The Russian Wildcard
Last week Russian President Boris Yeltsin warned that
American use of force in Iraq could trigger World War III.
Although unreported in U.S. media, Radio Moscow
simultaneously announced the unveiling of a new super
missile capable of eluding Pentagon defenses. Meanwhile,
the nationalistic forces that dominate Russia's parliament
are angrily denouncing NATO expansion, a move
scheduled to be cleared by Congress this March.
As mentioned in last week's column, Russia's national
horoscope has been under major stress from Mars and
Pluto, the most forceful of the planets. Mars is moving
ahead now, although it will be in a dangerously provocative
position this coming Thursday and Friday (when Mars
crosses Russia's Descendant).
Over the next six weeks Pluto remains in an extremely
menacing position in Russia's chart (conjunct the IC). The
astrological observer will be able to see how transits to this
Pluto will directly correlate to Russian affairs, especially
those that involve the use of absolute force. Perhaps the
most important of these is the Solar Eclipse on February
26, but also Pluto's retrograde station on March 10.
Yeltsin's chart (February 1, 1931) is currently showing
tendencies toward unpredictable and volatile behavior. His
Aquarius personality can be likened to a "loose cannon"
mentality (Sun opposite Mars) which is energized and
electrically charged when facing an enemy.
This eccentric side of his nature is in full force now (as
transiting Uranus rapidly approaches his Sun), and reaches
maximum voltage in March. He's risking a heart attack
under this influence, but equally prone to sudden attack
against others.
Jupiter and the True Believer
Among the several important celestial conditions now in
effect, one of the key trend-setters is Jupiter in Pisces.
Jupiter entered Pisces on February 4, and will remain in
this sign for one year. Jupiter, the planet of religion and
philosophy feels comfortable in Pisces, a sign which finds
fulfillment and contentment in its spiritual beliefs. Jupiter
is at home in this sign, and tends to foster compassion,
kindness, mysticism, forgiveness, and understanding.
Jupiter in Pisces does have a down side, however. Pisces is
not known for its discriminating mental faculties. When
Jupiter is challenged by other planets, people can easily get
attached to unrealistic or illogical beliefs. One reference
describes this tendency as an "uncritical absorption of
trashy pseudo-esoteric foolishness."
In the geopolitical arena, Jupiter in Pisces represents the
True Believer, whether that belief is in an ancient religion,
a national destiny, or a New Age utopia. Over the next
month Jupiter will advance through Pisces until it forms a
square with Pluto in Sagittarius, an aspect which happens
to be exact when Pluto is making its retrograde station on
March 9.
The celestial climate described by the Jupiter-Pluto
connection indicates a growing tornado of religious
extremism. Under this influence, many political decisions
will be based on morality and righteousness. Terrorism will
likely increase dramatically over the next month, as will
the evocation of Armageddon and/or Jihad.
Saddam Hussein as Nebuchanezzar
The Iraqi situation is now the focus of world leaders
everywhere. The United Nations is withdrawing its forces,
and Germany has just signed on for the pending invasion.
Israelis are donning their gas masks, and political pundits,
the visiting Prime Minister, and a majority of Americans
are ready to "take out" Saddam.
Saddam was born on April 28, 1937 in Tikrit, Iraq (34N36
43E42). Although the time is uncertain, 8:55 AM (BAT, or
-3 from GMT) seems accurate and gives five degrees
Cancer Rising. His Taurus Sun is conjunct Uranus, a
combination which perfectly straddles the U.S. Descendant
(according to the Scorpio Rising chart*), which is why
Americans feel so psychologically gratified when hating
this open enemy.
Saddam is nominally a follower of Islam, and periodically
attempts to rally his Arab neighbors for some religious
cause. His Jupiter-Pluto opposition describes his
hypocritical zealotry, an aspect which has likewise
promoted nationalistic ties to ancient Babylon.
Saddam's Neptune sits right on his nadir, the beginning of
the fourth house of home and family. For a political leader,
Neptune here harks back to a golden era; Saddam has
identified himself with Nebuchanezzar, the Biblical King
who in 597 B.C. captured Jerusalem and subjugated the
Jews. He has reconstructed an ancient ziggurat to evoke
this powerful image of empire.
If Saddam realizes his "cat and mouse" game with the
Americans has gotten out of hand, he will most likely
launch whatever nuclear or biological weapons he has
against Israel. Within a few days of the Solar Eclipse
(February 26) we are likely to see some major military
developments in this region.
* For a detailed look at the USA Scorpio Rising chart, visit
the Scorpio Rising
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