Mundane Trend Analysis 2003
Trend Analysis for the United States: Year 2003
The year 2002 was one of many changes and upheavals. The biggest upheavals came in the area of the economy. Technology stocks took a big hit. Many people lost their savings, as well as their retirement funds. The bubble economy burst and the debris was full of air, leaving people with very little, if anything.
The year 2002 was also the year for Republican triumph. The November elections brought more Republicans into Congress. The shift of power began. Meanwhile, President Bush continued his war on terrorism. His new cabinet position, Homeland Security, was established. His agenda for war with Iraq was begun.
While some of the aspects of the year 2002 continue into 2003, there are several major shifts of energy occurring. The two highlighted in this article are Uranus in Pisces and Jupiter in Virgo.
Uranus enters Pisces on March 10, 2003 until September 14, 2003. On September 14th, Uranus retrogrades back into Aquarius for its final time in 84 years. On December 30, 2003, Uranus returns to Pisces for its seven year stay.
Uranus in Pisces represents changes that occur in society due to social conditions. Some of these changes create long-range impacts. Others generate problems that create upheaval in society at the time they are implemented. In 1500 when Uranus entered Pisces (although some historians note the date as 1502), Ismail I, founder of the Safavid dynasty restored Persia as a sovereign state. Much to the animosity of the Uzbeks and the Ottoman Turks, who were Sunni Muslims, Ismail established Shiite, a form of Islam, as the official state religion. This dynasty founded the territorial and societal foundations of modern Iran.
The year 1669 marked the end of the Hanseatic League. Although not know when it actually started, this mercantile league of medieval German merchants provided protection to merchants trading with foreign lands. Many of these protections included mutual security, exclusive trading rights, and wherever possible, trade monopolies. Advances in shipping, as well as the loss of freedom from German princes, who at this time gained more power, were some of the reasons for the League's loss of power.
The years 1919 and 1920 are historically best known as it was the last time Uranus was in Pisces and several important historic changes occurred. President Woodrow Wilson, along with other prominent individuals such as Lord Robert Cecil, Leon Bourgeouis, and Jan Smuts, advocated for the establishment of The League of Nations. The League, which was embodied in the Treaty of Versailles, was formally established at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 with Wilson presiding. Unfortunately, Congress refused to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and therefore never joined the League. While effective in its first four years, it started to fall apart in 1923 as different member nations refused to abide by League decisions. The long-lasting impact of the League was that it formed the foundation for the United Nations. It also established the World Court, whose protocol was adopted in 1920 by the League. The World Court was granted power to render judgments in disputes that were submitted to it by countries. When it dissolved in 1945, it had 59 member countries and its functions were transferred to the newly created International Court of Justice.
Two amendments to the US constitution were ratified in 1919 and 1920. The 18th amendment, known as the Prohibition Amendment, and the 19th amendment, known as the Women's Right to Vote.
Pisces represents substances which can alter one's consciousness. Uranus can represent dictatorial or tyrannical measures. Temperance and the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic liquors was not a new concept. However, after World War I, people wanted more security in their lives and the Anti-Saloon League was able to promote its message. The Anti-Saloon League was founded in 1893 by evangelical Protestant churches and temperance societies. Led by James Cannon, Jr., a Methodist bishop, it is considered to be one of the most important civilian organizations that played a role in the passage of the 18th amendment. The Volstead Act defined the enforcement provisions of the 18th amendment. It passed over the veto of Wilson.
The 18th amendment laid the foundation for one of the most colorful, and violent, phases of U.S. history. Pisces represents criminal activity and this time period exemplified that. Illegal distribution and production of liquor was common. Smuggling from foreign countries increased. People found they could purchase liquor, although not always in good quality, at the Speakeasy. Some were even able to find it delivered to their homes. Al Capone in Chicago and Legs Diamond in New York City took advantage of this situation and developed a sophisticated, though violent, crime organization that controlled the liquor industry, as well as prostitution. The violence and graft that accompanied the liquor industry during this time period led to the repeal of the 18th amendment in 1933 with the 21th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Pisces represents substances which can alter one's consciousness. Uranus can represent dictatorial or tyrannical measures. Temperance and the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic liquors was not a new concept. However, after World War I, people wanted more security in their lives and the Anti-Saloon League was able to promote its message. The Anti-Saloon League was founded in 1893 by evangelical Protestant churches and temperance societies. Led by James Cannon, Jr., a Methodist bishop, it is considered to be one of the most important civilian organizations that played a role in the passage of the 18th amendment. The Volstead Act defined the enforcement provisions of the 18th amendment. It passed over the veto of Wilson.
The Administration will attempt to unite more government organizations into fewer operational entities. The Homeland Security Act, signed in 2002, is one example of how various individuals from different organizations are pulled together to work in one agency. However, beginning just before Uranus enters Pisces indicates there will be difficulty in the success of the new agency. Other agencies will do everything possible to maintain their territories. While Cabinet positions are difficult to abolish once established, as seen with the Department of Education, this agency may be one that fails.
Not a lot of attention has been paid to Iran lately, but this is a country to watch for the year 2003. Moderates are trying to gain power from religious control. They wish to take a more active part in the world. The government could face serious difficulties.
The global economy will see many changes, as will the United States government. In his address accepting the Nobel prize, former President Jimmy Carter stated that there is now only one super power and that is the United States. With the world trying to unite on an economic level, it will be difficult for the United States to maintain its position of strength. The Republicans currently in power are business-oriented. And, businesses are globally oriented.
During the next few years, the United Nations will face many crises regarding membership, as well as an increased need to settle disputes. These disputes will escalate from matters of war to matters of global economy and technology. In addition, other "Leagues" will become just as important. More countries will consider organizations for promoting their geographical interests. Countries that find similar products and concepts to promote as a larger group will do well in this global economy.
The greatest shift to occur is that of political alliances. The global economy will be a major force in shifting these alliances. Ideologies, directed by religious beliefs, may clash. Wars will be driven more by religion than economics. Yet, the public will revolt against leadership if they don't believe in the laws promoted by their governments.
On August 27, 2003, Jupiter enters Virgo. This cycle occurs approximately every 12 years and lasts for about one year. Jupiter represents both abundance and over production in an area. In the business cycle it represents advertising and strategic planning. In the government's cycle, it represents strategic alliances and treaties. It also represents religion and the public's involvement in spiritual activities.
Virgo represents daily issues, such as employment and work conditions. It also represents health matters, both on a personal level as well as in health careers. There is a desire to increase understanding of the basic factors of life, such as health and work. During a cycle of Jupiter in Virgo, people are more concerned about living a simple life with basic needs taken care of.
Economically, Jupiter in Virgo is interesting. The housing market moves from a seller's market to a buyer's market. People are willing to pay appropriate prices for a good home. They are no longer looking for extravagance in their living situations. They are also more interested in staying in one location longer, therefore, they are more willing to repair their home and upgrade it, rather than look for a new home.
On another level, people are also looking for ways to increase their financial security. The cost of living will increase during 2003. Unemployment is a concern. Decreased benefits or smaller pay raises will occur for individuals who are employed. At the same time, retailers will find they need to lower their prices for individuals to continue purchasing items.
The standard of the dollar, especially in the global market, will be erratic during this cycle. While the United States will not return to the gold standard, gold and its prices will be important. Gold always plays an important economic role when Jupiter is in Virgo. Gold was discovered in California in 1849. The Klondike gold rush in Bonanza Creek, Canada occurred in 1896. Gold was discovered in Transvaal, giving rise to Johannesburg, in 1884. Even in 547 B.C., new coins were created from pure gold and silver rather than electrum, which was the previous coin medium.
In 1933, by an act of Congress, President Roosevelt was given authority "to provide relief" to the economic emergency by preventing the hoarding of gold. President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order that U.S. citizens could no longer redeem their dollars for gold. While it wasn't until the early 1970s that the United States officially went off the gold standard internationally, President Roosevelt's order effectively took the United States public off the gold standard in 1933.
There will be more discussion about changing the design of the dollar bill as well as stopping production of the penny. In 1909, the government introduced the Lincoln penny and replaced the Indian-head penny. This was the start of placing the images of politicians on U.S. money. Until that time period, the images were symbolic of freedom or liberty. Part of the reason for making changes is to counteract counterfeiters. Others believe the penny is a useless commodity.
Jupiter in Virgo is also a time period when human rights are emphasized. The passport system was introduced in the United States in 1861. The Civil war began the same year. The 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920. Martin Luther King, Jr. emerged as a leader in 1956 only to be assassinated in 1968, the same year Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. More than 50,000 persons demonstrated against the Vietnam War in 1967. And, the Ku Klux Klan started a "white rights" march in 1979.
Human rights in 2003 will emerge in many different ways. There will be changes in immigration laws making it more difficult for people to enter the country, especially as temporary employees or students. Identification measures will be increased for both citizens and aliens. Computer and video tracking of individuals will increase. Native Americans will file more lawsuits to regain their rights and property. Issues of tolerance for non-Christian religions will be under fire. Programs for diversity in the workforce and universities will be placed under scrutiny. And, more people will demonstrate against military actions in the Middle East.
Nutrition increases in importance. People are more concerned about the foods they eat and the vitamins they consume. The organic food industry will actually find competition from other food companies that wish to enter the organic marketing. Legislation for accurate reporting of organic food could drive out some of the small companies.
Jupiter in Virgo also represents the importance of the body and mind connection. The Rorschach "inkblot" test was devised in 1920. In 1778, Franz Mesmer practiced "mesmerism." He was also known for his work with hypnosis. There will be an increase in exercise, such as yoga, and other forms of activities, such as meditation, that increase people's abilities to relax and focus.
While the economy is still in contraction, there are several aspects of the year 2003 that can be viewed in a positive light. Those include improved health conditions for the general public, especially senior citizens. They also include a greater focus on uniting diverse groups to improve global conditions. Copyright Misty Kuceris 2002, all rights reserved.
Bio for Misty Kuceris
Misty Kuceris, C.A.P., began her career in 1969 offering private consultations
to individuals. Today, she consults as a business astrologer to corporate
owners, and as a personal astrologer to individuals. She lectures internationally
on astrology and Reiki. She has taught business courses for The George Washington
University and Northern Virginia Community College. She has appeared on television
and radio in Washington, DC; Boston, MA; and Lansing, MI. She currently writes
two astrological columns and authors an annual forecasting publications, Trend
Analysis for the United States. She has also authored two books, Time on Task,
for the American Association of School Administrators focusing on time management
for educators and Solution, which utilizes tarot cards as a focus tool in
learning more about oneself and how to solve problems. She is the editor for
OPA's newsletter, The Career Astrologer. Misty can be reached at misty@enhanceoneself.com
or PO Box 1532; Springfield, VA 22151-0532; 703.354.4076. Her website is www.enhanceoneself.com.
