| The Astrological Cycles Ahead
for the U.S. and the World by Curtis Burns Last of a three-part series In the previous installments of this series, I explored the astrology of George W. Bush, noting that he is a "war" president, sharing the potential religious fanaticism on his part, and how he is incredibly fortunate and that he has a lot going for him during the presidential election. I also looked at John Kerry, at what sort of president he would be (which might possibly be more war-like than Bush), noting his somewhat less-fortunate astrology for the election, but also how unique links to the charts of the nation and the 2005 Presidential Inauguration may actually give him the victory in November 2004. In this last part of the series, I am looking at major astrological cycles that will be affecting us all and how they may unfold in the policies and actions of the next administration. I also take a necessary look into the next two decades. Before I can explain what the meanings of these planetary movements are I need to make a few statements about prediction in general. It is very important to realize that any kind of dire prediction really is not "bad" at all. The planets continually present us with challenges, and no period of history has been or ever will be without its challenges. Challenges are how we grow and assimilate higher and better concepts; these things are just as true on a national level as they are on a personal level. It also is important to accept the truth that all possible human experiences, from the so-called worst to the greatest, happen for the sole reason of moving us higher on the spiritual evolutionary track. Concepts such as injustice, hard times and bad luck originate solely in the mind of the believer, but have no basis in reality. We are set down on this earth by spiritual intelligences with every blessing, assistance and mitigation of personal karma possible, and then some. It is said that the mercy of heaven endures forever; and our worst enemy will always be ourselves (especially in our capacity to harbor pessimistic and hopeless attitudes.) Economics, Earth, disasters & emotions Using the positions of the planets according to Vedic astrology, which are usually one sign back from what Western-style astrology uses, I will focus on the position of Saturn, which has moved into sidereal Cancer for the next couple of years, and also on Pluto and Neptune a little later on. Cancer is a sign that represents the great bountiful abundance of the universe that feeds, supplies and provides for our every need, like a great cosmic mother presence. It also represents our roots, our familial and national origins, and our sense of happiness and well-being. Cancer is very much a sign of economic affairs, and also of land issues, such as real estate and national boundaries. Saturn, a planetary influence that throws difficulties at us and seems to draw out our latent tendencies to be depressive, pathological and obsessive in our nature, will therefore be acting in that part of the zodiac (Cancer) that represents the flow of goods, services and prosperity. The migration of jobs overseas could continue, business may continue to downsize due to a lack of sales and higher costs of doing business, and increased intervention and regulation of economic affairs is a distinct possibility. One wouldn't even need an astrologer to predict that. These are indeed harsh experiences for people in this nation, the upside of which may be harder to grasp, but it reminds us to focus on our most basic needs. Extraneous, frivolous and greed-ego-materialistic involvements with our time, energy and money have to be let go. Of course, there is nothing wrong with owning homes, cars, wondrous gadgets and precious items of wealth, but they must not eclipse our higher reasons for being here. Cancer representing Mother Earth now brings to our attention the recent slew of hurricanes in Florida, Mt. St. Helens becoming active once again, earthquakes and their tremendous upheaval and loss of life. These natural catastrophes seemed to have commenced right as transiting Saturn entered sidereal Cancer on August 23, 2004, where it will stay until mid-2007. It seems that we have officially entered about three years of "difficulties coming from the Earth Herself." The Bush administration dealt with the transit of Saturn through Gemini from 2001 to 2004, which manifested in darker headlines, discussions and the possible cynical manipulation of information. Regardless of who leads the new administration, he will be dealing with a heretofore repressed emotional darkness that looks to be manifesting out of the worldwide populace with Saturn in Cancer. With all of the war astrology implicit in the charts of both Bush and Kerry (as shown in the previous two articles of this series), we can also see that the stars are portending more economic difficulties and not improvements, as the campaigns of both candidate want you to believe. With multi-trillion dollar debts, global conflicts, massive illegal immigration, poverty, crime and a host of other problems, there is no magic political solution to our times. Rather, a lot of hard choices need to be made. We need to persevere until we see light at the end of the tunnel for the U.S. and the world. The bigger picture Other articles written by astrologers in recent issues of the Edge have addressed the issue of Pluto in Sagittarius and how this portends a battle for the supremacy of ruling ideologies: Christian, Muslim, New Age, etc. As the wars in the Middle East intensify, I can only agree. I would add that as Pluto rules the forces of destruction and regeneration, and Sagittarius rules philosophies and religions, this period of 2005 to 2019 (using sidereal measurements) can mean the cataclysmic death throes of creeds and faiths, based not so much on love but domination and control. Such a death would of course be "spectacular" and undeniably final, but from the ruins would arise a deeply transformed and aware people ready to implement new systems of thought that are more in line with higher reality. The real picture of societal transformation emerges then as we consider the movement of Pluto into Capricorn in the year 2019 through 2039. Because Capricorn is a sign that relates to the structure of society, this time period signifies one of three possibilities: a deconstruction with simultaneous new construction of foundations of society along more progressive and enlightened lines; a complete wiping out of the semblance of order, security and integrity of society or a complete and severe emergence of an oppressive authoritarian state. As Pluto moves into Capricorn, it will form a very intense configuration with Jupiter and Saturn in that sign, indicating a very important time for the world (the year 2020). Higher spirituality Looking at the planet Neptune in the coming decades, in 2008 it will begin a 13-year run in the sign of Aquarius, ending in 2021. During this time, we can expect that the strains of societal brotherhood and the ideals that bind races and nations together to become highly romanticized. Differing cultural values could start to blend together, and possible future delusions of the time could relate to an imbalanced or excessive surrender of the personal self in favor of the needs of the family, clan, larger group or society. This unique societal-change paradigm will be simultaneously reinforced by the transit of Uranus though the sign of Pisces from 2009 to 2016. In 2021, Neptune will finally enter the sign of its rulership, Pisces, and we could begin to see true advances in art, creativity, spirituality and in the ways that we lead our lives. Tremendous waves of divine sublimity could fundamentally alter the psyches of humanity as a whole. This would not so much be an intellectual shift as it would be from the heart, where true change comes from. Tremendously strong spiritual energies in our future can propel us to heights as a whole. We may not be able to comprehend that right now. Planetary and societal evolution is not something that can be forced. It is a natural byproduct of the progressive cycles of experience, as long as we maintain hope, strive to exemplify our highest ideals and always seek to not put the ego-cart before the divine-horse. See you there! Curtis Burns has been practicing astrology since 1988 and uses a powerful synthesis of Eastern Vedic and Western Astrology. He specializes in helping business people, professionals and motivated persons to become more successful by incorporating information from their charts to formulate life goals and plans. Curtis also edits a very popular astrological website, www.StarWorldNews.com, which has many features including free reports, forecasts, and frequently updated articles on the astrology life in the world today. To inquire about personal astrological consultations, call him at (612) 823-9104, or e-mail curtis@starworldnews.com. Copyright © 2004 Curtis Burns |
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