War & Peace in the Stars

Hello Everyone, I hope the Stars are shining graciously on you. Just remember that they're always on the move for better or worse. The other day, I happened to chat with a friend who is very knowledgeable about current events and world politics. He's always studied the issues in depth and really digs beneath the surface of all the politicians' word noise and newspaper headlines. He feels certain that the US involvement in Iraq will escalate to other Middle Eastern countries by summer. Ouch! Hopefully he's wrong! I, on the other hand, am not so politically astute. I was a decent history student; and it's always seemed to me that politics is the same old game year after year--money, power and control. So, I took a look at the astrological picture to see what the influences will be in the near future--especially the planet Mars. Mind you, I do not and cannot predict the future about anything. Prediction of the future is not within the scope of astrology. However, we can look back in history and note events that have occurred during certain planetary placements in the Zodiac Signs as well as aspects, angles formed with other planets, and retrogrades. What exactly will happen under a given influence is anyone's guess. (See my post on Pluto, Planet of Power) Mars is associated with self-projection, war and aggression on a larger scale. This year, Mars started out in Taurus, and by year's end will have moved to Sagittarius. Of course, the Red's Planet's influences are different from sign to sign. In Taurus Mars'physical energy is subdued. But don't be fooled. What's lacking in physical stamina is made up for by endurance and determination when pursuing material goals. Emotions are often held in check, but a major blowup is always possible. Mars will remain in Taurus until about the 19th of February, then moves into Gemini. Mars in Geminiis a completely different story! Mental and verbal energies are at their highest here, but erratic. All that placid determination that's been building up in Taurus may be poised to come out in a very stinging manner while Mars is in Gemini. But that's not the worst of it. Mars will oppose be about 180 degrees from, Pluto in Sagittarius. This aspect portends a strong drive to gain power over others. Compromise does not come easily. Strong alliances can be formed and rifts can be caused in alliances. Haven't heard enough? Pluto goes into retrograde, will appear to be going backwards, on 29 March. So any power struggle could get really nasty! And by 19 June, all three of the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will be in retrograde. If I'm not mistaken, this was the case at the outbreak of both World Wars. G-d help us all! But before you go into a panic, and start booking flights for Tahiti. Remember that the above influences don’t guarantee war. The upcoming astrological influences are just that--influences. And in human affairs, nothing can be totally predictable. A wise person knows the stars, a fool is ruled by them. Onward and Upward, ~Paula