Some friends asked me to comment on the current "novel corona virus" (Covid-19) pandemic. I am not a medical expert and will share some thoughts based on common sense and limited understanding of astrology. I will also tie it in to my long-standing world predictions and also show how current time has the same astrological signature as September 2001 (with some differences).
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First, some things we know so far. For people below 50-55, this seems to be just like a cold, with a very very low mortality rate. But, for older people above 60-65 and for people with pulmonary issues, this seems to be more deadly with a much higher mortality rate. And, this seems to be highly contagious.
Though current toll is fortunately far less than recent flu virus tolls (e.g. H1N1, H3N2), it can become deadly IF it spreads more widely, more old people need ventilators and the health care infrastructure is overwhelmed (like in northern Italy).
Some of the drastic measures taken in US, such as closing schools and colleges, canceling large events and companies asking people to work from home, are aimed at stopping the spread - nipping the crisis in the bud and flattening the bell curve.
However, I wish Trump or CDC streamlined and directed all these preventive measures directly and sent out a loud and clear message like "there is NO crisis. However, looking at what this virus did in other countries, we think it has a potential to create a major crisis. In order to prevent/blunt it, we are taking PREVENTIVE measures. It is VERY important to follow these, but there is no need for panic. These measures are intended to avoid a major crisis and we are not in one."
Due to haphazard messaging and un-coordinated actions from various entities, some people are overly panicking and emptying store shelves and some people are thinking this whole thing is a hoax. Neither approach is correct.
In any case, the measures will hopefully have an impact and flatten the bell curve. However, one has to remember that a society's response to a pandemic can only be as good as its weakest link. So individuals need to be responsible and cautious.
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Assessing astrologically, I do not expect this to resolve very quickly, to be honest. Though a great majority may recover well, the toll may still be high. Apart from direct toll, there may be long-term consequences.
Astrologically, Jupiter (collective wisdom) is currently hemmed between a strong Saturn (suffering) and Ketu (suddenness and explosiveness).
Ketu is also the significator of microbes. So Jupiter (life force) is hemmed between Saturn (disease) and Ketu (microbes), in the 9th house of protection in the natural zodiac.
And, Jupiter is about to leave Sagittarius and become debilitated in a few days. That is not really positive.
So I am afraid this may not resolve too quickly and may linger for a couple of months.
BTW, long term effects of this virus on survivors may not yet be fully understood.
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Astrologically, conjunction of Mars (aggression and violence) and Ketu (suddenness and explosiveness) in Sagittarius (9th house of protection in natural zodiac) that seems to trigger anxiety in US and world. It happens once in every 18 years (approx).
It recently happened on 2020 Feb 25. The last time it happened was on 2001 Sept 14 (close to Sept 11).
Then and now, this conjunction corresponded to Le in D-2 (economy). As Le is the 5th house of natural zodiac, this conjunction ruins emotions and mood in economy. So there was and is a stock market downturn.
In D-11 (wars), they were in Sc in 2001 Sept. As it is the 8th house of unpredictable strife in natural zodiac, it triggered destabilizing wars. But, they are in Sg in D-11 this time. As Sg is the 9th house of natural zodiac, there is no such risk at this time.
Both times, the conjunction corresponded in D-30 (deep unrest) to Vi, the 6th house of enemies in natural zodiac. So there is deep discomfort in the society and a sense of facing a strong enemy.
BTW, going back, this conjunction of Mars and Ketu in Sagittarius also happened in Dec 1963, a little after JFK assassination, which caused a great sense of anxiety in the nation.
The only other time it happened in the last 60 years was in Nov 1982. US was then going through the "Reagan recession", Reagan's popularity was at its lowest and Reagan's party lost 26 seats in house elections. There was anxiety, but it was not as bad as on other occasions, as perhaps a 5-planet conjunction in Libra dominated over Mars-Ketu conjunction in Sagittarius.
This time, Jupiter with Mars and Ketu can give some relief, but he is soon moving away to his debilitation sign and that is not helpful.
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BTW, astrologically speaking, we cannot rule out the possibility that this outbreak was the unintended consequence of a failed bio-engineering project.
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Just as with 2001 Sept events, the real and terrible impact of this outbreak may be faced in coming years, as a chain reaction of events develops slowly.
Unfortunately, this pandemic may eventually have a combined impact on 3 things I predicted in the past:
(1) Fall and eventual break up of China
(2) A significant slowdown in global economy
(3) A major war
The unavoidable immediate impact of this may be that the economy may be forced to screech to a near halt in order to stop the spread of the virus. It may be very difficult to get it going again.
And, continued economic struggles may result in layoffs and bankruptcies that foment unrest, over the next year or two.
Also, this crisis will increase internal dissatisfaction in China with the ruling Communist party. As world economy and China economy struggle, that may boil over as a revolution that breaks the country apart.
All this upheaval may give rise to a destructive world war that kills a lot more people.
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Please take care of yourself and others around you. Even if you are young and/or have strong immunity, you should be considerate to others around you, especially those who are vulnerable. This is a deadly virus (unlike previous viruses we have seen), for vulnerable groups. Take ample precautions to avoid the spread. Minimize social gatherings and contact. Do not shake hands or hug people.
If you have symptoms like fever and continuous cough, make sure to get tested quickly and isolate yourself. If you have any cold/cough/flu/pneumonia symptoms, immediately isolate yourself and avoid physical contact with people.
Most importantly, try to improve your immunity and take a lot of vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Chyavan prash is good overall for immunity. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) with honey or warm water or warm milk is also useful for building ojas (stamina). Musli with warm water or milk also helps and it can be mixed with Ashwagandha.
Ginger with honey and black/long pepper with honey are in general good for destroying ama that blocks ojas and promotes initial growth of microbes. Sudarsana choorna with hot water is also good for flushing out built up toxins that promote the growth of microbes.
Guduchi/giloy/tippa teega is a very good immuno-modulator. You can take it as Ark. You can also take it in tablet form with warm water or mix powder in warm water and take it.
Also, a knowledgeable doctor friend told me that Luteolin may inhibit a key action of this virus. So consider increasing its consumption (e.g. rosemary, celery seeds, thyme, oregano, broccoli, carrots).
Above all, not having control over things and not knowing when things will become "normal" again will naturally cause anxiety. On top of it, media (and social media!) greatly aggravate that anxiety. Heightened anxiety provokes vata like anything and that makes one more susceptible to diseases. Hence try to avoid the hype and remain calm. Calmness and optimism are great catalysts for immunity.
Also, try to get plenty of physical and mental rest and enough sleep. And spend some time everyday in physical exercise (just simple stretches and Surya Namaskaras (Sun salutations) for 10-15 min is enough). Rest, sleep and exercise are really vital for keeping the immunity system running smoothly.
Chanting a kavacha everyday once or a few times is good for creating a subtle protective layer around oneself. Narayana kavacha and Chandi kavacha are particularly effective. Mrityunjaya mantra and Lord Narasimha's "ugram veeram" mantra are also very effective when chanted in large quantities with devotion.
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I hope you and your loved ones remain healthy, calm and safe through this unstable period. I am afraid this may drag on for a while. Even after this specific thing ends, there may be disturbances brought by a chain of events set in motion. This whole year is likely to be weird and unusual, almost up to Saturn-Jupiter conjunction in Capricorn on 2020 Dec 21. Be prepared for a turbulent ride.
Sometimes, sustainable and righteous peace requires some destruction. One thing is for sure - after the Fierce Mother finishes her destructive dance on earth over the next few years, the Loving Mother will take over and dance on earth for a long time - there will be sustainable and dharmik peace on earth for a long time.
