NewsScope for October 30, 2007

California's Wildfires
 
Vedic astrologers have noted that California's wildfires began precisely as transiting Saturn was conjunct the fateful South Node of the Moon, located at 5º Virgo. The problem with this kind of description is that it has no context. Why would California be singled out for this calamity, and why did nothing happen the last time transiting Saturn was conjunct the South Node in 1985? And why fire?
 
California's horoscope (September 9, 1850; noon; San Jose, CA) provides the context the astrologer needs. The transiting Saturn-South Node conjunction was perfectly aligned with California's Neptune-Chiron square. If one uses a 9:41 am birth time, as rectified by Mark Penfield,* then Neptune is placed in the Fourth House of home and property, while Chiron is in the Second of financial assets. The amount of property loss (in the billions) is perfectly described by this astrological complex.
 
Fire is associated with the red planet Mars. As the fires raged, transiting Mars was squaring California's natal Mars. Also, using a 9:41 am chart shows that by secondary progression, Mars is squaring the Scorpio Ascendant. In terms of crisis, Uranus opposite California's Sun accurately portrays the challenge to Governor Schwarzenegger and the national attention that this dramatic news story would receive.
 
A major influence in California's chart is the epochal Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the last degree of Aries. This rare outer planet conjunction corresponds to widespread cultural, political and social upheaval, as the 1848-1855 California Gold Rush depicted. California was the natural setting for similar social revolutions during the following Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the 1960s. Consequently, astrologers might expect that California will be a leading indicator for the kinds of trouble that the Uranus-Pluto square of 2012 will bring.
 
Top Five Astro-Events for November
 
1. Uranus turns direct on the 24th while quincunx the U.S. Saturn. This influential dynamic is in effect all month, and was a contributing factor to the California wildfires. American institutions and governing structures (Saturn) are being challenged by unexpected events and crises (Uranus). The 22nd to 24th is an exceptionally volatile phase, and includes substantial risk in the financial markets.
 
2. The New Moon on November 9 occurs as gung-ho Jupiter opposes the U.S. Mars. This adventurous complex suggests that major new foreign policy actions are beginning, especially regarding the potential use of American armed forces. Keep an eye on Turkey and Iran, and expect over-confident moves from foreign powers that generate American reactions.
 
3. Mars turns retrograde on November 15, and stays in Cancer through the end of 2007, ensuring that uncomfortable family dynamics will be a top concern for many people, especially through the holiday season. Mars is stationary while near the U.S. Sun and opposite Vesta, perhaps indicating a dramatic turn in military affairs due to new intelligence.
 
4. Venus squares Mars on November 19. While ordinarily this might be a non-event, the transiting Sun is also connecting to these two love planets from the 16th through 20th, making this a dynamic interval for personal relationships. Watch for romantic triangles, how friendships interact with committed relationships, and bouts of jealousy, possessiveness and suspicion.
 
5. The progressed U.S. Sun trine Venus becomes exact on the 24th. This influence has been building over the past six months, and describes the rising power of women (Venus) in leadership roles (Sun). Hillary Clinton has been favored since her Scorpio Sun creates a precise Grand Trine with this combination.
 
Femi Kuti's Africa Rising
 
One of Africa's most famous folk heroes is a Nigerian musician named Fela Kuti. Best known for his creation of Afro-Beat by blending African rhythms with James Brown funk and John Coltrane jazz, Fela was also a political activist against government corruption and neo-colonialism. Fela died in 1997 of AIDS, but his son, Femi Kuti, has picked up the torch, improving both the message and the music.
 
Femi Kuti was born with his Sun in articulate Gemini (June 16, 1962; London; time unknown), where it forms a close aspect (trioctile, 135º) to Saturn in Aquarius. The individual with a Sun-Saturn combination carries a strong impression of the father, and the life-long task of carving out his own identity. Saturn in cause-oriented Aquarius is his legacy and his burden, but one that he has accepted with pride.
 
Saturn is modified by squares to musical Neptune and the warrior planet Mars, each of which defines his path toward success (Saturn). His recent appearance on Austin City Limits showcased his musical talent and gave him a few minutes to describe how much the American government—without the knowledge of the American people—has bled his people dry by taking all the oil, cocoa, and diamonds and supporting corrupt governments.
 
Femi's Mercury in Gemini squares Pluto, giving him intense mental focus and desire to persuade. His political message is voiced in his music and occasional interviews, and has made him a celebrated star to millions of young Africans. He doesn't believe he will see it in his lifetime (Mars square Saturn), but he will fight for it (Mars opposite Neptune): the dream called Africa Rising.
 
*See Horoscopes of the Western Hemisphere, by Mark Penfield. For discussion of California's previous wildfire disaster, see NewsScope November 4, 2003.
 

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Michael WolfStar O'Reilly is a professional astrologer and columnist living in Oregon. He has been writing his column, NewsScope, continuously since August 1997, and also writes regularly for Dell Horoscope and as a freelancer.
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