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Astrology.com joins the world in extending our heartfelt anguish and sympathy for all who were affected by the four terrorist hijackings and attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Keep in mind that planets do not CAUSE events on earth; rather, they INDICATE probable results of the interplay of planetary energies and cycles. Astrologers around the world have worried about the possible manifestations of the current difficult celestial pattern. The main astrological event underlying the current time period is one that has been strengthening in recent months, and will not dissipate until June 2002.

Saturn (currently in the Sign of Gemini), the planet of structure, security, safety, authority and tradition, is contacting Pluto (now in Sagittarius), the planet of intense power and transformation. The succinct interpretation is "inevitable breakdown, destruction and transformation of known and established structures, organizations and procedures." Pluto is also connected with hidden resources, secrecy and deeply held unconscious beliefs: in other words, our deepest and darkest fears.

This difficult aspect is expected to have worldwide impact, as both the Signs and the planets involved indicate an increase in fundamentalism and nationalism, and historically have been identified with war, economic depression and the toppling of old governments. Contacts between Saturn and Pluto coincided with many terrible events of this century, including both the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression and the revolutionary period of the mid-1960s.

On the day of the WTC attack, both Saturn and Pluto were well aspected by Mercury, the planet of communication, intellectual ability, details and planning, physical agility and coordination in general. Mercury is also the sign of "twins," manifesting in twin towers, twin planes and even terrorist brothers implicated in the hijackings. In fact, Mercury was rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time of the first plane crash into the WTC. This is a powerful indicator of the complexity and coordination of the attack, focused on the New York City location.

Other factors are at work as well. Mars, the planet of war, recently completed its biannual retrograde period, indicating (among other things) hidden action. Mars has spent over 6 months in the Sign of Sagittarius, and therefore activated and energized general concern with religions, belief systems and foreign countries and peoples. Mars in Sagittarius has missionary zeal, wanting to convert others to its own way of believing. Mars retrograde indicates the necessity of "doing and re-doing," highlighting the extensive planning and training required by the perpetrators of this attack. Only two days before the attack did Mars move completely out of its retrograde area -- shifting into ambitious Capricorn, which energized Mars for decisive action.

Neptune, planet of mystery and illusion, escapism and the unknown, must also be considered. By the time the twin towers collapsed, Neptune was prominent in the collapse chart. The confusing and chaotic qualities of Neptune were clearly evident in the documentary footage and survivors' stories: physical senses rendered useless by smoke, dust and debris that choked the air, directions lost and ensuing panic. Neptune also points to the mysterious origins of the attack, and to the outpouring of compassion from around the world.

Only time will tell how President Bush and other leaders handle this crisis. In the meantime, I encourage you to find hope in the brave efforts of rescuers and enthusiastic support of volunteers, and solace in your family and friends during this dark hour.

Warm Regards,
Amanda Owen (for Astrology.com)

Click here to read Astrologer Steven Forrest's essay, "The Present Horror".