THE YEAR 2008

The Year 2008 is expected to be influenced by the passage of the Sun across the Galactic Center (GC) located in Sagittarius, traditionally acknowledged as the House of God. The clustering of the planets in the Eighth opposed by Mars in the Second is significant for the year. Mars is closest to the Earth, exerting powerful influence on humanity, particularly in the national life in the Philippines.

(Every year, the Sun conjoins this sensitive point in the Galaxy. This point, just a few degrees from the solstice point of Capricorn, precesses by a few minutes. This year, the GC falls on 26 Sagittarius 58’. As discussed in my previous article, the outermost dwarf-planet Pluto oscillates this GC point for sometime this year, absorbing the transcendent instructions for dissemination to the successive levels of human understanding symbolized by the other planets. Lately, Jupiter, the planet of religious beliefs and justice, must have received the relayed GC instructions from Pluto regarding the need for reformation of such systems.)

The following interpretations of the critical positions in the horoscope shown above were taken from Raphael’s Mundane Astrology: Mars “shows losses on the Stock Exchange, panics, bank failures, and though not denoting a diminution of the national revenue, denotes an enormous expenditure and waste of public money. Military affairs will require large amounts of money, and the revenue will be seriously affected in this way.” Venus “shows many public scandals, divorces, crime against women, and unpleasant and offensive episodes.” The Sun “denotes deaths among important people, and the upper ten.” Pluto in the same sector “is in his own house of death, elimination, regeneration and underworld. It will be a period of transition for the nation. The ruling party will go and the new party will come up. The deep rooted traditions or cultures will undergo a radical change for good as well as for evil… In Government, it can refer to dictatorship. It denotes [as well] death of military and medical men including the head of the state.” Uranus “will produce extraordinary difficulties and complications in parliamentary circles, sudden and unexpected developments which will require very careful consideration on the part of ministers. It shows a good deal of unruliness in debates, and danger of accidents to members.”

How these significations apply to our national life may be as follows:

Scandals of the state may reach an even dozen (columnist Arcilla of Malaya listed eleven cases in his article of December 19). The investigation of any such scandal will, as usual, remain squelched. The continued exploitation of the poor and the masses in the name of economic progress, as well as continuing corruption in high places conduce to high crime rate and failure of law and order.

For 2008, expect serious problems of governance in April and May. Pluto is located in the Sixth House of the lunation chart, indicative of another mutiny. Having learned from previous failed tries, the mutineers will no longer include the participation of any People Power; instead they may “go for broke” this time. The turbulent situation may pressure the Government to declare a state of emergency or martial law. Under Article VII, section 18 of the Constitution, such a declaration will have to pass muster through the joint session of Congress to authorize such action. The joint session will overwhelm whatever objection the Senate may present and the decision of the winning side will prevail. The Supreme Court may come into the picture, but the martial law situation will still continue for some time. Whichever side wins, a dictatorship is expected to govern, albeit with a veneer of constitutional democracy if only to mollify international concern, particularly from the US.

N.B. Using the conjunction of the Sun and the Galactic Center deviates from the accepted practice of utilizing the Ingresses of the Sun to forecast events for a particular period. Among Western astrologers, the Ingress of the Sun in Aries is accepted as the indicator for the year. However, there are still rules to observe: only if the Ascendant or Rising Sign (or horizon) of the horoscope is a Fixed Sign – namely, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius – is the entire year covered by the forecast. The other Signs of the Zodiac cover limited periods of time in their indicators.

Then there is the concept that Aries signals the onset of Spring. However, Autumn and not Spring begins in countries below the Equator such as Australia. As well, Hindu astrologers have a different measure as far as the coordinates of Aries is concerned. While most Western astrologers using the Fixed Zodiac locate Aries as the point on the Earth’s equator where the Sun passes on its ascent to the northern latitudes, the Hindu and Sidereal astrologers using the Movable or Constellation Zodiac time the passage of the Sun from a point in space that precesses or slides back. Even this point has differing coordinates according to various systems in mundane astrological computations. To mention a few – there is the Lahiri, the Fagan-Allen, and Raman systems. However, all these systems using Aries as the reference point – whether in the Fixed or Movable zodiacs – start the annual forecast not near the New Year date in the Western calendar but in late March or mid-April.

I am adopting a method that uses a common point in the Zodiac that I consider to apply to all nations in the world – the Galactic Center. After all, the Sun always passes the longitude of the star Sagittarius A* once every year close to the New Year date. Sagittarius A* (pronounced "A-star"), is a bright and very compact source of radio emission at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. The coordinates of this point in J2000: Right Ascension at 17h 45m 40.045s Declination at −29.00775 degrees (About 10 degrees to the west of the center of the constellation Sagittarius, towards Scorpius) Besides, this point is close to the Winter Solstice point when the Sun starts its ascent towards the Equator.

Comparing the Galactic Center ingress with the Capricorn horoscope shows that most of the planets, except the Moon, are in similar places. The Moon in the Galactic Center horoscope is in the Twelfth sector, while in the Capricorn chart it is in the First Sector that represents the Nation. According to Raphael, the Moon in the First will cause illness, unrest, and discontent among the people. On the other hand, if it is in the Twelfth it will produce scandals in connection with hospitals and charitable institutions as well as crimes against women and children. Whichever interpretation we accept, the prospects for the Philippines in 2008 are not entirely positive or upbeat.

THE LAST QUARTER OF 2007

Pluto, the planet that represents anything hidden or underground, is still in Sagittarius. It exposes all that has been kept secret. Pluto has been making important stations conjunct the super-massive Black Hole or Galactic Center which powers our galaxy. According to Alex Miller-Mignone, at these times the seeds of the next great cultural revolutions are planted, and images emerge in current events which provide insights into the upcoming changes. Historically Pluto’s contact with the Galactic Center every 250 years has evoked important developments in humanity’s relationship with art, literature, philosophies, education, the dissemination, codification or collation of scientific or judicial knowledge, and important spiritual movements.

The extradition and upcoming trial of Peru ex-President Fujimori on human rights violations and corruption; the ouster of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra; the massive Buddhist monks’ anti-government demonstrations in Myanmar; the spate of various literature and media exposures related to Biblical teachings and traditions; the prevailing Al Qaeda jihad versus the crusade of Bush, and, closer to home, even the recent conviction of ex-President Estrada on plunder charges as well as the continuing probe on wire-tapping are some of the Plutonian metaphors.

For the Philippines, everything are unfortunately “normal” during the Quarter since instability, fraud, swindling, vice and immorality still run riot during the period. There seems to be no respite from incidents of crime against women and children. There will be deaths among famous women in the arts and music, as well as among the prominent elderly.

Even as official pronouncements show improvements in the economy of the country, there is still unease in financial circles and in the stock market.

There is discontent in both Houses of Congress. Party splits are more likely. Expect changes in committee compositions. Expect as well a more serious, if bitter, debate over the relative powers of the three branches of government, with a special emphasis on the judiciary, and the role of religion in government. The current series of Senate inquiries connected with government projects may result in the clipping of executive powers in the issuance of executive agreements, especially those that involve government loans and guarantees.

The communication and transportation problems being faced by the government are offshoots of the questioned projects, namely, the national broadband network, the cyber education project, the Northrail project, and others. There is also the matter of a project allowing the Chinese investors to develop several thousands of hectares of land to vegetable farming.

The complications arising from these suspended projects affect Philippine foreign affairs, particularly with China and the United States. Even so, there are heightened activities related to travels by the chief executive to foreign countries. One may suspect that the travels are undertaken just in case a Thaksin Shinawatra situation develops.

Mining disasters, as well as explosions in public buildings are indicated in November. Organized labor will agitate against government policies related to wages and other labor matters.
Indications in October also involve cases of insubordination and restlessness in AFP circles. Reacting to threats from within the organization, there will be military demonstrations of strength if only to discourage attempts to overthrow the government. The passage of Uranus -- the planet of revolution -- in December, however, shows indications of sudden military action. Whether or not in the nature of a coup, the trine of Uranus to the Midheaven means something done with ease and favorable to rulers.

Insofar as the President is concerned this Quarter is a time of great tension in her relationship with her partner, usually prompted by changes in her partner's attitude or life circumstances. It is highly probable that the partner indicated in her horoscope is her political party. Her partner (or party) may be demanding that she change past behavior or old habits. If the relationship has become merely an outer shell with no substance it may well break down. The trouble is that she has an overwhelming need to push ahead with all her projects now. Patience seems to desert her. ■

THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2007

Pluto, the planet of death and transformation, will again conjunct the Galactic Center on July 17. This is its second pass and signals another opportunity for all of mankind to heed the message/warning to change and destroy all things that are obstacles to spiritual evolution. Humanity must undergo wide-ranging transformations in its relationship with Creation. The various sins of humanity involving the interrelationships between men, races, societies, religion, political philosophies, judicial and economic systems are being exposed globally and must be expunged. The wars in the Middle East, the tragedy of Darfur, and on to the extrajudicial crimes in various countries are obstacles to the spiritual evolution of Man. In the Philippines, the pressure to undergo change is focused on the People; they must eliminate those issues and matters that are exposed to be wrong and evil.

The Third Quarter horoscope has both bright and dim indications for the economy. There may be an increase in revenue collection, and a brighter outlook generally for the money market. But this will be negated by a great waste of public revenue, and heavy expenditures. The Quarter will be an active period for tourism with increased facilities for travel. The Quarter is especially favorable for publishing concerns, newspapers, and other modes of communication. Agriculture will undergo some difficulties as damp and unseasonable weather is indicated. As well, there will be mining disasters, and earthquakes.

During the period Pluto is in the Eighth, its own house of death, regeneration and the underworld. This Quarter will be a period of transition for the nation. The ruling coalition party will go and a new coalition group will come up. The deep rooted traditions or cultures will undergo a radical change for good as well as for evil. In Government, it can refer to de facto dictatorship. Deaths are indicated among the elite, legal and religious people, magistrates, bankers and financiers, military and medical men. (Some astrologers include the death of heads of state. We’ll see.)

The President will feel down on her luck. New opportunities seem to present themselves only to come to nothing. She finds herself locked in a power struggle in which she is fighting for supremacy. It is important that she acts with integrity; otherwise the result could be devastating. The changes in the leadership of the surrounding cities to Malacanang that will be lenient to militancy will point toward a resurgence of agitated rallies and demonstrations against her.

Both Houses of Congress will be engaged in power struggles for leadership although the battle in the Lower House will be “bloodier.” Uranus in the sector governing the lawmakers will “produce extraordinary difficulties and complications in parliamentary circles, sudden and unexpected developments which will require very careful consideration” on the part of its members. There will be a good deal of unruliness in debates, as contentious issues are raised, such as the extortion in the Commission on Appointments, the anti-dynasty problem, and other unresolved matters that involve reforms in the electoral process in anticipation of 2010. Most of these issues would only be “sound and fury signifying nothing”. JDV may have to watch out for situations and other people who may not be all they appear. This is a time fraught with misunderstandings at best, and fraud at worst.

Insubordination in the officer ranks may be felt in the Armed Forces especially in matters affecting the prestige of the military organization. The AFP Chief of Staff may feel vulnerable and anything but powerful during the period. Life becomes filled with situations that can no longer be avoided. He may even suffer from a disease.

Mars in the Twelfth forebodes a great increase of crime, murders, arson, violence, and may also produce fires in factories and public institutions, as well as riots in jailhouses. The law against terror that takes effect in mid-July will be put to the test, as law-enforcers will tend to misinterpret its provisions and go beyond the limits of what can be done. The Moon in the Fifth House denotes trouble to women and children, immorality, and much crime against children. Reports of cases of ill-treatment of wives will be on the rise. ■

AN ASTROLOGER’S CHOICE

The latest of my efforts to come up with the winning list of senators elicited disbelief among those who read it. There are names that are not supposed to be there and there are names that are not included. Perhaps I have not made my bases for coming up with the listing clear. What I had done was to “measure” the elation factor of the candidates on a particular day. My procedure was to quantify the effects of the passing planets, or in astrological jargon -- the transits, on the birth horoscopes of the candidates. I had merely stated that, except for Trillanes, I had worked on the birth charts without their essential birth times. For all of the other candidates, I assumed that they were born at noon on their dates of birth.

Even with the choice of the day of the planetary transits there is the question why I chose June 30. I should have chosen, for instance, Election Day on May 14. But since I was measuring the degree of the elation or disappointment of the candidates, the results of my computations for that day could be misleading. All candidates must be on edge and not happy or unhappy about the outcome of the voting.

I thought I should compute for the day their victories (or defeats) are announced. Would that be on June 5, the day after the opening of Congress on June 4? Or the week after? Given the uncertainty of when the announcement of the election results is to be made, I chose June 30 as the date on which I should measure or score the degree of their happiness/unhappiness since that would be when they are to assume their positions as lawmakers. In trying out this method on the 2004 elections, I only managed to get eight out of the twelve winners. For the current 2007 elections, I hoped at least to be able to pick out the same number of victors.

So much for the transits. For this report, however, I shall give my selection based on the characters of the candidates which I think ought to be the justifications for electing them. Even without the benefit of birth times, I am basing my selection on the planetary patterns obtaining in the birth charts of the candidates. These patterns are the talents they are born or equipped with in this lifetime. Pardon the astrological jargon, but as desiderata, I have chosen three astrological patterns, namely the Mystic Rectangle, the Kite, and the Yod or Finger of God. To me these are important indicators of behavior of the subjects aspiring to be lawmakers. The significance of these patterns are as follows.

The Mystic Rectangle. This is formed by at least four planets in a rectangular formation, two pairs are 120 degrees apart (trine), separated by 60 degrees (sextile), and the corner planets in opposition or 180 degrees from each other. "It does not necessarily indicate mystical tendencies, although it often does. The person with this configuration should have an incredible capacity for sustained productivity and be able to make very practical use of his/her experiences and assets. The formation combines awareness (opposition), understanding (trine), and productivity (sextile) as well as linking complementary elements."

Two senatorial candidates have this planetary formation, namely, Mike Defensor and Antonio Trillanes.

The Kite is composed of three planets in an equilateral triangle formation 120 degrees (a grand trine) apart from each other, while one other planet is in opposition to one of them. It represents a highly integrated personality that should have little difficulty functioning well within any situation or experience. The formation combines sensitivity and creativity (grand trine), direction and awareness (opposition), giving it a practical and productive focus.

The three candidates who have this pattern are Francis Escudero, Antonio Trillanes (two patterns actually), and Manuel Villar.

The Yod, or Finger of God. This is composed of two planets at 60 degrees (sextile) apart and both 150 degrees (quincunx) from and pointing to a third planet. "This is representative of a highly intimate linking of centers and symbolic of an internal or spiritual sensitivity... The planets involved in the "yod" are usually not compatible with each other, so the energy isn't necessarily the easiest... Yod's have an element of destiny in their pattern. This pattern is usually bringing forward something that is needed in order to make further progress." The Yod points to the ultimate challenge and goal. "It typically is identified with timing and crisis or the need to act. The need will develop through the apex while the opportunity to the action will develop through the two other planets." This little-known configuration is considered the most fated in Astrology. It produces a sense of fatedness, of a karmic obligation that must be paid.

For the Yod, the following candidates -- in alphabetical order -- have it in their natal horoscopes: Noynoy Aquino, Joker Arroyo, Martin Bautista, Alan Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes, and Miguel Zubiri.

The list above makes nine candidates I think are worthy to be elected as lawmakers. Assuming, of course, that they are living out their destiny patterns.

One particular candidate strikes me as satisfying all the desiderata I mentioned – Antonio Trillanes. He has all three patterns: the Yod, two Kites, and a Mystic Rectangle. The yod is particularly striking since the Finger or Hand of God points to his Midheaven, the point of honor or career in his chart. And this point is supported by the Moon or emotional passion and by Neptune or idealism. Below is the horoscope of Trillanes:

As shown in the astrological chart, Pluto conjunct the Ascendant (albeit in the Twelfth House) shows an intense drive that the individual pursues to attain his goal. As well, Trillanes has an Epimethean-Direct Mercury or Evening Star catching up on the Sun. This is an individual that, in the words of Michael Meyer, has “a growing sense of a long-range, objective and historical perspective… in which eagerness and impulsiveness have given way to careful deliberation. Here the calculated risk replaces the intuitive gamble.” To Meyer, “if your Mercury type is Epimethean-Direct, you probably have a practical, objective and analytical mind leading you to act on the basis of facts and past experience rather than on hunches and gut-feelings. Your well-organized mental faculties enable you to manage people and run things.”

With my understanding of astrology, I daresay that the above-named nine candidates ought to be my choices. Notice that they do not belong to one particular political party or group. (I shall have to select three more to complete my list of twelve senators.)

However, my special nomination (since he is seldom if ever mentioned in the opinion poll surveys conducted by SWS, Pulse Asia, and whatever) goes to Antonio Trillanes. He has the inherent qualities I look for in a leader. So far, even at a young age as an officer, he was able to demonstrate his ability to lead and to express his vision for the future of this country. I expect him, as well, to pursue his goals with integrity and honor.

THE SECOND QUARTER PERIOD - APRIL TO JUNE

The Spring Equinox horoscope, which covers the Second Quarter of 2007, has the following pattern:

The placement of Saturn in the Fourth House bodes obstacles and difficulties to the Government, and the affairs of the nation will not proceed smoothly. It causes bad weather for crops, and adversely affects agricultural matters. It denotes mining disasters, earthquakes, and depreciates the value of land, and disturbs property. As if to confirm this, Jupiter and Mars also show illness and death among the elite, legal and religious people, magistrates, bankers and financiers, as well much trouble to the government, and many difficulties for them to contend with.

Pluto is in the Eighth, its own sector of death, elimination, regeneration and underworld. According to the astrological manual Raphael, the placement means “In Government, it can refer to dictatorship… The ruling party will go and the new party will come up. The deep rooted traditions or cultures will undergo a radical change for good as well as for evil.” Even as Hegel wrote that “the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history”, still men in power learn how to improve on the evils of history.

Since the so-called Genuine Opposition is not a party, the most likely group to replace the ruling party will be the strengthened KAMPI with its members pirated from the “dominant” Lakas-CMD.

Neptune points to socialistic agitation against the ruler and government, scandals among the elite, disgrace to notable people and many episodes which give little credit on the elite class. Despite the harsh measures taken against the militant candidates during the campaign period, the Left could dominate the party list groups

Even as the newly elected members are not yet in position, Congress will continue be active and busy with legislation affecting trade, commerce and education; but with embittered discussions, personal recriminations, arguments and disputes. A good deal of unruliness in debates, and danger of accidents to members may be expected during the period.

There may be many benefits to public institutions, increase of subscriptions, benefits through donations and legacies, and a more favorable outlook in regard to their financial position. Scandals will surface, however, in connection with hospitals and charitable institutions. Crimes against women and children still continue.

Below is the April 17 New Moon chart:

For the month, Jupiter promises a large increase of receipts, improvement in the national finances, and success in banking and commercial operations. Nonetheless there will still be heavy expenditures, possibly because of the disasters expected during the period.
The confluence of difficult planets, Mars, Uranus and Neptune, in the Fourth sector of the New Moon chart is unfortunate. The planetary grouping will adversely affect land and agriculture generally. Expect fires in public buildings, and mining disasters. There is a high probability of earthquakes, as indicated in the Spring Equinox chart discussed above, like those that struck Japan and the Solomon Island group.

Let us focus on the main preoccupation of the country during the Second Quarter, that is, the Congressional and Local Elections in May. In a previous report, I presented an astro-statistical experiment of 2004 to determine if the moods of electoral candidates reflect their standings as winners. The results showed only eight out of twelve winners had high scores on elation. The four “losers” in the winning group had high scores of satisfaction, while the four “winners” had lower scores. Most likely, the reason lies in what Mr. Greg Makabenta wrote in his column: the “losers” were happy because kumita na sila ng malaki and have no problem repaying favors. On the other hand, the “winners” with lower scores in attitude are those who expect to have difficult prospects of satisfying their donors and followers.

For the 2007 elections, I still utilized the algorithm I used for the 2004 post analysis, and came up with the following results. This time, I have included the data of Montano and Kiram. And rather than give the relative rankings of the winning dozen, they are, in alphabetical order, the following:

AQUINO, BENIGNO III
ARROYO, JOKER
BAUTISTA, MARTIN
ESCUDERO, FRANCIS
HONASAN, GRINGO
LEGARDA, LOREN
MONTANO, CESAR
OSMENA, JOHN
ROCO, SONIA
SISON, ADRIAN
SOTTO, TITO
ZUBIRI, MANUEL

(The colors indicate the group affiliation – the black for Genuine Opposition, the red for Team Unity, and the blue for the Independents.)

On the other hand, within range of winning are the following, also in alphabetical order:

MAGSAYSAY, VICENTE
PANGILINAN, FRANCIS
TRILLANES, ANTONIO IV
VILLAR, MANUEL

As an addendum, what is in store for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?

Having her April 5 birthday occurring within the period, I thought I would do a Solar Return computation on her and give a brief interpretation of her horoscope for the year.

The inner circle is her birth chart. The outer circle is her Solar Return chart.

Her Solar Return horoscope shows she will be preoccupied with hidden plans and worries resulting from her continuing loss of popularity. She will have chronic malaise, generally not painful, connected with her liver and blood circulation. As well, there is a nagging fear of death. Although her KAMPI party replaces the dominant LAKAS-CMD, as mentioned above, her expectations will be denied. The position of her Solar Return Midheaven (or MC) is in her natal Fourth, threatening loss of position. (Estrada had the same pattern, albeit in a stronger position, in his Solar Return chart of 2001.)

A STUDY IN FORECASTING

Can astrology predict winners in elections?

This study attempts to use astrology in determining election winners through statistical methods. Heretofore, astrologers intuitively determine the strengths of the candidates through the planetary distribution or formations in their birth horoscopes. In the Philippines, birth data of personalities are limited to stating only their dates and places of birth. Of crucial importance is the time of birth of the person. The absence of this factor fails to give the accurate locations of the Moon, the Rising Sign and the Midheaven. Thus, in this present study, the placements of these three horoscopic factors are not included in the statistical analysis of the candidates. (By the way, two senatorial candidates are not included in the study, namely, Cesar Montano and Jamalul Kiram III, since I cannot get their birth dates. Only two candidates had birth times available – Koko Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes. These data are, however, not included in the computations.)

Several methods were followed in this study. Even as the horoscopic factors are quantified in order to make them amenable to statistical manipulation, keep in mind that three factors in the horoscopes are not included in the analysis.

One method involved the effects of the actual passages of the planets, called the transits, on the personalities during Election Day (May 14) and during Inauguration Day (June 30). The scores obtained by the candidates determine their rankings during those dates. Both the total power of the planets, and their “discordant” scores are used to give the rankings. As well, these scores are correlated, using Pearson r, with those obtained by the Philippines.

The other method is to see how the transiting planets during both dates affect the “progressed” positions of the planets of the candidates. The same process of scoring is followed. (The computational process is omitted in this report.)

The list below shows how the candidates are supposed to be in the first twelve on June 30, 2007 but not necessarily in their order.

1. Legarda, Loren of Genuine Opposition (GO)
2. Osmena, John of GO
3. Honasan, Gregorio, Independent
4. Sotto, Vicente II of TEAM
5. Aquino, Benigno III of GO
6. Zubiri, Manuel of TEAM
7. Roco, Sonia of GO
8. Arroyo, Joker of TEAM
9. Escudero, Francis of GO
10. Villar, Manuel of GO
11. Trillanes, Antonio IV of GO
12. Bautista, Martin of Kapatiran

How good will this forecast turn out for 2007?

A post-analysis of the 2004 elections may give the answer. Using the same methods described above, the table below shows how they resulted compared to the actual results of the elections. I found that the effects of the planetary transits on June 30 – the assumption to office of the senators – give a better picture, albeit not truly precise of the election outcome.

ACTUAL RESULTS IN 2004
1. Roxas, Manuel II
2. Revilla, Bong
3. Pimentel, Aquilino Jr
4. Madrigal, Jamby
5. Gordon, Richard
6. Cayetano, Pia
7. Santiago, Miriam Defensor
8. Lim, Alfredo
9. Enrile, Juan Ponce
10. Estrada, Jinggoy
11. Lapid, Manuel
12. Biazon, Rodolfo

POST ANALYSIS OF 2004
Roxas, Manuel II (No. 1)
Enrile, Juan Ponce (No. 9)
Tatad, Francisco
Revilla, Bong (No. 2)
Lim, Alfredo (No. 8)
Santiago, Miriam Defensor (No. 7)
Barbers, Robert
Gordon, Richard (No. 5)
Mercado, Orlando
Cayetano, Pia (No. 6)
Yasay, Perfecto Jr
Lapid, Manuel (No. 11)

As can be seen, in the postdicted column there were four losing candidates (in italics) included in the winning slate, while four winners -- Estrada, Biazon, Pimentel and Madrigal -- are not in the first twelve. I can only justify the outcome by mentioning the lack of astrological factors used, particularly those that are affected by the absence of their birth times. Possibly. (There’s also the possibility that the quantification of the astrological factors is not the appropriate design for the study.)

Even with the doubtful results of the method reported above, I shall still present some striking features of the horoscopes of some of the candidates. Even if I have my own senatorial choices, there are candidates whose potentials embedded in their birth charts offer promises of effective services. These candidates have significant planetary pictures or combinations of planets that have transcendent meanings and effects, and good indicators of their characters..

Of particular importance is the presence of the yod formation, or so-called Finger of God, in the natal chart. It indicates that the destiny is to fulfill a particular mission. As an astrologer said, the yod “points to the ultimate challenge and goal” for a person. For instance, Dr. Carl Jung, the eminent psychologist, has a yod pointing to Pluto, the planet of secrets, of obsessions, and the Unconscious. On the other hand, Dr. Alfred Einstein has his yod pointing to Uranus, which is obviously the planet of nuclear power. (By the way, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile has three yods!)

The following candidates have the yod formation in their natal horoscopes: Noynoy Aquino (GO), Joker Arroyo (TEAM), Martin Bautista (Kapatiran), Alan Cayetano (GO), Antonio Trillanes (GO), and Manuel Zubiri (TEAM).

One other planetary formation that could be considered fortunate (with some challenge) is the Kite. The candidates with this formation are: Francis Escudero (GO), Antonio Trillanes (GO), and Manuel Villar (GO).

The third significant planetary formation is the Mystic Rectangle, both very good and very difficult. Two candidates have this pattern: Mike Defensor (TEAM) and Antonio Trillanes (GO). One other candidate, Mario Ongkiko of Kapatiran, has this pattern, but he had withdrawn from the race. (The interpretation of the Mystic Rectangle is a bit arcane. Senator Bong Revilla has it and I am puzzled how he actualizes that potential in his career.)

I am particularly interested in Trillanes, the candidate having the mentioned three planetary pictures. The focal point in his yod is the Midheaven or public honor. I would expect him to serve with honor in any public position he occupies.

I offer this study to other astrologers. I am open to dispute if only to hone the power of astrology to determine human destinies through replicable methods of analysis.

APOCALYPSIS 2007

There are several astronomical events that will color the national developments in 2007. This article will imbue these astronomical events with astrological significance. This forecast will not utilize the usual astrological measures, such as ingresses in cardinal signs, and new moons and eclipses. Instead, attempts will be made to attach significance to the conjunctions or alignments of planets with the Galactic Center.

Why focus on the Galactic Center? What is the Galactic Center?

In astronomy, the Galactic Center is the point where the masses of stars in the Milky Way converge and revolve. Some scientists claim that it is a black hole that “eats” stars. Astronomers say the Galactic Center emanates one hundred times the energy of our sun, and surely, as Paul Hewit says, the Galactic Center is the Sun of our Sun.

The Galactic Center is presently located at 25 degree Sagittarius 56.8’ in the Tropical Zodiac. The zodiac sign Sagittarius is considered by ancient astrologers as the House of God. Presumably, any planet aligning with it must be receiving massive doses of galactic “noise” as shown by radio-astronomers monitoring the behavior of Jupiter. The “noise” could be divine instructions from the Force out there.

The Pluto alignment with the Galactic Center on 30 December 2006 starts the more than 248 year-cycle. The last alignment sometime in the 1750s was considered to have launched the Industrial Revolution. This time around the alignment must be triggering another Revolution involving Humanity.

Some opine that the noosphere of Teilhard de Chardin is becoming evident, especially with the rapid development of the Internet that weaves together the mind of Mankind. For humanity, according to some astrologers, this Pluto alignment foreshadows (or already effects) at its worst the following – greater corruption and hostility from authority organizations; greater violation of personal privacy; greater sexual depravity; excessive greed; anomalies in Nature, such as drought, heat waves, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Some astrologers see in this Pluto alignment the probability of escalating hostilities, possibly against Iran and North Korea.
At its finest, however, this alignment demands hard work of transformation; to destroy human vices and all that is wrong with society. During this period, we shall be made aware of those faults we need to correct. Incidentally, this is the day when deposed Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging for crimes against humanity. Astrologer Jeffrey Wolf Green correlates Pluto to the soul and evolution. He likens Pluto to the Phoenix Bird that dives into the flames to be reborn anew. The metamorphosis from old to new is quite intense, losses and deaths – both real and symbolic – have to be faced. Clearly, a new cycle is beginning, and where the old dies, objectionable events build up while giving birth to the new. Change is rarely graceful. However, not all change is progressive or for the better but could be a mere throwback to an archaic or outmoded state.

If the Galactic Center has the gravitational energy of the galaxy in Sagittarius, which embodies energy, aspiration, motivation, joy, truth and intuitive understanding, and has the energies of the source of consciousness, then changes in consciousness can be immense during Pluto’s transit across the Galactic Center.

For the Philippines, the alignment of Pluto with the Galactic Center falls in the Second House of Money and Resources. Baigent et al says the Second House shows “something of a society’s value, what they ‘hold dear’, and possibly the kind of people the nation holds in high esteem and the attitude to the national heritage.” For the next several years possessions and money constantly undergo upheaval in the national life. The challenge is to explore the link between changing possessions and changing inner values. This generation will also experience the need to transform their religious views to incorporate all philosophies and religions.

As well, in this alignment Pluto opposes Neptune in the Philippine chart. While Neptune relates to mass consciousness; Pluto relates to political power, global organizations, focused energy or 'underground' institutions. When these planets are in contact with each other there is often widespread conflict or focus upon political issues and collective ideals. At the same time, the square formed between the national Jupiter and Pluto suggests that the Administration sets itself up as a law unto itself by riding roughshod over morally accepted codes. Dogmatic and exaggerating, the ruling clique could be an adventurer or a gambler as in the aborted Charter Change try. Oddly enough, it oscillates between overconfidence and self-doubt.

As it retrogrades during the year, Pluto aligns two more times with the Galactic Center. The second alignment is positioned in the Fifth House of Speculation, Creativity and Children. The third and last time around, it is located in the First House of the Nation as a whole. All these transits demand transformation in the nature and use of these national factors.

One other astronomical event considered in this article is the alignment of Mars with Pluto in February. The two-year Mars-Pluto alignment cycle falls in the Sixth House, properly identified not only with labor but also with the armed services. The conjunction of Mars and Pluto shows a very strong nature with the persistence and determination to get what it wants. The nature is to be more interested in the combat than in the fruits of victory. The AFP can handle extreme pressure very well, and in a crisis situation it can be relied upon to manage affairs with skill and authority. If not controlled, this aspect may cause the organization to be brutal or cruel. Fortunately, great resilience is offered by Saturn trine Pluto, and the ability to maintain a focused effort with consistency and severity. This aspect can often attract fervent opposition to its views, because those who opt for the status quo are disturbed by the way they will uproot problems and seek to expose their basis. But the aspect also offers great strength of character and purpose, so the institution is not easily dissuaded from its path. Even as it strives to reform itself, it will continue to support the Administration.

The Sun is aligned or in conjunction with the Galactic Center on 19 December 2006. Its alignment with this point in space occurs annually, thus we can take the horoscope cast for the exact of moment of alignment to foreshadow things that will happen within the period. In the horoscope for the event, the Sun alignment falls in the Eleventh House of Hopes and Wishes. In mundane astrology, the House is about the legislature and national hopes and wishes. The dominant issue of the year is about Congress – mostly likely the elections -- and influences all the other aspects of national life.

The Neptune-Saturn opposition indicates much agitation from the people, misinformation, vice, crime and suicides. In this matter, foreign relations play a major factor in the widespread agitation.

Our national debt becomes a focal point that will lead to financial changes for the people since we are dependent on our financial image. Taxation issues are ever present in the charts, particularly in the first round of the Pluto alignment. Legislation is very much involved this year.
The changes that are due the first half of this year are important changes. They are the legislative changes. Charter change is still the predominant contentious issue. However, these are changes that must look at the whole picture, not just the reformatting of the form of government. It is also easy to be overly zealous and confident of the changes in motion. January through May of 2007 marks a historical push to make 'astrologically’ needed changes not only right here at home but around the world as well. There is a greater plan out there stronger than all of us.

The tides continue to change between the House and the Senate. It's a weak Senate to the power and control in the House. Ambassadors are also included in this weak position. Our relations with the world at large are unsatisfactory and leaves much to be desired. The world is in such a state of power struggles with strong opinions and differing views.

There will be reform that leans toward that of the masses and minorities, rather than the authoritarian rulers. Leadership everywhere is up against restraints to its exercise of power There is an overhaul of our very structures in the worlds in which all of us live, as if to say there has been 'an abuse of old icons and authority'.

In foreign affairs, the Administration is in dismal disarray confronting the demands of foreign powers, such as the United States and China. The Subic rape case and the Tubbataha Reef incident are seemingly minor issues that will nevertheless put to the test how the country can protect its sovereignty and maintain national self-respect. Its abject surrender to the demands of the United States in the Smith affair by disregarding the national judicial system gives a poor picture of the Philippines as an independent state. We can expect only disdain from our ASEAN neighbors.

There is also the theme of human rights abuse against Muslims, the poor, and all types of prisoners. The cry for justice highlights the increased financial divide between the rich and the poor to those who lose their loved ones and all their belongings due to weather or war. This is a year where the minorities and impoverished voice will be heard; legislation and allies have to step in.

The elections in May could turn out to be crucial for all political parties. The Opposition, sensing victory and closing in for the kill, may be disappointed in the results if it does not consolidate forces and unite. On a personal level, President Arroyo will work doubly hard to prop up her dwindling power and influence. She may very well be looking once more at impeachment hearings. She's not giving in to the demands for her to step down. However, her ability to maintain the support of her political allies is slowly ebbing as the year progresses.

In late December 2007, planet Jupiter will align with the Galactic Center. This will start the 12-year Jupiter cycle, and concerns labor and defense issues.