IMF protesters arrested in DC Apr 26, 2009: Pleiades implicated?

Police and protesters clashed at the IMF's Washington headquarters yesterday, Apr 25, 2009, with seven protesters arrested.

Hmm...is today's Sunset spectacle (see previous post below) - involving some difficult stars of the Pleiades cluster of seven stars - affecting the collective a day early? The IMF and World Bank were meeting to discuss a $55 billion infrastructure project for the 'developing world' as they're fond of saying, and using the current financial collapse (in which they are implicated) as cover and justification.

Sounds like more resource plundering on the way.

Saturday's protesters carried placards saying 'Capitalism in Crisis' and I'm not sure if anyone, financial experts included, could disagree with that. But vandalism at protests is never greeted happily so arrests were predictable. 'Plants' in the ranks of protesters are also possible, as I always remind myself in these cases.

One of the more famous 'cases' remains the 'Battle in Seattle' against the WTO (World Trade Organisation) in November-December of 1999. Lots of vandalism there by what looked to be planted operatives. Stuart Townsend did a great job directing the film, Battle in Seattle, worth a DVD viewing if you haven't. It contains actual footage as well.

Then there's a previous post from Feb 16, 2009, IMF plans proceed for martial law in the US, which may be even more specific to the protests against the IMF yesterday in our nation's capital.

And you know that the transiting midpoint of Pluto-Chiron is now conjunct US natal Pluto - or US Secondary Progressed Pluto, if you like - now progressed to a crisis-ridden 29th degree (of Capricorn.) Interestingly, the Sabian Symbol for America's natal Pluto degree is 'An Aviary' so I can't help it if I've been half-expecting a bird flu outbreak in the US. Looks like the pigs arrived first.

Yes, Pluto-Chiron is the '-isms' pair: fascism, statism, corporatism, racism, etc, plus disenfranchisement, primal violence, suffrage, etc, and, I suspect, the current outbreak of swine flu is somehow involved with Pluto-Chiron with Chiron relating to health as the Wound and the Wounded Healer, and Pluto playing his usual transformative games and secretly in control.

'Quarantine authority' is held at state and local levels, so stay aware, m'peops.

And since Pres. Obama left Mexico about 10 days ago, his health isn't expected to be in question relating to the current outbreak of swine flu.

That's good, because a US president spreading contagion of this kind would be even freakier than the usual swill coming out of Washington.

Finding birth data for Astrology charts

Frustratingly, I've just published a request from a reader asking if I have birth data for two people but without the name of the post the request was posted to, I'm not finding it to reply. So I will reply here along with some other blog-reading details for Stars Over Washington and for my other Blogger-hosted blogs.

When an 'actor' appears or gets busy on the world stage - or activates my conscious attention for some reason - my only source for birth data is to Google his/her name.

This usually results in a Wikipedia page concerning the person. If it is an especially famous person, I usually go with a Sun-to-Midheaven chart, but I also look at the Sunrise chart for the date of birth. No, I am not privy to birth records at hospitals since authorization would need to be given in writing in order to get the info - authorization by said person.

Or at least that's the way the law is in my region of the world.

Ex: to discover my own time of birth, I had to have my mother sign for her hospital records to be released to me since my own records - and birth certificate - neglected to list my birth time. Different states probably have different rules to make matters more complicated, but it does keep out the merely curious (supposedly.)

Occasionally a well-known historical figure will have biographical info online which mentions a time or approximate time of birth - 'shortly before sun up' and that sort of thing. And, of course, I often use Lois Rodden's excellent AstroDataBank resource which is now Open Source at Wikipedia but there is a limit on who is famous or important enough in the world to be included.

One other source for historical figures is the back of Marc Edmund Jones' The Sabian Symbols in Astrology (see book in the active Amazon Books ad in sidebar) and it sometimes surprises me who is listed - with a birth time!

But you, dear reader, asked me for data on contemporary individuals, and I suspect you'll find their dates and places of birth with but a click or two!

~:~

A 'mechanics of blogging' note: all my Blogger weblogs display better in my browser with IE (now using IE8.) And while I like Firefox, it seems to shove the sidebar content to the bottom of the page when I use it here - even if I publish using it; plus, Firefox overlaps ads, too. Not nice.

So it's up to you, of course, as to which browser you wish to use - and perhaps an upgrade may be in order - or a browser cache clean-out, if you have trouble viewing or reading these pages.

But if it's a matter of not understanding my blabs when I lapse into astrologese, or wondering what I'm up to with this grumpy political blog (crooked, greedy politicians make me very very grumpy), a fresh browser won't be of any help whatsoever, and I really don't know what to do with you.

Signed rather fitfully,

Jude, your reluctant astrologer

Update Apr 26 Sunday: Georgeann, I found your comment on a 2007 post and replied to it but with no more info than you see above. Thanks, Jude

Four other Blogger-hosted blogs:

Secret Moon Art;

Dreamyfish Art;

Cosmic Persona Designs (for age 17+ only);

Lim's Limericks (cat photos included along with Political Limericks of a groanworthy nature.)

And don't forget my Art~Astrology~Politics~Poetry 'tapestry blog' jude's threshold just because it's spun and woven together on WordPress!

Crescent Moon-Mercury-Pleiades stars conjoin at Sunset 4.26.09

Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Sunset, we will witness a conjunction of a silvery Crescent Moon, Mercury, and the stars of the Pleiades cluster.

For astrological details, and for SpaceWeather's information on this lovely celestial event, please click the above link where you'll also find a chance to sign the petition to release Roxanna Saberi from Iranian captivity, if you wish to but haven't signed as yet.

Perhaps the 'Images for Integration' for Sunday's Sun Taurus-Moon Gemini Earth-Air blend may be of interest since they possibly relate to current issues, events, and/or people...

'A wealthy publisher launches another new project...A scientist brilliantly discourses on the mysteries of nature (or the mysteries of swine flu and how it spreads? jc)...A sculptor carves the figure of a dancer (wonder if he's 'Dancing with the Stars'? jc)...A restaurateur earns a reputation for delicious souffles and meringues.'

Make mine chocolate!


('Sun Sign-Moon Sign' by Charles & Suzy Harvey.)

And here's a representation of a Crescent Moon for you...



Blue Trumpet Flower Under Crescent Moon drawing by Jude Cowell 2009+.

Mars squares Pluto April 27, 2009

From the first 2 to 3 degrees of Cardinal signs Aries (Mars) and Capricorn (Pluto) comes a transit that's hard for the collective to ignore: Mars square Pluto, an aspect that packs power and zeal into its suitcase of tricks, and even vengeful-when-scorned Venus is watching nearby.

My advice? Let the excellent Lynn Hayes explain all about it and follow the comments after her article for more info on this dynamic duo about to 'square off' with one another.

Reinhold Ebertin, in his book The Combination of Stellar Influences, gives Mars-Pluto when working together as: superhuman power; force; brutality.

Here are the correspondences as listed:

Psychological + - the ability to demonstrate extraordinary force and vigour; great self-confidence; great ambition; the obsession to work without any break. (That last may be meant for 'focused' bloggers of great intensity.)

negative expression: attainment of one's own objectives by means of ruthlessness to others; cruelty.

Biological - the replacement of natural organs and functions by artificial substitutes such as limbs, dentures; skull.

Sociological - piece-workers being paid for overtime work; great people in the sphere of sport; people disabled in war.

Probable manifestations + - attainment of success through excessive effort.

negative expression - the tendency to proceed in a brutal manner; the misfortune of having to suffer violent assaults, injuries.


Well, I don't like typing this info in, you know, but we may as well be aware of what Mars/Pluto's explosive energies are capable of effecting.

So let's create as many good things as we can and send out positive vibes into the environment ~ the universe ~ to offset the actions of those who are determined to be sociopathic chaos-creators toward society.

For my part this evening, I've been publishing new art images in one of my gallery collections, Cosmic Persona Designs for those of the 17+ persuasion. And you know something? It's only Art!

Big Banks' impressive profits abracadabra-esque

Recent 'impressive' profit reports seemed more than a little abracadabra-esque to me and it turns out that (for once) I called it: the big banks' rosy profit numbers have a sorcerer's apprentice quality to them.

But you suspected this, didn't you? And the book-cooking and report-padding continue...

Madoff trial distracts while Ponzi schemes go on

How Bernie did it is beginning to surface. Madoff's former right-hand man Frank DiPascali is angling for a reduced sentence in exchange for singing like a canary naming names.

Meanwhile, some people think the Madoff trial is a distraction from Wall Street's basic Ponzi scheme (which it is) and that they should Free Bernie Madoff Now!


And for you, here are a few astrological notes on Bernard Madoff's natal chart, if you're interested in the bugger.

What is a Cryptogon?

Yes, it's subtle but that doesn't mean it isn't there...

Check out SO'W's sidebar column for a new feed just added from Cryptogon where you'll discover that the word cryptogon refers to 'the hidden structure underlying and interconnecting the political, economic, and perception management systems currently in operation on this planet.'

Kevin, you had me at cryptogon!

TARP Thievery: Jupiter/Neptune = US Moon

Robert Scheer's Thievery Under the TARP is a perfect real life illustration of the current Great Conjunction of the speculation pair Jupiter and Neptune as they meet with America's natal Moon (the people) in Aquarius all through 2009.

Regrettably the Jupiter/Neptune = Moon warning: 'becoming involved in speculation; losing oneself in plans; going with the wind; wastefulness; instability' is in the air.

Can you smell it?

Reconciliation on Capitol Hill?

Reconciliation: okay for Rs, unacceptable for Ds?

Torture Quote Round-Up begins with John Yoo

The following Torture Quote Round-Up is brought to you by the Information Clearing House Newsletter and begins with 'torture attorney' John Yoo:

"Congress's definition of torture in those laws - the infliction of severe mental or physical pain - leaves room for interrogation methods that go beyond polite conversation." John Yoo

"The civilized have created the wretched, quite coldly and deliberately, and do not intend to change the status quo; are responsible for their slaughter and enslavement; rain down bombs on defenseless children whenever and wherever they decide that their 'vital interests' are menaced, and think nothing of torturing a man to death: these people are not to be taken seriously when they speak of the 'sanctity' of human life, or the 'conscience' of the civilized world." James Baldwin

"The aim of torture is to destroy a person as a human being, to destroy their identity and soul. It is more evil than murder..." Inge Genefke (1938- ) Danish Doctor & Human Rights Activist

"Modern man likes to pretend that his thinking is wide-awake. But this wide-awake thinking has led us into the mazes of a nightmare in which the torture chambers are endlessly repeated in the mirrors of reason." Octavio Paz (Mexican poet, writer, and diplomat, 1914-1998)

"Torture is banned but in two-thirds of the world's countries it is still being committed in secret. Too many governments still allow wrongful imprisonment, murder or "disappearance" to be carried out by their officials with impunity." Peter Benenson- (1921-2005) Founder of Amnesty International

~:~

When it comes to torture-promoters like John Yoo, David Addison, the other attorneys who did Bush's and Cheney's bidding on this matter - and the politicians who smudge America's soul with torture and 'rain' bombs on women and children - it may be as simple as allowing each of them to sample the techniques they've ordered for others to suffer - then they might quit playing with semantics and understand down to the cellular level - just how torture is defined. And it might not be quite so polite.

GOP's Faces: Cheney, Rove, and Gingrich - and a suicide

The DNC is now running ads to brand Cheney, Rove, and Gingrich as the faces of the Republican Party.

Quite a stellar trio of visages, at least two of which qualify as mugshots on an FBI wall, imo.

You may be interested in checking out a previous post which contains a link to a very interesting article by Mark Crispin-Miller, titled Bloody Karl which lists the piles of lifeless bodies that surround Mr. Turdblossom, a list which includes Senator Paul Wellstone, Enron's Cliff Baxter (Rove was one of Enron's biggest shareholders, remember), Mike Connell, 'DC Madam' Deborah Jeane Palfrey (whose death came just before she was to reveal her client list), and more.

Perhaps there's even a link to the 'suicide' revealed this very morning, David B. Kellerman, CFO of Freddie Mac, who was found hung to death in his home's basement. I haven't had a lot of time to study the Astrology chart of the sad event as of yet, but Palfrey's 'suicide by hanging' and Kellerman's both occurred during a Balsamic phase of the Moon ('dark of the Moon' just prior to a New Moon, a time when shady things go on - or there may be emotional depression, it's true.)

Also, Moon and Uranus were conjunct in mysterious Pisces in both charts - more on that later. And you know that Venus and Mars were conjunct this morning at 29 Pisces, a critical or crisis degree...lots of pressure there.

Ms. Palfrey's 'suicide' was definitely convenient for many Washington politicians, and we'll have to see how Mr. Kellerman's situation plays out especially with federal investigations ongoing into Freddie Mac's books, etc. Kellerman was employed in various accounting positions at Freddie Mac for years - one source says 'since 1992' and one gives '1993.'

So! Cheney's, Rove's and Gingrich's snoots are the Faces of the GOP? Sounds precisely correct to me.

Well, if they're going to be around a while longer, you may wish to find out what Leo Strauss and Dick Cheney share astrologically (hint: it concerns neoconservatism), and here's a SO'W post from 2007 which asks what makes Dick tick? Yes, Cheney is a square kind of guy as you'll see.

Gingrich's chart I'm working on now and will post a blurb on him asap - but please don't say he's "from Georgia."

Senate Armed Services Committee faults Bush adm on torture

The Senate Armed Services Committee released a report last evening, April 21, 2009, which faults the Bush administration for authorizing torture techniques.

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld authorized certain methods on Dec 2, 2002, so I took a quick look at that date and found a Grand Trine between Mars, Saturn, and Uranus which gives three midpoint pictures to consider (energies which could have been operative on many levels anywhere on the globe and for anyone, of course - and people chose how to use them), but see if you think any of them apply to the subject at hand...Grand Trine patterns indicate closed circuits of energy:

Mars/Saturn = Uranus: the inclination to apply brute force; the ability to take as well as give under provocation; extraordinary and unusual powers of resistance; the inclination to apply brute force; a nervous test of strength; sudden illness or separation; intervention by a Higher Power; intense drive; breaking loose; gaining independence through struggle.

Mars/Uranus = Saturn: violence; a lack of adaptability; energy concentrated on separation; a heavy injury; operation; violent destruction; a clash between controls and the freest spirit; potential battles and separations; controls cannot be tolerated.

Saturn/Uranus = Mars: an act of violence; the occasionally wrong use of extraordinary energy; undergoing great efforts and toil; a violent or forced release from tensions or strains; challenging others for a decisive contest or fight; deprivation of freedom; injury; accident; tremendous upheaval possible in rebellion, through calamity, overexertion, or anxiety about how things will get on. (Ebertin; Tyl.)