The previous Saturn-Sun cycle witnessed one of the dark hours of American politics: the resignation of Richard Nixon over the Watergate crisis. On August 9th, 1974, with Saturn transiting the United States' Sun to the degree, Richard Nixon resigned his position of president of the United States. (see chart) Here we see the facet of Saturn as judge, as arbiter of law and reaper of past karma. Saturn is known for its tenacious quality to make individuals or groups accountable for previous actions and history. Not unlike a test of character, a Saturn transit measures our history against ethical and moral standards. Through honesty, diligence, and forthrightness, we may pass a "Saturnian test." However, it we are not aligned to truth, accountability and responsibility, Saturn transits are notoriously hard and stressful, as Nixon and the rest of the nation experienced under this particular pass of Saturn to the U.S. Sun. Hence with Saturn, one reaps what one sows.

With Saturn within two degrees of the United States Sun at the time of thiw writing (and, ironically, the position of Bush's Sun as well) it is obvious that once again the United States is passing through the test of Saturnian judgment as the world looks on.(4) As more and more information surfaces regarding the prison abuse scandal and as deeper questions arise to the necessity over the conflict with Iraq, the Saturn transit is forcing the nation and its character to reflect deeply over its actions, to take full accountability for its proceedings, and to mature in its integrity. The Bush administration is receiving critical feedback from all sides, even from supporters within the Republican Party.