ThurnwaldAstrology HomeAstroZine Clinton Affair Clinton & America Planetary Influences Retrograde Cycles
Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse Lunations Planetary Stations Solar Return 
Starr
Clinton
Lewinski
Gennifer
Paula
Linda
Hillary |
Astrologer Ian Thurnwald
examines Bill Clinton's solar
return chart in the light of
scandal brought on by
current eclipses and
retrograde planets.
-
Let's look at the immediate future first.
The crucial dates during September are:
- The Starr Report
-
Of course, we know that the Kenneth Starr's investigation of the President's affairs ends soon. This may occur around September 6-9, when Pluto, the planet of investigators and hidden things, returns to the position it held at the new moon in Leo of July 23 - the astrological beginning of this final phase of his investigation, and Monica Lewinski's birthday. Once Starr tables his report before Congress, the concern will be whether the House Judiciary Committee recommends proceeding with impeachment. This could take some weeks, and may not occur before the House goes into recess in October in preparation for the mid-term Congressional elections.
Remember that Clinton's solar return Mars falls on Starr's natal Sun/Saturn. This means Neptune will also be making its last opposition to Ken Starr's natal Sun/Saturn for the entire period September 19 to November 2 (the first time Neptune made this aspect was on January 11, when Linda Tripp contacted Starr about the 'Lewinski tapes' making Lewinski a major player in the special prosecutor's investigation). This suggests that that the Lewinski evidence will be central to Starr's report. It also suggests that the report will have a big impact on the mid-term Congressional elections, affecting both the campaigning during October and the outcome in early November. Certainly the Republicans will try to undermine support for the Democrats by citing any damaging evidence about the President contained in Starr's report. Whether this tactic will work to their favour is difficult to say, but Neptune is known to make the best laid plans backfire. [Note the ominous appearance of the Leonid Comet meteor shower on November 18th! - ed.]
As to the effect on Clinton (see Personal Indications), we said that a general indication of Neptune rising in Clinton's solar return is that it changes the impression he makes on the public and alters all his close personal and professional relationships. But when transiting retrograde Neptune passes over the solar return Ascendant, Clinton will feel the full brunt of Neptune's negative expression; he will feel debilitated, weakened, and perhaps humiliated. This effect will be strongly felt from September 2 through November 18, but the peak period, the time when events or the actions of others are most likely to further undermine his reputation, is September 12-15.
Note that the peak period of this Neptune aspect coincides with the severe
tests imposed by retrograde Saturn's square to Clinton's natal Saturn,
which is in effect from September 10 to 17. (Neptune, moving direct, closely conjuncts the solar return Ascendant again during November 7-9.)
- September 12-15
- The actual details of this Neptunian effect are depicted by the transits of the fast moving planets to the positions in the solar return chart. (Note: the following account has been written after these events occurred.)
A couple of days before this, Mercury enters Virgo approaching a conjunction with the slower moving Venus already in that sign. Their conjunction forms on Sep 9-10, it falls exactly on the solar return 8th house cusp (03 Virgo 46) and also makes a trine to Saturn in the 3rd house. The two planets stay in conjunction until Sep 12 having in the meantime both squared Pluto in Sagittarius in the 10th on Sep 11. This suggests detailed information (Mercury in Virgo) about an erotic love affair (Venus in the 8th house) will be made known and perhaps readily available through the media (trine to 3rd house). This will be done in all seriousness, or in accordance with the laws of the land. (Saturn in the 3rd). The information itself may have a disturbing yet profound impact on the ethical and moral thinking of masses of people (square to Pluto in Sagittarius).
The people responsible for doing this are indicated by an additional and crucial aspect of Mars during Sep 9-12; Mars in Leo in the 7th house making a square to the Mercury/Uranus midpoint in the 9th house. This indicates that self-assured opponents act rashly (Mars in Leo in 7th) in an ill-considered, tactless, and hasty attempt to influence other people (square Mercury/Uranus).2 They do this by hurriedly publishing a legal report containing shocking details (Mercury/Uranus in the 9th) via the world wide web; the medium of universal communication which provides instant information (Uranus/Mercury).
Considering all these aspects together we can say that the release of information generates widespread excitement at first but this is ultimately upsetting once people realise the implications of both the salacious content and the political motivation behind its release.
- September 22-25
- There is a new moon on September 20 at 27 Virgo 32. This falls in the solar return 8th house and opposes Jupiter in the 2nd house. Jupiter rules the law and is the ruler of the solar return 11th house which, among other things, represents legislators and legislative bodies. Thus, Jupiter represents members of the legislature exercising a judicial function. At the moment Jupiter stands for the House Judiciary Committee. (Later in the year, or next year, Jupiter may stand for the Senate acting as jury in an impeachment trial.) Since Jupiter is retrograde its energy is being wrongly expressed, or having a reversed effect.
The new moon opposition to Jupiter suggests a new beginning for this committee, perhaps indicating the need for a more bi-partisan approach by its members to the serious matter they are considering. For Clinton this new moon could be when he starts to change his life-objectives because they have become untenable, and or, he may display a mixture of courage and benevolence in his dealings with other nations that are in dire need of financial or military assistance. Retrograde Jupiter itself also aspects the solar return Mid-Heaven from September 20 to October 6. The trine to the point of career suggests the actions of the majority of the committee will greatly affect Clinton's standing in the world over this period. It also suggests the Congress as a whole will probably block measures which are important to the President. This aspect peaks at September 28-30 (see below).
Just after the new moon (Sep 21-22) the Sun sextiles Mars, while Mercury opposes Jupiter. Both transiting planets are still in Virgo and the solar return 8th house. This Mercury aspect indicates the further release of large amounts of detailed and previously confidential information. The Sun aspect suggests that Bill Clinton himself is a featured subject of this information especially in relation to his confrontation with Starr's grand jury legal team (solar return Mars is conjunct Ken Starr's natal Sun/Saturn).
Following this there is a crucial series of aspects at the time of the Autumn Equinox and the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur. Mercury moves to a conjunction with the Sun in late Virgo and both trigger the solar return opposition between Neptune/Ascendant and Mars/Moon from Sep 22-25. At the same time Mars in Leo squares the solar return Mid-Heaven while Venus in Virgo sextiles that point. On Sep 24 Mars also conjuncts the Sun/Mercury midpoint, while the mean North Node in Leo inconjuncts the solar return Ascendant. And Jupiter conjuncts the Saturn/Uranus midpoint on the same day.
The Sun and Mercury trine to Neptune etc. obviously relates to the sex scandal and the impact following the release of more of Starr's report. This set of aspects is indicative of Clinton being exploited by others who wish to cause him further degradation and humiliation. On a more positive note the Sun, Mercury, and Venus aspects arouse, respectively: idealism and propensity for self-sacrifice, or charity; sympathy and a desire to offer helpful advice; and, kindness and benevolence toward others.3 Bearing these charitable and sympathetic inclinations in mind let's consider the more critical Mars aspects.
Mars gives Bill the fighting spirit...
The Mars in Leo square from the 7th house to the Mid-Heaven indicates Clinton demonstrating his leadership, either through conflict, or in such a way that the personal conflicts he faces are seen as inconsequential. The conjunction to the Sun/Mercury midpoint is a further indication of this; his will to fight life's battles is strengthened, he's inclined to take action to settle disputes, and his actions have their basis in a clear understanding and knowledge of the world situation.4 The North Node inconjunct the Ascendant could mean a readjustment of America's international alliances, or, a realignment (or regeneration) of the American people's sympathies. It could also mean sacrifice on the part of the people of the nation.
We have already seen (see Lunations) transiting Mars in aspect to Clinton's solar Ascendant (åa fighting spirit', success through the use of force) when he approved the missile strikes of August 20. Here the square to the Mid-Heaven suggests that he will lead by displaying resoluteness and determination, and a readiness to take action and make tough decisions.5 This aspect of Mars means that Clinton, and perhaps America itself, will face severe conflicts that necessitate the demonstration of leadership or aggression on the behalf of others.
The Jupiter conjunction to the Saturn/ Uranus midpoint continues this theme. The midpoint itself represents unbearable tension, whereas Jupiter passing over the midpoint indicates a fortunate release from tension or a sudden turn in destiny.6 This also suggests that Clinton's domestic woes (currently represented by Jupiter, see above) will be relieved somewhat by unfortunate international difficulties and losses, a looming economic crisis perhaps. Dealing with these issues may allow him to demonstrate his ability and reassume the mantle of world-leader.
- September 28-30
- Bill Clinton will experience Neptune opposing Mars throughout the period September 11 to November 10. The peak period for the first pass of this aspect is September 28-30.
The positive indications of this are that Clinton may begin to display a more authentically spiritual, compassionate side to his nature and demonstrate a genuine desire to change his ways. The negative indications are that he'll again encounter more harmful and damaging energies that weaken him and undermine his public office. At a personal level this could manifest as succumbing to an infectious disease, being further exploited by others, or sharing sorrow with others over the termination of associations.7 At a wider level the åcontagion' may represent a turning of the tide of political and public opinion at home, or it could represent a worsening of the global economic situation. Another, hopefully remote, possibility is that the Navy could be called upon to deal with further terrorist attacks against US citizens. (Neptune moving direct closely opposes Mars again on October 23-4.)
More positively, the September 28-30 peak period coincides with transiting Sun conjunct Clinton's natal Ascendant. The time when the Sun enters the 1st house of a natal chart is the symbolic beginning of a new 12 month cycle. The meaning of this aspect for Clinton at this time is that he will strive to regain esteem, importance, and public support, and he'll do this despite the possibility that males in his environment might wish to cause him further harm or disadvantage. Since a Jupiter trine to the solar return Mid-Heaven also peaks at this time, the males mentioned are the majority members of the Judiciary Committee.
Retro Jupiter affects Congress
This retrograde Jupiter aspect has been in force since September 20 and ends October 6. As Jupiter's energy is being wrongly expressed, the trine to the point of career suggests that the actions of the majority of the committee will greatly affect Clinton's standing in the world over this period, as we have already seen when other transits trigger this aspect. It is likely that the House Judiciary Committee will recommend a formal impeachment inquiry to the House before this period ends, that is before Oct 6. (Jupiter moving direct trines the Mid-Heaven again from Dec 20 - Jan 4. The peak period being Dec 27-30.)
As to the transits of the fast moving planets to the solar return chart. Here we see Sun and Mercury, now both in Libra but still in the 8th house, making sextiles to Pluto, with Mercury sextile Venus, during Sep 26-29. Meanwhile Venus in Virgo in the 8th, opposes Jupiter on Sep 27-8. The Venus aspect to Jupiter confirms what we already know, namely, that the remainder of the evidence about the President's love conflict is to be made public in accordance with the rules adopted by the Judiciary Committee. The Sun and Mercury aspects to Pluto both reiterate this theme because they indicate a phase of tying up loose ends and getting to the bottom of things. Given the Mercury aspect to Venus it is likely that this release will include more information concerning Monica Lewinski.
References:
Reinhold Ebertin, The Combination of Stellar Influences, Translated by Dr. Alfred G. Roosedale & Linda Kratzsch, (American Federation of Astrologers, Inc.: Tempe, AZ., 1972).
Hand, Robert. 1976.Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living. Edited by Margret E. Anderson. Whitford Press: West Chester, PA.
Penfield, Marc. 1996.Solar Returns in Your Face. American Federation of Astrologers, Inc.: Tempe AZ.
Sources:
CNN Interactive
http://www.cnn.com/
Retrograde Planetary Cycles
Click on these links to see the planets controlling the Clinton Affair |
|
| |
|  | Bill Leaving Town... Astrologer Ian Thurnwald continues his examination of Bill Clinton's solar return chart in the light of scandal brought on by current eclipses and retrograde planets. The pressure on the President is not likely to let up soon! The next few months - particularly the period from the end of October through November - appear to be crucial, according to the solar return. Indeed, other more symbolic, long term astrological cycles also indicate that these are fated times for Bill Clinton. A nodal conjunction to his Sun began in April 1980. This cycle completes and begins anew in mid November. A progressed lunar cycle began in May 1983. This phase of his life is reaching its denouement at the progressed full moon in mid November.
This is a critical period when Clinton's Presidency will be severely
tested. Starr's report will create serious difficulties for the President
which will prompt Clinton to engage in some serious soul-searching. This is
a period of suffering and self-examination when Clinton will act to change
those aspects of himself and those areas of his life that are not working
as they should.
|
Astrology on the Web
|
GO BACK
