Chiron in Capricorn

I note with interest that for the third time in less than 100 years, while Chiron transits the constellation Capricorn, the pharmaceutical giant Merck has hit the news. When Merck was founded, we were experiencing a Chiron in Capricorn transit. The second time, Merck got exposed in the media for lying about its product and it lost quite a bit of money. This third time, it is again losing money because it has had to withdraw arthritis drug Vioxx off the market because it causes more harm than good. The shareholders are probably feeling the most pain since the stock plummeted some 25% upon release of the news. Merck is also losing a patent on something else in about two years (meaning the particular drug in question can be made generically and by other manufacturers)....thus removing some more of the green stuff from Merck's overstuffed pockets. Chiron in Capricorn exposes corruption and greed in business practices.

Of course we have seen much work from Chiron (widely known among astrologers as "The Wounded Healer") in Capricorn these last few years. Literally as it began, both Enron and Martha Stewart were exposed for corrupt financial practices, including lying, insider trading, cooking the books (with the help of defunct Big Seven international accounting firm Arthur Andersen), and in general trating stockholders like schmucks. Oh and let us not forget Enron. Phew! I recall the day I watched that video of Ken Lay's stockholder-financed soiree, complete with urinating statues. It reminded me of the term "bacchanal". Bacchus would have been proud.

But I have no illusions that in the end, the corrupt will still walk away with a great deal more in their pocket than the hardworking people who have suffered because of corruption's effect on the US economy.

Canadian consumer group sues Merck
Merck to face billion in suits