NewsScope for March 5, 2001

Megathrust Earthquake Activated

The strongest earthquake to hit the Pacific Northwest since 1949 struck last Wednesday at 10:54 am, with the epicenter at Shelton, Washington. The 6.8 magnitude quake caused billions of dollars in damage, but created more excitement than alarm since it was centered 32 miles below the Earth's surface.

This recent earthquake can be astrologically compared to the megathrust earthquake* of January 26, 1700 (9:00 pm at 126W00 49N30) which was the largest known earthquake to hit the Northwest region. Megathrust earthquakes are produced by a sudden slip between a subducting and overriding tectonic plate, and are the world's rarest and most massive earthquakes. The 1700 megathrust quake measured about 9.0 in magnitude and created a tsunami that swept across the Pacific Ocean to strike Japan, a timed event recorded by Japanese scholars.

On the theory that a region's earthquakes are reactions to the megathrust earthquake as the fault lines settle and shift over the years, the megathrust earthquake can be used as a foundation horoscope and forecasting tool. The major planetary dynamics during this original event establish markers for future events.

The 1700 megathrust earthquake features an explosive t-square formation between the Sun in Aquarius, Mars in Scorpio and Pluto in Leo. Then, the Sun's precise quincunx to erratic Uranus makes the entire t-square highly unstable, capable of discharging suddenly. Any outer planet activation of these degree zones could trigger a significant event. At the moment of last week's quake, transiting Neptune was exactly conjunct the 1700 Sun.

Interested researchers will find that the most spectacular geological events in the Northwest, including the quakes of April 13, 1949, April 29, 1965 and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980 all show strong links to the 1700 horoscope, especially to Saturn's position.

Taliban Destroy Sacred Buddhas

Last week, the Taliban religious militia began destroying ancient Buddhist relics, including the world's largest standing Buddha and 6,000 artifacts in the Kabul Museum. Religious, political and cultural leaders from around the world pleaded to save the priceless treasures, but were ignored.

Taliban's supreme commander Mullah Mohammad Omar issued the destruction order to conform to a strict Islamic law banning graven images of people or animals. Omar (reportedly born in 1962, but date unknown) was chosen to be the Taliban's supreme commander by the Islamic clergy on April 3, 1996. A horoscope drawn for this date (set for noon in Kabul) describes his reign of terror over Afghanistan.

The Sun in Aries and conjunct Mars perfectly describes the aggressive, militaristic tenor of his leadership. Then, the Sun squares religious Jupiter in strict Capricorn and confers the religious fundamentalism associated with the Taliban movement. Venus in the last degree of Taurus is both beautiful and in a desperate situation, made all the more critical by the opposition to destructive, oppressive Pluto. Venus here describes the humiliating edicts that the Taliban women must follow, as well as the national art treasures now being destroyed.

George W. Bush's Mars line (from his Astro*Carto*Graphy map) runs right through the middle of Afghanistan. Soon, transiting Saturn will square his Mars, and we might expect some concerted action against the Taliban. Supreme commander Omar not only provides a sanctuary for Osama bin Laden, but also 72 percent of the world's heroin supply.

Pig-Killer Gets Barbecued

Headlines across the nation taunted contestant Michael Skupin for getting burned in last Thursday's Survivor II episode. Skupin accidentally fell into the fire and severely scorched his hands. His squeals of pain were oddly reminiscent of the pig he had killed in an earlier episode, and he had to be airlifted away from the Australian Outback.

Michael Skupin was born an innovative, independent Aquarius (January 29, 1962 in White Lake, Michigan; time unknown) with four other planets in this sign to accent its qualities. The Sun conjunct ambitious Saturn leads naturally to his profession as a software executive. The Sun is also conjunct Venus and Jupiter, a clear indicator for attracting wealth and success.

Skupin's Moon in Scorpio, and the sharp quincunx (150 degree aspect) between the Sun-Venus and Pluto give him the survivor's instinct. These placements carry both a lust for power and the paranoia that fears unseen enemies—the critical psychological elements necessary to win the Survivor game. Many viewers were certain that Skupin would go all the way.

Skupin's Aquarius planets are all squared by Neptune, adding a dimension of unreality to his character. The bizarre smearing of pig's blood across his face offended many animal rights activists, but inspired his fellow tribe members to ruthless competition. Astrologers may study this case, remembering that he was born only a week before the Great Alignment in Aquarius.

* see www.pgc.nrcan.gc.ca/seismo/hist/1700.htm