The country was also in the throes of a Saturn return at the time of the quake (a serious reality check time, best used to confront and solve past problems, hopefully to mature and improve). Pluto was transiting Haiti's natal Mars. Both of these planets can be very violent, and can wreak havoc.
Jupiter (who does everything big) and Neptune (associated with self-delusions and self-destructive habits) were transiting Haiti's natal lunar North Node. The North Node is often interpreted as "the way out" - a gateway to improved and advanced spiritually. It was already a critical time for Haiti.
The chart for the quake itself has the Moon in the end of Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter). Pluto and Mercury retrograde are conjunct in early Capricorn. This makes clear, rational thinking impossible, as is true in any disaster. However, the Sun and Venus are conjunct near the end of Capricorn. This generates great sympathy and a desire for others to work hard and help in a big way.
The current Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron conjunction near the end of Aquarius also touched the conscience and heartstrings of the world. Plus, rising in the east was the sign Cancer. The Thema Mundi, the "Chart of the World," (an esoteric learning tool of ancient astrology) also has Cancer rising. This indicates a disaster that impacts the whole world.
The January 14 New Moon brought expectations of a new start. Then Mercury went direct, and serious disaster relief was underway. By the weekend, when the Moon moved over the Jupiter-Neptune-Chiron conjunction in Aquarius, talk of big humanitarian efforts began, like celebrity benefit concerts. Haiti suffers the most, but the whole world hurts, too.
As the Moon approached Uranus in late Pisces, airdropping relief supplies finally outweighed fears of rioting. Five hours after the Moon-Uranus conjunction, though, a large aftershock happened - another unneeded nasty surprise. Not since the South Asia Tsunami has a disaster so significantly touched the world.
We are free of critical transits until Friday, January 29, when the Sun opposes and then the Moon transits Mars retrograde. An hour later comes the Full Moon in Leo. It's a few days of breathing space, and then a burst of Leo energy, hopefully of the big-hearted, noble kind. Haiti, and the world, need it. Leo the Lion rules the heart, and this disaster has broken the hearts of many. May all of us respond with our best generous and creative Leo natures to heal Haiti and the world.
