The Cardinal Crisis
Paranoid Baby Boomer Establishment Now Fears Freedom of Expression? Decorated U.S. Marine Brandon Raub, 26, a man who served the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat engineer, is seen in the image above as he is being taken away from his Richmond, Virginia home by a collection of police, FBI agents and the U.S. Secret Service. Raub was falsely accused of posting "terroristic" messages on his Facebook Page.
Raub was not charged with any crime and was forcibly taken and committed, not to one, but two locked mental health facilities as his mother and family desperately raced day and night to seek his immediate release. A magistrate's 'psychiatrist' had quickly signed an order to put Raub away for 30 days, but then that order was struck down several days later by a circuit judge who ordered Raub's release.
The circuit judge said the FBI and Secret Service had no reason whatsoever to take Raub and lock him away and that the government's attempts to involuntary commit Raub against his will was "devoid of any factual allegations."
Citing Raub's First Amendment Rights under the U.S. Constitution, Raub's lead attorney, John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute, said that Raub's posts were viewed as "terrorist in nature" by government agents. He said what seemed to happen was that there was government surveillance of Facebook pages. Raub, who posts patriotic messages on his page also plays a private Facebook game called 'Illuminati' that Raub was playing online with his siblings.
His abduction from his home came after it was revealed to Raub and his family that their Facebook pages were being monitored by the FBI and Secret Service. Per the circuit judge's order, Raub was again a free man and released to his mother on Thursday, August 23, 2012, after spending several days held in psychiatric solitary confinement simply for his Facebook American patriot posts and game playing.
Raub's detention has sparked a nationwide furor about illegal government surveillance and violations of First Amendment and Constitutional Rights throughout the American social media community.
Raub was not charged with any crime and was forcibly taken and committed, not to one, but two locked mental health facilities as his mother and family desperately raced day and night to seek his immediate release. A magistrate's 'psychiatrist' had quickly signed an order to put Raub away for 30 days, but then that order was struck down several days later by a circuit judge who ordered Raub's release.
The circuit judge said the FBI and Secret Service had no reason whatsoever to take Raub and lock him away and that the government's attempts to involuntary commit Raub against his will was "devoid of any factual allegations."
Citing Raub's First Amendment Rights under the U.S. Constitution, Raub's lead attorney, John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute, said that Raub's posts were viewed as "terrorist in nature" by government agents. He said what seemed to happen was that there was government surveillance of Facebook pages. Raub, who posts patriotic messages on his page also plays a private Facebook game called 'Illuminati' that Raub was playing online with his siblings.
His abduction from his home came after it was revealed to Raub and his family that their Facebook pages were being monitored by the FBI and Secret Service. Per the circuit judge's order, Raub was again a free man and released to his mother on Thursday, August 23, 2012, after spending several days held in psychiatric solitary confinement simply for his Facebook American patriot posts and game playing.
Raub's detention has sparked a nationwide furor about illegal government surveillance and violations of First Amendment and Constitutional Rights throughout the American social media community.
Image: Kristen Meghan
Mayan 2012 Prophecy:
Climate, Corn, Fish, Food, Drought & Social Decline
Plus,
The 'Moon Wobble' Of August 2012
Also,
Astromet Autumn 2012 Climate Forecast
Plus,
Saturn In Scorpio:
Generation Y Saturn Returns
And,
World Economic Depression Nears As China Confronts Mounting Piles of Unsold Goods?
World Economic Depression Nears As China Confronts Mounting Piles of Unsold Goods?
The LIBOR $candal
Plus,
Food Prices & The Global Economy:
Warning Of A Coming Dystopia?
And Featuring,
A Mundane Discourse On Ophiuchus & Scorpio
And Featuring,
A Mundane Discourse On Ophiuchus & Scorpio
Global Astrology
By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.Sci
Peace & Goodwill To Humanity
All Praise & Glory Be To The Immortal God
As the world enters the second half of the solar year 2012 we have seen in recent months the anomalous events since the annular solar eclipse of May and the historic Venus Transit of June 2012.
Events, far and wide, signal that a translation of times has taken place and is now upon the world according to astrological transits.
There are some tough times ahead. The economic crisis that has struck the world will be with us for some time to come in the midst of major generational transition and change.
Planetary transits over the years 2012-2022 indicate that in order to clean up the widespread messes made by the baby boomer generation and their parents, it will require a major series of reforms, innovations and leadership that has long been found desperately wanting - especially from the outgoing boomer generational establishment.
For years on Global Astrology, I have been warning of a series of municipal, national and international economic collapse based on my knowledge of world transits.
There are some tough times ahead. The economic crisis that has struck the world will be with us for some time to come in the midst of major generational transition and change.
Planetary transits over the years 2012-2022 indicate that in order to clean up the widespread messes made by the baby boomer generation and their parents, it will require a major series of reforms, innovations and leadership that has long been found desperately wanting - especially from the outgoing boomer generational establishment.
I predicted that a string of municipal failures would spiral in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 burdened by high labor costs from the aged boomer generation along with heavy loads of debt based on Wall Street and investment fraud perpetuated on American cities.
One person - in light of the many banking, political and Wall Street scandals - says this:
"Behind this curtain of cowardice is the soul-breaking reality that our institutions no longer have a true relationship to justice, decency or the pursuit of human progress.
"Regulatory, media and political capture by monied and privileged elites (i.e., sociopaths) generally means there is no place left to go if you actually want to be a decent and ethical human being and also have some financial success for your family.
Welcome to nihilism, 21st Century Style.
"I come from a poor immigrant family and actually believed the American Dream was about something: the possibility of making a better life than the one I faced in childhood. And so, I worked my ass off and made my way up to university, then graduate school and law school and then up the ladder to Wall Street.
"But I failed to understand that having both the intelligence to understand what is being done combined with a moral sense (i.e., humanity) means that you are in the worst position possible.
"You can't hide behind pretend ignorance and you know just how awful your clients are and what a joke legal opinions and the like consist of.
And now what?
"Join in with the pillaging of poor and middle class people and financial frauds of the global elite? No thanks.
Geez, couldn't someone have told me twenty years ago not to bother? At least the rackets run in my old neighborhood had less hypocrisy and required some physical courage and guts from time to time.
"Instead, we have the hollow, little men that are currently running the world to complete ruin with clever half truths and PR teams. And this kind of corruption is global. There is no other place to go."
So sadly, tough times may be ahead.
One person - in light of the many banking, political and Wall Street scandals - says this:
"Behind this curtain of cowardice is the soul-breaking reality that our institutions no longer have a true relationship to justice, decency or the pursuit of human progress.
"Regulatory, media and political capture by monied and privileged elites (i.e., sociopaths) generally means there is no place left to go if you actually want to be a decent and ethical human being and also have some financial success for your family.
Welcome to nihilism, 21st Century Style.
"I come from a poor immigrant family and actually believed the American Dream was about something: the possibility of making a better life than the one I faced in childhood. And so, I worked my ass off and made my way up to university, then graduate school and law school and then up the ladder to Wall Street.
"But I failed to understand that having both the intelligence to understand what is being done combined with a moral sense (i.e., humanity) means that you are in the worst position possible.
"You can't hide behind pretend ignorance and you know just how awful your clients are and what a joke legal opinions and the like consist of.
And now what?
"Join in with the pillaging of poor and middle class people and financial frauds of the global elite? No thanks.
Geez, couldn't someone have told me twenty years ago not to bother? At least the rackets run in my old neighborhood had less hypocrisy and required some physical courage and guts from time to time.
"Instead, we have the hollow, little men that are currently running the world to complete ruin with clever half truths and PR teams. And this kind of corruption is global. There is no other place to go."
So sadly, tough times may be ahead.
The bankruptcies and economic depression that nears will see cities, like those in the state of California, forced to halt their bond payments with major cuts in services for populations, along with cuts in employee health and retirement benefits. This, as municipalities adopt day-to-day survival budgets - for years.
Yet, there is also hope, for a new generational establishment - Generation X - is prime to begin to take control of the many messes left behind by the aged baby boomer generational establishment.
In this edition of Global Astrology, we explore my take on the Mayan 2012 Prophecy: Corn, Fish, Food, Drought & Social Decline as the emerging climate crisis throughout the American West and Midwest - regions where the breadbasket of the world is suffering a rapidly widening drought - which threatens to cause food shortages and higher prices worldwide.
We look at the climate and weather with my Astromet Autumn 2012 Climate Forecast.
We look at the climate and weather with my Astromet Autumn 2012 Climate Forecast.
The times within the context of our 'cardinal crisis' years are also about to change according to celestial signs. We also explore this in The Lunar Nodes, Mars, Jupiter & Saturn: Translation Of Times Ahead.
We also examine the LIBOR scandal In the United Kingdom.
My forecast for the coming economic depression is examined in this edition of Global Astrology with World Economic Depression Nears As China Confronts Mounting Piles of Unsold Goods?
We also explore world economies further in Food Prices & The World Economy: Warning Of A Coming Dystopia?
We also explore world economies further in Food Prices & The World Economy: Warning Of A Coming Dystopia?
Recent Global News
~
Saturn In Scorpio
October 2012 - September 2015
Forecast By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.Sci
I have written extensively on Saturn’s transit in Scorpio before on Global Astrology.
The months of August, September and October 2012 feature a time of shifts and changes to the world’s atmosphere under the mantle in these cardinal crisis years.
By September and October, the world effectively will have entered a fresh nodal period lasting to mid-February 2014.
The Moon ‘Wobble’ Of August 2012
The oddest events of August would have been Aug. 22-31 when the transiting Sun in tropical Leo, entered Virgo on August 22, forming a T-square to the Lunar Nodes at 0-Sagittarius and 0-Gemini.
At this time, the Earth will see what is called a “Moon wobble,’ this is an effect discovered by the astrometeorologist Carl Tobey.
The effects on the earth are associated with earthquakes, extreme storms, cyclones, hurricanes and other natural and man-made accidents and catastrophes.
These moon wobbles, in my experience as a forecaster, also presage powerful climate conditions to come. I have more on this in my Astromet Autumn 2012 Climate Forecast later in this edition of Global Astrology.
Strange and odd events are associated with the configurations of planets along with the Sun and the Moon's 'wobble' starting the last third of summer in the northern hemisphere.
The effects on the earth are associated with earthquakes, extreme storms, cyclones, hurricanes and other natural and man-made accidents and catastrophes.
These moon wobbles, in my experience as a forecaster, also presage powerful climate conditions to come. I have more on this in my Astromet Autumn 2012 Climate Forecast later in this edition of Global Astrology.
Strange and odd events are associated with the configurations of planets along with the Sun and the Moon's 'wobble' starting the last third of summer in the northern hemisphere.
The Moon wobble of August 22-23 took place as the transiting Sun in at 0-Virgo-’31 formed a mutable T-square to the nodes at 00-Sagittarius-’31 and 00-Gemini-’31.
Tobey wrote that when the Moon 'wobbled' along its path of declination and when the transiting Sun forms a T-Square to the Lunar Nodes that often - acts of nature and man-made events, i.e., losses in life and property - can occur.
Due to the motions of the Sun, Moon and Lunar nodes along the combination of planetary configurations – those 10-12 days – August 20th through September 1st - would be marked by strong seismic activity, most likely preceded by swarms of shallow earthquakes. Southern California and South America are again highlighted.
Over the coming autumn season the presage is that we are sure to hear and experience major weather events in October through mid-December 2012.
Over the coming autumn season the presage is that we are sure to hear and experience major weather events in October through mid-December 2012.
The Moon wobble week in August is significant in that following it the transiting Lunar Nodes will change quality from the mutable Sagittarius/Gemini axis to the fixed Scorpio/Taurus axis on August 30-31. This signals an atmospheric change in 'quality and tone' of the times that will last to mid-February 2014.
Lunar Nodes Translate to the Scorpio/Taurus axis
The Moon's Nodes, called ‘Rahu’ and ‘Ketu’ in Vedic Astrology, are also known as the Dragon's Head (North Node) and Dragon's Tail (South Node.)
The lunar nodes proceed in retrograde motion across the Zodiac every 18-19 months. Their ingresses into new Signs causes a emotional and mental shift in social responses to the atmosphere, tone, and quality of the times.
The Moon's nodes are 'debilitated' in Scorpio and Taurus, so what we have from September 2012 to mid-February 2014 are 17-18 months of significant personal and social problems in society that will require persistent good service to fix and restore back to health.
The Dragon’s Head, or North Lunar Node, transits the fixed water-Sign element of Scorpio; while the Dragon's Tail, or South Lunar Node will transit the fixed earth-Sign element of Taurus.
The Lunar Nodes on the Scorpio/Taurus axis will generally work under the rulership of their respective planets, Mars for Scorpio and Venus for Taurus - from September 2012 to February 2014.
The fixed nature of both Signs indicate that personal and professional relationships will require thoughtful care or there will be disruptions of personal relationships which are important for the future.
Highlighted are matters of economics, employment, insurance, finances, emotional/mental health and drug abuse.
Highlighted are matters of economics, employment, insurance, finances, emotional/mental health and drug abuse.
Socially, the disruptions by the aged baby boomer generation throughout society will have caused major gaps in how society functions. The great economic disparities since the economic crisis began in 2007-08 will have caused crime to begin to rise under transits through Scorpio.
What this means for the social atmosphere is that honesty, being forthright and above board straight from the start is always the best practice.
Scorpio’s nature is further highlighted by the ingress of Mars into tropical Scorpio on August 23. In esoteric astrology, Mars is the ruler of Scorpio, the place of its ‘throne.’
The influence of Mars, the ‘lesser malefic’ from Aug. 23 to Oct. 7, 2012 indicates a need for strict honesty in all dealings - though we are bound to see the exact opposite, as the ignorant in society allow themselves to become so inclined. All the money in the world cannot protect anyone from the mathematics of planetary transits.
Mars’ transit in tropical Scorpio in the run-up to the American general election features ‘underhanded’ acts that are ‘dark’ and ‘malefic’ seeing to ‘disrupt’ and to ‘cause harm’ through the associations with Mars.
As Mars, the lesser malefic, transits here through to October 7, 2012 we find our times altered further still, as the greater malefic, Saturn, enters tropical Scorpio on October 5, 2012.
Emotional/Mental Health In Society
One of the most important things for balanced healthy persons to remember is to identify those who have emotional/mental issues in society.
The great majority will be aged baby boomers on drugs, as well as the indigent and poor, left to their own devices who should receive support, treatment and be in supervised housing but whom are not.
The great majority will be aged baby boomers on drugs, as well as the indigent and poor, left to their own devices who should receive support, treatment and be in supervised housing but whom are not.
I used to work professionally in the mental health field and can easily identify those with emotional/mental health issues; including those who either are on medication and those who are not.
The atmospherics of the transits that cover the end of August 2012 through to mid-February 2014 will require thoughtful acts that are loving, but also tough and strong, so as to assist and support those who are clearly in need.
The atmospherics of the transits that cover the end of August 2012 through to mid-February 2014 will require thoughtful acts that are loving, but also tough and strong, so as to assist and support those who are clearly in need.
During the years of world transits 2012-2015 I advise to be observant of people who show obvious signs of emotional and mental health troubles.
Never fall into the projection of anyone who shows more than one's share of confusion, depression, paranoia, lack of clarity, mania, and constant distraction.
The best way to effectively deal with anyone who projects red flags associated with emotional/mental illness is to observe and then talk to them in short sentences while you gain a clear handle on the problem.
The best way to effectively deal with anyone who projects red flags associated with emotional/mental illness is to observe and then talk to them in short sentences while you gain a clear handle on the problem.
Use declarative words to calm and redirect attentions to the proper behavior as quickly as possible. Then, assist by guiding toward quality therapy and counseling.
Maladaptive and dysfunctional behavior belong indoors and under the treatment/supervision of trained counselors and therapists.
Obvious inappropriate behavior should never be allowed in public or in personal relationships. Under the planetary configurations I have interpreted for this particular period of years though, expect to see it.
So if you do encounter dysfunctional behavior, and can positively intervene, then do so with dispatch and be proper about it so that normality can exist.
Obvious inappropriate behavior should never be allowed in public or in personal relationships. Under the planetary configurations I have interpreted for this particular period of years though, expect to see it.
So if you do encounter dysfunctional behavior, and can positively intervene, then do so with dispatch and be proper about it so that normality can exist.
When you observe anyone misbehaving in public or in private then it is sign of potential emotional and mental illness or drug abuse which requires therapeutic treatment. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
This ingress of Saturn into tropical Scorpio continues to transit over a part of the skies known as the‘burning path’ - what is known in esoteric mundane astrology as the 'Via Combusta.'
While the inclinations are many what should be remembered is to practice significant adjustments in how we respond and react to the atmosphere of the emotional/mental moods and dysfunctional in society.
While the inclinations are many what should be remembered is to practice significant adjustments in how we respond and react to the atmosphere of the emotional/mental moods and dysfunctional in society.
The 'depositor' of Saturn will be the traditional ruler of Scorpio, the planet Mars. This, while Pluto, a modern co-ruler of Scorpio will combine in their inclinations channeling Saturn's energy.
The global economic crisis, now in its fifth year, takes on a more urgent tone with Jupiter in detriment in Gemini until late June 2013.
With Pluto in tropical Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) and with Saturn in Scorpio (co-ruled by Pluto) both planets act as mutual depositors. The effect of this can be applied well for those expert enough in astrology to know how.
Saturn will also be 'peregrine' over the majority of time it transits Scorpio.
In mundane astrology, any planet that lacks essential dignity is termed to be ‘peregrine' which means to 'wander.' And in Scorpio, Saturn will do just that, over 27-degrees where Saturn will 'wander’ as its energies are dispensed through Scorpio's rulers - Mars and Pluto.
In mundane astrology, any planet that lacks essential dignity is termed to be ‘peregrine' which means to 'wander.' And in Scorpio, Saturn will do just that, over 27-degrees where Saturn will 'wander’ as its energies are dispensed through Scorpio's rulers - Mars and Pluto.
The mundane English astrologer William Lilly created a planetary system to find the relative strengths and weaknesses of the planets.
The basic rule is that a planet’s detriment occurs in the Sign it is opposite to, that is, the Sign of rulership and the Fall of a planet takes place in the Sign that is opposite its Exaltation. Because of a lack of what we call 'essential dignity,' the planet fails to function as itself.
The basic rule is that a planet’s detriment occurs in the Sign it is opposite to, that is, the Sign of rulership and the Fall of a planet takes place in the Sign that is opposite its Exaltation. Because of a lack of what we call 'essential dignity,' the planet fails to function as itself.
So, a peregrine planet, like Saturn in Scorpio, lacks its essential dignity in Scorpio. So Saturn 'wanders' in that Sign, the mundane 8th House, not wanting not to behave as Saturn, but rather, as the co-rulers of the House it transits. In this case, Mars and Pluto.
Emotions, suspicious mental states, nebulous and mysterious events can mix with a sometimes paranoid atmospheric tone that can be ‘dark’ and ‘brooding.’
Crime, Safety & Self-Defense
Emotions, suspicious mental states, nebulous and mysterious events can mix with a sometimes paranoid atmospheric tone that can be ‘dark’ and ‘brooding.’
Crime, Safety & Self-Defense
During the mid-1980s, when Saturn was last in Scorpio, I taught self-defense classes, primarily to women, in my part-time since I had so many jobs.
Because I was raised in a police and Philadelphia boxing family, it was natural for me to coach others in the proper techniques and brutality of self-defense that works against attacks.
The motto I developed for my self-defense protection classes was, 'better off dead than raped."
In economically depressed times society can be at its weakest. Crime can rise because of the lowered financial standards and lack of jobs. This can leave some of society's most vulnerable - women, children and the handicapped - open to attack from lowlifes for control, money, power and possessions.
The practice of self-defense combines knowledge of ancient and modern techniques with a city lifestyle that forms a tight system of self-defense that is all about self-confidence and awareness.
Because I was raised in a police and Philadelphia boxing family, it was natural for me to coach others in the proper techniques and brutality of self-defense that works against attacks.
The motto I developed for my self-defense protection classes was, 'better off dead than raped."
In economically depressed times society can be at its weakest. Crime can rise because of the lowered financial standards and lack of jobs. This can leave some of society's most vulnerable - women, children and the handicapped - open to attack from lowlifes for control, money, power and possessions.
The practice of self-defense combines knowledge of ancient and modern techniques with a city lifestyle that forms a tight system of self-defense that is all about self-confidence and awareness.
Boxing techniques, strikes, throws & punches
Kicks and kickboxing techniques
Take downs and joint locks
Escapes, Grappling, Sparring
Self Defense against weapons
If anyone had ever attacked one of my self-defense students, they were often in urgent need of immediate medical attention. Astrologers are familiar with all kinds of angles that can dispense serious injury and pain on attackers.
The recession of the early 1980s had lowered wages, so with the high rate of unemployment it brought - crime began to rise.
Today, with a deeper economic decline and with political cuts in state benefits; it is a no-brainer to expect a rise in crime throughout some cities and neighborhoods. As a veteran crime reporter, I often noted that crime rates either rose or fell according to world transits.
With Saturn peregrine in Scorpio - combined with major configurations like the Uranus/Pluto Square along with the transits of Mars over the next several years - it is important to mind criminal activity and take precautions for the safety of one's self, friends and family over the next several years.
When Saturn last transited Scorpio in the mid-1980s, I was able to protect friends and family by minding a few simple rules during the dark Scorpio years of that era.
click on image to enlarge
Whomever attacks, defend yourself, clock them hard on the chin, then calmly get away
Street-smart males should accompany females to and from chores & work during dark hours
Guard against solitary creeps cruising in cars, vans and trucks
Avoid creepy streets, neighborhoods, bars & clubs known for trouble
Alcohol and drug use should be avoided
proper Communications to make sure friends & family arrive at their destinations
Women & children are urged to walk in pairs or with a male companion for safety at night
When threatened, a basic, tough, no-nonsense attitude works best
Burglaries, theft and assaults rose during those Saturn in Scorpio years of the mid-1980s; so it is important to mind door locks, window latches and screen doors to make guard against thieves.
Now, the emotional atmosphere under a Saturn transit in Scorpio can be brooding, dark and fearful enough on its own; so there is no need to become overly-paranoid - which is a trait of Scorpio's atmospherics.
What works in the Scorpio climate, say from October 2012 through to October 2015, is a basic, earthy, practical and prudent emotional and mental attitude. That works best.
Keep it short, keep it sweet, keep it tight.
Always have your bullshit meter on due to the lies, gossip and broodiness of the negative octaves of transits in Scorpio.
Living in a digital age, where people are constantly distracted using their gadgets while often devoid of their surroundings are bound to become more burdensome and dangerous under the Scorpio climate over the next several years.
Healthy social manners have taken a dive in the digital age. This leads to misunderstandings, poor personal communication, bad manners; therefore passionate emotions can easily escalate under Scorpio's atmosphere.
Technology, that is, smartphones and social networks; have become literal appendages to people's lives.
However, under the climate ahead, these devices also cause needless interruptions and significant distractions that disrupts concentration, interferes with personal and social chemistry; thus altering feelings, moods, which result from inattention, poor judgement and bad decisions.
We live in a society that over-communicates with itself, but has lost its ability to function socially with others in earthy, direct, friendly and human ways. This lack of coping with the realities of life can be seriously inclined by Saturn's transit in Scorpio.
We can expect events to be centered on the issues of the Eighth Mundane House, that of Scorpio -
- Electromagnetic cellphone causing mental, emotional memory problems
- Sex and diseases of the genitals
- rising crime rates
- cost of the elderly, funeral homes, death news
- abuse of drugs by baby boomer senior citizens
- secret laws exposed
- marriage/divorce rates climb
- rising food and energy prices
- continued news of major corruption in banking, government, finance & insurance sectors
The social decline also comes as a direct result of the baby boomer establishment’s dysfunctional effect on the wider society over the past 42 years. The ‘decline’ in society is forced by the dismal financial state of nations with debt-servicing eroding the economic and social status of tens of millions of families.
This, added to the fact the boomer establishment has been in denial of aging also means that a major social void has opened that is dysfunctional at best - and narcissistic at its worst - resulting in the psycho-pathology we now observe in society.
How the social climate returns back to health will not depend on the baby boomer establishment which has done the damage. Rather, it will be left to a new establishment - Generation X (1961-1975) - to repair, reform and then to rejuvenate world society.
~
Generations all have what are called 'Saturn Returns.'
The return of Saturn to its natal-generational position at birth arrives every 27-30 years on average and for everyone occurs between the ages of 28-30 and 58-60.
How the social climate returns back to health will not depend on the baby boomer establishment which has done the damage. Rather, it will be left to a new establishment - Generation X (1961-1975) - to repair, reform and then to rejuvenate world society.
~
Generations all have what are called 'Saturn Returns.'
The return of Saturn to its natal-generational position at birth arrives every 27-30 years on average and for everyone occurs between the ages of 28-30 and 58-60.
Saturn In Scorpio
Generation Y Saturn Returns
~ Heraclitus
Forecast By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.Sci
Generation Y (1981-1995) with those born between November 1982 to November 1985 will experience their first Saturn Return from October 2012 through September 2015 in tropical Scorpio.
Those who will experience their second Saturn Returns as they near age 60 will be have been born in the mid-1950s (Oct. 1953 to Oct. 1956.) This generation will also experience a Saturn Return in Scorpio.
Saturn is ‘peregrine’ for the great majority of its transit in tropical Scorpio. So, those experiencing their first Saturn Returns should try to ‘batten down the hatches,’ so to speak, on their personal and professional expectations, wants and desires overall between October 2012 through September 2015.
Saturn is ‘peregrine’ for the great majority of its transit in tropical Scorpio. So, those experiencing their first Saturn Returns should try to ‘batten down the hatches,’ so to speak, on their personal and professional expectations, wants and desires overall between October 2012 through September 2015.
Basically, these ages, 28, 29 and 30 (and in this case of Saturn’s transit, at least half of the age of 31 years old) will be a time to review your priorities and to mature your character.
First Saturn Returns can always be difficult. The frequency depends on how Saturn is configured and aspected in your unique nativity, or horoscope.
Generally, the generation born from late November 1982 through to mid-November 1985 will see a time of considerable emotional and mental adjustments during their first experience of Saturn’s sojourn through tropical Scorpio.
A Saturn Return functions as a kind of ‘birthday’ – from Saturn’s perspective – onto the generation having it.
But here, in tropical Scorpio, the energies of Saturn are more or less channeled by means of the traditional ruler of Scorpio, Mars.
Saturn's peregrine effect will mainly work through Mars, as Pluto is considered to be the ruler of Aries, and it's function is more cold-blooded, while Mars' octaves tend to excite and burn the passions in Scorpio.
But here, in tropical Scorpio, the energies of Saturn are more or less channeled by means of the traditional ruler of Scorpio, Mars.
Saturn's peregrine effect will mainly work through Mars, as Pluto is considered to be the ruler of Aries, and it's function is more cold-blooded, while Mars' octaves tend to excite and burn the passions in Scorpio.
Try to see your Saturn Return as a time of ‘economy’ and ‘want’ and ‘desires’ and ‘needs’ that appear to be thwarted to you from what seems like every turn.
A typical moody Saturn Return face
Functions of Scorpio, Mars, Saturn and Pluto
What is really happening during a Saturn Return is that the stellar aerials of this particular generation with Saturn, at this frequency in Scorpio, will respond to that unique frequency by function of Saturn’s energies – but it is dispersed to Mars and also to Pluto because Saturn is peregrine in Scorpio, where it 'wanders.'
One of the master astrologers I took courses with during my boyhood astrology studies was the astrologer Carl Payne Tobey. He mailed me a small booklet to study that he had written in 1954. It was titled, Pluto and Its Principals.
What is really happening during a Saturn Return is that the stellar aerials of this particular generation with Saturn, at this frequency in Scorpio, will respond to that unique frequency by function of Saturn’s energies – but it is dispersed to Mars and also to Pluto because Saturn is peregrine in Scorpio, where it 'wanders.'
One of the master astrologers I took courses with during my boyhood astrology studies was the astrologer Carl Payne Tobey. He mailed me a small booklet to study that he had written in 1954. It was titled, Pluto and Its Principals.
In this text, Tobey explained the characteristic differences that he saw in Mars and Pluto:
"Mars and Pluto relate to love and certain herd instincts. Mars relates to that love we find in the sex passion. It enables a species to blindly procreate; while Pluto is that protective love that a parent has for a child.
There is individualism to Pluto which cannot be associated with Mars. Plutonian thought is in terms of ME and MINE. Plutonian loyalty is toward that which is MINE; my child; my idea; my country.
Both Mars and Pluto contain jealousy, but it is not the same type of jealousy.
Pluto will be jealous if your child has more than his child. Mars will be jealous if you love another.
The reaction of Mars is passionate and instantaneous.
The reaction of Pluto is slow and determined, but both may be violent in the end. Mars may kill in fury, but Pluto kills in cold blood. Will-power and self control are characteristics of Pluto, while Mars is devoid of these qualities.
"The effects of Mars are of a certain variety," Tobey wrote.
"Experience leaves no doubt but that it is the planet of sex and the ancients referred to its corresponding sign, Scorpio, as the sign of sex. If you want to know why a woman permits her husband to beat her up one moment and then love her the next - consult Mars.
It has other functions also and it certainly seems to be the planet of business. The same planet that stimulates the sex function stimulates business activity, and while the force may carry in either direction, that would appear where the factor of free will applies strongly.
A well-aspected Mars gives a person who can exercise authority wisely, and a person who can get along with whomsoever is in authority. There is good control. A negatively aspected Mars is hard for the individual to control. It is apt to get out of hand.
If you study wars and their beginnings, you won't find the planet Mars too important. There are far more important factors. War, on a 20th Century basis, is not Mars. If you have a fight with your wife, that kind of war might better fit with the Mars cycle."
A first Saturn Return is best used by exploring the future; while simultaneously taking an emotionally-detached review of the past.
This is very helpful so long as you do not to project moodiness and frustrations onto others. That's what a spoiled child does - not a mature adult.
Most males during Saturn Returns will see personal relationships either end or take on a new meaning; while females undergoing their Saturn returns may seek to get married.
However, this particular Saturn Return in Scorpio for the slice of Generation Y born Nov. 1982-Nov. 1985 would be well-served to be mindful that the years 2012-2015 may not be a favorable time to marry.
This is very helpful so long as you do not to project moodiness and frustrations onto others. That's what a spoiled child does - not a mature adult.
Most males during Saturn Returns will see personal relationships either end or take on a new meaning; while females undergoing their Saturn returns may seek to get married.
However, this particular Saturn Return in Scorpio for the slice of Generation Y born Nov. 1982-Nov. 1985 would be well-served to be mindful that the years 2012-2015 may not be a favorable time to marry.
The economic decline will certainly complicate planned marriages. Those in the first wave of Generation Y, born in the early-to-mid 1980s will need to closely examine the practicality of marriage and having children during the early to middle years of the decade of the Twenty-Tens.
I often liken a first Saturn Return with being given a dull job to accomplish - that lasts about 2.5 years. Long used to cruising right along during your early to mid-20s, now, by the ages of 28, 29, 30, things seemed to have slowed down. The feeling is as if you've placed in a drab workroom filled with boxes and brown paper bags.
Lots and lots of brown paper bags.
Lots and lots of brown paper bags.
Your job is take the paper bags, pack them into boxes, and shelve them in this great drab warehouse.
That’s about it - for two-and-a-half years. That's a Saturn Return.
Avoid emotionally-tainted thoughts, or projecting your glum onto others since the Saturn Return will be unyielding until you learn your lessons. Day in and day out until one day a little over two years later; you will feel the outer doors open into sunlight.
That will be when you reach 30 solar years of age.
Your Saturn Return now over with a feeling that the monkey is finally off your back; it's time to start a new decade of your 30s. Your 20s are, for all intensive purposes, officially over.
How you choose to make this transition will shape your character. Some people go through it frustrated, moody, or angry. Others despise the idea of being put to task like this and will resent it and act out.
That’s the ‘Saturn Return face’ you will see on yourself and on your friends - that generational slice of Gen Y having their Saturn Return in Scorpio. Ask your friends who are 29 years of age and they will tell you how it feels.
Some portions of this Saturn Return in Scorpio may better than others. For instance, should Saturn retrograde over a particular set of degrees you and others were born under in your nativities, then you may receive Saturn's ‘return’ several times during the course of its transit.
For instance, Saturn’s transit of tropical Scorpio will extend from October 5th, 2012 to December 23rd, 2014.
Saturn will enter tropical Sagittarius two days before Christmas 2014.
Saturn transits through the first four (4) degrees of Sagittarius before stationing retrograde on March 14, 2015.
Saturn will re-enter 29-Scorpio on June 15-16, 2015, and back into tropical Scorpio from June 16, 2015 to September 18-19, 2015, when Saturn finally exit Scorpio and re-enter Sagittarius for good.
Saturn transits through the first four (4) degrees of Sagittarius before stationing retrograde on March 14, 2015.
Saturn will re-enter 29-Scorpio on June 15-16, 2015, and back into tropical Scorpio from June 16, 2015 to September 18-19, 2015, when Saturn finally exit Scorpio and re-enter Sagittarius for good.
Things To Do
The gains to be made because of the influence of Saturn are brought about by hard work, economy, organization, system, shrewd bargaining, shouldering responsibilities and a dogged perseverance.
By accepting the work and responsibilities that are attracted by the return of transiting Saturn to your natal Saturn, via proper performance of your duties and responsibilities; with a mature effort and manner that is satisfactory to others, then know that advancement can be made - even during a restrictive Saturn Return.
The need to learn to organize and reorganize is key. It is a part of the lessons of a Saturn Return. If the inclinations are rejected then Saturn will be unyielding and simply turn up the volume.
This is why it is essential to be somewhat detached and get on with the responsibilities at hand.
This is why it is essential to be somewhat detached and get on with the responsibilities at hand.
The Saturn Return will influence desires to get things accomplished at low cost. This is prudent as the attraction will be to those who are willing to sell at a discounted price.
Saturn is also one of the major business planets (Mars & Jupiter being the others) but because Saturn's octaves can be so negative; even under its most favorable aspects; the Power Thoughts will require cultivation to give the Saturn Return person courage, perseverance and vitality.
During a Saturn Return, prevent your mind from dwelling too much on serious problems. Don't dwell and park under depressed emotions. Under Saturn’s atmosphere, it is important to keep your spirits high, keep your chin up and cultivate cheerfulness best you are able.
Use affirmations, write them down and post them in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, as these will be useful when Saturn’s inclinations are strongest during your Saturn Return.
Cultivate cheerfulness, which is the best antidote during Saturn returns
Write down your lessons in diary between ages 28, 29, 30, will be useful later in your 30s.
Take On Added Responsibilities With a Smile
Realize your 20s are coming to an end and that your 30s are about to begin
Things Not To Do
Scorpio's negative octaves can feature personal and domestic violence along with family disputes. By means of Mars's rulership, Scorpio will be more about crimes of passion.
With Saturn peregrine through most of its transit in tropical Scorpio, people can become so inclined to allow emotions to fog and steam, then to boil over - passing over common sense, prudence and logic - to the place where blind passionate anger vents itself out into drastic acts.
Because Saturn's energies are channeled through the lesser malefic, that is Mars, ruler of Scorpio, it is essential then to distance one's emotions from thoughtless passions during 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 - the years Saturn will transit Scorpio.
What is happening is that the Saturnine inclinations received by a person's thought-cells at the terminal of their temporary stellar aerials are heavy, morose, self-centered, lacking buoyancy and elasticity.
This kind of inflexibility must be handled by the individual, but never projected onto others; or it will simply backfire and double the burden of weighted passionate and emotionally-charged cells for transits to work on.
This kind of inflexibility must be handled by the individual, but never projected onto others; or it will simply backfire and double the burden of weighted passionate and emotionally-charged cells for transits to work on.
Saturn's Return imparts to a person's stellar cells a feeling which causes them to work from the inner plane of the person – Saturn attracts ‘loss,’ ‘responsibility,’ 'limitations,' 'frustrations' and ‘want.’
Issues within personal relationships are usually projected from one onto the other, or within families, where the passions attempt to over-ride logic, prudence and common sense.
To combat this, be above board, honest, kind, but direct so as to not allow Scorpio's paranoia atmosphere to 'label' or to 'stamp' any situation with assumptions, presumptions, suspicions and negativity.
Females are especially cautioned to mind their emotions and thoughts under Saturn's transit of Scorpio. For it is in Scorpio where Saturn channels itself through the lesser malefic, Mars.
It is essential to detach from emotional negativity, i.e., things like jealousy, gossip, unfounded suspicions, backbiting, passions, paranoia, hidden resentments, dramas, emotional head games and all manner of unfavorable social manners and turn-offs that are evident among the immature and those who lack class.
Issues within personal relationships are usually projected from one onto the other, or within families, where the passions attempt to over-ride logic, prudence and common sense.
To combat this, be above board, honest, kind, but direct so as to not allow Scorpio's paranoia atmosphere to 'label' or to 'stamp' any situation with assumptions, presumptions, suspicions and negativity.
Know that the vibrations and configurations of Saturn’s Return can be persistent over the two-and-one-half year period of the return. Saturn is known as the 'unyielding' planet for that very reason.
To correct and cure Saturn - to prevent developing fear, frustration, timidity and worry - what should be cultivated in thoughts are the Power Thoughts of the Sun.
To correct and cure Saturn - to prevent developing fear, frustration, timidity and worry - what should be cultivated in thoughts are the Power Thoughts of the Sun.
This means to hold thoughts of courage, determination and stamina.
In short, stay on course. Learn to plod through each day, week and month over the entire length of the Saturn Return. This is also good advice generally speaking.
The strongest thoughts that should also be cultivated are Social Thoughts. This is the cure for Saturn’s ‘safety thoughts’ that can hold back, can limit, frustrate and restrict.
In short, stay on course. Learn to plod through each day, week and month over the entire length of the Saturn Return. This is also good advice generally speaking.
The strongest thoughts that should also be cultivated are Social Thoughts. This is the cure for Saturn’s ‘safety thoughts’ that can hold back, can limit, frustrate and restrict.
Should you choose to safeguard your interests by means of positive thoughts and acts; rather than through the paranoia and fears of Saturn return in Scorpio, then what you are doing is effectively 'curing' your own Saturnian affliction.
Toughing things out, being patient and lighthearted are essential to cure a Saturn Return.
This is where character is destiny.
Though it may require great effort and fortitude - even when you think things are going to pieces; when social slights, personal relationships, career and financial frustrations may be occurring - to still be able to go to a party, to dance, to sing, to take enjoyment in the arts, music, etc., will do much to relieve and cure the heaviness of Saturn's return.
This is where character is destiny.
Though it may require great effort and fortitude - even when you think things are going to pieces; when social slights, personal relationships, career and financial frustrations may be occurring - to still be able to go to a party, to dance, to sing, to take enjoyment in the arts, music, etc., will do much to relieve and cure the heaviness of Saturn's return.
This is so because there is nothing better to add to the happy thought-elements that transform them into a dynamic compound that can attract better fortune – even during a Saturn Return.
So, take good care over the second half of 2012 through to the autumn of 2015.
This journey of your Saturn Return in Scorpio, if managed well, can be a time of emotional and mental growth that strengthens your mature character into your 30s, rather than lower it.
Look forward and not always back. Refuse to dwell, or to 'park' on the past that no one can change. That's water long gone under the bridge.
Rather, learn your lessons with class and maturity, and remember, to move along.
This journey of your Saturn Return in Scorpio, if managed well, can be a time of emotional and mental growth that strengthens your mature character into your 30s, rather than lower it.
Look forward and not always back. Refuse to dwell, or to 'park' on the past that no one can change. That's water long gone under the bridge.
Rather, learn your lessons with class and maturity, and remember, to move along.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
The Cardinal Crisis
The Mayan 2012 Prophecy:
Climate, Corn, Food Prices, Drought & Social Decline
By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.Sci
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.Sci
Some say, "may you live in interesting times."
That's the ancient Chinese smile curse people mention these days. I never found that line funny, but I always respected it when it was said in a group of people. But I'm like, "thanks, but no thanks."
"I like it just the way it is you see, nice, peaceful, easy-going and kind of boring most times, thank you very much," and then I gradually back myself out of the room... smiling of course. You see, I know transits.
I wish that I had better news to report from my mundane and Astromet forecasts. But I report what I see, and what I see isn't so good these days, so brace yourselves as you read on.
If you cannot handle at least this brand version of the truth of our 'interesting times' then perhaps you ought to stop reading this right now.
Otherwise, for those who want to read on...
This is a kind of celestial 'heads up' on the 'world weather' out there; for those in the know on global transits, those which are natural, and others that are rather, well, 'unnatural,' to say the least.
Interesting times? Yes, I suppose we can say that the 'times' are 'interesting' indeed.
Anyhow, as I have been forecasting for years now, many world changes are just now on the horizon, right around the corner.
Those reading this should be preparing so that they are better able to withstand the onslaught of events that will challenge and alter the lives of many millions of people worldwide.
Those reading this should be preparing so that they are better able to withstand the onslaught of events that will challenge and alter the lives of many millions of people worldwide.
Astromet Climate Forecast
Autumn 2012
Extremes of Weather
Forecast by
Theodore White, astrometeorologist.Sci
During the month of August 2012 we saw world transits winding down from the ingress of the transiting Lunar Nodes of March 2011, when the world was shocked by the events at Fukushima, Japan.
The lunar nodes at that time had translated from the Capricorn/Cancer axis to the Sagittarius/Gemini axis.
Now, by the end of August 2012, the transiting Lunar Nodes will translate once again to the Scorpio/Taurus axis on August 30. The change in quality of the lunar nodes from mutable to fixed at the end of August indicates a new nodal era that will last until mid-February 2014.
A major holiday month in the northern hemisphere, August 2012 is also a decent month of planetary transits with Venus, Mars and the lunar nodes changing Signs. So August into September is a good time to prepare for the events of autumn 2012.
This is because the Full Moon Week of October 29 to November 7, 2012 indicates strong climate conditions of high winds, heavy rains and cold temperatures in unsettled atmospheric conditions impacting the eastern coast of the United States.
My Astromet weather chart below, set for the full moon week over Manhattan, New York, has Saturn transiting in the Eighth House.
Saturn will have emerged from the far side of the Sun a few days before the full moon arrives by October 25, 2012. This has significant implications for the general climate and weather according to my calculations.
Saturn will have emerged from the far side of the Sun a few days before the full moon arrives by October 25, 2012. This has significant implications for the general climate and weather according to my calculations.
Powerful Full Moon Week Storm
October 29-November 7, 2012
Manhattan, New York
click on Astromet Weather Chart to enlarge
Saturn in the early degrees of Scorpio opens up a climate of wetter-than-normal conditions for the autumn season of 2012 in the northern hemisphere. During the fall months, what I call the 'extremes of weather' should be major news at that time.
By Oct. 29, 2012 a Full Moon will be at 6-Taurus and posited in the Second House of Finances for the start of the full moon week of Oct. 29-Nov. 7. This indicates weather conditions disrupting businesses, daily social life, finances and economics at that time.
By Oct. 29, 2012 a Full Moon will be at 6-Taurus and posited in the Second House of Finances for the start of the full moon week of Oct. 29-Nov. 7. This indicates weather conditions disrupting businesses, daily social life, finances and economics at that time.
The Moon will be a major player during the fall season as it raises the atmospheric and ocean tides.
In the weather chart for the late October/early November 2012 full moon week, Neptune is rising in Pisces, which is at the cusp of the Ascendant in the weather chart. Neptune's transits near the Ascendant are featured in changing weather brought on by big storms.
And with Gemini on the Fourth House cusp and Sagittarius at the Midheaven; this signals strong storms with wild temperature fluctuations featuring heavy rains, flooding and gale-force winds.
The Full Moon in my weather chart is below the horizon. It shows stormy weather with very unsettled conditions - strong gradients of powerful winds.
Transiting Mercury, which indicates storm pressure and winds in astrometeorology; will be in the windy Sign of Sagittarius. This, as Mercury slows down to station retrograde on November 6, 2012 - which happens to be the general election day in the United States. Mercury's retrograde station across Sagittarius also signals major weather events in the headlines.
And with Jupiter, also retrograde in late October, in another windy Sign, Gemini and opposed to Mars in Sagittarius - the combined astronomic configurations show that weather conditions for the mid-Atlantic and northeastern coastline of the U.S. could be very stormy and dangerous at the end of October during the full moon week of Oct. 29 to Nov. 7.
In the weather chart for the late October/early November 2012 full moon week, Neptune is rising in Pisces, which is at the cusp of the Ascendant in the weather chart. Neptune's transits near the Ascendant are featured in changing weather brought on by big storms.
And with Gemini on the Fourth House cusp and Sagittarius at the Midheaven; this signals strong storms with wild temperature fluctuations featuring heavy rains, flooding and gale-force winds.
The Full Moon in my weather chart is below the horizon. It shows stormy weather with very unsettled conditions - strong gradients of powerful winds.
Transiting Mercury, which indicates storm pressure and winds in astrometeorology; will be in the windy Sign of Sagittarius. This, as Mercury slows down to station retrograde on November 6, 2012 - which happens to be the general election day in the United States. Mercury's retrograde station across Sagittarius also signals major weather events in the headlines.
And with Jupiter, also retrograde in late October, in another windy Sign, Gemini and opposed to Mars in Sagittarius - the combined astronomic configurations show that weather conditions for the mid-Atlantic and northeastern coastline of the U.S. could be very stormy and dangerous at the end of October during the full moon week of Oct. 29 to Nov. 7.
That makes August and September good months to prepare; but at this time of year most people are on holiday and not paying attention. This is what makes long-range forecasting so frustrating at times.
You see, after the summer is over, as we enter autumn by mid-September and then into late October, a series of planetary translations will have taken place that will fixate serious problems that have been left unresolved - mainly financial and economic. By autumn, the compounding climate and weather conditions will make things worse, in already weakened sectors.
You see, after the summer is over, as we enter autumn by mid-September and then into late October, a series of planetary translations will have taken place that will fixate serious problems that have been left unresolved - mainly financial and economic. By autumn, the compounding climate and weather conditions will make things worse, in already weakened sectors.
This, along with new dire problems previously forced by the planets relative to the Earth that affect our natural resources - little rain, extreme heat and drought that can deeply impact the land, food production and prices.Then there are the extremes of weather - strong storms, heavy rains, cold temperatures and high wind.
Most city dwellers falsely believe that their food comes from the corner grocery or supermarket when they should be kissing the feet of their local farmers and lending out a helping hand.
The years are coming when all city people are going to learn to truly love and respect farmers who are just starting to fight the battle of their lives in this decade.
The world economy continues to hang by a thread. Jupiter's detriment in Gemini and its coming station to retrograde in early October 2012 is not a good sign for the economies of nations.
Saturn's ingress into Scorpio, also in October 2012, immediately following Jupiter's retrograde and thus 'fixes' the rise in food prices exacerbated by adverse climate conditions I forecasted - mainly extreme drought and excessive heat waves.
In the sidereal skies of early August 2012, if you look to the west-southwest in late evening, you will see a triad of moving points that would be Saturn, the star Spica and the planet Mars in sidereal Virgo, reflecting the harvest season and it is unfavorable, to say the least. More on this below.
Both these malefic planets, the 'lesser malefic' Mars and the 'greater malefic' Saturn; have been conjoined to the fixed star Spica, hanging around the star for over a year.
During the month of August 2012, transiting Mars will transit over a long stay and retrograde in Virgo, to enter tropical Scorpio August 23. This, followed by Saturn's ingress into tropical Scorpio on October 5, 2012.
During the month of August 2012, transiting Mars will transit over a long stay and retrograde in Virgo, to enter tropical Scorpio August 23. This, followed by Saturn's ingress into tropical Scorpio on October 5, 2012.
Uranus' placement in dry tropical Aries signifies sometimes extreme levels of drought, just as the world experienced in the decade of the 1930s when Uranus last transited tropical Aries.
The lack of rains, drought and heat waves I forecasted will be with the world for at least five (5) more years with the worst to come by the middle years of the Twenty-Tens, according to my calculations.
The climate effect is that of much drier-than-normal conditions under the rays of Uranus; featuring extreme dry soil, lack of precipitation, blasting dust storms and sudden electrical disturbances, among its effects. We will also see anomalies of storms bringing torrential rains and gusting winds - causing double disasters affecting tens of millions of people.
Our Sun is more active since recently emerging out of its minima phase. Increasing the frequencies of its wide spectrum of hugely powerful magnetic and cosmic rays; we have seen and felt the solar winds forcefully pick up strength in late 2011 into 2012 as the Sun hurls its storms toward Earth's direction.
According to my calculations, we are now in the 32nd year of solar-forced global warming with four (4) more years remaining in this global climate phase.
The years of 2012 to 2016 will see warmer-than-normal average temperatures with heat waves, drier than normal conditions, water shortages along with blasting dust storms and extreme drought.
We are in for some hot and dry years ahead, with one anomalous cold winter in that four-year period until this 36-year cycle of Sun-forced global warming we are currently in (1980-2016) finally exhausts itself and leads to a new, colder and wetter climate cycle - again, forced by the Sun.
The Earth's climate is always changing. Our planet has a highly-variable climate system. The Sun is the prime mover here; while our Moon and the planets modify the Sun's direct regulation of our planet's climate.
People tend to forget, that our planet, the Earth, lives in space.
That is where the action is that determines our climate and weather - and ultimately, how we live and survive.
People tend to forget, that our planet, the Earth, lives in space.
That is where the action is that determines our climate and weather - and ultimately, how we live and survive.
I often remind weather watchers that drought and floods do, and can co-exist under particular kinds of planetary configurations relative to the Earth.
It is time to batten down the hatches.
The world is about to go on a serious food diet, according to my Astromet long-range climate forecasts.
I warned in the March 2012 Special Edition of Global Astrology that the climate and weather for 2012 was going to be hot, humid, and drier than normal with drought on the way.
Although spring 2012 featured good planting conditions, I knew that the warmer-than-average temperatures on the way would threaten crops.
Steve Niedbalski shows how the historic drought and heat has stricken his cornfields in Nashville, Ill.
Transiting Jupiter was in tropical Gemini during the last serious drought in the United States and that is where Jupiter transits this year and into next, until late June 2013.
Transiting Jupiter was in tropical Gemini during the last serious drought in the United States and that is where Jupiter transits this year and into next, until late June 2013.
After favorable spring weather in 2012, corn production in the U.S. was projected to hit a record high, approaching nearly 15 billion bushels.
Because of this, a majority of farmers took that as a good sign and proceeded to plant the most acreage of corn and soybean since the late 1930s to capture global profits from what were, at that time, already the highest corn prices ever.
Then, the drought set in and projections of a bumper crop evaporated as prices began to climb.
Here's what the Associated Press said in August 2012 as the most recent numbers of the drought and pounding heat waves I predicted for the United States show that, "about 220 counties in a dozen states have been added to the U.S. government's list of natural disaster regions," according to AP.
The historic drought of 2012
This forced the nation's agriculture chief to announce new assistance for very frustrated, cash-strapped farmers/ranchers battling the extreme dryness and heat waves I had forecasted in the March 2011 special edition of Global Astrology.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's addition of 218 counties means that more than half of all U.S. counties - about 1,584 in 32 American states - have been assigned the designation of 'primary disaster areas' over this summer's growing season.
The vast majority of them are now mired in intensifying drought that is being called the "worst in decades."
According to my astrometeorological calculations made three years ago, I warned about the coming drought, which is a combination of planetary configurations that signaled lack of rains, drought and heatwaves.
I continued to warn in 2010 and 2011; and most recently, back in March 2012, just ahead of the growing season.
I continued to warn in 2010 and 2011; and most recently, back in March 2012, just ahead of the growing season.
My calculations clearly showed that a major climate shift was about to take place as the planetary signatures were well known to cause disruptions in precipitation, with excessive heat then resulting in drought.
I published my climate forecast warnings in advance of the growing season for just that reason to help out farmers who I knew would fight to save the harvest season later in the year.
I published my climate forecast warnings in advance of the growing season for just that reason to help out farmers who I knew would fight to save the harvest season later in the year.
We now approach the 2012 harvest season.
A new report issued July 26, 2012 said that the spreading drought to grip the United States in decades is getting worse, the longer it goes on. The drought now covers two-thirds of the continental U.S. and had been earlier considered wide, relatively shallow - the product of just months without rain, rather than years.
But the new report said this drought's intensity is increasing rapidly.
Twenty-percent of the nation has now just entered the two worst stages of drought. All indications are that the drought continues to spread further and wider across a giant swath of the West, Southwest and regions of the Midwestern U.S.
The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies drought in various stages, from moderate to severe, extreme, and ultimately - exceptional.
The worst drought in 50 years has intensified across the U.S. Midwest, not only condemning this year's corn crop but threatening the prospects for next year's too, new figures showed.
The latest drought map, released on August 2 by the National Drought Mitigation Center, showed the drought intensifying across the grain belt in the Midwestern and plains states.
The latest drought map, released on August 2 by the National Drought Mitigation Center, showed the drought intensifying across the grain belt in the Midwestern and plains states.
"It's hard to believe that it's getting worse, but it is, even with some rain in the region," Brian Fuchs, a climatologist and drought monitor author at the National Drought Mitigation Center, based at the University of Nebraska.
"This drought isn't going anywhere," said Mark Svoboda, another climatologist at the center. "The damage is already done. What you are looking for is enough moisture to avert a second year of drought," he said.
"As far as widespread general relief for the whole region it would take a really freakish dramatic change to make that happen. That doesn't appear to be in the cards, given the time of year we are in."
Five states - Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska - are blanketed by a drought that is severe or worse.
States like Arkansas and Oklahoma are nearly as bad, with most areas covered in a severe drought and large portions in extreme or exceptional drought.
Other states are witnessing conditions rapidly worsen.
For instance, in the state of Illinois - a key producer of corn and soybeans - saw its percentage of land listed officially as extreme or exceptional drought.
This rocketed from just 8 percent on July 19, 2012 to roughly 71 percent as of July 26. That is how bad things are fast becoming.
This rocketed from just 8 percent on July 19, 2012 to roughly 71 percent as of July 26. That is how bad things are fast becoming.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack tours Eric Cress' farm to examine crop damage caused by the drought near Center Point, Iowa. Eric and his father Dale said their farm in eastern Iowa is running around seven-inches behind normal rain levels for this time of year.
Image: Darin Leach
And conditions are not expected to get better, with little rain and more intense heat forecasted for the rest of the summer.
"Some of these areas that are picking up a shower here and there, but it's not really improving anything because the heat has been so persistent in recent weeks, the damage already is done," said Fuchs.
"Realistically, the forecast going forward is a continuation of warm, dry conditions through the end of August easily, and we may see them in the fall."
The drought I forecasted stretches from the state of Ohio and to the west - to California.
It also extends from Texas running north up to the Dakotas.
Only in the decades of the 1930s (Uranus in Aries) and the 1950s (Saturn in Scorpio) has a drought like this covered more square miles this rapidly across the United States, according to National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C.
Rain-starved Oklahoma has people like Clinton rancher Paul Schilberg saying he would sell his herd of Black Angus cattle if he didn't stand to lose maybe $2,500 per head for the animals he usually buys for more than $3,000.
With the grass and forage dead from lack of rain, he's been forced to buy hay. "I'm feeding just like I would during the winter time," he said.
Nationwide, ranchers have been selling off large numbers of animals they can't graze and can't afford to buy feed for.
The nation's cattle inventory, at 97.8 million head, is the smallest since the U.S. Department of Agriculture began a July count in 1973.
Mark Thompson, a professional farm manager with about 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans near Fort Dodge, Iowa, said good land management practices including no-till farming could help crop farmers muddle through.
"Eastern Iowa is in worst shape than we are," he said. "Right around here, we're still at the tipping point, but conditions have improved somewhat, even though last night's rain wasn't widespread."
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared a drought emergency in all of the state's 105 counties and urged residents to conserve as much water as possible as the drought becomes more intense.
The latest Drought Monitor report lists 73 percent of Kansas in an extreme drought, up 9 percent from a week earlier.
Brownback's move allows farmers, ranchers and communities to draw water from 28 state fishing lakes. Tracy Streeter, the Kansas Water Office's director, said there was adequate supply in the state and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer lakes to meet the demand.
"Even today, the lake elevations are good, all things considered," Streeter said.
He said ranchers can take 4,000 to 5,000 gallons of water at a time on semi-trucks loaded with tanks, but that's not a permanent solution. "Folks can't do that long term because of the cost of hauling the water. If they are buying feed, too, they may just have to sell the cattle.
The 2012 harvest is in serious trouble.
I always wondered why the Mayan mundane astrologers, their priest-astrologers, would use Venus as the major marker of their astronomical long count calendar.
When I was 12 years old, back in 1975, I remember one of my tutors in classical studies tell me something about Native American prophecy, focusing on Corn, along with the constellations of Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, and the sheaf of the Virgin of Virgo.
I recalled that once that I saw a curious drawing, in this little handbook, a pamphlet, say no more than 36 pages, with a white Buffalo and Corn on the cover. I saw it at flea market I think, it was 1975.
This drawing I saw inside the book had stars in the skies and below it a scene of Corn dying across a vast nation that also fed the world with its abundance of corn and wheat.
Under extreme and lengthy heat waves, along with the lack of rain, which then gave way to widespread drought, a kind of planetary curse by means of the fixed star Alcyone, the main star of the constellation of the Pleiades, which was also featured in this pamphlet. I believe only a couple hundred of copies were in existence.
Flea markets were all the rage back in the mid-1970s, so I borrowed a copy, sat down and ate my lunch while flipping through this curious little book whose title I just cannot remember.
But I do remember that it was hot that day. It was summer, really hot and humid out. I think it was August. I also recall that while I sat down to eat my own sandwich and flip through this little book I borrowed to read that I had sat on someone's mustard-filled sandwich that they threw away on the ground. I accidentally sat on it getting brown mustard all over my blue jeans. I was pissed. Those were nice pair of Lee jeans too.
Anyway, it was the Pleiades that I saw illustrated in this crude, but neat little pamphlet that I can't find anywhere.
Whomever wrote it was trying to say something important at a time, five years after the first "Earth Day," when few people were actually listening to Mother Earth by means of the signs in the heavens.
But I remembered the drawing by astronomical means and realized that what I saw back then as an athletic and a bit geeky 12-year old in Philadelphia sitting on mustard; was a prophecy of sorts somehow connected to the Mayan Astronomical Long Count Calendar; their fascination with the Transit of Venus, the star Alcyone, the Pleiades, the climate, famine, global society and Corn.
It didn't come back to me until many years later when I had cast a number of mundane horoscopes related to May 2012's Annular Solar Eclipse and the Venus Transit of June 2012 and interpreted their meanings.
You see that is where the recent May 20, 2012 annular solar eclipse took place - at 00-degrees Gemini, occulting the main star of the Pleiades - Alcyone.
The eclipse was the most filmed eclipses to date. It passed over Asia, the North Pacific, over the western U.S. into the southwestern states and straight into Texas where the eclipse ended near Lubbock on that Sunday.
The annular solar eclipse had crossed the international date line so technically, it had traveled from rising Sun of Monday, May 21st in Asia to the setting Sun on that Sunday, May 20th, over the western United States.
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The Cardinal Crisis
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The Cardinal Crisis
The Mayan Calendar 2012 Warning:
Corn, The Coming Famine, Dead Fish, Global Decline Of Society & Drought
In casting mundane charts for the annular solar eclipse of May 20-21, 2012 that occulted the star Alcyone, amid the other stars of the Pleiades I remembered that little book I read as a boy in 1975.
Knowing that Alycone and the Pleiades were famous in Astrometeorological history - well-known as a powerful sign of disastrous climate/weather events with long lasting effects - the connection to the Mayan Long Count Calendar for 2012, my Astromet Climate forecasts for heat waves, wildfires and drought; along with the sight of May's annular solar eclipse - it all came together.
The heat waves and lack of rain that I forecasted for solar year 2012 has struck hard in the northern hemisphere.
For instance, the Associated Press reported that,
"Thousands of fish are dying in the Midwest as the hot, dry summer dries up rivers and causes water temperatures to climb in some spots to nearly 100 degrees.
"Thousands of fish are dying in the Midwest as the hot, dry summer dries up rivers and causes water temperatures to climb in some spots to nearly 100 degrees.
About 40,000 shovel-nose sturgeon were killed in Iowa last week of July 2012 as water temperatures reached 97 degrees.
Nebraska fishery officials said they've seen thousands of dead sturgeon, catfish, carp, and other species in the Lower Platte River, including the endangered pallid sturgeon.
Nebraska fishery officials said they've seen thousands of dead sturgeon, catfish, carp, and other species in the Lower Platte River, including the endangered pallid sturgeon.
And biologists in Illinois said the hot weather has killed tens of thousands of large- and small mouth bass and channel catfish and is threatening the population of the greater red horse fish, a state-endangered species.
So many fish died in one Illinois lake that the carcasses clogged an intake screen near a power plant, lowering water levels to the point that the station had to shut down one of its generators.
"It's something I've never seen in my career, and I've been here for more than 17 years," said Mark Flammang, a fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "I think what we're mainly dealing with here are the extremely low flows and this unparalleled heat."
The fish are victims of one of the driest and warmest summers in history.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly two-thirds of the lower 48 states are experiencing some form of drought, and the Department of Agriculture has declared more than half of the nation's counties - nearly 1,600 in 32 states - as natural disaster areas.
More than 3,000+ heat records were broken over July 2012.
Iowa DNR officials said the sturgeon found dead in the Des Moines River were worth nearly $10 million, a high value based in part on their highly sought eggs, which are used for caviar.
The fish are valued at more than $110 a pound.
Gavin Gibbons, a spokesman for the National Fisheries Institute, said the sturgeon kills don't appear to have reduced the supply enough to hurt regional caviar suppliers.
Flammang said weekend rain improved some of Iowa's rivers and lakes, but temperatures were rising again and straining a sturgeon population that develops health problems when water temperatures climb into the 80s.
"Those fish have been in these rivers for thousands of thousands of years, and they're accustomed to all sorts of weather conditions," he said. "But sometimes, you have conditions occur that are outside their realm of tolerance."
In Illinois, heat and lack of rain has dried up a large swath of Aux Sable Creek, the state's largest habitat for the endangered greater red horse, a large bottom-feeding fish, said Dan Stephenson, a biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
"We're talking hundreds of thousands (killed), maybe millions by now," Stephenson said. "If you're only talking about game fish, it's probably in the thousands. But for all fish, it's probably in the millions if you look statewide."
Stephenson said fish kills happen most summers in small private ponds and streams, but the hot weather this year has made the situation much worse.
"This year has been really, really bad - disproportionately bad - compared to our other years," he said.
Stephenson said a large number of dead fish were sucked into an intake screen near Powerton Lake in central Illinois, lowering water levels and forcing a temporary shutdown at a nearby power plant.
A spokesman for Edison International, which runs the coal-fired plant, said workers shut down one of its two generators for several hours two weeks ago because of extreme heat and low water levels at the lake, which is used for cooling.
In Nebraska, a stretch of the Platte River from Kearney in the central part of the state to Columbus in the east has gone dry and killed a "significant number" of sturgeon, catfish and minnows, said fisheries program manager Daryl Bauer.
Bauer said the warm, shallow water has also killed an unknown number of endangered pallid sturgeon.
"These last two years are the hottest we've ever seen," Nygren said. "That really can play a role in changing populations, shifting it in favor of some species over others. The walleye won't benefit from these high-water temperatures, but other species that are more tolerant may take advantage of their declining population."
Geno Adams, a fisheries program administrator in South Dakota, said there have been reports of isolated fish kills in its man made lakes on the Missouri River and others in the eastern part of the state. But it's unclear how much of a role the heat played in the deaths.
"When we're in a drought, there's a struggle for water and it's going in all different directions," Adams said. "Keeping it in the reservoir for recreational fisheries is not at the top of the priority list."
Wikipedia defines famine as, "a widespread scarcity of food, caused by several factors including crop failure, overpopulation, or government policies.
"This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic and increased mortality. Nearly every continent in the world has experienced a period of famine throughout history. Many countries continue to have extreme cases of famine."
"This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic and increased mortality. Nearly every continent in the world has experienced a period of famine throughout history. Many countries continue to have extreme cases of famine."
The Mayan mundane astrologers warned us, long ago, via their Astronomical Long Count Calendar, that by the time the year 2012 arrived, with the historic Venus Transit, that recently took place in June 2012, that a great drought - of Corn - would come as a direct result of the global decline in society.
We see the stresses from the world societal decline taking place all around us.
In the Mayans' view, this was a famine the likes of which the Mayans would assume to be a kind of 'end of the world;' since Corn was a gift of sustenance from the gods.
When it was taken away, humanity was, in effect, being cursed into years of famine, despair and decline.
If you go back and scan the news events that has struck all over Asia, the North Pacific, the American West and southwestern American states where the annular solar eclipse was seen, then you will notice a diverse host of unfavorable events that have happened since May 20th. That is mundane astrology, and it is also astrometeorology.
The heatwaves, wildfires and rapidly spreading drought features powerfully.
In my March 2012 Special Edition of Global Astrology I forecasted the heat waves and the extreme drought climate I saw coming in my Astromet 2012 Climate Forecast and prayed that after my Fukushima, Japan forecast that no more of my earthquake forecasts would come true.
I do that a lot.
I often pray that the unfavorable and bad things I sometimes see and forecast by means of the planets NEVER comes true. Sometimes my prayers are answered and I feel really good although my forecast didn't take place.
It's like watching a baby walk with a big lit match across a giant pool of fresh gasoline and the baby accidentally drops the brightly burning match into the pool of gasoline - and nothing happens. Not a thing.
We all know how the laws of physics operate in that situation. What I do is make the sign of the Cross, I look up to the sky and thank the Immortal God because I know divine intervention when I see it. Momma didn't raise no fool.
That's how it looks when you read astrological charts of unfavorable mathematical aspects between planets to the Earth. It's like that and you pray. You just learn as many good prayers as you can. Sometimes the prayers are answered and sometimes they're not. That's the hard part, but I still pray nonetheless. It can't hurt, it could maybe help, I ask, right?
Anyhow, it's a really... well, kind of very different life to be a forecasting astrologer and one who attempts to forecast the climate and weather, both physical and mundane.
When I was a 12-year old boy all I wanted to do was five (5) things and five (5) things only: play baseball, stargaze with my telescopes; get paid to deliver all the neighborhood newspapers on my route in decent weather; keep my sisters out of my precious room and make sure my mom and all my friends' moms made great food all the time so I could eat it.
That's it.
What happened?
What a world.
Anyway, those reading this should prepare for higher food prices certainly by late autumn, and especially through Winter 2013, all next year and into 2014, when the third phase of the 'cardinal crisis' years gets going by early spring.
This October, Saturn's ingress in the fixed financial Sign of Scorpio along with the transit of the Lunar Nodes on the Scorpio/Taurus axis by early September signals rising food prices and volatile market conditions focused on commodities.
We can expect the prices to stabilize before the general election in November, but the fact is that Mother Nature just ain't a politician.
She doesn't join any political party and has no ideology. The way I see it, her vote is really the only Vote that really matters in the final analysis.
Mother Nature chooses when and where and just how much she's going kick major butt - and according to the signs she's been giving me over the years in my own brand of stargazing, it was going to be much MAJOR butt she was about to kick.
She's doing it too. Been feeling the 'weather' and 'climate' recently all around you?
And Mother Nature is just getting started once - again. I forecast best that I know how, the best that I can, and then I duck when I see world transits like these. I respect the laws of physics - and so should you.
It is my estimation that the Mayan astrologers, in their astronomical warnings, based on the transits of Venus, the Sun, Moon and the Lunar Nodes, knew that a major drought was to strike in 2012 - a kind of 'curse' on humanity - for its bad ways and lack of respect for one another and nature.
The astronomical configurations are undeniable if one looks at the astronomical events that have taken place in 2012.
The economic, social, geopolitical, climate, drought and food crisis now shaping up will serious impact and affect the geopolitics of our entire planet.
The drought I forecasted by advanced astrometeorological means for the United States threatens a recurrence of the 2008 global food crisis, when soaring food prices set off widespread riots and unrest through parts of Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. This is what food experts worry about the most and for very good reason.
What few people remember is that in ancient times, since the dawn of humanity, that Astrology, that is forecasting by means of the stars, constellations and planets, was applied and used mainly to predict the weather for food production, what we now call agriculture.
Populations also had to trade resources between their respective countries with the need to travel over vast distances.
Trading, for much of world history, took place over land and over the seas. So, populations required weather forecasters. Populations planted seeds and grew food. The climate and weather determined how much food could be grown and then harvested. That is how people survived. They had to eat.
And they also had to trade. Ancient peoples did not have the 'Weather Channel,' radio, television, or the Internet to inform them what the future climate and weather would be. Only forecasting astrologers could perform that great need - and that is what they did.
It was Astrologers - the sky gazers - who founded and refined meteorology - that is weather and climate forecasting.
Anyway, as of summer 2012 corn prices reached an all-time high as the drought I forecasted beforehand by the astronomical means of astrometeorology has expanded across America. We can see corn's recent trading at above $8.24 a bushel on the Chicago exchange. Soybeans were also trading at record levels.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that there will be less corn coming onto global markets into 2013 because of a sharp drop in American food exports.
People tend to forget that our wonderful United States happens to be the world's largest producer of corn.
America, you see, still feeds the world.
The U.S. dominates the market. Corn is directly related to many food items.
For instance, corn is used as feed for dairy cows, for hogs and beef cattle.
Corn is also a major component in processed foods. Field corn, also known as feed corn - which is different from the sweet corn many of us eat - is in about 74 percent of the foods that consumers buy in supermarkets.
It means the effects of this spreading drought will extend far beyond the American states now baking under sometimes triple-digit temperatures. Higher food prices are coming in 2013-2014.
"What happens to the U.S. supply has an immense impact around the world. If the price of corn rises high enough, it also pulls up the price of wheat," according to Robert Thompson, a food security expert at the Chicago Council of Global Affairs.
"I think we are in for a very serious situation worldwide," he said.
I agree. It is what I have been warning about with my climate forecasts.
Some analysts are predicting a repetition of the 2008 geopolitical protests that swept across Africa and the Middle East, including nations like Egypt - because of high food prices.
In 2008, the food shock was due to the rising prices of rice and wheat. This time, it's corn and soybean and there are no signs of a shortfall in rice or wheat production as yet.
Future Food Riots Forecast?
The full effects of the American drought will likely take several months to emerge as Saturn enters Scorpio on October 5, 2012. Its severity will be determined by a number of additional risk factors.
But, world grain stocks have reached a new low, with the U.S. and other countries getting down to their reserve stocks.
"There are no reserves of these foods in the U.S. anymore," according to Sophia Murphy, a fellow at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
That means there is also little room for flexibility for nations forced to import grains to feed their populations.
And that, my friends, means double the trouble.
Thompson also warned countries could make matters worse by stockpiling grains, thus placing additional pressure on prices.
You see, that was the pattern during the 2008 food crisis when Russia, Ukraine, India and Argentina all cut off grain exports. I expect the same to occur again, this time under worsening climate conditions.
It is still unclear whether the United States' demand for ethanol would further limit the amount of corn on world markets since about 40% of America's corn is used for ethanol – but this also helps to drive up the price of corn.
But some reports say that American ethanol plants were already shutdown across the Midwest, because high corn prices made production of ethanol uneconomic and nearly impossible as the drought spreads wider across corn country.
"What's difficult is that we see a drought happen today but people really are going to be feeling that six months from now, possibly a year from now," said Marie Brill, a policy analyst at Action Aid.
She said it was already clear the reduced supply and high prices of corn and soybean were set to cause serious hardships; especially among poor people in poor countries which depend on imported grain.
Countries that are net importers of corn expected to be hit hardest include South Korea, Japan, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador and Columbia. Much of East Africa will also be badly affected, she said.
Geopolitical tensions from lack of food and opportunities in Africa.
Even African countries that produce their own corn will suffer because they are locked into higher global prices.
West Africa, for instance, is already in a food crisis. "If supply is as awful as the U.S. government is predicting then we're going to see another round of high prices and another increase in hunger," she said.
Remember that Uranus' transit in Aries signals drier-than-normal climate that can be sudden with far-reaching effects worldwide - famine again.
For instance, Bloomberg News reported that Italy also now suffers from drought -
"Italy may have lost a third of its corn crop, the European Union’s third-biggest, and half of its soybean harvest because of drought and record heat, farm- industry organization Confagricoltura wrote.
Crop losses in the the region of Polesine in the Po River delta may be 150 million euros ($185 million), including 75 million euros of losses for corn alone, the Rome-based group wrote.
Italy was the EU’s third-biggest corn grower last year with production of 9.8 million metric tons, behind France and Romania, according to the International Grains Council. The country was the bloc’s third-largest importer of the grain last year, behind Spain and the Netherlands.
'Water shortages and record warmth are causing heat exhaustion for agriculture, with organic deterioration of corn plants, sunflowers, soybeans, beets, tomatoes, grapes, and the harvest destroyed,' Confagricoltura wrote.
The Po River, used to irrigate rice and corn crops, is 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) below its normal level at the city of Cremona in northern Italy, farm union Coldiretti wrote in a separate statement today. The water is sufficient to ensure only two weeks of irrigation, it said.
Crop damages are in excess of 500 million euros, according to the union. Cows are producing 10 percent to 20 percent less milk, even as farmers install fans and showers to cool the animals, according to Coldiretti.
Heat, extreme levels of spreading drought scorching crops are threatening world food supplies in 2012.
Reports out of Rome say that as much as 500 million euros worth of agricultural production in Italy is threatened by 2012's scorching heat, while floods in other parts of the world are damaging crops, a major agriculture organization warned.
The upshot is that food shortages worldwide could dramatically threaten availability in some of the poorest countries, warns Italian farmers' association Coldiretti.
And food prices will be driven up everywhere, it adds.
In the United States, which is facing its worst drought in more than 50 years, agricultural losses are estimated to hit 12 billion euros, and the harvest of cereals has fallen in Russia and Ukraine because of floods.
Prices on the Chicago commodity exchange are showing a 50% jump in the price of corn and wheat; and a 30% rise for soybeans, due to the shortages caused by hot weather.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has also forecast that this year, production of cereal grains will fall by 23 million tonnes, and corn production will be 25 million tonnes below previous averages.
This shows that the importance of domestic food production can't be underestimated, says Coldiretti.
The global scenario confirms "that Italy will defend its agricultural heritage and its availability of fertile land," Coldiretti adds. Already about half of the country's food is imported, including soybeans (80%), wheat (50%) and maize (20%).
In Italy, farm animals like pigs are eating as much as 40 percent less than their usual ration of 3.5 kilograms of feed, resulting in a “substantial” decrease of growth, while laying hens are producing fewer eggs, Coldiretti said. Bees are unable to get pollen and nectar, putting honey production at risk, it said.
Most of the grain harvest in the Veneto region has been “compromised,” particularly in the provinces of Rovigo, Padua and Venice, according to Confagricoltura. Fruit, vegetables and vines have also been affected, the group wrote.
“The damages in the countryside caused by the African heat and drought are very serious,” Confagricoltura said. “We’ve requested that dams be opened urgently to guarantee sufficient water for emergency irrigation.”
Confagricoltura did not provide specific figures for crop losses."
So, under the configurations of the outer planets relative to the Earth we can see that food is about to become a more precious resource and will become more expensive in the months and years ahead.
A bad social and geopolitical mix is shaping up.
We can see this in our next feature. I've written about the Chinese economy before on Global Astrology, in 2010 and again in 2011 when few economists dared to question the massive growth engine of the world's second-largest nation.
But I did.
The Cardinal Crisis
China Confronts Mounting Piles of Unsold Goods?
Bags of unsold toys sit in a wholesale market in Guangzhou, China.
Image: Forbes Conrad/NYT
By Keith Bradsher
But I did.
The Cardinal Crisis
China Confronts Mounting Piles of Unsold Goods?
Image: Forbes Conrad/NYT
By Keith Bradsher
The New York Times
August 23, 2012 - GUANGZHOU, China - After three decades of torrid growth, China is encountering an unfamiliar problem with its newly struggling economy: a huge buildup of unsold goods that is cluttering shop floors, clogging car dealerships and filling factory warehouses.
The glut of everything from steel and household appliances to cars and apartments is hampering China’s efforts to emerge from a sharp economic slowdown.
August 23, 2012 - GUANGZHOU, China - After three decades of torrid growth, China is encountering an unfamiliar problem with its newly struggling economy: a huge buildup of unsold goods that is cluttering shop floors, clogging car dealerships and filling factory warehouses.
The glut of everything from steel and household appliances to cars and apartments is hampering China’s efforts to emerge from a sharp economic slowdown.
It has also produced a series of price wars and has led manufacturers to redouble efforts to export what they cannot sell at home.
The severity of China’s inventory overhang has been carefully masked by the blocking or adjusting of economic data by the Chinese government - all part of an effort to prop up confidence in the economy among business managers and investors.
But the main non-government survey of manufacturers in China showed on Thursday that inventories of finished goods rose much faster in August than in any month since the survey began in April 2004.
The severity of China’s inventory overhang has been carefully masked by the blocking or adjusting of economic data by the Chinese government - all part of an effort to prop up confidence in the economy among business managers and investors.
But the main non-government survey of manufacturers in China showed on Thursday that inventories of finished goods rose much faster in August than in any month since the survey began in April 2004.
The previous record for rising inventories, according to the HSBC/Markit survey, had been set in June. May and July also showed increases.
“Across the manufacturing industries we look at, people were expecting more sales over the summer, and it just didn’t happen,” said Anne Stevenson-Yang, the research director for J Capital Research, an economic analysis firm in Hong Kong.
“Across the manufacturing industries we look at, people were expecting more sales over the summer, and it just didn’t happen,” said Anne Stevenson-Yang, the research director for J Capital Research, an economic analysis firm in Hong Kong.
With inventories extremely high and factories now cutting production, she added, “Things are kind of crawling to a halt.”
Problems in China give some economists nightmares in which, in the worst case, the United States and much of the world slip back into recession as the Chinese economy sputters, the European currency zone collapses and political gridlock paralyzes the United States.
China is the world’s second-largest economy and has been the largest engine of economic growth since the global financial crisis began in 2008.
Problems in China give some economists nightmares in which, in the worst case, the United States and much of the world slip back into recession as the Chinese economy sputters, the European currency zone collapses and political gridlock paralyzes the United States.
China is the world’s second-largest economy and has been the largest engine of economic growth since the global financial crisis began in 2008.
Economic weakness means that China is likely to buy fewer goods and services from abroad when the sovereign debt crisis in Europe is already hurting demand, raising the prospect of a global glut of goods and falling prices and weak production around the world.
Corporate hiring has slowed, and jobs are becoming less plentiful. Chinese exports, a mainstay of the economy for the last three decades, have almost stopped growing.
Corporate hiring has slowed, and jobs are becoming less plentiful. Chinese exports, a mainstay of the economy for the last three decades, have almost stopped growing.
Imports have also stalled, particularly for raw materials like iron ore for steel making, as industrialists have lost confidence that they will be able to sell if they keep factories running.
Real estate prices have slid, although there have been hints that they might have bottomed out in July, and money has been leaving the country through legal and illegal channels.
Interviews with business owners and managers across a wide range of Chinese industries presented a picture of mounting stockpiles of unsold goods.
Business owners who manufacture or distribute products as varied as dehumidifiers, plastic tubing for ventilation systems, solar panels, bedsheets and steel beams for false ceilings said that sales had fallen over the last year and showed little sign of recovering.
“Sales are down 50 percent from last year, and inventory is piled high,” said To Liangjian, the owner of a wholesale company distributing picture frames and cups, as he paused while playing online poker in his deserted storefront here in southeastern China.
Wu Weiqing, the manager of a faucet and sink wholesaler, said that his sales dropped 30 percent in the last year and he has piled up extra merchandise. Yet the factory supplying him is still cranking out shiny kitchen fixtures at a fast pace.
“My supplier’s inventory is huge because he cannot cut production - he doesn’t want to miss out on sales when the demand comes back,” he said.
Part of the issue is that the Chinese government’s leaders have decided to put quality-of-life concerns ahead of maximizing economic growth when it comes to two of the country’s largest industries: housing and autos.
Premier Wen Jiabao has imposed a strict ban on purchases of second and subsequent homes, in the hope that discouraging real estate speculation will improve the affordability of homes.
Interviews with business owners and managers across a wide range of Chinese industries presented a picture of mounting stockpiles of unsold goods.
Business owners who manufacture or distribute products as varied as dehumidifiers, plastic tubing for ventilation systems, solar panels, bedsheets and steel beams for false ceilings said that sales had fallen over the last year and showed little sign of recovering.
“Sales are down 50 percent from last year, and inventory is piled high,” said To Liangjian, the owner of a wholesale company distributing picture frames and cups, as he paused while playing online poker in his deserted storefront here in southeastern China.
Wu Weiqing, the manager of a faucet and sink wholesaler, said that his sales dropped 30 percent in the last year and he has piled up extra merchandise. Yet the factory supplying him is still cranking out shiny kitchen fixtures at a fast pace.
“My supplier’s inventory is huge because he cannot cut production - he doesn’t want to miss out on sales when the demand comes back,” he said.
Part of the issue is that the Chinese government’s leaders have decided to put quality-of-life concerns ahead of maximizing economic growth when it comes to two of the country’s largest industries: housing and autos.
Premier Wen Jiabao has imposed a strict ban on purchases of second and subsequent homes, in the hope that discouraging real estate speculation will improve the affordability of homes.
The ban has resulted in a steep decline in residential real estate prices, a sharp fall in housing construction and widespread job losses among construction workers.
At the same time, the municipal government in Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, has sharply reduced this summer the number of new car registrations it allows so as to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
Municipal officials from all over China have been flocking to Guangzhou to ask for details. Xi’an, the metropolis of northwestern China, has already announced this month that it will limit car registrations, although it has not settled on the details.
The Chinese auto industry has grown tenfold in the last decade to become the world’s largest, looking like a formidable challenger to Detroit. But now, the Chinese industry is starting to look more like Detroit in its dark days in the 1980s.
Inventories of unsold cars are soaring at dealerships across the nation, and the Chinese industry’s problems show every sign of growing worse, not better.
So many auto factories have opened in China in the last two years that the industry is operating at only about 65 percent of capacity - far below the 80 percent usually needed for profitability.
Yet so many new factories are being built that, according to the Chinese government’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s auto manufacturing capacity is on track to increase again in the next three years by an amount equal to all the auto factories in Japan, or nearly all the auto factories in the United States.
“I worry that we’re going down the same road the U.S. went down, and it takes quite some time to fix that,” said Geoff Broderick, the general manager of Asian operations at J. D. Power & Associates, the global consulting firm.
Automakers in China have reported that the number of cars they sold at wholesale to dealers rose by nearly 600,000 units, or 9 percent, in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
China's automakers have had their toughest first half of 2012 since the global financial crisis and the rest of the year looks set to be even tougher as the world's largest car market sputters in a stagnate global economy.
Yet dealerships’ inventories of new cars rose 900,000 units, to 2.2 million, from the end of December to the end of June. While part of the increase is seasonal, auto analysts say that the data shows that retail sales are flat at best and most likely declining - a sharp reversal for an industry accustomed to double-digit annual growth.
“Inventory levels for us now are very, very high,” said Huang Yi, the chairman of Zhongsheng Group, China’s fifth-largest dealership chain. “If I hadn’t done special offers in the first half of this year, my inventory would be even higher.”
Manufacturers have largely refused to cut production, and are putting heavy pressure on dealers to accept delivery of cars under their franchise agreements even though many dealers are struggling to find places to park them or ways to finance their swelling inventories.
Yet so many new factories are being built that, according to the Chinese government’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s auto manufacturing capacity is on track to increase again in the next three years by an amount equal to all the auto factories in Japan, or nearly all the auto factories in the United States.
“I worry that we’re going down the same road the U.S. went down, and it takes quite some time to fix that,” said Geoff Broderick, the general manager of Asian operations at J. D. Power & Associates, the global consulting firm.
Automakers in China have reported that the number of cars they sold at wholesale to dealers rose by nearly 600,000 units, or 9 percent, in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
Yet dealerships’ inventories of new cars rose 900,000 units, to 2.2 million, from the end of December to the end of June. While part of the increase is seasonal, auto analysts say that the data shows that retail sales are flat at best and most likely declining - a sharp reversal for an industry accustomed to double-digit annual growth.
“Inventory levels for us now are very, very high,” said Huang Yi, the chairman of Zhongsheng Group, China’s fifth-largest dealership chain. “If I hadn’t done special offers in the first half of this year, my inventory would be even higher.”
Manufacturers have largely refused to cut production, and are putting heavy pressure on dealers to accept delivery of cars under their franchise agreements even though many dealers are struggling to find places to park them or ways to finance their swelling inventories.
This prompted the government-controlled China Automobile Dealers Association to issue a rare appeal to automakers earlier this month.
“We call on manufacturers to be highly concerned about dealer inventories, and to take timely and effective measures to actively digest inventory, especially taking into account the financial strain on distributors, as manufacturers have to provide the necessary financing support to help dealers ride out the storm,” the association said.
Officially, though, most of the inventory problems are a non issue for the government.
The Public Security Bureau, for example, has halted the release of data about slumping car registrations. Data on the steel sector has been repeatedly revised this year after a new method showed a steeper downturn than the government had acknowledged.
“We call on manufacturers to be highly concerned about dealer inventories, and to take timely and effective measures to actively digest inventory, especially taking into account the financial strain on distributors, as manufacturers have to provide the necessary financing support to help dealers ride out the storm,” the association said.
Officially, though, most of the inventory problems are a non issue for the government.
The Public Security Bureau, for example, has halted the release of data about slumping car registrations. Data on the steel sector has been repeatedly revised this year after a new method showed a steeper downturn than the government had acknowledged.
And while rows of empty apartment buildings line highways outside major cities all over China, the government has not released information about the number of empty apartments since 2008.
Yet businesspeople in a wide range of industries have little doubt that the Chinese economy is in trouble.
“Inventory used to flow in and out,” said Mr. Wu, the faucet and sink sales manager. “Now, it just sits there - and there’s more of it.”
~
Yet businesspeople in a wide range of industries have little doubt that the Chinese economy is in trouble.
“Inventory used to flow in and out,” said Mr. Wu, the faucet and sink sales manager. “Now, it just sits there - and there’s more of it.”
~
Jupiter is now in tropical Gemini, where it will transit until late June 2013.
In detriment in Gemini (does not function well) Jupiter also makes a mundane synotic return of 83 years to its 1929 position at retrograde on the 16th degree of tropical Gemini.
In detriment in Gemini (does not function well) Jupiter also makes a mundane synotic return of 83 years to its 1929 position at retrograde on the 16th degree of tropical Gemini.
This is where Jupiter stationed retrograde in October 1929 and where Jupiter will be in October 2012. This 83-year return of Jupiter to this position signals that a major economic downturn is ahead that will worsen an already anemic world economy and the drought and resultant famine that's forecasted threatens the next several years.
“The big news is that the world is desperately going to need next year's crop,” said Donald Coxe, Chicago-based chairman of Coxe Advisors LLC, an investment advisory firm specializing in commodity stocks.
A bumper crop next year would quickly alleviate any drought concerns, Mr. Coxe said. Crop insurance coupled with a low carry-over of crops into next year helped boost the stocks of companies that make it possible for farmers to increase production, he said.
We know that a prolonged drought in Iowa and the Midwest would obviously have a global impact on food prices, which could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. and world economies so the longer a drought persists; the larger the potential economic impact to Iowa, the Midwest and the U.S.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said there have been 18,953 record high temperatures recorded as of July 20, 2012.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported as of the week ended July 15 that 38% of the nation's corn crop was in poor to very poor condition, compared to 30% a week earlier, and 30% of soybeans were in poor to very poor condition, from 27% the prior week.
The drought all but ensures there will be little carry-over of crops into 2013. That means companies such as fertilizer producers are going to see a big boost for next year's crop.
CF Industries Holding Inc., a global fertilizer manufacturer and distributor, has seen its stock rise to $202.77 at the end of trading July 20, up 22.9% from $165 just a month prior.
Monsanto Co.'s stock increased 12.2%, to $87.52 at the end of trading July 20 from $78 in mid-June.
Potash Corp., another global fertilizer company, has seen its stock rise 19.6%, to $45.43 from $38 last month.
Agrium Inc., a Canadian-based fertilizer company, saw its stock rise 29% to $95.45 at the end of trading July 20 from $74 on June 4.
This means that markets are looking to where farmers are going to be preparing for next year's crop.
The combination of countries like China, Indonesia and India moving toward more high-protein diets with the loss of farmland acreage and increased demand for ethanol has been a boon for agriculture stocks.
For the year-to-date period, the S&P Goldman Sachs Agriculture Commodity Index is up 28.26% as of July 20, driven by a run-up in corn and soybean prices, while the total return commodities index is up 1.17% for the same period.
It is still too early to tell what effect the drought will have on state revenues, which could directly affect future pension contributions at a time where states are increasingly strapped for cash. Much of the losses farmers could suffer in 2012 could mean they pay less in taxes.
Any significant impacts of the drought will likely not be seen until autumn 2012 when farmers assess their revenue losses from reduced yields net of any crop insurance payments
Matthew Stroud who works at a New York-based investment firm said a poor harvest could compound state budget issues for states that rely on agriculture-related revenue.
“The last thing they need is something else to throw into (budget problems),” he said. “Certainly a bad crop, even in a state like Florida, is the last thing they need.”
Mars enters Scorpio, the Sign it rules, on August 23 and will transit there through early October. Mars will conjoin the Dragon's Head (North Lunar Node) during the first week of October 2012. This is another sign of the significance of October this year for the markets and society in general.
In September 2012, transiting Pluto in tropical Capricorn will station direct (Sept. 18) and the very next day will square Uranus in Aries (Sept. 19.)
This is the second of seven (7) world squares by Uranus-Pluto which features hue-and-cries among populations, pitched battles and revolutionary sentiments growing by leaps and bounds through to 2015.
Spain on verge of Great Economic Depression?
For instance, in Spain, the unemployment rate for people under the age of 52 is an amazing 53-percent!
The social pressures in Spain will feature the country coming to the verge of intergenerational civil war as revelations of incredible corruption in government and the banking system spreads throughout Europe and the world.
The social pressures in Spain will feature the country coming to the verge of intergenerational civil war as revelations of incredible corruption in government and the banking system spreads throughout Europe and the world.
Many European young people are leaving the European Union in search of jobs as the baby boomer establishment continues to drain the very life and resources out of the economies of nations.
Spain's economy is in deep trouble and any effort to control its deficit reduction are bad. Very bad. Spain's central government already has obligations amounting to 87.967 billion.
While its resources only amount to 44.879 billion (-4.1%), and this means that during the first six months of 2012 Spain has spent almost double what it has collected in revenues.
Spain's debt service has become the second biggest problem in the budget after unemployment benefits.
In fact, Spain's interest payments of 12.239 billion Euros is already 23-percent more than the Spanish government pays its public employees, about 9.953 billion euros.
In fact, Spain's interest payments of 12.239 billion Euros is already 23-percent more than the Spanish government pays its public employees, about 9.953 billion euros.
The nation's rocketing unemployment rate has forced the country to make additional contributions of 4,404 billion euros to Spain's Public Employment Service; while their version of social security has received an additional 2.575 billion euros.
The deep underlying problem is government revenue which is strongly inclined by the deterioration of economic activity while Spain's VAT receipts continue to fall at a rate of 8.6-percent.
Economists say they expect the loss of more than 300,000 Spanish jobs in 2013 - this represents 2-percent of the Spanish workforce. That is ten times more than previously estimated.
The reality is that Spain is already in a Great Depression. More nations are at the depression door too.
The very high unemployment rate has led to the increasing loss and waste of young workers bodes dire consequences for nations that are losing the very life-blood of their economies.
The very high unemployment rate has led to the increasing loss and waste of young workers bodes dire consequences for nations that are losing the very life-blood of their economies.
As Saturn positions to enter Scorpio as it transits the Via Combusta, I'm afraid to forecast that dark years are just around the corner.
Preparation
The transits of August, September and October indicate the world is now on the verge of the economic crisis I had forecasted and published back in 2006.
It continues to be my view that the baby boomer establishment has ruined the U.S. economy and those of other nations and it is now past the time for the boomer establishment to go.
The longer they stay, the more damage is bound to be done and we are entering Great Depression numbers as each day passes.
It continues to be my view that the baby boomer establishment has ruined the U.S. economy and those of other nations and it is now past the time for the boomer establishment to go.
The longer they stay, the more damage is bound to be done and we are entering Great Depression numbers as each day passes.
I had forecasted this years ago and continued to forecast on Global Astrology that corruption, greed and stupidity by the boomer establishment and at the highest levels of the government and financial system in the U.S. will have led to ever more municipalities facing bankruptcy.
Now, it has begun, as we see a wave of municipal bankruptcy filings underway in American cities.
Now, it has begun, as we see a wave of municipal bankruptcy filings underway in American cities.
San Bernardino, California, after disclosing a $46 million shortfall in the city’s budget, filed for municipal bankruptcy.
"San Bernardino listed assets and debt of more than $1 billion in a filing on August 1, 2012 with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Riverside, California.
It’s the third California city to seek court protection from creditors since June 28, 2012
It’s the third California city to seek court protection from creditors since June 28, 2012
Officials in San Bernardino, Calif., facing an expected $45.8 million budget deficit this year, have formally filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, a move that city leaders approved in July.
Interim City Manager Andrea Travis-Miller said that there would be "no immediate service reductions or changes in service to the community as a result of the filing."
City officials are working on a plan for the city's operational budget during bankruptcy. Once the plan is complete, reductions may occur, said Travis-Miller, who is aiming to submit a plan for the City Council's consideration within the next three weeks.
The city of 210,000 people, located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, declared a fiscal emergency on July 18. It is the third California city to declare insolvency this year, joining Stockton and Mammoth Lakes.
After the July 2012 announcement, San Bernardino's finances experienced increased stress when a dozen employees put in for retirement with hopes of cashing out accrued vacation and sick time. The announcement also has spurred vendors to demand cash instead of credit as payment.
Officials say the housing crisis has completely devastated property and sales tax revenues, and the loss of state redevelopment funds took a toll on the city's budget.
City officials sped up the timing of the filing because they were concerned that some creditors may take legal action against the city, according to the mayor, Patrick J. Morris.
San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris after the announcement that his city is broke.
Under Chapter 9, all court cases and other legal actions against the city will be halted until the bankruptcy case is over.
One of the main problems is the high cost of the city’s union contracts, particularly for police and fire service, City Councilman Fred Shorett said in a phone interview.
Under the city charter, which is like a constitution for municipal governments, city officials must use a specific formula for determining wages and other benefits paid to its police and fire employees, Shorett said.
That formula requires the city to set compensation by comparing employee pay in San Bernardino, which has one of the highest home foreclosure rates in California, with cities in the state that are about the same size and have much more money to spend, Shorett said.
“We are set up for failure,” he said.
The city has about $55.9 million in bond debt tied to the general fund. The city also has unfunded liabilities of $296 million, including $195 million related to pensions and $61 million related to medical benefits for retired city workers."
Our Times, climate-wise, economically, socially and geopolitical, in my astrological perspective, are about to go from bad to worse.
I, along with a few others around the world , have been warning about all this for years.
Many people simply have become so propagandized and allowed their children to be brain-washed into thinking that the baby boomer culture somehow trumps the wise lessons of history. They do not.
Many people simply have become so propagandized and allowed their children to be brain-washed into thinking that the baby boomer culture somehow trumps the wise lessons of history. They do not.
The baby boomer generation did not invent common sense and prudence, and this generation surely has not been playing with a full deck over the two decades of their now ending establishment.
Cultural and gender wars along with vapid ideology does not put bread on the table, nor feed the minds of our children on the wonders and laws of the universe.
Cultural and gender wars along with vapid ideology does not put bread on the table, nor feed the minds of our children on the wonders and laws of the universe.
My mundane calculations clearly showed that unless major reforms were enacted (they were not) that we would enter a new kind of Great Depression by the autumn of 2012.
That time is now just around the corner.
I continue to liken the summer of 2012 to the summer of 1929 as the similarities of striking.
A major planet involved here is Jupiter, a business planet, in detriment in Gemini, and about to retrograde at the 16th degree of Gemini just as it did back in October 1929. Jupiter will station retrograde at 16-Gemini on October 4, 2012.
I continue to liken the summer of 2012 to the summer of 1929 as the similarities of striking.
A major planet involved here is Jupiter, a business planet, in detriment in Gemini, and about to retrograde at the 16th degree of Gemini just as it did back in October 1929. Jupiter will station retrograde at 16-Gemini on October 4, 2012.
Saturn, another 'business planet' connected to agriculture will enter Scorpio the next day (Oct. 5) joined by transiting Mercury entering Scorpio the same day.
And with the North Lunar Node in Scorpio, after the conjunction with Mars in Scorpio the first week of October what we have here are economic signals that all is not well in the world economy.
The first of several world water trines between Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces will begin October 11, 2012 that will be of some help to those who are aware of the deep drop in economic/financial health worldwide.
A major Grand Water Trine between Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune that takes place in 2013 can assist those who are able to discern the proper, ethical and spiritual things to do - especially in helping to protect other people, their families, young people, children, the land and animals to buffer the impact of the economic, social and geopolitical climate.
It is wise to associate with people of like minds who are able to assist with food, money and social assistance as governments, city, county and state agencies go broke as a result of major financial corruption over decades.
Know this - the powers that be - along with the outgoing baby boomer establishment, have been stealing trillions of dollars and resources and taking the future away from the young in order to feed their own fat behinds via corruption, greed and outrageous crimes that eclipse anything ever seen in world history.
My mundane forecasts on the U.S. economy continues to be validated, for instance -
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board on August 1, 2012 issued a gloomy report on the U.S. economy, but announced no new measures to address slowing growth and high unemployment.
Following a two-day meeting, the Fed’s policy-making Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) issued a statement acknowledging that “economic activity decelerated somewhat over the first half of this year.”
This is a change from the statement issued by the FOMC following its last meeting in June, in which it characterized the US economy as “expanding moderately.”
The statement went on to note that employment growth “has been slow,” the pace of household spending has decreased from earlier in the year, and the housing sector “remains depressed.”
Looking forward, the Fed provided a bleak prognosis - “The Committee expects economic growth to remain moderate over coming quarters and then to pick up very gradually,” the FOMC declared. This means, in plain language, that the U.S. economy will continue to stagnate for months, if not years, to come.
“Consequently,” the statement continued, “the Committee anticipates that the unemployment rate will decline only slowly…” - an acknowledgment that nothing will be done to significantly lower near-Depression levels of joblessness or record-high levels of long-term unemployment.
The statement went on to warn that even this dismal scenario might be overly optimistic in the face of financial turmoil in Europe and elsewhere around the world.
“Furthermore,” it declared, “strains in global financial markets continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook.”
On Friday, July 27, 2012, the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 1.5 percent in the second quarter of this year - a sharp decline from the already low 2.0 percent increase in the first three months of 2012.
Other recent data confirms that the U.S. economy is slowing markedly. On August 1, 2012, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) confounded economists’ expectations by reporting that manufacturing in the U.S. had contracted in July, marking two consecutive months of falling output.
The ISM’s factory index was 49.8 for July 2012, close to the three-year low of 49.7 reached in June. In late July, the Commerce Department reported a slowdown in the growth in U.S. household consumption to 1.5 percent in the second quarter from 2.4 percent in the first quarter.
Other reports showed that retail sales had dropped for three straight months through June. Over the three months from April through June, the U.S. economy has generated an average of only 75,000 jobs a month, less than half the number of new jobs needed just to keep pace with population growth.
The American slowdown is bound up with a world-wide deceleration.
Most of Europe is in deep recession and the so-called “emerging” economies of Asia and Latin America are experiencing dramatic declines in economic growth.
Austerity & Social Tensions in Europe
Figures released August 2012 show a further decline in manufacturing across Europe in July, with euro zone manufacturing falling for the eleventh consecutive month.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell in Greece, Spain, Italy, France and Germany and Britain's PMI fell to a more than three-year low.
China’s official PMI fell to an eight-month low and manufacturing activity slowed sharply in South Korea, Taiwan and India.
In the face of this worsening slump, the Federal Reserve merely said it would continue the measures it had announced at its last meeting.
These include an assurance that it will hold its benchmark federal funds lending rate to between 0 percent and 0.25 percent through 2014, extend to the end of 2012 its program of exchanging short-term Treasuries in its portfolio for longer-term Treasuries, and continue reinvesting its holdings of maturing housing debt into mortgage-backed securities issued by the government-controlled mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
These measures are designed to provide a steady flow of cheap credit to the banks and hold down long-term interest rates, including mortgage rates.
They will do little to increase production or hiring, in part because there is no requirement that the banks use their cash windfalls to increase lending to consumers and businesses rather than continue seeking higher returns through various forms of speculation and financial manipulation.
The Fed did signal an increased readiness to take bolder monetary stimulus measures in the coming weeks or months if the economy continues to slow. Go figure.
It sent a signal to the financial markets to that effect by altering the wording of its statement as compared to the one issued in June.
The previous statement said the Fed “is prepared to take further action,” while their August 1, 2012 statement said the central bank “will provide additional accommodation as needed to promote a stronger economic recovery…”
This curious change in language was widely interpreted as suggesting that the Fed might announce a new round of so-called “quantitative easing” at the next meeting of the FOMC in mid-September 2012.
Quantitative easing is a so-called euphemism for effectively printing hundreds of billions dollars by expanding the Fed’s balance sheet through the purchase of new Treasuries and/or mortgage-backed securities.
A new round of money-printing would not, however, create any jobs for the unemployed or provide relief for the millions who are suffering from the deepest slump since the Great Depression.
The main aim and effect, of such measures is simply to drive up stock prices. This increases the wealth of the financial oligarchy. And guess what? Jupiter is nearly exactly where it was back in 1929.
So, the policies of the Federal Reserve and the Obama administration has enabled corporations and banks to register record profits in the midst of widespread mass unemployment and worsening poverty while they assemble a cash hoard of more than $2 trillion.
The Federal Reserve, by their actions and words are seeking to provide sufficient monetary stimulus to avert a major, and I mean major deflationary spiral - while they keep unemployment rates artificially elevated; disguising the true scope of the great financial, economic and social problem they keep making worse by the day, week, and month.
It, like the Obama administration, is opposed to any kind of positive government programs such as the mass hiring of workers in major public works projects that I would have long ago started if I were President of the United States.
Rather, the powers that be continue to encourage evil bankers, as the corporate globalist elite use corruption, greed, graft and all manner of intrigues using mass unemployment as a weapon - a battering ram - to destroy the wages, conditions and lives of the poor, the working and the middle classes.
Prepare yourselves for some difficult years ahead.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
U.S. Food Prices 2013-2016
Jeremy Grantham Warns of Coming 'Dystopia'
Ben Gersten writes that, "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 25 issued a report warning every American that U.S. food prices in 2013 will rise 3%-4% - but that jump is just the start of a frightening long-term trend.
The warm weather in the winter months gave farmers hope for a great crop production this year, but a crippling U.S. drought now covers around 60% of the continental United States.
The water shortage has killed crops, pushed corn prices higher, and will eventually make its way to your local store shelves.
But according to analyst Jeremy Grantham, the looming U.S. food price increase in 2013 is just the beginning, and the reasons go far beyond the current drought.
Grantham, the founder of Boston-based institutional money manager GMO LLC, in his July 2012 quarterly letter to investors wrote a report entitled, "Welcome to Dystopia! Entering a long-term and politically dangerous food crisis."
Grantham explained that rising U.S. food prices have more to do with soaring population growth than this summer's water shortage.
"We are five years into a severe global food crisis," Grantham wrote, "that is very unlikely to go away."
U.S. Food Prices Rise with Population
Grantham explained that as the world's population rises, global demand for resources will rise exponentially; it's a mathematical certainty.
"The general assumption is that we need to increase food production by 60% to 100% by 2050 to feed at least a modest sufficiency of calories to all 9 billion+ people, plus to deliver much more meat to the rapidly increasing middle classes of the developing world," wrote Grantham.
Even today, the average American is responsible for 32 metric tons worth of food, water, minerals, and energy from the environment every single year - and that's just one person.
Given the interconnectedness between food, oil, and water there is no question prices in all three will rise as the population continues to grow.
Grantham points out that you can't grow food or develop water sources without energy which is why higher food prices and rapidly rising oil are tightly linked.
"Even if we could produce enough food globally to feed everyone satisfactorily the continued steady rise in the cost of inputs will mean increasing numbers will not be able to afford the food we produce. This is a key point that is often missed," Grantham said.
Over time, Grantham said food shortages "will threaten poor countries with increased malnutrition and starvation and even collapse."
So the long summer drought which currently consumes almost 65% of the contiguous U.S. states is just a preview of what can happen as wheat and corn crop shortages escalate in severity.
Grantham warned, "Any price increase from here may cause social collapse and a wave of immigration on a scale never before experienced in peacetime. Another doubling in grain prices would be catastrophic."
Grantham's predictions have been discussed for years. That's why some of our Money Map Press experts joined a team of researchers to look into the effects of global population growth on our resources.
Turns out, Grantham is dead on.
"We've uncovered a catastrophic pattern in our nation's food system," said Chris Martenson, an economic expert and one of the team's members. "One we believe could soon hasten a world food crisis -a chain of events that could lead to massive food inflation, even riots."
The pattern Martenson identified affects the entire global economic system. It's eerily similar, he explains, to the kind of pattern you see in a pyramid scheme, one that escalates exponentially before it collapses - with little notice.
Welcome to Dystopia?
Entering a long-term & politically dangerous Food Crisis
By Jeremy Grantham
“Them belly full but we hungry ...
… A hungry man is a angry man ...
… A hungry mob is a angry mob.”
~ Bob Marley, 'Them Belly Full'
“Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever
in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.”
~ Kenneth Boulding, Economist
Summary of the Summary
We are five years into a severe global food crisis that is very unlikely to go away. It will threaten poor countries with increased malnutrition and starvation and even collapse.
Resource squabbles and waves of food-induced migration will threaten global stability and global growth.
This threat is badly underestimated by almost everybody and all institutions with the possible exception of some military establishments.
1. Last year we reported the data that showed that we are 10 years into a paradigm shift or phase change from falling resource prices into quite rapidly rising real prices.
2. It now appears that we are also about five years into a chronic global food crisis that is unlikely to fade for many decades, at least until the global population has considerably declined from its likely peak of over nine billion in 2050.
3. The general assumption is that we need to increase food production by 60% to 100% by 2050 to feed at least a modest sufficiency of calories to all 9 billion+ people plus to deliver much more meat to the rapidly increasing middle classes of the developing world.
4. It is also widely assumed that at least the lower end of this target will be achieved. I believe that this is substantially optimistic. At very best, if we reach that level we will not be able to hold it.
Much more likely; we will not come close because there are too many factors that will make growth in food output increasingly difficult where it used to be easy:
• Grain productivity has fallen decade by decade since 1970 from 3.5% to 1.5%. Quite probably, the most efficient grain producers are approaching a “glass ceiling” where further increases in productivity per acre approach zero at the grain species’ limit (just as race horses do not run materially faster now than in the 1920s). Remarkably, investment in agricultural research has steadily fallen globally, as a percent of GDP.
• Water problems will increase to a point where gains from increased irrigation will be offset by the loss of underground water and the salination of the soil.
• Persistent bad farming practices perpetuate land degradation, which will continue to undermine our longterm sustainable productive capacity.
• Incremental returns from increasing fertilizer use will steadily decline on the margin for fertilizer use has increased five-fold in the last 50 years and the easy pickings are behind us.
• There will be increased weather instability, notably floods and droughts. The last three years of global weather were so bad that to draw three such years randomly would have been a remote possibility. The climate is changing.
• The costs of fertilizer and fuel will rise rapidly.
5. Even if we could produce enough food globally to feed everyone satisfactorily, the continued steady rise in the cost of inputs will mean increasing numbers will not be able to afford the food we produce. This is a key point that is often missed.
6. On the positive side, scientists are now very optimistic that they will be able to engineer more efficient photosynthesizing “C4” genes (corn belongs to that family) into relatively inefficient but vital “C3” plants such as rice and wheat, in 20 to 30 years. If successful this would increase output up to 50% and would buy time for a less painful transition to a sustainable population.
7. Many of these increasing difficulties were reflected in the original 2008 food crisis and the 2011 rebound. The last six weeks’ price rise is more threatening because it occurred despite very much larger plantings than were available in 2008. Global demand is now so high and rising so fast and reserves are so low that price sensitivity to weather setbacks has become extreme.
8. It seems likely that several countries dependent on foreign grain imports have in fact never recovered from the 2008 shock. Countries like Egypt saw the percent of their consumer budget for food rise to 40%. At this level, social pressures may be at an extreme and probably have already contributed to the Arab Spring. Any price increases from here may cause social collapse and a wave of immigration on a scale never before
experienced in peacetime. Another doubling in grain prices would be catastrophic.
9. Strong countermeasures to prevent a food crisis would be effective in curtailing the current crisis and preventing the development of a much greater crisis, but these measures will likely not be taken. This is because the price signals for the rich countries are too weak – they can afford the higher price – and there is inertia in all parts of the system. Also, the problems of malnutrition in distant countries are not generally felt as high-order priorities in the richer countries.
10. If food pressures recur and are reinforced by fuel price increases, the risks of social collapse and global instability increase to a point where they probably become the major source of international confrontations. China is particularly concerned (even slightly desperate) about resource scarcity, especially food.
11. The general public, the media, the financial markets, and governments badly underestimate these risks. Only the military of some countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., seem to appreciate them appropriately.
12. Natural gas supply increases buy some time, mainly for the U.S., but seem more likely to create complacency and continued dependence on hydrocarbons. The energy situation is less pressing globally in the short term than is the food problem. Supplies are sufficient to cause merely a slow and erratic price increase. The main problem with oil is in its contribution to the food problem through higher farming costs and generally increasing cost pressures on poorer countries.
13. In the longer term, in contrast, energy costs and absolute shortage in the case of oil form a serious problem second only to food shortages and will result in prices so high that they will impact global growth and even the viability of modern, rather fragile, economies.
14. On paper, though, the energy problem can be relatively easily addressed through very large investments in renewables and smart grids. Those countries that do this will, in several decades, eventually emerge with large advantages in lower marginal costs and in energy security. Most countries including the U.S. will not muster the political will to overcome inertia, wishful thinking, and the enormous political power of the energy interests to embark on these expensive programs. They risk being left behind in competiveness.
15. Availability of metals is, in contrast, a minor problem in the next few decades. The prices will steadily rise but the consequences will be less. In the long run though, metals are the most intractable problem. There is no brain-intensive solution as there is for agriculture (i.e., organic farming), nor is there any capital-intensive or technology-intensive solution as there is for energy. We will just slowly run out and prices will rise.
16. The results of these problems will be felt mainly as price pressure in rich countries. The need to obtain adequate resources will squeeze national budgets, profit margins, and economic growth. For poor countries, though, it is literally a matter of survival.
17. We are badly designed to deal with this problem: regrettably we are not the efficient species of investment theory, but ill-informed, manipulated, full of inertia, and corruptible.
Only once in a blue moon – like World War II – do we perform anywhere near our theoretical capabilities and this time the enemy is amorphous and delivers its attack very, very slowly. But the stakes globally are very high indeed. We must try harder.
18. The following comments on this topic are mine personally and reflect my Foundation’s portfolio (and a total lack of career risk!)
These comments are based on a time horizon of 10 years and beyond. The portfolio investment implications are that investors should expect resource stocks – those with resources in the ground – to outperform over the next several decades as real prices of the resources rise.
Farming and forestry, though, are at the top of the list. Serious long-term investors should have a very substantial overweighting in a resource package. I suggest for long-term investors a resource position of at least 30%. Another relative beneficiary of resource pressure is the quality group of equities. Resources are a smaller fraction of final sales than average and higher profit margins make them more resilient to margin pressures.
19. Perhaps more importantly, the resource squeeze, coupled with other growth-reducing factors is likely to reduce the return from the balance of the portfolio.
In the 15 months since my letter on resource shortage, “Time to Wake Up,” I have tried to keep up on the current details and to catch up on the historical background since the ground-breaking “Limits to Growth” was published in 1972.
Disturbingly, the more research I did the worse things looked: we indeed seem to be running out of cheap
resources, and everywhere – even including China – the problem is underestimated.
The consequences are that we continue to squander those lower-cost resources that remain and suffer from the large, unnecessary increase in the associated output of waste, particularly CO2 – which has already begun to have significant effects on our weather stability and, hence, our ability to grow enough food.
The price of corn (maize), wheat, and soy in just the last five weeks rallied 30 to 50% to reach and exceed the 2008 crisis levels, this time despite enormously increased planting. Social reaction in poor countries will not be far behind.
~
Next, we continue our look into how the baby boomer establishment has corrupted the entire financial systems of many nations, including in the United States and United Kingdom.
As we all can see, the years of widespread corruption in economics, banking, finance and throughout world markets continues unabated as the baby boomer establishment winds down its horrid 20-year 'management' of the economies of nations.
As we all can see, the years of widespread corruption in economics, banking, finance and throughout world markets continues unabated as the baby boomer establishment winds down its horrid 20-year 'management' of the economies of nations.
The Cardinal Crisis
By Robert Scheer
Forget Bernie Madoff and Enron’s Ken Lay- they were mere amateurs in financial crime.
The current LIBOR interest rate scandal, involving hundreds of trillions in international derivatives trade, shows how the really big boys play. And these guys will most likely not do the time because their kind rewrites the law before committing the crime.
Modern international bankers form a class of thieves the likes of which the world has never before seen. Or, indeed, imagined.
The scandal over Libor - short for London Inter Bank Offered Rate - has resulted in a huge fine for Barclays Bank and threatens to ensnare some of the world’s top financiers.
It reveals that behind the world’s financial edifice lies a reeking cesspool of unprecedented corruption. The modern-day robber barons pillage with a destructive abandon totally unfettered by law or conscience and on a scale that is almost impossible to comprehend.
How to explain a $450 million settlement for one bank whose defense, in a plea bargain worked out with regulators in London and Washington, is that every institution in their elite financial circle was doing it?
Not just Barclays but JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and others are now being investigated on suspicion of manipulating the Libor rate, so critical to a $700 trillion derivatives market.
Caught as the proverbial deer in the headlights, Barclays Chairman Robert E. Diamond Jr. resigned and offered a plaintive defense to the British Parliament that he learned only recently that his bank was manipulating the index on which so large a part of international trade is based.
That is plausible only if we assume he was paid $10 million a year to be deliberately ignorant. The Wall Street Journal had exposed this scandal fully four years ago but his bank continued to participate in it nonetheless.
“Study Casts Doubt on Key Rate” was the headline on the May 29, 2008, investigative report, which concluded: “Major banks are contributing to the erratic behavior of a crucial global lending benchmark, a Wall Street Journal analysis shows.”
Even then, according to the report, it was known that the Libor rate was being manipulated “to act as if the banking system was doing better than it was at critical junctures in the financial crisis.”
Fast-forward four years to Diamond’s testimony before Parliament this week in which the CEO claimed his recent discovery of a pattern of interest manipulation by Barclays had made him “physically sick.”
Who was to blame?
According to the executive, subordinates acting behind his back.
The American-born banker, who has dual citizenship in the United States and Britain, is well versed in financial chicanery, having started by putting together derivatives packages at Credit Suisse First Boston back in 1996.
He was compelled under parliamentary questioning Wednesday to admit that “I can’t sit here and say no one in the industry [knew] about the problems with Libor. There was an issue out there and it should have been dealt with more broadly.”
He couldn’t deny widespread chicanery within his bank because, as in the collapse of Enron a decade ago, investigators had uncovered an e-mail record of market manipulation so glaring that if the top executives were unaware, it was because they didn’t want to know.
As the New York Times editorialized: “The evidence, cited by the Justice Department -which Barclays agreed is ‘true and accurate’ - is damning.
"Always happy to help," one employee wrote in an email after being asked to submit false information.
‘If you know how to keep a secret, I’ll bring you in on it,’ wrote a Barclays trader to a trader at another bank, referring to their strategies for mutual gain. If that’s not conspiracy and price-fixing, what is?”
The U.S. Justice Department made a deal with Barclays, and although it may prosecute some individuals in the scam, it agreed not to go after the bank itself.
“Such an agreement makes sense only if that cooperation will allow prosecutors to nail other banks that have been involved in setting the rates, including potential cases against Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and HSBC,” the Times editorial said.
Both Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase were reported by the Wall Street Journal years ago to be suspected of rigging the Libor interest rate.
The leaders of those banks, despite such media exposure, clearly remained confident enough to continue on their merry way.
The sad reality is that they will probably get away with it. The world of high finance is by design as obscure and opaque as the bankers and their political surrogates can make it, and even this most recent crack in their defense of deception will soon be made to go away.
~
A Mundane Discourse on Scorpio & Ophiuchus
According to the collection of mystical astrological works by Bassenco's "Declaration of the Stars," we find that:
"Scorpio is the most maligned sign in the entire history of Astrology. And it fares no better when its stars are viewed as the Declaration of the Righteousness of God."
Historically, those born under the sign of Scorpio are said to be treacherous, deceptive, grudge bearers, thieves, murderers, rapists, assassins, torturers, implacable, and - yes - nearsighted.
While Scorpio does not hold the vast majority of murderers, serial killers, etc. in its scope, it is amazing that astrologers who keep statistics can pull out an amazing number of notorious villains who are born with the sun in Scorpio.
And even in recent history, a lot of catastrophes have occurred when planets in our solar system conjoin stars in Scorpio.
In later essays, I may have a chance to talk about what sun signs mean in terms of a Christian view of the stars, but I will say here in the early essays that the testimony of the heavens, when it is put down into birth charts that are read astrologically, is clear that nearly every single person is a depraved sinner.
It's as true for Libra as it is for Scorpio.
One of the first things that astounded me about natal astrology (which is the astrology of reading the birth chart), is that every chart shows the complete sinfulness of the person.
If there is anything true in natal astrology, human depravity is one thing that is true.
And the sinfulness that each chart shows gets quite specific in terms of which areas will be the greatest temptations for a person.
Secular astrologers usually try to get around this huge indictment by ignoring it or by talking about reincarnation: the "south node" that points to the expression of sin in the life is described as pointing to sins in a past life.
Well, natal charts don't show a past life. They show only the current life.
And everybody's got a South node, so Scorpios are not singled out as being any more depraved than anybody else.
And Scorpio, though much maligned and tied to venom, pain, and burning fire, is linked to judgment, wisdom, and insight.
After all, fire is the element that both consumes and yet enlightens when it is tamed. Even so pain: if it doesn't kill us, it makes us wiser.
In the Biblical account of Jacob blessing his sons, in which Jacob linked each son to a sign on the ecliptic, Dan was linked with Scorpio:
Banner of The Tribe of Dan
"Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that
biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward." (49:16-17)
Jacob's words were fulfilled in Samson, who came from the tribe of Dan.
Samson was quite able to settle disputes among his own people and he could read the mindset of the Philistines quite well. In spite of his failings, he was an able to judge.
Yet the tribe of Dan was also true to the warning that his tribe would bring about downfall.
His tribe struck at the vulnerable heel of the nation by bringing idolatry into it in a remote corner and setting up its own priesthood to a false god (Judges 13.)
In I Kings 12, Jeroboam realized the efficiency of this plan of a distant, rival priesthood, and he set up a golden calf in Dan, where there had already been a history of a minor priesthood set up, and the idolatry had become more or less accepted.
In Jeremiah 8, the prophet links Dan to the nation being judged, and the reference to the serpent and the adder (the scorpion, the "unsheathed stinger") is again pointed out, as the Babylonian armies came down through Dan.
So Jacob's words again were proved out (though not in the way one would hope), by judgment of the nation coming by way of Dan:
"The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land
trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for
they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it;
the city, and those that dwell therein.
For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, [scorpions] "unsheathed
stingers"] among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they
shall bite you, saith the LORD." (8:16-17)
We see from Scripture that the Scorpion is linked with pain, stinging, falling, wisdom, and insight.
Astrologically, this would be a pretty accurate description of the sign of Scorpio.
Constellation Scorpio
Allen has pointed out that the long tail of Scorpio appears to be coming out of the dark section of the Milky Way, the section reckoned by the ancients as depicting hell and the underworld.
Remember, scorpions prefer dark holes and crevices as their hiding places, so in the heavens, it looks as though Scorpio has crawled out from the dark hole that leads down to the land of the dead and damned.
In the ancient languages Scorpio was called "The Seizer" and "The Stinger," interchangeably.
In cuneiform, the characters that represent it also mean "Double Sword," which calls to mind the Lord Jesus' warning that we must beware of those who can destroy the body and send the soul to hell, another trait of this creature that tries to pull the offering from the altar.
Remember, the Scorpion is associated with that which first seduces and then devours, a depiction of the ensnarement of the body and then the destruction of the soul.
Bullinger explains that the Hebrew word for this sign, Acrab, is used interchangeably for the word "war," and he points out that when David praises God for teaching his hands to war, David uses the word "Akrab."
This word, in fact, shows up nine times in the Old Testament as a word for warfare.
In Arab languages, the word for Scorpio means "wounding him who comes," and in Coptic languages, the word for this sign is also used for "oppression." [Bullinger].
One ancient author cited in Allen has commented that when Pharaoh at last released the Children of Israel, he did so because the death of the first born was linked in his pagan mind with the Scorpionic god that he worshiped as having been turned against him or enslaved by a more powerful God and used against him (probably Typhon, the Destroyer.)
Bible scholars have often commented that each of the ten curses on Egypt was designed to show that a particular god in their pantheon was powerless against the one true God.
In spite of its clear association with the Scorpion, this constellation is sometimes used interchangeably with the symbol of an eagle, and it is commonly accepted in astrology today that the eagle is another symbol for Scorpio.
More rarely, the goat is sometimes used for Scorpio. The only reason for this that I can find is that all three are linked together as signs that indicate mystery and matters of difficult understanding (i.e., "darkness" and "things that are dark.")
Dsubba and Jabbah and Acrab are all stars in the head of Scorpio, called "the crown of Scorpio," whose names all mean "the forbidden tree of life" or "the forbidden tree of knowledge," which indicate how this struggle all started.
It may indicate the reason that the Scorpion came crawling out of his hole, or else indicates his authority to drag people down into his hole.
We are all lawbreakers because of what our first Father and Mother did, and this is the crown that Scorpio wears, the authority he has to triumph in our death and destruction.
The brightest and best known star in Scorpio is Antares, the "heart of the Scorpion," for there it resides.
It is a red star and often confused for Mars by observers.
The Fixed Star, Antares
It has been called the "anti-Mars" and "the lieutenant of Mars." According to Bullinger, its name in Arabic means "the wounding."
In later references, it is directly named "The Heart of the Scorpion," because of its placement.
Bullinger observes that the name "Lesath" is also associated with this star. "Lesath" means "stinger," and is more popularly given for the star at the tip of Scorpio's tail.
And yet it is documented that several stars in Scorpio have at one time or another been called "Lesath," which makes me wonder if that overall descriptor of "Stinger" was not once more properly a name for the entire constellation in more languages than has been supposed.
In other languages less known, Antares has been given names that mean "Lust," "Rapine," and "Lightning."
On a more speculative note, Antares is known in Western, semi-Christian myths as the "watcher of the west," one of the signs of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, who are called to hold back the wrath of God from earth until those who believe are sealed unto God.
It is possible that in the context of the heavens as the representation of the heavenly army, Antares depicts a general, waiting for the day of wrath to be executed upon the enemies of God.
Bear in mind, that though the stars can be pulled together to show us pictures of evil, the stars are not evil.
The stars declare the righteousness of God, and the function of Antares is to point out the evil that is upon the earth and God's righteousness in bringing salvation and judgment.
Lesath and Shaula are two stars that form the sting of the Scorpion, right in the tip of the Scorpion's tail and Scorpio is often depicted as trying to sting the heel of Ophiuchus, who has placed his other heel firmly on Antares to crush out the Scorpion's life.
The presence of two stars in the sting may be the reason that Scorpio has been called "the Double-edged sword," because it was perceived that he carried two stings.
This is noteworthy because of the danger he represents both to earthly life and to eternal life.
This is noteworthy because of the danger he represents both to earthly life and to eternal life.
Other known star names in Scorpio refer to the Sting.
Ophiuchus
click to enlarge
The figure of a man, Ophiuchus (the snake bearer, or snake holder) stands above Scorpio with one foot firmly planted on Scorpio's heart - the star Antares.
While crushing Scorpio's heart, Ophiuchus is also wrestling with a serpent, the constellation Serpens.
It's impossible to consider one without the other, but both constellations are distinct from each other, and the stars in each are clearly delineated.
The emphasis of the Scorpio-related lunar mansions is not on the victory (though victory is implicit in the images), but on the struggle.
Here are depicted the labors of the Savior.
The Virgo mansions, or decans, set down the basic ideas of whowould come.
Libra set down the ideas of the necessity and nature of his death, with a heavy emphasis on redemption.
Scorpio depicts what he had to accomplish. It was not enough just to die, or else the Savior could have died at birth. But his life was the accomplishment of righteousness.
In his life, He labored as the only Man who resisted temptation to the end.
He labored to set right the doctrinal wrongs that mankind had committed. He labored to demonstrate to mankind the love of God and the power of God to forgive as well as to heal.
He delivered us from demonic agents by the power of His Word.
Scorpio is about passion and mystery, and the lunar mansions show the passionate struggle of the Savior to overcome the darkest mysteries and the most powerful foes of mankind.
It's important to note that Ophiuchus is fighting two foes at once.
First, he is crushing the heart of the crowned Scorpion, while the Scorpion tries to sting him with its double-stinger tail.
The Scorpion is not the same entity as the Serpent, for the Scorpion has been granted some authority to come forth.
He wears a crown made of the first sin of mankind. He is allowed to kill and to drag us down to death, and he waits at the scales to devour the living with death.
But Ophiuchus defeats him just the same, even though Scorpio tries to sting Ophiuchus.
Ophiuchus strikes him with a heel in the heart, the seat of passion and mystery, the star called "wounding" - Antares - where the power of the Scorpion to mortally wound us lies.
Christ suffered one sting from the Scorpion. He died a physical death. But in allowing that sting to pierce Him, He became the Death of Death.
Paul wrote, "O Death, where is Thy sting? O Grave, where is Thy Victory?"
This is the testament in the heavens, that the mystery and power of the Scorpion are stopped by the heel of Ophiuchus.
Bullinger provides other star names for component stars in Ophiuchus, but he does not identify them or equate them with the catalog system of stars that we have today: He names one as "Saiph" which he says is in the foot, and means "bruised."
I can only assume that this is a reference to the theta star in the foot of Ophiuchus. He also documents stars named Triophas, "treading under foot"; Carnebus, "the wounding"; and Megeros, "contending".
The other struggle of Ophiuchus that is depicted is his wrestling with the snake that he holds.
Bullinger documents that in the most ancient of all zodiacs, the Denderah Zodiac, that Ophiuchus is shown as a human figure with the head of a hawk.
Ophiuchus is called Api-bau - "the chief who cometh."
Ophiuchus is called Api-bau - "the chief who cometh."
The hawk was viewed as the mortal enemy of the snake. No high flying hawk could resist the sinuous motion of a snake that it espied and the hawk's aerial attack spelled death for any snake caught in its talons and beak.
So the victory here is implicit in the name given to the hawk-headed man, and there are hints of vigilance in this figure. Hawk-like, He is one who watches for any sign of the serpent.
But the struggle is just as real. In the Denderah zodiac, the snake is called Khu, "the ruled," or "the enemy."
But where Ophiuchus has tread upon the heart of Scorpion, which is the Scorpion's passionate power to mortally wound its prey, Ophiuchus has grasped the snake by the neck, right at the star Unukalhai, which means "Neck of the Serpent."
In Latin, this star has been called Cor Serpentis, the "heart of the Serpent," even though the star is too high to be the heart of such a creature.
But the meaning is that Ophiuchus has seized the Serpent by the source of its power, the center of what it is by nature.
One astrologer has observed, "The neck, rather than the head, is where a snake has its brain, its seat of knowledge." [attributed to Eric Morse.]
So even as Ophiuchus stamps out the power of death with his foot, he seizes the power of deception in his hand and crushes it.
For the serpent is the deceiver. And the power of the serpent is deception.
Sin gained dominion over us because Eve was deceived.
Satan is called the great Deceiver and the Father of Lies.
In the heavens, Ophiuchus seizes the serpent as the serpent is reaching to seize the crown depicted in Libra.
If Scorpio cannot seize the price of our redemption from the altar, then the Serpent will seize the glory of salvation, and make it unseemly and worthless, so that we are deceived.
But Ophiuchus prevents this.
And though I see that Christ defeated this serpent in His death and resurrection, yet also in His life, Christ labored to make us understand what glorifies the Father, what true righteousness is.
One field of battle for our Lord was simply to clear away the deceptions and self deceptions that had obscured the true glory of God from His own people.
Over the course of a day, Christ suffered and died for us. Over the course of three days, He rose again.
But over the course of a lifetime He corrected errors in doctrine and errors in practice and made us understand the nature and will of God the Father.
There is a truth that Christ defeated Satan all in a moment.
But in another sense, it was an ongoing process, a labor, of wrestling with ingrained deceptions that required our Lord to walk up and down among His people, healing them, teaching them, accepting them, personally delivering to them the message that God had forgiven them because they fearfully and humbly trusted in Him.
So Christ seized the "brain" of the serpent, the deceptive thinking that the serpent spread among man, and Christ defeated those deceptions and told us the truth.
In fact, Christ spent His earthly life being the Truth, so that we could see the Truth in action.
This was his labor as well.
I think this is why Ophiuchus is depicted in the midst of two struggles: because Christ had great tasks set before him, and His life was labor.
The brightest star in Ophiuchus, Ras al Hagus, means "the head of him who holds," [Bullinger.]
The star Sabik in the knee of Ophiuchus has been called "The Proceeding One" (as in one who gives chase to the serpent before it, another reference to his vigilance) or "The Driver," a name that harks back to Bootes in Virgo and that also points to the victory of Ophiuchus over the snake.
The Persian name for this star and another star nearby is "Serpent Tamer."
The Serpent
The brightest star in the Serpent is in the neck, as mentioned above. It is the star Unukalhai, the star depicting the source of the serpent's thinking and knowledge.
Scorpio, remember, seduces and can give earthly delights by his terrible claws, which he then uses to kill and devour his desired one.
But the serpent uses cunning, craft, and deception. Bullinger defined this star as Unuk, "the encompassing".
According to him, the Hebrew name is Alyah, "the accursed."
The second brightest star, which he documents as Cheleb, or Chelbalrai, means "the serpent enfolding."
Modern astrologers have named a star in Ophiuchus as Cebalrai, "the heart of the Shepherd Dog."
Obviously there has been some confusion as to which star is named what, and the reasoning for this name being put right onto the nostril of Ophiuchus is that some Arabic astrologers saw a herd of dogs and a shepherd here.
But there are no real supports for this idea that I have yet found, and Bullinger's research was pristine, so I would vote for his point of view, that Chelbalrai, "the serpent enfolding" is the name originally affixed to a star in the Serpent, to indicate the struggle against Ophiuchus.
The stars in Ophiuchus and the Serpent have long been equated with both poison and medicine in mundane astrology.
In Greek myth, Ophiuchus (also known as Aesculapius), born of a god and a human woman, is equated with being killed and resurrected; with having the medicinal power to prevent death and make man immortal.
He is directly linked to Chiron as one of Chiron's students. He fell under the wrath of Jupiter/Zeus and was killed, and yet later was glorified in the heavens by Jupiter.
So we see the tale of the corrupted Gospel in this mythical figure.
A long trail of medical discoveries and medical catastrophes have occurred when stars in either of these constellations have been conjoined by planets on our own ecliptic.
~
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Thank you for writing. Blessings to you for your important work.
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