Harriet Miers was nominated by President Bush as an Associate Justice at 9:00 AM just shortly before John Roberts was formally sworn in at the Court as Chief Justice at 9:15. October 3 was not only the day of a NEW MOON (new cycle of growth) but also of an Eclipse (view chart) at the degree of 10 LIBRA. The sign of LIBRA is associated with relationships, fairness and justice. A NEW MOON in LIBRA begins a new growth cycle in relationships; the Eclipse greatly magnifies its importance and modifies its effect from one month to several years. Since a Solar Eclipse occurs at any given degree every 19 years, it re-ignites themes from our personal and national lives from 1986.

Uncomfortably, a malefic FIXED STAR named "VENDMIATRIX" at 9 degrees of LIBRA has been traditionally associated with war and misfortunes. In more modern times, we might keep that in mind but also think of it as just greater stress in personal lives and aggravation of whatever national or worldwide trials are already underway.

Whereas Chief Justice Roberts had already been nominated, testified before the Senate and confirmed, Miers was being nominated at a more difficult time. The incendiary planet, MARS, had just gone RETROGRADE October 1 (see article in Longterm Trends) indicating a period of review and intensification of martian issues of assertion and battle.

At the Eclipse, VENUS was in the emotional sign of SCORPIO and in direct opposition to MARS in TAURUS. The planets VENUS and MARS, as well as the signs of TAURUS and SCORPIO are especially featured in issues to do with money, sexuality and power. The hot button issue of abortion (Roe vs Wade) is perhaps the most contentious issue. The fact that MARS was in a sign ruled by VENUS and VENUS in a sign ruled by MARS does greatly ameliorate the antagonism inherent in this combination. However, we all know that the Roberts Court will be intensely involved in issues of relationship and the balance of power between men and women in society as well as in partnerships of all kinds.

MARS RETROGRADE in the conservative sign of TAURUS is an indication that that historical precedent and traditional norms will both be strongly emphasized.

Astrological Notes:

This LIBRA eclipse is an annular SOLAR Eclipse, less powerful than a total Eclipse.

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