Badger cull violates Ursa Major New Moon spirit

A pilot badger cull in Somerset is under way, the National Farmers' Union has confirmed. The controlled shooting of 5,000 badgers is due to begin on Tuesday in Somerset and Gloucestershire and last over six weeks in an attempt to control TB in cattle.

The current New Moon [14le] is conjunct the Dubhe, alpha  Ursa Major [15le]. Diana Rosenberg links this area with issues relating to the destruction or protection of animals and the environment [1].

In August Jupiter  in Cancer forms its Square and Opposition to Uranus and Pluto. The New Moon at Somerset  has the meridian axis straddling the  T-square  and therefore highlighting it for the place.  Uranus and Pluto have a quality of heartlessness as they bring about massive changes.  Jupiter in Cancer is  reminding us that while making these drastic changes we must not forget that all  living beings deserve our compassion.

But since Cancer is a sign connected with tribes, families and  groups, it is quite possible for individuals and groups to  react in a more parochial way to this challenge.  They become defensive wishing to  protect the interest of their group by building walls not bridges and so create an even greater gulf between "us versus them". Then this opportunity for growth and self-transcendence could be lost in those ego-driven fears that have echoed throughout other historical periods faced with similar demands for self-transformation [2].

[1] Secrets of the Ancient Skies, Diana K. Rosenberg (v.1, p.517)

[2] http://bit.ly/1457CRw