The Astrology of the Durban Conference on Climate Change

Depending to whom you are listening to the results of this historical conference is hailed as a promising and unexpected breakthrough or an irresponsible and dangerous failure. The two extreme sides of the debate, conservative climate skeptics and militant greens, seem to agree on the latter assessment. The Horoscopes of the start and finish of this event seem to prove both viewpoints right, with lots of positive and promising stuff as well as many grave difficulties showing.

In 2009 and 2010 I posted few articles on the astrological significance of the international conferences on Climate Change, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Cancun, Mexico (to access the Cancun and Copenhagen’s articles try the Eco-Culture link on the top menu or click HERE).  This year I deliberately gave a miss to the Durban’s Summit, disappointed by the lack of progress of previous years.

Even now that the Summit is officially over it is difficult to decide if the outcome can be considered a success or a failure in the titanic war against Global Warming.  Something of importance has been achieved, but, according to many green activists, what has been deliberated stops very short of what it would be needed to check the dangerous raise of temperature in the near future. A long term package has been agreed upon, but no short terms, effective measures, the dire situation demanding urgent action instead.

Astrologically one aspect that really differentiated this Summit from the recent ones was the fact that it began during the Waxing cycle of the Moon, a more positive time to start anything. The Waxing Moon in fact allowed more life blood to run through these negotiations, the Full Moon ahead working as a beacon, a luminous goal within its reach. The phase of the Moon in Copenhagen was close to the Last Quarter, and in Cancun it was just past the Last Quarter, critical and not necessarily productive times of the Moon/Sun’s cycle; but rather representing the end phases of the old cycle.

This time instead the Moon, in Cardinal Capricorn at the start, was Waxing Crescent, part of a cycle that began with the New Moon in Sagittarius, also a Solar Eclipse, on November 25, just three days before the opening date.  Due to the fact that the Conference was protracted beyond its set limits of 12 days (by about 48 hours, I think), it ended up including the Full Moon in Gemini and therefore the Lunar Eclipse (happening in Durban on December 10 at 4.36 pm). It finished then just few hours past this cosmic event, and it was during the time of the Eclipse itself, until 12 hours or so later, that the most vital negotiations took place and finally a compromise was reached.

Thanks to the propitious Moon phase the conference didn’t end up a complete disaster. It could have been, considering that it was held during a Mercury Retrograde period. And Mercury is such an important influence in all types of transactions, being the planet of communication and contracts. It is obvious that none of the organizers bothered to consult an astrologer about the all important commencing date; or they would have been advised not to have it while Mercury traveled in retrogradation. No surprising then the whole thing was marred by controversies from start to finish (Mercury will turn Direct only on December 15), and issues that have been amply covered in the past had to be dealt with again and again in order to find some common ground. Mercury is also in Detriment in Sagittarius (the opposite Sign to the one he rules), so that, despite Sagittarius’ great ideas and ability to visualize the future is also a somewhat overly militant, opinionated, self righteous and often uncompromising Sign, as well as naturally given to talking a lot, sometime just for talk sake, no the best when we needed to come out with practical decisions and realistic goals.

Here are two  Horoscopes: the Charts for the start and finish of the Durban Conference: the first is calculated for 10 am of November 28, the official opening time, while the second is cast for 3.30 am, the actual time the delegates put their signatures on the dotted lines, on December 11.

Durban’s Climate Change Conference Opening Ceremony

Durban’s Climate Change Conference Finish Line

The most significant transits of Mercury occurred on December 4 and 5. As I wrote in an earlier post on this Retrogradation of Mercury: “When Mercury reached a right angle to Mars in Virgo, a semi-square (45 degrees angle) to Saturn in late Libra, and, most importantly, a conjunction with the Sun. These aspect permeated the whole week around these dates. The square to Mars will increase the heat of any conversation and expression of viewpoints, Virgo adding the knack for criticism and nitpicking. If not careful we may get lost in endless diatribes on semantic points of not real importance. The semi-square to Saturn (Mars involved in the configuration as well) could foster a tendency to interpret words and ideas we share with a touch of pessimism, perhaps having a positive sobering effect on Sagittarius’ flamboyant self-righteousness, but exacerbating Virgo’s critical attitude. The conjunction with the Sun (Inferior conjunction) is part of the overall Mercury/Sun’s cycle. Our Little Brother is changing roles, from Evening Star to Morning Star. The Inferior Conjunction represents the start of a new Mercury’s cycle, promising a more outgoing and optimistic mental outlook, especially by the time Mercury will turn Direct in mid-December“.  Around the same dates Venus formed a harmonious trine to Mars and Jupiter a positive sextile to Chiron, showing a brighter side and a more cooperative general mood (Venus-Mars), as well as the opportunity to heal old wounds (Jupiter-Chiron). Venus, by the way, was applying to a conjunction to Pluto in Capricorn at the time of the opening ceremony, a positive aspect in this context, showing the willingness to change our values in order to achieve some higher collective purpose or goal, transformation of values being a key word for this transit.

Notwithstanding the last minute agreement that has been reached I feel that the Retrogradation of Mercury during the conference means that, in some ways, we have taken a step backward in Durban, due to the dangers of the Kyoto protocol being abandoned by many countries before new safety measures can be implemented. Canada yesterday was the first country to abandon its commitment to the Kyoto’s agreement, and that cannot be a good thing, showing also a trend that may be followed by other countries in the near future. As defective and limited as the Kyoto Protocol has been considered by many, it is the only thing we have at the present time, and throwing it in the bin at this early stage could be a disastrous move for the environment, because the legally binding agreement decided at Durban will not be in place before 2017 or 2010, a long way away.

Sun, Moon, Ascendant, the triad of every Horoscope, were appropriately placed for the task in hand at the start of the enterprise : the Sun was is in Fiery Sagittarius, the most future oriented and speculative Sign of the Zodiac. Anything can be conceived under the rays of this visionary Sun, but how much of the vision can be achieved depends on many other factors. One of them, the most important, was the Moon. The Moon was Waxing Crescent, therefore strong, thus providing a suitable vessel for the expression of the solar light. The Moon was transiting Earthy, Cardinal Capricorn, the type of practical, no nonsense, ambitious vessel that could help to contain and nurture the Sagittarean promises, by imposing necessary limitations on it, bringing the vision down to the Earth’s level. Negatively the dichotomy between the very hopeful Sun Sign and the ultra pragmatic Moon Sign could mean that much of what the Sun was projecting and hoping for would be limited and even thwarted by merely materialistic considerations and the general conservatism of the major players. Capricorn is traditionally a conservative and utilitarian Sign, not inclined to take too many risks, inclined to put business before ideals (Sagittarius). The Moon was also in sextile to Ceres in Pisces, the Harvest Goddess who has much to do with ecology, from this all inclusive Sign asking compassion for the plight of the planet and the poorest people who are the ones at greater risk from the deteriorating climate and environment. This harmonious angle has certainly helped to avoid the complete failure of the negotiations that we came very close to witness.

The Ascendant in every Horoscope, Natal or Mundane, always represents the physical channel through which the combination of Sun and Moon’s energies can find expression in the outer world. At the time of the Opening Ceremony the local Ascendant (Placidus Houses) was smack in the middle of Aquarius, the humanitarian Sign of reforms and revolutions. Because the summit was held in South Africa it has been referred to, especially by the African media, as an indaba, a Zulu-Xhosa word meaning a meeting of elders during which each is given the same rights to talk but also the same duty to listen to what the others have to say, a truly democratic system. What an appropriate word for egalitarian Aquarius on the Ascendant, Decan Gemini (brotherhood and sisterhood), on the Sabian degree that reads ‘boys and girls in gymnasium suits‘, a symbolical statement of the equality and basic identity of all people.

The way the conference ended gives credit to these initial placements: taking a conservative stand (Moon in Capricorn) the conference delegates managed to achieve a global commitment in the long term, Capricorn not a Sign to hurry up anything. By being pragmatic they avoided certain disaster, but also bitterly disappointed the idealistic crowd who wanted to see a more courageous and uncompromising stand (Sagittarius Sun trine Uranus and square Mars).

The Sun was applying to a square (90 degrees angle) to Mars in Virgo describing in a vivid way the fierce confrontations that took place in the Durban’s arena, ’til the conference’s very last minute (the aspect became exact on December 2). Often the arguments escalated because of different interpretation of the wording of documents, and other such cavils, just the types of battle a Mars in nit-picking Virgo would thrive on.

The Sun was also applying to a trine (120 degrees angle) to Uranus, showing that there was a powerful drive to take a different, less conservative approach, considering collective interests above selfish ones. The Sun then went to form a semi-square to Saturn in Libra on December 3, stalemate time.

Venus became trine Mars on December 5, the same day that Jupiter formed a sextile to Chiron.

On the last day, December 11, the Moon in Gemini was trine Saturn, sextile Jupiter and applying to a trine to Neptune in Aquarius. These are all auspicious angles, especially the Grand Trine Moon-Saturn-Neptune. Started on a serious, even somber and pessimistic note (Capricorn) the Moon ended in the light and socially eclectic and adaptable Sign of Gemini. On the last day also Jupiter formed a perfect semi-sextile to Uranus, encouraging a more innovative and risk taking approach to the issues on the table.

Not to be underestimated was also the Grand Trine configuration still active between Mars in Virgo, Jupiter in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn, a grounding influence involving planets in the three Earth Signs. This could promise more positive results by staying realistic, working hard and utilizing the world resources in a less wasteful way.  A conscious transformation has to occur though in our every day living and habits (Mars in Virgo), our use of resources (Pluto in Capricorn) and our philosophy of life (Jupiter in Taurus) before we can take full advantage of this planetary opportunity.

One important aspect that remained in force throughout the conference was the trine (120 degrees angle) between Saturn in Libra and Neptune in Aquarius, even by itself giving a lot of hope that something of importance could be achieved, the aspect harmonizing practical needs and utilitarian considerations (Saturn) with ideals of inclusiveness and compassion (Neptune). This slow forming aspect is still maturing. It will be exact on January 19 2012, Saturn becoming Stationary on the last degree of Libra in February 2012, just as Neptune will be moving into Pisces for good. So this is a long lasting influence, destined to have far reaching effects on the planet, one positive trend among many difficult ones.

Last but certainly no least was the fact that Uranus turned Direct on December 9. Now this is something because Uranus represents, among other things, the urge to embrace radical changes and to take new directions in life in order to align ourselves better to the destiny we are meant to fulfill.

I like to end this post with these words from the Daily Maverick: “Behind the save-the-world rhetoric of global climate change negotiations lies a murkier realpolitik. The multilateral process is tedious, but in Durban, it at least lent a semblance of inclusiveness to the negotiations“.

CANCUN CLIMATE CHANGE 2010, a modest compromise and an encouraging promise

Since Friday, December 10, the day the Cancun conference was supposed to come to a close, I have spent an inordinate amount of time gathering and sorting mainly useless information on the subject. It has been impossible even to find the actual closing time, on Saturday December 11, as the talks were stretched a number of hours in order to overcome the last impasses. The original time given for the end of the conference was in fact 6 pm, Cancun time, of December 10. Some article say the gavel was struck very early on Saturday morning, some mention the wee hours, but I couldn’t find the actual time anywhere.

If you haven’t followed the events in Cancun in the last couple of weeks, here is a link to access an interesting interactive site that will explain what went on: OneClimate.net

Here is another link to the UN Environment Programme,important times for re-assessing the way we communicate and divulge our opinions to the world, more reflective times, in which past attitudes can be scrutinized and past issues re-considered in a more insightful light.

Here is the Chart for that future event. Notice that I have used the same Opening Ceremon where you can find  a concise list of all the points that the delegates have finally agreed on.

Remember the modest Last Quarter Virgo Moon at the Cancun Climate Change Summit’s opening ceremony?

Well, that Moon has delivered modest but realistic results at the end of nearly two weeks of difficult and heated debate, establishing the groundwork for more comprehensive future negotiations. On the very last day, as Mercury was turning Stationary Retrograde, the Mexican hosts asked for extra time, to make sure some agreement could be finalized. I think many would have been surprised that, considering the circumstances, a last minute compromise was actually reached.

As I expected reading the Chart that began the event, the results have been modest, but some important steps in the right direction have been made. The multilateral UN project on Climate Change has survived. The well founded fears that it will all end in a bad way have not been fulfilled. If interested, please navigate to introductory post on Cancun’s Climate Change Summit 2010 and my second post on the same event.

An Earth Watch BBC journalist, Richard Black, described Copenhagen as the Great Dane that whimpered, and Cancun as the chihuahua that roared. I feel this to be a very well fitting description.

In a nutshell: the major achievement of the Cancun Package

♦ The realization that international cooperation is possible to tackle the problems caused by climate change. These talks have restored some faith in the possibility of making legally binding commitments in the future. Before this conference the global cooperation was more an aspiration than a reality. Of essential importance was also the affirmation that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world in our time. Only Bolivia disapproved of the final package, but the desire for compromise and progress won all other nations.

♦ The establishment of a Green Fund for developing countries (100 US billion $), to aid them to prepare for the unavoidable difficulties of raising temperatures, and to avoid those activities that exacerbate the effects of global warming, like deforestation and pollution of natural habitats. They have been 900 or more natural disasters in 2010, one of the warmest years since record began in the 19th century and most have affected developing countries. The establishment of this all important fund was proposed in Copenhagen but few dared to hope that it will be passed in Cancun. Many facets of this accord are still uncertain as to their implementation, but it is nevertheless a great step forward. The USA won the first three years running of this Fund by the World Bank, a point that was heatedly debated and could have been a serious stumbling block too.

♦ As far as emissions are concerned the 194 countries delegates in Cancun have agreed to raise their emissions cutting targets between 25 and 40 % of 1990 level, by the end of this decade (2020). These targets are closer to the ones recommended by scientists in order to avoid a temperature raise of more than 2 degrees, even if they don’t quite match what the scientists demanded. The possible target of 1.5 degrees rather than 2 is mentioned in the final document, leaving the issue open to amendments during future talks.

♦ The final text solved the difficult knot about the future of the Kyoto protocol, that has seen the USA and China at loggerhead with each other and developing nations, by simply deferring the decision for another year, until the 2011 meetings in Durban. Compromising in this way has served the positive purpose of avoiding the paralyzing stalemate that the fundamental disagreement on Kyoto was creating.

♦ A global scheme, known as REDD (= Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) has been agreed upon, a first step to combat deforestation, by rewarding developing countries when they choose to protect and maintain their forests rather than exploiting them for short term gains.This scheme also pledge to transfer green technologies from the developed countries to the developing ones.

Despite the undeniable progress made at this conference, with many Green groups cautiously optimistic at the results, to many environmentalists  this conference is another disappointment, because, despite some useful concrete steps taken, these measures may not prove sufficient to avoid dangerous temperature increases on the globe. And also no legally binding commitments have been agreed upon, leaving a lot to the discretion of participating nations. Countries have been urged to do more about emissions, but no concrete way of how to achieve this has been as yet established.

This has been the second global Climate Change Conference in a row that started on the wane of the Moon, close to the Last Quarter. This is a critical point in the cycle at the best of times, and one that has more to do with the past and unfinished business than with the start of something new. This effect was clearly shown by the amount of time that has been spent, some may say wasted, trying to fix old problems, arguing the very same chronic points discussed in Copenhagen in 2009. On the other hand Virgo is a Earth Sign, willing to work hard and keen on achieving concrete results, plus the accent that was in Sagittarius at the start (with the Sun, Mercury and Mars in this Fire Sign) shifted to Earthy Capricorn during the conference, when Mercury entered this Sign on December 2 and Mars on December 8. Both met Pluto during their Capricorn transit, fact that intensified the debate, creating more obvious power struggles, but also encouraging commitment to find solution and a serious attitude, Pluto’s energy thriving in tackling core issues.

The shift from Fire to Earth showed that some results were indeed possible and some real pledges will be made.  The Moon herself has moved, between opening and closing dates, from a waning Virgo phase to a waxing Aquarius phase, a positive development.

I want to briefly mention here the most significant transits that became active on the last few days of the conference.  First of all, Uranus in Pisces turned Stationary Direct on December 6, readying himself for his future ingress into Aries (March 12 2011), a turning point this, making the reforming and humanitarian energy of Uranus more available to all. Then a positive sextile between the Sun in Sagittarius and Saturn in Libra occurred on December 7, another grounding influence, positive for contracts and serious commitments.  Many have described the final agreement as balanced, an appropriate word for a transit of Saturn in Libra, the Sign of justice and balance. Finally another sextile between Venus in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn became exact on December 9, promoting cooperation and the willingness to make things work.

Here is that first Chart again:

The next Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa

I had a look at the next global conference for Climate Change to be held in Durban, South Africa, between November 28 and December 9 2011. The good news is that the Capricorn Moon will be Waxing Crescent at the start of this future summit, reaching her climax Full Moon phase just before the ending, certainly a more promising Moon, if we are looking for action.

In the two preceding summits the Moon went instead from Last Quarter phase to early New Moon phase. In Copenhagen we had the New Moon very close to the end of the conference, when only Obama’s  last minute intervention saved the day, or so we were made to believe. In Cancun instead the conference went on a bit further into the waxing cycle, to the Crescent phase. So, where we are leaving this year we will find ourselves at the start of the talks next year (Crescent).

Another observation that can be made about Durban is that the conference will take place between two Eclipses: a Partial Solar Eclipse on the Sagittarius New Moon preceding the event, November 25, 2011, and a Gemini Total Lunar Eclipse, on Full Moon day, December 10, a day past the end of the summit. At the time of the Solar Eclipse the Sun and Moon will be in helpful aspect to Uranus, promoting changes and a more out of the box kind of thinking. They will be however also in difficult aspect to Mars in Virgo, assuring lively arguments and splitting of hairs discussions too. At the same time Mars will be involved in an auspicious Grand Trine in Earth Sign, uniting with both Jupiter, by then in early Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn. This is a configuration that promises greater commitments and a more down to earth approach.

At the eclipsed Full Moon time, on December 10, the Sun and Moon will be again at cross purpose to picky Mars in Virgo (more squabbles and antagonism), while throughout the length of the whole conference the planets Saturn, usually one of the greatest stumbling blocks when it come to transits, will be in harmonious aspect to Neptune, the planet that embodies all higher human aspirations and sense of spiritual unity. This aspect is also promising that some of our collective dreams and ideals (Neptune) may find a way to manifest in the hard world of physical reality (Saturn).

Another similarity between Cancun and Durban will be that both conferences will be close to a Mercury Retrograde’s period, Cancun ending as Mercury began his Retro Station in Capricorn, on December 9, early morning, Cancun time. While Mercury will go Retrograde in Sagittarius just one day before the Durban’s summit, turning Direct again only after the conference will end. The Stations and Retrogradation of our little neighbor always mark

y’s time that we had in Cancun. The actual time chosen may turn up to be different.

If interested please visit my introductory post on Cancun’s Climate Change Summit 2010, and also my second post on the same Global Warming event.

Protesters’ under water film, at the Cancun’s Climate Change Conference 2010

*****

Here is a link to a video of young protesters filming themselves under water in the Gulf of Mexico, amongst submerged effigies of human beings affected by rising oceans’ temperatures.

CANCUN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT 2010: Mars-Uranus Square and the New Moon in Sagittarius

Katrina artwork: Seeing the storm through children eyes

Climate Change talks in Cancun came to a serious impasse when Mars in Sagittarius reached the perfect right angle to Uranus in Pisces on December 3 and Mercury in Capricorn became conjunct Pluto on December 5, remaining close to the same until the end of the summit and beyond, due to its imminent retro period (December 10/30).

The Mars’ transit was already active at the start of the conference and will be until the passage of Mars into Capricorn, on December 8. Mars was also separating from a square to Jupiter at the opening ceremony.

Amongst all possible transits the Mars-Uranus must be one of the most difficult when it comes to diplomacy and trying to achieve some sort of agreement on anything. The threat voiced by many delegates to boycott the conference all together wasn’t, I’m sure, idle talk, with such a disruptive and extreme transit fueling the debate from self-righteous Sagittarius to easily muddled Pisces. At the same time the conjunction of Mercury to Pluto in Capricorn could make everyone more willful and unyielding,  and hidden agendas to plague the talks throughout.

A rift has become apparent between rich western countries and developing ones, on similar lines as in Copenhagen last year. The squabble originated over the wording of a crucial document that should be eventually released. Many developing countries were demanding that in the said document rich countries continue to commit to emissions cuts as stated in the Kyoto Protocol of 1997.

Developing countries want new targets to be set in the document, in order to continue the reduction of greenhouse emissions beyond 2012. This is because the Kyoto agreement is really the only legal document binding the USA and other developed countries to emissions cuts. Britain and the European Union said they would agree to a second commitment following Kyoto after 2012, but only if other countries are prepared to do the same. The USA and China are blaming each other for not agreeing to substantial cuts in emissions and slowing down the whole process.

Ministers from 193 countries are arriving for high level talks in Mexico today, Monday December 6. This could be good timing, because now the Moon is waxing, a new lunar cycle has just began and past difficulties could be laid to rest.

The Moon today will be applying to the same squares to Jupiter and Uranus that Mars formed recently. The Moon will then meet Mars at the end of Sagittarius before entering Capricorn tonight, Cancun time. Here the Moon herself becomes the catalyst for the energy of Mars, Jupiter and Uranus, hopefully speeding up decisions without causing too many arguments.

Once in Capricorn the Moon will conjunct Mercury and Pluto tomorrow (December 7), stressing the need for  a more pragmatic approach and greater transparency. The power struggles underlying the whole proceeding could become more obvious, but people may also be more prepared to look deeper into it, to find practical ways to overcome the impasse.

*****

If interested please visit my introductory post on Cancun’s Climate Change Summit, here.

I paste here a link to an interactive site where the conference is openly discussed:

http://www.oneclimate.net/cancun?gclid=COf3h87C0aUCFUaApAoduyJNkQ

COPENHAGEN, FAILURE? POST 6

 

I am late writing about the Copenhagen conference’s aftermath. At first I found myself too wrapped up in the feeling of failure and disillusionment that I derived from the outcome. It made me and many others, I am sure, realize that, yes, we don’t seem to be able to live up to our ideals; yes, our progress is very slow and may not be sufficient to avoid ecological catastrophe. Fear of dire consequences has accompanied the disappointment. I had to consciously snap out of it, or I could have get depressed. Many many have felt the same, the pain (Chiron) of disappointed longing for unity and love for our Earth Mother; collective tears (Neptune).

The powerful last passes of the conjunctions of Jupiter to Chiron (opening day) and Neptune (two days past the closing), encompassing  the whole conference,  were very appropriate symbols of the promise, the ideals, the aspirations which the conference aroused around the world. We were all affected by them, more or less consciously. Only a legally binding and exceptionally positive outcome, with brave reductions in emissions, high targets for the future and cooperation amongst developed and developing countries, could have satisfied the expectations and wishes of these lofty, but not particularly grounded transits.

To sum up the salient configurations of transits that I deemed significance for the Climate Change Conference:

The time chosen to initiate the conference,  Waning Moon phase, close to Last Quarter. Lots of unfinished business came to the surface, as it is proper during the dark fortnight of our Lady Moon, and only the last two days of the conference the Moon began to wax, after a New Moon in Sagittarius, giving few precious hours to draft a sort of agreement, at least amongst the major players. The agreement crafted by the American ‘Deus Ex Machina’ Barack Obama, making a grand entrance in the last few hours, contains just the spirit but certainly not the letter of what should have been achieved (if interested see my previous post on Obama in Copenhagen).

The Moon’s Void of Course at the time of the official beginning (6 pm, Copenhagen time, on December 7, 2009). This period (void because the Moon is not forming any major aspect with the Sun and Planets before she enters a new Sign) is considered inauspicious for beginning anything. It is an interim period and not an active one.

The square of the Sun in Sagittarius to Uranus in Pisces, on opening day,  becoming exact a week inside the negotiations, when temps started boiling up seriously, and schisms were created amongst different factions.

The conjunction of Jupiter to Chiron and Neptune. It started something, but also made us somewhat blind to the stark reality of commerce and the national and ideological divisions of our world (while the conference was on, war was still raging in many corners of the globe and since the conference ended there has been an exhalation of  terrorists attacks in Pakistan and Iraq). Jupiter, the catalyst of these transits, is really a ‘future’ planet, creating the vision and showing the potential and ideal of every enterprise, instilling confidence and faith, while the grounding touch of Saturn will be required for our ideals to manifest in concrete forms. Those feelings and visions are not lost or useless, however, because they have began to illumine the dark path ahead of us, providing us with ideals to strive for.

The opposition of Mars, close to its Retro Station, to the above conjunctions (augmented on opening day by the conjunction of the transiting Moon to Mars and the Moon’s own oppositions to Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune). This is a rather wonderful symbol to describe the many confrontations, disagreements, big arguments, stubborn stances we have witnessed in Copenhagen, every day risking to make the conference flounder all together. Mars was just preparing to retrograde, and will continue its loop until March 10, transiting Leo until June 2010. This shows that the confrontations and ideological wars that started in Copenhagen will go on past the event and well into the new year.

Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, both square Saturn in Libra. This has proven to be one of the strongest influences, manifesting already on the second day of the conference when documents were leaked to the press. showing that secret deals were being agreed upon by some of the main players. The last agreement too, signed behind closed doors by some of the key players, the USA, China, India and South Africa, while hailed by some as a last minute miracle and a step forward, has been considered by many the product of shady deals amongst super-powers and aspiring super-powers.

The power struggle became evident from the start, with the marked division between the poor countries, especially African and Oceanic, and the developed and developing giants that also squabbled amongst themselves the whole time. Many cans of worms were opened and the contents spilled out all over the place. Hidden motives, greed, power trips, pride, all surfaced to impede smooth progress, also causing salutary debates and much needed reality checks.

Realizing our limitations is one of the functions of Saturn, while its hard aspect to Pluto made the process more difficult and confronting. We faced each other demons and had to take a long hard look at everything. Trying to lay the blame on the opponent, we had to acknowledge our own shortcomings.

For some this debate was actually a question of survival, a life-death situation (Pluto). The results must have certainly distressed and depressed those who fought for the survival of so many island communities around the world. The changes required by Pluto in Capricorn are humongous, involving a complete transformation of attitudes. Saturn, with its fear mongering and resistance to change has put the usual spoke in the wheel, frustrating many hopes.

The square Saturn-Pluto will still be active in 2010 (exact again on February 1 and August 21), so the struggle and frustration are set to continue. Saturn, the Planet of ingrained old habits, is still fighting hard to maintain the status quo against the onslaught of Pluto’s transformative power.

Uranus in positive aspect to the Lunar Nodes, while Venus formed negative links to the same, on opening day. The destiny of the moment was to aid change and implement reforms (Uranus in positive aspect to the axis of Destiny), but not without problems in finding harmony and embracing cooperation (Venus’ negative links to the Axis of Destiny).

As many delegates have affirmed, on leaving the conference and afterwards: this has been the first real big summit on the subject of Global Warming, in itself a step forward on the road toward an international agreement. We obviously need more time and more talks. There is still hope that the next conference (Mexico 2010? date still undecided) will produce the legally binding document we need to implement real changes.

THE ASTROLOGICAL COPENHAGEN, POST 5

Photo property of the Guardian.co.uk©

As it was astrologically easy to predict (see my previous posts) the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change has been the scene of heated debate from the beginning, and of constant protests and violent reprisals now. At the time of the opening ceremony, on December 7, 6 pm Copenhagen time, the Moon was in Leo, Fire Sign, separating from a conjunction to Mars, the ancient God of war, also in Leo and close to its retrograde station (a critical time for any planet), while both were in opposition to the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune’s conjunction (Mars will be within orbs of this opposition for the term of the conference). The latter conjunction is the cosmic alignment representing the ideal promise of the whole summit, highlighting the drive to heal (Chiron) and become more inclusive and compassionate (Neptune). To add to the fiery nature of these transits Mars is also separating from a difficult Semi-Square to Saturn (45 degrees angle), indicating clashes with authority, and an equally difficult Sesqui-Square to Pluto (135 degrees angle), well, very explosive indeed!

The conference also started on the wane of the Moon, so no much real action can be expected at least until the New Moon in Sagittarius just two days before the end.

Another fact that some astrologers would have noticed in the opening time horoscope was that the Moon was going through a Void of Course, that period during which the Moon doesn’t form any major angle (transit) with the Sun and Planets, before she leaves the Sign she is transiting. These periods are well-known to astrologers as ‘negative’ times, when the outcome of decisions and activities are uncertain and nothing often comes of our best efforts.

Today, December 14, the Sagittarius Sun will be at right angle (Square, challenging transit) to Uranus in Pisces, enhancing the drive for change and the rebellious spirit in everyone one. This aspect could help to escalate the already heated atmosphere and bring more violent clashes.

The Sun today and more exactly tomorrow will also conjunct the Star Ras Alhague, the head of the Serpent Bearer, Ophiuchus, the archetypal healer amongst the ancient constellations, known as Asclepius to the Greeks.  The great Serpent he holds in his hand is the Caduceus, symbol of healing powers and nowadays emblem of all physicians. Some astrologers consider this star an ‘evil’ one, meaning that the benefits that we can derive from it are fraught with danger, like potent medicines which can be poisonous if used in excess or incorrectly.

Things may hopefully improve when the Moon will enter Sagittarius, on the evening of December 14, Australian time, and the Sun will Sextile Chiron, Jupiter and Neptune (positive aspects) on December 15 and 16, with the New Moon also forming the same harmonious contacts.

Observing again the Fixed Stars’ connection of this historical event, another significant encounter that could prove positive, in the whole messy business,will be the conjunction of Mercury, the Planet of communication, to Vega, the alpha star of Lyra, the Harp, on December 17, close to the summit’s closure. Vega is traditionally considered a magical star as the musical instrument of Orpheus, the Enchanter and Compassionate One, who uses his own experience of suffering (the loss of his wife Euridice) to help others who are also suffering. Apart from enchanting mortals and immortals alike, Orpheus’ lyre emitted such sweet sounds that the birds in the sky stopped in ther flight to listen, the rocks gathered around him and the trees uprooted themselves to come closer to his music. The whole of nature in fact fell under his spell. There is hope that some sweet news may come out of this Climate Change summit, with Mercury, messenger of the gods, playing the final notes on this magic harp of renewal and beauty.

THE ASTROLOGICAL COPENHAGEN, POST 4

AUSTRALIA in COPENHAGEN

In the Opening Horoscope of the Copenhagen Conference the conjunction Moon-Mars in Leo and the conjunction Neptune-Chiron in Aquarius, opposed to each other, fall respectively in the Domestic and Public sectors (Houses Fourth and Tenth) of the Australian Horoscope (January 1 1901, 1.36 pm, Sydney), all in difficult aspect (Square) to Australia’s Moon in Taurus. This opposition represents, for all participating, a great challenge to the success of the conference, because it indicates strife and antagonism between opposing factions. As far as Australia is concerned, this opposition comes first of all from home (Fourth House) and this fact will contribute, at least at first, to muddle (Neptune) and hurt (Chiron) Australia’s reputation in the world (Neptune-Chiron in the Tenth House). The recent struggle between the Australia government and its Liberal opposition, which brought about a surprise change of leadership in the Australian Liberal Party, fits very well the picture of Mars-Moon in  the Australia’s domestic sector.

The Australian Liberals themselves are now bitterly divided over Climate Change, with the ex opposition leader, Malcolm Turnbull lashing out at his Climate Sceptic successor, Tony Abbott, over his handling or mishandling of the issue.

Despite this ongoing saga, there are some very positive transits for Australia at the conference.

The transiting Sun is conjunct Australia’s Uranus on opening day, showing that Australia will play an unexpected part in the discussions, contributing innovative and original ideas. Transiting Venus in Sagittarius will be conjunct Australia’s Venus in four days time, a good sign, contributing to the willingness to cooperate and play an important diplomatic role amongst warring factions.

And, most important of all, the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 16 2009 will be conjunct Australia’s Jupiter (very close to exactness), Mercury and Chiron, near the Ninth House, the sector that, in a Nation’s Chart, represents its foreign policies and its philosophical outlook. Australia may have to play a significant role in the ongoing discussions on Climate Change that are meant to constellate the whole of 2010 and beyond. The Jupiter connection could mean the promotion of some of the Australian delegates or of the Prime Minister himself, Mr. Kevin Rudd, to an important diplomatic post for the next Climate Conference that will probably be held in Mexico in 2010.

The tone of this Copenhagen conference, with its accent on Air and Fire Signs (Aquarius Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune opposing Leo Mars, Moon on Leo on the opening day, the New Moon in Sagittarius on December 16, etc.) suggests that this Conference will serve principally the purpose of setting political and philosophical guidelines for future, more concrete intervention.

For great posts on Transits for Australia and globally, please read Ed Tamplin‘s site, one of my favourite astrological sites on the net.

THE ASTROLOGICAL COPENHAGEN, POST 3

 COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Would the world leaders and climate ambassadors achieve to sign a comprehensive Climate Treaty in Copenhagen, a legal successor to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012? Here is the Horoscope of the time of Copenhagen opening ceremony.

Recent developments suggest they won’t. The headlines, on the second day of the conference read:

Divisions run deep in Copenhagen

Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, during a special audience given to Green Campaigners protesting in London, has confessed  that he has given up on reaching a legally binding agreement in Copenhagen, but he IS now settling for a political agreement instead.

The African Union, led by Sudan, has threatened to walk out of the conference if the developed nations and heaviest polluters refuse to give substantial help to poorer countries, in order to ease their transition to cleaner economies.

The talks gained some momentum, at first, by the announcement that around 100 world leaders, out of the 192 countries attending, will actually take part in person. This group will include the heads of those States that have a crucial say on the matter, being the heavy polluters. It will include: Usa President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang and Premier Wen Jiabao of China.

In my previous posts on Copenhagen I concentrated on observing, first, the major transits active at the time, in particular the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune conjunction that will open and close the conference. Secondly I have observed the role played by the Moon cycle during these 12 historical days, beginning with a Last Quarter Moon and ending with a New Moon.

In this post and the ones following I would like to take an astrological look at the role of some of the crucial players, countries as well as representatives.

DO OBAMA’S ADVISERS CONSULT ASTROLOGERS?

This is an impertinent question, of course. It is meaningfully coincidental however how the USA President decided to postpone his visit to Copenhagen until December 18, just in time for the New Moon in Sagittarius, the most promising time of the whole conference calendar. With the New Moon in his wake Obama would certainly make  a grander entrance than if he had arrived on the wane of the Moon. He would be like the proverbial late comer at parties and weddings, always the one who makes more of a splash. Jokes apart, his choice could prove a fortunate one, and perhaps gives us hope that some action will be taken by the USA government to cut emissions, not just setting ideal guidelines, but actually spelling numbers and policies. This because the New Moon is a more suitable time to take concrete action and start something new.

Tomorrow, December 9, Obama will be in Oslo, Norway,  to receive his Nobel Peace Prize. A cautious astrologer might have advised the President not to go to Oslo. His Transits Chart reveals in fact some pretty challenging aspects, many of them involving Mars, the God of War, Accidents, Strife and Open Enmity.

The Virgo waning Moon will be conjunct Obama’s natal (birth) Mars, while Uranus in transit will oppose both the transiting Moon and the natal Mars. Especially this Uranian influence could mean unexpected and perhaps dangerous events. Are demonstrations against the USA President being organized in Oslo? Oslo has staged violent demonstrations before, especially concerning the Middle East. Recently his decisions of increasing the American intervention in Afghanistan  and also what many Green groups think is his non committal stand on Climate Change could easily fuel aggressive demonstrations.

Around 2.500 police and army will be in Oslo to safeguard the President from terrorist attacks or assassinations attempts. A spoke person for the Oslo’s Police force stated however that Norway is a democratic country and people will be allowed to vent their views openly, near the President. The Police has no intention of stopping peaceful demonstrators, even if they become very vocal.

The transiting Mars in Leo is also on Obama’s Descendant, the sector that presides over relationships. This means that throughout the passage of Mars in Leo (a long one, lasting to June 2010, due to Mars’ Retrogradation) Obama will face open opposition from many quarters and will need all his Aquarian charm, diplomacy and clear headed firmness to counteract it.

Pluto in Capricorn is still making his long opposition to Obama’s natal Venus and semi-square to his Ascendant, certainly a test of his mettle, not just for now, but throughout his presidential mandate. This transit is considered by some rather dangerous, perhaps even putting the President’s life at risk.

On the positive side transiting Jupiter and Chiron (conjunct in Aquarius on December 7) are still hovering around the President’s Ascendant, while Saturn in Libra is, on the day, in perfect harmonious aspect (trine) to his natal Moon. These transits are enhancing his sense of personal power (Eighth House Saturn) and the deep personal satisfaction (Fourth House Moon) the international recognition is giving him.

 

By December 18, the date now fixed  for Obama’s visit to Copenhagen, the Moon will be waxing in Capricorn and the transiting Sun (with Mercury, Pluto and the Moon) will be in the sector in his Birth Chart that has to do with his connection with the community, through friendships, alliances and common aspirations (Eleventh House). This is a good sign that Obama will produce something that will contribute positively to the outcome. The transiting Moon that day will also conjunct the transiting North Node, that point in the Ecliptic that connect these events to the Eclipses taking place in January 2010. This is another sky story that I would like to explore, because it too has a lot to do with the outcome of the Copenhagen conference. The January Eclipses are certainly close enough in time to Copenhagen to exert a great sway over it. Just the fact that Eclipses are this close to the event shows its importance as destiny maker for the world.

The transiting Sun, at the end of the conference, will be in harmonious aspect to Obama’s Lunar Nodes too, showing that his intervention will tend to boost his reputation as a leader rather than diminish it, despite the ongoing oppositions (see Mars’ Transits).

THE ASTROLOGICAL COPENHAGEN SUMMIT, DECEMBER 7/18 – FIRST POST

 

THE AQUARIAN ALIGNMENT

The Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen makes a fascinating sky story, starting with the last pass of the historical conjunction of Jupiter to Chiron in Aquarius (exact on December 7, opening day!!!); and ending with the last pass of the Jupiter conjunction to Neptune, also in Aquarius. This last transit will become exact just three days (December 21) after the Conference’s ending (December 18). A Sagittarius New Moon aligned to the longitude of the Galactic Centre will also concur with the latter event.

Astrologers, all over the world, count on these cosmic alignments to generate a positive outcome for this Summit.

Astrologers don’t pick the dates of historical events such as this, but certainly whoever chose them is unknowingly prompted by more than logical reasons and practical considerations. When it comes to events that will affect, for good or ill, the lives of millions, Astrology never fails to deliver amazing archetypal portraits of the situation. Our Art can give us an almost immediate insight on the underlying currents of every situation, and the possible direction these currents may take us.

Jupiter is here obviously acting as a giant catalyst, bringing the energies of Neptune and Chiron to a focus, and greatly expanding their effects. Jupiter is also performing the task of bringing to life, few months in advance, the conjunction of Neptune and Chiron to each other, which will become exact only in 2010.

The process is not easy though, because contacts with Chiron always entail suffering and difficulties one has to learn to accept and live with. The role of Chiron is, I feel, to bridge the distance between our down to earth experiences and sense of reality (Saturn) and our future aspirations and directions (Uranus). This is a precarious bridge at the best of time, needing constant work to become stronger and more secure. Copenhagen seems to be an opportunity to build more of this bridge, but perhaps it is premature to hope to finish its construction, over these few available days. The fact that Neptune awaits Jupiter at the end of the Conference seems to indicate to me that a lot of the outcome will be of an inspirational and idealistic nature, rather than clear programs and cut backs, promises perhaps more than commitments.

******************

SUNRISE in COPENHAGEN, DECEMBER 7, 2009

As I stated in my article in issue 26, March 2009 of The Art of Healing about the Aquarian alignment:

‘There may be a marked general feeling of hope and the strong belief that things are improving. There is a catch though: excessive idealism and lack of practicality. We need to take care that wishful thinking and excessive confidence are not clouding our judgement. On the other hand, it would be regrettable not to acknowledge the beauty of the dream, the universal understanding and healing that the union of those planets portends. It would be to miss a unique opportunity to rise to new heights, for all of us.

Jupiter (called Guru in Vedic Astrology) represents the human urge to search for meaning and to envision a better future; while Neptune is the planet of the Third Eye and Universal Compassion, opening channels for us between conscious and unconscious dimensions. And Chiron is the Wounded Healer, a powerful symbol of the fact that true healing can come only from a personal and profound experience of suffering.

The energies of these three Planets acting in unison will be filtered through the substance of Aquarius, the Sign of democratic reform, human cooperation, science and technology. Astrologers cannot help feeling that this is a good sign to improve human cooperation and create strong links of friendship amongst people of different race, belief or culture’.

And in issue 27, June 2009:‘A benign face of this astrological period is represented by Jupiter’s conjunctions to Chiron and Neptune.

Despite the dire collective situation, seen from a practical and down to earth standpoint (Saturn was still in Virgo), this airy and lofty Aquarian emphasis could work like a magic charm, helping to dispel excessive worries and encouraging us to look up rather than down to find solutions to our quandaries. A willingness to reform and to help our fellow men could be very strong. Aquarius is the Humanitarian Sign which, through dispassion and knowledge, helps to emphasize our common human heritage, rather than our cultural and religious differences.

Jupiter is positively placed in Aquarius even when on its own. Its closeness to Chiron and Neptune strengthens, deepens and refines the outgoing energy of Jupiter, putting greater emphasis on compassion and healing, qualities the world needs very badly at present.’

 

And in issue 28, October 2009: ‘The triple conjunction of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron will be exact again, for the last time, between December 2009 and January 2010. These conjunctions have permeated the whole of 2009, helping to raise our spirits during the global financial crisis. At the time of writing (early June 2009) Obama has been visiting Egypt to show a friendly hand to Palestinians and Muslims in general, making historical speeches of reconciliation. He is also campaigning to have Guantanamo Bay shut by the end of 2009, a brave move, hopefully coinciding with the last pass of the Aquarian conjunction, in December’.

I didn’t know then that a global Summit on Climate Change was to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009, another one of those striking example of astrological synchronicity.

‘All these events exemplify to me the progressive spirit of the Aquarian conjunction, with its idealism and humanitarian principles, as well as the downside of the same, as chimerical hopes of easy solutions, and social/political naivety. Obama himself has Ascendant and Jupiter in Aquarius and became officially President at the time of his Jupiter’s return in early Aquarius, in January 2009, while his Moon’s South Node, part of his ‘axe of destiny’ is conjunct the historical conjunction Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron in late Aquarius.

Neptune can embellish every picture, but has the potential of being also deceptive, elusive and unrealistic. Jupiter on his part tends to exaggerate, usually accentuating the promising parts rather than the problematic issues. Finally mysterious Chiron portends the potential for collective healing of old wounds or, negatively, karmic illnesses. Chiron is physically and symbolically the go-between the known world (Saturn boundary) and the Uranian vision of a new world, forever reminding us of the painful limitations of our human condition (Saturn), while igniting the spark of our godlike genius (Uranus).

We see a Jupiter conjunct Neptune every twelve years or so, not a rare event, after all. But we experience a triple conjunction Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron only once in a while, the last in 1945, at the end of World War Two, when it certainly helped the healing, while many of the promises of what the world will be after the war were not kept . Even rarer is the same triple conjunction in the same zodiacal position, Aquarius, which occurred the last time in 1843. This was a period very close to the ‘discovery’ of Neptune in 1846, considered historically, philosophically and literarily an idealistic era. Many proletarian, grass root revolutions also started then (Marx’s Communist Manifesto was published in 1848). On the religious front it was a messianic period, when many Christians awaited the second coming and the advent of a new world order of peace and enlightenment.

Similar hopes in a redeeming time ahead are alive and well in 2009. We may at times feel we need a Saviour or a miracle to overcome the huge obstacles ahead of us; but hope alone will not save our troubled world.’

 

A negative side effect of this multiple conjunction could be that, if the Aquarian aspirations cannot find fulfilment at some practical level, a rebellious and self righteous attitude may be the outcome for many. The blessings of Jupiter are often mixed with the woes of discontent and frustration, if opportunities for expansion are not readily available. Moderation is a useful word to remember when Jupiter is strongly activated.

Global Civil Disobedience events in the Campaign for Climate Action have been already planned by many groups for November 30 (with the Taurus Moon squaring the Mars-Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune opposition), and again on December 12 (with the Balsamic Moon in Scorpio), in the middle of the Copenhagen talks.

The conjunction is creating a great momentum for change that will not be easily quashed. Together with the retrogradation of Mars in Leo this promises that tempers will rise quite a bit, especially in the aftermath of the Summit. There is indeed some risk of violence, not just because of Mars’ doings, but because a somewhat dangerous conjunction Mercury/Pluto will be exact on opening day too (see next post for details).

More on the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in my next post, considering in particular the role of the Lunation cycle.