What’s In Store For 2004 –
An Astrological Look At The Year Ahead.
Maggie Kerr
(AAT.Dip.Couns.)
The Horoscope For 2004
To “astrologically analyse” any future period is always tricky,
especially when confronted with ‘the annual horoscope’ (in
this case set for midnight on January 1st 2004), whose general tenor is
difficult to say the least. One of the drawbacks of prognosticating (great
word!) is the wide range of associations to each planetary sign placement,
and all the relationships between them. That said, I shall endeavour to
remain as objective as possible, and see what unfolds. Planet Saturn has
been a major player in global affairs in recent years, so let’s
start by noting that he has a 28 to 30 year cycle, so the events occurring
now have similar themes to 1915/17, then 1944/6, then 1974/6 – get
the picture? (For an in-depth article go to www.universalastrology.com.au
)
The main feature of the 2004 horoscope is the Sun in Capricorn (always
is in January!) with planets Saturn in Cancer opposite, and Mars and Moon
in Aries, in square aspect. Both of these aspects are considered debilitating,
testing, challenging and fraught with world shaping outcomes, as Saturn
is known as The Lord Of Matter, and said to ‘rule’ organisations,
bureaucracies, and corporations. Well the biggest Corporation in the world
is the US Government I would say, and all the affiliated business groups
who are symbiotic with it. Mars in Aries contains the theme of the war
in Iraqi/war on terrorism, which is up and running as the year begins.
The last time we see this configuration is in May 1945, just 3 months
before the Atomic Bomb at Hiroshima, which ended the Pacific war with
Japan. Yes indeed this historical parallel does feel yucky, and I’m
not trying to scare anyone, but rather highlight the importance of this
year in terms of planetary effects causing outcomes which will shape the
next 30 years. I’m also not saying that the US is going to ‘nuke’
Iraq or anyone else for that matter. Mind you the North Korea forum will
begin to also occupy US (and for that matter the rest of the free world)
attention during 2004.
What I am saying, is that a major reshaping of global boundaries and
politics is about to unfold, and further warfare and armed conflict, including
“terrorism”, would appear to be a feature. The astrological
‘rule of thumb’ is that we must substantiate any chart findings
with further evidence, usually from the country charts which are currently
topical. So looking at America’s chart, the first obvious call is
the Sun in Cancer, with Saturn in residence exactly on said Sun. The last
time this occurred was in 1974 and the outcome was the Nixon resignation
as a result of “Watergate”. What a co-incidence!! Nixon’s’
fall from grace was the result of a ‘cover-up’, and the outcome
contained disenchantment for the American people, especially as it coincided
with the final US withdrawal from Cambodia.
The parallel here seems incredibly obvious to me. President George W.
Bush also has his Sun in Cancer, thus Saturn is sitting on top of him
too! The next ingredient in this unpleasant soup is the Mars in the US
chart. In a country chart Mars rules the active assertive warrior function
(or how it may defend itself). During 2004 planet Pluto, currently in
Sagittarius, will begin to oppose this Mars in Gemini. Pluto is the death,
destruction, regenerative principle, and one of his rulerships is obviously
“plutonium”, and associated atomic goodies. In fact 1931,
the year Pluto was discovered, was also the year scientists ‘cracked
the atom’… more coincidences?
Pluto opposes Mars for the first time in January, then again in May,
and the final pass in November. So all in all things don’t look
great here do they? However, again, let’s not buy into the fear
component of this information, but rather be aware that the can of worms
which the US opened when they invaded Iraq, is indeed a much messier affair
than they arrogantly believed, and that the deeper seeds of discontent
being expressed by this current conflict, go to the very heart of our
global crisis, and will require major surgery before the patient starts
to heal.
Pluto in Sagittarius
The great theme of Pluto passing through Sagittarius since 1993 until
2008 (he only returns to any sign every 250 years) is the conflict in
religious ideologies which has been embedded into the socio/political
structures of our global affairs. The first world wealthy countries are
predominantly Christian, and the second and third world players are mainly
Muslim (generally speaking). So it is about food and survival for many
in the developing nations, who view the materialism of the west with bitter
resentment. Terrorism and anarchy arise when people feel unjustly done
by, and traditionally the macho western policy is simply to go in with
a bigger stick and beat the ‘sufferers’ into submission. It
appears to work…but it doesn’t solve the problem! Obviously
we won’t experience any real progress in the war on terrorism until
a whole new philosophy and approach is adopted. The question becomes,
how and who is going to do this. Enlightened leaders seem to be short
on the ground at this time, when it comes to this much deeper perspective.
On The Up Side Jupiter is in Virgo!
Yes there is an up side!! This is worthy of a good look, and we do so
later in this article. In terms of the US and general global situation,
suffice to say that Jupiter is well placed in the 2004 horoscope, and
will help relieve the tension of Saturn with some very positive and practical
developments. International organisations will be formed this year which
are non, or a-political with a goal of offering constructive options for
change. We must realise that individuals can make a difference! Many people
are confused and disillusioned with current geo-politics, and a fresh
call to peace, similar to the 1967 peace marches etc, will inspire individuals
to form “groups” which can lobby governments for more enlightened
policies!!
Australia’s horoscope
Set for (Jan 1st 1901 2.00pm Melbourne) also has the Sun in Capricorn
with Saturn in opposition from October 2003 through June 2004. Some history
of past cycles here is very revealing.
1915-17. WWI extracted huge sacrifices on the fledgling nation's youth.
Prime Minister Billy Hughes' zealous conscription drive led to eventual
expulsion from his own Labour Party.
1944-46. - height of WW2. - severe rationing, and the death of then Prime
Minister John Curtin.
1974-76. - dismissal of the democratically elected Whitlam government.
Each Saturn opposition Sun has challenged Australia's leadership, divided
the populace, and coincided with difficult periods for the country. We
will probably experience a leadership change and possibly greater international
responsibility.
It seems Saturn’s 30 year cycle in Cancer brings rain. 1915, 1944,
1974 were all dates which marked the end of prolonged droughts in each
case! In 1974 we had the Brisbane Floods and Cyclone Tracey! We shall
see!
By way of a longer view, our horoscope reflects enormous growth and positive
expansion from January 2006!
Global Corporate Matters
Corporate culture will also be deeply affected during 2004, as disenchantment
creeps through the hallowed halls of traditional business philosophies.
The writing ha been on the wall here for some years also, and a growing
movement toward a more enlightened approach to corporate culture which
has “Soul” will begin to make headway in the year ahead (for
more insight here go to www.corporatesoul.com). During each of the previous
cycles we have experienced major restructuring in financial and real estate
industries. Also the half cycles each 14/15 years equate with “tops”
in industrial markets. 1915, 1930, 1944, 1959, 1974 and 1989 were all
retracement phases in the global corporate sector. Remember that everything
is cyclical, so what goes up must come down. Bonds futures are already
trading “up”, so interest rates will also rise. Don’t
be afraid of this but rather learn to work with it!! Folks who see the
trends ahead of time do very well in down turn markets!
The United Nations horoscope
Set for (Oct 24th 1945 4.45pm Washington) is also under pressure from
Saturn in Cancer as it comes to sit on Mars in this chart (Sept. 2004
and Jan. and May 2005), and Pluto begins to oppose the Moon in Gemini
(March, Dec. 2004 and July, Oct. 2005). The sum total here also implies
a major re-structuring, in much the same way that the UN was formed in
1945 on the unworkable remains of the League of Nations from 1919! The
US rebuttal of the charter of the UN when it chose to invade Iraq constituted
a crisis for all member nations. A movement toward reformation must occur
as a consequence.
The New York Stock Exchange horoscope
Set for (May 17th 1792 4.56pm New York) experiences positive moves from
Jupiter during Dec. 2003, Jan and August 2004, (mainly in medical technologies
and engineering sciences companies), but also in August Saturn begins
a series of ‘hard aspects’ to the Moon, implying a re-structuring
around fund managers and potentially some insider trading revelations
which may lead to more companies and individuals having to clean up their
act.
So How Will This Affect Us Personally?
Saturn remains in Cancer until July 2005, so we have 18 months ahead to
re-shape our lives on a number of fronts. He urges us to re-evaluate and
re-structure our material world, our goals and ambitions, face our fears,
become more responsible (or the reverse if you are the overly responsible
for everybody else Cancer/Capricorn type), honour our karmic obligations…
and generally to work hard! Re-orientation of “Self” (Aries)
in relation to home/family (Cancer), relationships (Libra), and career
(Capricorn) is the goal and outcome of Saturn moving through Cancer. If
you have been on the planet for a while then think back to the dates I
have mentioned and you will find these themes are relevant! Saturn’s
business is to “grow you up” as I say, or to force the reality
of structure, order, discipline, responsibility, and the necessary commitment
within us to bring about long term results. So keeping this in mind if
you are Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and Libran you are in for some major
restructuring over the next few years. If you are a Cancer, Scorpio or
Pisces (the Water signs) then you will experience a positive developmental
couple of years if you are willing to put in some time and effort!
Time For A New World View
There is no such thing as an ‘insoluble’ or ‘unsolvable’
situation. Problems are merely obstacles which challenge our perception.
To think in new ways is to open pathways in our mind to a new, more prosperous
dimension. World events are tests for humanity to see how capable we are
of problem solving!! The materialism of western culture has brought us
unparalleled growth, but is built on a philosophy of greed and misuse
of global resources. The vales of our culture are in crisis, as so many
people spend money they haven’t got on things they don’t need,
unaware they are trying to feel good…by owning things and people.
Ancient and eastern philosophies tell us that only by overcoming our
“desire” nature can we find inner peace and freedom. So many
folks will have to let go of their illusion that financial security will
make them feel safe, if they are to ever find deeper and more sustainable
values. The global tension between “east” and “west”
is a metaphor for the inner tension within each of us. Peace is found
by balancing the pairs of opposites within us!!
Progress is made in increments and leaps of consciousness when the time
is right. The keyword here is “consciousness”. If we all begin
to re-align our values and thoughts things can change for the better.
No matter what is going on in the world, a clear and inspired state of
mind assures us of growth and prosperity! Thus global solutions must also
contain a quest for balance or the middle road between extremes.
Jupiter remains in Virgo until October 2004 and then enters Libra
Jupiter has a 12-year cycle so spends a year in each sign. His urge is
to expand and grow, bring fresh vision, opportunity and growth. On the
down side, he ‘over inflates’ and blows things out of proportion!
He was in Virgo 1920/21, 1932/33, 1944/45, 1956/57 1967/68 1979/80 1991/92
The themes which consistently emerge in Jupiter/Virgo periods, are to
do with medical and space technology, clean-ups and reconstruction, psychological
health, organizations and peace movements. We may expect that these areas
will be in for a major growth phase as Jupiter passes through Virgo once
more. Don’t forget that whilst we will see the development and initialisation
with Jupiter in Virgo, the major outcomes will only become obvious over
the next few years. Since Jupiter’s passage here last time, in the
early 90s, we’ve experienced a huge upsurge in the ‘technologies’
as Uranus passed through his own sign Aquarius in the 1990s, so the exponential
growth about to occur now will be absolutely amazing!
A revolution in medical health will occur as the general population begins
to acknowledge the relationship between our psychological/emotional health
and our physical health. This will open a greater synthesis between scientific
and allopathic medicine and natural medicine, as more people realise self-responsibility
for their physical health by owning their emotional issues, which create
their disease. The downside here is the pharmaceutical cartels imposing
new controls on alternative medicines. In the 1920s they prohibited alcohol.
This time we may see prohibition of natural medicines unless the drug
companies themselves manufacture them!
Major advances in Surgery, Engineering, Psychics, Computing and Space
sciences are on the cards. Food technology will be increasingly controversial
with the argument for genetic foods being the feeding of the masses with
greater efficiency. Those against this will argue the benefits of organic
farming as people seek better health through chemical free foods. Mental
health issues will be topical during late 2003 and 2004, as society needs
to revise many old ideas and judgements, paving the way for a new wave
of psychological concepts and treatment. Jupiter in Virgo will signal
our chance to apply holistic ideas in a simple, practical, daily sense.
(For an in-depth article go to www.universalastrology.com.au )
On a personal note... From September 2003 till October 2004 is a great
time for planning and strategy in your world. Attend to details, re-organise
finances, set goals and keep a clear vision of the ‘bigger picture’
of your life. There is a need for cool, objective critique based actual
outcomes. Make practical choices and avoid illusion, deception and confusion.
Increase your awareness of daily diet and routines, and include time out
and whatever is your pleasure when it comes to some kind of spiritual
practice. Recognise that the laws of metaphysics are a constant in our
lives at all times as above, so below. In other words, whatever is happening
in your life at any moment, is the direct result of your thoughts and
beliefs about what you believe you deserve. Virgo is a practical earth
sign ruled by Mercury, so it has direct influence on the use of your mental
facility. Use this year ahead to analyse your beliefs and change any which
are limiting your outcomes!
Uranus continues his passage through Pisces (until 2010)
Uranus enters Pisces for the next 7 years in January 2004. His 84-year
cycle has huge impact on human evolution, and his last passage in Pisces
was from 1919/1927. He is the bringer of revolution and change, thus his
outcome in Pisces will affect the whole image, style, collective vision
and spirituality of our world. (For an in-depth article go to www.universalastrology.com.au
)
Numerology
By adding together the numbers in any year the result is called the ‘Universal
Year’, so we see that the new year of 2004 adds up to the number
6. In the number series 1 to 9 number 6 is a year for “seeking to
establish long term harmony within the physical and emotional aspects
of life, securing whatever adjustments are deemed necessary”. Rather
appropriate I would say and great advice.
Now read on for your Sun Sign outlook for 2004.
Remember if you know your Moon and Ascendant sign, read these also. If
not, then go to www.universalastrology.com.au to book a horoscope session
with Maggie. |
