Iraq War

The December execution of Saddam Hussein marks a turning point in the history of Iraq. And yet it is unlikely to change the downward spiral of sectarian violence and civil war in the foreseeable future. The new horoscope of Iraq (June 28 2004 10.26 am) is a nightmare of affliction. There's no way any sane astrologer had a hand in picking the time for the signing on the new constitution. So that pretty much limits the improvements one can expect in this war-ravaged country.

Iraq 2004 chart with transits for March 22 2007This is a heavily-afflicted natal chart with the 12th lord of loss Moon tightly conjunct malefic Ketu/SN. The 4th house of peace and contentment is disturbed by the presence of Pluto near the IC and 4th lord Mars debilitated in the 12th house of misery and hidden enemies. This chart is currently (March) experiencing a nodal transit to its 1-7 axis and speaks to the ever-deteriorating situation there. It is as if the country is being torn or better, split apart by the different religious factions. The US is doing all it can to simply guarantee safety within Baghdad itself.

Iraq 1932 chart with transits for July 1, 2007Iraq became independent on October 3, 1932 at midnight. This horoscope is still relevant to the situation there now and it suggests that the troubles may be peaking. Transit Saturn stations and squares the natal Moon in Libra in April. This points to further unhappiness and strife among the people of Iraq. Closely following that, Ketu conjoins natal Jupiter which can often mean disputes in government. The good news is that the Sun dasha begins in July. The Sun is fairly well placed in this chart and may finally bring some improvement to the country in the longer term. This will take time however and it seems certain the the violence will continue for the balance of the year.

To be continued...