World
Iraq
Saturn Maha Dasha April 8, 1998 - April 8, 2017
Iraq is currently passing through the major period of Saturn, which began in April of 1998 and goes until April of 2017. Saturn is placed in the 5th house in the constellation of Jyeshtha, a constellation connected with leaders. Based on this I have been predicting in the past few years that this would bring an end to Sadam Hussein's rule somewhere near the beginning of the Saturn period. In any case, placed in Scorpio, Saturn's period gives a great deal of upheaval and change for Iraq.
Mercury Sub Period April 11, 2001 - December 20, 2003
Mercury is placed in the first house in Ashlesha, a constellation which is ruled by serpents and connected with "the power of poison". This becomes a period which is filled with serpent-like communications, manipulation and secretive dealings. Mercury is powerfully aspected by Mars, indicating the potential for military conflict.
The Solar Eclipse on December 4, 2002 conjuncted Iraq's Saturn, producing a destabilizing effect for the next 6 months. The transit of Mars through the Sign of Scorpio during January and February, as well as the influences of Ketu, Saturn and Rahu have contributed to overall tension. All this has produced an astrological condition that makes conflict a very real possibility in late February or March.
Transit Mars enters the constellation of Mula on February 24th from where it will aspect the Iraqi lagna. Watch the period around March 16th, as well as the period for about 4 days around the 16th as a time of increased conflict or even the beginning of war between Iraq an the USA. The period between Mid February and Mid March also seems volatile.
Notes on Prediction Outcome
The above prediction, made in January, 2003, asserted that the US would begin war with Iraq on or within 4 days on either side of March 16th. It is interesting to note that the United States made the decision to go into Iraq on exactly March 16th. The decision was anounced on March 17th. On the March 19th the United states began the War with Iraq.
Ketu Sub period - December 20, 2003 - January 28, 2005
This is a period of loss and uncertainty for Iraq. If Sadam Hussein is still in power, then he may either die or be removed from power. If he is not in power, then this will be a difficult period for the leadership as well as the country in general. If, however Iraq is defeated in the the war in the first part of 2003, then the Iraqi chart will come to an end and a new chart for the new regime will be cast.
Notes on Prediction of Saddam Hussein's Capture
In 1997, I predicted that Saddam Hussein would fall in the Saturn major period. In November of 2001, I predicted that the likely sub period for his death or downfall would be the Ketu Sub period. Ketu's sub period begins December 20, 2003. The preceding paragraph detailing the results of Ketu's sub period was posted on my website early 2003. Saddam was captured on December 14, 2003, 6 days before the Ketu period started.
It is also interesting to note that the elections in Iraq in January of 2005 exactly correspond to the end of the Ketu sub period and the beginning of the Mercury sub period. Changes of sub period in the horoscope of a country indicate the beginning of a new phase for the country. In this case, the change can be taken as an indication of some improvement as the new phase of Iraqi self government begins.
When the new government comes to power it may be necessary to cast a new chart for Iraq.