An Astrological Perspective
in Response to 9-11
9/25/01
Victoria
Bearden
P.O. Box 1415
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(760) 634-1028
Victoria
Bearden
First, I have to take a minute to answer a question I've heard a lot in the past couple of weeks. Many of my clients and friends have been asking, "Did any of you guys see this?" And the answer is yes. Over the past couple of years reputable astrologers all over the world were looking at the time period starting on August 5th, 2001. I wrote about it in Phyre Talk in my New Year's Predictions. Brilliant astrologers like Robert Hand and Jim Shawvan wrote about it in the last two issues of The Mountain Astrologer magazine, written and printed well before 9-11. But we astrologers are sometimes just preaching to the choir, although we certainly do our best to guide our clients. Too bad the White House doesn't consult with us more.
In the course of my own research and after reading many powerful articles by my contemporaries, I need to mention one thing. Nothing I have seen so far points to the end of the world. So let's rule that out, right off the bat.
Before I begin discussing astrology, I want to take a moment to give you a little bit of philosophy. Let's talk about choice and free will. No matter what is going on in the cosmos, if we are aware, the course of our own destiny, and even the course of our world's destiny can change. At this time, many people are worried and deeply concerned, and rightly so. But at any moment, we as individuals can shift our consciousness, release negativity, and begin radiating confidence and positive energy.
If even one person changes their mind set, it sends out ripples of change that affects others in a positive way. Now, more than ever, it is important to be that person. If we react fearfully, that energy is what others will sense from us. And that way of thinking and behaving isn't going to help anyone, personally, or globally.
Being realistic and aware is important. If you go to the dentist and he tells you that a tooth must be pulled, just denying it or trying to wish it away is not the best response. When there are problems, we need to respond actively, responsibly, and creatively. Present influences in the world are extremely stressful now. But this is not time to hold your breath and stop the energy flow in your own life. It affects everyone. We have choice, and we need to move, flow, and grow, so we can take the higher path at this time and create the best-case scenario for everyone. This is not time for arguing with each other about who's right and who's wrong. We need to get motivated to work as a team.
Astrology is beautiful and profound. It is a science, and an art, and a vehicle for spiritual growth. Sometimes, when astrologers look ahead, what we see is difficult. And yet, even in difficult times, there is always a higher path to awareness. Knowledge is the key, and awareness can change everything. Our fate is not set in stone, even though powerful astrological influences have challenging effects, both in our personal lives, and in the life of the world. So what does astrology have to offer us now, at this crucial moment in history?
First, let's look at the WHY? part of this equation. It's called a Saturn/ Pluto opposition. Saturn is the lord of Karma and signifies structure, order, hierarchy, government, authority, financial institutions, control, material concerns, limitation, and rigidity of thought. Pluto, the lord of the Underworld rules transformation, power, death, rebirth, upheaval, brute force, dramatic changes, criminality, breakdown, and rebuilding. And Saturn and Pluto are at war, which is really something. Symbolically, it represents events that will lead to the breakdown of an old, rigid order, which will ultimately lead to new growth. It started officially on August 5th 2001 and keeps on trucking through May of 2002, with a peak in the beginning of November 2001. That could be a hint about the duration of the worst of it, but there could be effects as far as 2004.
Throughout history, whenever Saturn and Pluto meet, whether it is a conjunction, a square, or an opposition, there is significant warfare and/or recession/depression. Looking back over the last 100 years, the meeting of Saturn/Pluto presided over WWI, the Great Depression, and WWII, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and a number of highly significant struggles in the Middle East, including the Gulf War. The last time an opposition occurred was during 1965-66, which coincided with Viet Nam. But the ingredients of this situation are obviously different in many ways. The financial ramifications are already surfacing, but I do not think it will be as difficult as people fear.
This year's eclipses seem to have a strong relationship to our current situation. The eclipse pattern of 2001 is predominantly in the signs of Cancer and Capricorn. The US is considered by many to have a Cancer Sun, (yes countries have natal charts), and our president is a Cancer. An eclipse occurred this year the day before his birthday, on July 5th as a matter of fact, denoting a particularly fateful year for Bush. On the day the Trade Center was attacked Mars in Capricorn opposed the Moon in Cancer, which went over the same degree as the June 21, 2001 Solar Eclipse in Cancer.
I had predicted Bush's election a year before, which of course meant I had studied his chart carefully. With Neptune opposing Bush's Ascendant beginning in March 2001, there would be secret enemies, treachery and deception afoot, and a false sense of confidence. Mars, the god of war, also figured prominently in Bush's astrology this year. So Bush is feeling pretty Martian, but he's still a cautious Cancer, which is probably good. Colin Powell is an Aries, and they tend to make good military strategists. So Dubya will have help from strong advisors, both here and abroad.
But allow me to digress to give you more perspective about current affairs. Back in January 2001 I wrote about terrorism on US soil, war in the Middle East, heavy decisions for the US regarding the Middle East, big challenges for Bush, patriotism, protest, cries for freedom, and economic woes. But one thing I did not see was failure. It never crossed my mind when looking at this time period. When people said California was going to fall into the Ocean, I also said no. And despite Nostradamus and 11:11, we will get through Saturn/Pluto, too.
A quick note on Nostradamus: he did apparently have the gift of prophecy, but you have to remember, he hit some things close to the bull's eye and missed completely on many others. In addition, we are translating ancient French riddles. In some ways, that's worse than trying to interpret the Bible correctly. He did suggest that the world would be having major problems at this time because of a guy in a turban, so I'll definitely give him that one. There have been many interesting prophecies about this time, and it is a major wake up call, but not time for millenarian hysteria. Not by a long shot.
Many astrologers have been trying in vain to pin down the birthday of Usama bin Laden. The unconfirmed consensus at this time is March 10, 1957, but it isn't exactly firm and there is no birth time. Pisces would actually make sense, as it is the sign of the Martyr and spiritual leader. But this is not the work of one man. This is history at work. Fundamentalist struggles have been raging in the Middle East for centuries. And Jews, Hindi, other Muslims, and many other people in the world have been suffering at the hands of Islamic terrorists for a very long time. This is not just about the US and what we have or haven't done regarding that region. Many forces and actions by many people have led to this time of critical mass, and one thing is for certain. The world will change in some significant ways. Mankind will suffer, as usual, but the shift in awareness will yield positive results down the road.
So your probably wondering by now, what's next? Western and Vedic astrologers agree, we have all the ingredients for a major conflict. There will be war; Afghanistan and Pakistan are indicated strongly in the conflict, but the overall effect will be much larger. When there is conflict on this level, there is loss. But the US will prevail, and world relations may change for the better.
The use of strong military force seems almost inevitable. Whether you agree with it or not, the stage is set. Of course, it need not be the worst-case scenario. The Full Moon on October 2nd may mark the beginning of a more dramatic level of conflict. Mercury retrograde at the beginning of October will surely complicate matters, as Mercury retrograde signifies communication breakdown. I must mention, that travel during the first week of October must be considered with caution. I really feel personal travel must be looked at on case-by-case basis, looking at the natal chart and transits of individuals. Once again, not traveling at all seems like a knee-jerk reaction. I have done readings for many people who are traveling during this time, and all are doing fine.
Jupiter goes retrograde in Cancer at the beginning of November, which will indicate economic ups and downs for several months until March 2002. Actually, there could be some amazing opportunities to buy certain stocks in months to come. Remember guys; we have a choice about how we want this to go. Not buying toothpaste until 2002 is not going to help. The Full Moon in Taurus on November 1rst occurs during the next exact opposition of Saturn and Pluto, and should be a very tense period, and a time for caution. The energy will be high and people will be a bit more reactionary, so keep your cool. The Solar Eclipse on December 14th in Sagittarius and the Lunar Eclipse on December 30th in Cancer will also be significant.
Of course, the threat of further terrorism in our country is possible, but not inevitable. The cat is out of the bag, and everyone has a heightened sense of awareness. It will be hard to surprise us now. Be aware and put positive, protective energy around yourself, your family, your city, your country, and your world.
After much research and contemplation, this cranky Capricorn remains optimistic, but realistic. There are some tough times ahead, but this is no time to hide your head in the sand. The world has survived Saturn/Pluto times in the past, and so has the US. Yes, there is more at stake now, and much to do. Overall, this is a time to strive for balance in all areas of life. Make peace with your family. Be conservative with your money, but keep growing, spending, working, living your life, and building for the future. Don't put your life on hold. This is a time for courage. And we all need to become aware of the world in a new way. This is a wake up call to become much more aware and much more involved in our communities, our country, and our world. Ultimately, this difficulty will open up relations in the global community. It already has.
We must not allow grief and fear to obscure the higher truth. We all have our differences of opinion about politics and religion. This is a time when some people will be polarized in opposition with each other. We must look deeper and endeavor to learn from the past. Ignorance will only create harm. The desire for truth, justice, and the higher good can unite us. Ultimately, there will be healing and positive change. Now more than ever, we must try to rise above our pettiness, and become Spiritual Warriors in the truest sense of the word. If we all do our best and stick together, we certainly will weather the storm, and will come out with our faith and strength intact.
Of course, this is a good time to check out the influences in your own natal chart. It will help you balance issues in your own life, and hopefully assist you in your own personal evolution, which in turn will help your sense of inner peace. The more balanced we are, the more we can be of service to each other.
As an astrologer, I keep talking to other astrologers and studying the influences. I will keep you posted as to what I see. I'm talking to other astrologers all over the country and getting great insights. This event has opened up a lot of sharing in the spiritual community. As a spiritual seeker, I will do my part to help raise the energy for all of us.
The destruction of the World Trade Center Towers has become an icon for the need for change. The US and the world must now come together to change our destiny. As a spiritual community, let's send out blessings to all, and pray that our leaders will be guided with wisdom.
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