Jupiter & Neptune: The Recovery that isn't yet As newscasters and analysts predicted a slow recovery this spring, Jupiter and Neptune danced through the sky in sync in a conjunction that began in June and lasted until July 21. These planets have now separated and the facts are becoming clear that in spite of a US stock market that continues to rally there can be no real recovery until job security improves. Neptune rules illusion, delusion and confusion and Jupiter expands anything it touches. Jupiter rules governments as well, and as it conjuncted Neptune, the US government and the media presented a clouded, confused and deceptive picture of the economy. The American public will now start to become become aware of the true condition of the economy as well as the enormity and scope of nationalizing health care in America. The two planets will join together again from November 25-29 of this year, and it is likely the same outcome will occur again, along with more news of infectious diseases such as the swine flu or other diseases, as is being predicted by the CDC. The August Eclipse The lunar eclipse on August 6th at 13 degrees of Aquarius is pivotal, and it falls in the 8th house of the U.S, affecting banks, investments, mortgages and mortgages companies, other people's money (taxpayer's and U.S. creditors), drugs,insurance companies, and secret information. During this time, there will be forced change, and death, that can be metaphorical or literal. Secrets and lies will begin to be revealed at this time relating to the financial world,the world in general and the condition of the U.S. and world economy. Uranus in the degree of the fixed star Dorsum brings a negative influence on this eclipse referred to as 'Humanitarian Deeds,. according to author/astrologer Celeste Teal, and there will be discontent among our government, danger of strikes, and even lawlessness. There will also be concern over the excessive spending associated with the proposed health care plan as well, which may not bode well for new plans in this area. The sign Aquarius rules relates to "equality and brotherly love," and is ruled by Uranus, the inventor, and the revolutionary. It is co-ruled by Saturn, the sign of prudence. The energy will have a more universal shift-The collective as opposed to the individual. Aquarius can represent an an explosive energy and there could be issues with technology. Saturn/conjunct Neptune squaring Mars Throughout August Saturn (the planet of restriction) is inching toward Neptune in the chart of the US at 21 degrees in Virgo, squaring Mars at 21 degrees in Gemini. Saturn/Neptune deals with a often forced focus on reality. It is usually accompanied by disillusionment, and if not careful the abandonment of hope. On the positive side there will be a 'reality check' in terms of what needs to actually take place to overcome the problems the nation and the world faces, yet the obstacles may seem overwhelming. At the same time Saturn is creating a square (representing struggle) to Mars, called the 'warrior planet.' The result is a mood and atmosphere of frustration, disharmony, and agitation, and is demonstrative of Democrats arguing among their own party. There will be frustration among the government, the people, and at it's worst this transit is representative of military struggles, accidents and all manner of physical injuries. This transit first occurred December 3, 2009-January 30, 2009, and this will be the final pass of this disruptive alignment. This also sets off the Mars-Neptune square that exists in the natal chart of the US. This square is representative of the people of the US and how they react to any given situation. It is a complex natal configuration and at it's best this is an idealistic vision, representing a strong ethical stance, but at the same time there can be confusion over the actual effects of it's actions, leaving it inadvertently open to corruption from those who would mislead in the name of ideology/and or religion. As this transit crosses over the degree on August 24, we are only 2 weeks away from the second Saturn-Uranus opposition that will bring revolutionary change to the world, This same transit occurred in reverse (Uranus in Virgo and Saturn in Pisces) in the mid-sixties, and ushered in the greatest social change of the century.