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Those of us who enjoy more than a passing acquaintance with computers
and with the Internet cannot fail to have noticed that Microsoft is actively
promoting a new operating system. Called Windows XP and aimed for the
first time at both home and professional users, Microsoft and much of
the computer industry are confidently heralding this to be the best release
yet. Cynics would say that they are hoping to breathe new life into a
market place affected more greatly than most by the recent economic slowdown.
The
250 Million Dollar Launch
 Windows
XP was officially launched by Microsoft chairman Bill
Gates at the Marriott Marquis Theatre in Manhattan's Times
Square on Thursday, October 25, 2001, as part of a global multimedia extravaganza
that began in New York at 10:30 am EDT. So what can an astrological consideration
of this $250 million international event tell us about the software concerned?
In the midst
of the rather trying astrological circumstances engendered by the ongoing
opposition of Saturn and Pluto, Microsoft certainly seems either by luck
or by judgment to have picked a fortunate moment in the celestial scheme
of things. The multiple grand trine formations that dominate the center
of the launch chart, implicating both the air signs (Gemini, Libra and
Aquarius) and air houses (Third, Seventh, Eleventh) can only be deemed
as extremely fortuitous for a product aimed to assist worldwide communication
in the broadest sense.
A stellium of planets in Aquarius and a notable Aquarian/Uranian flavor to the chart
can only bode well for one of this sign's main associations—software
and the computer industry. The Moon conjoining Uranus in Aquarius in the
Third House of communication is guaranteed to appeal to the computer using
masses and to ensure that the news soon goes around!
Whilst the
orb between Venus and Uranus is too large, trines are broadly formed between
this conjunction and that of Mercury and Venus in the sign of Libra and
in the launch chart's Eleventh House. Libra is concerned with relationships
and the Eleventh House shows groups and society at large. Mercury in such
a position is excellent for reaching large numbers of people and for conveying
a generally harmonious and pleasing impression. Venus and Libra both add
an aesthetic component. Thus Windows XP looks far more attractive than
its rather clunky predecessors—yet another reason to upgrade!
Saturn
Salvages Damaged Reputation
However,
Saturn constitutes the other leg of the grand trine formation. This ensures
that XP is not just about new gadgetry and superficial appearances. Saturn
indicates stability and solidity, so to many a major selling point will
be improved reliability over previous versions of Windows.
Saturn in
the Seventh House of public relations perhaps also provides Microsoft
with a chance to salvage their severely damaged reputation after the dubious
"advances" of Windows 2000 and Windows ME, as well as the extensive
allegations of monopoly and unfair business practices that have dogged
their progress in recent years.
The last
solar eclipse prior to this product's launch, back in June, was visible
to varying degrees over Africa and South America—occurring in the
first degree of the sign of Cancer—also highlights the Seventh House
of the Windows XP launch.
Eclipses generally show an area of crisis, or at the very least emphasis, relating
to the field of experience highlighted within the chart concerned. They
belong to long term series, the originator of which pinpoints the underlying
cause of the current issues. With the previous solar eclipse in the Seventh
House of relationships, and its series originator in the group orientated
Eleventh House, the issues concerned become clear. With this eclipse point
still closely conjunct the launch chart's North Node, the make or break
nature of ongoing events is even more apparent.
XP
and Chairman Gates
Windows XP
also marks the fulfillment of a long term dream for Bill Gates, to unite
the Windows 9x family of home orientated, but more multimedia capable,
operating systems with the greater stability and reliability of those
aimed at the business sector and epitomized by Windows NT. Is it purely
coincidental that a further association of the Eleventh House relates
to hopes and wishes, or that the Sun of the launch chart is found here
too, within a mere three degrees of Mr. Gates' own?
In case we
should gain the impression that the famous financial acumen of Microsoft
and its dynamic chairman has on this occasion been pushed to the sidelines,
let's for one moment consider the monetary associations inherent in this
chart. Mars and Neptune are conjunct in the Second House of earning ability,
showing the idealism, drive and creativity that have gone into making
XP a reality. Mars is exalted in ambitious Capricorn and is thus in an
excellent money making and status enhancing position, with Neptune assuring
a considerable creative component.
Jupiter in
the business orientated Eighth House of others' resources is again excellent
for the financial future of this product. However, with Mars squaring the Sun and with Jupiter squaring Mercury, there was perhaps a little
impatience ensuring that Windows XP reached the street before the holiday
season. Such has become apparent with many minor and not so minor bug
reports since the product's release!
In conclusion,
can Microsoft's latest offering break the Plutonian impression that many
have of this corporate monolith as shown by Pluto rising in the launch
chart? With healing Chiron also in the First House of public image and
with an ascendant closely conjunct to the US's own, it would certainly
seem they have another winner on their hands!
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