Set against the backdrop of the potential foretold by the Grand Conjunction chart of 28 May 2000 and the Aries Ingress chart of 20 March 2000, the theme of self-undoing and wanton folly for South Africa is set to continue until the year 2020. Some may argue that the mistakes made are in keeping with an infantile constitution and governmental rule that is only eighteen years of age, and that in the big scheme of things, this is but a fleeting moment in time. The other side of the coin is that the life-span of a human being is much shorter than that of a country and this time period of twenty years is an enormous chunk out of the life of any individual; the ramifications of this turbulent period for the individuals who reside in the country have the potential to be severe and are of course subjective.

Introduction to Mundane Astrology: the study of events in the world

Astrological charts do not stand alone and are not a law unto themselves. The Primary Mover is the ultimate law unto whose will they bow, but each one is dependent on another more complicated or profound chart, in order to manifest its existence. A horary chart, the first level of astrology in The Tradition, working from the bottom of the traditional hierarchy upwards, is dependent on the nativity, the second tier; there is no point in assessing a horary question for which the nativity provides no propensities.

The nativity is in turn dependent on the country's chart in which the person resides, and this is further affected by the charts of foreign countries with which this country (of residence) enjoys relations. These nativities of countries are in turn dependant on the movements of the two Great Chronocrators Saturn and Jupiter, which are in turn dependent on the larger cycles of time.

The World-Year of 360, 000 years, when we have the conjunction of all 7 planets in the first degree of Aries, is the top echelon of scale and time with regards to the cycles. This World- Year is subdivided into smaller cycles, ending with the cycle of a 24 hour day. Each cycle provides a backdrop against which the nativities must be judged as the world does not proceed in a random fashion. It is only in mundane astrology, the pinnacle of the study of astrology, that the true beauty of the craft and these cycles of time is realised as each chart is quite simply a wheel within a wheel.

To fully comprehend the forecast for a country of any given year the previous Grand Conjunction chart and the Aries Ingress chart for that country must be delineated; only once that is done can the astrologer commence with the year in hand.

The 2012 Profected Charts: a peek at the year ahead

Profected charts are one of the methodologies used in traditional astrology to direct the natal chart forward in time and are worth investigating. The simplest way to visualise profections is to see them as an over-lay on top of the natal chart; the natal chart remains exactly as it is and against this background we let all the planets and cusps move forward exactly 30 degrees for every year. All of the systems we use to look ahead into time all fit together. Saturn, for example, divides time into sections of seven years by its square. This relates exactly to the movement of the progressed Moon from phase to phase, and also to profections, as after seven years a profected planet will oppose its natal position.

The first half of 2012 year will begin with matters developing rather easily, as if only a gentle nudge is required to set things in motion. Towards May 2012 an air of tension and difficulty will penetrate the collective mind-set and many pots on the boil may either spill over or cease boiling altogether. Based on this potential it will be wise to ensure that any ventures or interests which can be affected or determined by external national factors are launched in the first quarter of 2012; thereafter it will become increasingly more difficult for major undertakings to reach fruition.

These profected charts show the potential for international conflict especially in the economic arena and events that transpire within South Africa's borders may trigger international derision, with the backlash being that of a financial nature. The areas most likely to be affected or where these events manifest to cause this international backlash are the mining sectors and the farmlands/rural areas. This theme is strongly highlighted in all of the mundane charts delineated for South Africa. Change within the governmental echelons of power can be expected and this has the potential to result in instability, leaving the man in the street politically rudderless for some time to come.

The 2012 Progressed Chart: the primary events for a two to three year period

The primary potential for any given time period is determined from the progressed chart and one would expect to see the potential for major events and areas most likely to be affected within this chart. Due to the planetary movement of this chart the events may occur over a two to three year period which is why we fine tune this potential with the Solar return charts below. This chart clearly highlights what was derived from the profected charts, which is what we wish to see when delineating forward in time; a consistent theme or thread that is woven through all of the charts.

South Africa will largely be concerned with the economy and with its moveable assets and resources, as will the international community. While this may not necessarily have negative connotations, assessed against the other charts, matters appear to be leaning in that direction. Many of South Africa's natural resources are at risk of diminishing or disappearing completely due to exploitation and negligence and the country is not deriving the maximum benefit from this sector. Profit from mines, property and fixed assets are strongly highlighted in 2012 in this chart which leads me to believe that the debacle surrounding the nationalization of the mining industry may see developments during the course of the year.

The general theme provided by this chart is that South Africa may choose to run before it can walk by aspiring to heights greater than for which it is currently destined. If used correctly however this potential could be applied creatively and positively to finding ways to manage any crises that arise. Change within the levels of government is again depicted in this chart and it appears that the stage is set for combat.

The 2012 Solar Return Charts: the birthday chart, an annual forecast

31 May 2011 to 30 May 2012:

The chart for the first five months of 2012 reads like a well-rehearsed play in relation to the associated charts. The events that occur during this period and the manner in which they are addressed will have far-reaching repercussions for South Africa in time to come; these first few months will set the tone for the balance of the year. All the sectors mentioned above are again highlighted in this chart and the ability to make foolish and rash choices is again depicted. These first few months do not bode well for the property sector, the mining industry and for the man in the street with regards to taxation and the economy and it appears that any protestations against this activity will be subdued mercilessly. In context much of this may happen behind the scenes with the full story and its consequences emerging only after May 2012.

30 May 2012 to 30 May 2013:

The balance of the year appears somewhat more stable than the first half, almost as if the crisis point was reached and now time is devoted to mopping up operations. There is some activity relating to issues surrounding neighboring countries which could have something to do with farmlands, crops or food supplies.

Conclusion

The potential for South Africa cannot be assessed exclusive of the international community nor of major (future) global events; the world as we know it is changing and with that comes instability, uncertainty and large scale destruction on many levels: something must die if it is to be replaced. South Africa is gearing up for major elections in 2014 and many of the political games being played at the moment are on the same level as tom cats marking their territory; unfortunately those caught in the midst of the fray are the ones who suffer.

Taking the external community into account and the potential for internal disarray, especially with issues such as the possible collapse of a united Europe, in so far as I can see 2012 portends to be another year of buckling down and doing what needs to be done to survive on a personal level. Indications of a bullish economy should be viewed with caution and 2012 is not the year to once again exalt the material through the use of credit cards. Cash is still king and those who have learnt this harsh lesson since 2008 will be the ones who are left standing at the end of this cycle.

Rising debt levels and increased consumption expenditure in South Africa are a real concern and in light of the potential portrayed in these charts these areas will be exacerbated in 2012. Combine this with the fact that property prices are estimated to be at least thirty five percent lower than in 2008 with no imminent recovery, and Jupiter, the natural significator of wealth entering his detriment in 2012, and the picture is clarified even further.

Monthly Lunar Return Charts: monthly forecasts

The twelve months of the year, assessed using the methodology of thirteen Lunar Return charts, all of which are assessed against the previous annual directed charts, offer the following potential but it must be noted that astrological time does not conform to chronological time and sometimes what is forecast in one month could in effect manifest in the month prior or post.

Each month we take an in depth look at the potential for events in South Africa in all sectors and the article for the month ahead will be posted shortly before the commencement of that month; what transpires the month before has bearing on what is to come and the astrological potential has to be assessed accordingly.