Stepping into gloom!

By Laila Nasry

The greatly hyped, long awaited and much talked about millennium is finally here. So aren't you curious to know what it has in store for all of mankind? Well I was. So full of hope and with my fingers crossed I spoke to Dr. Kingsley Goonetilleke, famous astrologer and numerologist on what is in store for us beyond 2000.

Women it's your turn

Year 2000, he says, starts on the Virgo sign. If you are waiting for that promotion and the only obstacle is the fact that you are a woman, well then take heart, for that may not matter any more. 2000 will be the year of the female. More women politicos will come into power (one already has) and in general, women will hold key positions. However if you are waiting for a pay rise, well, then waiting it shall be, for this year, monetary wise, it will not be favourable for either sex. There will be labour disputes (with no pay rise).

The end or not?

Domestic life too will be in turmoil. More and more marriages will end up in separation or divorce. However, Cupid is not totally out of business, for 2000 promises to be a great year for love and romance.

The end of the world maybe close, it seems. Famous astrologer Nostradamus predicted that in the year 2000 from May 1 to June 7, there would be an "encounter" of five planets. This rare occurrence would result in the end of the human species, according to him. Before one rushes off to pray and repent, take note and take heart, for Dr. Goonetilleke feels differently (thank God for saving clauses). "This period will be a very powerful one for five planets, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus will be in Taurus. Though the world is far from breathing its last, he predicts recession, political conflict and the daily income of man decreasing. Cards as in credit cards and ATMs will play a big role in money matters in the future, he says. This pattern will prevail until 2325.

Darkness at noon

We will see four solar eclipses (partial) and two lunar eclipses. This is unusual for one total eclipse for a year is the norm. Although eclipses maybe a scientist's dream come true, they spell doom for mankind as a whole. These eclipses will result in dangerous encounters. There will be famines, food scarcity and drinking water will be short. Dr. Goonetilleke drew a comparison with 1999 when the world experienced a total solar eclipse. "After that there was destruction in Turkey, now in Venezuela, with thousands of people suffering. It would be the same in 2000."

Numerology wise, 2000 adds up to number eight as the zeros are counted as 8. Thus the millennium is in the Saturn planet and the dominant star sign will be Aquarius- the water pot carrier. Ironically this sign symbolises dryness. It will be a hot period, crops will fail and diseases will break out. More political turmoil and bitter struggles between leaders, violence and repercussions are forecast. Aquarius will change the pattern of life drastically and the real effects of Aquarius will be heightened in 2325.

Sorrow of Saturn

The impact of Saturn is anything but positive, Saturn being the planet of sorrow, unhappiness and gloom. Though it is known for its refinement and high diplomacy, there is a touch of selfishness to Saturn. Saturn will have a detrimental effect on the corporate sector and public ventures and investments will not be successful. Banks and other companies will have to put up shutters. Further labour unrest is on the cards.

July 2 to December 12 will be when Saturn and Uranus meet. This is extremely rare and won't occur for another 2000 years. Dr. Goonetilleke likened these two planets to a married couple. When they part it is going to be as bitter as a divorce, he says. The world will be engulfed in war, disease will be widespread, the North Pole will melt due to excessive heat and volcanoes will erupt. This trend will continue until 2012.

The 1900 series was equally gloomy having been ruled by Capricorn.

Scientific progress was an inherent quality of that millennium, but Aquarius is better for scientific advancement and in that aspect we are guaranteed a forward march.

War, famine, drought, and disease...whew, what a mess! So is there any chance of peace? Dr. Goonetilleke was pessimistic. "Peace? There will be no peace whatsoever. Saturn will not allow it."

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