As I noted in last month's newsletter, the very close harmonic aspect between Mercury and Mars in May 24 Taurus New Moon may well cause some significant problems for Mercury-ruled affairs.  The events of the past week indicate that some of that energy has already been released.  GM declared bankruptcy on June 1 as the US government is now a part-owner of America's largest car marker.  Saturn was close to the 4th house cusp which often indicates "the end of the matter", so  that is somewhat appropriate for symbolizing the end of US auto industry in its previous form.  Mercury rules transportation, so it's not too much of a stretch to see that the negative Mars influence here was somehow implicated.  Yesterday's fatal crash of an Air France jet off the coast of Brazil is another possible expression of this Mars affliction to Mercury, the planet of that rules transportation.  North Korea also re-emerged as a concern for world leaders as they detonated an underground nuclear device on May 25, just one day after the New Moon.  Besides the prominent Mars in this chart, I wonder if the Sun coming under the aspect of distorting Rahu (North Lunar Node) might point to uncontrolled (Rahu) actions from leaders such as Kim Jung-Il (Sun).  Interestingly, the Sun-Moon conjunction in the May 24 New Moon chart falls near the cusp of the 12th house, representing faraway places and secrecy.

The Gemini New Moon of June 22 looks fairly intense with a number of tight aspects that are highlighted in the Washington, DC chart. Given the United States pre-eminent position in the world, I am focusing on the DC chart.  If this is astrological US imperialism, so be it.   The Sun-Moon conjunction occurs exactly on the equal 9th house cusp closely opposed by Pluto.  To make matters a little more pointed, the New Moon occurs in Ardra, a nakshatra that is not know for its calming or uplifting effects.  It is associated with storms, moisture, toxins, limitations an purging.  The 9th house represents foreign countries, so this may indicate some harsh or crude exertions of power on the world stage.  The 9th house also represents law and religion and having that kind of affliction there may point to problems with Obama's recent Supreme court appointment of Sonia Sotomayor.  Religious figures may also be in the news from late June onwards, in the form of conflict or disputes.  Benefic Jupiter also aspects the New Moon, so we shouldn't be too pessimistic about the outcomes of 9th house matters.   Another unusual characteristic of this chart is that the nodes are sitting exactly square the ascendant, as Ketu conjoins the equal 10th house cusp and Rahu is on the 4th.  This placement may foretell unusual or eccentric actions by leaders and governments, ("thinking outside the box") and family and educational settings may undergo some upset or significant changes.  

Another key configuration for the Gemini New Moon is the exact conjunction of Venus and Mars in close trine aspect with Saturn.   This pattern creates a lot of pressure on Venus-ruled matters such as women, art, and money.   On the plus side, the Mars and Saturn influence can translate Venus into more real manifestations of its often subtle energy, such as an artistic vision realized, albeit often under less than perfect circumstances.   More negatively, this can be just a bad pattern for female energy, as it seems to be defined in terms of males (Mars) or the "real world" (Saturn).  Mars is supported by Venus here, so that can bode well for athletic or physical endeavours, especially those that are connected with ancient or traditional practices (Saturn), such as yoga.

North Korea (Sept 9 1948) has been causing some problems for the world community recently with its underground nuclear test. Saturn stationing on its Sun (22 Leo) is one possible explanation for its stubborn and headstrong behaviour.   The Sun represents government and leaders and Kim Jong-Il is as intransigent as ever with this defiant gesture against the wishes of the rest of the world.  Transiting Ketu on natal Venus (7 Cancer) suggests problems with relationships.  Indeed.   

We can speculate that the effect of the stationing Jupiter in close aspect to the Gemini ascendant may be the success of the test and perhaps the attention it has brought.  North Korea uses its nuclear policy as a bargaining chip for food and material from other countries.  As frustated as the US and Japan may be, the successful test will likely improve North Korea's chances for greater concessions.   Pluto is on the 7th cusp now and will aspect the ascendant and Uranus over the next year or two.  This is suggests some major tensions are likely to lead some significant changes in the make-up of the country.  The Saturn-Pluto square due this fall is likely to increase the stress felt inside and outside the country since it will activate the ascendant/Uranus conjunction.