Using the July 4, 1946 Philippine birth chart, the Philippines turns 73 years old this July. To look at the Progression chart for this year, we look at the planetary configurations 73 days after July 4, 1946. In the Philippine progressed chart for July 4, 2019 to July 3, 2020, the highlight is the conjunction of Sun and Mercury and Pluto within one degree of the Midheaven.
Conjunctions are one of the most powerful astrological configurations. Two planets in this configuration get to share their energy and if their purpose jibes with each other, their effect is more enormous.
Sun conjunct Mercury
Just like the election in 2016, this is a silver lining amidst some gloomy astrological configurations. Mercury is very strong in Virgo. Mercury in Virgo is critical but well-informed. Mercury is the writers, journalists, the youth and the thinkers. They are the Jose Rizals of this generation.
Mercury is at the heart of the Sun in this configuration. Giving it more power, a specific purpose and a sense of direction or destiny. Many are being called now. It’s their time to shine.
Pluto conjunct MC
This is the most troublesome in the progressed chart. Pluto is the rise of the authoritarian. This aspect has been moving towards perfection (exact conjunction) for a few years now. We have seen it happening right before our eyes. The question is— is that what we really want?
Let us be reminded of what the philosophers used to say. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Though the world has changed, human nature remains the same. We have to pay heed to the philosophies of the old. No fake news can supersede the universal values that guided great men, great countries and civilizations.
Excerpt from Astro Year 2019, Book 5 of Filipino Astrologer 2019 Auspicious Timing Guides.