Currently Iraq's election is set for January 30th 2005. Talks continue as to whether this Election date, set by President Bush, should be postponed. As Mercury is now retrograde - confusing schedules and communications - it's likely that this date will be debated into January. If the date stays as is this election will be a turn in the right direction; but the course will be difficult, fraught with violence and with many twists and turns.

January 30, 2005 is a difficult day. Venus, who represents love and harmony, is compromised and wounded. At mid-day on the 30th in Baghdad she is high overhead ruling the ascendant, conjunct wounding Chiron, and opposing strict Saturn. In this powerful yet vulnerable position feelings run cold, the esteem of the people is weak and oppression is strong. The Sun in Aquarius reflects the need for equality, freedom and fairness yet it is too close to confusing Neptune for much clarity. Transiting Saturn is on Iraq's Venus. This is a time of commitment and a time of hardship. Yet despite, and maybe because of this restrictive painful energy there is real impetus for change. 

The position of the Moon tells us this is so. The Moon rules the people and is in Libra, earnestly striving for balance and harmony. Throughout the day it remains in communication with the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius. This is very positive and suggests that despite tough conditions the people of Iraq are going to take full advantage of the democratic process and vote, if only to be rid of the American presence.

The most alarming factor is the combination of the warlike planets, Mars and Pluto traveling together in Sagittarius. Beliefs are strong and will be defended and pushed with violence if necessary. However, both Mars and Pluto form a strong alliance with Iraq's Leo Sun and Mercury and with Iraq's Aries Moon. The beginning of freedom is available to the Iraqis at this time. It may be slow in coming, but it's on its way.

Iraq's chart is old, beautiful and trapped. Strong, rich and royal Leo energy lies caught in the isolated 12th house. There is hidden strength and hidden wealth in Iraq and George W knows this as he too has hidden planets. He also has Leo energy though his is overt. Through it Bush proclaims his right actions much like a king. If anyone could "liberate" Iraq it would be this man. 

As we know, Iraq's population is a divided one and this is reflected in Iraq's chart and by transiting Uranus. Yet true change and unity are possible though much change is needed. Though the short-term picture is stressful the long-term influences are positive, though difficult. The most important change is a powerful shift in Iraq's collective consciousness as transiting Neptune opposes Iraq's Neptune. Iraq is in transition, astrologically and literally. Perhaps a country so deeply entrenched in its own mysticism requires the tension of January 30th 2005 in order to begin free itself. But then we should ask ourselves what we have released.

Your astrologer,
Dulce Bell-Bulley
January 2005

IRAQ - August 23, 1921 6:00 am (Formal recognition of the Kingdom of Iraq)
Copyright Dulce Bell-Bulley