Comments, questions, suggestions? Let us know what you think. Email wolfstar@neptunecafe.com
"The natal chart is like a seed and progressions are the unfolding in time of that into the plant it is to become. Transits, are like a daily weather report. In political astrology, these three factors have to be taken into account!"
Unless otherwise stated, all data is rated A or AA from AstroDataBank
Reader feedback
re: Syria - I always enjoy your weekly column. This week's piece on Syria was particularly of interest. When I changed the time (from Campion at 6 AM) to the Tyl time, I saw all you spoke about. Additionally I looked at the astrocartography map and the local space map. The latter shows the BML line going into the heart of Russia. This is particularly ominous...
re: Cubs - You wouldn't, by any chance, have a Chart for the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team? I can't seem to find any definitive date, except for 1870. I love to root for the Underdog.
re: Hillary - As a long term Hillary fan, I am delighted about her good showing in the recent Democratic debate. Those who dislike Hillary just love to drop those "hints of scandal" in an attempt to derail her campaign. The political pundits and the mainstream media are in for a revelation: Hillary is and has always been a great Presidential candidate!
re: mass murders - I think you have provided very convincing astrological details that confirm the Scorpio rising chart for the United States. It looks as though transiting Uranus will move out of orb to progressed Mars before too long. Do you think this will create a respite from mass murders such as the recent one in Oregon? I know there are other factors involved but taking Martian anger out of the set up looks positive for the future. Do you agree?
A. Yes, transiting Uranus will soon be out of range of activating the U.S. progressed Mars, but that definitely does not end the escalating trend of mass murders. Next come transiting Pluto, and also progressed Lilith will be joining progressed Mars in the U.S. 12th house. Progressed Lilith is just entering the U.S. 12th house now and will conjoin progressed Mars in January 2023, with both opposing progressed Chiron in the 6th house of health. This is an extremely dangerous set-up regarding violence as a health issue, and will be periodically activated by numerous outer planet transits between now and 2023.
re: guns - Given that the gun lobby is huge and powerful and that stupid amendment is, like, scripture to people, do you, also given this chart configuration, ever see anything ever being done to mitigate this stupidity? I refer you to Australia taking away everyone's guns after a particularly horrific mass killing. Since that nation-wide confiscation, no more mass killings. Imagine. Surprising how no guns can result in no killings.) I know that this is unlikely to happen to the Australian degree. But do you see gun enthusiasts giving an inch ever anywhere at all? Ever?
A. The Australian government didn't do a nation-wide confiscation of guns, but offered to buyback guns. The program was genius and inspirational, but would Americans follow suit? Unlikely any time soon, to my dismay.
re: NewsScope - I really love Neptune Café. I think NewsScope is the best astrology blog on the net.
re: NewsScope - Thank you, as always, for a column that I check first thing in the morning on Mondays!
re: European Union - Since the refugee crisis, much talk has centered around the difficulties of taking in such a mass of peoples whose cultures are so very different from those of Europe. I do hear more about the urgency of dealing with migrants that are huge in number and in many ways demanding, rather than desiring of fitting in wherever there opens a door. Most recently there's the opinion that this large-scale migration may well signal the end of the European Union. Some even are considering conspiracy theories of how such a movement was initiated, is perpetuated, and who it helps (i.e. Russia, the US and their oil interests). What do you see in the stars for the EU's future?
A. Sorting out the conspiracy theories from what's happening on the ground and the shifting policies of the various nations involved makes this a complex issue. The chart I use for the European Union, set for November 1, 1993, currently has transiting Uranus squaring the natal Uranus-Neptune conjunction, which fits the disrupting influence caused by the flood of immigrants. Beyond that, I can't say how this will work itself out. What happens in Syria is, of course, relevant, and there we have a state of constant flux, not to mention the numerous surrounding players vying for control. How Russia and the U.S. come to terms (or not) with the Middle East is another unknown vector. In short, there are too many variables to make any definitive statement on the effects to the Eurozone. However, I will study the EU chart some more and see if any internally directed effort can be mustered to resolve the crisis.
re: Saturn-Neptune - As you pointed out in your (5) astrological events for November 2015, the Saturn/Neptune square on 11/26/2015 is prominent. You showed in the European Union chart that natal Neptune is being squared by transiting Uranus. I would like to point out that transiting Neptune in the Scorpio Rising USA chart is also squaring natal Uranus in the 8th house.
So Uranus in the US chart has Neptune square to it while Neptune in the EU chart has a Uranus square in effect now. While Saturn afflicts both. Coincidence? I think all this shows the difficulty of maintaining our free Internet(Uranus) while Neptune is showing the downside of a border-free world.
I very much hope that all this is the "irritant" that produces the "pearl" of gained wisdom as you so aptly state in your Newscope article. Sadly, I just do not know if the pearl is wishful thinking or what. People of good will know what this future world might look like but the way there is not at all clear.
re: Mog - Think they'll make Mog, the movie? I think it'd be great fun... love Emma Thompson... Thanks for the "heads up" video---hadn't seen this elsewhere...
re: EU - The last few days have shown a willingness to fight back against the terrorists that certainly does not reflect any "stunned paralysis" in the European Union. France and Russia are now cooperating in air strikes against ISIS in Syria and if the US would get off its duff maybe, just maybe some real progress could be made in defeating these monsters called ISIS. On another note even the hacking group Anonymous has finally realized ISIS is a greater threat than any western government to their vaunted freedom of ideas. All this to say, I do not think your interpretation of the EU chart is telling the real story
A. French president Hollande attempted to get the U.S. and Russia on the same page, but the two external powers do not agree on the fate of Syrian president Assad. But perhaps "stunned paralysis" is not the right interpretation of the progressed Midheaven to the EU's Mars-Pluto square Saturn. The Saturn-Pluto combination is known for its intense nationalism and conservative or tightening policies. Individually, the EU nations are closing their borders and ratcheting up security measures, which is in accord with the activation of the EU's Mars-Pluto conjunction in Scorpio. But it doesn't bode well for the EU as a larger geopolitical entity, which we might say is in a state of paralysis.
re: NewsScope - Around 3 years ago I was having problems with saving your NewsScope web pages and subsequently opening them in readable form in one of my three web browsers. I made no progress with having you getting Homestead to fix this.
On a whim I tried doing it again several days ago. I now can open most of your NewsScope issues with either no or very few rendering issues. I can also easily save the pages as PDF files in Opera. This makes using your articles for research very easy.
I have gone back and made PDF files for all of 2009 and 2010. Unfortunately the link for July 11, 2011 is incorrect. I get the NewsScope for November 7, 2011, Jon Corzine Resigns. If you could correct this I would appreciate it. I will wait to see if you can do it so I can keep my files in chronological order.
A. The software used to build NeptuneCafe's pages was originally designed to be pc-compatible. Those using apple products had some rendering issues, until the host (Homestead) moved the site designer platform into the cloud. It made pages viewable in both pc and apple products. The problem is that due to the hundreds of pages in NeptuneCafe, webpage designing takes much longer to do, and some mis-labling issues may crop up. If the July 11, 2011 page is the only one that got lost since 2009, then that's a decent track record. Readers who want a copy of the July 11, 2011 issue can get an emailed copy upon request.
re: NewsScope - I honestly think you are so incredibly gifted in the astrological world. I love trying to learn from what you write. I wish I had your ability. I've got more knowledge than most people who just dabble, but a Vulcan mind meld would be amazing to have the understanding.......
re: Trump - When will he be gone? I was watching a biography of him last night. Mostly I was rolling my eyes and sighing. What the hell IS that? He so rubs me the wrong way. He is so horribly FULL of himself. That's Mars in Leo, isn't it?
A. Mars in Leo is found in more presidents charts - by far - than any other placement. It shows leadership, decisive opinions, and confidence. Trump's ego is inflated through Jupiter's placement, plus currently his progressed Sun near his Leo Ascendant, which conjoins the royal star Regulus. Most likely, he will be on the national scene through the campaign season since this progressed Sun is still 1/2 degree away from this important conjunction.
re: Zuckerberg rectification - Wow. Really, wow. Do you use any software to aid rectification?
A. I use SolarFire for my calculations, but none that suggest any birth times, such as Jigsaw.
re: Insane Violence - Thank you for the warnings for what's up ahead re: The Insane Violence Configuration --- and for the December 2015 report. Like many, I'm glad to be aware of when the more stressful days might be during the "holiday" season & when to be more mindful of when my own stress is in danger of blowing off too much steam, or when family gatherings might be a bit more testy...yes---a good time of year to remember the peace, love and joy inspirations...
re: NewsScope subscription - Thanks for sending the current NewsScope. Maybe charging a fee for your weekly subscription will be a way for you to monetize your creativity. I've sent you $50/year for the past few years. Happy to pay more. People can pay. You do the work. We pay you. That works beautifully.
Nice to give it away to those in need on your website, but nicer still to receive it on a weekly basis in my mailbox. I think having people pay is important--for you and for them. You are really talented. I love reading your write ups.
A. OK, thank-you. That's something to think about.
Recent NewsScope Articles
Sept. 28, 2015 - Xi and Obama agree; October's top 5 astro-events; Emissions scandal at Volkswagen.
Oct. 5, 2015 - Bernie Sanders and the Debate; the Oregon shooter; Richard Tarnas and Jupiter.
Oct. 12, 2015 - Paul Ryan, next House speaker? Bernie Sanders rectified; Matt Damon as The Martian.
Oct. 19, 2015 - Syria's proxy wars; verifying Hillary's birth time; Erin Andrews sues.
Oct. 26, 2015 - UN summit on climate change; November's top 5; Adele returns with "25".
Nov. 2, 2015 - Barack Obama's Mars Return, other celebrities' Mars Returns at 22º Virgo, Britney Spears.
Nov. 9, 2015 - Ben Carson under fire, Marco Rubio's tax plan, Supergirl star Melissa Benoist.
Nov. 16, 2015 - European Union in Crisis; Donald Trump's Iowa speech; Emma Thompson
Nov. 23, 2015 - Immigration and Saturn-Neptune; the ISIS horoscope; Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
Nov. 30, 2015 - The insane violence configuration; Dec.'s top five; the Force Awakens the Millennials.
Dec 7, 2015 - Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik; Mark Zuckerberg's $45 billion donation.
Dec 14, 2015 - The Uranus-Eris cycle; Paul Ryan for president? Frank Sinatra centennial.
Dec 20, 2015 - UN forced into action; Martin Shkreli versus the FBI; Ronday Rousey"s UFC title.
Dec 28, 2015 - Russian economic surges; January's top 5; Daisy Ridley of The Force Awakens.
Jan. 4, 2016 - 2016 begins with Mercury retrograde; Bernie Sanders' celestial assets; Natalie Cole.
Jan.11, 2016 - The Lilith-Uranus-Pluto configuration activated; El Chapo captured; Beatlemania.
NewsScope has been published continually since 1997. Back copies dating from 2009 through 2015 can be found at NewsScope archives.
For NewsScope blogs dating from October 25, 1999 through March 31, 2009, visit StarIQ/NewsScope.
NewsScope for January 18, 2016
By Michael Wolfstar
Hillary Slipping before Iowa and New Hampshire
Since 1976, when primaries and caucuses became the vehicle for selecting party delegates, virtually every nominee has won either Iowa or New Hampshire. In other words, it’s statistically improbable to lose both and go one to become the nominee. For the Democrats, the once presumed shoe-in, Hillary Clinton, is faltering badly. Last week’s disingenuous attack on Bernie Sanders' healthcare plan backfired.
These bi-wheel segments show Hillary's chart progressed to February 1 for the Iowa caucus.
Having a well-placed Part of Fortune (PF), both natally and by secondary progression, is critical to winning the nomination. Natally, her PF is in the 5th house of children where it opposes Neptune but trines Mars and Pluto, making a mixed bag. We can see Chelsea’s getting involved in the campaign as Hillary’s progressed Sun and Mercury activate her Fortuna-Neptune axis. But the overall effect has not been helpful to her political campaign. While she’s doing well nationally, Iowa and New Hampshire might bring a significant setback.
The outer planet transits are generally well placed in Hillary’s chart. Jupiter is in her 10th house and favorably aspecting her Scorpio Ascendant. Her elevated Mars-Pluto-Saturn triple conjunction is being energized by transiting Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto. Only transiting Neptune is causing problems: its opposition to her progressed Mars and conjunction with her progressed Pallas (representing her political strategists) has brought confusion and uncertainty into her campaign.
Using her 8:02 am birth time, transiting Mars is going through her 12th house of self-undoing. When Mars goes through this house, going on the attack is not favored. Mars enters her 1st house in mid-February, in time for the next round of primaries in Nevada and South Carolina. However, Neptune remains a heavy disintegrating factor during this campaign season, and is emphasized by her progressed Sun and Mercury squaring natal Neptune.
Oil Prices and Standard Oil
A reader asks, “Do you have any insight into 'oil': its price, the US's new international sale of it, and the geopolitical tie-ins?” The historical price of oil shows a fairly stable pattern until OPEC initiated an oil embargo on October 19, 1973. Since then, oil’s inflation-adjusted price has gyrated wildly, reaching a peak of $147/barrel in July 2008. Now it’s below $30.
The horoscope for Standard Oil (January 10, 1870; New York, NY; time unknown) helps frame the major inflection points. The central dynamic is a T-square, with the Capricorn Sun opposing Uranus, and both squaring a Lilith-Neptune conjunction in Aries. The progressed Sun was squaring natal Mars when OPEC quadrupled the price of oil in late 1973 to protest U.S. backing of Israel. Also, transiting Uranus in Libra was activating the T-square.
Astrologers can cross-check the various peaks and troughs since then with the transits and progressions to Standard Oil’s chart. The all-time high on July 11, 2008 came when transiting Jupiter reached the Midheaven (a noon birth time works quite well), while trine Pluto. The all-time low was reached on December 1, 1998 when a progressed Lilith-Fortuna conjunction was simultaneously conjunct the Aries Moon in the 12th house.
The most recent downturn began in June 2014 when progressed Venus was conjunct the Standard Oil Moon and applying to progressed Lilith over the next year. Currently, transiting Uranus and Pluto are activating the natal T-Square. Transiting Uranus was conjunct natal Neptune last week when the price broke below $30. These severe conditions are likely to continue over the next several years as transiting Pluto heads toward Standard Oil’s Sun. As the corporate foundation for “Big Oil”, this chart works.
Black Moon Lilith, Paradoxical and Clandestine
This week’s celebrity profile is devoted to Black Moon Lilith, an archetypal force associated with all that is hidden, magical, creative, and defiant of the existing order. This month** Lilith is transiting from 14º to 17º Libra where she opposes transiting Uranus and squares transiting Pluto, forming a powerful T-square. Nations and individuals with prominent placements in these degrees fall under her spell.
In the Scorpio Rising U.S. chart, transiting Lilith is currently conjunct progressed Lilith, with both entering the 12th house. Nearby is progressed Mars at 18º Libra which, at NeptuneCafe, has been associated with America’s escalating violence, secret surveillance, and terrorist activities. It’s brought fearmongering to the forefront of the political campaign. And over the last two weeks, it’s brought a plunging stock market, as fear of the unknown grips investors.
Lilith under affliction is associated with death, especially when the 8th or 12th houses are involved. Transiting and progressed Lilith are making one harmonious aspect, and that’s a sextile to the U.S. Midheaven at 16º Leo which, in one sense, refers to the entertainment business (show biz). We’ve lost an unusual number of famous actors over the last two weeks, most recently Dan Haggerty (star of “Grizzly Adams”), Vilmos Zsigmond (director of “Close Encounters”), and singer David Bowie to name just a few.
Each of the actors who went on to the next plane has natal planets activated by transiting Lilith. Another actor, Sean Penn, also has this dynamic hitting his chart, but here: Lilith is trine his Sagittarius Ascendant while squaring his progressed Lilith. He’s getting some flak for his journalistic efforts at Rolling Stone magazine for his article about the infamous El Chapo. Getting the interview was a Lilith-styled adventure, which he describes as being paradoxical, unpredictable, threatening, and “a clandestine horror show.”
Sean Penn was previously profiled here
