This part of my web-site gives you an in-look at the current astrological events. I have tried to make it as readable and useful to astrologers and non-astrologers alike but this may not always be achievable. If you do come across some terms that you do not understand, you should be able to find a definition in the SCIENCE BIT. And, of course, you can always e-mail me directly with your queries and comments.

Period commencing 15th January

Unlike the last lunar eclipse, which we were able to see in all its eerie magnificence on the 9th, the 17th's Venus-Pluto 'square' (a 90 degree angle) will not be viewable. For a start, unless you have access to the most powerful telescopes on planet Earth, Pluto will be invisible, although if you live in the Northern Hemisphere Venus (in Pisces) can be seen in all her beauty lighting up the early night sky.

Venus 'square' Pluto

As a general rule of thumb, 90 degree angles are considered to be aspects of tension. In other words the two planets concerned are not going to operate in a positive and gentle manner. Of course, it depends on the nature of the planets involved as to how challenging the effect will be - for instance there's very little happiness generated by Mars and Saturn (ever!) though there could be an excess of it with Venus and Jupiter.

Venus and Pluto bring together their respective themes of love, harmony and beauty (Venus) and transformation (Pluto). The climate tends to be passionate and extreme under this combination, so as far as events go on the international stage we can expect some powerful verbal exchanges, if not some explosive developments. This would not be the most ideal influence to have operating over a negotiation, because compromise and understanding would not be part of the package - each side would be 'passionate' about its position and deeply opposed to yielding any ground whatsoever.

Which brings us to the inauguration of President George W. Bush.

I will be looking at the chart for the Inauguration itself later in the week but for now I want to go over certain key points of G.W's chart.

Click To See George Bush's Chart In Greater Detail

To my mind, the Mercury-Pluto conjunction on his Ascendant (7 degrees of Leo) is the most important feature of his chart. Mercury alone would have made him a Great Communicator in the style of Ronald Reagan and Tony Blair but with Pluto there as well all the verbal and outgoing qualities of Mercury are drawn inwards - not exactly inhibited but expressed in more subtle ways.

George W. has received much criticism over his failure to communicate his ideas - indeed, there is a prevailing opinion that he is intellectually challenged - but I doubt this to be true. Mercury in his chart also forms a high-quality angle (72 degrees) to the planet Jupiter, which indicates that he has the capacity to acquire a deep and wide-ranging knowledge of many subjects and that he will eventually become highly skilled in foreign affairs.

But back to Mercury and Pluto. My initial reaction to this aspect was that we do not know the real George Bush - and we may never do so. He moves in mysterious ways and he will rarely reveal his thoughts, or his plans, until he believes it is safe and timely. This aspect in its most negative expression will produce an arch-manipulator, a Machiavellian character; verbal cruelty and dark and dastardly deeds can be his. But in its most positive manifestation Mercury and Pluto facilitate deep understanding of issues and the power to bring about great and beneficial change for the country.

You would expect someone with this configuration to be drawn to a career where detection, analysis and interrogation were involved - psychology, espionage and research, for instance. Indeed, George W would not be out of place as head of the CIA. Yet he has not chosen this path but followed his father's footsteps into politics. I know this is completely off the wall but an astrologer who worked with past lives might assume that George W had been a Grand Inquisitor some Centuries ago - not exactly the kind of person you'd want to invite around for Sunday tea, especially if you had some heretical beliefs or, worse, you were a witch!

I think we can expect George W to reveal an intolerance for weakness and a serious dislike of being opposed or disobeyed yet at the same time he will be a persuasive spokesman for those who have no voice of their own. He is determined, persistent and highly committed to that which he believes in; yet he may also be paranoid, revengeful and intractable.

During the past six months the planet, Neptune, has been at the opposite end of the zodiac to this Mercury-Pluto conjunction. And since Neptune generates a climate of uncertainty - impossible dreams and waking nightmares - it is no surprise that his acquisition of the Presidency came about in such an unsatisfactory way and that there are many doubts about his ability to lead the country. It may indeed be a legacy that he will never successfully overcome because as soon as Neptune moves on Saturn takes over (October 2003).

And, if you want to know what this may mean, I'll let you know on my next COSMIC UPDATE.

January 18th 2001

AN ASTROLOGICAL GOODY

In stark contrast to the Mercury-Pluto combo there is a conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter in Libra. No wonder George W loves his mother! Libra is one of the nicest placements for the moon: it indicates inner balance and harmony, outer charm and fairness; a close bond with his mother and a deep love for his wife - and, indeed his children. This aspect offsets the severity of Mercury and Pluto and indicates that he has excellent diplomatic skills. Given time, I believe he could win over many of his critics.

I also believe this aspect makes him a peace-maker. He has the courage to fight for what he believes is right but he will do all in his power to seek diplomatic solutions rather than aggressive manoeuvres.

CANCER-MAN

Up to this point I have not addressed the fact that George W is a sun Cancer - like so many politicians. People tend to think that because Cancer is a water sign it is weak, wishy-washy and takes the path of least resistance. But Cancer is a Cardinal sign, which makes its natives self-motivated, ambitious and extremely tough. (Alexander the Great was a Cancer and so is Arnie Schwarzenegger!)

George W is therefore a sensitive man who is none-the-less a great protector and nurturer. We can expect him to look after the USA like a family and he will surround himself with people he has known for many, many years and who he feels are family. In fact I believe the US is in safe hands.

Strange too that so many women believe he is anti-female because both the sun in Cancer and the Moon-Jupiter conjunction reveal him to be a man who likes women, admires them and enjoys their company. It is clear to me that he has had to follow the party line in regard to the abortion question, while in his heart he is passionate believer of women having the right to choose. (Then again his mother, whom he adores, is a great champion of the pro-abortion issue.)

12TH HOUSE MYSTERY

The sun is found in the twelfth house of the chart, which fans the already mentioned theme that George W will move in mysterious ways. Unlike many other astrologers, however, I do not believe that twelfth house suns produce introverts - quite the contrary - although I do think this makes the individual self-contained and unlikely to reveal the contents of his heart. That the sun forges hard (square) aspects to the Moon and Jupiter shows there is an immoderate side to his nature - perhaps why he gave up alcohol some eighteen years ago.

I am trying to be objective here but the position of the sun and its aspects gives me cause for concern. Provided he surrounds himself with advisors of impeccable character all will be well. Cancerians tend to define themselves through the mirror of other people so while we cannot say that George W is (or will be) unable to be his own man, he may be overly reliant on the opinions of those he admires.

To be continued....