NewsScope for March 17, 2009

Neptune Conjunct the U.S. Moon
Triple Conjunction in Aquarius, Part 2

Following last week's article on the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune alignment in Aquarius, a reader responds, "What about giving us little people an idea in our personal lives?" First, it's difficult to impossible to write specific forecasts for individuals without knowing their exact birth data. Still, the triple conjunction in Aquarius indicates the beginning of broad social developments that will likely affect many Americans.

Considering the Neptune influence alone should be enough to inspire many individuals to take up new lifestyles or life paths. The last time Neptune was in Aquarius and conjunct the U.S. Moon was in the mid-1840s, and at the time, America was undergoing dramatic social changes. Several religious movements began then, including the founding of the Mormons in Utah, and the Adventist Church, which erroneously saw the imminent arrival of the Second Coming.

Also at this time, a wave of Irish immigrants was altering America's demographics, and the Mexican War was sponsored by a wave of expansionist patriotism. The rules of baseball were codified then, and numerous inventions improved American lives, including the discovery of anesthesia by a Boston dentist, and the creation of the Morse code, which jump-started the building of communication networks and brought far-flung regions together.

Similarly today, we can expect the Internet, cell phones and electronic gaming innovations to unify Americans as never before. Watch out for the next round of Second Coming advocates, trouble on the Mexican border, and other misguided escapist or delusional tendencies. Group recreational and sports activities help build team spirit. On an individual level, joining in neighborhood activities, volunteering, and participating in political, environmental or social movements help to co-create our collective future. Why not start a community garden?

Astro-Notes on the G20 Summit

On April 2, world leaders from the G20 nations will meet in London to address the international banking crisis. European and American financial leaders have been clashing over the agenda, although a coordinated plan will be required to restore global confidence in the markets. While the Obama administration is pushing for more stimulus funds, Europeans are more interested in regulating international finance.

As the G20 Summit opens, Pluto is at its greatest influence since it's standing retrograde at 3º Capricorn. Pluto here represents the geopolitical power to restructure the world's core institutions (Capricorn). Since Venus is at 3º Aries, the nature of the power shifts has to do with financial institutions. Also at this time Mars and Saturn oppose each other, signifying the underlying difference in strategies.

The International Monetary Fund (December 27, 1945; noon; Washington, D.C.) may become a key player in resolving the macro-economic imbalances. The IMF's role increased dramatically in 1973-74 when OPEC quadrupled oil prices. At the time, transiting Pluto in Libra was squaring the IMF Capricorn Sun. Now Pluto is edging toward a conjunction with the IMF Sun. Note that the IMF and the United Nations came into being the last time there was a triple conjunction between Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune.

Gordon Brown (February 20, 1951; 8:40 am; Giffnock, UK) is politically positioned halfway between the European and U.S. finance ministers. His current prominence is symbolized by transiting Pluto conjunct his Midheaven. As host and caretaker for the proceedings, he should help facilitate agreement, since his progressed Ceres is conjunct his empathetic Pisces Sun and is being activated by transiting Ceres opposite his Sun.

Melissa Rycroft, Jilted and Rebounding

On the season finale of The Bachelor, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Melissa Rycroft was the lucky winner of Jason Mesnick's affections. But he abruptly changed his mind and dumped her for another. Around the same time, Dancing with the Stars contestant Nancy O'Dell injured her knee and so Melissa was asked to replace her with only 48 hours to prepare for the DWTS premiere.

Melissa Rycroft's horoscope (October 16, 1983; Dallas, TX; time unknown) sets the stage for her unlucky try at marriage: she was born with her Juno retrograde and opposite Saturn—a double affliction that obstructs or delays marriage. Her Venus, on the other hand, is given much sex appeal by its conjunction with Mars, and a penchant for glitz and glamour by its square to her Jupiter-Uranus conjunction.

Melissa's Libra Sun is exactly octile to Venus, and is also ruled by Venus, making this love planet a key player in her life. Venus turned retrograde on March 6, when she jumped from one reality show to the next. Transiting Uranus was also quincunx (150º) her Libra Sun, reflecting the sudden and unexpected change of partners from "the bachelor" to professional dancer Tony Dovolani.

Melissa's performance last Monday earned her 23 points from the judges—enough to take the second spot on the leader board and a standing ovation from the audience. Transiting Jupiter was a strong influence then (conjunct Ceres, trine Mercury), but she doesn't have the necessary celestial ingredients* to win the trophy. Primarily, transiting Saturn isn't pushing her hard enough since he's making no major aspects this season.

*See How to Win Dancing with the Stars

For more geopolitical and celebrity perspectives, visit www.neptunecafe.com.

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