If you were expecting some kind of sun sign nonsense, forget it. This is real astrology. See the section above. And if you need help deciphering the astrological glyphs in the graphics accompanying these forecasts, see Astroglyphs: Astrological Symbols Guide. Please note: all forecasts are expressed in terms of Universal Time (UT).

"What looks like a fairly long run of geophysical disturbances is set to get underway on the 4th," I wrote, adding that "this means unusually strong storms with high winds and heavy precipitation . . . increased seismic activity, including Richter 5+ earthquakes as well as volcanic eruptions . . . through the 7th, and then tapers off a bit. But it merges into the solar eclipse effect which extends from the 7th through the 21st. So upheaval in Earth's crust and seas and atmosphere really won't let up much at all - even though it's apt to be strongest around the 5th, 12th, 14th, 18th and 19th." While properly pointing out that the whole of Planet Earth is vulnerable to disturbances in the crust, seas and atmosphere, I also indicated that some particular zones were especially likely to be in the crosshairs during this period: the eclipse's zone of visibility (northeastern Asia, Alaska, and parts of the northern Pacific Ocean including Hawaii); as well as astro-locality vulnerability zones "including eastern South America in the western hemisphere, plus Japan and New Guinea in the eastern hemisphere; also along a northeasterly arc from the Horn of Africa through the Arabian Peninsula into Iran and Russia."

On the seismic side of the equation, Mount St. Helens got things rolling right on schedule, as upwelling magma pushed up the lava crust and created a boiling lake in the crater on Tuesday the 5th. Next up was the Richter 5.8 earthquake that struck Japan on the 6th, shaking buildings in Tokyo and other nearby areas - in one of the specified at-risk zones, be it noted. That same day, a Richter 5.2 temblor hit southeastern Iran - another risk zone. Far stronger was the Richter 6.6 quake that rocked the Philippines on the night of the 7th. Stronger still was the magnitude 6.9 quake that hit the west coast of Nicaragua on the 9th. Frighteningly powerful was the Richter 7.0 quake that rattled Taiwan (again, in one of the specific risk zones) on the 15th, shaking high-rise buildings in the capital Taipei, sending panicked people fleeing to the street and leading to a 30-minute suspension of the city's underground transport system. It was the strongest earthquake to hit quake-prone Taiwan since the island's worst one struck on September 21, 1999, measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale and leaving about 2,400 people dead. Less powerful, but more destructive, was the Richter 5 quake that struck southwest China on the 19th, injuring five people and damaging 20,000 homes in the town of Baoshan in Yunnan province.