Top 5 Astro-Events for the 2nd Half of 2003

1.  August 21 - triple conjunction between the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter in late Leo. This combination may be associated with dramatic moves toward achieving peace treaties and international harmony, and activates several key national horoscopes, including Israel, North Korea, and Iraq. However, each planet goes on to oppose Mars and Uranus, leading to immediate disruptions.

2. August 27 -  Jupiter enters Virgo, bringing renewed interest in workers rights, unemployment figures, and the value of military service. This important sign change is underscored by Pluto turning direct on August 28, indicating high-powered personalities are leaving and new ones arriving. Also watch for major natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, since Jupiter opposes Uranus on August 30.

3. September 27 - Mars turning direct in Pisces is an explosive, action-packed astro-event, especially since it's very near Uranus at the time. Look for market reversals, military action, terrorist attacks, high-tech accidents, biochemical incidents or outbreak of infectious disease. In Iraq‘s horoscope this Mars-Uranus conjunction opposes Iraq's Sun, so expect some organized action against the occupying coalition forces.

4. September 25 - Saturn and Chiron oppose each other twice this year, with the second alignment on October 24. These two planets increase hostility between traditional government (and other authority figures) and their adversaries. The wounding of the President in a metaphorical sense, perhaps related to Bush's distortion of intelligence on Iraq.

5. October 25 - Saturn turns retrograde while exactly conjunct the U.S. Sun. This extraordinary alignment is extremely powerful due to the exactness of the conjunction, and will undoubtedly mark an historical turning point in American leadership, policy, and global standing. President Bush is in the spotlight, probably making important foreign policy decisions and diplomatic actions.

Presidential Astrology and the U.S. Moon

In this era of mass media, the successful Presidential candidate has to connect with the American people and their security needs. In astrological terms, this means that he or she must have planets tightly linked with the U.S. Moon, which in the Scorpio Rising horoscope is found at 25 degrees Aquarius.

All recently elected Presidents have precise aspects to the U.S. Moon either natally or by progression, and often both. Bill Clinton is a good example, since his Sun is at 26 Leo and his Juno (representing his wife) is at 25 Libra. At the time he was elected, his Mercury had progressed  to 25 Libra, activating his underlying personal connections to the U.S. Moon.

The elder George Bush and Jimmy Carter both have their Mars at 25 Aquarius, exactly conjunct the U.S. Moon. Ronald Reagan had no natal planets at 25 degrees, but when he was elected in 1980 his Mars had progressed to 25 Aquarius. Gerald Ford took over for Nixon on August 8, 1974 when his progressed Moon was at 25 Aquarius.

The contested 2000 election between Bush and Gore can be summarized by looking at each candidate's closest connection* to the U.S. Moon. Al Gore's natal Venus is at 26 Taurus, and following the natural symbolism of Venus, he won the popular vote; he was the most popular candidate. Bush's closest connection at the time of the election was his progressed Jupiter at 24 Libra. Jupiter represents the legal decision that turned the election in his favor. Who will win in 2004? Stay tuned...

Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake

Cameron Diaz, who makes $20 million per film, is at the top of Hollywood's A-List for best paid actresses, but her Charlie's Angels co-star Demi Moore has been getting most of the attention since she took up with the much younger Ashton Kutcher. Last week Diaz one-upped Demi by getting cozy with Britney's ex, Justin Timberlake.

Cameron Diaz was born a hard-working Virgo (August 30, 1972; San Diego; time unknown) with her Sun conjunct Mars to fuel her ambition and work ethic. Her Sun also squares Neptune, giving her an otherworldly aura, a feeling of transcendent beauty and charm that comes across best on film, and evoked in her breakthrough 1998 hit "There's Something about Mary".

Diaz radiates with plenty of sparkle and personal magnetism, which astrologically can be attributed to her love planet Venus square electric Uranus. This planetary pair creates a strong need for excitement and thrives on the unpredictable and fun surprises. Long-term, stable relationships is not their strong suit.

Justin Timberlake was born with his Sun, Mars, and Mercury in Aquarius (January 31, 1981; 2:24 am; Memphis, TN), and these freedom-loving planets are content to give a partner plenty of space. The strongest planetary connection between Cameron and Justin is her Neptune conjunct his Ascendant. Transiting Uranus right now is squaring their Neptune-Ascendant link, reflecting the sudden attraction.

* The respective orbs where almost exactly equidistant, perhaps accounting for the closeness of the race. Gore's Venus is at 26 Taurus 01; Bush's progressed Jupiter was at 24 Libra 56. The U.S. Moon is at 25 Aquarius 29.

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