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"The natal chart is like a seed and progressions are the unfolding in time of that into the plant it is to become. Transits, are like a daily weather report. In political astrology, these three factors have to be taken into account!"
Unless otherwise stated, all data is rated A or AA from AstroDataBank
Recent NewsScope Articles
Jan. 5, 2015 - Will Hillary run? Bono's Chiron-Pluto opposition; Angelique Kidjo, Africa's premier diva.
Jan. 12, 2015 - Neptune's anxiety; France under attack; Pope Francis's exciting Venus return.
Jan. 19, 2015 - Court takes up gay marriage; Swiss Bank shocks system; Chris Kyle, American Sniper.
Jan. 26, 2015 - Deflategate: Tom Brady's footballs; February's top 5; Klay Thompson's best quarter.
Feb. 2, 2015 - Greece's Alexis Tsipras; Shake Shack's debut; Katy Perry at the Super Bowl.
Feb. 9, 2015 - Saturn in Sagittarius, Jill Stein's Green New Deal; Elvis meets Nixon.
Feb 16, 2015 - Jeff Jawer, astro-luminary; journalists in transition; Jeff and Scorpio Rising US chart.
Feb. 23, 2015 - Uranus enters the US sixth; Neonicotinoids and bees; Dr. Seuss is back!
March 2, 2015 - The Boris Nemtsov papers; March's top 5; David Tredinnick, the MP favoring astrology.
March 9, 2015 - Ceres into view, AAPL and solar energy; Chai Jing's "Under the Dome" goes viral.
March 16, 2015 - Britain's royal family under the Eclipse; Kate and William; Charles' progressed MC.
March 23, 2015 - Nuclear deal with Iran? April's top 5 astro-events; Krissi Brown remains in a coma.
March 30, 2015 - Andreas Lubitz, unfit for duty; Q&A - Richard III; Bas Lansdorp's Mars One mission.
April 6, 2015 - Obama and the Iran; NJ Senator Menendez indicted; Mad Men's Matthew Weiner.
April 13, 2015 - Hillary makes it official; Bill progressed Venus; Chelsea's prog Mars.
April 20, 2015 - Marco Rubio declares; Hillary and the Inequality bubble; Floyd Mayweather Fight.
April 27, 2015 - "Clinton Cash" and Clinton fatigue; Petrobras scandal; Bruce Jenner is a woman.
Reader feedback
re: the first NewsScope - Your obituary for Jeff Jawer mentioned starting the Weekly NewsScope in 1998. I dug around on my computer and found what I think is the very first NewsScope, from February 1997. It is attached. But it does seem that by January 1998 it had stabilized to its present form.
A. Maybe the first ones were in 1996 - I'm thinking August 1996 is when I started writing it for AOL's AstroNet. I do remember writing just one straight column for a while until I was informed that those who surf the net have short attention spans and three brief articles would be better than one long one. After AstroNet folded, it was syndicated to a few websites, including Astrogram and Astrologyzine, which has the earliest NewsScopes still posted on the net. They go back to December 1996. See http://www.astrologyzine.com
re: Iran - What are the chances that the negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program will be successfully completed in June? Do the stars favor such an agreement between these two nations? The follow up question is what are the chances if the agreement getting through the Congress? I realized that any answer that you give is highly speculative, but I was just wondering if astrology was leaning towards a more favorable outcome to such an agreement or against it?
A. First, astrology is not a homogenous whole that favors one outcome or another. Astrology is made up of many individual astrologers who often have diametrically opposing views.Now in my opinion, this deal will go forward. Using the Scorpio Rising horoscope, transiting Uranus is exactly trine the Midheaven while transiting Neptune is exactly trine the Ascendant. If you ask those who favor a different chart for the U.S. you won't find these angular hits, and then you might get a totally different forecast.
re: royal family - I don't believe the Kate v Queen stuff either. I think they are very much on the same page as you say, but I do think Kate will be the most powerful royal when the queen goes. She is a very strong woman. Kate is busy breeding right now. Most likely scenario: Phil dies or is too ill to go on, Queen abdicates, Charles crowned. Queen's Mum lived to be more than 100.
re: royal family - This is so significant. Most of the people on the planet have only known one British ruler. Talk about a long-standing institution. Whew. I know that it's all a bunch of pomp and circumstance, but lordy do they know how to do THAT. I also think that in today's society we don't recognize the importance of this kind of ceremony. In any case, We could see two more in our lifetimes. Charles is no spring chicken. If he does get the throne, I could see him dying and passing it along to his son in my lifetime. It's possible....
re: Prince Charles - I know the royal succession comes down to a popularity contest but I am well aware of Charles very deep concerns for the planetary environment and his efforts to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and a general appreciation for Mother Earth. He is under-estimated by many who really don't know him very well.
re: Hillary - According to your post last May, Hillary's Double Whammy, is it possible that:
1) T-Neptune at 8 Pisces squaring natal Uranus (USA chart) at 8 Gemini (communication, correspondence) made HC’s news conference at the UN a much bigger global story?
2) HC’s P2-Mars (in her 10th) opposing T-Neptune has now cast doubt that she may not be ready for prime time (waiting to respond over a week regarding lack of transparency)? Doesn't it highlighting her team as dysfunctional and not inspirational?
A. Yes, the Neptune influence is very clear in this email debacle. The Neptune transits to the U.S. chart being concurrent with events in HC's life are normal for national politicians. They wouldn't be on the national stage without close connections to the U.S. chart.
re: plagiarism - Did I ever tell you that a head honcho of our astrology association here in <deleted>, back about 4 or so years ago, when he was just coming here from <deleted>, wrote at length about some theme that I recognized as yours, with examples and all from your column… except that he turned the result around to fit his hypothesis -- and used all of that as his own material. Of course, I couldn't let that pass without bringing it up and, in the process, embarrassing him. Interestingly that I was then blackballed by "the good ol' guys" of the association. And presently, a bit of that kind of hypocrisy and nastiness is something I'm presently facing, having returned to <deleted> . After I had my say, I just decided to go off on my own.
A. Thank-you for sharing this. And for your courage.
Ceres and the environment - I had my doubts about the influence of dwarf planet Ceres. However, I had an incident on February 19, 2015 where transiting Uranus opposed my natal Neptune in my fourth house and transiting Ceres squared both planets. A falling tree knocked down an electrical transformer and spilled the insulating oil out of the transformer into my front yard. Neptune (oil) was afflicted by Uranus (electrical) and Ceres (environmental) and the local utility was concerned about possible toxins in the oil. Fortunately, a cleanup crew dug up the contaminated soil in part of my yard and restored power promptly. My limited experience would seem to verify the Ceres/environment connection!
re: transits to progressions - I notice that you often refer to transits to progressed planets. I’ve never really looked closely at these, and I wonder how powerful they are. Are they as significant as transits to the natal planets? Or more so?
A. Yes, they can be as significant as transits to natal planets or progressions to natal planets. This is especially true if the transits or progressions are hitting the progressed Sun, progressed angles, or the progressed ruling planet. Outer planet transits moving at relatively the same speed as the progressed moon while aspecting it can mean several months of a major life process unfolding. For example, the progressed Moon aligned with transiting Saturn can mean a lengthy bout of depression at its worst, but certainly a serious phase with deep thoughts. Outer planet transits to the progressed Sun is more about a change of identity.
re: Baltimore data - I've been researching the relevant dates for Baltimore, MD to see what shows for the current riots and those of 1968. My first date find was July 30, 1729 which was on 2 commercial-type city information websites. I deferred to the date on the government website since I thought the govt. website had more credibility and the astrology hits seemed better. Thanks for your website. I'm a big fan!
A. In 1752 the U.K and its colonies (including the U.S.) switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This meant adding eleven days to the date. So July 30, 1729 was the recorded date using the Julian calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, that's equivalent to August 10, 1729. Here's a website to get more info: calendar switch
re: Bernie Sanders - I enjoy your Web site Neptune Café, and thank you for that great piece that you did on the successful likelihood of an Iran - US Nuclear power agreement. I wondered if you would like to do a review of Senator Bernie Sanders horoscope? Although his chances of winning are very small, he is reminiscent of Eugene McCarthy of the 1960's. Whatever anyone thinks of Senator Sanders, no one doubts his authenticity, and that is a rare commodity in politics and therefore interesting.
re: Paul Rand - I'm a bit surprised at myself to find Paul Rand of interest. Particularly like that he even mentions the need for a reform of the criminal justice system and the drug legislation because of how it has persecuted so many African-American and Hispanic males…and since the Benghazi episode, have simply lost trust in Hillary Clinton. Wondered if Rand had close connections to the US chart. Thanks!
re: Rubio - Your analysis of Senator Rubio certainly seems spot on. It's in tune with what I think I've been seeing---amazing. And I just wondered out loud the other day whether they'd run him for Vice President. (No less annoying for some of us.) I'm still confronted by people near to me, or not, who don't know anything about astrology, but love to dismiss it altogether. But I always find it interesting...
re: Paul Rand - What I’d really like to know is what you see for Rand Paul, whose Sun is being transsited by Pluto through the campaign. He’s likely a long shot, but that Puto-Sun contact got me wondering about his potential. He probably doesn’t have close enough contact with the US Moon though, unless you count the 23Leo Mars.
re: the Royals - Taking a minute to let you know how much I appreciate your columns that give us insight into constellations of people. Looking at several members of Britain's royal family, and then looking at the constellation of Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea Clinton—so often identified as an American Royal Family, affords us perspective on the multi-faceted dynamics of an influential collective. It makes for a more in-depth column that I find innovative in the arena of public astrology.
NewsScope for May 4, 2015
By Michael Wolfstar
Baltimore, a Tale of Two Cities
Baltimore was chartered by the state legislature on August 10, 1729, and a horoscope set for this date (noon*) works very well in practice. The usual suspects are involved when we look at the transits for the recent riots, which reached maximum rage on the night of April 27. At the time, transiting Uranus was squaring natal Mars (orb: 0º09’).
A curious parallel to Baltimore’s devastating 1968 riots can be seen in the transit of Mars. Rioting began two days after Martin Luther King was assassinated -- when Mars was at 7º Taurus -- and then escalated over the following week. Freddie Gray was arrested and fatally injured on April 12, 2015, when Mars was at 9º Taurus. Mars here activates Baltimore’s tight Moon-Pluto quincunx.
Baltimore’s Moon is in emotionally divided Pisces, a condition which is underscored by the square to Neptune in Gemini, the sign of the Twins. During the Civil War Baltimore was put under martial law since its sympathies were split between the North and South. In today’s world, Baltimore is equally divided, but between elite and culturally impoverished neighborhoods. Freddie Gray lived in what sociologists call a “food desert” since it has no grocery stores, only corner markets (with zero fresh food) and liquor stores.
Natally, the Moon conjoins Saturn, which reinforces the border areas between the food deserts and the more prosperous areas. The Moon’s hard aspects to Saturn and Pluto describe the frustration and repressed rage simmering in these pockets of poverty.
Transiting Neptune was conjunct Baltimore’s Moon when Freddy Gray was arrested (orb: 0º03’), which indicates confusion and conflicting stories about how he died. But Freddie’s death, the subsequent riots, and the indictment of the six police officers have put the root cause of these unfortunate events -- implacable poverty -- on the national agenda.
Top Five Astro-Events for May
1. Mercury turns retrograde in Gemini on the 18th. The phase from the 7th through 30th may be unusually confusing or filled with uncertainty since Mercury is challenged by a square to Neptune, with exact hits on the 9th and 29th. During this phase distractions can bring dangers. Watch out for texting drivers, keep track of important documents, and believe only half of what you hear. Stay present.
2. Black Moon Lilith is quincunx (150º) Uranus on the 12th, but its effect lasts all month. For some, especially those with important natal planets in the 17º to 19º of any sign, the Lilith-Uranus connection can bring mental turmoil. Easing through this phase means being yourself and not living up to others’ expectations. Beware of hypercritical attitudes and unrealistic perfectionism. Expect changes in the work environment.
3. Juno conjoins Jupiter on the 16th, an unusually favorable combination promoting partnership, festive gatherings, and shared creative ventures. In effect from the 11th through 20th, this Juno-Jupiter conjunction invites extravagance, old-fashioned courting, and a meeting of minds. New alliances are forming now that will shape the events of the coming month.
4. Mars opposes Saturn on the 14th, a confrontational planetary dynamic in effect from the 10th through 16th. Every two years these two planets face off, bringing violence, accidents, aggression, frustration, and explosions of pent-up anger. Avoid individuals on the edge, and watch your own tendency to fight unnecessarily. Choose your battles wisely. Be extra cautious and defensive when traveling. Don’t debate with closed minds.
5. The Sun octiles Venus on the 27th, but this amorous combination is in effect from the 15th through month’s end. Travel is favored as long as you remember to bring what you need. This Sun-Venus vibe promotes congenial one-on-one conversations, friendly get-togethers, and captivating romances. However, don’t expect that any new affair will last very long since Mercury is retrograde. All creative ventures are favored, especially writing and art.
Marilyn Mosby’s Meteoric Rise
Last Friday, when transiting Uranus was trine Baltimore’s Leo Sun, the city’s lead prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby, announced that “We have probable cause to file criminal charges” against the six police officers involved with Freddy Gray’s arrest. The charges include assault and misconduct, involuntary manslaughter, and for the driver of the police van, second degree murder. Was it a rush to judgment?
Marilyn Mosby was born with a Sun-Mercury conjunction in the humanitarian sign of Aquarius (January 22, 1980; Boston, MA; time unknown), which some astrologers also associate with the uniformed professions. In fact, her mother, father and grandfather were all police officers, and this heritage is shown by the Moon and Ceres in the warrior sign of Aries. Mosby gains responsibility, a strong work ethic, and attention to duty from the Sun’s trine to Saturn.
Yet with her natal Uranus in the same zodiacal location as Baltimore’s Uranus, she identifies with the city’s need to shake things up in a big way. Similarly, her Venus in empathetic Pisces conjoins Baltimore’s Moon in Pisces. Last year, when she was campaigning for State Attorney, she shared her experiences of injustice* at
the hands of police officers, which got her elected. Last week, transiting Mars opposed her Uranus when she made the stunning announcement that put her in the national spotlight.
Following the nature of this opposition, critics appeared immediately after she publicly stated her preliminary case. Yet with her progressed Sun conjunct Venus over the next several months, she’s bound to become a popular figure, both locally and nationally. Now and throughout 2015, transiting Pluto is trine her Mars, bringing her tremendous vitality and resources to accomplish her mission. During this same interval, transiting Uranus will be conjoining her progressed Venus, generating instant celebrity status.
* For details, read the story in the New York Times
* Date is from Marc Penfield’s “Horoscopes of the Western Hemisphere”. He’s rectified the birth time to 9:52 am which gives 12º Libra on the Ascendant.
