OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2008

Before discussing the prospects for the Philippines during the last three months of 2008, we have to delve into the effects of a significant planetary formation that has formed during the last several months.

This particular formation – the opposition between Saturn and Uranus -- is unsettling the entire world, not only our country. Unavoidably, we have to use astrological jargon in order to understand the implications of such formations in our collective lives. In the following paragraphs, I shall paraphrase several observations of astrologers in presenting the effects of the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Saturn and Uranus have begun a series of five oppositions, concluding in the summer of 2010. The opposition will be exact on November 4. Saturn is the planet that rules over the status quo, governmental and societal structures that hold chaos at bay, the limitations that we place on our world. Uranus is the planet that invites the chaos in to create radical changes in our world. It seeks new ways of thinking and innovative discoveries. When these two planets oppose each other a tension is created between the old (Saturn) and the new (Uranus).

There is much conflict during these times, with a lot of social unrest all around the world. The more rigid the ego [Saturn], the sharper the break must be in the end. If a crucial phase of the Saturn-Uranus cycle coincides with some overwhelming emotional crisis, the cause will always be the rigid inertia of social customs, privileges, personal habits, or assumed behavior patterns which resist the call of the creative spirit within.
We can all feel the rumblings of inevitable change and yet we have no real clue as to what this really means or how it will actually manifest both individually and societal. We may all feel restless for a revolution in our lives but not at the expense of losing a foundation. We need structure but not at the expense of our individuality.

Saturn is the builder and the voice of time and authority. Saturn says we need to move slowly and to make changes in increments so as not to cause damage to pre-existing structures. Uranus is the complete opposite in that it is without sentimentality and a loyalty to tradition because its only goal is to express and fulfill the individuated needs of the soul. It is inevitable with this configuration that there will be moments of extremism. If there is too much chaos and revolution, Saturn will enter to bring back a semblance of order and normalcy. If there is a clamping down on the rights and freedom of any group of individuals, the more there will be a need for social and political activism. With an opposition, you can’t have one without the other.

Saturn passing Virgo requires responsibility, patience and maturity in responding to the demands of the situation. On the other hand, Uranus-in-Pisces generates a deep need and desire to radically change and alter the preexisting patterns life. Saturn represents a sense of order and cohesion while Uranus symbolizes the watery depths of the unconscious that is demanding the severance and overthrow of whatever is limiting spiritual and creative yearnings. Whether it is actually flooding the various parts of the country eventually finds its way into consciousness no matter what the cost. Accidents, shocking news, sudden reversals, the unpredictable forces of nature and/or a conscious decision to alter the course of one’s life; Uranus is the great messenger of divine discontent compelling us to free ourselves of outmoded karma. Thus we are witnesses to the various upheavals in other countries, such as resignations or ousters of rulers, as well as immense climatic disasters that afflicted humanity.

All of this talk of change can be frightening to many people in a time of crisis such as the one we find ourselves in at this moment. When we are frightened we may tend to cling to that which is familiar (Saturn) rather than embrace something the unknown (Uranus).

Noticeably, the exact opposition of the two planets will occur on November 4; Election Day in the United States. Astrologers attribute Saturn to the Republicans while Uranus to the Democrats. Since Uranus is retrograde or moving backwards, astrologers consider it as having more power and thus predict that Obama, the Democrat, will prevail. On the other hand, Saturn transiting McCain’s Saturn in his natal horoscope gives an interpretation that he is scheduled to receive his due reward for past actions. Now, we have to input what kind of past actions he has done in order to merit winning the presidency.

And now, for the Philippines, based on the Ingress chart for Libra.

There will be significant show of discontent among the people against the Administration, somehow due to certain economic policies related to foreign affairs and trade. The discontent will be marked among the labor force due to their reduced buying power and a decline in economic activity.

The clash between conservatism and liberalism is being manifested in the conflict between the Church and Congress over reproductive health matters. The trend may become heatedly strong that would involve even policies related to both basic and higher education and between domestic and international media.

There will be illness and death among prominent people connected with publishing or literary affairs; as well as danger of accidents, and losses in the restricted publishing industry.

Agricultural activity may not be seriously affected by the several typhoons that hit the country; however, the farmers do not benefit much from their labors due to the importation of agricultural products that seriously compete with their prices.

There will be fires in public buildings, mining disasters and earthquakes. Building operations and the property market may suffer in the process. There are indications showing explosions, and accidents on aircraft. Strikes and disputes are developing among shipping circles and their crews.
The armed forces continue to be in a state of unrest although still within control. The “peace process” in Mindanao is a disappointment to the soldiers as they seem to die for nothing. The unrest among the working classes, on the other hand, may result in strikes and eventual closure of factories.

Foreign relations will be in a condition of developing confusion or of sluggishness due to the conflicting interests among the Powers, especially in connection with financial and trade questions. The recent panic created by the milk scare will seriously affect relations with China, as well as international investments that become victims by association of collateral decline in trade involving other products made in that country.

Scandals will be markedly high in the home life, divorces, and many unpleasant episodes in public life. There will also be much increase of insanity, and deaths by suicide due to the perceived harsh economic conditions in the countryside.

Much crime is indicated in the country, as well as trouble in connection with prisons. Scandals will surface involving hospitals and charitable institutions. Crime against women and children will be frequent.