NEWS BEFORE THE NEWS

U.S. PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

Three methods will be used to describe the trends for the United States in 2023: major transits in the heavens during the year, the Declaration of Independence chart using my Diurnal-Planet-for-a-Year direction (DPY)* and significant transits to the U.S. natal planets.

*This new direction method is fully explained in my book Your Cosmic Oracle.

HEAVENLY TRANSITS

Here is a brief review of previous transits to give an idea of where we stand in 2023.  The disruptive Saturn/Uranus square followed in the wake of the tumultuous events associated with the historic Jupiter/Saturn/Pluto conjunction in late 2020.  Saturn and Uranus played havoc throughout the year manifesting through multiple Covid-19 mutation surges.  The last of the Saturn/Uranus phases peaked December 24, 2021.

The Saturn/Uranus combination signals widespread and profound political and technological transitions.  This aspect is intricately related to world power changes along with the Uranus/Neptune cycle.  A Saturn and Uranus conjunction in 1988 was followed by a Uranus/Neptune conjunction in 1993 when the fall of the USSR allowed the United States to assume absolute supremacy.  China, however, may overtake the United States to become the prime financial, military, and political power during the next Saturn/Uranus conjunction in 2032 as this corresponds with the next Uranus/Neptune conjunction.

Jupiter and Neptune join April 12, 2022 in a single conjunction.  This is primarily a sign of inflation although a peak in production tends to occur with some regularity at the time of the sinister sextile when Jupiter is 3000 from Neptune (Feb.-Oct. 2020).  Production tends to fall quickly after this point and reaches a tipping point around 3300 separation (Mar. 2021).  A very low point (a crisis of low production and rising prices) typically occurs around the conjunction, with a secondary low possible at the dexter sextile (600 separation May 2024).  The conjunction is a time of economic crisis as inflation soars.  In 1971, for instance, Richard Nixon removed the gold standard, precipitating the greatest inflationary wave in modern times.  A triple conjunction in 2009 signaled the Great Recession of 2008, the longest and worst recession since the Great Depression of 1929.

There are several other key indicators of rising inflation in the years ahead.  The Saturn/Neptune cycle points to rising prices 2026-2034.  The 9.28-year inflation cycle discussed in my book The Spiraling Economy (ISBN 9798717352321 available through Amazon) correctly predicted 2021 as a short inflationary peak.  The next peak in the 9.28-year cycle is 2030 during the next Saturn/Neptune phasing!  The inflation of 2021 is not merely a pandemic induced production and supply chain upheaval; nor will it be temporary.  The inflation/financial crisis Jupiter/Neptune conjunction follows in 2022.  I’m concerned that these forerunners will set off the next super inflationary period (2026-2034) that is likely to crest in 2030.

And then there will be trend setting firsts like those during past Jupiter/Neptune aspects: the first election that included female voters; the first election broadcast on radio; the first time a motion picture was synchronized with a musical score; the first nuclear submarine; the first transpolar voyage beneath the Arctic ice pack; the first time a jet airliner crosses the Atlantic; the first U.S. earth satellite is launched; NASA is established.

A notable first in 2022 is the first successful demonstration of fusion energy.  This breakthrough paves the way for further technological improvements that increase the amount of energy generated with no polluting waste products.  Also in 2022 scientists began building the world’s largest radio telescope.  When completed SKA will allow astronomers to examine the faintest radio signals from sources close to the Big Bang – the birth of the universe.  Questions regarding dark matter to the origin of the mysterious pulses of radio emissions known as fast radio bursts may soon be answered, including any signals from life on other planets.

JUPITER/PLUTO SQUARE 2023

Jupiter and Pluto form a dexter (waxing) square 5/17/2023.  This configuration is tied to the previous conjunction.  The synodic cycle of Jupiter and Pluto officially formed when these two heavenly bodies joined in conjunction on 4/5/2020.  This date and the events that surround it mark the beginning of a grand cycle lasting about twelve and a half years.  The significance of this conjunction varies from nation to nation but a core theme or meaning can be extracted from the historical record.

One theme is massive deaths – think corona-virus, a wicked flu season, and the Ukraine Russian War.

Another theme is aggression and warfare.  The Russian invasion of Ukraine is likely to expand with the entrance of Belarus for instance and enhanced reinforcement of Russian troops, weapons, and materiel.

A mass migration from the Middle East to Europe and from Mexico and South America to the United States will reach a critical point and demand remedial actions.

Ecological disasters are another theme; the winter of 2022 and 2023 will likely be severe; the hurricane season may be particularly destructive as well.

The death or removal of powerful leaders is another possibility.  Another presidential match-up between Joe Biden and Donald Trump seems unlikely.  Biden may be convinced not to run again or have health problems.  Trump has lost the moderate Republican and swing voters so he can’t win an election; he also faces multiple legal issues if the Justice Department files criminal charges based on recommendations presented by the January 6 Congressional Committee.  A recent newsletter of mine said this about Trump’s legal problems:

Trump is in real legal trouble.  He’s successfully faced various litigations and accusations in the past.  This time might be different since several inquiries into his affairs are underway.  It will take courage on the part of the Attorney General to indict him over the kept Presidential Records.  But there is also the matter of attempting to steal the election.  Georgia is pursuing that case.  And for inciting the Capital riot there is evidence for indictment there too.  So will Trump succeed yet again in foiling justice?  His Sun/Uranus conjunction accounts for wild and unconventional behavior; it is also the ability to escape – to be free – and invent new ways of doing things.  Mars rising is the boldness, enterprise, and rudeness he exudes.  But Mercury square Neptune speaks of deception, dishonesty, and cleverly disguised messages that dupe followers into believing his schemes.  He knows what he’s doing – Mercury is diurnal from Neptune and therefore ‘overcomes’ Neptune.  This means he even uses suggestion and imagination to get his way.

My Diurnal Planet for a Year direction is a symbolic forecasting method designed to gauge the general life conditions during any 9-year period and specifically during each year of life (birthday to birthday).  Donald Trump’s Neptune 9-year period runs from 72-81.  He is 76 from June 2022 until June 2023.  Neptune also governs his 76th year: a Neptune year in a Neptune 9!  Neptune is the planet of deception, crime, and avoidance.  Will he be successful in slipping away from justice – or avoiding the fallacious charges leveled again him as his followers believe?

State crime and corruption come up time and again during Jupiter/Pluto aspects.   Mention was made of Donald Trump but five of his co-conspirators (Mark Meadows, Giuliani and other attorneys) may also face charges in the January 6 coupe.  Several hundred people involved in storming the Capitol have received fines and prison sentences, including the leader of Oath Seekers and those responsible for the attempt to kidnap Michigan’s governor.  A crypto currency king, Bankman-Fried, fell from grace costing investors millions in an apparent Ponzi scheme or just botched fraud plain and simple.  Other high profile cases are likely in 2023.

Jupiter and Pluto together signal great transitions.  The 2020 conjunction was truly such a turning point.  Our democracy is in peril, not only from a dysfunctional government but by radical groups and foreign nations bent on fomenting rebellion in this country and by those who would betray the constitution.  Extremist philosophical groups and the bitter divide separating liberals and conservatives bridges several planet combinations, most notably Saturn/Pluto (see 2020 Triple Conjunction under Newsletters on my website astrobill.com), but the grand triple conjunction that we bear witness to is particularly unique.  Rarely do three planets form in conjunction like this when two of them, Saturn and Pluto, are simultaneously on their south nodes.  This is a grand historical moment – a great cultural turning point.

Another Jupiter/Pluto theme relevant this year is ‘Economic adjustment to war, recession, or rapidly falling stock prices.’  The FED continues raising interest rates to tame inflation while the public and markets adjust to rising prices and falling stock prices.

The coming of renewable energy as the primary source of power is beginning to stimulate major product innovations that will restructure social living.  The list of products is too large to name but solar cars, places that recharge battery devices without plugging in, solar powered airplanes and civilian car/planes are a few of the advanced ideas being worked on.  2026 is the next year to watch for major lifestyle innovations.  This is when Jupiter and Pluto will be in opposition.  The following conjunction in 2033 is especially important as a transition portal to a renewable energy world.

Last we come to the theme of a cold war.   Russia’s folly invasion of Ukraine places it in a very cold shoulder place among democracies worldwide.   China too faces a cold front with the United States although economic ties still strongly bond the two nations.

U.S. HOROSCOPE JULY 2023 – JULY 2024 is a Uranus year in my DPY direction.  The DPY direction is a general forecasting tool like progressions.  Uranus is located just below the western horizon at the time of the Declaration of Independence.  It signifies freedom from oppressors.  During this birthday year for the U.S. expect the political/cultural divide to worsen with radical elements on both sides exerting more pressure on their parties.  Loud cries will go forth to defund the Ukrainian war effort.  The course we take, however, will be to protect freedom abroad in our national interest while remaining free of military engagements unless attacked.  The U.S. will distance itself from China while still doing a brisk trade in consumer goods.  A technological disengagement with China is necessary in areas where our self-defense is jeopardized.  There are three new processing chip manufacturing plants now being constructed in America to help free us from foreign reliance.  The same effort needs to be made regarding rare earth elements.  Border security, especially with Mexico, is another issue that will take center stage during this Uranus year.  Unique methods, like the barrel barrier and razor wire employed by Texas governor Greg Abbott, and more electronic sensors are needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.  Unfortunately, the stars do not favor revamping immigration law at this time.

The Uranus year promises to be wild and surprising.  Strange things are going to happen.  Allies can surprise us with their innovation and sudden independence.  Nations of interest to the U.S., like Niger with rich deposits of uranium, will experience upheaval or become politically extreme; Israel is another example of this. Adversaries can also do the unexpected.  Let us hope a nuclear crisis in Ukraine doesn’t happen, or that China doesn’t pull a fast one over Taiwan.  Sides are forming.  China, Russia and Iran have a bond; NATO is growing; and Biden has vowed to uphold freedom in Southeast Asia and to keep vital sea lanes open.  It is a year of posturing and picking sides as compromise between adversaries is extremely difficult.

The war in Ukraine is particularly troubling as Russia no longer permits grain to be shipped out of Odesa and other ports.  Many nations rely on Ukraine’s vast grain producing regions for food.  Russia is attacking Ukrainian ports destroying grain elevators, storage facilities, and loading equipment – even in the backdoor ports along the Danube.  Ukraine is not the only nation being hurt by Russian atrocities.  A unified front against Russia is not going to happen because America wants to be free of foreign entanglements this Uranus-year while her allies are apt to behave in erratic ways and not come together for such a unified purpose.

Surprises will abound in major litigations.  Joe Biden may even be impeached over shared profits in his son Hunter’s foreign business dealings.  Donald Trump will be part of the surprise developments this year.  His trials will be unique and terribly upsetting to the nation.  Democracy is in peril if Trump somehow manages to beat the indictments and win the White House.  He would then drain “the swamp” and replace thousands of career bureaucrats with MAGA supporters.  Efforts would also be made to harness the Justice Department and the FBI by redefining their supposedly independence.  On the other hand, radical Democratic groups have exerted great influence on Biden to bend the nation toward greater inclusiveness, redistributing massive amounts of wealth, adding layers of new regulations to a nation already overly burdened with red tape.  Socialism, aka European style, is what they want and a bulk of Americans has bought into this Big Brother mentality.  Woe is America.

Nothing short of spectacular is in store for the United States.  The renewable energy revolution will continue with erratic progress, sometimes rapid deployment of more fueling stations, infrastructure improvements, and waves of new electric cars will take place while at other times not enough will get done.  We are in danger of pushing recklessly ahead with renewables at the expense of current energy needs.  The erratic waves of progress may be periodic interruptions in power demands; in other words, all practical methods of energy production need to work together as renewable sources come online.  This means small, efficient nuclear plants are needed along with natural gas, fuel, and clean burning coal plants.  Too quick and radical a departure from fossil fuels before enough renewable capacity is established will leave us vulnerable to the whims of foreign suppliers.  Amazing things are going to happen including several unique inventions and scientific advancements that will improve the lives of Americans.

The DPY direction divides time into 9-year segments with a different planet representing each year within the group (the Sun is excluded).  The current 9-year segment is represented by Pluto and runs from 2020-2029.  The last Pluto 9-year period was 1939-1948 during World War II and its aftermath.  The previous Pluto 9-yr period was 1848-1857 a tumultuous time of mass migration during the 1849 Gold Rush and the deep political divisions that led up to the Civil War.  We may conclude then that July 2023 – July 2024 is a very dangerous time.  It is a time of division and rebellion.

ASPECTS TO THE U.S. HOROSCOPE

The three slowest moving transits (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) in hard angle aspect (00, 900, and 1800) to the Declaration of Independence chart identifies the primary trends and conditions facing the nation.  There are three such incidences in 2022 and none in 2023, although the Pluto return will continue to influence January 2023.

Transiting Pluto returns to its natal position in the U.S. horoscope for the third and final time 12/28/22.  Coincidently, transiting Mars crosses the Descendant while Jupiter traverses the Lower Meridian.  The significance of this threesome after the midterm election is monumental.  Pluto, as always, signifies the tearing down of something in the process of rebuilding anew.  In this case it is likely the transfer of government power back to the conservative court.  Although transiting Pluto is no longer influencing Mercury in the U.S. chart, the natal opposition between these two remains as a warning for all citizens to be cognizant of where they get their news and viewpoints.  Pluto corrupts.  It manipulates.  A strong compulsive action is produced that results in profound restructuring.  The initial stimulation for change is often packaged around with lies, conspiracy theories, and enticing themes of treachery.  I have warned before that the American media, primary education, some businesses and bureaucrats will try to manipulate opinions surreptitiously.  The outcry over educational standards and curriculum is one example of this.  Another is the proliferation of internet-based social media disinformation – personal opinions and peculiar theories.  What gets watered down (torn asunder) in the flood of differing ideas are facts.  So please check your ideas out; fact-check – otherwise, you are partner to the corruption that is undermining our society.

The Pluto conjunction in the U.S. horoscope also points to investigations regarding corruption in the highest places.  Fingers always point to various allegations of government corruption in every administration but circumstances are different this time.  Never, except when the British did it, has the Capital been assaulted.  Never has a president tried in nefarious ways to overturn an election deemed fair by recounts, state audits, and multiple legal courts.  Never has a president taken and kept government documents, some classified secret, and lied that they had all been returned.

Make no mistake about it.  Pluto destroys.  It converts to another system by casting aside the existing.  No matter your frame of reference, be it conservative or liberal, the other tribe is guilty.  Before continuing, let me say at the outset that I’m calling it as I see it and not the way I believe it should be.  I try as best as humanly possible to fit the facts to astrological principles in order to ascertain timing, impact, and result.

The Pluto return signifies a turning point – a transition – for our nation.  One obvious transition is from the Age of Oil to the Age of Green ‘Renewable’ Energy.  The switch in fuel-source dependence will take time but the official cosmic crossover is marked by the Pluto return.  Nuclear power, also represented by Pluto, will likely play a bigger role as renewable sources may not be able to supply the constant power needed to fuel the nation.

Space exploration and commercialization will achieve new heights.  We are back to the Moon in late 2022 and soon will have a station there.  The goal after that is a manned flight to Mars.  And true to Pluto’s dualistic nature we will witness progress in nano technology for medical and industrial reasons.  Transplanting pig organs into humans, first made possible in late 2021, will also make significant strides forward.

Another significant transition is in the role played by Big Tech.  The states and federal government have tried to reign in the tech giants for unfair trade practices and mining personal data.  A more ominous presence, however, is how tech firms guide how people spend their time, what professional and social opportunities they pursue, and what they think.  Technocrats running Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla/SpaceX have more power and influence than most nation states.  New business models propagated by them are directing corporate offices and the citizens at large more than the government.

2022 into 2023 is a pivotal time in yet another way.  To fully explain, let me take you back in time to the late 1850s.  Transiting Neptune was square natal Mars and in opposition with the U.S. Neptune in 1857.  There was a bitter divide at the time between Northern “free” states and Southern “slave” states.  The abolitionists distrusted adherents of the slave economy and vice versa.  Disinformation swelled the controversy amid threats of secession and violence.   Viciousness spew from both sides of the great debate: angry arguments and fist fights and ugly newspaper opinion pages were common.  The insinuations from the South trigged fear and apprehension – what would an end to slavery and Northern domination mean for Old Dominion?  The Northern view, not unlike the Democrats of today, loathed the idea of exclusionism (enslavement) and state’s rights over federal jurisdiction.

The situation is much the same today.  Transiting Neptune during the first three months of 2022 was square natal Mars and opposite natal Neptune just like in 1857.  The liberal ‘left’ and the conservative ‘right’ can agree on little.  Each side distrusts the other.  Accusations run rampant concerning what will happen if one side gains popular control over the other.  Lies, deceptions, fear – and the insidious unknown – rule the day.

And then there was rebellion.  Fort Sumter was bombarded in Charleston harbor by secessionist forces sparking the Civil War just as Uranus joined with natal Uranus in the U.S. horoscope (April 1, 1861).

Uranus does not join itself in modern times until 2028-29, long after the 2022 transits to Neptune and Pluto.  But there is another danger now seeping and growing into the very foundations of our Republic.

In the U.S. chart Neptune is near the Midheaven of leadership and government.  Is it no wonder then that a majority of the population is distrustful of government?  Large numbers of people are disappointed in Washington leadership.  Presidents have lied; made promises they couldn’t keep, and behaved incompetently.  Although another civil war, if there is to be one, will not come until 2028 or 2029,            Pluto today replaces the Uranus transit of 1860.  Rather than an immediate civil war, we face the undermining (Pluto) of ideas (Mercury).  Extremism and fanatical talk is all over the internet.  The media, once the bastion of reliable information, is now subjected to scorn and ridicule – even disbelief – as increasing numbers of people get their news online from extremist forums and through social media chitchat.

A constitutional crisis is in the making.  It was first felt during the 2020 election.  The January 6, 2021 Capital insurrection and the ensuring prosecution of perpetrators and investigation of then president Donald Trump is the manifestation of the Pluto return.  The crisis may be over, especially if Trump is successfully prosecuted or loses the 2024 primaries, because the Pluto return has peaked and there are no hard angle transits to the U.S. chart by Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto.  The main crisis is probably winding down.  On the other hand, prosecuting Trump might precipitate a fierce reaction from his supporters – roughly 30% of voters – and the more extreme could resort to violence.

Either way the potential for problems in our political system remain.  Remember Neptune on the U.S. Midheaven.  Conservatives fear a totally socialist America (Neptune); liberals relish the idea of Euro-style democratic socialism. Extremists in both parties are trying to push their agendas past congressional moderates.  Even President Biden who campaigned on a promise to “bring America together” has caved to the extremist voices in his party.  The Republicans are unified against the liberals because an extreme faction of conservatives drives the party.  This has created a stalemate.  Trump upped the ante in his bid to disavow the 2020 election.  Now his loyalists are harassing, threatening, and pressuring fellow Republicans that voted to impeach Trump resulting in many of them retiring from politics or being defeated in the polls.  There is also a clandestine movement to install Trump followers in state precincts, on election boards, and in other key voting positions.  In other words, there is a plan underway for stealing the next presidential election.  If Trump is dissuaded from running again, or prevented in running due to litigation or conviction of a capital offense, or loses the primary to another Republican the crisis will end.