Local astrologer Brigid Penrose is ringing in the New Year with a mix of optimism and caution. “It is really a mixed bag of good and bad news in 2015. On the one hand, we’ll see unemployment rates drop in Indiana and Indianapolis. It will be a good business year in the city, especially for the health care industry and insurance companies. However, there are also signs of problems in leadership on the state and local level — a lot of residents grumbling about changes being made that aren’t in the best interests of citizens. Citizens won’t be shy about expressing themselves to council members or the Mayor.”
A long-time practitioner of mundane astrology, Penrose studies cycles and history to gain insight into upcoming trends. “We are in a period that is very much like the early 1980s, which was marked by a surge in conservatism and the ‘Reagan Revolution’ and tax revolts on a national scale. There are a lot of divisions in our society that need to be healed so we can move forward. We can’t make real progress if we’re screaming at each other and pointing fingers.”
The year 2015 will likely begin on an upbeat note. “Lower gas prices help put people in a better mood, and put more money in their pocket,” Penrose notes. “Don’t expect it to last, but for the next couple of months, take advantage of it.”
The remainder of winter should be more “average” in temperatures and snow, she points out. “We have one glitchy period coming up with the March 20 eclipse that could bring some wild weather just before the actual eclipse date. It could be one of those wild periods where you get to wear your winter coat and your shorts on the same day.” Summer looks like it will be warmer than the last one, with normal levels of precipitation. September, however, could bring severe storms, especially late in the month.
Politically, the Indiana legislative session could be very combative. “There will be some very controversial bills introduced that moderate Republicans just can’t get behind,” Penrose warns. “There will be at least two stalemates this session — a clash of political Titans. It will be hard to get anything passed that will help the average Hoosier.” In Central Indiana, Penrose sees the City-County Council as having its own political tug-of-war, possibly over business incentives. “Republicans and Democrats will have to rediscover the fine art of negotiation.” She expects a scandal to disrupt the career of one local politician. “It will involve influence-peddling, and will bring their integrity into question.”
Crime will continue to be an issue in 2015, as murders climbed in 2014. Police targeting high-crime areas will yield results, Penrose stated, but not immediately. “Summer, especially late July into early August, could be a difficult time for police. There is an indication of a sudden event that creates a lot of tension around that time.”
Economic development is an area that Penrose sees as being overall very positive for the greater Indianapolis area. “There are several trends that hit the city’s chart nicely. Not exactly explosive growth, but some solid businesses moving headquarters here, bringing in jobs.” The growth will be uneven, however. “It could be a difficult couple of years for communications companies and media. Even social media will see a slow-down, with people getting fed up with Facebook and Twitter.”
Penrose sees the changes the city is going through as overall positives for everyone if they are patient. “Indianapolis is changing, and yes, there’s some griping about losing the ‘small town in a big city’ feel. There is a generational shift going on between two dominate generations, the Baby Boomers and the Millenials. They are both creative and visionary. They kind of admire each other’s abilities. Boomers and Millenials make good neighbors for each other downtown and in the newly revitalized neighborhoods, hanging out at arty things and drinking craft beers together. We’re shifting to a localized dynamic, with people realizing the value of strong neighborhoods and families.”
