Typically, when analyzing the astrological charts of nations, we look at when the official contracts were signed. This is usually a ceremonial event of some kind. For the European Union, that event was in Maastricht, Netherlands on February 7, 1992.  It was originally called The Maastricht Treaty. Only 12 European countries signed the epic tome on that day. The treaty wasn’t fully ratified and implemented until November 1, 1993, which is the chart most astrologers refer to.

I wanted to look at both charts to compare. I cannot find a definitive time of day for either chart. I scoured the Internet for official time stamps from Maastricht and it was like being in a casino. No clocks or digital dates on videos. I mean, its not like this is a live birth with nations being held in swaddling clothes. While the house delineations aren’t clear, or the Ascendant placement and moon degree, we at least know the rest of the planets are the same regardless.

Ok, here’s the chart for the Maastricht Treaty.

The world leaders at Maastricht were drinking champagne by the end of the stock videos so I guessed 5:00pm. Without knowing officially, though, I’ll just focus on the planets instead of the houses/angles.

One of the key points that comes up with charts like the EU, Ukraine and Russia is that their governments were all redesigned during an incredibly unstable time. The years 1991-1992 were still recovering from the Saturn-Uranus conjunction that began in 1988.

The transiting outer planet trifecta of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn during that time was weirdly like replacing The Cold War with yet another frosty design. This was a time when authority figures were especially reviled. Money was tight and depression was high. The early 90s didn’t project a particularly bright new future. Look at Grunge music, for example.

Saturn-Uranus hard alignments (like the square we’re in now) are a bit like lightning in a bottle. Structural implosion, essentially. Good for breaking things apart but not so great for putting them back together. Capricorn does make a valiant effort despite this.

The 4-planet stellium in Capricorn for the Maastricht Treaty chart (shown in the 6th house above) involves Uranus, Venus, Neptune and Mars. Uranus conjunct Venus alone is not particularly beneficial for uniting the unique nations of Europe. Venus rules love, beauty and money and Uranus rules instability and rebellion. It’s a relationship based love one minute then repulsion the next.

One of the major criticisms of the Maastricht Treaty was not only that it was hastily thrown together, but most European countries didn’t really understand what it was trying to achieve. Some leaders (like Sir James Goldsmith of the U.K.) were especially vocal that it should never have been a treaty. It would be better as a referendum. Or at least put to a vote. For the nations of Europe to give up their sovereignty, which had taken many battles and centuries to establish, just to team up with each other to become stronger economically didn’t seem like a well thought out decision.

One of the shortcomings of the sign of Capricorn is focusing a little too much on appearances. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and of course Saturn rules Capricorn, but the other two planets do not function optimally in Capricorn. It’s as if they are role-playing.

Since we are coming out of an even more Capricorn-heavy era, this should feel somewhat familiar to us. Capricorn is responsible, hard-working and desirous of financial security. Those are the good traits. Their darker traits revolve around needing total control, which is why Fascism (or extreme conservatism if you prefer) has reared it’s head again in recent years.

Fascism gained momentum in Europe between 1912-1937 when Pluto was in Cancer – Capricorn’s other half. Even though they are opposed each other (i.e. 6 signs away from each other), they share an axis. Capricorn-Cancer make up what’s called the structural axis. The structure of home and family (Cancer) and the structure of work and public recognition (Capricorn).

The lunar nodes were also transiting the Cancer-Capricorn axis during the years of 1991-1992. The south node in Cancer feeds off of relationships and codependence, while the north node in Capricorn wants to embrace power alone. This psychology is clear when looking at Ukraine and Russia as they share this axis too. With the EU, however, it is not at all clear how they can ever position themselves in a power position. They are literally sandwiched between three major superpowers. Not to mention a financial system on the brink of collapse.

The south node in Cancer is conjunct the U.S. Jupiter in Cancer. Their heavy reliance on U.S. currency to continually borrow on top of steadily mounting debt is the definition of codependency.  Also, placing too much emphasis on inflation has just caused lower economic growth for the Euro.

Pluto in Scorpio is penetrating, plus it is making a square with the Sun in Aquarius. Sun square Pluto has plenty of ego and drive, but suffers from self-inflicted fears and constraints. A hard aspect like a square is still strong but not as fluid as a conjunction. Pluto in Scorpio on its own is also very geared towards risks and relational bonding but is not formidable.

Mercury conjunct Saturn takes communication very seriously – maybe even too seriously. There is structure and discipline here. But if Saturn really is on the Descendant like in this chart, then relationships with others are very sobering. Saturn conjunct the Descendant means you are attracted to older people, or those who seem wiser and more experienced. Saturn ruling your partnerships can mean you struggle to feel loved. Those who commit to you might be stern and judgemental.

Let’s look at the chart for November 1, 1993.

Uranus and Neptune are tightly conjunct in the 1st house of appearances. Rebelling against authority figures is more of a rite of passage in the 1st house. But Neptune on the Ascendant is difficult to harness. It is dreamy and creative, but suffers from boundaries being violated. Neptune on the Ascendant is the actor; the shapeshifter. Uranus in the 1st house is constantly reinventing itself.

Saturn is in the 1st house still in Aquarius but at 23 degrees. Transiting Saturn in Aquarius conjuncts the EU’s natal Saturn in March-April, August and late December, instigating its first Saturn Return. Inevitable growing pains here. A make over in responsibilty.

The stellium in the 10th house in Scorpio doesn’t really resonate. Pluto conjunct Mars in Scorpio is a force to be reckoned with. I’m not sure I see this with the EU. It’s political maneuvering seems more Capricorn to me. This is where the chart for the Maastricht Treaty seems to fit better.

China’s chart has a Mars-Pluto conjunction in Leo and I don’t consider the EU in the same league. Mars conjunct Pluto is powerful and focused. Russia as well has a Venus-Pluto conjunction in Scorpio. Mars in Capricorn, with Mars motivated by status and wealth, seems to fit better. The EU’s practice of transferring funds from poor to rich landowners is a by-product of CAP, the Common Agricultural Policy. This has provided little social benefit to EU countries. The taxpayer then pays the higher tax burden.

Unemployment has been consistently high for two decades, particularly in countries like France and Spain. In the Maastricht Treaty chart, Jupiter is in the 2nd house in Virgo. Jupiter in the 2nd house is great at amassing income. In Virgo, there is a desire to be ethical and of service. The EU has managed to provide free health care to its citizens even if it can’t manage money to save its life. There is virtue here, even if it is irresponsible.

Jupiter conjunct Venus in Libra in the 9th house is very charitable to other cultures of the world. Many EU countries have had refugees flocking to their borders for years now. Has the EU been charitable to refugees? Charitable isn’t a word that leaps to mind. The 2nd chart could apply here. Neptune on the ascendant has difficulty defining boundaries.

While a synthesis of these two charts might give us the best perspective, I think the Maastricht Treaty chart best illustrates how the EU operates. Just like the U.S. might eventually break off into regional powers (I know California desperately wants to secede), the EU needs to consider breaking up as well. A hastily designed monetary system will never be able to fix itself in the end. I think its days are numbered.