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updated 8/13/2007
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February 2005

It has been truly uplifting to witness a democratically held election in Iraq with a minimum amount of violence and a great deal of determination on the part of the citizens of this war torn country. However, we all know the road ahead is laden with both precarious possibilities, violent resistances, and above all, sincere hopes. Mars will transit Capricorn from Feb. 7^th through March 20^th symbolizing more challenges by insurgents and terrorists, not only in Iraq but in Saudi Arabia as well.

As I have discussed in previous newsletters, the current transit of Jupiter in the peace-loving sign of Libra is helping on many fronts. There seems to be real progress between the Israelis and the Palestinians as their leaders move toward an important meeting this month, following the Israelis’ announcement that they are withdrawing from several cities in the occupied territories. There is a long way to go, but they have also come a long way. Certainly great challenges to this process lie ahead. This transit of Jupiter in Libra will last until October 27^th of this year. Let us hope the world makes the most of this opportunity.

The ambiance of Libra reminds us that no matter how different our religions, economies, ethnic backgrounds, we are all human beings inhabiting a planet together trying to survive and thrive. At the same time, most of us are sensing on some level that serious climate changes, economic instabilities, and, in general, consequences of our short-sightedness, selfishness, and programmed self-destructiveness are about to play out in history as if the old and dreaded prophecies must have their day.

What is important is to know we can summon the will and the resolve to change our course. The fundamental awareness of a peace that is at the center of our existence may be exactly what we need at this very moment in time. It is my hope that each one of us will reach into the quiet of our hearts and recognize this truth.

The Economy:

There will be some sectors of the economy that will look brighter this month as the transiting nodes trine and sextile Pluto in Sagittarius. The airlines, that have been through so many crises over the past three years, will improve their profits, especially on the 10^th and the 17^th when Mercury and then Venus trine Jupiter. SBC has bought out AT&T, ending the existence of an iconic American corporation. Telephonic stocks have not done well lately because of the fierce competition, especially in cell phones. Look for some improvement in that sector this month. With Mercury and Venus in Aquarius, the internet sector looks somewhat improved. Watch out, however for the Feb. 8^th new moon inconjunct Saturn, reminding us of overall economic instabilities due to the budget deficits.

As far as the financial markets in general, there is more optimism this month than last month, but the results are mixed. Another factor is the looming month of March this year that looks extremely negative for the stock market, although bullish for gold.

Politics:

With Venus, Mercury and Neptune in Aquarius, there will be a lot of battling in Washington following Pres. Bush’s State-of-the-Union address. The Democrats will be working hard with the more moderate Republicans to derail the President’s Social Security reform proposals and will likely succeed. Look for new leadership to emerge from the Democratic Party with a great deal of fanfare. Mars in Capricorn this month will make it difficult for Pres. Bush to push through legislation.

The other issue that will take front and center is illegal immigration and there is real dissent in the Republican party over this. Look for a variety of proposals to stem this tide. Along with all this, more publicity around the outsourcing of jobs to cheap labor markets in India and China will emerge and there may be some real incentives to do something about it. On the 17^th, when Venus conjuncts Neptune, look for some kind of political scandal to emerge. This may pass quickly now, but it is a forerunner of the Saturn/Neptune opposition of August 2006 which will be extremely challenging and serious.

Foreign Relations:

Between now and the end of March, there will be a challenging of our economic and political arrangements with China, and things will not be as cozy as they have been. As I have stated in previous newsletters, Venezuela is making some very big deals with China to sell them their oil and move away from the U.S.A. as its biggest customer. In addition, China has tied their currency to our dollar and continues to have enormous trade advantages due to their cheap labor force. We have to be very careful, however, since they own a huge percentage of our giant budget deficit. I think we will be strengthening our relationship with Japan during this period – another major holder of our debt – as we continue to let the dollar fall.

As I have stated above, peacemaking efforts will continue in the Middle East, but the transit of Mars in Capricorn will threaten many of the people currently in control of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In March, there may be a serious crisis with the royal family in Saudi Arabia. Capricorn represents old-line authority figures in any society and many establishments are coming unraveled as Mars marches toward its opposition with Saturn in Cancer on March 7^th. This position will also be squared by the solar eclipse of April 8^th.

Between now and the end of March, some serious problems are coming up in the U.K. connected with Tony Blair, possibly related to the occupation of Iraq and budget problems. It looks like he will survive this, but it will take its toll. British people have been strongly against the war in Iraq and will likely push to get their troops out before Blair and Bush are ready to exit.

Health & Medicine:

The transit of Mars in Capricorn from Feb. 7^th through March 20^th may represent the worst of the flu and cold season. Take care of yourself and know your limits during this transit. Interestingly, between the 9^th and the 22^nd of this month, some medical breakthroughs may be announced. The diseases of aging will be in the forefront, and studies may be released on how to slow down the aging process and prevent disease.

With the bad news about Vioxx and Celebrex, many of the pharmaceutical companies have taken serious losses recently. The transit of Saturn in Cancer that is with us until July 17^th of this year, has actually done a great deal of good in revealing what drugs really work or do not work to our benefit. I often say that Saturn lends a mighty big dose of realism to the area it is in. Cancer is the sign of food and medicine and is helping us to sort out the truth from the spin.

Travel:

I would advise against travel on the 12^th and the 20^th, but would recommend it on the 10^th and the 13^th. The 20^th could be troublesome due to bad weather.

Final Thoughts:

This is a special month of opportunity to communicate with your loved ones, and to find precisely the right words to say to those closest to you. Aquarius is the sign of friendship in the broadest sense and the acknowledgement of commonly held values, as well as respect for diverse viewpoints that tend to release us from the narrow confines of old systems of belief.

One thing I cherish about so many of my friends is our ability to speak our piece and then listen to what the other person has to say. The ability to listen is a precious gift to both give and receive.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Linda

Linda L. Schurman

What Next?
A Survival Guide to the 21st Century

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following are five links that, over time, offer excellent insights into the financial crises we need to understand

Jim Sinclair

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