Victoria Bearden, Intuitive Astrologer

The Year of the Water Horse 2002,
Astrological Perspective by Victoria Bearden

Victoria Bearden
P.O. Box 1415
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(760) 634-1028
Victoria Bearden

It's time to look at the New Year again. For many, the ending of 2001 comes with sighs of relief, and some trepidation about what lies ahead. 2001 was a milestone year for all of us on planet earth. This is certainly a good time to take stock of the lessons you've learned over the past few years, embrace the wisdom, count your blessings, shake off the dust, and get ready to move forward with a positive, yet sober attitude about the future. We all lost some of our innocence last year. But the wake-up call of 9/ll and other events of the past year will help us all to grow up, be more conscious, and get our priorities strait. So, lets look ahead together, and see what astrology can show us about 2002.

The Year of the Horse is known to be exciting, chaotic, turbulent, and changeful. Not exactly what you wanted to hear after living through 2001. But 2002 will also be full of energy and opportunities to forge ahead and try new strategies. Yang energy, or the Male Polarity, is at its peak during the Horse year...denoting action, movement, and never a dull moment.

Too much testosterone on a cosmic level can also mean revolts, sabers rattling, and warlike tendencies. Horse years punctuated both WWI in 1918 and WWII in 1942. 1942 was the Year of the Water Horse, as is 2002. Politics will be heated. World leaders may not be in the mood to negotiate, preferring to show their strength through actions, not words.

The stock market may turn somewhat bullish, despite current concerns. It may be more difficult to hold on to your money, so hide your credit cards. Never the less, this is a good year to get things moving and you may really feel like taking risks. Please, look before you leap, the Horse can be tricky and you may not be ready to ride this bucking bronco!

Children born in the Year of the Horse will be feisty, independent, and fiery, with lots of will power and ego. They will keep any mom on her toes. They can be trained, but never fully tamed. Key Words: Independence and Freedom.

2001 in Review...Saturn and Pluto. Before we get too far in to 2002, there are a few things we need to go over about last year that are still factoring in to the New Year. The opposition of Saturn and Pluto dominated the year of 2001.These powerful malefics were exactly opposed in August 2001, November 2001, and will be once again at the end of May in 2002. So we still have some things to work out this year. The Saturn/Pluto opposition is a very warlike combination, and long before the beginning of the year 2001, astrologers began forecasting war in the Middle East, terrorism on US soil, protest, and massive change. I actually included a prediction of terrorism in the US and US/Middle Eastern aggression in my Year 2001 article a year ago. Actually, the cycle we are presently experiencing had it's seeds in astrological events that happened even earlier; the Grand Cross in fixed signs that occurred in August 1999 and in February 2000 (also aligned with eclipses), and the planetary alignment in Taurus in May of 2000. These powerful events were harbingers of political, financial, and spiritual changes of great magnitude.

These significant and dramatic planetary events are likely the reason ancient seers like Nostradamus and others felt this time period would be a turning point for humanity. It's one thing to see the words on paper, and quite another to watch the Trade Towers fall to the ground on live television.

Even with Saturn and Pluto still dominating the astrological landscape during the first half of 2002, there will be some strong movement towards positive change. Jupiter in Cancer going direct will be particularly beneficial for the US, and will stimulate our optimism and our economy. I wish I could say that everything will be solved in the New Year, but Israel is still heading towards a showdown with Arafat and Palestine, the US may well expand its war on terror to Iraq, India and Pakistan will remain tense with one another, and our president is under great duress. This may sound negative, but I must stress, these influences don't have to manifest into worse case scenarios. When the awareness of danger is high, people tend to rally. There is a lot of prayer and positive thought going on worldwide that may stem the tide of violence and aggression. So we all need to keep up the good work. On a karmic level, if certain things are meant to be in order to precipitate greater change, then that's what will happen. But no matter what happens, we are in charge of our attitudes, intention, actions, and reactions. That is what will make a difference in our personal lives, and in the life of the world.

Winter Solstice occurred on December 21, 2001. The chart for the Winter Solstice is considered an indication of the year to come. It is the astrological New Year. The Winter Solstice Sun at 0 degrees Capricorn was conjunct Chiron this year. Chiron is a small planetoid that has been dubbed the Wounded Healer. Capricorn is a father symbol, and represents authority and worldly concerns. We need to heal the sins of the father, and help bring about a new male archetype, that rules with peace and wisdom instead of anger and control.

This year, we will be working on healing old wounds and gaining understanding about the past. We can look at this symbol both personally and globally. On the personal level, this is the time to go within and look at old hurts and wounds that we still harbor in our spirits. We must forgive past injustices we have committed against others and ourselves, that are still plaguing our souls. It is time to repair and mend what has been damaged in our bodies and minds. It is a time to make amends and repair bridges to others who may need our help and understanding. It is a time to heal self-hatred and destructive tendencies we have accumulated over the years. Globally, we need to elevate the desire to Heal and Repair to its highest place. What can we do to help and understand those who are wounded and need solace and assistance? What can we do to heal Mother Earth this year? This is a year where our compassion will be needed for all those who are suffering.

The T-Square between the Pisces Moon, Saturn in Gemini, and Pluto in Sagittarius dominates the Solstice Chart. The Moon in Pisces symbolizes the needs of the people for healing, compassion, spirituality, creativity, and love. This need is at odds with the overly intellectual, rigid worldly structure of Saturn in Gemini, and the dark destructive forces of Pluto in Sagittarius, pushing the world through a fiery rebirth of its religious and philosophical values. The emotional needs of the planet and her people are being bombarded by the battle of the titans Saturn and Pluto. Enormous effort and energy will need to be expended to elevate the deep spiritual needs of the people to a higher priority status, as financial, political, and religious elements remain conflicted this year.

Mars, the planet of war, sits close to the Solstice Moon, indicating the need for us to understand the effect that violence has had on our collective psyches, and points to a need to express our feelings about anger, aggression, and victimization, instead of burying our feelings of vulnerability.

19 degrees Pisces, the Solstice Moon degree...The Sabian symbol for the Solstice Moon is, "A Master instructing his or her disciple." The significance of this powerful image is the transfer of knowledge and power from person to person that keeps the original spiritual and creative impulse going. We must carry the torch. It is truly up to us to do the work of Spirit here on earth.

January 1, 2002 arrives under the influence of the last eclipse of 2001 on Dec. 30, 2001 at 8 degrees Cancer. The Sabian symbol for the eclipse Moon is as follows: "A small, naked girl bends over a pond trying to catch a fish." This symbol represents the innocent quest for higher understanding of the meaning of life. On a personal level, this image instructs us not to lose touch with our inner child; the purity of our souls. We need to maintain our openness, and our ability to reach out with an unbiased mind. Venus and Jupiter figure strongly in the chart for the eclipse, which will help elevate positive feminine energy that will guide us in the coming year. The Goddess spirit is guiding us to continue to believe on love and beauty, despite stormy conditions that may arise.

Mercury retrogrades in the sign of Aquarius on January 18, 2002, indicating communication issues having to do with groups, organizations, and clubs, humanitarian issues, the news media, etc. This could be a month of reversals and scrambled communications, retractions, and false headlines. Mercury goes direct on February 8, 2002. * A special note for Aquarians: don't assume anyone will know what you're talking about during this time period. Be prepared to explain yourself slowly, clearly, and more than once. And don't get frustrated when people start coming across strangely to you, either. It will pass.

Mercury goes retrograde a few times a year, and whenever it does, all things electronic, communication oriented, or mechanical tend to exhibit Murphy's Law in spades. That being said, do yourself a favor and make a preemptive strike. When you know Mercury is gearing up to go backwards, get your car tuned up, back up all of your important files, check and double check your appointments, and then just take a chill pill and watch everybody else get really confused for a few weeks. Mercury goes retrograde on May 16, 2002, and October 6th 2002 as well. So now you know.

Mars goes into Aries on the 19th of January, so the planet of war goes into its home sign, ruled by the god of war, mighty Aries. The fact that this shift occurs right on the heels of Mercury retrograde is not so hot. It could mean ill-timed military actions, hostility coming from lack of reliable information, missed targets, and general confusion, in a warlike way. January should be a time for caution, but I doubt people will be in the mood to do so. Avoid starting new projects during Mercury retrograde, and postpone travel plans around the 18th and 19th of January if possible. It will be quite hectic and potentially dangerous around those days. Even so, Mars in Aries will push things ahead with much gusto, but progress will most likely be more apparent in February.

Saturn in Gemini at 10 degrees trines Neptune in Aquarius at 10 degrees Aquarius for a few days in early April, which may actually help us all bring our hopes and dreams in line with reality in a new way. That sounds pretty good. It also may represent the advent of some new technology involving images and communication that will be announced around that time.

May will be a pivotal month. With the last pass of the Saturn/Pluto opposition on Tuesday the 21rst of May...just days before a Lunar eclipse at 5 degrees Sagittarius, things will be hopping in the unseen world and will probably surface during or immediately after this period. Mercury will be retrograde in Gemini as well. How do you like them apples? I'll have to be frank; this could be a recipe for some high anxiety. This will most definitely be a time to be extremely aware, and probably cancel big travel plans, if possible. There's just too much going on and it all looks potentially volatile. Mars is right there in Gemini, too. Looks like a Gemini/Sagittarius showdown if I ever saw one. This means we will be seeing more ramifications of the warlike energies that surfaced on 9/ll.

Will it all go away after May? Not exactly. Planetary influences in May will probably unfold over the several months that follow. The karmic energies that are being stirred up here go way back, and the results of current actions will have an impact far into the future. There is always a choice during times of crises to go to a higher level of awareness. Whatever happens during this period, it will likely be some kind of turning point. On a psychic level, I am actually feeling pretty positive about the whole thing. People around the world really want to see things go differently now. That will have a strong influence on what actually happens.

Let's look at this year's cycle of Eclipses. Eclipses represent doorways that open up, allowing cosmic energy to surge through, activating underlying triggers that will bring about important events and changes in awareness. They don't necessarily have to be either negative or positive. It really all depends on what you might have been sweeping under the carpet before the eclipse stirs things up. This years eclipses will fall in Sagittarius, Gemini, Capricorn, Taurus, and then Sagittarius again. Not quite as regular as last years Cancer/Capricorn cycle. The Cancers and Capricorns of the world can breath a little easier this year! The spotlight will be more on the mutable signs of Sagittarius and Gemini. People with these signs prominent in their natal charts are in the hot seat for change. The key is this: when you see things breaking down don't fight it. Embrace the changes and keep in open mind. With the right attitude, new growth will emerge that will direct your life towards a powerful new reality, much better than before.

The first eclipse of the New Year will arrive on May 26th 2002. It is a Lunar Eclipse at 5 degrees Sagittarius. This eclipse will have a strong effect on Geminis born between the 24th and 28th of May, and Sagittarians born between the 24th and 28th of November. Key words for meditation are Ambition, and Group Solidarity. This is an indication that we will be concerned with the ambitions of individuals, versus the need to defer to the needs of the group. There must be balance. Our own personal wants must be in sync with the bigger picture.

The next eclipse occurs on June 10th and 11th. It is a Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees Gemini. This one will be visible in some parts of the US. Geminis with birthdays between the 8th and 12th of June and Sagittarians with birthdays between the 8th and 12th of December will be strongly affected. Key words for mediation are Waste, and Assuring Supply. This is an indication that we will be concerned with resources. Are we wasting our talents and abilities, and squandering our resources? Are we really making good decisions to assure we will have what we need to survive in the future?

The third eclipse of the New Year occurs on June 24th 2002. It is a Lunar Eclipse at 3 degrees Capricorn. Cancers with birthdays between 24th and 27th of June, and Capricorns with birthdays between the 24th and 27th of December will be strongly affected. The key words for meditation are Rationalization, and Group Activity. This is an indication that we will need to understand our tendencies to rationalize our personal decisions, and the need rise above our petty rationalizations to embrace the higher needs of the group, our brothers and sisters on planet earth.

The fourth eclipse of the year occurs on the 19th and 20th of November. It is a Lunar Eclipse at 27 degrees Taurus. Tauruses with birthdays between the 16th and the 21st of May and Scorpios with birthdays between the 16th and 21st of November will be strongly affected. The key words for meditation are Rebeginnings, and Inner Allegiance. This signifies the need to keep our minds open to new possibilities and rebirth, and to realize the inner connectedness of all beings. ( I really like this one).

The last eclipse of the year will fall on December 4th 2002. It is a total Solar Eclipse at 11 degrees Sagittarius. It will not be visible in the US. This will be a big deal, as the eclipse degree at 11 Sagittarius will reactivate the original Saturn/Pluto opposition degrees from August of 2001, at 12 degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius. This could be portentous, once again bringing our focus to the events of 9/11 and the larger conflict being resolved in the world at large. Geminis with birthdays between June 1rst through the 6th and Sagittarians with birthdays between December 1rst through the 6th will be strongly affected. The key words for meditation are Liquidation and Annunciation. We will be guided to liquidate our past prejudices, and get in tune with the heralding of a new consciousness. (I like this on a lot, too.)

Now there's a lot of information to digest! Over the course of the year, I will give updates about planetary trends that affect us in future articles. The beginning of the New Year is always a good time to consult with a reputable astrologer to see how all of this will affect you personally. Remember, the purpose of Astrology is to help all of us get in tune with planetary forces, so we can make better decisions, and more informed choices. Of course, with a strong spiritual focus, you can do that on your own, but face it folks, we're human; and we can use all the help we can get. If you want to know more about astrology, you might want to start reading The Mountain Astrologer Magazine. It's available at Phoenix Phyre and offers a vast supply of knowledge, wisdom, and insight.

Predictions for 2002

George W. Bush: Our President is in for another year with the planet Neptune in Aquarius opposing his first house Mercury (communication and thinking), and Pluto,(death and rebirth, transformation.) Unfortunately, Neptune is not doing him any favors. As I mentioned last year in my predictions, these Neptunian transits tend to add much intrigue, confusion, misinformation, and fogginess to Bush's experiences. The 7th house, where Neptune currently resides in his chart, signifies not only marriage and business partnerships, but also open enemies. What this meant before and continues to mean now is this: he will still have difficult relations with close advisors, dubious advise, deception, and open enemies who will employ sneaky tactics to harm or mislead him. He may even resort to deceptiveness himself. This no doubt will make his job much harder than it already is. He still has a chance of rising above all of this, keeping his promises, and leading us to a better place, but it certainly won't be easy. Some astrologers feel there may be an attempt on his life during the first part of this year. I can't really see anything like that succeeded, on my psychic screen, but most certainly, George W. will be under duress. Jupiter goeing direct in Cancer at the beginning of March could be a big shot in the arm for him, and for the rest of us, too. Like him or not, George W. could use our prayers for clarity, wisdom, an altruistic spirit, and safety.

Dick Cheney: Nasty Neptune strikes again. The Vice President is an Aquarian, with a 10-degree Aquarian Sun. During many months of the year 2002 Neptune will be conjuncting his Sun. This is not so hot, especially considering his past health history. In Cheney's chart, this influence will indicate major health problems, and difficulties with his job. Neptune rules spirituality and compassion, but it also rules deception, illusion, confusion, hidden agendas, and health problems that can sap vitality. I must say, regrettably, this does not look like a good year for Mr. Cheney. And I don't think he will be handling stress well. I think there is a chance he will need to step down. I wish him the best.

Ariel Sharon: Mr. Sharon is a Pisces Sun with a very strong Aries Ascendant. With Mars going into Aries in mid-January, he will be feeling like making some very bold moves. The Saturn squares that were frustrating him before are now gone, and he will start the New Year in a very Martian, warlike way. This indicates a very strong and aggressive stance for Israel this year.

The War on Terror: January and May both look like key periods that will give us insight into how this whole war thing is going. I think it is quite obvious at this point that the US will have strong military involvement in the Middle East for quite some time. It is my suspicion that the "War on Terror" will likely eventually expand to Iraq, but I really can't say that with absolute certainty. This whole thing is like a twisting, turning row of dominos, and I don't think that the key tile has been knocked over yet. I am not sensing the use of nukes by anyone this year, and I certainly hope I'm right about that. With the Saturn/Pluto opposition from last year still dominating the cosmic landscape, this will undoubtedly be another violent year. Although terrorist attacks in the US are still very likely, I do not think the terrorists will get away with much. I do feel there is a danger of complacency on the part of the US that could open the door for future attacks. I remain optimistic at this time, but still cautious. Some astrologers have suggested that Vegas and San Diego may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks this year, but I am not getting that vibe at this time. Let's all keep putting out positive and protective energy for our homes, our towns, our state, our country, and our world. Prayer does matter.

US Economy: I'm going to play the optimist here, and suggest that if there is a bottom to be hit, we probably have already hit it, and if not, we will by the end of the first quarter. After that, the only way to go is up. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, prosperity, and speculation, will go direct in the sign of Cancer in March, which will be a great help. I am going to go out on a limb and predict a bullish market developing in 2002. For an in depth analysis of the US economic future in 2002, read Ray Merriman's article December/January issue of Mountain Astrologer.

Some Great Ideas for 2002