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In the current issue (Spring 2009) of The Tradition journal is Luís’ the article  “Comet Lulin: nasty little green thing”. This post is an addendum to that article.

The African country of Guinea-Bissau was shaken to its foundations last week, when two of its leaders – João Bernando ‘Nino’ Vieira, the country’s president, and General Batista Tagmé Na Waié, his political rival – were brutally murdered. Both men died within a short period of time. General Waié was assassinated on 1st of March late at night when a bomb exploded in his office; president Vieira met a violent end a few hours later when armed men invaded his house and hacked him to death with machetes. Besides the obvious political motivation of these murders, there is also an underlying motive of personal revenge, as the two men were long-term rivals. (more details here)

This violent crime can be linked directly to the comet’s traditional significations which are: “death of kings and Grandees, Nobles such as chief rulers”, as mentioned in the article published in The Tradition journal. It was also pointed that: “a comet in Scorpio indicates ‘abundance of war and rebellion’, ‘detriment and damage to soldiers’, ‘contemptions among great men’, ‘death of some eminent men’. (…) Its effects should be noticeable quite quickly because it is oriental of the Sun.”

In this case the “contention” between two powerful men ended with the assassination of one of them, the top military chief, General Waié, and the subsequent revenge taken by his soldiers on his rival, President Nino Vieira. This fits the description of the comet’s significations accurately.

The article also referred to areas where its effects might be felt:

“Its declination ranged from approximately 15ºS to 18ºN, thus in geographical terms its effects will have more emphasis on the equatorial and tropical areas of the planet which have around the same value of latitude. This would suggest Africa (particularly the North) as the place where its effects will be felt most strongly and because that is an area ruled by Scorpio and the rest of the Water triplicity.” As comet Lulin was first spotted in this sign, it is no wonder that its effects were felt in this area of the globe. As we can see on the map, Guinea-Bissau is situated just south of Mauritania, and therefore in an area ruled by Scorpio according to Ptolemy and with a range of latitudes between 11ºN and 12ºN40’.

The comet’s path, during its period of visibility, period crossed the Zodiac from Scorpio to Leo and on the day of the murders it was moving away from a conjunction of Regulus, a star usually related to kings and chiefs.

Let’s now take a quick look to the event chart. According to diplomatic sources quoted on the news, the murder of President Vieira, occurred on the 2nd March at around 5:30 AM:

The human sign of Aquarius rises, and its ruler Saturn is placed in the house of death in the human sign of Virgo. Mercury, ruler of the 8th house, is on the 1st in exact conjunction with Mars, showing a violent death by “human hands” (see William Lilly, Christian Astrology, p.646: “Humaine Signes, denote death by a Man, as by Armes or Violence”), in this case by soldiers (Mars). Mars also signifies the President (as ruler of the MC/10th house) meeting his death, because Mercury is the ruler of the 8th house from the 10th.

The Mercury-Mars conjunction seems to be the key element in this event, and the nature of the comet Lulin is also Mercury-Mars (see full article in the The Tradition for details). At this time the comet would have been opposing the conjunction and squaring the Moon. In fact, the murders occurred within a few hours of the exact Mercury-Mars conjunction, as we can see in the timeline:

- 1st March late night (exact time not found), general Waié is murdered in a bomb attack;
- 2nd March, 03:05 am, the Mercury-Mars conjunction perfects (this was the third conjunction of a series of three, due to Mercury’s recent retrogradation from Aquarius to Capricorn);
- 2nd March, around 05:30 am: President Vieira is hacked and shot to death in his mother-in-law’s house, after a siege which lasted at least one hour.

There is also a possible interaction with the Presidents nativity – Nino Vieira was born on 27th April 1939 (time unknown). Despite the unfortunate lack of a birth time, the natal Moon would be posited between 9º and 23º of Leo, therefore close to the opposition of the Mercury-Mars conjunction degree. This area of the Zodiac was also the place of the two last eclipses (a solar eclipse at 6º Aquarius, and a lunar at 20º Aquarius-Leo).

These were the almost immediate effects of comet Lulin – a shocking and violent crime, as it would be expected judging by its nature. Let us hope this was Lulin’s darker side and from here on its effects become dimmer.

Barack Obama’s victory in the 2008 Presidential Elections has been anticipated in astrological circles for some time. For a number of astrological reasons – namely his natal chart and his current primary directions – he was expected to win. And so he did.

Obama became the first Democrat president in 8 years and the first black president ever. His victory is, in many senses, remarkable. His intelligence, charisma and competence seem quite obvious, but he inherited a difficult and indeed explosive situation. He now faces complex problems in the political, economical and social areas – and the decisions he makes as the president of the USA will resonate worldwide.

So, what can we expect from the first six months of his presidency?

The study of the solar ingresses for this period gives us the answer.

Obama was elected on November 4^th still under the Libra Ingress of 22^nd September, but he will be inaugurated on January 20^th under the Capricorn Ingress of 21^st December.  The Libra Ingress chart clearly points to a difficult economical situation – which is no surprise given the economical crisis the world is presently facing. The ruler of the 2^nd house of resources, Saturn, is placed in the 10^th of government, thus establishing an obvious connection between economy and government. In the overall context, the chart is not very promising.

As to the Capricorn Ingress, the economical perspectives seem to be somewhat improved. The ruler of the Ascendant, Jupiter, is in the 2^nd cusp in Capricorn, thus pointing to the major concern of the country during that time: the economy. As Jupiter is in the sign of its fall, the economic condition is, obviously, weak. But the scenery is somewhat promising, as the North Node and Venus are placed in the 2^nd house, in Aquarius. We might therefore expect some kind of amelioration in that country’s economical situation. As Venus rules of the 10^th (government), we can see clearly the government’s focus on the economy. Additionally, the position of Saturn, the 2^nd house ruler in the 9^th, suggests some kind of change in the law with the purpose of rectifying the present difficulties.

It is no surprise to find the Moon in the 10^th house, suggesting a popular and consensual government. The Moon’s conjunction to Spica, a benefic star, reinforces this situation. In this period, President Obama enjoys great popularity and the acceptance of the great majority of the public. However, one cannot dismiss the conjunction of the Sun and Mars to the Ascendant, a strong enough (and malefic enough) aspect to contradict most of the above-mentioned positive significators. As Mars is angular and placed in the fiery sign of Sagittarius, it suggests strong and loud protests. Mars rules the 4^th and the 11^th, so these protests are most likely to originate from Congress (11^th) about issues related to territory, agriculture, real-estate, and mineral resources (oil?) (4^th). Notwithstanding, the President’s popularity remains and his position is strong, although he stands on shaky foundations.

This delicate balance is disturbed by the time of the Aries Ingress, as the “new president euphoria” fades away and the country faces harsh realities. Economy is once again the main issue, as indicated by debilitated Venus, ruler of the 2^nd, in the Ascendant. The insecurity of the situation becomes more evident now, and therefore the government is weakened. The Moon is again in the 10^th, but this time it is debilitated in Capricorn. Saturn, the 10^th ruler, is cadent in the 6^th House, which further weakens the government position. All this suggests a fall from grace.

The opposition of debilitated Mercury (ruler of the 3^rd) to Saturn can also suggest that the President will be under attack by the media, with innuendo and malicious criticism.

The retrograde condition of Venus in the Ascendant and of Saturn, ruler of the 10^th, suggests that the government will probably have to retreat from some of their political projects. Nonetheless, the strong position of Jupiter in the 11^th house of its joy, with the Part of Fortune and the North Node are positive indicators and show a general sense of confidence in the future. The following ingresses, of Cancer and Libra, seem to confirm these expectations by showing a slow but steady improvement in the USA’s economy. This will be dealt with in future posts.

This Summer brings us an important mundane conjunction of Mars and Saturn.
It will occur next Thursday, the 10th July, at 18:11 UT, at 5º Virgo 26’.
This is a minor conjunction within the mundane panorama, as it represents a lesser cycle of the tree superior planets.
Because it involves the two malefics, this type of conjunction is traditionally related to disagreeable effects, like conflicts, scarcity and political instability.

The conjunction occurs in Virgo, where Saturn is currently placed, thus activating its effects.
As Virgo is an Earth sign, it brings concerns related to earthly matters: land crops, resources and food in general; it is also a feminine sign, thus relating to female issues and birth; it is ruled by Mercury, so also relates to communication, interchange, commerce and travel.

The countries affected by this conjunction are, as should be expected, the ones ruled by Virgo, like Iraq and Greece. The same goes for cities ruled by this sign, as Paris, Athens and Jerusalem.

The critical points of this cycle will be harsh contacts between these planets.
The dexter square will occur in 12th December 2008, with Mars at 21º Sagittarius conjunct to the Sun; the opposition in 5th April 2009, with Mars at 16º Pisces, and the sinister square in 11th August 2009, with Mars at 11º Gemini.

European Union

The conjunction chart for Brussels presents a strongly angular Moon, in the MC, at 25º Libra, trining the also angular Mercury, in the Descendant, at 29º Gemini.

The emphasis on these planets suggests much conversation and movement, which is also shown by the identification between the 1st house and the 3rd, both ruled by Jupiter.
The placement of the Moon in the MC, suggests discussions regarding the government and the rulership of the European Union. This is most likely related to the Lisbon Treatise, which is contested by some countries. This will not be an easy matter, as suggested by the square between the Moon and Venus (the Moon’s dispositor and ruler of the MC).
Likewise, the Moon closely activates the contra-antiscia of the Mars-Saturn conjunction, thus reinforcing the notion that some kind of conflict or struggle is to be expected.
The square between the Moon and Venus, and the opposition of Jupiter (ruler of the Ascendant), to the Sun (natural significator of power), also adds a note of tension regarding the issues of government.
Mercury is also very relevant in this chart, not only for being angular and trining the Moon, but manly for dispositing the Mars-Saturn conjunction. It is strongly dignified in its own sign, Gemini, and conjunct the stars Betelguese and Menkalinan, both stars of the nature of Mars and Mercury, thus promising many arguments and fights.

But there are also some ameliorating factors. The Moon’s mutual reception with Venus and the Moon’s conjunction to benefic star Spica, can provide some assistance to this matter, remitting some of its harshness. Besides, the Moon-Venus square occurs in signs of long ascension, thus decreasing the tension naturally signified by this aspect.

United States

In the United States the conjunction falls in the 11th house and the chart presents almost the same degrees as the February lunar eclipse. As the conjunction occurs in the 11th house, it can be expected some conflicts between the government and the congress.

In this chart the Moon is conjunct the Ascendant and rules the 9th house which brings forth matters relating with foreign affairs. This is further emphasised by the conjunction of Mercury, dispositor of the Mars-Saturn conjunction, to the cusp of the 9th house.
The Moon-Mercury trine suggests interchange, communication, frequent travels, etc.

Also note that the Mars-Saturn conjunction activates the 9th house of the previous Cancer Ingress (see previous post); in the ingress Saturn rules the 2nd house and Mars rules the IC, relating foreign affairs (9th) to the country’s economy (2nd) and resources (2nd and 4th).

The angularity of the feminine planets (Moon on the Ascendant and Venus conjunct the MC) suggests the prominence of women or feminine issues in the country’s image.

The first trimester of the astrological year (March-June) is marked by the opposition between the Mercury-Venus and the Moon-Saturn conjunctions. Generally speaking, this opposition indicates much expectation and speculation (due to the exaltation of Venus) but that can only be fulfilled through much effort and hard work (Saturn opposition). Demagogy and the “embellishment” of promises and ideals will play a large role, but in most cases they will prove unrealistic and disappointing.
The main concern will be on earth resources like agriculture, mining, cattle, etc.

The Sun-Mars square is also very noticeable and suggests harsh attacks on leaders and figures of authority. Law and legislation will be a general concern but this will not be a peaceful matter.

In August there will be a large solar eclipse visible in Northern Europe, Middle East, Russia, India and China. This eclipse indicates the fall of powerful man and will bring forth concerns regarding farming and earth resources, thus emphasising the ingress’s significations.
Another powerful configuration will be the Mars-Saturn conjunction in Virgo which will come about in July, which will be addressed in a latter post.

The ingress in the European Union

The EU ingress chart, set for Brussels the administrative capital, show late Pisces rising with the Sun right on the Ascendant.

The strength and angularity of the Sun in this chart makes him the ruler of the year, with the participation of Jupiter, also angular and ruling the Ascendant.
Jupiter is in the 10th House suggesting a strong emphasis on leadership and government. Both configurations point to the emergency of a strong European leader or government. Nonetheless the square of Mars to the Sun and the essential weakness of Jupiter show that government will be under boycott and will face a strong resistance, most likely related to territorial issues.

The Mercury-Venus opposition to Moon-Saturn falls on the 12th and 6th Houses indicating a lot of intrigue centred in economical interests (Venus rules the 2nd and the Part of Fortune).
All these matters will reach a peek in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of the astrological year (June-September and September-December).

The United States

In the United States the ingress, calculated to Washington DC, presents a Sagittarius Ascendant, being Mars and Jupiter the co-rulers of the year.

In this figure the angularity of Mars is quite concerning due to the emphasis it places in contention and discord. This will make itself more obvious on the 2nd half of the astrological year, as Mars gains angularity in the ingresses. This planet’s conjunction to the Part of Fortune indicates economical difficulties associated with territory and mineral resources (Mars rules the 4th House). Jupiter’s position in the 2nd House in a detrimental state also points to negative fluctuations in the country’s economy and a possible raise of taxes.
Saturn, the 2nd House ruler is equally weakened by its conjunction to the South Node. Its position in the 9th House and in Virgo suggests problems with resources related to foreign affairs.

All these indicators of economical debility will greatly affect the government and its leader which will be under heavy attack by the opposition (Saturn opposes Venus, ruler of the MC and Sun applies to the square of Mars).  These harsh conditions may lead to the fall of important governmental figures (possibly in the June-September trimester).

The presence of several planets in the 3rd House suggests a year full of debate (which is to be expected due to the presidential election) but full of demagogy, centred on appearances and “show-off” and of little substance.