Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 2017: A Turning Point for Real Change?

Introduction
Once again an horrific tragedy has unfolded with the slaughter of 59 people and hundreds more injured in Las Vegas. We offer light and healing to the victims and their families. The next big massacre in the US was not a matter of if, but when. The following analysis may evoke some understanding, bearing in mind that we are considering an enormous social problem, a sore that has festered within the USA for far too long. Enough Already. The pain of these tragedies circulates around the world, eating away at human dignity and its resolve to stand up and banish the darkness upon this planet. These events cannot be allowed to further undermine the populace into an apathetic acceptance that this will be the new norm. In the last ten years this theme has been covered in several essays:

USA: Another Day, Another Massacre
USA’s Perpetual War. Guns Guns Guns: Aries-Libra
Romance of Gun Culture
National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment
Sandy Hook: Watershed Moment for Water-Bearer USA
Charlston, Carolina: Again, the Gun Control Debate

This astrological analysis may help bring some objectivity and emotional distance from the chaos and paranoia that has been generated in an already chaotic nation. Despite the deep trauma, there now may finally emerge an answer to this hitherto insoluble problem. The approach to this analysis will be in four phases:

1. The horoscope of the USA, to give an overall background against which this event unfolded.
2. The event horoscope for October 1, on the approaching Libra full moon.
3. The horoscope of the perpetrator, Stephen Paddock.
4. The horoscope of Las Vegas.

1. Horoscope of the USA

USA horoscope: July 4, 1776.

For those who have been following these newsletters over the past year or so, there has been a discussion of several things going on in the US chart:

A. Progressed Sun in Pisces
USA is finishing the larger Piscean cycle in microcosm, having about 18 years for its progressed sun before it enters Aries, the place of new beginnings. Hence, many traditions that have become crystallised, these accumulations have the potential to be dissolved and transformed, especially if Pluto, the esoteric ruler of Pisces, is invoked.

In the full moon for Virgo recently, this progressed sun in Pisces was conjoined by Neptune and opposed by Mars in Virgo, both the co-rulers of USA’s sixth ray personality. In its lower expression or point of least resistance, Neptune on the progressed sun can create a lot of confusion, drug and alcohol addiction and mass illusion. This has been going on for a while as transiting Neptune has been tracking the progressed sun – and will do so for another two years, until 2019. Yet, it can also stimulate USA’s mystical vision and idealism in a way that can rescue it from its current dire situation.

B. Transiting Saturn opposite Mars in Gemini
Mars in Gemini has been extensively written about by the author as the main interface in USA’s exoteric horoscope for its sixth ray/Gemini personality; the problems of interference in foreign nations and high death toll due to the “cowboy mentality” of personal gun ownership; the “war of words” with foreign nations. What’s more, Mars in Gemini is natally square to the other sixth ray ruler, Neptune.

Transiting Saturn has been making a station opposite Mars in Gemini for the past two months and is only now just starting to pull away. Hence, it has been highlighting the Mars in Gemini problem, further exacerbated by the fact that Trump’s Gemini sun sits precisely on USA’s Mars! As we will discover in this analysis, the event chart and the perpetrator both have uncanny synastry with this position of Mars in Gemini.

It is also pertinent to note that transiting Mars and Venus were passing over USA’s natal Neptune during the full moon period of Libra 2017, triggering the square to natal Mars in Gemini. Hence, opportunities for USA’s sixth ray personality integration highlighted. No doubt the gun debate will come up again, foreign affairs issues etc. In the middle of this stands the US president, whose sun in Gemini, moon in Sagittarius, straddles USA’s Mars in Gemini. As an aside, Trump was eerily “presidential” and calm when making a statement about the Las Vegas massacre, almost eloquent!

Bear in mind that a large “massacre” occurs every day in the USA. With around an average of 11,000 murders by guns every year, amounts to 30 people every day. Hence, on October 1 another daily, nationwide “massacre” of 30 people took place, as will happen today, tomorrow, ad infinitum.

Accidental daily deaths by guns are around 10; suicides by gun – annually around 21,000 which translates as 58 per day. Hence, October 1, saw a mass killing of 59 people, 58 by suicide, another 30 murders and 10 by accident, totalling 157. As with every previous massacre, there is a huge spike in gun sales. Massacres are now classed as four or more people and are becoming far more prevalent too. People try to solve their relationship or emotional problems with guns on others or themselves.

C. Uranus in Aries opposite Jupiter in Libra
This potent opposition represents a hemi-cycle from the Uranus–Jupiter conjunction of 1969 – from that tumultuous and revolutionary period detailed in the Libra 2017 newsletter. The seeds of action or inaction taken then, bear their fruit now, 48 years later. Uranus and Jupiter are the soul rulers of USA’s Aquarian soul respectively, hence this current opposition is most important for the evocation of the soul of the nation.

D. Aquarius Moon Lunar Return
Whilst on the subject of Aquarius, it is important to note that the USA horoscope has moon in Aquarius, representing the shadow of the nation. This is a curious contradiction, given that Aquarius is esoterically the soul force. In the four hours after the shooting began at 10.04 pm (now corrected from 10.08 pm by CCTV footage), it was the monthly lunar return, where the moon returns to the same degree as its natal position.

It was during the balsamic lunar phase in the US horoscope that the massacre occurred, emulating the symbolism of the monthly balsamic phase, the “dark cycle” – where the moon is not visible in the night sky, just before the new moon. Balsamic moon is a very Plutonic and transformative phase. Again, the opposites are evoked here – the dark balsamic phase in the US horoscope, occurring in the build up to the light of the full moon. The Uranus-Jupiter opposition was also making aspects to the Aquarian moon by semi-sextile and quincunx.

Hopefully this tragedy will propel the USA into a deeper soul searching. There may be a lot of conflict between the entrenched forces on both sides of the gun debate. Let us hope that Americans do not get blasé about the opportunity for solving the problem this time.

The moon is the co-ruler of the fourth ray of Harmony through Conflict, particularly representing the conflict part of that equation. It could indeed be a “battle royale” within this nation that might succeed in puncturing the infected wound once and for all, setting the nation on a saner course of gun control. Passing laws on “bump stocks” that turn automatic rifles into rapid fire weapons – is of course a pathetic concession that will not solve the problem. Some observers state that Americans are too immature to own guns and should have them taken away – as other nations like Australia have done. This of course, could spark a civil war!

E. The Libra Full Moon Activated Saturn in Libra
On the October 5 full moon, the sun was conjunct Saturn in Libra and the Moon opposite. Saturn is exalted in Libra and has, as described in the current Libra 2017 newsletter, three main themes, the Law, Sex and Money.

Saturn is also square to USA’s sun in Cancer, an aspect that the author has long commented upon in other newsletters. Saturn represents the mind that must be integrated into the Cancer personality. This unresolved, inharmonious Sun square Saturn aspect can be unnecessarily draconian and controlling. Perhaps this full moon stimulus after this sad event, will propel the USA to a greater maturity on several levels. There are several other things going on in the US chart, but these will suffice for our purposes now.

2. The Event Horoscope (October 1, 10.04 pm, Las Vegas.)

Event charts do just that, capture the moment and express the patterns present in the heavens. There are some outstanding facets of this chart:

A. Gemini Rising
Although the CCTV corrected time of the shooting is at 10.04 pm in the 21^st degree of Gemini, the first four minutes of the initial burst of shooting happened in the 22^nd degree, the same as USA’s troublesome Mars (guns). The Sabian Symbol for the 22^nd degree of Gemini is: “DANCING COUPLES CROWD THE BARN IN A HARVEST FESTIVAL.” This is a most disconcerting and eerie symbol, given that the massacre was of people attending a country music concert in large tents erected for the event. Donald Trump’s sun in Gemini is in the following degree, hence this event made an impact upon him, reflected by his sober comments.

In Esoteric Astrology, the rising sign is the soul purpose, hence the soul purpose of this awful event is to do what Gemini does best, to open up a dialogue, an intelligent conversation, that should not be lost or forgotten until the next massacre. Gemini has a close connection to the heart, which is where the warring brothers of Gemini find common ground. Gemini is also the personality of the USA esoterically, hence a true dialogue may enhance its personality expression – not a group of talking heads on TV panels interrupting and shouting each other down. Gemini can be ego-driven argument, or deep dialogue where real listening takes place.

B. Transiting Saturn opposite Gemini Rising
As noted earlier, Saturn has been stationing opposite USA’s Mars (and Paddock’s progressed sun) for a couple of months. Saturn in Sagittarius stands for law, principles and ideals to be achieved; it puts the problem prominently in the spotlight. Saturn’s opposition to Gemini rising gives a measure of restraint and control to the sometimes erratic and verbose Gemini. Trump’s moon in Sagittarius conjoins this Saturn position, allowing him to really feel the full weight and responsibility of a Presidency.

C. Moon in Aquarius on the Midheaven
The moon is prominent again, angular like Saturn and dominating the horoscope near the midheaven. USA’s natal moon sits between the event moon position and the event midheaven. The dweller or shadow of the USA is exposed and out in the open. Lunar consciousness of ignorance and fear must be replaced by loving attitudes, group co-operation and some presence of mind that Saturn offers.

D. Venus conjunct Mars in Virgo
Venus is the esoteric ruler of the ascendant Gemini and exoteric ruler of the Libran sun; its conjunction to ultra-critical Mars (the gunman) in Virgo offers an olive branch for harmonisation of the warring sides of the gun debate. In an interview with Paddock’s brother he said, “Mars just fell into the earth … We’re completely dumbfounded.” Venus and Mars are placed in the fourth house of the home and family, underlining the event as a domestic issue, not a foreign one.

Neptune’s opposition to both planets offers the highest vision of what could emerge, or complicate matters with deliberate subterfuge by parties with agendas other than true solution. Mercury as the exoteric ruler of Gemini and Virgo is placed in Libra. The planet of mediation in the sign of mediation, conjunct the sun in Libra, giving further opportunity for the USA to come to grips with its nagging ailment.

3. The Gunman Stephen Paddock

Paddock’s birth data has come from his birth certificate, now widely available online.

When analysing charts of violent events (such as Anders Brevik who killed 77 people in Norway), the question that first arises – does the chart work, in terms of pre-existing astro-psychological patterns – and the transits that ignite them? This is an important factor to establish – often these days, in the face of false flag claims that attempt to shift the blame to other parties.

A. Cancer Rising – Moon in Aquarius
Paddock had the watery and sensitive sign of Cancer rising, ruled by the moon, placed in Aquarius; the moon was in a T-square formation with ruthless Pluto opposite, and square to Jupiter in Taurus. The massacre occurred on his lunar return and just a few short hours before the lunar return in USA’s chart. Moon in Aquarius is known for being aloof, cold and calculating – at the time of the shooting, there was a “perfect storm” of the USA and Paddock’s virtually simultaneoous lunar return.

The square of the moon to Jupiter in Taurus can create excess and exaggeration. Jupiter in Taurus also reflects wealth, abundance and his high roller status at the casino, the material values that he held; an inflated ego, his exaggerated stock-piling of weapons. Paddock’s Jupiter falls very close to the sun in Taurus in the horoscope of Las Vegas, revealing his attraction to the place. (More on this later.)

Moon is opposite Pluto and both planets T-square Jupiter in Taurus, creating an insatiable desire for money and power, at least in its most fundamental interpretation. Taurus is also a thirst for knowledge, lower and higher. His brother said,

“Steve was a highly intelligent, highly successful person. He could have done anything he wanted to do, and he did. He made himself wealthy, he made us wealthy. He was a very successful person, he gambled for 20 plus years successfully. It’s like a job to him, he did it mathematically. He did it because it was a way to have a fun life and he didn’t go poor doing it.”

Paddock had a Cancerian generosity toward family and close “friends”. He claimed to have gambled $1 million a day, but also exhibited a marked Cancerian tendency to be “careful” with money – he was reportedly mean and petty with his female companion’s use, berating her in public. Therein was one of his contradictions, a kind of “compensatory” behaviour, as in the following report:

“Daily Mail TV also learned that despite having millions to his name, the former accountant was so concerned about saving money that he often ate lunch at a retirees’ center. He joined the frail, elderly, homeless and disabled at the Mesquite Community and Senior Center in Nevada paying just $3.50 for a subsidized lunch.

Around three times a week Paddock enjoyed Mexican food, meatloaf and hamburgers while listening to cheery songs on the piano at the center. But in contrast to the convivial surroundings, Paddock was an ‘unsociable’ and ‘quiet’ man who liked to sit alone to eat his lunch and who was ‘in a world of his own,’ other diners said.”

B. Sun in Aries
Paddock had the sun and Venus in Mars-ruled Aries, disposited or ruled by Mars – the god of war and weapons. Mars in Taurus can be a highly emotional position because it is the ruler of the solar plexus, placed in Taurus, the sign of desire:

“Mars is in detriment in this sign. Its activity adds constantly to the naturally warlike nature of Taurus but the potency of the Taurian struggle is so great, esoterically speaking, that the effect of Mars is lost in the larger whole. It “adds to the glamour and confusion and yet holds within itself hope for the struggling man.”1

Mars is also square to Pluto, compounding Paddock’s inner turmoil and the integration of his emotional body within his Mars-ruled, Aries sun personality. Aries also often exhibits a high degree of egocentricity and selfishness and this is compounded by the fact that the sun is square to revolutionary and unpredictable Uranus. Paddock may have had a calm and unassuming outer façade, but this aspect can reflect an inner life that is regularly “plunged in hell,” with issues around sex and power particularly.

This internal pressure may have been the reason why it was reported that in the last two years he started to take Valium, a drug known to have violent, psychotic side-effects in some people. (Mars square Pluto is accented in the horoscope of Harvey Weinstein [Mars in Scorpio], the recently disgraced movie mogul for his casting couch antics, perhaps a more insidious form of unseen terrorism and abuse of Plutonic power.)

Perhaps this is why Paddock hoarded so many guns (47 at last count) as a compensation for feelings of powerlessness. (Of course, many Americans routinely hoard more guns than they need!) Paddock’s sun was closely trine Pluto, so perhaps there was a quite confidence of his power that was regularly undermined and upset by the deep rage of Mars square Pluto?

Paddock’s Aries sun also squares Chiron in Capricorn, the wounded healer. As the sun represents the will and the father, this aspect may have reflected a deep wound of an absent father. It was revealed that his father Benjamin Paddock was a notorious bank robber wanted by the FBI and constantly on the run. Paddock senior’s birth date was November 1, 1926 – with sun in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus, indicating his violent life.

His Mars in Taurus was only two degrees from Stephen’s Mars in Taurus, possibly indicating an “inheritance of violence” passed from the father to the son. If there were issues of the father being absent, then a great resentment could have easily built up in Paddock junior, leading him to somehow “make his mark” – as an ignored non-entity, spending his time aimlessly gambling and hanging around casinos. (Like many other millions.) This is underscored by the fact that in his father’s day (and even today), bank robbers like Bonnie and Clyde were glamourised by Hollywood and the media, perhaps creating a fantasy figure of his father that he wanted to somehow emulate.

Paddock’s sun was in fact, opposite Neptune and square to Chiron, a T-square with Chiron at the apex. Sun-Neptune are very sensitive in their astral nature, even quite psychic. Sun-Neptune types can also find it very hard to define themselves, and combined with Chiron, can indicate the wound of identity, also tied to the father. One astrologer cites a date of importance in Paddock’s life:

“Here is a record of a neighbour taking a young Paddock swimming on July 28 1960. The real reason was to remove the child from the home and spare the trauma of seeing his father removed by the authorities. Relatives think that this may have been a turning point. On that day transiting Uranus was … on Pluto. His secondary progressed Venus was just departing from a conjunction with the Sun and square Chiron. The union could well have portrayed strong bonding with the father just prior to his sudden departure.

Either way it would be traumatic at seven, the year of the first Saturn square of personal responsibility, restrictions and limitations and when the moral sense of right and wrong is becoming evident. The father’s abrupt absence would be critical here, reinforcing the Saturn alignment with shadowy Neptune. Who knows what he was told?”2

Indeed, Uranus was exactly conjunct Pluto on that date, but perhaps more importantly, secondary progressed Venus was not only conjunct his sun, but squaring his Chiron by an arc of 1′. In other words, the Sun square Chiron wound of the father was activated powerfully at that time, undermining his confidence considerably.

C. Yod Apex Mercury in Pisces
This close configuration from Pluto and Neptune at the base to Mercury at the apex, would have given Paddock a strong fantasy life and maybe even subject to obsession or possession. He might have also been very intuitive. Neptune is the exoteric ruler of Pisces and Pluto the soul ruler. Paddock’s thoughts may have been easily led astray by the mass astralism around him, which he may have found very attractive in the glamour of big casinos; this in sharp contrast to the very private Paddock. The Mercury in Pisces yod is linked to Paddock’s Sun-Neptune opposition, in terms of his astrality.

Here are some of the basics of the horoscope, not exhaustive by any means. Let us now examine the other transits and progressions in Paddock’s horoscope, to determine what was activated at the time of the shooting.

Transits and Progressions
The transits and progressions will be listed roughly in order of importance – for October 1, 10.04 pm.

A. Progressed Sun in Gemini
Paddock’s progressed sun in Gemini was only 6′ of arc from the Event chart rising sign at 22 degrees. Hence, Paddock had endured an eight-week station of Saturn in Sagittarius opposite his progressed sun, which might have built up a lot of frustration and resentment. It may have also focussed his mind for the meticulous planning that he carried out. This aspect is also known for creating health issues with the heart. The state of his health is unknown at this point, but it may have played a part. (See also below with the Pluto square Sun analysis.) Perhaps he felt he was leading a useless life and Saturn was urging him to really face up to what he was going to do. Rather than do something useful, his ego may have taken over and decided to go out with a bang rather than a whimper.

Progressed sun in Gemini was also closely square to Mercury in Pisces, activating some of the possibilities discussed earlier. Hence, Paddock’s progressed sun in Gemini was on USA’s Mars in Gemini, and his Mercury in Pisces sits precisely opposite USA’s Neptune in Virgo. One could not find a better “fit” for an individual pattern to spark off a national problem – the sixth ray personality of the USA ruled by Mars and Neptune.

B. Moon in Aquarius Return
As mentioned, transiting moon in Aquarius just six hours before the event – whilst he was planning and getting ready for his long planned and premeditated act. Solar Arc Mercury in Taurus was square to natal moon – significant, given Mercury’s natal potency in Pisces.

C. Progressed Moon and Mercury in Cancer – Conjunct Uranus
When the progressed moon is in Cancer, one is far more emotionally sensitised and issues of family and women might be more prominent; especially going through his twelfth house, all kinds of inner demons may have been activated. The approaching conjunction to Uranus can bring restlessness and radical action, erratic and impulsive due to an emotional issue. Moon-Uranus can be another factor that contributes to a need to be “unique.” Uranus is also in close sextile aspect to natal Mars in Taurus, hence progressed moon/Mercury might have activated “angry Mars,” even if the natal aspect is an harmonious one.

D. Transiting Pluto Square Sun, Conjunct Chiron
Probably one of the most important transits, if not the most important; it concerns Paddock’s Sun square Chiron wound, explored earlier. From May to June this year, transiting Pluto came within less than half a degree to squaring his Aries sun. That is very close for a Pluto transit because often it can be felt up to 5 degrees away. Pluto is the destroyer and reaches down into the depths of being to drag to the surface what needs to be healed – psychologically and physically.

Psychologically, the pain of his father/identity wound may have surfaced and have been over-whelming for him. Physically, a Pluto transit to the sun (vitality) can often indicate the diagnosis of cancer or a life threatening illness. If that were the case, and Paddock had been given a certain time to live, or had not wanted to go through a treatment program, it could have triggered his latent rage or resentment at having his life brought to an end.

That rage is mirrored in his Aries sun ruler Mars, square to Pluto natally, as discussed earlier. So perhaps he might have thought, “If I am going to go, I will take as many people with me as I can.” In this respect, a possible health issue ties in with the Saturn opposite progressed sun health theme discussed earlier.

E. Solar Arc Mars Conjunct Prog. Uranus
Speaking of Cancer, solar arc Mars (ruler of his Aries sun) is also in Cancer, closely conjunct progressed Uranus, another factor that can trigger sudden violence. Transiting Pluto made an exact opposition to progressed Uranus and solar arc Mars – a considerable influence upon his deadly outburst on the public. Solar arc Mars is also closely sextile to transiting Mars in Virgo.

F. Transiting Uranus in Aries conjunct Solar Arc Moon and Natal Venus
Solar arc planets often indicate events. Uranus is prominent again, as well as Venus indicating a selfish approach to his relationships and suddenly acting upon them.

G. Transiting Chiron Conjunct Mercury
The wound of communication. Mercury was discussed earlier as the apex of a powerful yod formation. Transiting Chiron had been activating Mercury on and off for 2016 and early 2017. If any distress had occurred at that time, then Chiron heading back toward Mercury may have aroused some trepidation.

There are probably a few significant transits or progressions omitted here; as well as midpoints, eclipses and many other techniques. But in terms of the question if the birth pattern sufficiently activated by transits and progressions – all criteria are easily fulfilled as far as Paddock being a “lone gunman”. He may have had an accomplice or two, but it appears that the main motivation came from Paddock.

4. Las Vegas Horoscope

Las Vegas is a fascinating place, the author having passed through several times for brief stays. The reputation of this town is certainly reflected in its horoscope. Leo rising represents the enormous creative talent and entertainment, the extra-ordinary performers, artists, singers who have long running shows there. A big-hearted generosity in some ways, contrasted against the “house that always wins” and a me-first attitude, a sense of entitlement.

The sun in Taurus represents (in its lower expression) materialism, money, avariciousness, greed, sleaze etc., all those charming lower Taurus-Scorpio traits! As noted earlier, Stephen Paddock’s Jupiter in Taurus falls directly on the Las Vegas sun, hence his attraction to this city as a wealthy person – like a moth to the flame. Las Vegas also has Jupiter in Taurus, precisely opposite Mars in Scorpio! There is your “Sin City,” the notorious mafia and other criminal elements, sordid themes etc.

It is noteworthy that Paddock and Las Vegas also share Venus in Aries, only a few degrees from one another. The moon is in Libra, complimenting the other Venus-ruled sign Taurus, of beauty and sensuality. Moon is also square to Neptune, enhancing the world of glamour and show business. In relation to Venus in Aries, one astrologer frames it thus:

“Selfishness – VENUS afflicted. The first major flaw in Paddock’s character is shown by afflicted Venus – it is in detriment in selfish Aries and retrograde. It represents a person whose relationships would potentially fail as long as he remained self-absorbed and selfish and placed his desires and goals above the needs of his partner. News reports tell us that Paddock drifted in and out of relationships, which confirms that he had not yet healed the difficulties he had in forming deeply meaningful and enduring relationships.”3

And hence, one could apply this interpretation equally to Las Vegas: “self-absorbed and selfish etc.” Paddock was a child of Las Vegas. But of course Las Vegas is much more complex, it has various spiritual communities and activities; it has an evolution as a young city established in 1910 that is reflected by its progression and transits.

Many critics say that Las Vegas is a microcosm of the USA in terms of excess, glitzy glamour, materialism, mindless gambling (especially slot machines), crime, drug use, homelessness, the misuse and waste of money etc. Perhaps it is America’s de facto sacral centre, effecting an eventual evolution/elevation to the throat centre (currently NYC), through its massive creative output.

The famous line, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” alludes to its reputation for visiting and having a “naughty weekend,” or bad behaviour and indulgence, trying your luck in life’s game of chance; dumping it all there and then retreating back home.

Conclusion
This analysis is far from complete but was meant as an overview of the current state of the USA and the kind of culture that encourages some of the disaffected like Paddock to arise from its underbelly. It is unique in the world, no other nation has this peculiarly American aberration. With a population of 325 million and high gun fatality statistics, this will not be the last mass shooting. For many people there are also other troubling unanswered questions such as,

Why there were so many weapons in his hotel room and many more at his home. And how did he get them all to his room undetected?
Was Paddock simply an accomplice and/or a patsy who was murdered when the deed was done?
There were reports that some people in the crowd were warned 45 minutes before the shooting that they were going to die, suggesting that this was evidence of a wider plot and not a “lone wolf” attack.
A neighbour of Paddock’s said, “I can tell you 100% this is not that kind of guy,” said Rick, adding that he would see Paddock every other day and that the two would go to a local bar and play slot machines.”
Reports of multiple gunmen and video footage showing muzzle flash and firing from the Mandalay’s fourth floor.Regardless of all these factors, the horoscope does declare quite vocally who the perpetrator was.

Phillip Lindsay © 2017.
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