The Olympic Torch touched down in Canberra on 23 April 2008 to begin the Australian section of its world tour. Already having attracted large numbers of protestors in support of the cause of Tibetan separatism while on its way through major European and North American cities, the Olympic Torch relay was expected to require a strong security presence on its arrival in Australia. As it turned out, there was a perhaps unexpectedly strong show of support for the Chinese state along the route of the relay, with ranks of large red flags somewhat drowning out the yellow and blue sunrays of the Tibetan flags. There were relatively minor scuffles but at the end of the day, peace prevailed and the relay was not derailed.
This was all taking place as a powerful t-square was perfecting in the cardinal signs: Mars in the 22nd degree of Cancer opposite Jupiter in the 23rd degree of Capricorn, both square Venus in the 23rd degree of Aries. Note that Venus is in its detriment, but Mars and Jupiter are both in fall, but in mutual reception by exaltation and triplicity. Hence all the relevant planets in this tense aspect formation are in a sense in the wrong place. It is like they are playing out a drama but the real substance of the drama refers to a completely different location.
The Tibetan/Chinese conflict was being played out in Canberra, with the symbol of international competition being used as the vehicle to bring this to worldwide attention. Not only is Jupiter in the 23rd degree of Capricorn in the chart of the People’s Republic of China (1 October 1949, 15:15 (GMT+8), 39N55, 116E25, Beijing, China), but is also at this same degree in the Davison Relationship Chart for Australia and China (17 May 1925, 17:25 GMT, 3N10’10, 134E31’44).
Ian Thorpe, whose ruling planet Saturn is in the 25th degree of Libra (completing the grand cross pattern), was the last person in the torch relay to light the flame before its departure to Japan where it is due to arrive on 26 April 2008.
