We have recently witnessed a 3 day standoff between terrorists and Indian commandos/military officials at the Taj Mahal Hotel, and other locations in Mumbia (Bombay) India. At this writing there are 183 confirmed dead (CNN) and hundreds more wounded.
How could this happen? From an astrological perspective, we must look at the ramifications of Pluto in Sagittarius over the past 15 years. The planet Pluto has to do with death and regeneration, both literally and figuratively. Sagittarius is the sign of expansion, ideas, and as the natural ruler of the 9th house of religion/philosophy/outlook on life. In America we have seen this trend with the so-called 'religious right, evangelical Christians that helped elect George Bush to 2 terms of the Presidency. We have also seen the expansion of other religious/philosophical viewpoints as well that include 'alternative,' non-denominational religions and concepts such as meditation, and the 'new age' movement.
But, Pluto in Sagittarius has fueled and expanded and another group as well: the Islamic extremists, who have taken the basic teachings of Islam, one of the largest and oldest religions in the world contorting it into something far different and deadly, vowing those who do not follow their viewpoint are enemies they condemn to death. In my astrological opinion, this group constitutes the most dangerous, and deadliest group of terrorists on the planet today. How ironic that Islamic extremists would murder an American man and his daughter on a pilgrimage with a meditation group, as well as a Jewish Rabbi and his wife, among so many others!
As each individual has a birth chart, so do countries, corporations, or any other entity. The birth chart of India is August 15, 1947. When we look at the chart we can see that the siege in Mumbia occurred within hours, if not minutes of of Pluto moving into Capricorn, creating an exact opposition to Mars. This represents a deadly transit for India, and is clearly a major part of the reason this deadly massacre occurred. In Transits Simplified, authors Sakoian and Acker state: [The transit of Pluto opposing Mars] represents conflicts and power struggles,--in extreme cases-wars, riots and revolutions--danger from criminals and underworld activities-danger of death in war situations-danger from weapons, radioactivity, chemicals, mobs, machinery and other sources of physical danger.
Add to this mix Neptune directly opposing India's Sun, a transit I potentially refer to as a 'death transit,' and a dangerous one as the individual or entity with this configuration is often unaware of the potential danger they are actually in. It is a misleading transit, and in this case it is clear that the authorities were unaware of the need for increased security in India's financial district. The 7th house is also the house of 'open enemies,'. and news reports state the gunmen may have come for Pakistan, a country with a long history of conflict with India.
Add a New Moon in Sagittarius (India's 7th house of open enemies) opposing Uranus.--Sudden, unexpected events. The New Moon was conjunct (the same, or within 3 degrees of) the Sun, Mars, (the God of War,) and Mercury, and you have the recipe for disaster, that just occurred.
Unfortunately, Pluto opposing Mars, and Neptune opposing the Sun are slow moving planets and will continue to influence the situation over this next year. I do not believe this is the last terrorist attack for India and the full moon in Gemini on the 12th of December holds danger as well, as is conjunct Uranus. Again, on that day, Mars is within 3 degrees of the moon, and it will be a potentially explosive time in general. We can pray that officials get a handle on the situation between now and then.
It is also interesting to note that Pluto originally went into Capricorn on January 26th, 2008 for it's first 4 month venture into Capricorn before returning to Sagittarius for the final 6 month stay there mid-June 2008. On May 13, 2008 an explosion in Jaipur, India killed at least 60 people and injured many more.
For current information on this situation that is still unfolding go to: (scroll down)
Horoscope of India ยท India's natal chart
Indian Independence
August 15, 1947, at 12:00 am IST, Delhi (28n40, 77e13)
Chart from Astrology Weekly