NewsScope for January 28, 2003

USA Influence on the World Map

A NewsScope reader asks how the U.S. Scorpio Rising horoscope fits in with the analytical tool known as AstroCartoGraphy (ACG). This technique, as popularized by the late Jim Lewis, can help locate where on our planet U.S. influence might be felt. The technique is based on the strength of angular planets, and when the U.S. horoscope is relocated to every point on the globe, the angular planets create lines of influence.

Planetary lines might be seen as defining slices of American influence according to the nature of the planet. One example of this is a U.S. Neptune line running through Iran and Saudi Arabia where U.S. oil interests are keenest. A Pluto line, associated with the most intense, survival-oriented issues, starts in Sicily (Mafia) and arches northeast through Albania, Yugoslavia and Romania, following the former Iron Curtain, and continuing through the Ukraine and straight to Moscow.

The most favorable regions are under Venus and Jupiter lines, since these two are conjunct in the natal U.S. horoscope. On the world map Venus and Jupiter become parallel lines, and rise through Western Europe where the U.S. has its most beneficial economic and military allies. We won't be surprised to find a Mars line runs right through Beijing and near Vietnam, while another Mars line goes through Kuwait and Iraq.

In the mid-1960s when transiting Uranus, Pluto and Saturn simultaneously activated the U.S. Mars, LBJ went to war in Vietnam. Now transiting Saturn, Pluto and the progressed Moon are aligning with the U.S. Mars. This confluence of astro-events accurately reflects the current buildup of military forces in and around Iraq.

Bush Postpones War Declaration

Faced with mounting opposition from traditional European allies, the Bush administration announced a likely delay in pressing the United Nations Security Council to force Iraq into compliance. Germany has long voiced its disagreement with Bush's determination to go to war. Last week France joined Germany in a growing European movement favoring a longer inspections phase and more patience.

Astrologically, the unified front against the Bush agenda occurred just as Mercury turned direct. Mercury, the planet of communication and policy, was also conjunct Chiron as the two opposed the U.S. Sun. The Mercury-Chiron tandem represents a kind of diplomatic wounding to U.S. pride, as well as Bush's pride since his Sun is in the same place as the U.S. Sun.

The U.S. Sun's projection onto the world map creates an ACG line going through Berlin and Tokyo, the two former enemies and present day economic powerhouses. The solar qualities of being independent, vital, and the center of political authority find perfect representation in Berlin and Tokyo, noting that the Sun in the U.S. natal chart is in the Ninth House of foreign powers.

As Chiron and Mercury opposed the U.S. Sun, Germany led the Europeans against U.S. interests. Chiron remains in this degree area off and on throughout 2003, representing an ongoing irritant for the Bush administration. Soon Saturn will enter Cancer and be conjunct the U.S. Sun, heating matters up with the allies, especially in late October. In the short term (refer to the second story in the January 7 NewsScope), watch around mid-February for a confrontation over Iraq.

Broderick and Parker File $15 Million Lawsuit

One of Hollywood's youngest and most talented superstar couples is Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker. The two married in 1997 and had their first baby several months ago, but have recently felt taken advantage of by a cosmetics company. Sephora cosmetics featured an unauthorized photo of the twosome in their ad campaign, and Broderick and Parker responded with a $15 million lawsuit.

Matthew Broderick (March 21, 1962; NYC; time unknown) and Sarah Jessica Parker (March 25, 1965; Nelsonville, OH; time unknown) are both Aries, a sign noted for its combativeness. An astrologer might question whether two Aries can get along, but in this case the planets show a harmony beyond mainstream Sun sign bias. Most importantly, her Venus is in Aries, and right on his Sun.

Broderick's Moon is in the partnership sign of Libra, which goes a long way in balancing their natural feistiness. Broderick's most recent success was working with Nathan Lane in the broadly acclaimed hit The Producers. Parker's Moon is in ambitious Capricorn, giving her a good business sense which found expression as Executive Producer of the HBO hit series Sex in the City.

Still, Aries is ruled by Mars, and these two have Mars opposite Mars. They can be highly competitive with each other, or on good days, spur each other on toward mutual success in the outer world. This Mars energy thrives on overcoming adversaries, so Sephora had better watch out. And as these two remain mutually affectionate and friendly with each other, the rest of the world can count on their simultaneous status as rising stars.

Online classes and personal readings are available from Michael WolfStar.