Saturn is at 20 degrees of Virgo, only one degree away from squaring the Mars of the US, conjuncting Neptune at the same time, and becomes exact August 16-23. Virgo is the natural ruler of the 6th house of health and work. Saturn conjunct Neptune represents disharmony, a demoralizing attitude, irrational anxieties, lack of clarity, deception, and the necessity to come to grips with reality. The transit can also be related to drugs, drug issues/companies, and there can be public scandals. These events will dominate the news. Saturn square Mars is a frustrated ambitions, disharmony, bickering, quarrels, and upheaval, potential ruthlessness, lawlessness, legal battles and a danger of physical confrontations. Countries, like individuals have charts, and this is the energy in the chart of the USA and is reflected by the people at the time. We are seeing this transit play out in the US at this time in the 'town hall meetings,' occurring across the country where health care reform is being discussed and erupts in angry discourses, shouts, threats and fears. There will likely be additional mis-information, fears, rumors, and potential violence before the transit starts to move away. We are also seeing this energy reflected in the lack of jobs. Even though recent government figures showed unemployment slowing, until new jobs are created, that pay more than minimum wage/substance level wages, the economy will not return to normal. Additionally, there is risk of military action and skirmishes both here and abroad. Such is the way of Saturn (the taskmaster) in Virgo which began it's 3 year stay in September of 2007. Saturn leaves Virgo and enters Libra on October 30, 2009, and it re-enters Virgo for a final 4 month stint April-July of 2010. Saturn was last in Virgo November 1977-September 1980. The New Moon occurs at 27 degrees of Leo on August 20, and will likely relate to money and financial issues. Leo is a fire sign and situations/events will occur that will cause us to sit up and take notice. Leo rules kings, royalty, major government figures and public figures/entertainers. In the US solar chart it falls in the 2ond house of money and events will occur relating to self image, money, government funds, and the markets. Both the Sun and the New Moon oppose Neptune at 25 degrees of Aquarius. The combination is confusing, there will be lies and mis-information. It will be hard to separate fact from fiction. Best not to make commitments at this time,as they will likely not be based on all the facts. Unusual weather conditions involving water will occur. Neptune rules creativity and spirituality at it's highest, but also lies, confusion and delusion. Using the Sagittarius rising chart for the US, the New Moon opposes the US moon. This will create emotional situations and fluctuations, situations involving women, and the housing market, and there will be focus on situations abroad. So, what can we do as individuals to deal with this harsh energy? We can understand that all transits eventually pass, and a new day will dawn. Saturn will enter Virgo and cause disruption in the US every 30 years. Saturn-Mars-Neptune is demoralizing, disruptive energy and now is the time to center your own energy, and look to the source of self for strength and courage. It is up to each one of us to to create our own inner reality, and it is a time to work at attaining these goals. We cannot control the world, we can only control and take charge of our own lives, and our own inner reality and the way we react to situations. In January of 2010 Jupiter (planet of expansion, finance, abundance) enters Pisces and will create a harmonious trine to the Sun of the US throughout much of the year. While this will not end all of the problems we face as a country (or the world) the energy will shift, and a new day will begin to take shape There will be renewed interest in spirituality, religion, the arts and peace. Good Luck! Leslie