mind.

Sun and Moon are involved in a Hard Rectangle pattern as well along with the Jupiter-Pluto opposition and speedy Mercury Rx in 6th house of Work, Health, and Service. This pattern denotes a condition or situation in which the opposition's actors (here, Jupiter and Pluto) are under tremendous yet indirect pressure to reconcile their differences. Yet greater antagonism is also a potential due to the pattern's semi-squares and sesqui-squares. In other words, though cooperation and compromise are much needed in Washington, they continue to be dirty words for many of our politicians with axes to grind and major corporate supporters to obey.

The Uranus-Pluto Square Slings a Hammer of Thor at the American People

The midpoint of Uranus and Pluto, two generational planets squaring (blocking) one another (next exact square on April 21, 2014), form a Thor's Hammer (or, Fist of God) configuration that points toward (conjuncts) the Sun (leader) which conjoins US natal Moon (We the People) and thereby affects the Full Moon @26Leo12. This difficult condition lies across the Virgo-Pisces victim-savior axis of the 6th and 12th houses.

Midpoint pictures form from the Hammer pattern that include potentials for great tension, revolution or rebellion, indomitability, change through force, catastrophe, extreme dedication to goals (sounds like Saturn, above), and/or introducing unique ways to represent old methods into new explanations. Daring, ambition, and intuition may also be prominent by the light of Snow Moon 2014. (Tyl; Munkasey; Ebertin.)

So with a multiple-day power outage predicted, and snow now piling up on the ground outside my window north of Atlanta, I'll close with a *famous quote (below) and offer you a link to a Valentine's Day Full Moon article that has romance and relationships as its focus and not politics at all! See Full Moon on Valentine's Day: Your Emergency Preparedness Guide by Matthew Currie.

*Sharing the Sun AQ-Moon Leo blend natally is Frederick the Great who informs us that, "My people and I have come to an agreement...they are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please." Sounds to me like the current state of things in America!

Jan 28 2014: SOTU 2014 w US natal Neptune rising

Our 2014 State of the Union Is...Nebulous and Deluded?

by Jude Cowell

On the evening of Tuesday January 28, 2014, President Obama is scheduled to give his 2014 State of the Union Address to Congress and the nation. At the scheduled hour of 9:00 pm est--though he won't begin speaking until a few minutes afterwards--America's natal Neptune rises in Washington DC and since our nation was *founded with a problematic square (90 degrees = obstacles, blockages, yet dynamic energy) in effect between warrior Mars in Gemini and veiling (if inspired) Neptune in Virgo, we may expect many of the same related topics to be broached which are described by our nation's typically 'misguided or misdirected actions and motivations'.

Yet since it's deluded, often fraudulent, Neptune rising, can we expect clear explanations of our problems and what's needed to solve them? Neptune-inspired words are nice, of course, but we've had plenty of them and little improvement, haven't we? Or, perhaps we'll hear a spiritual or sacred tone used!

At an Hour of the Sun on January 28, 2014 9:00 pm est Capitol Building: Ascendant 22Vir55 brings up US natal Neptune, as stated, along with President Obama's natal Mars, our 'rock star' pairing of Mars-Neptune that seems seldom as glamorous these days after his years in office and the disappointments (Neptune) the American people (Neptune, the masses) have felt with some of his actions (Mars) that remain, for the most part, veiled by our Neptune which can delude us on many levels. Well, all agree that second presidential terms are problematic and always fraught with difficulties, scandals, and such.

And with Virgo being the sign of Work, US jobs are lacking even as their creation is promoted--yet secret trade deals are being signed which will export more jobs away from our workers. Perhaps SOTU 2014 Sun @9AQ04, which is now traversing President Obama's natal 12th house of Behind-the-Scenes deals, is denoted here. Will he mention the #TPP or the two other trade pacts in progress of implementation which will dissolve not just US jobs--but US sovereignty?

Naturally the Mars-Neptune link, plus our national Neptune rising places US natal Mars (males between 25 and 35, give or take, and the military and police, plus, activists, etc) at Midheaven, The Goal, or WHY? Point of any chart. On one level, what actions (Mars) are needed will be a focus of SOTU 2014 along with the usual mentions of the economy and investment although moneybags Jupiter remains retrograde until March 6, Mars in late Libra turns Rx on March 1, and we're all waiting for Venus (evaluations; small amounts of money; diplomacy; relationships) to turn Direct which she soon will do on January 31, 2014--@13Cap33 and still conjunct Pluto, as she is here.

Chart-ruler and thus SOTU 2014 ruler is Mercury which is appropriate for speeches and announcements. Mercury the Orator is positioned @27AQ09 conjunct US natal Moon so my guess is that the public (Moon) will be attentive to this particular SOTU Address. Mercury is in 6th house of Daily Affairs, Work, Health, Police/Military Service so we'll be listening for information on those topics in particular, plus, a transit of Mercury to natal Moon brings concerns about domestic matters, travel, and education.

Pluto Opposes US Natal Sun

Now I've typed a lot in the past on SO'W about the current power struggles and stalemates reflected by tr Pluto, the wealthy manipulator and saboteur, opposing US natal Sun (the leader). Plus, as you know, the current Jupiter Rx @12Can32 conjoins US natal Sun (when something begun 12 years ago must be wound down or upped to a new level--war.) To me, the stand-off between these major power players seems to behave as a bit of a vise--a big squeeze, you might say, concerning matters the president is dealing with. And I believe this squeeze relates in part to efforts of those who would dissolve America's social safety net programs instituted under Franklin Roosevelt since tr Pluto conjoined our natal planets in Cancer during the 1930s. Now Pluto, planet of Plutocracy, opposes the president, and by extension, Plutocracy opposes the US government and We the People. Wealthy Pluto wants all the money and he almost has it, too!

Meanwhile, we hear the echoes of this argument in the form of 'income inequality' and other related topics. I believe that SOTU 2014 will be received quite well by the American public (Mercury trine North Node 5A19), however, chart-ruler Mercury makes first a complex sesqui-square (135 degrees) to banker/politician Jupiter Rx and though the aspect is not Ptolemaic (major), it suffices to describe the difficult square-within-a-square conditions of unbalance which a single SOTU Address will attempt to deal with. And of course you've heard that there will be three Republican responses this year including the Tea Party challenge to the president's presentation. My joy can hardly be contained.

So What Does Mercury the Messenger Say?

As for an applying Ptolemaic aspect by chart-ruler Mercury which can tell us something about how things will proceed, that is a conjunction with Neptune (6A55) which is posited @4Pis05, conjunct star Fomalhaut (crisis; risk of rapid endings, in the 6th house between Mercury/US natal Moon and Chiron @11Pis19. This aspect makes it difficult to ascertain accuracy of information and the facts. Actions taken may be misunderstood--and more questions are raised than are answered.

A Cardinal T-Square is formed with radical Uranus @9Ari20 in 7th house as apex planet, the catalyst and reformer. A progressive Uranian vision is certain to be promoted yet too much aggression will alienate or intimidate others. Any sudden moves by the president may seem contrary, illogical, or inconsistent to plans he has already set in motion and even lawlessness may be prominent. (One example: I refuse to believe that the secret provisions of the TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, are consistent with the US Constitution!)

Yet in spite of any negatives--or saboteurs who work to undermine a Democratic president's message--let's not rule out the positive benefits of the current Solar Eclipse (@11Sco15 on November 3, 2013) with its helpful Uranus-Neptune-trine vibes indicating 'bright ideas and brilliant solutions' which are desperately needed if we hope to improve upon the State of Our Union in 2014.

~:~

US horoscope used in this post: July 4, 1776 5:10 pm LMT Philadelphia, PA.

A Solar Eclipse, Uranus-Neptune, and Our 'Hidden Square'

The Current 'Illumination' Solar Eclipse with Uranus-Neptune content: Trine vs Hidden Square

by Jude Cowell

Since the influences of the November 3, 2013 Solar Eclipse in Scorpio remain in effect until at least April 2014 along with its Uranus-Neptune trine 'solutions and bright ideas' content, it occurs to me that perhaps more positive solutions may be found and implemented if each of us--We the People--would face a difficult aspect deep within our national psyche so that more activism would spring forth from within the masses!

Forget for a moment the alleged 'good intentions' of politicians. If you agree that we must awaken and become more active on own behalves instead of waiting for someone else to do it, please consider the following information from a previous Page I published on my Jude's Threshold blog concerning the 'hidden square' in America's natal horoscope between the Enlightenment duo, Uranus and Neptune--and their Awakening power:

Horoscope: America July 4, 1776, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, any hour

A “hidden square” is an aspect of 256 degrees, and indeed, if you use the Vedic Astrology system, you know that it considers aspects by Sign…Gemini is square Virgo…therefore planets in these signs are square one another.

Here I shall quote the excellent Robert Pelletier from his “Planets in Aspect”…you may find it sounds exactly like the United States of America and her We the People.

Uranus SQ Neptune:

“This is a group consciousness that is in constant rebellion, but isn’t quite sure of the reason. Although you feel the oppression of ignorance, you will have to do a lot of hard work to make clear exactly what you’re going to do about it. If you are guilty of rejecting your social obligations, you may refuse to demonstrate your opposition to the corrosive effects of political subversion.

Or you may decide that your professional status and personal security are too much to risk for the sake of that faceless crowd of humanity from which you’ve become detached.

If you do decide to participate, it may be through an intermediary because, you say, “I don’t want to become personally involved since I have so much to lose if I’m discovered.”

This is an understandable position, but it is also indefensible. You would be the first to cry out in anger if your own personal freedom were being taken away. In the past, millions refused to ‘rock the boat’ for fear their own security would be jeopardized. How many of them gained the security of a roof over their heads–in prisons, detention camps, and the like?

If freedom is truly important to you, then you must have the courage to fight for it.

Lacking the courage of Uranus, you have consented to live in bondage at the hands of leaders who lust for power and who consider you expendable. On the other hand, you can challenge those who abuse their leadership positions and demand that they be held accountable to everyone for their deeds.

You have the ability to arouse others and stimulate them to action when mere words will not suffice. If you cannot personally supervise the action against oppressive conditions, you can at least support those who will.

Your future objectives are always weakened by a tendency to take a laissez-faire attitude toward the political motivation of existing government officials. You cannot afford to relax to this danger.

This combination occurred between 1952–1956; anyone born during that period of time will have this combination.”

Since societal conditions are more dire by the day while We the People make a huge mistake by sacrificing our freedom for security (which is elusive if it exists at all under a total awareness/total control regime), I hope Mr. Pelletier will pardon my use of his text for I certainly recommend his book very highly to you if you don’t use it already.

I was especially struck by the political references in his interpretation of this aspect and although he’s interpreting a square (90 degrees), you’d have to be politically and astrologically tone deaf not to hear within it America’s current ‘freedom vs security’, ‘isolation/laissez-faire’ issues, and the hold-them-accountable crisis with which we now grapple. The recent transiting midpoint picture of Saturn-Neptune = Pluto tells the tale as described in previous posts and we hear it coming from many quarters: denial of guilt from responsible parties.

Well…some of us grapple, dissent, and complain. But if you can't or won't--as Robert's text says: at least support those who will.

Further reading: Jan 15 and Jan 30, 2014 New and Full Moons.

And here's a list of the Solar and Lunar Eclipse of 2014 beginning with the Lunar Eclipse of April 15th.

Jan 17, 2014: Obama revamps U.S. surveillance

Obama revamps U.S. surveillance

This was a masterfully diverting speech as expected. After all, veiling, deceptive Neptune of web and network fame in America's natal horoscope completely allows President Obama's natal Mars (motivation, action, energy) to hide beneath its vast folds as it surveils.

Mars-Neptune was the glamorous 'rock star' link between the public and the president in 2008 and 2009 but we see now how the blend has developed into hidden motivation and secretive actions.

"...a world remaking itself at dizzying speed," he says. Well, yes. And wonder just who is doing the remaking--and arrogant enough to assume they have the right to upend and interfere with Everyone's lives? Who do we suspect? Global government promoters perhaps?

Today the Floating Eye On the Pyramid's Capstone Winked at Us

The president 's speech today is well-timed by yesterday's Full Moon in Cancer (the stage of fulfillment, culmination, and Awareness) for it has stimulated the US natal Mercury-Pluto opposition which simply adores spying, controlling people through secret knowledge, and ruthlessly retaining power by way of information that is seldom if ever shared with the victims it has stolen from.

Those are a few of the government's habits revealed by NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden. Hence today's attempt to justify the undermining of the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. Did the president 's speech succeed in its mission?

Not with me it didn't. How about you?

Trade leak feeds Democratic insurgency

Trade leak feeds Democratic insurgency

Meanwhile the mainstream media hardly notices or peeps a thing.

House Majority PAC goes after Koch brothers

Houste Majority PAC goes after Koch brothers

It's about time.

March 6, 2014 Jupiter Direct Station and Gridlock in Washington

Washington Gridlock 2014 and the Stations of Jupiter

by Jude Cowell

Well, quarrels and gridlock continue in our nation's capital as 2014 rolls along toward Spring. Astrological Jupiter, the *banking and financial planet of large proportions and (usually) generosity, remains in retrograde until its Direct Station of March 6, 2014 when it seems to pause at 10Cancer26, in the 5th house of Gambling and Risk-Taking when the horoscope is set for Washington DC.

As you remember, Jupiter's Rx Station occurred on November 7, 2013 @20Can30, a critical degree (in 11th house in the DC chart) with 24Leo09 rising. Curiously, the Jupiter Direct Station chart of March 6th shows 24AQ04 rising, the Jupiter Rx ASC's opposite degree and the Illumination Point. Plus, in the Direct chart, ASC 24AQ04 brings up US natal Moon (We the People)--but also asteroid Hopi (ambush or prejudice but also...hope which springs eternal.)

The IC (Foundation of the Matter) of the March 6th horoscope is conjoined by trickster Pan and gold-hoarding Midas along with Royal Star Aldebaran (potentials: courage; warmongering; military leadership; violence; sickness--A. Louis) which places Antares (potentials: war; legal problems; fires; quarrels; suspicion; violence; honors and riches but sudden loss--A. Louis) at MC, the Goal Point of the chart.

As predicted on this blog that sequester cuts would be nixed for the Pentagon's sake, does anyone believe the now-restored funds in the military budget won't result in America's continuation of waging war and beginning new ones (under the guise of 'intervention' and other such euphemisms) across the globe? Yes, our domestic needs are sacrificed for the sake of war abroad--it's the same old guns vs butter argument which the American people tend to lose.

Politically and financially, there is 'fateful deception' going on between the two horoscopes of Jupiter's Rx and Direct Stations (Sun-Neptune = Pluto) via the use of illusory, spiritual, or psychic forces to persuade. The November 7, 2013 Rx chart shows warrior Mars @13Vir17 rising as contentiousness over foreign and domestic matters has resulted in the ongoing gridlock in Washington, as we've seen on many occasions.

Of course, if you've read this blog a few times, you may know that I consider most of the frustrating Political Theater 'gridlock' and 'stalemates' in government to be part of a script written elsewhere for US politicians and media types to follow as they further ensnare the American people in global government implementation. To me, that means that the two political parties are little more than factions of the ruling class who have been promised large gains via their cooperation (if not controlled by blackmail or threats to family members.)

Cynical me? Oh yes. Washington's perfidies made me that way and yet I love my country. After all, it isn't what they say or promise the public, it's what ends up happening that matters most. And so often these days, a majority of us don't agree with our government's actions or how they spend our tax dollars. It seems the NWO freight train just keeps chugging down the fast track though supra-nationalists must get worried now and then that their plans aren't coming to fruition.

So! May we expect some improvement once Jupiter turns Direct on March 6th? Yes, forward plans may be put into action though improvement may not be felt until the Jolly One moves past his shadow degree of its Rx Station of November 7, 2013 which is 20Can30. (The transiting Moon is at 20Can+ as I type!)

This cosmic event occurs on June 1, 2014 at 1:13:40 pm EDT with the 'success' midpoint of Venus-Jupiter at MC, and Jupiter just fertilized by the Moon @26Can46. Moon-Jupiter contacts generally portend happiness and/or sucess, even if it's only temporary. However, tr Pluto @13Cap03 Rx (secret wealth; sabotage, etc) remains in opposition to US natal Sun (the leader; the president) suggesting that recent and current titanic power struggles and stalemates will continue to bedevil the president's programs pertaining to both foreign and domestic matters for and in the US, along with the tr Uranus-Pluto square (generational conflicts and blockages) as a major part of the rebelling, protesting, striking, rioting, and obstructing gridlock of Washington DC.

~:~

*Also pertinent to this post: often The Banker, Jupiter's roles may include The General, hence its connection to war, military expenditures, and conquests of territory, and it conglomerates into Corporations, hence its connection to corporate governance and finances. Plus, Jupiter can also play roles as Politician, Broadcaster, and Religious Leader. Jupiter's importance to our nation cannot be overestimated for if we use it, America's July 4, 1776 5:10 pm LMT chart with Sagittarius rising is ruled by expansive Jupiter. And if another natal chart timing is used for July 4, 1776 (such as the Scorpio rising chart), we have the Sun-Jupiter conjunction to account for our national Jupiterian characteristics and tendencies.

Jan 15 and Jan 30, 2014 Full and New Moons

A second New Moon occasionally occurs in a calendar month and January 2014 has one on January 30 @4:38:30 pm EST @10AQ55. This leaves February 2014 with only one lunation, the Valentine's Day Full Moon in romantic Leo on February 14th. More about that later.

As you know, the first New Moon of 2014 was on January 1st @10Cap57--conjunct transformative Pluto (hidden wealth, the Pope, the saboteur, etc.) Next comes the Full Moon @25Can58 (conjunct US natal Mercury Rx) on January 15th at 11:52:09 pm EST. The horoscope I'm looking at is set for Washington DC with 17Lib23 rising along with transiting Mars @17Lib54, a double emphasis on this degree.

'18Lib' = "Two Men Placed Under Arrest"...CONSEQUENCE with all that the word picture implies along with warrior Mars (or, simply males between 25--35, give or take a year or two), and of course, Mars represents US military and police forces. This degree also conjoins US SP Mars Rx which describes our nation's progressed condition in any and all the realms of Mars.

Note: US SP Mars '19Lib' = "A Gang of Robbers in Hiding" and we're infested with them, aren't we? And their tiresome 'denials of responsibility from guilty parties' (tr Saturn-Neptune = Pluto).

In The Sabian Symbols in Astrology, Marc Edmund Jones gives the negative expression of '18Lib' as: "total inappropriateness of impulse and act", with impulse and act both relating to functions of the astrological Mars. No matter how we think of it, the January 15th Full Moon, the culmination/awareness phase, describes conditions that are immediately on the menu for Washington DC actors (politicians, lobbyists, and the rest) because they are on the horizon for the nation's capital.

Also rising is the Moon-Pluto midpoint which provides a sense of anger and frustration in the environment yet at Midheaven (MC, the Goal Point) is the happy, opportunity-instilled Moon-Jupiter midpoint which for some portends confidence, popularity, and good fortune in Career and Public Status realms.

The Full Moon chart also includes a pattern called a Thor's Hammer (or, Fist of God) which is aimed at nebulous, often deceptive Neptune @3Pis39 in the 5th house of Risk-Taking and Gambling. The base of the Hammer is the square between Mars and MC (also ASC and MC) which denotes that something is off-the-mark and needs focus to counter the diffusion that exists within the environment. This Hammer or Fist may not be as difficult as it could be, however, since chart Angles are involved in both instances rather than a third planet (actor.) Yet with tr Mars and ASC conjoining US SP Mars, we may expect some action concerning military and/or police forces especially with Neptune (the masses; the media) so near Fixed Star Fomalhaut (crisis at the end of the river.)

And there are also dynamic T-Square patterns formed that point to catalyst Uranus @8Ari57--Uranus denotes 'anarchists' and 'blind zealots' when in Mars-ruled Aries, according to Reinhold Ebertin. The Full Moon Uranus is posited in the 6th house of Work, Health, and Service--military, police, and otherwise.

With the Full Moon manifesting in 10th house in Washington DC--and thus with the Sun @25Cap58 near US natal Pluto Rx in 4th house--we have a focus on relationships and awareness (Full Moon) across the Home-Security axis. Perhaps the NSA's secret spying on Americans (4th h = Domestic Scene) is described here on one level with President Obama scheduled to speak at the end of the week about making changes to their draconian surveillance programs. Plus, there is an 'overturning the tables' vibe to the Full Moon chart (Jupiter-Pluto = Uranus.) Yet given this astrologer's lamentable inability to fully trust the US government, perhaps our Orwellian spies will only find a better way to snoop on us while portraying themselves as sensitive to the US Constitution and protective of our (former) right to privacy.

Now the Full Moon horoscope's Libra Ascendant makes Venus the chart-ruler, and Venus is retrograde @18Cap23 (IC = 19Cap56) in 3rd house of Communications, having just left 4th house. That the chart-ruler is Rx denotes delays of some kind, or glitches--perhaps in the implementation of the so-called new world order since '18Cap' (POLITICAL POWER) is the degree of the Uranus-Neptune conjunction/s of 1993 which form a modern natal horoscope for the NWO. This gives a fantasy element to the Full Moon and a lack of realism concerning Venusian things such as relationships, diplomacy, and evaluations. Even Real Estate may be affected by this picture for the 'Real' may not be so real after all.

As for the New Moon chart of January 30, 2014 @10AQ55, it is conjoined by the transiting midpoint of Pluto-Chiron, the oppressive Plutocracy pair and some sort of new cycle of activity begins. With the New Moon in the 7th house of Partnerships, I must unfortunately (for US workers) think of the three secretive trade pacts being forced upon our nation as I type. Annoying how Washington politicians give lip service to job creation while their behind-the-curtain wheeler-dealing leads to signing our jobs away to other nations whose workers are cheap hires. So if you're like me, you are not amused by Washington's and Obama's perfidy in this matter and wish the TPP and the other trade 'deals' could be stuffed inside their own paychecks for a change. (I'm being a nice southerner using the word 'paychecks', aren't I?)

Besides, my grump so far doesn't begin to address the new trade 'deals' and their coming ruination of nation-state sovereignty, environmental standards, and decent working conditions to which we can say buh-bye any day now. Why, even Bill NAFTA Clinton knows a lot about it because he was one of the major tools for implementing the supranational purpose of undermining America!

Guess Bill read Atlas Shrugged, too, where corporatists take their money and flee.

Well, there are many more chart factors worth discussing in both horoscopes but I doubt you have time to read them if I type them! So maybe you can set up the Full and New Moon charts of January 2014 for yourself and see what you see for I highly recommend the practice if you have a chance and the inclination!

@TPP #NoToTPP

LBJ's War On Poverty: 1964 v 2014 planets

January 8, 2014: the 50th Anniversary of LBJ's War On Poverty

Since Republicans and their wealthy backers have their 'hearts' set on more cuts to our nation's safety net programs, many of which were created by President Johnson (Medicare, Food Stamps, Head Start, increased Social Security benefits for the elderly, etc), it may be good to reflect astrologically on January 8, 1964 v January 8, 2014. See Pressured on poverty programs, GOP divided on defense (as if assuring that more children go to bed hungry can be defended.)

Plus, NPR is featuring For LBJ, The War On Poverty Was Personal (click for text or audio) that is quite informative concerning Lyndon Johnson's childhood which was blighted by poverty--a failed father, the constant threat of the bank taking away the family's house, often no food in the cupboard--just how millions of Americans live today.

On January 8, 1964, Johnson addressed Congress and the nation and announced his War On Poverty initiative. Poverty was "explored under Kennedy" (see article linked, above) but set in motion by President Johnson with the help of Walter Heller, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. JFK had been assassinated just 7 days prior to LBJ's announcement.

Here are the noon EST positions for Jan 8, 1964, Capitol Building with any January 8, 2014 transits included:

Sun (leadership) @17Cap26 (18Cap = the POLITICAL POWER degree of 1993's Uranus-Neptune conjunction/s...the NWO); the noon chart's Solar Return 2014 was actually yesterday;

Moon (We the People) @9Sco53--Scorpio, sign of regeneration;

Mercury @8Cap05 (Rx and conjunct South Node indicating the utilizing of previous ideas, or implementing the ideas/plans of others--here, JFK's; Mercury, planet of oration, also conjoins fixed star Facies--ruthlessness or, the victim--LBJ is well known for his ruthlessness, and was a victim of poverty in childhood);

Venus @19AQ40;

Mars, planet of war, @26Cap26 and nearing US natal Pluto Rx, a transit of intensity and purpose when new uses for old things may be found, projects that require patience may begin, and something karmic that is meant to be done is on the to-do list;

Jupiter @11Ari30 has been and will be conjoined by radical Uranus, a time when religious, educational, political, and/or social spheres of life are broadened or altered completely, and events may be unexpected and/or out of anyone's control;

Saturn @21AQ13 approaches US natal Moon in 1964, a depressive, restraining contact that on one level denotes elderly and/or poverty-stricken people;

Uranus 9Vir49 Rx conjoins fixed star Zosma, another of the 'victim stars';

Neptune @17Sco22, planet of the masses and associated with loss, grief, and misery (and the media who in 1964, considered this Johnson's uranium speech--they ignored its poverty message as they prefer to do now);

Pluto @14Vir05 Rx, near its mid-1960s Great Conjunction with electrifying Uranus in mid-Virgo, a pair whose energies include tyranny, obsessions with the manipulation of people and processes, and a 'secret need to change the lifestyles of others (Munkasey).

North Node (public contact; future direction) @11Can11 was in the midst of America's natal planets in Cancer (Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun), and the Sun in Capricorn, near SN, indicates a man morphed into The Leader of a nation via the loss and separation (SN) of the previous president.

It seems to me that LBJ's War On Poverty and its announcement 50 years ago today put a lot of stress on his relationships, alliances, and group affiliations because it occurred during a 1 North Saros Series whose themes include such stress and the advice to 'make no hasty decisions because information is distorted and possibly false' (Brady). 1N is the series that ushered in the 21st century with a Solar Eclipse on August 11, 1999--the one Nostradamus warned us about--the 'Mother of All Eclipses.'

And yes, as all you Chiron fans noticed right away, the War On Poverty has had its Chiron Return recently thanks to Chiron's approximately 50-year orbit--Chiron, of Wounded Healer fame--then and now traversing Pisces, the sign of compassion!

Here are the dates of the War On Poverty's Chiron Return/s to 11Pis18: March 30, 2013, September 6, 2013, and January 28, 2014--the date of President Obama's next SOTU address! Mr. Obama was born with a 1st house Chiron in Pisces, and with the synchronicity of 1964's Chiron Return, and, considering current social conditions in America affecting millions of citizens, we may be certain to hear him speak of poverty in America.

After all, poverty has hardly been spoken of in public for 50 years so it's way past time to stop whispering as if our down-on-their-luck-ers don't exist!

Now here's a link to Lyndon B. Johnson's natal data and chart if you're interested. You'll note that his natal Sun @3Vir46 and natal Moon @9Vir32 were trampled upon by 1964 Uranus (@9Vir49 Rx, as noted above) so sudden residential and lifestyle changes had most definitely occurred for LBJ due to the assassination of President Kennedy.

So if you're wondering if this reluctant astrologer believes the ruthless Mr. Johnson had anything to do with the assassination of his predecessor, yes. I do.

Jan 6, 2014: Senate takes up unemployment benefits w Moon in Aries

*Moon in Aries: "I AM the People"

by Jude Cowell

Update: bad weather and absent senators--the vote has been rescheduled for Tuesday morning. But Janet Yellen is now confirmed as the first lady head of the Fed.

Original post begins here, Moon remains in Aries tomorrow:

A few days ago I posted brief astrological info concerning the return today of US senators to Capitol Hill with Sun in governing Capricorn and Moon in compassionate Pisces. However, by the time the Senate votes today at 5:30 pm ET, the Moon will have entered the Mars-ruled sign of Aries.

All the Democrats need for a 3-month extension of unemployment benefits is for 5 Republicans to join in and one supposes that it's possible in spite of the 2014 midterm election. Will the American people can be put first in their considerations especially since the money, whether offset by further cuts or not, will be plowed back immediately into the economy?

Well, let's consider the Earth-Fire Sun Cap-Moon Aries combo of the vote if all goes as Harry Reid has scheduled notwithstanding what the House of Representatives may do with the issue, if anything, after they return to session tomorrow:

Sun Cap-Moon Aries is a volcanic blend that can create new, fertile territory and may be described as a bulldozer. (Harry Reid?) Convictions are strong and powerful with an Earth-Fire combo with its massive ego that may not respect or be sensitive to the rights of others.

Willfulness and intense ambition are obvious traits here with a kind of a Rebel v The Establishment vibe to it. This is a great natal combo for criminal lawyers and others who must take command though material success is usually over-valued. This blend can be difficult to get along with since it is very demanding yet its astute thinking processes provide impressive leadership talent.

Perhaps you'll agree that the two Images for Integration for Sun Cap-Moon Aries describe our Capitol Hill actors this afternoon and may even bespeak the political machinations which are certain to take place over this vote:

"A Roman city-state is attacked by barbarians but its solid walls keep the marauding bandits at bay...An impetuous entrepreneur persuades a conservative banker to back an ambitious project." (Sun Sign-Moon Sign, Charles & Suzi Harvey.)

Now let's close with an apt quote from a man who shares this Sun-Moon blend:

"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will--his personal responsibility in the realm of faith and morals." - Albert Schweitzer whose mid-Libra Ascendant is being visited by transiting Mars this very day!

Now 'faith and morals' are difficult to find on Capitol Hill these days, yet Schweitzer's quote sounds a bit like a Republican talking point, doesn't it? Perhaps they're all talk, no action in that realm yet his words must also apply to Republican legislators who took oaths of office to govern and serve We the People--not to dis-serve and undermine us in favor of the selfish ideology of weirdo corporatist Ayn Rand!

~:~

*Moon in Aries = "I AM the People" was a frequent saying of Reign of Terror leader Maximilien Robespierre who was born on May 6, 1758 while the Moon (people) was in Aries (I am).