Predictions for 2005

This is a monumental year in American history because three slow moving transiting planets are making significant aspects (angular relationships of 0-degrees, 90-degrees, or 180-degrees) with our Declaration of Independence chart. The Declaration chart is widely used by astrologers as a natal chart representing our country. Historic events have accurately been foretold using this horoscope.

One of the three significant aspects influencing our nation this year is transiting Pluto aspecting natal Neptune. Neptune has long been associated with collectivism, crime, oil, the sea, synthetic materials, drugs, and pollution. These will be some of the major themes during the year.

Since 1607, this aspect has indicated a dissolution, rupture, or split-up of power usually following a war. It is a time of collectivism or the consolidation of power within the U.S. or inflicted upon another nation.

Pluto was in opposition to our natal Neptune in 1607, the same year that the Virginia Company of Plymouth founded a short-lived colony of Puritans in Maine, later in 1620 a new company would form in Plymouth, England and land at Cape Cod becoming the Pilgrims. Puritanism was a form of collectivism in that they believed governments should be obedient to God. Their policies were, therefore, designed to fulfill the Scriptures.

The next aspect between Pluto and Neptune occurred in 1661 and three years later the Dutch settlers at the port of New Amsterdam were seized by the Duke of York. The Dutch colony was renamed to New York and the colonists there were governed under a rigid law code.

The conjunction in 1722 was during a proglonged consolidation of power in North America between the English, the Spanish, the French, and the Indians.

Pluto squared Neptune in 1758 when England initiated a great war to extend English power around the world. In America this conflict was called the French and Indian War (1755-1770).

The opposition between Pluto and Neptune took place in 1816 after America had finally freed itself from British control with the War of 1812. 1816 ushered in an era of nationalism initiated by the programs of Henry Clay.

The next aspect occurred in 1905. President Roosevelt followed up his 1904 corollary to the Monroe Doctrine in this year. The Industrial Workers of the World was also founded by Eugene Debs with the aim of uniting all workingmen and gaining union control of production.

The conjunction of Pluto with Neptune in 1968 correlated with the Great Society programs of President Johnson, the Vietnam War, civil disobedience and the anarchy of a cultural war.

The square in 2005 is, thus, an important pivot point. The Bush administration has consolidated power through the Patriot Act and other anti-terrorism measures. The U.S. is also continuing to initiate democratic (free trade) reforms around the world - principally in Afghanistan, Iraq, China, the Carribean and South American countries. It is yet to be seen whether or not this expansion of "americanism" to Islamic countries will be successful. Equally important is the erosion of liberties here at home. A vigilant stand must be made by freedom loving Americans to insure that our freedoms are not further undermined.

Near Feb. 1 (Jan. 7 - Mar. 21) oil prices will rise. Major insurgency attacks will kill more of our soldiers than usual. The crumbling U.S. infrastructure and/or terrorism threats (lapses in security) will become news. Housing prices and construction are at an all-time high.

Near Mar. 26 the government is preoccupied with internal problems. An inability to act or pass critical legislation that would protect families (health and retirement benefits) fails to pass.

Near Apr. 10 and continuing until the third week of May, the President faces protesters. High-tech industries do not get the backing that they need from the President and other national leaders. A time of turmoil, unrest, and general rebellion overseas.

Near May 29 educational reform, postal service, and communication networks experience lack of follow-through, delays, reversal in policy, and the cover-up of partially revealed information about their operations. Fighting is fierce in Iraq with special missions planned.

Jun. 4 much conflict with other nations. Insurgent attacks continue. The President's popularity is slipping. A famous artist or entertainer or politian or journalist dies.

The President's popularity continues to decline near Jul. 1. Corruption in government or procurement for business overseas surfaces but is quieted. Corporate and government inadequacies make this an unsure time. Bad policy decisions are made. Uncertainty and inaction plague the corporate world, the scientific establishments, and government.

The President fails to act quickly to a major national catastrophe near Aug. 28. He is beset with critizism near the end of Jul. and early into Aug. especially near the 10th. Aug. 28 period is disruptive, chaotic, devastating. Terrorists strike hard too.

Relief and spiritual guidance peak near Sep. 2. Ideas to improve the health of the oceans, rivers, and lakes is proposed by action is delayed.

Much is in the news about people, food, shelter, and educaiton near Sep. 28. Debate rages throughout the country with many new ideas being shared. A newsworthy time.

Near Oct. 14 a major scandal occurs. Espionage is revealed. Significant crimal acts are revealed but cover-ups immediately divert attention from the true causes. The people pay for the wrongs being done. Ineptitude prevails in government. Relief agencies are mobilized but experience delay and restriction near Oct. 3.

War protests escalate near Nov. 15. Insurgents strike harder and more soldiers are killed than usual.

Powers beyond our control (foreign nations and Mother Earth) have severely influenced the U.S. this year especially within a month or so of Feb. 1, May 22, and Dec. 1. Transformation is at hand that could reshape the national values or turn the people against government. Nuclear issues, space plans, bio-engineering all play a significant part during these periods. Jun., Jul., and Oct. are key months for disease (pandemic) worries.

Focus is on home, family, and food, and feasivities from Dec. 9 until the end of the year. Pluto over the U.S. lower meridian on Dec. 1, however, points to a major turning point, transformation, and possible ending of a problem. This could relate to the Iraqi constitutional vote on Dec. 15. A transition this will be but violence will continue and be extraordinarily fierce in Jan. 2006. Major calls for troop withdrawal will be made at this time.

The stock market will rise in 2005. Gains will be modest but progressive.

The summer of 2005 is expected to be hot and dry. Several droughts will occur throughout the country. There will be periods of extreme heat punctuated by many strong thunderstorms. Extreme hurricanes are very likely.