December, 2005

By Norma Jean Ream

There has been a rise of tension in these previous weeks that culminates at the beginning of December. While the tension is high strung, it is also a point of contrast and changes. A breaking point is evident in some cases, and many structural things, like corporations and government branches are challenged to fortify and realign. In fact, all of 2005 has been a year of stark contrasts, which have pushed us to be more self-aware, and to face what we are creating.

The dynamics of this period include the inner planets changing direction, which symbolizes turning attention back to ourselves and clarifying the reasoning behind choices we are making now. The outer planets are in a dynamic face off that reflects the level of volatility that is in the air. The emphasis on fixed signs makes the physical dimension the place where the energy manifests. That suggests earth changes, like earthquakes and volcanoes, and weather extremes, as we have seen through the fall. In the realm of human relationships, things can get violent. This energy covers December through February.

The Winter Solstice chart for December 21 has some dramatic features. This chart is important for the Nation’s forecast the coming year’s events. The Washington, DC chart is particularly relevant for the government. The crisis of power is just starting to mount. Deeper investigations will expose a network of people and activities that have a long history. This is likely to be one of those monumental national crises that mark a turning point for the Nation. There is a 30-year cycle operating in this scenario that restructures. In the process, there is accountability and responsibility that must be honored. This is not going to be quick and easy, it is going to be arduous and painful. When the truth about the Iraq War is on the table, the American people will be in shock.

As a statement of critical awareness, the Solstice chart draws attention to values and to the waste of public resources, the depletion of social values and a need to realign with a more unified action plan for the economy. Venus, the planet of money, resources, and values is the guiding planet of this years’ forecast. It turns retrograde (backward motion) on December 24 until February 3, 2006. Therefore, we consider it stationary in this Solstice chart. Consider that a ‘grinding of the heel’ and its presence in the sector of government points to the crisis of principles and morals at high levels of leadership. The outer planets are stacked at the angles of the chart, which brings the issues into public view. In doing so, domestic and international responses could be very dramatic through the course of the year.

Jupiter, the planet of philosophy and religion, is in Scorpio, a sign of retribution and passion. Jupiter faces off with Mars, planet of war and aggression. They both intersect with Saturn, the planet of karma, control, and government. The combination is one that typifies war and turbulence between people and nations. Jupiter has rulership over the house of death and the house of secret enemies. Mars is rising, and rules the houses of others and of open enemies, representing the potential of violence on home soil. Saturn tends to be arm of “security” for this administration. This amounts to our government having created a bigger threat to national security, while effectively limiting individual freedom. The fixed signs of these planets create stalemate, standoff, and mounting aggression. In terms of time, these are slow, drawn-out conflicts.

As we head into a new year, we go dragging a lot of emotional dead weight. There is much old business to clear up before we can move on to new projects. The individual challenge is to stay fluid in your view of things. Develop an attitude of compromise and compassion where possible. Be frugal with resources and prepare for a tighter economic picture in 2006.