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Last year, on December 28, when guesting on Fox’s The
O’Reilly Factor, substitute host John Gibson asked me
about the outlook for the year ahead. I reluctantly uttered
the word "war", to which Mr. Gibson exclaimed, "There’s
nothing about it in the papers, a war just doesn’t fire
up overnight". "I hope you’re right",
I replied. Sometimes even astrologers like to be wrong.
Since September 11th, astrologers have been very busy indeed,
not just counseling agitated and grieving New Yorkers, but
also trying to determine where all of this is going, and to
offer an explanation for that which is really unexplainable.
For a year, all astrologers worth their salt have been muttering
something about "Saturn/Pluto" being a problem well
into 2002. Historically, when opposing, (180 degrees apart)
these two planetary power brokers have manifested as major
conflict and war.
The last time this celestial phenomenon occurred was in the
mid 1960’s (Vietnam), which in retrospect, became the
time of the greatest Cultural Revolution in history. Are we
headed for the same thing, and will New York lead the way?
I spoke with more than a dozen New York based astrologers,
some with backgrounds in education, psychology, and literature;
astrological weather girl, Kris Brandt Riske from out
west, and Debbie Frank, astrologer to the late Princess
Diana, from London to learn what they saw for New York and
beyond in 2002.
New York City, ("born" on January 1, 1898 at midnight)
has been astrologically vulnerable all year and is not out
of the woods yet. All through 2001, Mars, the planet of war
and aggression, hovered in the sign of Sagittarius (ruling
foreign affairs and media) in New York’s astrological
house of transportation and commerce. It passed that point
for the last time on Sept 8, 2001, just as final plans for
the attack were probably under way.
But New York’s winning horoscope has "Jupiter Rising".
Jupiter is considered the luckiest and most resilient planet
in the zodiac, and the planet with the greatest sense of humor.
Astrologer Linda Joyce, author of The Day You Were
Born, says: "Nine Eleven didn’t destroy New
York, it chose it- and New Yorkers met the challenge! The
disaster revealed that The Big Apple is meant to lead the
world into a new consciousness. Not only will next year see
the city recovered, but its light will be shining brighter
than ever before." Astrologer Shirley Soffer,
author of The Astrology Sourcebook agrees, but warns: "The
city’s damaged psyche will need more than retail therapy
this year. And despite some strong meds in the form of cuts
to jobs and services, we’ll still be feeling our pain.
But by this time next year, we’ll be lean and mean again
‘cause what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger."
Along those lines, Manhattan Psychotherapist, Art Therapist
(and astrologer) Claudia Bader voices concern about
post-traumatic stress disorder for New Yorkers. "New
York is maturing and New Yorkers will rally, stabilize and
find innovative outlets for commerce. The new administration
will revamp many things, especially the education system.
BUT it is crucial that we continue our efforts to deal with
Post Traumatic Stress. We have a lot of anger and resentment
that needs to be worked out so we don’t attack ourselves!"
The antidote for destruction is and always has been, creativity.
Ingenuity and creative resourcefulness will serve New Yorkers
well in 2002. Many who have lost their jobs will begin to
rely less on employers and established institutions and more
on their creative impulses to pay the bills.
Not that we will all turn into Martha Stewart, but self-employment
and entrepreneurship will rise, and so will the birth rate.
Remember what happened about 9 months from the blackout in
November of 1965?
The year 2002 is a palindrome (a number which reflects itself),
and the number 2 is feminine, receptive, and cooperative.
In many ways, 2002 is a year in which men and women alike
will access their feminine/creative sides. Michael Lutin,
astrologer for Vanity Fair, adds, "Nothing spatters creativity
like a crisis. We never learn anything till our backs are
against a wall. When I hear New Yorkers being snotty to each
other, I know we’ll survive". About the continued
threat to our safety, Lutin, who is also the President of
the local NY NCGR Chapter (National Council for Geocosmic
Research), offers this chilling vision: "The place to
worry about is the GWB (George Washington
Bridge), get it? These weirdoes (the terrorists) are
freaks for symbolism". (Think 911). Lutin goes on to
say: "I have to believe the truth will prevail regarding
the hellish evil that has come to New York, The Holy Land
of Finances. The scariest stuff will start bubbling up in
February. The recent pilgrimage of Pataki, Giuliani, and Bloomberg,
indicates to me that the whole 21st Century is about the struggle
between Islam and The West. The big query: Is the religious
question a big fat red herring?"
So when should we worry? Well there are several potentially
"hot" times ahead. I would be very cautious around
New Years’ myself, and astrologer Lenore Canter,
(M.A. in developmental psychology from Columbia Teachers College)
expresses concern around the full moon on January 28. "That
full moon aspects Neptune, the planet most associated with
bio-terrorism. There could be an attempt. However the most
sensitive time for more terrorism would be around the lunar
eclipse on May 26. That date marks the third and final confrontation
of Saturn and Pluto, indicating power struggles, disintegrating
structures (literally and figuratively) and the awakening
of a slumbering violent rage." About the economy Ms Canter
offers: The uncertainty that began on 9/11 will continue through
the Summer, but in August, when Jupiter the planet of luck
and expansion goes into Leo there should be a slight improvement
in the stock market. An exciting theatre project or art retrospective
should help the travel business and bring tourists back to
the restaurants and hotels toward the end of the year…but
it will take another three years before we are as financially
at ease as we’d like to be."
According to the stars, other areas of concern for our new
mayor include the infrastructure, the harbor, and our water
system. Stephen Fleming, astrologer for the late Women.com
site says that problems are likely in June of 2002. Cleaning
up the sewers, the rivers, and the waterways will be necessary,
and the new mayor would do well to heighten security to protect
harbor traffic and the Statue of Liberty".
Regarding business and the economy, Stephen Fleming suggests,
"Glocalization is the way to go in 2002. Companies that
are both global and local are winners. The losers will be
the ones who ignore the consumer". On pop culture, Fleming
adds, "Everyone’s a DJ in 2002! The Internet continues
to empower us to pick and choose what we want, and artists
and songs that speak closely to our day-to-day lives are the
most successful. Lyrics are more important than melody, keeping
rap stars popular and in demand. However, many will have to
clean up bigoted language or face serious problems."
How about the outlook for Sean Puffy Combs in 2002?
According to Stephen Fleming, the Scorpionic P Diddy
"is walking a fine line between relying on himself and
using other people’s resources. He can no longer run
away from financial obligations. He will have to reach inside
himself and find the strength he needs to resolve his money
woes. P Diddy will also need to be more conscientious about
his lyrics, especially in October and November of 2002, when
circumstances may force him to rewrite or retract one of his
songs at that time".
With Saturn (restriction, limitation) in Gemini (words, communication)
through 2002, freedom of speech is very much at issue. The
last time that occurred was in 1972-73, when The Watergate
Epic and the fiasco of Nixon’s "missing tapes"
were stories in full bloom. Will all of us need to watch our
words and worry about being listened in on?
Astrologer/Columnist Stephanie Azaria (www.CosmicPath.com)
predicts that throughout the year, issues of freedom of movement
and freedom of speech will take precedence again and a again.
"The global war on terrorism will not let up anytime
soon, and New Yorkers will feel it deeply because it started
here". "We’ll experience a great many economic
changes which will require expert financial know-how. We’re
in good hands with Aquarian Mike Bloomberg, the new
mayor will not let us down". "By the time 2002 is
over, New York will be leading all of the USA into a New World."
Recently New York’s "Big Three" journeyed to
Israel. The astrological link between Israel and New York
goes way back, according to Israeli-born, Manhattan based
writer/astrologer Meira Epstein, to long before the
USA even existed, to the time of Columbus. Ms. Epstein, who
has a parallel career in computer systems servicing Wall Street
added that the new mayor’s chart indicates sensitivity
to the plight of homelessness of all races and nationalities,
and sees mayor elect Bloomberg committed to solving that dilemma.
"He will enjoy a grace period through the summer, but
will be plagued with a plethora of issues to handle including
the schools, our legal system, and the safety of our transportation
and border crossings." "His personal life will be
scrutinized in the public eye."
So what about the most eligible bachelor in New York? Will
there be a wedding at City Hall?
Astrologer Liane Thomas Wade, director of The Antiquarian
Book Sellers Association, says "Mayor-elect Mike Bloomberg
may be thinking of marriage on top of everything else on his
mind these days, but he shouldn’t do it this year because
it would not be what he thinks it would be. In short, a disaster."
According to Astrologer and Math Professor, Robert Cohen
PhD. "The new mayor will have a love affair with
New York, and NYC will in turn love him. His marriage
this year will really be with the city". Professor Cohen
adds: "Bloomberg will alternately seem caring and then
aloof. He will suggest many financial reforms, urging the
replacement of old fiscal structures, which will lead to many
intense arguments with community or special interest groups.
With all the controversy, the mayor will prevail and win the
popularity contest in the end."
"The mayor will be plagued by communication difficulties
and misunderstandings between various agencies in the city
government, between state and municipal levels of government,
and especially with various federal agencies that have a stake
in the rebuilding effort", according to Brooklyn based
astrologer Darcy Woodall. She goes on to say: "An
important battle will be fought between Bloomberg and the
feds as to who should fit the bill for NYC’s additional
security needs. Mayor Mike will also have some difficulties
adjusting to a press corp that he cannot control. As mayor,
he won’t be able to buy ad time to manage his message
and his image and this will frustrate him".
Astrologer Ronnie Dreyer, author of "Healing Signs"
and "Vedic Astrology" using an eastern system of
astrology predicts: "Michael Bloomberg will prove to
be an excellent mayor and will make his mark in May and June
especially when the country’s morale may be hit with
financial and political setbacks, though nothing on the scale
of the terrorist attack of 9/11. His personal fortune will
continue to grow, though he may have some personal disappointments
and losses."
Speaking of personal fortunes, we had our team check into
the horoscope of New York’s Perennial Symbol of Excess,
Donald Trump, born June 14, 1946. "Donald Trump?"
Linda Joyce replied: "Donald Trump/ Falling
Star!" "The Donald’s star is falling alright,
9/11 hurt his popularity more than his pocketbook. Our heroes
have changed. They’re simple, courageous and humble.
Sorry Donald, even your dough can’t buy these qualities,
they’ve got to be earned." Of the new mayor, Ms
Joyce said: "Mike Bloomberg is a man with many surprises,
that’s what Aquarian energy is all about. Get ready for
a new approach to government and a love affair that’s
based on deeds, not good looks, and passion!"
It’s interesting that so many of our astrologers independent
of one another, came up with the phrase "love affair"
when asked about Bloomberg. Can his birthday on Valentine’s
Day have something to do with it?
I too feel that there will be a love affair between the city
and Bloomberg complete with all the trimmings including break
ups and delicious reconciliations. And I think that in general
2002 will be a year of romance, particularly in the Summer
when Jupiter goes into Leo. New York will enjoy a season of
record-breaking movie making and record attendance in theatres.
I also think that there will be more weddings and births than
we have seen in a long time (Not necessarily in that order).
Since 911, New Yorkers have reconnected with the need for
real meaning in their lives, and especially with the need
for love. One survivor of the WTC disaster, a copy editor
for a major financial company and a five-year student of astrology
spoke with me on condition of anonymity. Her company told
its employees not to speak to the press. "Pat" misinterpreted
the ominous looking transit in her chart that week, as the
"company probably undergoing restructuring". Yeah,
right!
I guess she sums it up for all of us:
"I didn’t walk down 40 flights of stairs to go on
living exactly as I did before". "The glorious thing
that 9/11 has done is put me into therapy so that I can get
more in touch with my gifts and what it is that I am truly
meant to do in this world, and to know more about who and
what I really am."
The Big Apple Weather Forecast:
Astrologer Kris Brandt Riske, author of Astrometeorology,
specializes in predicting weather patterns with the stars.
About New York in 2002 she has this to say:
"Boots and umbrellas are hot sellers in NYC most of the
year, as precipitation averages above normal. Periodic storms
throughout the winter months produce ample snowfall,
and cloudy and overcast days are the norm. Wind lowers otherwise
seasonal temperatures. Moisture is not as abundant during
the spring months, and wind accompanies seasonal to
above average temperatures. Summer is very wet, cloudy
and humid, a pattern that continues into the fall,
bringing cooler temperatures and storms that produce normal
to above precipitation."
NEW YORK CELEBRITY PREDICTIONS FOR 2002:
:: From LINDA JOYCE, author of The Day You Were
Born, and astrologer for Healthy Living Magazine:
Mariah Carey: "What Mariah Carey needs for Christmas
and the New Year is the word "no". She feels guilty
when she doesn’t live up to the expectations of her fans,
family, and lovers. It’s an Aries thing- emotional dependency
and the fear of abandonment. Her "breakdown" helped
put her together and she’s more ready than ever before
for success." (Linda Joyce)
Jennifer Lopez: "It’s not easy being J. Lo
– driven to succeed, be in control and still believe
you’re just one of the girls. Something’s got to
give. Unfortunately it’s love. Next year we will see
the love nest completed and the marriage over." (Linda
Joyce)
Sean Puffy Combs (P Diddy): P Diddy will be looking
for his soul mate, a fearless beauty who will ignore his charm,
seduction, money, and "little boy’s heart"
and tell him the truth- you’re a fraud! You’re looking
for a spanking not a wife. Only a goddess with divine powers
can keep Puffy in line. Did I say J. Lo was going to be available?"
(Linda Joyce)
:: From RONNIE DREYER, author of Vedic Astrology
and Healing Signs [ website: www.ronniedreyer.com
]
Gwyneth Paltrow: "Libra Gwyneth could be offered
a lucrative financial contract towards the second half of
the year. This may come from a business enterprise she will
be a part of, or she may become a spokesperson for a product.
Gwyneth could be offered the part of a lifetime, and will
get nominated for awards for her work in 2001. Unfortunately,
she will be less successful in the romantic department and
will delve deeper into spirituality and religion to overcome
periodic depression." (Ronnie Dreyer)
Julia Roberts: Scorpio Screen Siren Julia will devote
much of 2002 to international travel, and will use her celebrity
for humanitarian causes. She may produce films or work on
documentaries that are educational and community minded. She’ll
enter a more serious phase of her life and will find a spiritual
teacher. She may be granted an honorary degree, and may make
a trip to the altar in the fall. (Ronnie Dreyer)
:: From LENORE CANTER, M.A. from Columbia:
Rudy Giuliani: It doesn’t take an astrological
chart to understand that Rudy Giuliani will have major adjustments
to make this year. The mayor is a Gemini and Saturn has been
challenging his chart for over a year. The marital drama heats
up again in January and February. Donna Hanover is
an independent Aquarian and wants to get on with her life.
She may have interesting opportunities in television. Judith
Nathan is a Sagittarian and is genuinely in love with
Giuliani. Unfortunately, she appears to be faced with obstacles
-- legal and personal -- which won’t be fully resolved
until the spring of 2003. It does get easier in July, which
is the beginning of a twelve-year cycle enabling her to plan
for the future while extricating herself from her difficulties.
Basically 2002 is a transitional year for Rudy Giuliani. Once
he sorts out his finances through his matrimonial situation,
he will begin a very lucrative project. (Lenore Canter)
Woody Allen: Woody Allen has had a long siege of aggravation
and mercifully, it’s almost over. Almost. He will have
complicated issues relating both to real estate and business
through March and then it gets easier. A movie completed in
the fall of 2002 should be quite successful. In 2003 he will
start something entirely new -- but our topic today is 2002.
The difficulties with long-time friend and partner, Jean Doumanian,
could be extended. She will be involved in a successful project
after August when Jupiter transits her Leo sun and aspects
creative configurations in her chart. She might write a book.
(Lenore Canter)
:: From LIANE THOMAS WADE, director of the Antiquarian
Booksellers Association:
Senator Hillary Clinton will be writing a book on health
issues this year although it won’t be published till
2003. She’ll be visible to her constituents and even
more in the public eye than in 2001. The one thing that people
in New York State can be sure of is that their elected officials
work incredibly long and exhausting hours in 2002.
:: From DEBBIE FRANK in London, astrologer for "Hello"
and on www.femail.co.uk:
Global Situation in 2002: "As we are globally
caught in the tussle between Saturn and Pluto it is a time
when we are asked to examine where we stand. Do we possess
our own internal terrorists, or are we dominated by our fears,
doubts, and powerful urges. I see this year as one in which
we can learn profound truths about ourselves, the nature of
the world, and our role in the world. We have to make peace
and find some acceptance within."
:: From yours truly, SHELLEY ACKERMAN, I teach at The
NY Theosophical Society, and head the NYC Chapter of The American
Federation of Astrologers. My website is www.KarmicRelief.com:
Tina Brown and Talk Magazine: It’s a love
fest between World Class Editor Tina Brown (Scorpio) and her
prize creation Talk Magazine. Talk is a Leo (It hit the stands
for the first time on Aug 3, 1999). Talk’s moon is the
same degree as the moon for New York City, so Talk belongs
to the city. Tina is a Scorpio and all Scorpios reinvent themselves
several times over during the course of their lifetime. Talk
has a lot of staying power and will adapt to the times to
stay on the stands. If she can hang in till Summer, Jupiter,
ruler of publishing, will go into Leo and save the day for
Talk. Tina may expand Talk to several editions around the
world, and Ms Brown may see herself in new digs before the
year is out, and Talk with a TALK SHOW!
Monica Lewinsky: Lioness Monica will have much to cheer
about this year, and despite the difficulties that accompany
one’s "Saturn Return" at age 29, she should
get ready for the love of her life and possible wedding bells.
You’re very fertile now, Monica, so if you are not ready
for motherhood, do be careful.
Shelley Ackerman is a New York based astrologer and
frequent on air commentator. She heads the NY affiliate of
the American Federation of Astrologers. Her website is www.KarmicRelief.com.
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