We take this break from our regularly scheduled Saturnian programming to bring you a special report from the planet Mercury.

We're in enough trouble as it is with the coming mid-term election and the current state of our electronic voting machines. Yet the planet of technology, communication and travel isn't doing us any favors by going retrograde on October 28th. The energy of the retrograde is often strongest in its first week -- are we in for another 2000-style (s)election debacle?

All I can say is beg your local voting authorities for a paper ballot trail. And while you're at it, back up your computer, insure your cell phone, and don't sign any contracts between October 28th and November 17th. This one is gonna be a doozy.

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

With the signing of the new torture bill today, Bush took the very step that Saturn in Leo expected him to. With one flourish of his pen, Furious George officially ended Habeas Corpus, a law that protects basic American rights that go back to the birth of our nation. This is serious stuff, and it's kind of shocking that the populace has not taken to the streets in defense of what's been stolen from us. We're still under the veil of the deceptive Saturn/Neptune opposition, and it'll take a bit of time before we truly wake up. I trust that Saturn will roust us from our beds.

Saturn is currently in the sign of kings, laying bare for all to see any gross grab of absolute power. This will not stand. In a few months, when Saturn retrogrades back over the territory he's on right now, watch for the Democrats, poised now to take back the House and Senate, to reverse this egregious and outlandish bill. And after all his congressional brothers fall, Bush is likely to follow.

Big Daddy vs. L'il Kim Jong Il

All is unwell on the Korean peninsula, thanks, in part, to the Cosmic Taskmaster. Kim Jong Il isn't just suffering from a Napolean Complex: Saturn is squaring his natal Saturn in Taurus, causing his nuclear hissy fit last week. Watch for more explosive outbursts from the North as Saturn opposes Il's sun in late November and early December. We may want to hide under our desks. Saturn is giving us a lot to chew on.

Those of us born in 1970 and 1971 are feeling L'il Kim's pain -- Saturn has been squaring our natal Saturns as well. Thought you wrapped it up when you reached your thirtieth birthday five years ago? This most recent hurdle is merely Saturn whispering in your ear: "Keep up the good work, dear." If things feel heavy, take a deep breath -- this too will pass.

Friends With Benefits

Saturn Sister's School of Saturn Return Survival

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