Neptune into Pisces- let's get creative

"Screw you guys. I'm going home."

How do you feel when you think of the ocean? Of deep currents of water, moving and shifting, connecting the entire globe? It's an inspiring place, and has been for a great deal of time. In fact, recent new evidence of man-made tools on Crete suggests that early humans may have had far more sophisticated sailing technology, far earlier than expected (like, people were sailing when they were supposed to be thwacking each other over the head with mammoth bones).

In astrology, Neptune is associated with water and the ocean, as well as the symbolic and archetypal associations of water- the "spiritual waters", the waters of intoxication (beer!) and the emotional waters of whatever you'd like to call the psycho-spiritual mass that binds us- the collective subconscious, our spiritual connection, our sense of being one part of a vast energy matrix. Here's a snippet about Neptune from a post I did last November on the generational planets:

- April 4, 2011 – moves into Pisces.

- Neptune dissolves the physical world wherever it touches. It represents changes in consciousness, which can include idealism, spirituality, creativity, delusion, confusion, drugs and alcohol.

- Pisces is ruled by Neptune, and is a sign typically associated with empathy and compassion as well as confusion. Neptune last entered Pisces in 1847- A year later the Communist Manifesto (compassion and idealism) was published. Impressionist painters flourished (and drank a lot of Absinthe). Opium came into use, Darwin’s theories “dissolved” the old structure of Christian theological doctrine, and Anesthetic (compassion + drugs) began to be used in hospitals.

What if… Medical Marijuana? New philosophies about people and society? New drugs or vices? New discoveries in science that question religion (… or new discoveries in religion that question science?)

So what lies ahead as Neptune approaches Pisces? Famous astrologer Steven Forest points to a few possibilities, in this video from the last NORWAC (Northwest Astrological Conference):

Click here to see the video

As in most astrological events, there are positives and negatives. The guiding principle of Neptune in Pisces is that we will feel more, and that we will be opened up to greater metaphysical possibility. Anyone with a strong Neptune or Pisces element will understand this especially well. The challenge with such exposure is that it can be, at times, overwhelming... and people will seek to escape from it. Last time Neptune was in Pisces, the subject of Opium was one of international interest and conflict (including the second opium war in China), and Absinthe became a fashionable and widespread intoxicating beverage in France and elsewhere.

Neptune in Pisces may or may not facilitate encounters with the green fairy.

But, undeniably, Neptune opens doors that move people to explore what's on the other side. Many interesting developments seemed to be inspired during the last passage of Neptune in Pisces starting in 1847, and manifested more concretely during the following passage of Neptune through Aries (the Cardinal sign of pioneering manifestation). A few examples:

Mormonism: 1847 onward saw the presidency of Brigham Young and the development of Salt Lake City as a Mormon "Promised Land"
Theosophy: Helena Blavatsky, co-founder of the Theosophy movement, travels the world and takes inspiration from a variety of spiritual traditions.
Atlantis: A French ethnographer who translated the Popol Vuh, a sacred book of the Maya, began to speculate about a connection between the lost continent of Atlantis and Mayan culture
Oil (You might as well call it a theology in and of itself): In 1859, oil struck in Titusville, PA gave birth to the modern commercial oil industry.
India Pale Ale: British export beer originally made for traveling to colonial India becomes popular amongst people back home in England. A tasty example of increasing global connections.

What could breakaway Christianity, occult beliefs, oil and beer have to do with Neptune? Consider these developments. Mormonism taught that inhabitants of Native America were descendants of some of the lost tribes of Israel. Theosophy sought a concept of spiritual truth binding spiritual heritages from around the world. Atlantis, especially with the popular publication in 1882 of Atlantis: The Antidiluvian World by Ignatius L. Donnelly several years after Neptune passed through Aries. Oil began to develop as a resource not only useful globally, but available globally. And beer traveled around the world. These events, amongst others during the time of Neptune in Pisces, represent an underlying increase in the sense of global unity. Scholars investigating Atlantis saw the great cultural heritage of the Americas as being linked to those of the Old World through a common heritage, while Theosophy worked to demonstrate the common truth in world religions. Beer and Oil developed as lubrication, literally and mentally, for a world connected.

I admit, the idea that Indigenous Americans would need a common heritage with Europeans can be demeaning, and may well be connected to over a century of colonial mentality. But, if you take these developments in context (It was 1847 people! They didn't even have toilet paper! Until, that is, commercial toilet paper was mercifully invented while Neptune was still in Pisces, in 1857), you see that influential people around the world were seeking a system of unity and global consciousness.

Without even discussing the actual existence of Atlantis, it's easy to see its significance as a unifying mythical tale. Lacking any discussion of religious particulars, Atlantis was seen as a real place of ancient wisdom lost and found again. It was a binding heritage of people across the globe. It represents the dissolved boundaries of space, time, and physical reality, without which people gained access to ideas that solidified in the following epoch of Neptune in Aries. Now, as then, we embark on 15 years of old boundaries washed away. We may find, in the waters that wash in, the inspiration for a new world, one that will take physical shape starting in 2026.

As things in the world become more and more dire, don't be afraid of these boundaries that wash away. Instead, look through them, and find the inspiration for a healing new vision of the world.

And have a nice, tasty beer to celebrate Neptune in Pisces.

Neptunian types and everybody: Are you feeling the upcoming change? What do you think of the developments last time Neptune was in Pisces? What dreams do you want to manifest? This is a great topic for a good discussion!

Getting ready for the Supermoon Saturday

NOTE: I have decided to indefinitely post-pone Chiron and Sea level rise part two (in which I planned to demonstrate, in a darkly humorous way, how sea level rise would inundate famous beer breweries) in light of the recent events in Japan. Chiron has a lot to teach us about this event, I feel, but it's not the right time to make light of things being flooded by the sea.

Anywho, events around the world the past few weeks have really taken off. The U.N. voted in favor of a No-Fly Zone in Libya which would essentially be the beginning of military intervention by foreign countries in the Libyan conflict. Meanwhile, Japan is still reeling from its horrible earthquake and tsunami, and while many sources claim that the nuclear crisis is becoming more stable, there is rampant uncertainty and concern.

While all of these events make for high emotional "tides", we can also look to the "Supermoon", march 19, for an increase in lunar energy here on earth. The moon is at perigee, or the point closest to the earth in it's slightly imperfect orbit. If you keep your eyes peeled near the horizon for moonrise, you'll see the moon a whopping 14% larger. Astronomically speaking, this slightly closer proximity to earth causes the larger appearance, somewhat higher tides, some "oohs" and "awws" from stargazers, and the chance to giggle at the hokus-pokus nonsense of astrological predictions.

I feel that astrology is an ever-present thorn in the side of the hyper-rational community. I'll be the first to admit that, no, I (nor any astrologer I know of) cannot go into a lab and arrive at a proven result for astrological phenomena. Sometimes, however, events such as today's Supermoon make it to the mainstream media, and it can go from a point of general curiosity to an old-fashioned scientific turkey shoot. Words like "nonsense", "medieval" and "ridiculous" get used quite a bit, and without empirical proof on your side, it's hard to defend oneself. You may see many articles about how the Supermoon could cause more disasters, odd weather, etc, and just as many articles about how there's no backing in science for it.

From an astrological perspective, however, there is a resonance between the heavens and events on earth. They are part of the same system, that transcends empirical scientific proof. "As above, so below." As such, the Supermoon is a reflection of increased lunar influence. However you describe it, the connection is there. And historically speaking, Supermoons have been associated with several seismic disasters, including: The Galveston hurricane of 1900, the 1989 World Series earthquake, several historic eruptions. Richard Nolle had an article in The Mountain Astrologer (click on his name to see) about his observations such environmental effects around the time of Supermoons.

Another interesting supporter of this theory is a former scientist of the USGS named Jim Berkland, famous for predicting the 1989 World Series earthquake. In this video interview he discusses factors that contribute to this "window" of possible seismic activity, while never mentioning astrology. Instead, he mentions the significance of the "tidal" energies of the Earth's groundwater and tectonic plates, which could be linked to the moon's activities. He also mentions the phenomenon of marine animal die-offs shortly before major earthquakes, possibly linked to animals' greater electromagnetic sensitivity.

This is an interesting crossover event, one in which both science (even if it's considered unproven or "fringe" science) and astrological significance combine with similar indications, as a wider than usual audience looks on. What is the indication? In short, a time of increased energy, of contraction and expansion, both emotionally and physically. And really, who can say where one ends and one begins? As we face a plethora of changes, the energy over these few days is particularly dynamic.

It took me a few days to write this article, but I am thankful that it took so long after hearing about a possible NEW oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico- discovered the very day of the Supermoon. In typical Yin, lunar fashion, it remains subtly hidden from the full view of mainstream media, and seems to be a story only accessible from small and local news sources. If you can find enough about this event, keep your eyes peeled for developments. The new moon on April 3rd may bring the energy of this event full-circle, and we may find out more. In the meantime, just ride the waves, and hang on through whatever might be churning under the surface of our lives...

Saudi Arabia and Aries

http://asiabizz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/saudi-arabia-opec.jpg

Don't worry, I'm still studiously working on finding breweries to drown with sea level rise, though it's taking a bit more time than expected. Part two of the previous post will be coming soon. However, in the meantime I have an important topic to discuss- and that's Saudi Arabia.

So, there's been a great deal of revolutionary developments in the Arab world over the past couple of months, particularly as Jupiter moved into Aries (the sign, ruled by Mars, of individuality, action, initiative, sometimes violence). With Egypt shakily stable at the moment, and Tunisia more or less the same, the focus has turned to Bahrain and Libya. Libya, in particular, appears to be a tough situation because there is actual full-scale warfare between the regions held by the rebel "protesters" and pro-government forces. As gas prices jump 30 cents in a couple of days, the effects of oil concern come into focus. Many experts have said that Libya's conflicts don't necessarily indicate a major reduction in oil supply, but general uncertainty by people in the petroleum market leads to increased prices. While people in these countries fight for their sovereignty and human rights, the biggest visible reaction in the rest of the world appears to be gas prices. I think it's safe to say that the world as a whole pretty much survives on oil, literally speaking- to the very fertilizer we use to maintain enough food to feed (almost...) everyone. It is no coincidence, therefore, that news about Saudi Arabia's own forthcoming revolutionary mentality has been rather hushed- panic alone about the effects of unrest in Saudi Arabia is enough to rock the petroleum industry, let alone actual supply changes. And yet, such unrest churns, on our social network/political unrest forum Facebook. Check it out:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/03/saudi-arabia-government-bans-protests-says-demonstrations-are-against-islamic-law.html

"There are also activist calls on Facebook for a "Day of Rage" on March 11 in the austere kingdom and for a "Saudi revolution" on March 20." These two dates rang an astrological bell- they happen to be the exact days that Uranus (Mar 11) and the Sun (Mar 20, the spring equinox) go into Aries. Jupiter moving through Aries over the past couple weeks has indicated expansion into new territories, increased initiative, as well as impatience and even the potential for aggressive action. It has resonated powerfully with the events in the middle east, and as more planets move into aggressive Aries from the compassionate and dreamy Pisces, this fiery energy is set to increase. In the case of these two dates, we have Uranus- the sign of rebellion, new ideas, individuality and technology- and the Sun - the source of our energy- both moving into Aries. The sun does this every year at this time, as we feel the new beginnings associated with Spring, which begins at the same time. Uranus doesn't move into Aries all that often- the last time was 1927 to 1935. Somehow, the planned dates for these two events in Saudi Arabia match up with not only the ideals of Uranus (rebellion) and the Sun (life) moving into Aries (fiery action), but also the actual days. The next few weeks could see some serious action.

For added insight, let's take a look at the chart of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia together:

(It should get a little bigger if you click on it). Though it's already obvious in our policy decisions, you can see that Saudi Oil fuels our wealth in the conjunction between Saudi Arabia's Neptune (outer ring, right side of chart) and the U.S.'s Venus, in the 7th house (the house of relationships and cooperation). Oil is associated with Neptune, linked in the house of partnership with Venus, the planet of beauty, wealth, and love. And boy, does Saudi oil fuel our wealth and happiness.

In another handy article from the LA Times:

And even though Saudi Arabia and the other Arab states of the Persian Gulf have nominally remained U.S. allies, they, not we, hold the key strings in the relationship. The United States continues to support and aid these regimes despite their authoritarianism. If the sheiks of the Persian Gulf decide to put down popular unrest with the same fervor Libya has, the hands of U.S. foreign policy almost certainly will be tied.

This paragraph sums things up pretty well. Neptune can be a confusing, even stupefying or deluding planet in situations where "the path is lost". This magical substance, petroleum, that casts such a spell upon our country, can leave us unstable, and like an intoxicating liquor (also associated with Neptune) only makes us forget the problems with energy infrastructure in the U.S.

There's a lot more connections about these two charts that need to be discussed, but I'm just going to focus on Uranus and the Sun, since they are preparing for such a big change. These two charts are the "birth" charts for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. If we consider the transiting planets, in the sky right now, we see that Uranus and the Sun are about to cross the very bottom point of the chart- the Imum Coeli, or Nadir line- the base and foundation of, in this case, the U.S. As Uranus and the Sun pass this point, they make an exact square to Saudi Arabia's Neptune we discussed earlier- an aspect signifying uncomfortable structural change and conflict in the interest of long-term stability. Whoa.

These dates, organized on Facebook, seem to be almost "awaiting activation" from transiting Uranus and the Sun, giving energy to the structural upheaval facing that intoxicating Neptune and its thirst-quenching oil. But, then again, maybe those days are just representations of a conflict concerning the world of Sheiks, Oil and Independence.

... I would say that, but for the fact that Facebook was one of the chief tools of the Tunisian Revolution. Which inspired similar movements in Egypt, Bahrain, and now Libya. Unfortunately for the United States, we are in a situation of "damned if you do, damned if you don't." If there was a revolution, and the House of Saud took action to put it down, the U.S. could support the rebels (who, as in other Arab countries, are chiefly concerned with the establishment of good old-fashioned democratic rights, just like we "gave" to Iraq) and risk losing the stability of Saudi oil... or they could support Saudi Arabia in putting down such protests, more or less openly admitting hypocrisy in the name of that oil. Such a difficult situation exemplifies the energy of the square aspect. It's gonna be an uncomfortable couple of weeks for the world of Big Oil. Get ready...

As always, what do YOU think of the events in the middle east? Will the U.S. take action at all, or if it does, what will it do? What do higher gas prices mean for the rest of the world? Share your thoughts!

Chiron and sea level rise, part one: What's Chiron?

Have you ever heard of Chiron? It's a "short-period comet" orbiting between Saturn and Uranus and is variously referred to as the "wounded healer" or "rainbow bridge". In addition to its literal position in the solar system as a "bridge" between the slowest of the inner planets and the start of the outer or generational planets, in astrology it represents the connections between the physical and non-physical world. It is associated with wisdom and mentorship, as well as healing- though an appropriate image may be a shaman speaking to the spirits to intervene in the disease, rather than the institution-based health methodologies. In Greek mythology, Chiron was a centaur with a conscience. While most centaurs focused their energy on wine, misbehavior and just generally "gettin' their freak on," Chiron was a refined, cultured mentor, adept astrologer, and healer. Chiron was wounded himself, but was unable to cure this wound. This is the significant image for astrologers- Chiron as a player in the horoscope represents both an area in which we have deep pain, wounds or insecurities, and yet through this experience have great wisdom and healing power to give to others.

Understanding Chiron can help puncture the wall of physical reality that seems to surround us. Chiron can be particularly challenging, as well, because it forces us to open wounds that we may have long covered up and chose to ignore. Fitting with the theme of Chiron as a Shaman, however, it seeks to heal, or at least understand and work with, the wound itself. Modern medicine, in contrast, in some ways may focus more on treating symptoms in the interest of maintaining one's ability to function in society and feel "okay."

Chiron works in the generational realm of astrology as well, especially considering it's proximity to the outer generational planets. It was discovered relatively recently- 1977, during a time of increased "shamanic" awareness- in the environment, in increasing fascination with "new age" ideas, the further development of astrology, etc. More recently, it moved into the last sign of the zodiac- Pisces- last year on April 20, 2010. Pisces is associated, as the culminating sign of the 12 zodiac signs, with sensitivity, compassion, concern for the world at large and especially the world's oceans and sea life. Pisces has a shamanic energy itself- a sensitivity to the non-physical world which leads as much to Pisces' potential for spiritual awareness as a potential for confusion, non-action and martyrdom. What else happened on April 20th, 2010? The Deepwater Horizon oil rig blew up.

If you've seen my previous post, "The Day Before Jupiter Moves Into Aries", you'll have a little understanding of the significance of the anaretic degree of Pisces. It's a point of final culmination before bursting into the assertive leap forward of Aries. Here's a short quote from that post:

"So, the challenge with "packing our bags" at 29 degrees of Pisces is that what we take with us and what we leave behind aren't going to be entirely clear."

The last time Chiron was in Pisces was 1960-69. This was a time of increased sensitivity and compassion in connection with the world around us, and especially the great aquifer of the world's waters (such as the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring). In 1969, at the anaretic degree of Pisces, can you guess what happened? If you guessed The 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill, you'd be right! This horrible ecological disaster off the coast of California washed big fat globs of unignorable oil on the pristine beaches of the super-wealthy residents of Santa Barbara, and was one of several, if not the major, nitro boost to the budding development of American environmental stewardship. Oil had been growing and functioning in a non-physical dream world of infrastructure development without issue, fueling a comfortable way of life in the physical world of American wealth. Chiron, almost as a last warning after 10 years of struggle to increase environmental awareness, crossed the bridge between the worlds and brought oil literally to people's doorsteps. It worked, it helped... as much as it could.

What's at stake in our world now as the environment suffers, and policy makers continue to "cover up the wound"? Chiron is back to show us what we can lose, as well as how we can come together with wisdom and heal ourselves and our wounded earth. Chiron has 8 years with us in Pisces, but it's clear that we need to start examining our wounds now. We don't even know the long-term consequences of the Horizon Oil Spill... and what about global warming and sea level rise?

Lots to think about as I end part one of this post. I recognize how hard it is to feel the compassion that Chiron in Pisces demands, especially if you're comfortably using a computer with a Cappuccino or a nice brew (as I admit I am now). So... for all you lovers of British and Belgian Beer...

In part 2 I use sea level rise to KILL YOUR FAVORITE BREWERIES! We'll examine some maps in part two that you can't ignore...

Do you remember the Santa Barbara Oil spill? Were you affected by the Horizon Oil spill? What can we learn from the environment? Worried about a brewery and want me to make sure to include it in part two? Leave a comment!

Egypt´s horoscope in 2011

So I finally managed to make a post in Spanish, hopefully the first of many more for anybody who might be interested in astrological updates in Spanish. I started the Spanish version thinking I would tackle an "easier" subject (that I could translate more easily), but in so doing I realized that there's actually a really important event going on in Egypt's natal chart. While the Aries ingress chart and mundane interpretation is more like a "counsel of the stars" for any given location, on an impersonal level, the natal chart is more personal and shows us what's being activated in Egypt in light of being an individual, like a person. Interest and development in our personal identity study has certainly grown since the middle ages (when "group" astrology was more common), and taking a look at the identity of Egypt can help us see what's happening.

The inner ring of the chart on the left is Egypt's birth chart, while the outer ring is the current position of the planets. I'm not quite good enough at interpreting aspects in the birth charts of countries, but we can't ignore one very important aspect. Saturn, in its current position, has returned to the same place it was at the birth of Egypt- this is what we call the Saturn Return.

Saturn is associated with responsibility, pretty much across the board, countries included. The Saturn return is a time of crisis in identity and responsibility that occurs between the ages of 28 and 30. Saturn is a hardcore party-pooper, and provides difficult lessons wherever it goes over the 29 years it spends going around the zodiac. When it gets back to where it was, it means that this cycle of hard lessons has come to a close, and there is a crisis of meaning: What am I going to do with the hard lessons I've learned? What is the significance of my responsibility? How can I build the responsibility and challenges I've faced into a new cycle in life?
Now Egypt is facing this challenge. What does it signify? Well, for a hint we can look to what happened exactly 29 years ago. Any guesses? That's right, Hosni Mubarak took power (October of 1981). Now he has resigned, during the difficult process where Egypt turns the difficult lessons it has learned into a new beginning. We can also look to the position of Saturn to see where this crisis is focused. Saturn is in the 6th house of Egypt's birth chart, very close to the far right angle or descendant. The 6th house is associated with service and work, and the descendant as the 3rd angle as we go around the chart wheel is associated with others, relationships, friends and enemies at the same time. In addition, Saturn is in Libra (whose energy is associated with the descendant angle anyway) and is a sign of cooperation, awareness of others and relationships. As the crisis in Egypt continues over the following months and years, you can be sure that the focus of these questions and considerations will be people: citizens of Egypt and foreign relations alike.

While watching the developments in Egypt, instead of asking "What's changing?" consider asking "Who's changing, or what's changing people?" The difficulties in this process will be all about people. It's a difficult process, but necessary. There are many changes on the horizon...

I'd like to stimulate some discussion: what are your thoughts and reactions to this article or the events in general? I'm committed to making an effort to respond more to any responses and participate in discussion. Big topics folks! Pour yourself a brew and let's discuss...

El horóscopo de Egipto en 2011

Aunque dije que traduciría mi último artículo, sobre Egipto, me dio cuenta que eso artículo fuera demasiado largo para traducir sin perder la razón. Por eso, decidí escribir un artículo de nuevo sobre el mismo tópico, usando una sistema diferente para analizar los eventos allá. Entonces, hoy vamos a considerar la carta natal de Egipto. Esa forma de análisis enfoca en la identidad del país de Egipto como si fuera un individuo con sus propias características, las cuales son afectados por el estado de las estrellas ahora. La astrología mundano aparece más como el ´consejo de las estrellas´ tras de una ubicación específica. La astrología mundano es efectiva, claro, pero también es impersonal. En el desarrollo de nuestro interés en sí mismo, es importante considerar el estado de la identidad de Egipto también.

Al lado es la carta natal de Egipto (el círculo interior) con la carta de tránsito (el círculo exterior). Porque ya no soy experto con la análisis de los horóscopos del países, voy a enfocar en unos profundos aspectos cuales nos señalan que Egipto es en crisis de identidad.

El planeta de Saturno tiene que ver con la responsabilidad. Es un planeta difícil muchas veces, porque la responsabilidad nunca es lo más fácil. En este caso, podemos decir con gran certeza que Egipto es en una crisis de responsabilidad porque Saturno en el cielo ahora está en casi la misma posición de el nacimiento de Egipto, un evento que pasa en los horóscopos de todo el mundo entre 28 y 30 años de edad- la vuelta de Saturno. A menudo, esto tiempo es el fin de 29 años de desarrollo y practico con la responsabilidad, y las lecciones de la vida que porta Saturno por el círculo completo del horóscopo son completas. En países y individuos también, este tiempo proviene preguntas importantes: ¿Para qué tengo responsabilidad y porque? ¿Que significa mi vida y las lecciones de los 29 años pasados? ¿Cómo podría usar mi experiencia para dar a luz algo nuevo con mi vida? Esto llamamos en Inglés ´the midlife crisis´. ¿Qué es la importancia de esto en Egipto?

Consideramos un hecho interesante: ¿Qué pasó hace 29 años exactamente? Hosni Mubarak empecé su presidencia. Saturno, en el horóscopo de Egipto, está ubicado en la sexta ´casa´, muy cerca de la derecha de la carta, que llama el ´descendiente´. Esto, el tercero ángulo de la carta, tiene que ver con el servicio a otras personas, y las relaciones con amigos y enemigos a la vez. El sentido de responsabilidad en Egipto, entonces, tiene que ver con sus relaciones con otras países, y con sus propias ciudadanos. Además, Saturno es en el signo Libra, que tiene que ver con relaciones con otras también. Los dificultades con Egipto son sociales. Con la vuelta de Saturno, los cambios y preguntas de responsabilidad social es lo más importante. Durante los siguientes meses y años, mira los eventos de Egipto no enfocando en ´que está cambiando´, sino en ´quien está cambiando, o quien está cambiado y por qué´. La vuelta de Saturno es un proceso difícil, pero necesario. Hay muchos cambios en el horizonte...

Quiero estimular conversación y comentarios... ¿qué piensan uds.? Voy a hacer un esfuerzo a responder rápidamente y participar en sus reacciones.

Mundane Astrology- Egypt in 2011

The stereotype that Egyptians all ride around on camels and live near the pyramids is a lot like assuming all
British people ride around on sheep and live next to Stonehenge.

It's been a little while since my last post. I've done a lot of work on beer study, and I'll have a post soon about a couple new forthcoming beers. In the meantime, I'm trying something new- Old Mundane Astrology. In two different languages. I'm introducing a Spanish version of some of my posts, though they may be a little rough. If you're a Spanish speaker, feel free to correct me or comment in Spanish.

Egypt is in pretty bad shape. Thousands upon thousands of demonstrators have spent the past couple of weeks trying to oust president/dictator Mubarak. The government has since responded by paying people to fight against the protesters as "Pro-Mubarak Supporters." The economy and infrastructure of the country has ground almost to a halt, including one of their economic lifelines- tourism. A shockingly lengthy span of media attention has continued to cover the tireless protests. But the question on everyone's mind is: What will become of Egypt?

There's the possibility that Mubarak, despite his concessions to the protesters (including eliminating parts of the governing party and promising to not run in the next election) will wear down the protesters and not fulfill his promises. There's the possibility that the protesters will successfully oust Mubarak, though the problem of filling the government void is there. There's the possibility that Mubarak will be ousted, and despite the unanimous and democratic hopes of the protesters, a radical Islamist regime will take power, which could upset allied countries like Israel and the U.S. (as well as the Coptic Christian minority in Egypt). What's the outcome? We can get clues from examining the Aries Ingress Chart for Cairo, Egypt for this March. This is an old technique in Mundane Astrology (the astrology of politics, nations and world events) that basically paints the picture of the astrological "new year" (0 degrees of Aries, the Spring Equinox) for the location of the chart, in this case Egypt's capitol.

This is a bit of a rough copy, but you can see (after ample squinting?) at the top of the chart that the Moon and Saturn are conjunct the Midheaven, all in Libra. On the bottom of the chart, exactly opposing, are Mercury and Jupiter conjunct. Nearby are the Sun and Uranus, with Mars slightly behind. Pluto is on the very left, conjunct the Ascendant. A big, fat T-Square folks. My understanding of the focus of traditional Mundane Astrology is that it's based more on the houses of the chart, as well as the placement of the planets and their rulers (instead of the more popular evaluation of Natal Astrology using the attributes of different zodiac signs and their meaning in different houses). Here are the big players, a little condensed:

The Lights
Sun: the ruler
Moon: the populace
The Inner Planets
Mars: military, revolutions, violence. Venus: aesthetics, finances, economy. Mercury: communications, media.
The Outer Planets
Jupiter: Legal proceedings and ceremony. Saturn: traditions, elderly, responsibilities. Uranus: inventions, rebellions. Neptune: Fraud, charities, oil industry. Pluto: the "underworld" (scandal, mines, atomic power).

The Angles of the chart (Ascendant on left, IC, Descendant and Midheaven) represent the people and body of the country (1st); the history, weather and opposing government (4th); foreign affairs and politics (7th); and the ruling party and government or royalty (10th).

The placement of these planets can suggest the orientation of different groups or aspects of Egyptian society as this revolution unfolds. We see Saturn and the Moon at the top of the chart- an indication perhaps of the people, coupled with the traditions and support of the elderly (perhaps more quietly, being retrograde. Indeed, many of the protesters are young people, and the older population has continued to support the cause from their homes). Opposing this, however, is both the media and legal system. (Mercury and Jupiter, at the bottom of the chart). This could indicate the difficulty in balancing the possible new position of the people of Egypt with the everyday dealings of legality and communication. Not far off is the Sun (or ruler...), conjunct Uranus. What's he doing at the bottom of the chart...? This chart bears a shocking resemblance to a King of the Hill game, and it looks like the "ruler" has been knocked off, and the "people" have ascended to the position of power at the top.

Squaring these is Pluto- right on the "body" of Egypt (The Ascendant, 1st house cusp). What could be churning under the surface of Egypt, that the media and even the population of Egypt themselves don't know about? At least, not yet. Pluto's same themes of sudden, cathartic though difficult revelations applies in the world of Mundane Astrology as well-although being in the most physical part of the chart (the 1st house represents your physical body and presentation in Natal astrology, after all) Pluto's power may take a physical or environmental form.

For extra fun, let's take a look at Rulerships. Each planet is in a particular sign, and that sign in turn is ruled by a planet. If we take a look at that ruling planet, we can see a little deeper into what's going on with the planets we started with.

The guys at the top, Saturn and the Moon, are in Libra. Libra is ruled by Venus (money). Venus, in this chart, is in the 2nd house (economy). This indicates a double-dose of financial issues associated with those at the top of the chart, the people and their responsibilities.

Looking at the bottom of the chart, where Jupiter and Mercury are hanging out, we see that they are ruled by Aries. The Sun (ruler) is ruled by Aries, too. Aries is ruled by Mars (military). Mars, in turn, is hanging out in the 3rd house. Communication is the battlefield upon which so much of this struggle is being played. While this is obvious in the news, its importance is only encouraged more by Mars' position here. There is a strong military element to this axis of struggle that may continue to express itself more through media, communication, etc. than physical violence. Furthermore, this house "axis" of the 3rd and 9th deals with foreign countries as well. The 9th represents long-distance relationships (perhaps with countries such as the United States and Europe), while the 3rd represents relationships with neighbors (Israel?). It's not entirely clear who will support whom, or for what reasons. The concentration of planets in these two houses, however, clearly indicates the importance of foreign relations in this revolutionary process.

The mysterious stick in the gears, for me, is our last rulership: Pluto. Pluto is ruled by Capricorn, and Capricorn is ruled by Saturn (responsibility and tradition). Saturn, therefore, may somehow be linked (or even precipitate in some way?) whatever "underworld" energy this Pluto may have. Pluto, as the third leg of this T-Square orientation, is not completely clear yet. But then again, that's usually the point. Pluto doesn't play by the rules. It's secrets will get churned up soon, however, I'm sure.

This is nebulous, to be sure. Part of the challenge of Mundane Astrology is the great level of uncertainty. But following the big, guiding general themes can help get a better picture of the events as they unfold, and perhaps provide enough information to take a stab a what the future may hold. Here's my interpretation of what this chart means for the coming months:

The people of Egypt, through their personal strength and the support of several generations of citizens, keeps pressure on Mubarak, forcing him to leave power. There is a great challenge to maintain a balance of power in the country, even though the people are successful. Financial concerns dominate the responsibilities of this governmental shift (which makes sense after such a devastating time of an economy and tourist industry on-hold). Media, transportation and international attention also dominate the focus of the transitioning government. Different countries support different agendas for Egypt's future. International attention strongly influences the country's actions. Two possible outcomes, both linked to Pluto's mysterious placement on the Ascendant:

1. International participation helps to establish a new governmental system.
2. A currently unclear but growing underground interest in an Islamic republic develops in the void of the cooperative and stalwart protests that unfortunately have left massive economic problems in their wake. People's control of the government turns to a source of conservative tradition, with international ties and the potential to help the economy. In the sudden eruptions of change for which Pluto is famous, Egypt out of necessity goes from a state of transition to a conservative Islamic republic, transforming the entire body and people of the country.

A part of me is leaning towards the second option. Regardless of the outcome, the protests in Egypt have shown the world how people can gather together to resist a corrupt government, and organize themselves well enough to maintain that resistance- as well as the fact that social media has become an integral part of our changing world. Politics are ever changing, and Egypt may have tough times ahead, but we can all be inspired by these events. From the BBC, discussing the Government's scare tactics during the protests:

The fear recreated local communities in a city where people had adopted the Western urban trait of not having met the family living next door.

Walking around the city during curfew now means being stopped every 50 paces at vigilante checkpoints staffed by educated middle-class people, warming themselves from the winter chill by chopping up and burning the local police post.

One weary housewife, who was spending her nights in the street outside her home armed with her best kitchen carving knife, told me: "Someone, who if you saw them in the street you wouldn't know, you are now trusting to secure your family while you are protesting. This is amazing."

Links and sources: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12372421 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12394941 http://www.astrologyedmonton.com/article-ingresscharts.htm http://www.skyscript.co.uk/ingresses.html http://www.realitysandwich.com/what_egyptian_revolution_means