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BILL HANSEN is innovative in the field of cycle research and prognostication. His unique style of chart interpretation, a blend of ancient knowledge and modern statistical methods, results in highly accurate and practical information that you can use. Bill has contributed four valuable techniques to the field of astrology: a simplified method of natal and transit interpretation; the Relocation Plotter; the Diurnal Planet for a Year Progression technique; and the Dice Oracle. Meet Astro Bill
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2011 Predictions
CONTENTS OF THIS SECTION:
THE YEAR 2011
CURRENT EVENTS
FINANCIAL FORECAST
MORE ON THE ‘NEW AGE’
by Bill Hansen
UPDATE ON THE ECONOMY
If you haven’t read my stock market forecast for 2011,
then do so after leaving this link Click Here. I correctly predicted that near August a correction in prices was likely with the possibility that a secondary recession could begin. The second part of the forecast is rather ‘rosy’ and I hope that it turns out as predicted.
What I did not mention was that a signature planetary configuration, one of several that I use to forecast the overall economy, occurred in April. If Jupiter and Saturn are in aspect in the sky when a Mars/Jupiter conjunction or opposition takes place the stock market usually crashes. This is what happened in April. In August, the United States is having a Saturn return (limitations, debts, bear market). So I predicted the downturn for August based on these two timers.
I cannot tell if a secondary recession will result from this rapid and sharp stock sell-off. Europe is dragging us down. But our corporate sector is strong. What are needed are jobs and bank loans to grease the economy. Unfortunately, the political deadlock (Saturn) in Congress and the White House is further preventing corrective measures from being taken that could stimulate the economy, shore-up Social Security, and reduce the deficit.
THE YEAR 2011
Interpreting the Diurnal-Planet-for-a-Year progression to the Declaration of Independence chart gives an overview of the year for the United States. This amazing progression method is fully explained in my book Your Cosmic Oracle.
July 2009-July 2010 was a Neptune year. War, oil prices, recession, and rising debt have dominated these years. Watergate, the end of the Vietnam War, the Yom Kippur War and the OPEC oil embargo, the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the subsequent Vietnam War escalation have occurred during Neptune years. The Neptune year of 1964 is when President Johnson initiated his Great Society program that increased government welfare programs and witnessed a rising debt to GDP.
President Obama also delivered his utopian vision (Neptune) by creating the biggest expansion of government spending and social programs since Roosevelt and the Great Depression. He has also escalated the war in Afghanistan while reducing troop presence in Iraq. The economy is still run down, but Wall Street has begun to rally. There are promising developments in the energy, education, and medical bills, but also a huge national debt is building that can wreck us in the near future.
The most frightening fact about Neptune boils down to the unknown. The widespread uncertainty concerning jobs, available banking credit, the U.S. and European debt, the intentions of Iran and North Korea, and climate change make for a very unstable future. Uncertainties also exist in our alliances with Russia over nuclear disarmament, in U.N. global warming reduction treaties, in the War on Terror, and how government largess will affect our individual lives.
July 2010-July 2011 is a Mercury year. Mercury, planet of knowledge and decision making, would seem an encouraging sign of good things to come. But Mercury is “two faced” by nature, and in opposition with Pluto (planet of extremes and contradictions) in the Declaration horoscope. This implies wild swings between good and bad news. It also means a removal of the old, solving of problems, new insights, and transformation. There will be significant redesigns (mergers, buyouts, and restructuring) within many major media firms.
A variety of national events have occurred during past Mercury years. The war in Vietnam ended; the parallel this time will be a significant troop pullout from Iraq and Afghanistan. Economic troubles have occurred only once during this planet year but it was the Great Depression of 1929! A build-up to war has correlated most often: the War of 1812; 1830 and Jackson’s Indian Removal Bill; 1857 on the eve of the Civil War; 1938 before World War II; and 1965 during the Vietnam escalation. The war in Afghanistan and the problem with Pakistan stand as current dilemmas reflective of this cycle, as does the looming threat poised by Iran and North Korea. The after-effects of war and cold war mentality have also persisted during Mercury years: 1947, 1956, and 1974. Significantly, however, has been the rise of America as world leader after World War II and Korea. Vietnam, although a defeat that led to military apathy, gave rise to American ingenuity and cultural developments, including expanded civil rights.
The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1803 and the Louisiana Purchase also took place in a Mercury year – appropriate tributes to the mentally stimulating nature of this planet. Advances in knowledge, communication, and commerce are, therefore, likely during the current Mercury year. We will witness in the latter half of 2010 and first half of 2011 new discoveries, important inventions, radicalization of segments of society, a rise in organized crime and business corruption. Much will be revealed to the public about the inner workings of government and commerce. Monumental government policies will be made that affect business (banking reforms) and require individual and family decisions (new tax codes). There will be a colossal amount of data collected by agencies based on these new regulations. New fronts in the War on Terrorism will be opened. The mid-year elections will be especially polarizing with radical elements bent on upsetting the entire political system. News will be worthy, and there will be plenty of it.
July 2011-July 2012 is a Jupiter year. Major economic reforms and initiatives are likely during this period as have happened in the past: the 16th Amendment in 1913 beginning the federal income tax and the establishment of the Federal Reserve by President Wilson. Also in a previous Jupiter year the radical Republican Reconstruction Act of 1866 took place. Higher taxes and reduced social benefits are likely this time. There will also be a radical change in governmental policy in order to reign in big government, reduce the national debt, and stimulate the economy.
CURRENT EVENTS
I will comment on significant events during the year based on the U.S. chart here. Please check back as major events occur.
Mar. 2011: THE CATASTROPHE IN JAPAN
Japan is the only nation that the United States has used the atomic bomb against. The U.S. Pluto (atomic energy) relocation line passed through Japan. Pluto is also the planet of devastations. It is ironic that the country must suffer another catastrophe like the one during WWII. A devastating tsunami laid waste too much of the northern farmland and coastal towns. Worse is the shutdown, explosions, and overheating of several nuclear reactors close to Tokyo. No matter what the final outcome of this national disaster, it is one more manifestation of the New Age. As the winter solstice continues to pass through the plane of the galactic equator, record-breaking climate, ecological, social, and geo-political repercussions continue to mount.
The massive earthquake that caused the tsunami was trigged by the Full Moon of the 19th. The Moon was perigee on this date; in other words, it was at its closest approach to the Earth thus causing more of a tidal and gravitational effect. My friend and colleague Richard Nolle has done extensive research on what he dubbed, “SuperMoons,” and found them to be instrumental in many significant earthquakes.
Mar. 2011: THE LIBYAN CRISIS
As I explained in “The Egyptian Crisis” Libya is a wild-card nation. The popular uprising there was initially close to being successful but, then, Kadhaffi’s loyalist armed forces and mercenaries regrouped and staged a massive counter-attack. Although many army units defected to the rebel side, the air force remained under government control. Relentlessly pounded from the air, and with artillery and tank support fire, the rebels began to retreat to their strongholds in the east. Close to defeat, the UN finally voted to install a “no fly zone” in the country while blockading the coast and establishing several financial sanctions.
The U.S. Mars and Uranus lines pass through Libya. Ronald Reagan’s use of military force against Kadhaffi caused his regime to renounce nuclear efforts and seek peace with the west. Now it is time again for the U.S. to strike Libya (Mars). The Uranus line indicates freedom and independence. The United States, along with other UN forces, will help the rebels overthrow the unstable Libyian leader in the name of humanitarianism and personal freedom.
Feb. 2011: THE EGYPTIAN CRISIS
Another manifestation of the New Age is the rampant instability among many nations today. Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, and Sudan were the first to undergo radical political dissent and change. Egypt experienced a historic moment of regime change. The U.S. heavily aids the military, and Egypt has played a pivotal part in Middle East stability. The 30-year reign of president Mubarak has now ended and new uprisings in the Middle East are occurring in Libya and Algeria.
Obama is taking the correct approach to the crisis based on the planetary cycles to the U.S. chart. Diplomacy, not taking sides, is now called for. This is a time for reconciliation and siding with the faction that provides the greatest chances for balance within the region. An anti-West regime in Egypt would greatly unsettle the world’s financial markets and lead to further antagonism among Islamic and non-Islamic countries.
The immediate results of this crisis will be favorable for the U.S. March, however, promises to be a very difficult month that may usher in a regime, or a situation, that is threatening to our welfare. Great challenges face the president and our country during this month. Security and stability will be the key issues faced. The price of oil and the fate of our economy are also at risk.
A turn to revolt near the 6th of March in Egypt or elsewhere in the region that brings instability to the U.S. is likely. Further unstable events are possible near the 21st and especially 26th of March.
The U.S. Mars relocation line passes through Egypt and Libya. This explains our military alliance with them and the security they have provided. A Uranus line also passes through Libya so they are a wild-card nation that we have confronted many times before. Rebellion in Libya and Algeria (another Uranus influence for the U.S.) are of concern due to hostile regime change.
Venus and Jupiter lines run through Saudi Arabia, the Nile, and Sudan. No wonder that Arabia has played such a vital role in our economic well-being. Trade and commerce through the Suez Canal are also vital to American interests.
The Egyptian military has been a voice of stability in keeping the peace with Israel. This is likely to continue. With so many nations in the region rebelling against their totalitarian regimes, however, global trade and security will be shocked and our economy is likely to be severely rocked in the short term.
Jan. 8, 2011: An Arizona congresswoman is severely wounded in the head by a young gunman who also killed a federal judge and hit or killed 17 others. A weekly cycle to Pluto (planet of death and assassination) peaked on the 12th. Pluto is in opposition with Mercury (news media, ideas) in the U.S. chart so rumor has it that the deranged gunman may have had a political motive for the killings. The extreme right wing and the Republican Party in general are playing a significant role in leading the American people during the Saturn return that peaks in three phases: Dec. 3, 2010, Mar. 22 and Aug. 28 2011. Extreme polarization has gripped the nation and may lead to other violent acts until April. August remains a staunchly Obama versus the Republican Party month before more peaceful times resume.
Dec. 2010: The lifting of the gay ban in the military and the new nuclear disarmament treaty with Russia are a result of party cooperation. The cycles of December favor major bills and developments, as well as, agreement across the aisle. The Saturn return peaks on the 3rd foretelling conservatism. Weekly Venus 11th, Jupiter on Descendant 13th, and the lunar eclipse of the 21st on Venus and Jupiter in the American chart all point to optimism, economic recovery, good news and increased trade with foreign nations. A weekly Sun on 24th highlights a delighted President Obama.
Nov. 2010: The huge Republican win in the election was correctly predicted based on a Uranus weekly cycle peaking on the 9th that influenced the monthly Sun (president) of the 15th. This indicates major, upsetting change to the presidency. The longer cycle of transiting Uranus on the U.S. Descendant also presages political revolt.
FINANCIAL FORECAST
The National Debt and recovery:
The stock market forecast for 2008-2010 has been “right on." The 2008 recession is the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression entitling it to be called the Great Recession. This credit/mortgage crisis triggered a worldwide depression. Although economists have declared the recession over, the ramifications of the financial crisis are still persistent. A secondary threat to long-term recovery will take place by the end of 2011. Mid-year marks the moment when federal stimulus money will dry up to the states. Many states have huge and unsustainable government retirement and benefit programs that will face insolvency. If something is not done, a second tsunami-like wave of debt will cascade over state coffers and swamp the national recovery.
The trillions of borrowed money used by the federal government to forestall an even greater economic collapse will eventually have to be repaid through higher taxes. Past large tax hikes – 1982, 1990, 1993 - came at times of concern over high budget deficits. The deficits hurt in other ways too. If the government has less money to spend, entitlements will be cut. Interest rates can go higher, hurting stock prices and damaging the value of the dollar. A declining dollar raises the cost of imports and reduces the American standard of living. With vast sums tied to treasuries, there are fewer dollars left for private-sector investment, productivity, and innovation. Foreign countries own half the debt, and foreign lenders are purchasing 70-80% of new debt. This infusion of foreign investment in treasuries provides us with capital and attractive interest rates but it is not prudent to rely on this source of revenue over time. China, a major investor in our debt, has already signaled its willingness to invest elsewhere. So the current debt level is unsustainable and is likely to be the cause of the next severe recession.
THE ECONOMY AND THE STOCK MARKET
The high point of the market and the economy was October 12, 2007. The following low appears to have been reached in March 2009. The market gained strength in 2010, although the economy is still very weak due to a high jobless rate, sluggish lending, a depressed housing market, and a shaky European recovery due to several national high debt ratios. The possibility of a “double-dip” recession still exists due to the possibility of EU defaults and, more significantly, American State’s entitlement debts.
Forecasting the economy involves 7 categories of influence.
(1) {+} Sunspots indicate the highest bull markets and the lowest bear ones. 2008 was a year of sunspot minimum, so a lowest bear market was indicated - hence, the Great Recession. The most telling factor concerning sunspots is when they first move above an average of 50 per month. Since 1871 this predictor has marked the PEAK of the market - with a sudden crash occurring soon thereafter. The last time sunspots rose above 50 was March 1998 and the market reached a monthly average high in May then abruptly fell to a bottom of 7713 in September 1998. It then rose to a peak in December 1999 with the sunspot maximum of 2000. A similar situation is likely this time. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration estimates a projected rise above 50 as early as December 2010 but most likely near September 2011. The market will likely hit a high point at this time and, then, experience a steep sell-off. The NOAA projects the next sunspot maximum in 2012. This will be the approximate time of the next super market high.
(2) The planetary aspects: 4 cycles point to a higher market in 2011 while 3 point lower.
{+} The Saturn-Uranus zodiacal aspect is waiting for the next up move in 2012-13 after correctly called the 2008 crisis. {-} The Jupiter-Neptune cycle is primarily an inflation indicator but 4 out of the last 5 conjunctions led to a financial crisis. The last conjunction took place in 2009 and correctly indicated the severe recession. The cycle indicates a low for 2011. {+} Jupiter-Uranus indicates a rise in 2010 and even higher prices in 2011 and 2012, followed by crisis in 2013-2015. {-} Jupiter-Neptune correctly pointed to a crisis in 2009 and a lower market in 2010. {+} Jupiter-Pluto points to a significant rise in 2011. {-} Jupiter-Saturn indicates the beginning of a protracted downward movement that will reach a low in 2013-14. {+} The Saturn-Pluto cycle is waiting for a sharp turn up in the market in 2012.
(3) Saturn-Neptune is primarily a deflation cycle reflecting modest deflation in 2009 with major deflation in 2015-2016!
(4) {-} When there are an above average number of eclipses in one year (six or seven) the market tends to be disrupted. There were 6 eclipses in 2009 for instance, and only 4 eclipses in 2010. There are six eclipses in 2011 and a brilliant total lunar on the winter solstice Dec. 21, 2010 that influences the beginning of 2011.
(5) {-} Major market indicators are Mars-Jupiter-Saturn aspects. They correctly indicated a correction near August and December 2007. The next Mars-Jupiter-Saturn aspect was in January 2009; again correctly predicting the Great Recession. Mars-Jupiter-Saturn again formed as aspect with one another in August 2010. The market did reach a yearly low (9686 DJIA) the week ending July 2. April 2011 is the next alignment, which correlates with the ‘above 50 sunspot’ prediction. There does appear, then, to be a major market correction in 2011 before a rally to an all time high in 2012 or 2013.
(6) {+} Short-term: Sun conjunction Mercury in Capricorn correlates with sharp turns up in the market beginning 25 days before the conjunction. There is a conjunction on December 19, 2010 so stocks should do well late November–December.
(7) {+} Dry weather is also an indication of a bear market. 2007 was the third year of drier weather (see Data link). 2007, in fact, turned out to be drier than average - a dire warning of the recession that manifested. 2008 and 2009 continued the dry trend. Preliminary data indicates that 2010 was much wetter than 2009, thus pointing to an economic recovery in 2010-11.
(8) Lastly, there are transiting planet cycles to the U.S. chart that have repeatedly correlated with recessions and panics. As correctly predicted last year, the current recession (2008-2009) was severe enough to trigger a world depression. The greatest economic downturns tend to be when sunspots are low, during dry weather trends, and when certain slow transits (21-year, 41-year, and 62-year) are formed to the U.S. natal chart. All of these conditions were met in 2008.
The first of three Saturn-return cycles occurs in December 2010. This cycle is associated with high debt, low GDP, and a contracting economy. Fortunately, Jupiter also crossed the Descendant a third time in December, and Pluto is opposite the U.S. Jupiter (money) in January, July, and November 2011. March and April may bring bad news as a double monthly Saturn peaks in March and influences April. But a 21-year cycle to Venus in May, the solar eclipse of July on Jupiter and the Sun, plus a 62-year cycle to Jupiter that month point to robust growth. The third and final Saturn return cycle will be over by the second week in September clearing the way for a September through early December major rally.
In the final analysis, 2011 is a year of robust gains. There is likely to be a major correction near August 25 with a sharp upturn in profits for the remainder of the year beginning September 16. The overall gains in 2011 may not reach record highs due to the likely correction but come near enough for longer-term jubilation. The near future is bright for the stock market and the economy in general as sunspots increase to the next maximum. The period near 2015 is, however, particularly troubling. A thorough analysis of this period is necessary as a debt collapse is then possible.
MORE ‘NEW AGE’ WEATHER
[Please read “The New Age” under articles for comprehensive information]
CYBER ATTACKS
There was a major cyber attack on the U.S. in 2007. China was suspected of breeching national Internet security channels. The perpetrators were in the war department command room watching the action of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world! The capability existed of creating financial havoc, disrupting the electric grid, and destroying large generators and power plant safeguards. The breech occurred during a Pluto year for the United States. Pluto is the planet of nuclear power, computers, and espionage. Although nothing was destroyed during the breech, a vast amount of technical information was stolen.
Another cyber attack is likely in 2016.
In September 2010 a mysterious computer worm struck Iran in what has become known as the world’s “first cyber super weapon.” It wreaked havoc on computerized industrial equipment in Iran. This super cyber attack represents a new form of warfare, a danger NATO identifies as a key threat. The virus targets control systems made by German industrial giant Siemens commonly used to manage water supplies, oil rigs, power plants and other industrial facilities.
The source of the worm strike on Iran remains unknown, although suspicion has fallen on Israel and the United States. The U.S. urged the alliance to build a cyber fortress around its vital military and economic infrastructures. Drills were conducted to strengthen cyber defenses in the U.S. Aware of the growing danger, the European Union’s executive arm proposed new regulations to boost the 27-nation computer defenses.
Cyber attacks are not new. NATO was lightly hassled by Serbian hackers during the Kosovo war in 1999. Several EU states were the target of a botnet, a network of computers infected by malicious software, in early 2009 that affected the computers of armed forces in France, Germany, and Britain. A cyber attack against Estonia in 2007 cost the Baltic states between 19 and 28 million euros.
In a major cyber attack as is now made possible with the emergence of Stuxnet, the cyber super weapon that infected Iran, populations would suddenly be left without electricity, hot water, heating, and television – or major centers of political, economic, and military control could suddenly shut down. It is a New World order.
A SOLAR ATTACK
Lawrence E. Joseph in his new book, APOCALYPSE 2012, details a very real threat coming from space. A massive solar storm producing a high level electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can impair or destroy much of the power grid anywhere in the world. Solar eruptions occur regularly, mostly during peak sunspot periods; we are currently heading toward a 2012 eleven-year peak.
Although most solar storms have not been strong enough to disrupt the electrical grid, many have in fact done considerable damage. On March 13, 1989, two solar radiation blasts knocked out the Hydro-Quebec electrical utility in 92 seconds. Electrical anomalies were noticed in the U.S. but only one large transformer at a nuclear plant in New Jersey melted. Another close call came October 31, 2003 when a storm impacted at the poles. This solar impact did cause a brief blackout in Malmo, Sweden, and also fried fourteen 400 KV transformers in southern South Africa. South Africa had enormous problems supplying electricity for many of its customers for months.
The 1989 and 2003 events were one-tenth the size of the mammoth electromagnetic storms that hit the earth in 1859 and 1921. There was no electrical grid in the 1800s and in 1921 the system was small and localized. If, rather when, a storm of the magnitude of 1859 or 1921 strikes again, grids around the world will be severely effected.
The problem is large transformers. Electromagnetic storms can melt them. There are about 350 highest voltage transformers in the United States. These transformers connect nearly one third of the entire U.S. power grid infrastructure. These huge transformers receive power from high voltage transmission lines running from substations directly connected to the main power plant. The transmission lines are the ones held up by those big Y-shaped metal trellis structures capable of carrying current as far as 300 miles. Their transformers can’t be fixed in the field and the current worldwide waiting list for a new one is about three years.
Imagine having no power for months or a year, or more. Our modern life would come to a standstill. It would be mayhem.
Fortunately, there is a simple and economical fix. All that needs to be done is affix a large surge suppressor about the size of a washing machine to each of the largest transformers in North America. The cost would be $250 million or so. Sounds like a nice infrastructure fix and a boost for the economy in job creation. But the Obama administration isn’t pushing the idea and the electric utilities are in an outmoded mindset. The electric utility industry spends a pittance of money on research and development. They reason that no space weather blackout of any lasting proportion has ever happened before so why bother?
Another resistance is the complexity of a surge protection system. There would be more maintenance and expense over the long haul. The surge protector system should be capable of preventing up to 75% of intense space weather events. Since huge space-based storms are rare, this protection seems justifiable. Without any protection, like exists today, invites the unsavory possibility of societal collapse in the event of a massive solar electromagnetic storm.
John Kappenman, the man who figured this out, pushed the surge protector program into Congress in 2008. But the initiative failed and funding was cancelled. In the spring of 2010, a new initiative based on national security is before Congress. The House of Representatives bill, HR-5026, known as The Grid Act, was unanimously approved on June 9, 2010. The corresponding Senate bill, S-1462, known as American Clean Energy Leadership Act, is a complex, highly controversial package of energy-related initiatives pushed by the Obama administration. Most importantly, the Senate version makes no mention of protecting the grid from EMP, only from cyber-attacks.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Weather extremes – records being broken year after year – continue to be the norm! It is estimated that of the 20 costliest catastrophes in the world over the past four decades, half have occurred in the past decade alone – and 13 of the world’s total have been in the U.S. Estimates say that 91% of Americans now live in places with moderate-to-high risk of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. What is needed is an efficient response system modeled on the military to meet large-scale disasters like Katrina and the Gulf oilrig spill.
SPECIES AND HABITATE EXTINCTIONS
Frogs, bats, and sea plankton, along with certain plants, animals, birds and insects face mass extinctions. 22% of the world’s plant species, for instance, face extinction based on comprehensive 2010 studies. Mass extinctions of species cause entire ecosystems to go out of balance. It is like Nature pressing a giant reset button with potential dire results.
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Article written by Bill Hansen 2011. All rights reserved.
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