Last week, we (in the US) were told that our government intends to bail out the banks and other financial institutions that are on the brink of collapse.  This decision has come about as a result of the trine (positive planetary aspect at 120 degrees) between Jupiter (the government) and Saturn (our stability and sense of stability.) It will continue to some degree through mid-December of 2008.
 
Mercury (the planet of communication) is now stationary retrograde in Libra, the sign ruling law and justice. Retrograde Mercury stationing in Libra  makes indecisiveness aggravated  and decision making can become difficult if not impossible. It will be stationary retrograde again on October 14-17. Additionally over the next several days, we have a Mercury conjunct Mars which indicates much heated debate over the situation. The Bailout is far from a done deal!Any deals concluded/proposed on a Mars-Mercury conjunct tend to be made in a rash impulsive manner, and should be thoroughly considered before being concluded.
 
Mercury is stationary retrograde at 22 degrees in Libra now through September 28, and it continues it's apparent backward motion until October 15th  meaning that everything that is being discussed and put forward relating to the Great Bail Out of America's Banks and Financial Institutions is up for change.  Mercury officially goes retrograde on Wednesday, September 24, but the stationary retrograde period, which is most significant started Saturday, September 20.  So, it's time to back up and reconsider the implications of what this bail out will allow and the conditions that will result, and it could not be more important that the issues be opened up, and all facts come into the open.  One example of this is the Democrat's call for 'no  more golden parachutes,' for departing CEO's of failed institutions, and Republicans' concerns that the free markets will no longer be so free. Mercury is in the cardinal sign of Libra, the 4th house (the foundation) of this country.  Additionally with Mars in Libra and the Sun  entering Libra today, decisions made during this period will be of lasting consequence to the US for better or worse.
 
If a deal on the Bailout is completed during the retrograde period, it will likely be far from turning out to be a satisfactory or ideal situation, or it will face additional changes in the future. The New Moon is in the US's 4th house of Libra as well, representing new beginnings on September 29.  .We are approaching the powerful Saturn-Uranus opposition representing total change on November 3, 2008. Who ever is elected President at that time will face economic challenges, and continued changes/challenges as a result of actions taken during this period for years into the future.