NewsScope for September 10, 2002

Bush Builds His Case

Last Wednesday (September 4) in a speech explaining his policy to oust Saddam Hussein, President Bush said, "History has called us into action," as he began efforts to explain exactly why Saddam poses a serious threat. Meanwhile, 100 British and American aircraft* attacked Iraq's air defense installations in preparations for special forces raids, the same military strategy used to topple the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Bush initiated his campaign of persuasion on the day that transiting Jupiter arrived on his Leo Ascendant. As described in NewsScope August 6, Jupiter here moves him into action to do something really big, something historical. For the previous month, while Jupiter was still in his Twelfth House of seclusion, Bush had been in Texas vacationing, planning and holding top-level meetings with his military strategists.

A key development in convincing the global community that Saddam is harboring weapons of mass destruction is Bush's speech to the United Nations on September 12. This event fits the grand presentation of Jupiter in Leo, and happens to correspond very closely to Bush's Mars Return (September 13 at 1:41 am in Washington DC). The Mars Return begins a two-year cycle for action, which is especially important in military affairs. (Editor's note: Mars' square to the Moon's Nodes, the Moon and Pluto adds tension and potential belligerence.)

Jupiter moves on to conjoin his Mercury-Pluto conjunction through September 23. This phase is particularly relevant to events in Iraq since at the heart of the debate is whether Saddam is hiding nuclear or biological weapons. Policy-makers are insisting on proof, some convincing intelligence. Bush may reveal, leak or possibly even fabricate (since transiting Neptune opposes his Mercury) the prerequisite secret information during this interval.

Karzai Assassination Attempt

Hours after an explosives-packed car blew up in a crowded Kabul market, an assailant shot two rounds into the car carrying Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The would-be assassin was wearing the uniform of the new Afghan army, but was gunned down by Karzai's U.S. military bodyguards. Karzai was unhurt, and most officials blamed Al Qaeda operatives for the incident.

No competent astrologer monitoring Karzai's horoscope would be surprised about this assassination attempt. Karzai (December 24, 1957; Kabul; time unknown) was born with a Mars-Pluto square, an astrological signature guaranteeing intense power struggles with rivals. In Afghanistan this translates as armed conflict with sworn enemies. Violence is to be expected with this combination.

While the natal chart shows the possibility or likelihood of certain events to take place, the transits and progressions bring the potential into reality. Transiting Mars is often the triggering agent, as it was in this case. Mars had just entered Virgo and was forming a conjunction with Karzai's Pluto, unleashing the inherent violence. Simultaneously, transiting Venus was conjunct Karzai's Jupiter, marking an altogether pleasant, celebratory occasion. He was leaving his brother's wedding when the assassin stepped forward.

Astrologers have a lot to offer in the fight against terrorism, whenever those who fight terrorism are ready to accept astrology. Even though we don't have an accurate birth time for Karzai, many of the most dangerous days could be seen ahead of time, and security measures taken. A long-term progression (progressed Mars conjunct Sun) is now shaping up that indicates Karzai's life remains in serious jeopardy.

Kelly Clarkson, A Star is Born

Beating out more than 10,000 aspiring superstars, Kelly Clarkson took top honors in last Wednesday's finale of American Idol. FOX's switchboard operators fielded over 100 million calls during the summer's surprise TV hit, while 22.5 million viewers tuned in for last week's concluding episode. Now Kelly gets a million-dollar recording contract, and plenty of media attention.

Kelly Clarkson was born with her Sun, Moon and Mercury in Taurus (April 24, 1982; Burleson, TX; time unknown), the sign often known for bestowing its natives with a beautiful and resonant voice. Observers commenting on her powerful voice compared her to Ethel Merman or Aretha Franklin. Her Sun opposite Jupiter gives her great self-confidence and a desire to be on stage, plus a little luck.

Kelly's Sun is also at the center of a Yod, also known as the Finger of God for the fateful turns in destiny that arrive suddenly. Her Sun is quincunx (150 degree aspect) to Uranus on one side and Mars on the other, while Mars and Uranus in turn are sextile to each other. These planets make a high voltage combination, and perhaps explain her answer to the question of why she should become the Idol, "I have the pipes, I have the stage presence, and I have the drive."

Another Yod in her chart explains the talent contest. Her Mercury sextiles Venus, bringing charm, creative expression and grace. The two form a Yod with judgmental Saturnin Libra. With two Yods in her natal chart, fate** certainly has smiled on this talented, future star.

*This is the "sudden escalation" referred to in last week's column.

**Her Taurus Sun happens to be at the exact midpoint between the Sun and Moon in the US Scorpio Rising chart, and her Sun-Jupiter opposition aligns with the Scorpio Ascendant, explaining why she is a uniquely American pop star.

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