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US in Iraq and the Tao of Heaven


Chinese Sage: Lao Tzu

As Iraq descends further into sectarian conflict and chaos, the world is witnessing what many view as a fundamental failure of American foreign policy in the region, one pressed by two successive administrations as well as key allies such as the United Kingdom.

It was George W. Bush who essentially argued that the United States needed to intervene in Iraq and end the rule of the dictator Saddam Hussein lest the country become a nesting ground for terrorists who could tap the weapons of mass destruction supposedly on hand. His administration joined with his British counterpart Tony Blair to sell the war on grounds of since-debunked links between Saddam and al Qaeda along with claims about his ultimately nonexistent stocks of WMD. Yet 11 years after Bush began the war, vast swaths of Iraq are now in the hands of ISIS, a Sunni jihadist sect disdained by no less than al Qaeda as excessively violent and dogmatic. Newsweek


Currently, in the US Sibley, the secondary progressed Sun [9pi0] is square radix  Uranus [8ge55]. Uranus [+21d45] is exactly parallel in declination to the star Zosma [+21d45].  In addition progressed Sun [9pi] is opposite Zosma [8vi11]  which conjoins Chort and Suhail Velorum of Argo Navis all lying under the auspices of Mizar of the Great Bear.


Zosma, Chort and Denebola are a triangle of stars that form the hind of the Lion. Denbola is the tail. Zosma and Chort can indicate being diverted due to toxic congestion. This area of late Leo is of foul breezes and smoke screens. It is also of those behind the scenes, of political-religious figureheads manipulating the affairs of the world for personal motive while offering salvation from the human struggle

Mizar of the Great Bear, Zeta Ursa Major, is the overseeing and predominant star of this area of the zodiak. Mizar, and its companion Alcor, articulates raw fiery energy that must express one way or another. Mizar must have a creative outlet, but for its proper expression, we must apply it with creative vision. Mizar brings attention to use of our creative energies; creative and destructive tendencies, and the fear to create lest it may result in destruction. Here we learn the nature of such volatile forces. Mizar, with averted alignments is also known for catastrophic fires or massacres. Mizar can however express quite artistically—just as gunpowder can express as beautiful fireworks or devastating explosions. Mizar tends to express in a grand way, in character with showy and dramatic Leo. Mizar imparts a dynamic, action oriented creative artistic expression.

It does not take too much of imagination to see how this description from Nick Fiorenza applies to what the US and George Bush have done in Iraq. With the solar progression to these stars, the US is facing the disastrous results of a foreign policy that was manipulative in nature.

Let us see how the Sabian symbols bear out our findings. Radix Uranus in the Sibley is 9 Gemini. The  process that unfolds between Gemini 6 to 9 is best understood when we study the symbols together. Let us also remember that the current New Moon [7ge52] has activated the Sibley radix Uranus.



Phase 66 (Gemini 6) Workmen drilling for Oil

A symbol of greed for material wealth

Phase 67 (Gemini 7) A well under the shade of majestic trees

The well preserves for the use of all living organisms the gift of the “sky”, the bounteous rain. Emphasizes the need for trust and co-operation with all life. This is in sharp contrast to the previous Sabian which shows “workmen digging for oil” – a symbol  associated with greed

Phase 68 (Gemini 8) Aroused strikers surround a factory
As man drills for oil and rapes the earth for his greed , conflicts and disruptive processes are inevitably initiated.

Phase 69 (Gemini 9) A Quiver filled with arrows
An attempt to conquer one’s enemies

Essentially, I interpret this to mean that actions based on selfishness and greed are likely to create endless conflicts. As the story of the American project in Iraq now appears to be ending in dismal failure it may be worthwhile to contemplate on how powerful ancient rulers were guided.  In ancient times, especially in China and India,  it was a practice for rulers to consult sages before taking major decisions. An incredibly important element which underlies the Chinese experience and her philosophies is the concept of Alignment with the Will of Heaven. Failure to heed the Will of Heaven could lead to the downfall of a dynasty because of the withdrawal of the Mandate of Heaven. 

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