The estimated time of the start of the recent fire was 5:45 to 5:50 pm. That sounds right to me. I was looking out my window watching the full moon rise over the ridge of the Riviera. I looked away but when I returned by gaze, the moon looked especially pink-gold. I looked closer and realized it was smoke drifting into the sky. It was 5:55 when I checked the time.

A couple of curious things appeared when I ran the chart for the start of the fire. The Moon, obviously, was rising on the Ascendant in Gemini. Neptune was overhead in the Midheaven.

Those are two water planets. The fire started at the 'Tea Gardens', the remains of an old estate with many fountains and acquaducts. The earthquake in the '20s or '30s damaged the estate to the point that the owners did not rebuild. A popular hiking trail passes through the area and young people often gather at the Tea Gardens to party since it is so secluded.

The fire investigators have determined that the fire was not caused by an accident; no electric wires sparking it in the high winds. With the Moon Ascendant, it might signify a female started the fire. Very unusual if arson was the cause.

However, with Neptune in the MC, drugs or drink could have played a large part.

Possible scenario: Minor girl with male friend was smoking dope or drinking at the Tea Gardens. Having to be home (Moon) by 6:00, a hasty exit played out. Foggy from the drink/drugs, the smoking items, perhaps a cigarette, were stamped out by foot (ruled by Neptune) however Neptune concealed the burning embers and ashes. With the hot, dry winds that arise around sundown in the area, an ideal situation was created for a wildly out of control fire. Over 200 homes (Moon) were lost. Many large animals had to the evacuated, large animals ruled by Pisces/Neptune. OR - with Moon and Neptune prominent it might suggest a spiritual ritual (Neptune) at the time of the full moon.

The fire is 95% contained as of this writing. Our prayers and best thoughts go out to the people affected by the fires in California in recent days.

The predictions by the astrologers out there in cyberspace were astounding.  I wasn't too vocal about my feelings about it because I knew my reason and emotions are sometimes very difficult for me to tell apart.  I did say that I felt the Uranian energies of the Saturn-Uranus opposition of election day were stronger.  Uranus represents change, out of the ordinary, new, revolutionary, and a blending of individuals into a humanitarian group to make a difference for the better.  Saturn wants to stay just where it is, maybe even go backward a bit! 

Some things I noticed about Obama and Biden's charts were:

Obama's Lunar Nodes are in the 27th degree of Leo-Aquarius - the Moon of the Sibley USA Chart is 27 degrees of Aquarius.  As the South Node (Obama's) and Moon represent the past, I feel that could indicate a past connection between Barack Obama and the United States, perhaps going way, way back.  There is a history here.

Also, the second house of a chart represents income, values, and possessions.   Jupiter (beneficial increase) is moving into Biden's second house right around this time, and Uranus (change) is moving into Obama's second house.  Coincidence or synchronicity?  McCain and Palin did not have their second houses activated in any significant way at this time. 

When studying the charts of the candidates for a clue to the future trends, as usual, there were some favorable and some less favorable in each case.  However, Biden had a great many favorable indicators and Obama had major ones.  As we hear of Barack's grandmother passing the day before the election, it brings into mind Pluto and cycles, beginnings and endings.  I've seen others with what we might call a mixed set of events like this happening at one time.

I felt that Palin's chart looked highly suspicious though.  Neptune was making many connections, which can mean scandals revealed or things hidden away.  I think we might continue to see such things with her for the next few years or so.  But we certainly saw Neptune's spell-binding quality in her sudden rise and popularity among some McCain supporters, and Neptune rules glamor, pretenses, and make-up!  Who else has spent $20,000 for a make-up artist in a couple of weeks?  And the new clothes would go to charity.  Neptune rules charity and caring for those who may not be able to help themselves.

One of the main themes of this year is Saturn opposite Uranus.  The past and the future.  It could not be played out any better than it was yesterday on election day.  The people have spoken!


 

Election day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, the planets Saturn and Uranus will be exactly 180 degrees apart in the celestial sphere.  They are in opposition.  Face off.  Stare down.  Slow planets. 

Traditionally, Saturn represents: old, experience, rigid, the past, conservative, grinding to a halt, oppression, ambition, hard work, self interest. 

And Uranus represents: change, out of the ordinary, group focus, humanitarianism, liberal, the unusual or unique, the future, flight, society, freedom.

What a great example of synchronicity that these events coincide! 

John McCain and, somewhat, Joe Biden, embody Saturn; elders, experienced, know-how.

Barack Obama and Sarah Palin embody Uranus; new, group awareness and connectedness, change, the unique.

On election day, there will also be an exact square (90 degrees apart) between Mars (a spirited fire planet) and Neptune.  The hard-charging, fierce, God of War, struggling with ideals of highest expression of community and spirituality, Neptune being an emotional watery planet.

Perhaps these factors give the added sense of urgency or all-important choice that seems to surround this election season and the candidates.  Neptune is also represented by the dishonesty and fear used to manipulate the voters.  Mars is reminding us of the situation in Iraq, and taking the spotlight now - Afghanistan.  Uranus brings optimism and hope.  Saturn brings refusal to change. 

I can't say who will win - Uranus is in a strong position here.  In the best of all worlds, balance would prevail.  There can be a balance between extreme capitalism and socialism.  Business owners and manufacturers should be able to earn a nice profit for their work and initiative, while the public should be protected from dangerous, harmful products, and should receive benefit from the process, also.

The people are really motivated to vote, and take part in the process.  It's exciting! By the way, among other astrologers, Obama has more winning predictions than McCain.  But McCain does have certain indications of a momentous occasion, too.  This is one of those situations where each side has certain good indicators while the other side has different, but equally as powerful ones.  Forecasting techniques such as transits, progressions, solar arc progressions, and directions are used to predict trends or cycles, and can be quite accurate.  We'll see how this comes out.