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.

MORE ON THE DWARF PLANET

Astrologers in antiquity consider Sagittarius as the House of God. Recently, astronomers agree that the portion of the sky in Sagittarius is the center of our galaxy where a cluster of stars congregate in rapid motion. They explain that with so much matter in so tight a space this could only be because of the presence of a black hole. Thus, the Galactic Center is a black hole where things disappear. As such its gravitational pull is extraordinarily strong and the resulting turbulence radiates throughout the surrounding space.

In the solar system, the recently declared dwarf planet Pluto orbits its outer limits. Astrologers agree that Pluto is the planet of radical cleansing, transformation and power. Some astrologers even call it the Lord of Death. Throughout 2006 and 2007 it is connected or in conjunction with the Galactic Center or the House of God.

Since the influence of Pluto resonates with the power of the Galactic Center, we can expect to face our darkest times. There is likely to be a huge and massive purging on a global scale “of all that is dark, and fearful within us… and all that needs to be reworked and changed.” Being in Sagittarius, Pluto exposes the dark side of all belief systems – whether religious, ideological or economic – and forces Man to bring to light Truth. One way Pluto can operate to purify the field and clear obstacles is through catharsis and war. (When Pluto leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, it is expected to change governments and the way we do business in all fields of human activity.)

Basically, Pluto in conjunction with the Galactic Center is a purge. In our case, the clamor for changes, even if the basic reasons (such as the revision of the Constitution) are self-serving, indicates the plutonian urge for transformation. We see the areas that need purging which are highlighted during the recent years. Some are specific to the dispensation of justice, to methods of governance, and to the exercise of political and military power. Others are not so overt but refer to human behavior. Even if the changes being manipulated by certain sectors in our society come about, but if they do not enhance and improve the moral and spiritual evolution of our people, the efforts to overturn and change the system will fester. Pluto’s effects, even if cataclysmic, are not sudden like that of Uranus but long drawn.

Nonetheless, the focus of this transformative purging is not only on the Philippines but all over the world. The terrible effects of Pluto conjunct Galactic Center encompass Humanity itself. The apparently “sudden” interest of astrologers in Pluto stems from the fact that it takes about 250 years before it conjoins the Galactic Center. As an indication of its importance was the recent controversy in astronomical circles, specifically the International Astronomers' Union -- over the downgrading of Pluto as a planet. Historically as well, there were tumultuous transformations in society and nations that coincided with its passage. It is not a coincidence that plutonium is the chemical element that holds the sword of nuclear extinction over all our heads.

It would be interesting to keep track on how the generation born during this period will act and behave two decades from now. They are born with the ability to delve into the unconscious and the hidden, and work with the intuition. They may discover new understanding of Earth's role in the Universe as they learn to live as a collective. This generation will possess the ability to pursue new and different spiritual visions - the gift of revelation – as they experience the need to transform their religious views to incorporate all philosophies and religions.

Those born on the day of the GC-Pluto conjunction -- especially at about 4 a.m. on December 19, 2006 -- are intense, obsessive and have great personal power. Transformation is the key factor in their lives. They will place importance on freedom of speech and thought and are one-pointed in their desires. Travel and religious causes are likely to feature in their lives. As well, they will feel the need to get their enormous energy levels under some control and can eventually develop self restraint, making them valuable as empathetic and powerful leaders of the downtrodden people of the world. They will want to change the world but would rather not wait for events to unfold.

***
In December, there may be a strong earthquake somewhere along the longitude running through Surigao del Norte. If it strikes at Leyte Gulf a tsunami may be generated.

SURA II (BAQARA)

This posting is not completely a departure from astrology inasmuch as it concerns the Pope's lecture that has aroused the Muslims all over the world against him. One of the significances of the passage of Pluto, the demoted planet, through the zodiac sign Sagittarius, is concerned with conflicts in religious beliefs that should eventually result in the resolution of their contradictions. Thus, we are witnesses to the current religious turmoils in the world today.

As mentioned by Archbishop Oscar Cruz in his Viewpoint blog, the Pope mentioned the comments of a medieval emperor regarding the violent method adopted by the Muslims in spreading Islam. Bishop Cruz mentioned that the Pope quoted Sura 2,256 of the Quran, but he (Cruz) made the error in separating the numbers. There is no Sura 2,256. However, there is Sura 2:256, or Baqara 256 which says:

"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in God had grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things."

Unfortunately, the CNN in publishing the news emphasized the offensive quote and did not mention the Sura which the Pope also raised to counter the emperor's bias. On the other hand, the immediate violent reaction of the Muslims serves to illustrate what the medieval emperor disliked about Islam.

PLUTO, THE DWARF, AND THE LAST QUARTER OF 2006

The three astrological events occurring within the last Quarter of 2006 being discussed in this report are: the Annular Eclipse of September 22, the Libra Ingress or North to South passage of the Sun across the Equator on September 23, and the conjunction of Pluto and the Galactic Center or House of God on December 19.

The first two events are too close together they can be considered as one although differing in some ways in the distribution of the planets. These three events have sweeping global effects, but there are unique distinctions when taken separately as seen and observed in the different capitals of the world.

Even as the influences of the Eclipse and the Ingress last only for a quarter or so, the Pluto conjunction, while its powerful influence on humanity is subtle and difficult to unravel, is considered to be long-lasting since it takes about 248 years to recur.

In one website, it says “Pluto rules power. It's about how generations of people handle power and how they can bring about positive change to the world.” Another says, “This Planet's energy is often focused on the masses and what the collective will do. Pluto beseeches the masses to look inward (and to their subconscious) to see what's there.” As well www.astrologyzine.com/plutosag says, “It [Pluto] raises gripping moral questions about issues like the death penalty; the effectiveness of religion, the church, and its workers in addressing immorality; questioning the validity and meaning of faith; and the true nature of the human soul when it is overshadowed by ‘evil’". Another website -- //www.skyscript.co.uk/pluto2 -- presents studies of its effects on global history. “Historically, Pluto’s contact with the Galactic Center has evoked important developments in humanity’s relationship with literature and the arts, abstract thought, education and reasoning, the dissemination, codification or collation of scientific or legalistic knowledge, and important spiritual movements.”

Events in our own recent history seem to provide proofs of Pluto’s power. Before the elections of 1998 I said that any elected president will not finish his term because Pluto will afflict the symbol of our head of state. And in the 16 December 2000 issue of Women’s Journal, my wife wrote that President Estrada will be ousted on the date when it really happened in January 2001

According to Reinhold Ebertin, Pluto “marks out major shifts in the focus of power within society and indicates the area of life likely to be subjected to major transformation.” The recent frenzied efforts to change the form our government, if not transform our society, may be attributed to the passage of Pluto through the House of God. Pluto is to receive new divine instructions to Mankind emanating from the Galactic Center. In the concept of Teilhard de Chardin’s noogenesis, the thrust of Humanity’s evolution is toward a higher level: the Omega point. The pressure is to reform all societies, particularly in justice and belief in God. Even as scientists relegated Pluto to being merely a dwarf planet, its intimidating influences cannot be underestimated. (There is a dwarf in our society in possession of similar intimidating powers.)

This dwarf planet lingers in our People’s Psyche and conjoins the Galactic Center three times: on December 19, then on July 17, and finally on October 27 next year. This seems to be a hectic period for our country and will alter our society for good or evil depending on our national Collective Unconscious. The nation may experience inner struggles between attachments to the past and aspirations towards things of the future. However, any pseudo-transformation will be manifested in the exploitation of the masses by our plutocracy, resulting in crimes, both high and low, and a general failure of the justice system. To my mind, it is unfortunate for our people to have at the helm of the reform movement personalities who have narrow parochial visions for our country. Instead of moving towards the Omega point, it seems we are drifting in an opposite direction.

For the short term, the Annular Eclipse and the Libra Ingress cover the Fourth Quarter. The Annular Eclipse belongs to Saros 8 South that symbolically affects all rulers and the “power resulting from the formal integration of the collective desire for order” (Jansky/Brady). The stress of this eclipse on our country seems to be not only on the ruler but also on the active role of the military in governance. As to whether this presages the growing number of military men, active or retired, in controlling the affairs of government because of the President’s customary heavy reliance on their perceived capability to control the AFP and PNP, or a military coup could eventually succeed; these possibilities are within the scope of speculation.

It is highly probable, however, that the country is already in a state of virtual dictatorship and under a de facto martial rule. The prelude to the state of martial law is the government’s declaration of war against the NPA. Note also the Administration’s insistence to observe the ban embodied in EO 464 despite the adverse ruling of the Supreme Court. The unethical behavior of the leaders and their sophistry are the destabilizing factors in our society. These leaders insist on projecting their sins to those who expose their misdemeanors. The existence of martial law will be obvious through the exercise of emergency powers due to some sudden developments affecting the Presidency.

Keeping in mind that there is continuing restiveness in the AFP, this is a factor that has to be considered in assessing the probabilities. It may be of interest that in late October, AFP Chief of Staff Gen Esperon’s “relationship with an important woman in his life” is in trouble.

Another effect of the two mundane horoscopes will be in the significant increase of mortality rates among the senior citizens, notable and prominent personalities and cabinet members. Expect as well the deaths of ranking military officials, and surgeons. A Raphael interpretation includes the death of a head of state. On a personal level, President Arroyo is vulnerable to inflicted injuries in late September up to early October. A more serious period needing careful attention is in mid-November when the combined forces of violent Mars and sudden Uranus will afflict her Sun or physical body.

The other indications shown in the Eclipse and Ingress horoscopes are:

Travel of the ruler. Disputes with other Powers in connection with financial and trade questions.

Extraordinary difficulties and complications will beset Congress, as well as a good deal of unruliness in the debates. We can speculate that the subject matter of these disputations is about the content, and manner in changing the Constitution. There are also dangers of accidents to members.

Losses to the revenue will be experienced through illicit undertakings, theft, sharp practices, and everything underhanded and secret. The frenzied efforts of the Administration to change the Constitution are some of the evidences of the drains on the people’s money.

There will be accidents on railways, explosions, and many troubles in communications. Are we to experience for the first time incidences of suicide bombings? As well, much discontent will be shown among the working classes that could result in strikes.

Due to the propensity to label civil movements, expect “socialistic agitation” against the ruler and government. There will be scandals among the elite, disgrace to notable people and many episodes that reflect but little credit on the elite class.

There will be bad weather adversely affecting agricultural matters, as well as mining disasters, and earthquakes.

The police will be busy eradicating crime and bring about reformations, but simultaneously the spies and secret enemies will be active to eradicate the security and peace of the nation. In the effort to maintain order, a virtual concentration camp will be set up by the authorities under a euphemistic label.
Mundane astrology or astrology of a country is most often dire and seldom happy because it deals with large masses of people that are difficult to influence and control. In contrast, natal astrology or astrology of an individual can succeed in pointing out failures in character and thereby effect the needed transformation. On the other hand, in interpreting any mundane horoscope, the bias of the astrologer always gets in the way of presenting a neutral picture.

A bit of trivia:
If the Las Vegas bout of Manny Pacquiao is held during the period from 9 a.m. to noon on November 18, he will win over Erik Morales. My previous experiment in predicting his fight against Larios as a draw was a dismal failure; I looked at the wrong factors. 