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Christopher Columbus!
Obama Wins Nobel Prize on Same Day NASA Nuts Blast Moon:
Prez Humbly Accepts Honor as a “Call to Action”
Edgar Allan Poe gets ‘Proper’ Funeral
SHELLEY ACKERMAN
Photo: Rich Press
The Sun Trines Jupiter as ‘Big Ben-efic’ goes Direct;
Mercury Re-Enters Libra;
Venus Conjoins Saturn, Sextiles Mars and Slips into Libra
While stern and judgmental Saturn had been transiting newly-elected President Obama’s Mars (at 22 Virgo) these past months, the panel of Nobel judges in Oslo have been quietly deliberating as to whether he or someone else would be given this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. And on the very morning that NASA sent a rocket to blast the Moon in search of water, the world awoke with the surprising news from Norway.
Reverand Billy Talen
The 44th President who received the award for “offering the world hope and striving for nuclear disarmament” was, according to the Reuters report, “stunned” and “humbled” by the announcement. The report went on to say that the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Obama for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” Critics -- some in parts of the Arab and Muslim world -- called the committee's decision premature. Reverend Billy Talen (Green Party NYC Mayoral Candidate) agreed, and in his clever Gemini-glib way, questioned what the word “peace” means. The “Rev”, born on May 25, 1950, has Taurus rising (Mercury on the ascendant) and the Moon conjunct Saturn in Virgo.
Democracy Now questioned the award in light of Obama’s continuation of the Iraq war and escalation of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan. Here, Naomi Klein and Tariq Ali comment on Obama’s win.
President Barack Obama
But Rachel Maddow sounded a different chord and took a stand saying that we (Americans) have every reason to be proud of this fine honor. She made a compelling case, in fact, they all did.
For the record, I adore our President- but I still reserve the right to question him.
Here is the text of President Obama’s reaction to and acceptance of the award.
Nobel Peace Prize
How did the committee arrive at their decision? Read: From 205 names, (Nobel) Panel Chose the Most Visible. President Obama plans to donate the $1.4 million dollar prize money to charity.
This weekend at the Human Rights Dinner in D.C., Obama vowed to end the military's “dont ask, don't tell” policy but did not give a date.
As for the astrology of the misguided October 9th “Shoot the Moon” project, Mars (that aggressive red planet) was in Moon-ruled Cancer at 25 degrees, and the placement played out quite literally (i.e.: ‘lunar-aggression’). Even so, IMO, those bumpkins at NASA could use some counseling, sensitivity- training, or at the very least, a talking too from a Harvard Divinity Professor. Maybe we should invite them to hear Rick Tarnas, Ph.D. author of “Cosmos and Psyche” when he speaks at the NCGR Conference in Boston next February so that they may adopt a more reverential attitude towards the heavens (of which we are a part) and learn about the connectedness of all inhabitants of the universe. It would do ‘em a world of good.
Or perhaps they could have a beer summit with newly named Nobel Prize Winner Barack Obama to mull over the sacredness of all of life (and planets, stars, and moons everywhere) sooner rather than later.
Edgar Allan Poe
“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?”
Edgar Allan Poe
2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe. Haunted and tortured, Poe is among the greatest American literary geniuses of all time. He was born on January 19, 1809, weeks before Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. During his short life (he died at 40 on October 7, 1849), Poe struggled with addiction, unrelenting loss after loss, and he struggled to make ends meet. During his lifetime, he earned only $14 for his poem, “The Raven”.
To mark the 160th anniversary of his death, and to make up for the shoddy and rushed funeral that was attended by only 10 mourners, there will be two funerals on Sunday in Baltimore to celebrate the American icon. John Astin (The Addams Family) will preside. Here’s the lowdown on
Edgar Allan Poe’s Funeral Party. And here is his natal chart.
Venus Conjoins Saturn in Virgo, Aspects Mars and Enters Libra
The week has two distinct qualities, or ‘stories’ going on:
On the one hand, Jupiter, the planet of luck, size, and expansion, stations direct and will begin to move forward. The Sabian symbol for 18 Aquarius, the degree of the station is “A man being unmasked at a masquerade”. As it was with Letterman, the theme of exposure is all round us. How would you handle it some of your biggest secrets seeing the light of day? Venus merges with stifling Saturn in analytical Virgo before entering her much lovelier and comfortable home sign of Libra. Due to the square to Pluto, the first day or two of Venus in Libra (Oct 14/15) promises drama and intrigue, the remainder of the transit (through Nov 7) will deliver the more delightful and stimulating social exchanges that the placement is known for.
Chart: Mercury direct
Click for larger view
The Planets This Week: Times are Eastern
Oct 8: Moon in Gemini, Mercury conj Saturn @ 2:38 am
Oct 9: Moon V/C @ 9:35 pm, in Cancer @ 9:48 pm,
Venus opp Uranus @ 6:01 pm
Mercury enters Libra @ 11:46 pm
Oct 10: Sun trine Jupiter @ 4:38 am,
Mercury square Pluto @ 2:43 pm
Oct 11: Moon V/C @ 9:37 pm
Oct 12: Moon enters Leo @ 1:02 am, Mars sextile Saturn
Oct 13: Moon V/C @ 5:21 pm, Jupiter direct @ 12:36 am,
Venus conj Saturn @ 6:52 am,
Venus sextile Mars @ 2:31 pm
Oct 14: Moon enters Virgo @ 3:45 am, Venus enters Libra @ 6:46 pm
*Moon v/c = ‘void of course’, Best for spiritual not earthly pursuits
Bonus: 2009 Astro Crib Sheet
Mercury begins 09 @ 0˚Aquarius07’ & ends 2009 @ 19˚Capricorn29’ Rx
Mercury Retrogrades 2009:
Jan 11-Feb 1, May 6-30, Sept 6-29, & Dec 26-Jan 15, 2010
Venus begins 2009 @ 27˚Aquarius48’ and ends 2009 @ 7˚Capricorn13’
Venus Retrograde: March 6-April 17, 2009
Mars begins 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn57’ and ends 2009 @ 18˚Leo54’ (Retro)
Mars turns retrograde on December 20th (thru March 10, 2010)
Jupiter begins 2009 @ 29˚Capricorn02’ and ends 2009 @ 26˚Aquarius15’
Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5, 2009
Jupiter Retrograde: June 15-Oct 13, 2009
Saturn begins 2009 @ 21˚Virgo46’ Retrograde and ends 2009 @ 4˚Libra30’
Saturn Retrograde: Dec 31, 2008-May 16, 2009
Saturn enters Libra on Oct 29, 2009 (will retrograde back into Virgo in 2010)
Uranus begins 2009 @ 19˚Pisces15’ and ends @ 23˚Pisces05’
Uranus Retrograde: July 1-December 1, 2009
Neptune begins 2009 @ 22˚Aquarius27’ and ends 2009 @ 24˚Aquarius34’
Neptune Retrograde: May 28-November 4, 2009
Pluto begins 2009 @ 1˚Capricorn16’ and ends 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn17’
Pluto Retrograde: April 4-September 11, 2009
ARIES: The success of the Jupiter Station in your 11th house of friends, community, and vision for the future hinges on your ability to handle (and work with) the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Lucky Jupiter stations and turns direct at the ‘unmasking’ degree that hints at full disclosure. Take your cues from fellow Aries David Letterman. With dignity and courage, he showed us who’s boss. Your ruler, Mars, is in harmony with Venus. Seize the day and resolve any long standing issues with family and coworkers. The friends entering your life now are ones you can depend on.
TAURUS: Jupiter’s forward movement in your 10th house gets some of that phenomenal career mojo going again and with plenty of support from coworkers, there’s no excuse not to throw your hat in the ring. The question is- regardless of what the ‘group’ thinks, what do you want the next 12 years to look like? Before your ruler Venus enters your 6th house of day to day habits, she engages Mars in your 3rd house of siblings, neighbors and small talk: Each and every encounter is meaningful and brings you closer to achieving harmony where it matters most. Refrain from gossiping, your innocent words may be repeated and judged harshly.
GEMINI: Your ruler, Mercury is a busy and over-worked bee this week and if left unchecked, the mental gymnastics could add up to one big fat migraine. The ‘Trickster’ first conjoins somber Saturn (don’t let the seriousness of the conversation get you down) and then enters creative and romantic Libra. Be careful that your words of love aren’t overheard, read, and responded to by a third party who thinks they’re the only one. Generous Jupiter (ruler of your 7th house of partners) turns direct in your legal 9th house of public relations. For what would you like to be recognized?
CANCER: What would you say (and do) if you were guaranteed the home life, and the emotional and financial security you long for in exchange for committing to the health, well being, and longevity of your neighbors? Would you recycle everything? Would you give up plastic bags? Never drink and drive or speak on your cell or text behind the wheel? Would you eliminate noise pollution? Would you reduce your carbon footprint? This is what you’re faced with. It’ll become undeniably clear that your safety is directly linked to your behavior toward others. Wow.
LEO: Two parts of your being- the generous optimist and the conservative bean counter are competing for center stage this week, and in order for your life to work, they must share the spotlight equally. Measure twice and cut once, and introduce your newest ideas in small increments. Your ruler, the Sun, in your 3rd house of communication is being favorably aspected by Jupiter in your 7th house of partnership, contracts, and public affairs. And while you couldn’t want for a better configuration, don’t spill all the beans just yet. There are factions that want to hold on to the past who will need to be brought along slowly.
VIRGO: Okay, so your ruling planet, Mercury conjoins stodgy Saturn one last time and you’re forced to keep it real and possibly be the bearer of bad tidings. But your ‘message’ is not one of destruction, it’s one of necessity. Remind yourself (and others if need be) that you always have and always will have their best interests at heart. The favorable aspect from the Sun and Jupiter in your money/work houses brings good news in the financials. Share the wealth by keeping morale up. Small thoughtful gestures make all the difference in the world.
LIBRA: As you run the gamut of emotions and experiences this week know that all’s well that end’s well. Your ruler, Venus conjoins Saturn in your hidden 12th house and one more round of thorough soul-searching is in order before the floodgates can open, so take a day or two for quiet and reflection. Energetic Mars in your 10th house is in agreement with the aforementioned duo (Venus and Saturn) lending impassioned career and domestic support from a partner or BFF. Jupiter turns direct in your creative 5th house and bellows “no more excuses”! Honor your self-expression and do the work- or else!! Venus enters your sign on the 14th in the evening: dress up and put your best face forward.
SCORPIO: In the film classic “Gone With the Wind” there’s a scene in which one of the ‘middle-managemt’ slaves yells out “It’s quitting time.” Big Sam, (the slave in charge) admonishes him saying “It ain’t quittin’ time until I says it’s quittin’ time”. He then yells to the group “It’s quitting time.” No matter who says it first, the Sun is setting on an aspect of the way your team works. Perhaps there are new rules which must be implemented. Either way, you will be in accord and instrumental at getting the new policies in motion. Jupiter direct in your 4th house enables you to think seriously about home improvement and a possible expansion in where you live.
SAGITTARIUS: Venus, ruler of your 6th house of day to day operations meets up with Saturn, the ruler of your 2nd house of income in your professional 10th house and while a little conserving is called for, you’ll be pleased with the result. It isn’t often that all factions are on the same page and ready to cooperate- so savor the moment and go forward with gratitude. Your ruler Jupiter turns direct in your 3rd house of siblings and communication. The favorable alliance with the Sun in your community-oriented 11th makes you a hero in your home town.
CAPRICORN: Here’s a question- In what way does your world view impact your public image? This week, before entering Libra, the ruler of your midheaven (Venus) conjoins the ruler of your Sun (Saturn) in your 9th house of religion and personal philosophy. The implication is that you must first review and reconcile any moral conflicts you have with your position before going public. It’s the equivalent of a judge thoroughly doing his homework before donning his robe. Do not be shy about consulting with all involved parties. You’re poised to achieve a peace that was though to be unattainable.
AQUARIUS: You’re juggling many things, not the least of which is the lack of consideration on the part of some distracted underlings and coworkers. And while the legitimacy of the ‘issues’ they’re bringing in to the workplace is of no consolation to you, a resolution is at hand. But know that you will probably be the one making it happen (by putting your foot down kindly but firmly). Upbeat and expansive Jupiter turns direct in your first house but its good fortune will only permeate your world if you’re able to be 100% up front about your motives. It’s a fair price.
PISCES: Even if a partner or a representative of yours is taking a more tight-fisted approach to your affairs than you’d like, they know what’s best and their timing is impeccable. A little conservation now will serve you in the long run. You may need a loan for a big purchase 9or a project) and the appearance of self control works in your favor. Soon enough, your co-ruler (Jupiter) will enter your sign and the floodgates will open. For the time being, read up on what the economists and astrologers are saying about 2010.