Every now and then I fantasize about creating an astrological version of the hit show of the mid 1960's: "That Was The Week That Was", also known as 'TW3'. As a prepubescent budding performer with an ear for relevant material, I couldn't wait to hear how David Frost, Phyllis Newman, Nancy Ames, Buck Henry, and other erudite regulars and guests would deliver those brilliant satirical skits and songs (some written by first rate gossip columnist Liz Smith) spoofing the news.

Those were the days when prime-time television was still quite intelligent, and a child could improve their reasoning skills by paying close attention to what was being said.

Now, I watch the news with the eye of an astrologer, constantly comparing events with planetary transits, and spotting connections between events that seem to be unrelated.

Last weekend when Saddam was captured, I felt mixed about the whole thing:

On the one hand, who can argue that he tortured and killed millions and we're all better off with him behind bars forever: But on the other hand, The US allegedly didn't invade Iraq to capture Hussein, the US went into Iraq because of so-called weapons of mass destruction.

Any thinking person now knows that these weapons don't exist, never did, and that the main reason is oil and Bush's personal vendetta.

Two nights later, when Bush was being interviewed by Diane Sawyer, he said that Saddam should receive "the ultimate penalty", meaning death.

Seems our bible-totin' President has forgotten some key bible passages, specifically, 'Thou Shalt Not Kill', and 'Revenge is Mine Sayeth the Lord'.

Interesting too, that the very next day, Bush required an MRI on his knees, the part of the body symbolic of humility. What's bringing the 43rd President to his knees, could it be his 6th house of health ruled by Capricorn? Saturn on his Sun?

Or is it the batch of letters to Michael Moore from out men in uniform stationed in Iraq and wondering why?

STAY TUNED!

Mars left Pisces on December 16th and is now in its home sign of Aries through Feb 2, 2004.

The aspects from Christmas through New Years between Mars and Saturn are very tense and confrontational, so I'm telling all of those near and dear to err on the side of caution. Mercury is retrograde through January 7th, mostly in Capricorn, and the opposition to Saturn makes this not the best time to travel. I'd stay away from Times square on New Year's Eve too, while we're at it.

And, as far as gifts go, refrain from buying electronics, computers, digital cameras or the like till Mercury is safely out of retrograde and its shadow period, which is the 3rd week of January.

To lift your spirits, why not go to your local post office and check out: Operation Santa Claus and be a Secret Santa to a family in need. I'm heading there myself.

© Shelley Ackerman, 2003.
No parts of this article may be used or reprinted without written permission from the author.

Mercury opposite Saturn slows us down through the beginning of the week, as does Mercury retrograde, of course.

Venus enters Aquarius On Dec 21 and The Sun enters Capricorn on Dec 22 @ 2:04 AM EST.

There's new Moon at 1 degree Cap on Dec 23: This new moon squares Mars, so tempers may flair as the holiday approaches;

Venus and Mars sextile early on Christmas Day (how nice!)

Then, as we move toward the New Year,
Mars squares Saturn... more tension.
Lay low, and tend to yourself.
Strive for inner peace, while stepping up your prayers for world peace.