by Lynn Hayes
We are in a rare period right now where there are no planets in retrograde motion. John McCormick’s excellent research from his classic book “The Book of Retrogrades” reports that all planets are “direct” (moving forward) only eight percent of the time. Retrograde planets tends to cause us to look backwards in whatever area of life a particular planet rules. With all planets moving forward, we can see some real progress for a couple of weeks.
That could shift on the 20th when Mars turns retrograde, something that only happens every two and a half years or so. But for now, it appears that the economy in the United States may be turning a corner with a
Jobs report that cites statistics showing that the bleeding of US jobs is slowing.
It’s hard to call that really good news, but the Obama administration will take good news where they can find it, and there is a report that they are discussing using the repaid TARP money to stimulate more job production.
Uranus changed direction on December 1, a shift that nearly always brings a surprise of some sort and a reversal in the financial markets, and this one witnessed a 111 point rise in the Dow on the 1st. The week following the Uranus shift has brought erratic highs and lows as investors swing from optimism to pessimism on a daily basis. In fact today, the Dow shot up 150 points in the first 15 minutes, and then the rally dissolved and the Dow closed up only 23 points.
Jupiter (positive thinking and optimism) is fast approaching a conjunction to Chiron (wounding and healing) and Neptune (spiritual longing and idealism) that is likely to create a sense that we are moving through the healing process and ready for the next step. I believe that this euphoria will last, on and off (fueled by shifts in Mars movements) until February when we have a double whammy of Saturn/Pluto and Chiron/Neptune challenges.
For now, though, I and my investments plan to enjoy the party.
posted December 5, 2009 at 10:23 am
Not to rain too much on your parade but I am increasingly sceptical about Govt statistics.
Here in the UK we have had a similar announcement that the number of people out of work is declining. However from personal experience I know that isn’t true.
I am unemployed and the local Job Centre is open for longer and the staff are having to work Saturdays. I’ve spoken to a number of the advisers and clearly they are having to recruit more staff themselves and every desk is taken all of the time. Conversely, there are now a tenth of the jobs available in this area than there were only 6 months ago.
I was put on a 13 week training course recently to help get me back into work. During this 3 month period I was not classed as unemployed anymore. The “training” company was also under significant pressure and on many occasions people had to sit in the corridors or reception areas rather then in the classrooms as there wasn’t enough room for all of us. Sometimes we were sent home to “study” for the same reasons. They can’t keep up with the numbers coming through the doors.
So please pardon my cynicism when I see statistics that appear to suggest that things are getting better. In the real world they are not. And unlike the UK I believe your welfare payment system is time limited so there may be a lot of people who no longer claim welfare and are therefore not included in the “good” news.
posted December 5, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for another excellent article. Here is my unemployment story. When Saturn crossed the cusp of my 2nd house (15 Virgo) the restaurant I play accordion at cut me down from 4 days a month to 2. Several months later the organization that booked me to play in schools since 1994 informed me that they were eliminating my program. Two weeks later as Venus turned retrograde I was laid off from my day job. Just as Uranus was stationing in my 8th house, my roommate of 5+ years informed me that he’s moving to another state. Oh, and my unemployment insurance just ran out. I am used to living below my means so I will survive for a while. But I am SO ready for Saturn to get the hell out of my 2nd house! That won’t happen until August, 2011.
posted December 5, 2009 at 5:56 pm
You’re correct, Rossa. Also, employment agencies and vocational rehabilitation agencies can and will close a job-seeker’s file or case after 90 days, then re-open it if the seeker is still struggling. This makes the agency appear to be doing more work or serving more people than it actually is, thereby justifying the money the state allots for it each year. It’s insane.