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).

Mercury-Pluto! NSA's YouTube video "Most Hated" of 2013

The US government often uses the lame excuse of "unintended consequences" for its actions but it turns out that the phenomenon can work against them, too. The following interview, uploaded months ago in an ill-fated attempt by the NSA to 'clear its reputation', has backfired on the nosy agency and garnered it a Most Hated Video of 2013 label. Watch or re-watch it in all its shabby lameness if you can:

Yes, we see on display with the NSA that old Mercury-Pluto opposition in America's natal horoscope as it creeps and peeps about. Mercury = sight and communications; Pluto = the master spy with the Invisible Cloak. Plus, Dane Rudhyar gives the Sabian Symbol for US natal Mercury @25Cancer as, "A Will-Full Man Is Overshadowed By a Descent of Superior Power"; Keynote: The response of spiritual forces to the integration of personality through positive will-full endeavors."

This symbol mentions a man who uses "positive imagination to face life's problems" and "to him comes a pentecostal descent of power. He receives the 'mantle of power', the grace (baraka in Sufi philosophy) or the Providential assistance which can make him a true leader in his culture." The symbol speaks of "inner strength and uncommon ENDOWMENT." (An Astrological Mandala, Dane Rudhyar.)

And, no kidding--the text actually says, baraka. The 'Obama' we can supply for ourselves and the 'mantle of power' comes with the territory.

From March 2013, also see: Scientists Come a Step Closer to 'Invisibility Cloak'.

Jan 6, 2014 Congress returns w Sun Cap-Moon Pisces

With Congress returning to Capitol Hill on Monday January 6, 2014 and having important business to conduct (exs: Janet Yellen as Fedhead, extension of unemployment benefits if senior House Republicans agree), we may expect compassion for the plights of unemployed citizens to be expressed by some members, if not shown by others.

January 6, 2014: Sun (leadership) in governmental, business-oriented, law abiding (?) Capricorn, ruled by austere Saturn, and the Moon (the public; we the people) in muddled Pisces, ruled by happy Jupiter and dreamy Neptune, and forming no major aspect to other planets (actors) in the noon chart. There is, however, a quindecile (165 degrees) between the Moon and Mars (@14Lib06 in 6th house of Work, Service, Military, Police, Health, and Daily Rounds) which gives a frustrated, angry, aggressive, even abusive tone to the day with strong emotional convictions resulting in positive actions if the energy is well-directed (Reeves.)

Meanwhile, Mars (as chart-ruler--ASC 23Ari18) applies only once in Ptolemaic aspect--a square to Jupiter (1A13) giving the day a carelessness and a need to consolidate resources and direct them toward main priorities; Mars SQ Jupiter likes a challenge and, as we know, Congress and the nation have plenty of them to choose from and work on if someone can get the anti-government types to comply (and behave as if they care about the American people they supposedly serve--of course, the same could be said for enabling Democrats).

Also, Mars conjoins US natal Saturn (14Lib46; lawmakers) indicating that self-created obstacles are problematic to getting things done--careful planning is a must, wisdom of the more experienced members may be followed (to avoid running afoul of them), and a focus on structure and organization allows eventual success.

As we've discussed recently, Jupiter @15Can20 Rx is the 'handle' of a Bucket pattern that 'carries' the planets in opposition: Pluto @11Cap27, Sun @16Cap17--Mercury @21Cap23 and Venus @24Cap04 Rx have moved out of the opposition's orb for now though Venus will return to Jupiter's sway. The Capricorn stellium of planets is at Midheaven and thus are what the public will 'see' during this congressional session though Jupiter Rx at IC (The Drain; the HOW? Point) has much to say about what the Cap planets are doing.

US natal Sun (the president) @13Cap19 conjoins the noon IC along with transiting Jupiter Rx so obviously President Obama is part of the 'handle' and is opposed by powerful Pluto, the head of international banking houses which include the Vatican Bank.

Sun Capricorn-Moon Pisces is an Earth-Water blend is practical, nourishing, and supportive and can do what needs to be done. Humanitarianism is a trait of this combination of energies along with a tendency toward mysticism mixed with practicality. This tender/tough blend is self-motivated, has a professional air, and is diligent in work. Let us hope that 2014 gets off to a rousing start with a Congress that acts according to the needs of the people!

Four famous folk born with Sun Cap-Moon Pisces are J. R. R. Tolkien, Paul Cezanne, Elvis Presley, and Benjamin Franklin. Here are quotes from three of them as given by the Harveys in their book, Sun Sign-Moon Sign:

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of." - Benjamin Franklin (Ben and I are looking at You, Congress--this is my natal Sun-Moon blend! Congress has perpetrated plenty of time and money squandering already--jc)

"I want to go beyond impressionism and make it something solid and enduring, like the art of museums..." - Paul Cezanne

It's very hard to live up to an image." - Elvis Presley

Yes, it is very hard to live up to an image and through the centuries the US government has certainly given the American people an exalted image of Congress, among other things. Now let's see a genuine attempt in 2014 by the US Congress to live up to its better nature, not down.

2014 a year of Financial Trio Jupiter, Pluto, and Venus

2014 Financial Planets Venus, Jupiter, and Pluto: Tango or Tangle?

by Jude Cowell

With Year 2014 about to begin with a New Moon @11Cap57 conjunct Pluto, the position of banker-guru-general Jupiter is mightily important because, for one thing, the Jolly One and the Stealthy One (Pluto) lock horns in their annual opposition which perfects on January 31, 2014 @12:17 Cancer/Capricorn. Plus, Jupiter rules America's natal horoscope as well if one uses the July 4, 1776 5:10 pm LMT chart.

Obviously, we may expect that America's ongoing stalemate between investment wealth vs hidden wealth, along with debt ceiling fusses and called-for spending offsets, will continue as the international banking syndicate jerks around the 99% of us who don't appear to have their allegedly exalted blood(lines) in our veins or DNA.

And speaking of veins, evaluating Venus plays into the financial picture as well and makes a Direct Station on January 31, 2014 @13Cap33:23, the day of the second New Moon in January 2014. A second New Moon within a month is often called a 'Black Moon' since the New Moon phase shines no light until Sun and Moon begin to separate, and we have the first New Moon on New Year's Day 2014, as noted above.

Making these cosmic events specific to our nation and to our commander-in-chief is the fact that Jupiter in Cancer conjoins US natal Sun (the president) while Pluto opposes US natal Sun. And the transiting Saturn-Neptune midpoint, a planetary pair of collective social systems such as socialism, communism, and capitalism (along with suffering, asceticism, loss--and invisible government), conjoins the trio of Jupiter-Pluto-Venus within the Cancer-Capricorn axis of Security, Business, Career, and Domestic Concerns.

And of course, the 2014 Jupiter-Pluto opposition is the culmination stage (a 'full moon' of sorts) of their Great Conjunction of December 11, 2007 @28Sag23 during the Bush administration. The Jupiter-Pluto duo has 'concealment of wealth' and 'large-scale projects' vibes, as you know. Well, I guess that beggaring the entire world population via austerity measures and using the US military as part of a global police force may easily be described as 'large-scale projects', yes? And so can collapsing the US government in preparation for total control by global government, more's the pity, though we can refuse to allow it by community actions.

Although 2014 may not entirely be a year of 'smooth sailing' for the American people (or for President Obama with powerful, secretive Pluto opposing him), perhaps politicians will finally sort through ~our~ issues enough to keep America afloat into 2015--but that's not even mentioning Elections 2014, a whole other ballgame that we have to 'look forward' to. No, not much gets done in an election year, yet perhaps that also includes the harm that Congress can do. At least, many economists are not prognosticating 2014 to be a year of financial collapse and, if they're correct, that's something that even evaluating Venus may find worthy of appreciation.

Highly recommended for further reading is an excellent article concerning the cosmic events of January 2014 at Auntie Moon's Blog and joyously, it's a post free of Politics!

And in case you missed them, here's a handy list of 2014's Direct and Rx Planetary Stations in order of occurrence, plus, a list of the Solar and Lunar Eclipses of 2014 which will be discussed here in full as the days go by.

So if I don't 'see' you again, dear reader, here or there before January 1st, I want to wish a Very Happy New Year to Everyone! Jude

A Message from My Friend Barack

When Plutocrats Are in Need

by Jude Cowell

A rather astonishing email has arrived from a special Friend asking me to provide $3 for work that Washington Democrats should already be doing. For they do draw quite generous salaries from public coffers after all.

Yet admittedly I do prefer Democrats to control the House especially considering how cravenly Republicans have mooned the American people since 2009 and even now, as of December 28th, they withhold benefits for the unemployed while they themselves enjoy another undeserved holiday break.

We don't even know if Republicans will cooperate well enough to extend unemployment benefits after Congress returns to Capitol Hill on January 6, 2014 but I hope on the way to casting a vote they don't trip over their selfish, austere ideology which has proven many times to be excessively generous toward the wealthy elite who are in need of nothing yet they can't muster a dime for those who actually are in need--and who would bolster the US economy by spending it pronto. Why, monarchic Republicans and their enabling Democrats act as if tax monies are only theirs to spend and funnel however and wherever they wish, and that We the People should butt out of such lofty elitist decisions.

Puh!

Well, this dissenting American asserts once again that the majority of our politicians and other public officials are in breach of the public trust and, of course, have been for many decades. Many of them no longer pretend to do the tasks for which they were elected, it's just that after several years of Corporate Governance, embezzlement, theft, and fraud become much more difficult to hide successfully from the prying eyes of the fleeced. However, upping the level of outright brazenness helps their anti-American cause progress and that they've certainly been accomplishing while continuing to scam voters with glowing campaign promises and with political slogans that, as it turns out, have no merit in them for those who wish to retain a sovereign America.

And yet, no matter how outrageous Washington's sorry behavior becomes (and it will), we must not give them the fight they really want--millions of Americans in the streets with symbolic 'pitchforks' for government forces are surely amply armed and ready for us with tanks, drones, and otherwise. Besides, violence is never the answer to any problem and its use on our parts would shove us down to their reptilian-brained level where oppressive Pluto-Chiron's plutocrats and oligarchs dwell in the squalor of bad intentions.

Anyway, I hope my special Friend doesn't mind that I'm hereby publishing his email to little ole' me for it's certain that many of you received the same or a similar missive recently. Perhaps only the amount requested is different, but the cheekiness remains the same...

Friends --

They said it couldn't be done.

When our first Presidential campaign began, the naysayers dismissed the chances of a grassroots campaign powered by everyday folks organizing in their communities. Together, we proved them wrong.

Now those same critics claim we will fall short of regaining a Democratic House for the final two years of my term. But once again, you're building something truly incredible.

Friends -- Our campaign to defeat the Republican House and take back the majority is within range of a mark never before seen in Congressional campaigns -- one million online donations from grassroots supporters like you.

I'd like nothing more than to see us pull off this feat before this week's year-end fundraising deadline.

Can you chip in $3 or more today? Your donation could be the one that puts us over the top.

Let's get to work.

Barack

So. Are you persuaded?

Is the Bill of Rights dissolving before our very eyes?

Well, dear reader, perhaps you received a coffee or tea mug as a gift this week but if so, did it look anything like these?

~:~

The US Bill of Rights was introduced as legislative articles to the First US Congress by author James Madison (March 5, 1751 11:59 pm LMT Port Conway, VA; Sun 26Pis16, Moon 23Sco09, ASC 7Sag46 with Pluto rising @6Sag43 Rx--check out his chart/details here).

They were adopted by the House of Representatives on August 21, 1789, formally proposed by a joint resolution of Congress on September 25, 1789, and ratified by 3/4 of the states on December 15, 1791, as detailed here.

Their purpose? To assure certain "...personal freedoms, limit the government's power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and to the public." As you can see, the Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution, turned 222 years old on December 15, 2013, just passed.

So if you watch the brief video embedded above, you'll be watching a physical representation of their purpose dissolving before your very eyes.

Welcome to 2014, America. Are you certain you want to keep quiet while this travesty against the Bill of Rights continues to happen?

Dec 28, 2013: Astrology of Unemployment Benefits Cut Off

Our Derelict Congress and the GOP's 'Hurting Obama' Game

by Jude Cowell

Since unemployment benefits are set to expire on December 28, 2013 for 1.3 million Americans, it's only natural for astrologers to take a look at that date and the condition of its two money planets, Venus and Jupiter, both of which are retrograde. The condition of the astrological Moon as We the People is an important chart factor to consider as well.

Yesterday a list of planetary changes of direction were posted to this blog where we see that Jupiter is Rx until March 6, 2014, and Venus turns Rx on December 21st (this Saturday) while conjoining US natal Pluto in late Capricorn. The Venus-Pluto contact makes for a good time in the US to plan and determine strategy though as a planetary pair, Venus-Pluto can signify bankruptcy, a real hazard for those whose unemployment benefits suddenly are withheld for an extended period of time.

These folks' Christmas shopping will tend to be suppressed with December 28th looming, so retail sales are sure to be lost, thanks to a derelict Congress.

However, Congress will take up the extension of benefits when they return to Capitol Hill in early January (if we can believe them), though even only a week or two without unemployment checks will not only put some families at risk of homelessness and/or food insecurity, but the lack will interfere with filling up car gas tanks for even the most basic errands--plus, it will take the money they would be spending out of the economy--thus hurting the America people along with hurting President Obama's favorability rating.

As for the Moon, Luna conjoins depressive, austere Saturn at 7:58 pm est on the evening of December 28, 2013 @20Sco05..'21Sco' = "A Soldier Derelict in His Duty", a Sabian Symbol which may easily refer to our veterans but makes me think first of our derelict Congress especially since Scorpio is the sign of betrayal (of the public trust and of their oaths of office--governing by not governing doesn't count around here.) This conjunction echos the recent (Nov 28th) conjoining of America's Secondary Progressed Moon and Saturn @ '3Sco' ("A House-Raising"!)

Yet Christmas is an optimistic season, and my Jupiterian hope is that Congress will act to extend unemployment benefits well before the Direct Station of Venus on January 31, 2014 @13Cap34 (opposite US natal Sun, a time when leaders are openly opposed and there may be ostentatious displays of luxury!) so if you are reading this blog (as you seem to be), I suspect that this is your hope, too.

~:~

The Sabian Symbols in Astrology by Marc Edmund Jones.

Direct and Rx Planetary Stations: late 2013 into 2014

Changes of Direction: December 2013 to July 2014

by Jude Cowell

Now that Uranus in Aries turned Direct yesterday, up next in the line-up of planetary stations is Venus, a money planet, which from Earth's vantage point occurs near enough to Christmas Day to affect shoppers' urges to buy gifts or to return them before or after the holidays. Plus, thanks to Venus' Rx status, there may be a more than the usual amount of re-gifting practiced this year!

Here is a list of Direct and Retrograde Planetary Stations beginning with Venus in Capricorn and ending with Uranus in Aries in 2014, in order of occurrence; times listed are ET; you'll note the closeness of the Mars and Saturn shifts with Jupiter's station four days later:

1. Venus Rx Station: December 21, 2013 @28Cap58 at 4:53 pm (Direct since June 27, 2013 @7Gem29);

2. Mercury Rx Station: February 6, 2014 @3Pis20 at 4:43 pm (Direct since November 10, 2013 @2Sco29);

3. Mars Rx Station: March 1, 2014 @27Lib31 (Direct since April 13, 2012 @3Vir40);

4. Saturn Rx Station: March 2, 2014 @23Sco19 at 11:18 am (Direct since July 8, 2013 @4Sco49);

5. Jupiter Direct Station: March 6, 2014 @10Can26 at 5:41 am (Rx since November 7, 2013 @20Can30, a critical degree--Jupiter will finally move forward and conjoin US natal Mercury in Cancer, then oppose US natal Pluto in late Capricorn);

6. Pluto Rx Station: April 14, 2014 @13Cap34 (opposite US natal Sun) at 7:47 pm (Direct since September 20, 2013 @8Cap59):

7. Neptune Rx Station: June 9, 2014 @7Pis35 at 3:49 pm (Direct since November 13, 2013 @2Pis34):

8. Uranus Rx Station: July 21, 2014 @16Ari30 at 10:53 pm (Direct since December 17, 2013 @8Ari35, the day of the Full Moon @25Gem36).

If this list is at all helpful to you then I'll be very pleased!

Info derived from SolarFire Gold v8 software.