Greetings Dearhearts,

The recent war in Iraq -- the latest chapter of WW III, aka the War On Terrorism -- has unfolded on time. Cosmic clockwork time. The forecast given last year has come to pass with the expected results, and now it's time to confront the possibilities in the year or two ahead. The main targets in this issue are the presidency of George W Bush and the USA. It's a time when I'd much rather not see what I do, nor perceive it as such. At the moment, it's my cup to drink. Yet, these are indeed times that may try many souls.

George W Bush State Of The Union address, 2004

The Presidency and the Jupiter/Saturn Syzygy

The election of George W Bush in the year 2000, places him in a cyclically unique category of American presidents, all of whom have died while in office -- four by assassination. The two main factors involved in this now familiar cyclic phenomena are, the regular-as-a-cosmic-clock meeting every 20 years of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, and the fact that they conjoin in one of the earth signs -- Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn. George W Bush was elected president during a Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Taurus.

Twenty years earlier, most mundane astrologers were holding their breath with the election of Ronald Reagan since the 1980's conjunction of the planets the ancients called the "king makers" occurred in an air sign, Libra, for the first time in well over a century. They held their breath while others held their tongues in Washington when the shots rang out and the president went down. There has been a nearly unconscious code of silence in national politics about this 20 year "curse" since well before the Kennedy assassination. While familiar with this chilling history, politicians and the press seem as reluctant to acknowledge it as perhaps I am, and possibly for similar reasons. Yet you wouldn't have to have been all that superstitious to be a bit nervous by the time 1980 rolled around. By then we had lost seven presidents in a row -- all elected at the conjunction in that 20-year cycle!

1840-Benjamin Harrison, 1860-Abraham Lincoln, 1880-James Garfield, 1900-William McKinley, 1920-Warren Harding, 1940-Franklin Roosevelt, 1960-John Kennedy.

Astrologers were unsure if their long suspected theory would test out; the theory being that the shift into an air sign in 1980 might break the physical correlation that earth signs invariably demand, and his life would be spared. The theory certainly passed the test; Ronald Reagan finished his term of office. Just as importantly though, according to medical records, he came very close to death -- a grim reminder that the dark cloud still cast a menacing shadow.

Tecumseh - Shawnee Chief

Tecumseh's Curse ~ The American Indian Imprecation

The first president to fall victim to this "curse upon the Great White Father" was Benjamin Harrison, elected in 1840, when Jupiter and Saturn conjoined in an earth sign. This ominous pronouncement, made a year earlier, is attributed to a Shawnee medicine man that viewed the impending election of Harrison as pouring salt over old wounds. It has since been considered to be a general and continuing retribution for the overall treatment of all the Native Americans Indians by the European settlers. Interestingly, from an astrological point of view, the whole issue originated and was part of the political fabric of the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Taurus that had occurred in 1800, when Tecumseh was first attempting to organize the diverse tribes to halt the advancing American settlers into Indian Territory, primarily west of Ohio. Both Tecumseh and his brother, a medicine man the Shawnee referred to as The Prophet, where slain around the time of the War of 1812, and the man held primarily responsible was none other than the same (albeit younger) Benjamin Harrison, who lead the American forces fighting the Indian tribes allied with the British.

I share the opinion of other mundane astrologers that this curse is slated to end once this syzygy has left the earth signs, which has now occurred. This opinion is based as well upon the fact that Neptune has now completed, as of 2003, a full (164 year) planetary cycle, since the time of the invocation of the now legendary curse. Neptune is a key planetary function in matters we perceive of as curses. Frankly, it's a rather involved subject and I wouldn't draw too many moral conclusions about the all the players in this drama. It's dangerous stuff and results in both sides paying their own unique price for its duration. While its completion is fortunate for all parties, unfortunately Bush was elected in 2000, during its closing moments. The last act has not yet finished and the fateful storm clouds of the Jupiter/Saturn syzygy have now gathered in the midst of an even larger tempest, the hurricane of a global war. While the politicians and pundits of the media may be breathing easier since Reagan's narrow escape, some mundane astrologers, including this writer, are not.

The Mandates of Times

In late May of 2000, Jupiter and Saturn conjoined at the 22^nd degree of Taurus in the year that George W Bush was elected president. The zodiacal position of the planets at the moment of the conjunction in May is an important barometer for the person to occupy the office, and its aspects to the president's chart are a good starting point for this analysis. The dominant aspect these planets simultaneously made to president Bush's chart was a near perfect square to his 1^st House Venus at 21 degrees of Leo. Much could be said for both these square aspects from these two very different celestial functions -- one representing expansion (Jupiter), the other limitation (Saturn). Most of that will be incorporated within the context of my statements throughout this issue. But one particular focus of concern is the fact that this dynamic also indicates the possibility of a major challenging physical impact. It involves his body (1^st House) and originates from the area of career and public responsibilities (10^th House). There are many more transits, but they don't override this basic theme. If this were a weather forecast, I'd say it wouldn't be time to plan a picnic, to put it mildly.

Taking the analysis further brings us to the noteworthy planetary interplay affecting the birth chart of the 43^rd president of the United States during the course of the present year, 2004...

George W Bush - Solar Return Planetary Positions, 2004

This is George W Bush's natal chart, with the transiting planetary positions arranged in the outer wheel, and the (permanent) natal positions in the inner wheel. The date and time of the (outer) transiting planets (moving in a counter clockwise direction) represent the moment when the sun returns every year to the exact degree and minute it was in your natal chart and is known as a person's Solar Return. Note, for example, that the position of the Sun in the outer wheel is conjoining the precise position of the natal Sun in the inner wheel, as both are at 16 degrees of Cancer. Customarily, the Solar Return occurs on either someone's calendar birthday, or on the day before or after. For George this year, it falls on July 5^th, the day before his calendar birthday. Transits to the birth chart occurring at the moment of the Solar Return are another significant barometer, specifically, of the kind of year you're having.

The weather forecast for this chart in 2004 rings out the ancient mariners' caveat of, "red in the morning, sailor's warning." The presence of Mars on the Ascendant of both the natal and return charts is a double red flag. For the average person, I'd suggest caution about such things as cuts and scrapes, dangerous situations, and staying away from aggressive persons, etc. For someone in his position in this astrological and historical context, it's a distinct warning of danger and a threat to life. At the very least, it shows a crisis and conflict laden year in the extreme. Moreover, the transit of Saturn at 16 degrees of Cancer, exactly squaring Bush's natal Moon at 16 degrees of Libra is also significant since it is quite strong (mathematically exact) at the Solar Return. Even a glance at the progressions (another system of astrological measurement) puts a chill up your back when you see the progressed Sun conjoin the natal Mars on July 6^th. In light of everything else happening (there's a good deal more) all of this is about as welcome as a tarantula in the nursery.

Major transits = Major issues and events

The major transits from the outer planets to Bush's chart for the entire year are, nonetheless, the basic time dynamics of this period in his life and they represent the foundation for any comprehensive analysis. In 2004 there are two major Pluto transits, one a favorable trine to his Venus, and another an opposition to his Uranus that is carried over from last year, and will get within a few minutes of exactitude during this year. While the Pluto/Venus transit is generally positive; it can also simply serve to immortalize someone, not necessarily protect from extreme danger. It has the potential to regenerate a persons' values, among many other positive attributes. Since it's a trine aspect, nothing will compel the person to do so but, if the native accomplishes that, some measure of protection will apply. The opposition from Pluto to Uranus is more disconcerting since Uranus governs his 7^th House, a cyclical process that includes some very nice and some not so nice things -- such as assailants and open enemies. Moreover, considering that his natal Uranus is in the 11^th House of politics and therefore receiving this impact, there's likely to be some serious political challenges throughout this period. As most astrologers will tell you, the combination of Uranus and Pluto have a reputation for being a rather explosive combination. Y'all remember the "energy" of the '60's when these two conjoined? Transiting Pluto is also conjunct the natal South Node this year, another fateful encounter not known for joy and celebration but sacrifice and elimination.

Next in the planetary lineup, Neptune doesn't seem to be willing to grant many favors either. It's transiting quincunx (150 degrees) angle to Bush's natal Sun throughout the year could easily speak of the devious capacity of an assailant(s) since Neptune is currently operating (transiting) from that aforementioned 7^th House. Another quincunx from transiting Uranus (which, again, governs his Aquarius 7^th House) to the natal Neptune in the 3^rd House completes the inference and likelihood of skilled and subversive tactics being employed in his environment. When all the individual Saturn transits are blended into the mix, about the best they bring throughout this period is a lot of hard work, or at worst, harder circumstances. It is presently in Bush's 12^th House and will be there through 2005. Saturn transiting the 12^th is beneficial in various ways like correcting mistakes, letting go the inappropriate and dysfunctional aspects of the last 28 years of your life, and going within spiritually. Generally, not the greatest or smoothest time for anyone in high profile.

Family Connections

Simple logic dictates that anything of this magnitude affecting the chart of president should reflect in the charts of his family. This doesn't look like a family about to win the lottery. All members of the immediate Bush clan - his wife, daughters, mother, father and brothers - are experiencing major challenging transits during this year. Some of the highlights are:

Father, George, Sr. -- Pluto opposition Sun, Pluto square Uranus, Uranus square Midheaven, Saturn conjunct Pluto, Saturn square Moon, Saturn conjunct Venus.

Mother, Barbara -- Neptune quincunx Pluto, Uranus square Mercury, Uranus square Ascendant, Saturn conjunct Pluto, Saturn opposition Moon, Saturn conjunct Mars, Saturn opposition Jupiter.

Wife, Laura -- Pluto opposition Uranus, Neptune opposition Pluto, Uranus square Mercury, Saturn square Neptune.

The Twins, Barbara and Jenna who are obviously experiencing the same transits since their births were within minutes of each other -- Pluto square Mars, Uranus square Sun, Saturn square Saturn, Saturn opposition Venus, Saturn square Pluto.

Brother, Jeb -- Neptune square Jupiter, Neptune quincunx Uranus, Saturn square Venus, Saturn conjunct Uranus, Saturn square Saturn, Saturn opposition Moon.

Brother Neil -- Saturn opposition Moon, Saturn quincunx Venus, Saturn quincunx Mercury, Saturn conjunct Uranus. (Neil is least connected to the president's political career and seems less impacted, but impacted nonetheless.)

There are beneficial transits for the group that interlace throughout the year, yet they don't appear strong enough to sustain against the malefic lineup above. Life, in all its complexities, goes on even in the face of severe challenges. There are a lot of different possibilities one could glean from this mix of time dynamics for this family. At its most benevolent, they all could just be having one hell of a tough year.

Times Perilous - Connecting all the dots

There are a number of instances throughout 2004 when the possibility of increased danger for the president emerges; dates in June, July, November and December all show activity. Most particularly I would hope the Secret Service is extra cautious in late August around the time of the Republican convention in NYC. Firstly, the previously mentioned potentially "explosive" Pluto opposition Uranus transit is strongest in the days surrounding August 30^th. Secondly, through an analysis of George W Bush's astrocartographical map, it appears that NYC is not the most recommended vacation spot. Astrocartography measures the planetary impact in areas on the entire earth for each individual, based on their birth chart, and can be useful in many beneficial ways including avoiding areas of danger. One's Pluto "lines" are of particular interest in this respect and every person's astrocartographical map has two such lines for each planet. President Carter's Pluto line, for example, runs through Iran and the American hostage situation throughout his presidency spelled his political demise. John F Kennedy's Pluto line runs right through Dallas, Texas, and his brother Bobby's runs through Los Angeles, California. To say that the tragic events in both these places amounted to more than just their political demise would be the understatement of the century. George W Bush's Pluto line runs quite close to the Big Apple. The events of 9/11 and that locale have already had an enormous impact in his life. Lightning may not strike twice but the planetary mandates suffer no such restrictions.

At the very least this year is a time of considerable conflict and challenge for Bush, coupled with the high likelihood of a threat to his life. I'm not happy with the situation as I see it and hope and pray the president "dodges the bullet" in whatever form. Another tragedy of this magnitude, on top of all the present disturbing worldwide woes, is the last thing planet earth needs at this time. Whatever emerges, it's certainly not likely to benefit the terrorists in the final outcome. Nor is it likely to advance the cause of peace. But, when folks are at war, sadly, things are already being done the hard way. I'm not the president's astrologer and he's highly unlikely to read my comments and solicit advice about specifically when, where and how there is the most danger. But, you never know who else could be reading my commentary in this Wacky World Web. I'd rather not inadvertently provide additional inspiration by enumerating all the specific days of danger for those bent on evil intent. I've no doubt that the expectation of extra precaution at the Republican Convention is already a "given" under the present circumstances. My only advice to law enforcement at that time would be to give it an extra effort.

How stands the Republic?

More importantly than just one president, however, the USA and its chart reveal a degree of national struggle and significant tests that echoes the intensity of the period of the mid 1960s. I would also be happier to be able to say that 2005 looks that much better for either George W Bush or the USA itself, but I can't. There are weighty challenges to both that are equally as dangerous as those of 2004. As the saying goes, I don't deal the cards, I can only read them. Could I be mistaken? Frankly, for a host of reasons, I would be delighted if events take a different turn than those that seem to me to be most likely.

USA - Solar Return Planetary Positions, 2004

As mentioned previously, the moment of the Solar Return is just one of the many astrological techniques employed to determine the nature of the year in question. It's also useful for noting the relative position of the outer planets at this time (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) since they move far more slowly than the balance of the inner planets and the lights (Sun and Moon). As a reminder, planets in the outer wheel are moving in a counter clockwise direction. The main reason for showing the chart is to indicate where in the "life" of the country, these slow moving and strongly influential planets will continue to operate into the near future as well. The only major shift will be the movement of Jupiter from its current position in the 4^th House into the 5^th House on October 30^th where it will remain for one year. What makes me uncomfortable about that departure from the 4^th is that Jupiter's measure of protection, which it provided in the homeland, will then be removed. In the present circumstances I wouldn't call that good timing, but the universe isn't running on my clock. We have had a year while Jupiter paid a visit in the USA 4^th to get our act together regarding homeland security; let's hope the effort was adequate. As of this moment, it doesn't appear to me to be the case.

The Solar Return chart itself, however, is chock full of information, the nature of which has been integrated in my analysis of their probable influence. And again, as with the examination of the Bush chart, the major transits of the outer planets throughout the year are, however, the bottom line in a full assessment. The USA, unlike the president, has a more diverse blend of both challenging and supportive time processes.

Most notable on the list from just the three outermost time cycles are -- Pluto opposition Mars, Pluto square Neptune; Neptune quincunx Sun, Neptune conjunct Midheaven, Neptune trine Saturn and Uranus trine Jupiter. These represent a significant blend but the supportive dynamics will not cancel the effect of the malefic ones. They will, however, go a long way toward reconsolidation, reorientation and recuperation. A trine from Neptune to Saturn, for example, provides a high capacity for abstentious behavior and dedication in overcoming difficulties. Unfortunately, it usually occurs when there is a great need for such qualities. In the long run, its benefits will pay off, as it will place the nation on a path that is based on highly idealistic goals coupled with the practical resources and realistic management that must be applied to accomplish those major tasks.

As I have been anticipating and cautioning for the past 18 years, there is no greater priority than this current global conflict. Its social and economic effect upon the world will exceed that of WWI and WWII.

Most problematic is the Pluto opposition natal Mars transit that goes on throughout the year. This can be clearly seen in the above chart. Note that transiting Pluto is in the outer wheel in the 7^th House at 20 degrees of Sagittarius, opposing natal Mars in the inner wheel in the 1^st House at 20 degrees of Gemini. Considering the fact that it takes Pluto 250 years to complete its orbit, this would be the first time in US history that this transit occurs. The last time Pluto made a similar interaction was in the mid 60s while transiting down in the 4^th House when it squared natal Mars. That was a time of both internal and external conflict. There may be internal conflict this year but nothing like what happened in the 60s since the main source of the problems will now emerge from external forces -- specifically again, the 7^th House of open enemies. In the mid 60s, at the height of the Civil Rights Revolution and the Vietnam War, America was more at war with itself than any external force. Finally, the only other time in history Pluto squared the USA natal Mars was way back in 1814, while America was at war with England. That's when the British burned down the Capitol and The Library Of Congress in Washington DC. Now that one should at least pick up the hair on the back of your neck. There was one other time in US history that Pluto made as strong an impact on the natal Mars; that was in the first decade of the 20^th century. More about that one at the end.

Whatever the source, however, there is little doubt that there will be serious threats to a number of targets in the homeland. The existence of the USA natal Neptune in the 4^th House has many implications that have been identified throughout its history, most of which have been the source of much benefit. The demographic phenomena of America's "melting pot" is but one. Unfortunately, it also allows the framework for the extremely porous nature of our borders and the capacity for those set on sabotage to blend into a considerably diverse culture and geography -- all in a nation with a fierce devotion to freedom of movement and expression. Transiting Pluto will come within 10 minutes of exactitude of squaring the US natal Neptune, the source of our major vulnerability, in late March of 2004. That is enough to set the wheels in motion for a major event or series of such threatening events that may occur through the remainder of 2004 and continuing strongly throughout 2005.

The transits of Pluto through the 7^th House of open enemies -- one squaring natal Neptune in the 4^th House of the homeland and the other opposing natal Mars, during 2004 and 2005 -- constitutes one of the most serious threats America will have to the homeland in its history.

When anticipating this time in previous years, it always seemed to me to be one of the most potentially dangerous times of the decade. With this war in progress, it has assumed deeper importance. The most benign outcome would be that some very disastrous events would be thwarted, in which case the overall shock would have as much impact on the nation's consciousness as would the event itself. Yet, avoiding a tragedy would be extremely difficult since there are so many devious methods that can be ingeniously employed destructively; the use of civilian aircraft against the Twin Towers was just one case in point. New York is still high on the list and has numerous tempting, vulnerable targets, not the least of which is its vast underground system.

New York City- unfinished business

What America is particularly, thought not exclusively, vulnerable to is governed by its 4^th House resident, Neptune, which is associated with bio chemical substances, toxins in general, coastal/inland waterways and the water supply in particular. It's a short list of all the myriad possibilities that can cause great harm since the enemy the US is facing is quite clever and adaptive along with patient and suicidal. This entire analysis is also "short" in another major area -- economic -- which is largely influenced by the current transit of Saturn throughout the USA 2^nd House, and needs a separate treatment from the subject of this issue.

The White House - unfinished business

The self-proclaimed enemy that has faced the US has gradually revealed its own face. It's a collective persona that I began to try and comprehend in the late '80s when I first warned of the coming threat from international fundamentalist terrorism. And the targets that were identified in 1986 -- New York and Washington --are still high on their list. One feature of this collective personality is its high regard for major symbolic victories and specific, obsessively pursued targets. When the attack on the Twin Towers failed in '93, some may recall my responses to the effect that it wasn't over; that they would be back. They returned with a vengeance on 9/11. In my opinion, that fourth plane that was bravely brought down in Pennsylvania on 9/11 was probably intended for the White House or, if not, the Capitol. To these terrorists, that is unfinished business. In fact, they are as obsessive about destroying America's major symbols of executive and legislative power as they are about taking down the current White House occupant, George Bush. These folks may not be able to march in bright red coats with a fife and drum corps on down to Washington but they don't need to. In the 21^st century there are many innovative ways to carry a torch.

The nation's Capitol - unfinished business

Silver Linings

Some of the benefit potential of the Neptune trine Saturn transit was mentioned earlier. Neptune is currently (slowly) journeying through the 9^th House of principles, the law, broadcasting, publishing, religion, higher education, relationships with foreign cultures and nations, and the nation's own belief systems. Its creative stimulation (trine) to natal Saturn provides a range of possibilities that may emerge. Some were discussed earlier. Another is the effective use of information dissemination, or what some may call propaganda. This is one asset in which America has an overwhelming edge and yet has not even begun to tap its potential. And as I've insisted since the beginning, this conflict will have to be won with the "pen" as much as with the "sword." Another benefit that is likely to emerge is that the gathering of and assimilation of information about other cultures, not just military and political intelligence, will begin to have a beneficial effect in increased understanding in the American populace which will expand for many years into the future. As perhaps strange as it may sound, secret, sympathetic assistance will also arrive from foreign sources.

The Uranus trine Jupiter transit has considerable potential for breakthroughs in technology and the innovative application of existing technology that's been largely untapped. Both will play a role in the unfolding events of this time period. I imagine there will even be some that we won't hear about for a while under the present circumstances, since they may be employed for military advantage. A few should hit the headlines nonetheless. One feature of this transit is the fact that it stimulates a greater degree of flexibility and originality in handling heretofore insoluble issues. Since the recipient of the transit is Jupiter, one of the areas it will benefit is the area that Jupiter governs in the chart. It governs Sagittarius, which is in the USA 7^th House of direct one-to-one relationships - both friendly and adversarial. This transit has the potential of bringing positive assistance from international "partners" and gaining technological advantage over adversaries. This may come about by events that are out of our control and work to our benefit. But the nature of that advantage is likely to be experienced primarily away from the homeland.

The remaining two Neptune transits, its quincunx to the Natal Sun and conjunction to the natal Mid Heaven ("MC" in the 9^th House) are perhaps the most intriguing. Neptune demands an ideal be actualized. Transiting the Mid Heaven, it requires that the reputation and purpose of the nation be dedicated to its highest ideals with a willingness to pursue such ideals with a sense of spiritual devotion and sacrifice. A mighty tall order. It will require that the national consciousness be willing to let go of the heretofore dysfunctional and over romanticized notions of its principles and ideals in order for it to proceed as smoothly as possible. The intriguing aspect of this combination is the fact that the quincunx to the natal Sun will provide the circumstances in which the USA will be compelled to adjust -- both economically and in terms of its collective value system -- that will make the pursuit of the high ideals of its current Mid Heaven demands, possible. It will require much greater sacrifices than the nation has been able to acknowledge thus far. America will either set higher ideals for itself or they will be set by circumstances to which it will be forced to adjust.

And as each week and month pass, it becomes increasingly clear that this will be a long struggle, much longer than most people thought in the months after 9/11. You may recall the cautions given in the September 2002 issue, long before the war in Iraq, about this entire subject of WW III.

"There is little doubt that this struggle will take longer, cost more, encounter many surprising turns and, will ultimately leave a world wide deposit of radical social changes in it’s wake."

The recent chapter of the Iraq campaign alone has certainly proven to be far more expensive that the wildest speculation of just two years ago. The costs will continue to mount in the years ahead. So far the bulk of the resources allotted to the struggle have been directed toward the law enforcement and military establishments. And, about that other Pluto to Mars transit that I promise there would be more about...

America would do well to reexamine the nature of the historical circumstances in play when Pluto made the only other transit to the natal Mars in its history that is equivalent to the three aforementioned transits. That happened early in the 20^th century when Pluto was conjunct Mars in the 1^st House of self image and persona -- a compelling demand that the nation reformulate a new and lasting identity for itself and its place before the world. That was during the days of Teddy Roosevelt when the USA first emerged as a global power. It built a world-class navy and the Panama Canal, uniting two oceans with an exponential explosion in commerce. It brokered the peace between Russia and Japan; took to the skies to prove to the world that people could fly and pioneered many other wondrous things through positive leadership. Now Pluto opposes that point of conjunction to the natal Mars. This is a time of climax of that original moment of the development of America's "Mars" function. It isn't just what we do now, but how it's done.

America would do well to hearken Teddy's advice and again, speak softly while carrying a big stick.

Be good to yourselves,

Hannibal