Sunday, September 28, 2008

The World Financial Crisis - Astrological Explanations

The current financial crisis, affecting banks and financial institutions worldwide, is continuing. There seems to be no sign of any let up - in fact, it looks like the situation is worsening. America has just agreed yet another huge bailout of $700bn this time, and who knows when the next one will be triggered.

Astrology can show us what is likely to have caused the crisis and also for how long it will last. At the moment that the USA and possibly the UK are being the hardest hit. However, I think that it is important that other countries do not smugly sit by thinking that it is not coming their way. The USA economy affects the rest of the world and to a greater or lesser extent everyone will be affected.

What possibly contributed to the collapse of the financial system was Saturn quincunx Uranus - this happened at the time Lehman Brothers went into liquidation.

However, there are some huge astrological configurations coming up which seem to indicate that the problems are in their infancy and there is a lot more to be unearthed and come to light.

On the US election day, November 4th, Saturn is making an exact opposition to Uranus. Saturn represents the old order, the banks, government, and the way things have always been done. Uranus, on the other hand, shows a paradigm shift and radical and sudden change. This aspect happens 5 times between now and 2015. So it looks like things are just beginning to warm up.

Between 2011 and 2015, Pluto comes to square Uranus exactly 7 times during this period. In 2010, there is a cardinal T square of Uranus square Pluto and Uranus opposing Saturn - the last time this occurred was during the Great Depression. I am not saying that we have the same circumstances as the Great Depression, but I am suggesting that there is a similar gravity in world financial markets. This means that it is wise to be circumspect with your resources and even those who are very big risk takers may wish to reassess their situation in light of the unfolding chain of events in the marketplace.

What we are seeing in the markets now is the result of large-scale deregulation since 2000. Instead of allowing the property bubble to burst at the time, the banks continued to lend money, created all kinds of complex financial vehicles which even they themselves hardly understood, and their greed has led to the crisis in which we now find ourselves.

During Pluto's time in Sagittarius, we have seen excesses in all the markets. Sagittarius, being ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, has the tendency to see situations using "rose-tinted glasses," and this has allowed this situation to escalate. Even now, with this latest "deal" that Washington has come up with, there is still the attempt to convince the public that all can be well. However, this is due to change very soon with Pluto going into Capricorn on November 26th. Pluto brings out what has been hidden, and Capricorn rules government and big business.

So once Pluto moves into Capricorn, there is likely to be a huge reality check. It will be a time of looking at the situation realistically and weeding out all the rotten elements that are currently there. With Pluto, all the secrets will come out anyway, there will be no choice. The difference is that governments will be required to change, big business will never be the same again and when this is all over, we will have a much cleaner system with a higher level of integrity.

In the meantime, I would recommend the following:
- be conservative with your resources
- make sure that you have some cash on hand (not in the bank)
- spread your monies with several banks - do not put all your eggs in one basket
- buy some gold. If gold is too expensive for you, at least buy some silver
Commodities are insurance in case the system really collapses.
- try to hold off buying or selling property at the moment
- if you are more of a risk-taker, consider buying other currencies especially Swiss Francs, Canadian Dollars and Japanese Yen.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Mercury Retrograde - what it means for you and what can you do about it

Mercury Retrograde - What is it all about?

Astronomers watch the planets each night as they travel through the zodiac. Mercury, which is only just visible before sunrise or just after sunset, travels in a forward direction most of the time. However, 3 or 4 times a year, if you watch carefully, it appears to turn around and go backwards for about 3 weeks. In fact, Mercury is not really going backwards, it's an optical illusion based on the relative speeds and orbits of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun.

For example, when you are riding in a fast car on the motorway and you are passing a slower moving car - the slower moving car appears to be moving backwards, but in reality it is not. It's the relative speed and direction of the two cars that creates that illusion. Mercury retrograde is similar to that.

It is important to be aware of the Mercury Retrograde that is starting on Wednesday 24th September and will stay there until October 15th.

What does Mercury Retrograde mean?
It is commonly known in astrological circles as "Murphy's Law" - i.e. if something can go wrong, it will. For example, it is a time when computers crash, software develops unexpected glitches, you get stuck in a traffic jam, equipment breaks down, letters get lost in the mail and new projects fail.

Mercury goes retrograde at least 3 times a year for about 3 weeks at least each time.

The general effect of Mercury retrograde is frustration and annoyance. Little things go wrong, especially connected with communications, verbal activity, technology, short trips and journeys. For the most part, Mercury retrograde produces lots of minor irritants - and there are several things you can do to protect yourself during Mercury retrogrades:
- if at all possible, avoid signing any legal documentation. For example, try not to sign a lease on a property.
- avoid starting new projects
- try to avoid making any big decisions
- if you can, finish up any projects that involve communication before the retrograde starts
- allow yourself extra time when travelling
- make sure you back up your hard drive and any other important information before the retrograde
- try not to install any new computer software at this time
- do any repairs on equipment before the retrograde starts

On the other hand, Mercury retrograde has some advantages. It is a great time to:
- follow up on projects that you have already started
- complete projects that you have put into motion
- research something in great detail - just make sure you dont take any action until Mercury has gone direct again
- catch up on any paperwork that has been languishing on your desk or in your drawers
- tidy up your computer and get everything into ordered folders

To find out how Mercury retrograde might affect you personally in your life usually requires a good knowledge of astrology. The best thing to do is to go for a reading to your astrologer. Check out my website for more information: http://www.yourastrologysigns.com/