ning Properties,” Science of Ball Lightning, Singapore, World Scientific Publishing Co.). Today, the International Committee on Ball Lightning holds regular symposia on the subject in Russia—most recently, 2008, in Kaliningrad—each year.
Forms of ball lightning have been pro- duced under scientifically controlled condi- tions, but the nature of these experiments is so diverse nothing definite can be concluded from them. German researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Physics, in Munich, dis- charged a high-voltage capacitor in a tank of water to create a ball lightning-type effect. It has been similarly reproduced by Israeli sci- entists, Eli Jerby and Vladimir Dikhtyar, who simply placed a lit match in a common, home microwave oven (“Creating the fourth state of matter with microwaves by Halina Stanley,”
www.scienceinschool.org, 13 Au- gust 2009). At sudden, high temperatures, the match flared into a large fireball, above which “plasma balls” floated near the ceiling of the oven chamber.
In the early 1980s, an American physicist created identical phenomena by gradually ap- plying pressure to slabs of granite. Just as the specimens broke and disintegrated, tiny orbs of electric light—mostly deep blue—flew from the rock, as revealed by high-speed cameras.
These experiments prove nothing, save that ball lightning exists and can be repro- duced under a variety of circumstances. They seem to have little if anything to do with the stormy or at least rainy conditions during which most instances of ball lightning are re- ported. To be sure, the encounter we experi- enced on September 16 lacked most of the known features that characterize ball light- ning. Other than its apparent association with that evening’s weather conditions, it never moved and left no sulphurous scent. All my research into the phenomenon un- covered no parallel to its physical appear- ance—white with an encircling band of purple. No less unparalleled was the distinct “click!” Wayne and I heard some three or four seconds before the brilliant orb popped into existence. If it had been a high concen- tration of energy, one might have expected electrical systems to be affected in some way. But the ceiling fan near which it materialized functioned normally after the event, while all lights and appliances in the house continued to operate as before.
Was some kind of energetic connection made between an ideal meteorological envi- ronment and the multiple sclerosis of our host? Perhaps, because our autumnal en- counter with the phenomenon was not Alex’s first experience with ball lightning. As a ten- year-old child, he happened to be watching a thunderstorm through the window of his grandparents’ home, when he saw a bright globe of blue light shoot from the troubled sky to strike the ground and bounce along their field until it disappeared.
The legacies of such powerful events are only questions defining the limits of what we understand about the infinitely mysterious world in which we live.
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ASTROLOGY Continued from Page 49
enthusiasm to carry them out. Especially if those annoying details can be delegated to Virgos.
There can be a sense of destiny in this combination of influences that gives an in- tense courage of conviction that borders on a crusader’s intensity. The pioneering quality of Aries is infused with the optimism and growth of Jupiter, signaling an almost gold rush mentality with the potential for en- hanced gain in chosen endeavors. Aries rules the head, and Jupiter’s god-of-light aspect can be seen as a posi- tive influence, perhaps con- tributing the element of foresight to counteract Aries impulsive fire- first-aim-later ten- dency. Jupiter like- wise adds a some- what scientific and philosophical bent to Aries headstrong qualities.
The Jupiter in Aries blend contains the kind of confidence that attracts abundance. This expansive combination desires to broaden horizons, reaching out to explore the larger world. This mindset could aid global diplomacy as Jupiter in Aries might engender a curious and tolerant open- mindedness about other cultures. Jupiter in Aries will blaze a trail into the unknown if a path hasn’t already been cleared. The downside is an unwarranted level of optimism that tends toward rash ac- tion and overconfidence. Jupiter in Aries loves new challenges and is willing to take on situations that others think are impos- sible. However, it can be difficult to live up to the magnanimous promises that were made in a moment of well-intended largesse. On its own, this combination nobly, and with the best of intentions, believes that anything is possible. But Jupiter in Aries becomes easily bored and wants to move on to the next new, stimulating idea, so it’s vital to choose a qualified second-in-command well in advance.
forms that need to change. As a nation, the focus might be the ongoing revelations of corruption in financial sectors and corporate campaign financing. Jupiter in Aries could provide an impetus for real change, but the confrontations could be tumultuous. For in- dividuals, it’s a chance to examine where we might have compromised ourselves for the sake of perceived power or security. If we find ourselves in an ethical dilemma, it’s time to take stock.
U. S. Natal Chart
Since Jupiter is seen as a god of light, who might have become a star, we can hope that his capacity to “see the light” will be in- creased in the first six months of 2011. Ju- piter in Aries may prompt the quest for truth and meaning so evident in his own sign Sag- ittarius. It’s tempting to imagine that Ju- piter’s inability to catch fire left a tremen- dous void in his planetary psyche, making him a more powerful prod in the quest for il- lumination.
In late February, Jupiter, at 6 degrees of Aries, will form a square aspect to Pluto in Capricorn. This is an intense cardinal fric- tion that might bring new insights into old
Jupiter will then oppose Saturn in Libra at the end of March 2011 at 14 degrees. Old patterns of relationships and partnerships de- mand to be reevaluated. This is true individu- ally and collectively, and the dramatic polit- ical climate is evidence of these tug-of-war energies. This also sets up a pow- erful dynamic in the chart of the U.S. Saturn in the sky conjoins Saturn in America’s birth chart, and that conjunction opposes Jupiter moving through Aries, In addition, the opposition forms a T- square with the U.S Sun at 13 Cancer. At issue, I believe, is who we are as a na- tion abroad, and what we stand for at home. Both can seem to be at odds with how the country acts out relationships and partnerships. This intense configuration will also mark the second pass of the country’s Saturn return at 14 Libra. What’s at stake, I believe, is pro- foundly influencing our future destiny as a nation. Will we become an increasingly cor- rupt plutocracy, or will there be enough col- lective will to realign with our founding ideals of a true democratic republic? Even though dwarf planet Eris is larger than Pluto, she hasn’t yet made her way into mainstream astrological interpretation, and it’s too soon in the game to know how as- pects to these newly identified solar system objects will express astrologically. Coming after the aspects of February and March, Ju- piter will conjoin dwarf planet Eris in April and May of 2011, at 21 and 22 degrees of Aries. Eris may dramatically upset some apple carts in the status quo, asking some hard questions. Where do we need to ex- amine situations from a completely different perspective, and how might a complete re- versal of thinking change things for the better? This conjunction triggers the U.S. Mars and could provide some helpful energy to make needed changes.
Jupiter’s transit of Aries will make issues and opportunities seem larger in scale, and perhaps this will create a sense of pressure to find solutions and seize the moment to make changes that will lead toward positive growth.
Julie Loar’s multiple award-winning
book, Goddesses for Every Day, published by New World Library, is now available from booksellers everywhere.
www.JulieLoar.com
Number 85 • ATLANTIS RISING 73
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