Last year’s astrological predications by Bridget Penrose were particularly interesting. While she missed the mark somewhat on Trump’s Republican nomination and surprise election, she definitely called it when it came to troubles in the local economy, especially when she noted a large company leaving the city would have an impact on the city (Carrier). So I asked her again to look at her charts for the upcoming year to see what 2017 had in store for all of us.
Like many, Penrose did not see Donald Trump’s election coming. “When I look at his chart, I’m still scratching my head over his election,” she admitted. “A lot of pollsters got it wrong as well, so there’s some small comfort there. Mundane astrology looks at large cycles and trends first, and to be quite honest, America is really coming up to the brink of a big, big shift, and the election of 2020 indicated as being even more of a game-changer. People might not understand what is going on, but they hope that making drastic changes will make things better for them. There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty, and that drove the electorate.” Looking at the chart for the inauguration on January 20, Penrose sees the incoming administration struggling to soften the tone for at least the first year. “Messaging, communication, sounding less extreme and more inclusive will be the focus of a lot of attention during the first 100 days.” She also observed that the messaging problem is apt to increase uncertainty — something Wall Street and Main Street do not like. “I expect a market downturn early in the year, and the American consumer to rein in spending until the new administration and Congress settle into new roles. There’s a lot of adjustment indicated in the U.S. chart in the next year or so.”
Penrose sees trouble ahead for Trump, particular in August. “There’s an eclipse in late August that hits a really sensitive part of his chart,” she observed. “It involves Mars, the planet of war and aggression. A sudden action or over-reaction is indicated.” She also noted that the total eclipse on August 21 will be visible in the United States, with the path of totality falling south of Indiana. “It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Sun go away in the middle of the afternoon. I visited the Web site www.eclipse2017.org and saw the maps of the path — the tip of Illinois or Kentucky looks like just a few hours drive from Indy. That would make a great road trip.”
Closer to home, she noted that Indiana’s chart and Indianapolis’ chart also continue to come under pressure. “This will be a tough couple of years for the state,” she said. “Money, especially tax collections and investment in retirement funds, looks like it will be coming under special scrutiny at the state level. More controversial legislative proposals that further social agendas are also indicated. Also, water issues come to the fore this year — either flooding or a Flint type crisis.”
As for Indianapolis, Penrose sees a power shift or sharing with an increasingly powerful City-County Council. “Late in the year, there could be a lot of stress between the Council and the Mayor’s office about finances and the 2018 budget.” The murder rate will also be a focus in 2017. “We’re going to see another change in leadership in law enforcement in the coming year, with Riggs’ replacement coming under close scrutiny and sharp questioning. Also, the crime rate will inch up, I’m afraid. After years of improvement in burglaries, theft, and other categories, the police are likely to see more property crimes in 2017.” Nevertheless, the city’s economy will remain very steady, with growth in tech a real bright spot, she said. “Housing also looks strong for the city, and development along a body of water — perhaps a proposal for development along the White River.”
On a final note, Penrose stressed that a sense of hopelessness that has taken hold in the past several months will begin to lift. “People organize, they work together for positive change, for what the really believe in. There are very clear indicators that on a state, local, and national level, people are just now beginning to realize their power.”
