Uranus Is afoot: ‘Retrograde chaos’

I’m still a fake astrologer…and a lazy one, given that my last column appeared in early 2022.  But the stakes are high and it’s time to weigh in.

We are currently immersed in an unusual period which began November 25, 2024, and continues through April 12, 2025. Astrologer Ray Merriman calls this interval “retrograde chaos.” By now, even your dog understands a typical Mercury retrograde: travel delays, miscommunications, computer snafus, and general mayhem of your best laid plans. Now, throw in consecutive and concurrent retrogrades with Venus and Mars, along with Mercury, and your Saturday morning burnt toast becomes a three-alarm fire. We’re talking peak confusion and uncertainty on a global basis.

Astrologically speaking, is it any surprise that the King of Chaos currently sits in the Oval Office (not to mention Donald Trump?)

In August/September of 2024, Merriman wrote some remarkable predictions for his book Forecast 2025. Remember, at the time of his writing, Trump not only hadn’t yet been reelected, but he was behind in the polls.

Below are several of these predictions:

(1) With Mars retrograde, and in opposition to its co-ruler Pluto (death and rebirth) look for a “revenge-minded cleaning initiative. Many people directly or indirectly connected to the government may find their roles terminated” … DOGE ball anyone?

(2) With Uranus (shocking change) on the cusp of the 7th House (representing contracts and deals with a nation’s allies) “old alliances may separate from the United States. Events arise quite suddenly and unexpectedly in this arena.” The shameful treatment of President Zelensky in the White House comes to mind, not to mention the global effects of the dizzying Trump tariff proclamations still playing out today.

(3) Merriman predicted the possibility of controversial mass deportations and border control reform. That didn’t take long, did it? And it looks like Presidio County will have a front row seat going forward.

(4) “This period of disruption will follow a pattern of start-again, stop-again executive actions.” Promises to usurp Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland are like some dystopian game show, and we’re the dumbstruck studio audience. Among other abominations, the DOD’s website removed all mention of the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, and all manner of heroic men and women in uniform. The ensuing outcry has restored them to their rightful place. But not restored are the Voice Of America, key funding for life-saving research and treatment at the NIH, agricultural science, and worldwide programs of decency and generosity too numerous to name. Also lost are the livelihoods of tens of thousands of our neighbors, friends and fellow citizens. Gone. 

I can only close with the wish emblazoned on my favorite (blue!) baseball cap: MAKE ORWELL FICTION AGAIN.

Jack Copeland
Marfa

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Dear Editor,

Well — Trump shows his true personality — small minded, power hungry, egotist.

1. Fine everyone who had anything to do with the investigation of the Capitol RIOT.

2. Pardon all the thugs who were convicted of riot crimes.

3. He shows no respect for the rule of law.

4. Now he’s started firing our top military generals — one Black & one female.

5. Most of all — he’s kowtowed to Putin siding with him against Ukraine.

6. Wait for Russian troops marching in Washington, D. C.

Hugh Johnson

Alpine