THE UNITED STATES IN 2011

Extract from Forecast 2011, written in November 2010. 

 The vote for the Declaration of Independence was completed on July 2, 1776, according to David McCullough, historian and author of the book “1776.” The exact time of the vote is not known. The chart presented here is rectified for late afternoon, although there is some debate over this because it was announced that day in the daily papers, which usually went out by late afternoon. According to Gary Noel, in a discussion for the ISAR ezine (www.isar.com), it is likely that the vote took place before noon, which would give it a Virgo or Libra rising, instead of the Sagittarius rising used here. He argues that it had to be before noon because it was announced in the evening papers of July 2. But if everyone was waiting for a vote, couldn’t the papers hold off on publishing until the vote was completed, even if it did take place in the late afternoon in the summer? In any event, it wasn’t until two days later, July 4, 1776, that orders to commence the War of Independence were received by General George Washington.1 Hence the chart I prefer for rendering an astrological appraisal of the United States is for July 2, 1776, 5:43 PM, LMT, Philadelphia, PA.

Looking at current transits for this chart, it is clear that the United States is undergoing one of the most challenging periods in its history. The country is, after all, going through a Saturn return, a 28-29 year planetary cycle that tends to redefine one’s goals and direction.

Chart of the USA, July 2, 1776, 5:43 PM, LMT, Philadelphia, PA.

Progressed chart of the USA as of January 1, 2011

 Let’s examine the major transiting and progressed aspects to the USA chart in 2011:

1. Saturn return, square to the USA Sun: October 27 2010-August 27, 2011

 The Saturn return started in late November, 2010, and due to the fact that it turns retrograde, the return will remain in force through August 2011. In November 2010 the mid-term elections took place and the results were a powerful repudiation of the direction of the Democratic controlled Congress and White House over the past two years. A swing of over 60 house seats took the majority away from Democrats and gave it to the Republicans, the biggest shift of power in over 70 years. Republicans also took a majority of the races for state governors, and picked up at least 6 seats in the Senate. To say that the direction of this government’s agenda will now be seriously challenged is an understatement.

To say that President Obama’s own agenda was clearly repudiated is also an understatement, for this Saturn return also forms a challenging square to the USA Sun, and the Sun in a country’s chart represents its leader. Saturn’s nature in such aspects is to be highly critical and to demand accountability. Saturn also represents resistance and the urge to contract. The big issue in the election was the ballooning deficit, debt, and spending. The vote is regarded as a demand by the voters that the government halt its excessive spending and exhibit greater fiscal responsibility.

Saturn also represents maturity, and the headline on the Opinion page of the Wall Street Journal the following Saturday was, “American’s Vote for Maturity.” The opinion, written by well-known columnist Peggy Noonan,2 captured the essence of a Saturn return, that it is time to “grow up,” accept responsibility for one’s past actions, and develop a clear and constructive plan to move forward in the future. To do so requires the humility to acknowledge one’s mistakes.

 The bright side of a Saturn return for the USA is that it occurs in Libra, the sign in which it is exalted. It offers hope that all branches of the U.S. government – including the White House - will “grow up” and be able to agree upon constructive plans to rebuild this government’s trust with its people. To do this requires reducing spending and debt, a positive characteristic of Saturn that demonstrates fiscal maturity. But it won’t be easy, for with Saturn square to the Sun, the President (Sun) himself is apt to be resistant to change. The more resistant he is, the more he elicits criticism from others. This could quite possibly result in a standoff, or what Americans like to call “gridlock” between the president and the new Congress. If it comes down to a vote, the President will likely be on the losing side. He doesn’t get what he wants, or there are delays, probably until he is willing to compromise or surrender. Under Saturn, it is hard to advance one’s agenda on one’s own terms. In fact, one may feel like quitting, for it can be very frustrating to push for what you believe in, only to have others deny you the recognition or success you feel you deserve. The solution, however, is found in the characteristics of the sign Saturn is in, which is Libra. And Libra works best by fostering an atmosphere of agreement and cooperation, of compromise and conciliation. For this reason, it is very possible that Obama will shift more to the center, especially if he hopes to accomplish any of his goals this year.

2. Transiting Pluto in opposition to USA Jupiter, March 2010-November 2011

 The other two planets in the Cardinal Climax, Uranus and Pluto, remain in hard aspect to planets in the USA chart. Pluto is still in opposition to the USA natal Jupiter through November 2011, while transiting Uranus will be square to the USA Venus and Jupiter through February 2013.

Pluto in opposition to Jupiter refers to the trade issues between the USA and other nations. It also refers to the challenges of creating a workable immigration policy, for Jupiter rules foreign affairs.

As we leave 2010 and enter 2011, several nations are angry at the USA’s monetary policy of weakening the U.S. Dollar, which undermines the ability of other countries to compete with American goods in the global market place. If this trend continues - as these aspects suggest they will – then trade wars may erupt and many countries will move towards isolationist policies, or worse, will raise tariffs and other fees for American goods to come into their countries.

Disputes about the immigration policy also erupted in the USA last year, with Arizona going so far as to write its own law regarding illegal immigrants, and then being sued in court by the United States government over the enactment of this law. This dispute is not likely to end. In fact, it is more likely to escalate and become an even more sensitive issue requiring major reform.

Jupiter also rules education. The opposition from Pluto indicates that this area of society will be under attack and in need of major reform. In all these areas where Pluto is involved, power struggles are likely to erupt, causing sharp division between two very different ideologies with very different agendas for change. Pluto is the reformer and transformer, and due to its process of reform, several key players are likely to be terminated. People in powerful positions engaged in heavy power plays will lose those positions.

3. Transiting Uranus square to USA Venus and Jupiter, May 2010-February 2013

As discussed last year, the possibility of bankruptcy is highlighted whenever transiting Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto form a hard aspect to natal Venus or Jupiter. If one does not resist the temptation to spend more than he/she can afford during one of these transits, the possibility of bankruptcy increases greatly. The USA is under not just one of these aspects, but four! That is, Pluto and Uranus form hard aspects to the USA’s natal Venus and Jupiter from 2008 through early 2013. Instead of resisting the temptation to spend more than it can afford, the USA has allowed its total debt to explode since 2008. If this trend doesn’t stop, then there is a high probability that in the USA the three D’s will unfold: debt, deficits, and default. Could the United States actually default on its debt payments? Under these aspects, the answer is yes. Will it default? If the government cannot stop spending money on projects it cannot afford, then here too the answer is yes. It doesn’t have to default, any more than one has to declare bankruptcy, as long as one creates a budget and sticks to it.

However, in the past two years, the USA spent more money than ever. And last year it did so with no budget to guide it along. Besides being fiscally irresponsible, this was illegal. Mature and financially responsible people and entities construct a budget first and then decide which projects they can afford within that budget. In the case of the USA over the past two years, this process was reversed. That is, the government decided which projects it wanted first, without considering whether it was affordable - whether or not it fit into a budget - for it never forged a budget agreement. Under a Saturn return, there will be consequences for that type of behavior, as witnessed by the mid-term elections where so many incumbents were not re-elected.

Venus in a country’s chart rules its currency, as well as its bank account (net worth). Currently Uranus is in a square aspect to the USA Venus, which follows the hard aspects from Pluto and Saturn endured over the past two years. During this time, and continuing as we enter 2011, there has been an assault on the U.S. Dollar as the standard international reserve currency. It is entirely possible that while these aspects are in effect, the seeds for a change to a new world reserve currency are being sowed. The U.S. Dollar is about to lose its status in this regard. The danger, however, is that it could change faster than anyone is prepared for, due to the unpredictable nature of Uranus, which is square to the U.S.A.’s Venus next year. More important however will be the Uranus-Pluto waxing square of 2012. Right now, the assault on the Dollar is underway. In 2012-2015, the actual change of status may unfold, especially if monetary and fiscal policy does not prevent a further decline in the Dollar relative to other major world currencies.  This may require a change in our world trade policy, for several other countries also want to devalue their currencies to compete in world trade. According to newly elected Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, “The last time there was a competitive devaluation of currencies it ended up where it did, in the Second World War.”3

4. Transiting Saturn in a T-Square to Mercury and Pluto, November 2011-September 2012

Mercury in a country’s chart represents its communication structures and processes. It is information, and indicates how ideas and information are distributed. Saturn, together with Pluto, can suggest censorship. In this case, there may be a movement on the part of the government to control the information-distribution channels. For instance, there may be an effort to impose new laws regarding the use of the internet, or the government may track the internet usage of its own people. Such an effort would likely be proposed in the name of national security, with an explanation that it is necessary to protect the country and its citizens from leaks of highly classified information that could reach the hands of our enemies (like terrorists).  Pluto and Saturn together also represent taxation.  It is possible that the government may want to tax internet usage as a means of accruing additional revenues.

5. Progressed Mars retrograde: 2008-2088
6. Progressed Sun in Pisces: 2006-2036

As discussed in Forecast 2007-2008 books, these signatures over an extended period of time represent a long-term change in policies regarding military and national security matters. Mars is one’s military and its propensity to war. With Mars retrograde, there is a growing collective urge to withdraw from military combat over the next several decades, and to reduce the size of the USA military. This urge is based on a growing belief that the United States and the world would be better served if the USA became the world leader for peace initiatives, and not on war and defense. Instead of deploying troops abroad, this signature suggests more troops will be sent to the USA’s borders, protecting the USA itself ahead of its allies. As a consequence, the USA is likely to lose its status as the sole military superpower of the world. However, in the first years of this retrograde station, there will be an intense battle line drawn between two camps: one wants to increase the military might of the country, and the other favors instead an increased role as an agent of peace throughout the world, as well as protecting the citizens within its own borders.

 The progressed Sun in Pisces supports the urge towards a less aggressive posture and a desire for a more peaceful role in the world.

7. Progressed Venus in Aries, in opposition to progressed Mars retrograde in Libra: 2010-2012.

Both of these planets are in their astrological detriment, which means they are in signs opposite those that they rule. This implies they are weakened, and prone to argumentation and disagreement with others. In this case, it will probably emphasize the polarity with regard to the U.S.A. military and its course of activities. For example, the USA is engaged in the conflict in Afghanistan, a “war of necessity,” according to President Obama during his inauguration in 2009. Yet he is under criticism for also calling for a withdrawal of US troops from that region by summer 2011. Venus, however, is always prone to changing his/her mind, as Obama has now done, by insisting he really only means to begin a withdrawal at that time, not to complete it by then. Such a modification of what he really means has upset many of his most ardent supporters, who see a weakening in his campaign resolve to bring all the troops home sooner than later.

However, the polarity between Venus and Mars in detriment and opposition goes beyond just the military. It applies to a vast area of values of importance to the American people. In general, it simply underscores the potential for disagreement, polarity, and unwillingness to compromise. This dynamic was demonstrated in a speech by President Obama in the week of the 2010 midterm elections, when he urged Latinos to look at the election this way: “We’re going to punish our enemies and we’re going to reward our friends.”4 The day after the election, the top Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said his primary task in the next two years will be to deny Mr. Obama a second term in the White House. These are not very constructive steps toward the kind of compromise and consensus needed between leaders of the government, but they are very consistent with the themes of this aspect.

8. Progressed Sun in trine aspect to natal Jupiter, and progressed Saturn (grand trine): 2010-2012

This is a very positive and hopeful configuration. It shows the President (Sun) can have great success in matters to do with Jupiter (education, trade, immigration). He will need it, because as stated before, Jupiter is in hard aspect to transiting Pluto and Uranus these next two years, which represents the struggle and polarity of opposing sides over reforms. But the trine indicates that despite the struggle, the President can triumph in these areas. He would be advised to work hard here, for this may represent his best chance of success and an increase in popularity in 2011-2012. It is also possible that the USA economy rebounds smartly under this same aspect, which would increase his odds of winning the 2102 presidency. The problem, however, is that this aspect peaks early in 2012, before the election.

 Now let’s look at other specific areas of interest to the country in 2011.

The U.S.A. Economy

 The progressed Sun is in trine to Jupiter, which augurs economic growth. Furthermore, transiting Saturn has moved past its square to the USA Venus-Jupiter conjunction, which means a heaviness has lifted in regards to the economy of 2009-2010. Saturn moving out of Virgo into Libra, its sign of exaltation, also implies the employment situation will start to grow again. However, this growth may be modest and followed by another severe decline once Saturn moves into Scorpio (late 2012 through 2015) unless 1) the federal deficit stops growing and is brought under control with a constructive budget, and 2) the uncertainty of the tax situation gives way to a workable, rational, and bipartisan income and small business tax structure. Without these two steps, the USA and the world economy are vulnerable to secondary crises in 2012-2015, and again 2019-2021. The USA is courting the danger of defaulting on its debt obligations, accompanied by the closing of more and more banks, as indicated by transiting Pluto in opposition to Jupiter. This aspect was in effect in 2010, when already there was a modern-day record for bank closings in one year.

 Even though the USA economy looks better as we begin 2011, the possibility of an economic crisis is never to be discounted during the entire period 2008-2015. Another one can erupt at any time as long as the greater part of the Cardinal Climax is in effect. However, until June 2012, while Jupiter and Uranus are both in Aries, or even while Jupiter is in Taurus, it is more likely that one will not erupt just yet.

Taxes

Pluto rules taxes and debt, and both transiting and natal Pluto are highlighted in 2011 through 2015. These issues are intertwined, for opposing ideologies believe in different outcomes related to each issue. The conservatives believe that lower taxes will result in greater employment and hence greater tax receipts. The liberals believe that higher taxes will result in greater tax revenues, but this argument fails to acknowledge that this would only be temporary, as reported by several studies on the matter. The higher the taxes, the less money people will have to spend. The higher the taxes and less money consumers have to spend, the more likely that businesses will lay off employees, which means less aggregate tax receipts in the long run for the government, Additionally, if taxes are too high on the wealthy, as the liberal base now proposes, the more likely they are to move to another country or figure out new ways to increase their expenses so that they pay less - not more – in taxes. The end result is that higher taxes lead to less – not more – government receipts after an initial increase. 
At best there will be an overhaul of the tax system that both parties finally compromise on. At worst, there is no compromise and the divide between the two ideologies widens, creating greater distrust. If not resolved, there can be increasing social unrest and even the possibility of revolt or revolution within the next 4 years.

Based on the waning phase of the Saturn-Pluto cycle (2001-2020), it is more likely that taxes will increase. This will lead to another economic downturn, probably 1-3 years later. That economic downturn could last until the next decade, after which it appears the economy may be headed for a very long period of economic growth; much like we had from 1947-1966 and 1982-2000 when Saturn and Pluto were last in their waxing (growth) stages. After 2020, this cycle indicates that taxes and government spending go down, deficits finally decrease, and the economy recovers smartly.

Employment

 There is no change from last year’s book, which stated, “Yet Saturn is moving out of Virgo, which rules the work force, and tends to identify periods when unemployment rises. Saturn retrogrades back and forth between Virgo and Libra, late 2009 through July 2010, and then it remains in Libra until October 2012. Since it is exalted in Libra, it would appear that employment will improve. New jobs will be created during that time. Yet due to the position of Pluto, the number of new jobs may not be that great or well-paying, unless small businesses are given tax incentives to hire, instead of tax hikes for passing a certain Dollar amount in payroll wages.” It appears this uptick in employment is beginning as we leave 2010.

Senior Citizens and Retired People

 The Saturn return (transiting Saturn conjunct natal Saturn) brings great attention to this segment of the population. The plight of the elderly and those on fixed incomes is a tragedy that apparently remains under the media’s radar. Because of the Federal Reserve Board’s 0% interest policy, the income from their savings has fallen drastically, from average yields of 5% just three years ago, to less than .3% now. Much of their spending comes from the interest on savings, and that portion of their income has declined by 95%. That means this very vulnerable part of the population is being forced to chase higher returns through more risky investments, in a financial climate that is still at risk for further financial shocks. The other option is that they must go back to work - try to find employment – in a market that is not likely to hire them due to workplace age bias. Many have had to spend from the principle of their savings, which means that they are quickly running out of money. As stated last year, “The financial plight of the elderly is a tragedy that is likely to continue through 2015. Many will face financial ruin and bankruptcy.”

 The Forecast 2011 Book in its entirety is available on this website, under BOOKS.