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. ■