The national chart of Austria

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In the horoscope of Austria, the transformative effects of Pluto are likely to be reflected in an increasing recognition of the importance of compromise and friendly relations with other nations. This will no doubt be one of the most important outgrowths of European Union for all participating nations, but it particularly emphasises a quality present in Austria's birth chart - the fact that its "destiny" or purpose is inextricably linked with other countries and that it grows and flourishes through the development of partnerships, economic and cultural. Any tendency to isolation or conflict with other nations is likely to create immediate difficulties over the next few years, and during the time of the Millennium and afterward a new outlook and attitude toward her neighbours is likely to transform Austria's awareness of her place in the world.

Meanwhile Uranus, planet of change and disruption, will be arriving back at its place in the country's natal chart - a full 84-year cycle - and this emphasises new attitudes and approaches toward "friends" which will undoubtedly breathe new life into cultural and creative ventures and bring about an entirely new feeling of belonging to a global community.

Neptune, planet of dreams and disillusionment, will be forming an opposition to its natal place, which suggests that this expansion and opening up of vision may be accompanied by a certain sadness, a feeling of loss of roots and a sense of the national identity disintegrating. Because Austria was born as an independent nation under the fixed sign of Scorpio, with another fixed sign, Taurus, at the Ascendant, there is a certain resistance to such changes which may cause many people to feel threatened. And change is indeed in the air. But as the planets move further along, especially when Uranus enters Pisces in the years following the Millennium, the positive and expansive effects of these changes, culturally, intellectually, and spiritually, are likely to be clear to everyone.

Liz Greene, 1999

(Data used: 12 November 1918, 4.00 pm CET, Vienna)