🇩🇪 Germany — October 2015
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, Europe's largest economy and an export-led industrial power. Here is what its national chart, the running dasha and this month's sky say about each area of national life — and exactly why.
At a glance — October 2015
Mixed Mixed overall: strongest areas are Trade, Markets & Technology and Foreign Relations & Alliances; most pressure falls on Defence, Security & Conflict and Climate, Agriculture & Natural Events.
Area-by-area outlook
Open "Why the charts say this" under any area to see the exact chart facts behind its verdict.
🏛️ Government & Leadership
MixedGoverns the head of state, the ruling party and cabinet, and the nation's prestige · Houses 10th & 1st · Natural significators: Sun
The government can act, but not without friction — coalition strains, court or media pushback and uneven public support are likely. Progress comes through compromise rather than force.
Why the charts say this — score +0.3 (natal +1.4 · dasha +0.0 · transit -1.1)
- natal +0.8 — In Germany's foundation chart the 10th house (government and head of state) is ruled by Jupiter, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 2nd house. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit -0.8 — Ketu transits the 10th house while retrograde — Ketu brings pressure to the head of state, the ruling party and cabinet, and the nation's prestige.
- natal +0.6 — In Germany's foundation chart the 1st house (the nation and its people) is ruled by Mercury, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 4th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit -0.3 — Mars (from the 3rd house) aspects the 10th house — Mars brings pressure to the head of state, the ruling party and cabinet, and the nation's prestige.
💰 Economy & Public Finance
MixedGoverns the treasury, banking, the currency, national income and gains · Houses 2nd & 11th · Natural significators: Jupiter, Venus
Gains and strains sit side by side — good headline numbers can be offset by inflation, debt costs or uneven sectors. Selective rather than broad strength.
Why the charts say this — score +0.5 (natal +0.2 · dasha +0.0 · transit +0.4)
- natal +0.4 — In Germany's foundation chart the 2nd house (national wealth) is ruled by Moon, which sits in a neutral sign in the 9th house; Jupiter and Ketu occupy the 2nd house itself. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit +0.4 — Jupiter (from the 3rd house) aspects the 11th house — Jupiter brings support to the treasury, banking, the currency, national income and gains.
📈 Trade, Markets & Technology
FavourableGoverns trade and commerce, the media, the technology sector and stock-market sentiment · Houses 3rd & 5th · Natural significators: Mercury, Rahu
Commerce, media and technology are in a constructive phase; sentiment in the markets leans optimistic and trade links, telecom and logistics run smoothly.
Why the charts say this — score +2.4 (natal +0.2 · dasha -0.3 · transit +2.5)
- transit +1.5 — Jupiter transits the 3rd house — Jupiter brings support to trade and commerce, the media, the technology sector and stock-market sentiment.
- transit +1.0 — Venus transits the 3rd house — Venus brings support to trade and commerce, the media, the technology sector and stock-market sentiment.
- transit +0.5 — Mars transits the 3rd house — Mars brings support to trade and commerce, the media, the technology sector and stock-market sentiment.
- transit -0.5 — Saturn (from the 6th house) aspects the 3rd house — Saturn brings pressure to trade and commerce, the media, the technology sector and stock-market sentiment.
- natal +0.4 — In Germany's foundation chart the 3rd house (communication, media and neighbours) is ruled by Sun, which sits in a neutral sign in the 4th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- dasha -0.3 — Antardasha lord Rahu (until 12 Aug 2017) is a natural significator of this area. In this chart Rahu is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this antardasha strains the area. (Rahu stands for foreign influence, sudden disruption, technology shocks and mass movements.)
🛡️ Defence, Security & Conflict
ChallengingGoverns the armed forces and police, border tensions, terrorism and internal security · Houses 6th & 8th · Natural significators: Mars
Elevated risk of conflict, terror incidents, accidents involving the forces or sharp escalation with a rival. Vigilance and restraint are both needed.
Why the charts say this — score -1.5 (natal -0.6 · dasha -0.8 · transit -0.1)
- natal -0.5 — In Germany's foundation chart the 6th house (armed forces and public health) is ruled by Mars, which sits in a neutral sign in the 12th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a testing one.
- dasha -0.4 — Mahadasha lord Saturn (until 24 Feb 2020) rules the 8th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this mahadasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- transit -0.3 — Mars (from the 3rd house) aspects the 6th house — Mars brings pressure to the armed forces and police, border tensions, terrorism and internal security.
- transit +0.2 — Saturn transits the 6th house; Saturn (from the 6th house) aspects the 8th house — Saturn brings support to the armed forces and police, border tensions, terrorism and internal security.
- dasha -0.2 — Pratyantardasha lord Saturn (until 9 Jan 2016) rules the 8th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this pratyantardasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- dasha -0.2 — Antardasha lord Rahu (until 12 Aug 2017) sits in the 8th house. In this chart Rahu is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this antardasha strains the area. (Rahu stands for foreign influence, sudden disruption, technology shocks and mass movements.)
🤝 Foreign Relations & Alliances
FavourableGoverns treaties, allies, trade partners and open rivals · Houses 7th & 3rd · Natural significators: Venus, Mercury
Diplomacy works in the country's favour — talks make progress, alliances hold and trade or treaty agreements are easier to close.
Why the charts say this — score +1.9 (natal +0.5 · dasha -0.8 · transit +2.2)
- transit +1.5 — Jupiter (from the 3rd house) aspects the 7th house; Jupiter transits the 3rd house — Jupiter brings support to treaties, allies, trade partners and open rivals.
- transit +0.6 — Venus transits the 3rd house — Venus brings support to treaties, allies, trade partners and open rivals.
- dasha -0.5 — Mahadasha lord Saturn (until 24 Feb 2020) sits in the 7th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this mahadasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- natal +0.3 — In Germany's foundation chart the 7th house (foreign relations) is ruled by Jupiter, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 2nd house; Saturn occupies the 7th house itself. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit +0.3 — Mars transits the 3rd house — Mars brings support to treaties, allies, trade partners and open rivals.
- transit -0.3 — Saturn (from the 6th house) aspects the 3rd house — Saturn brings pressure to treaties, allies, trade partners and open rivals.
- dasha -0.3 — Pratyantardasha lord Saturn (until 9 Jan 2016) sits in the 7th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this pratyantardasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
🏥 Public Health & Welfare
MixedGoverns the health of the population, hospitals, disease outbreaks and welfare systems · Houses 6th & 1st · Natural significators: Moon, Saturn
Mixed picture — seasonal illness, pressure on specific services or localised outbreaks, without a general breakdown.
Why the charts say this — score -0.4 (natal +0.1 · dasha -0.7 · transit +0.2)
- natal +0.6 — In Germany's foundation chart the 1st house (the nation and its people) is ruled by Mercury, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 4th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- natal -0.5 — In Germany's foundation chart the 6th house (armed forces and public health) is ruled by Mars, which sits in a neutral sign in the 12th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a testing one.
- transit +0.5 — Saturn transits the 6th house — Saturn brings support to the health of the population, hospitals, disease outbreaks and welfare systems.
- dasha -0.5 — Mahadasha lord Saturn (until 24 Feb 2020) is a natural significator of this area. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this mahadasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- transit -0.3 — Mars (from the 3rd house) aspects the 6th house — Mars brings pressure to the health of the population, hospitals, disease outbreaks and welfare systems.
- dasha -0.2 — Pratyantardasha lord Saturn (until 9 Jan 2016) is a natural significator of this area. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this pratyantardasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
👥 Society, Stability & Law and Order
FavourableGoverns the mood of the masses, protests, the opposition and domestic peace · Houses 4th & 1st · Natural significators: Moon
The public mood is steady and optimistic; protests, if any, stay peaceful, and the opposition has little traction. Social harmony and routine order prevail.
Why the charts say this — score +1.0 (natal +1.8 · dasha +0.0 · transit -0.8)
- natal +1.2 — In Germany's foundation chart the 4th house (land, masses and domestic peace) is ruled by Mercury, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 4th house; Sun and Venus occupy the 4th house itself. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit -1.0 — Rahu transits the 4th house while retrograde — Rahu brings pressure to the mood of the masses, protests, the opposition and domestic peace.
- natal +0.6 — In Germany's foundation chart the 1st house (the nation and its people) is ruled by Mercury, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 4th house. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit +0.5 — Mercury transits the 4th house (94% of the month) — Mercury brings support to the mood of the masses, protests, the opposition and domestic peace.
- transit -0.2 — Sun transits the 4th house (55% of the month) — Sun brings pressure to the mood of the masses, protests, the opposition and domestic peace.
⚖️ Justice, Religion & Education
MixedGoverns the courts, religious institutions, universities and national morale · Houses 9th & 5th · Natural significators: Jupiter
The judiciary and institutions are in the news — rulings that divide opinion, or reforms that need time — without a crisis of authority.
Why the charts say this — score +0.0 (natal +0.7 · dasha -1.0 · transit +0.3)
- natal +0.9 — In Germany's foundation chart the 9th house (law, religion and higher learning) is ruled by Saturn, which sits in a neutral sign in the 7th house; Moon occupies the 9th house itself. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- dasha -0.7 — Mahadasha lord Saturn (until 24 Feb 2020) rules the 9th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this mahadasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- transit +0.6 — Jupiter (from the 3rd house) aspects the 9th house — Jupiter brings support to the courts, religious institutions, universities and national morale.
- dasha -0.3 — Pratyantardasha lord Saturn (until 9 Jan 2016) rules the 9th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this pratyantardasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- transit -0.3 — Mars (from the 3rd house) aspects the 9th house — Mars brings pressure to the courts, religious institutions, universities and national morale.
🌦️ Climate, Agriculture & Natural Events
MixedGoverns weather, harvests, water, earthquakes, floods and other natural events · Houses 4th & 8th · Natural significators: Moon, Mars, Rahu, Ketu
Weather is uneven — good in some regions and troubled in others. Local floods, heat or dry spells are possible but not widespread.
Why the charts say this — score -1.0 (natal +1.2 · dasha -1.1 · transit -1.0)
- natal +1.2 — In Germany's foundation chart the 4th house (land, masses and domestic peace) is ruled by Mercury, which sits exalted (at its strongest) in the 4th house; Sun and Venus occupy the 4th house itself. This is the permanent base for this area — a supportive one.
- transit -1.0 — Rahu transits the 4th house while retrograde — Rahu brings pressure to weather, harvests, water, earthquakes, floods and other natural events.
- dasha -0.5 — Antardasha lord Rahu (until 12 Aug 2017) sits in the 8th house and is a natural significator of this area. In this chart Rahu is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this antardasha strains the area. (Rahu stands for foreign influence, sudden disruption, technology shocks and mass movements.)
- transit +0.5 — Mercury transits the 4th house (94% of the month) — Mercury brings support to weather, harvests, water, earthquakes, floods and other natural events.
- dasha -0.4 — Mahadasha lord Saturn (until 24 Feb 2020) rules the 8th house. In this chart Saturn is functionally difficult and in a neutral sign, so this mahadasha strains the area. (Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance.)
- transit -0.3 — Saturn (from the 6th house) aspects the 8th house — Saturn brings pressure to weather, harvests, water, earthquakes, floods and other natural events.
- transit -0.2 — Sun transits the 4th house (55% of the month) — Sun brings pressure to weather, harvests, water, earthquakes, floods and other natural events.
Sky events this month and what they touch
| Date | Event | What it touches in Germany |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Oct 2015 | Mercury turns direct | In the 4th house (land, masses and domestic peace): delayed matters of territory, agriculture, housing, the common people, opposition and the weather start moving again. |
| 13 Oct 2015 | New Moon in Virgo | In the 4th house (land, masses and domestic peace): a fresh start or new focus around territory, agriculture, housing, the common people, opposition and the weather. |
| 17 Oct 2015 | Sun enters Libra | It moves into Germany's 5th house (creativity, youth and markets) — added pressure or sharper events around education, birth rate, entertainment, sport, speculation and stock markets. |
| 27 Oct 2015 | Full Moon in Aries | In the 11th house (parliament, allies and national income): a peak or culmination — and sometimes open tension — around the legislature, allies, economic gains and national aspirations. |
| 29 Oct 2015 | Mercury enters Libra | It moves into Germany's 5th house (creativity, youth and markets) — a supportive influence on education, birth rate, entertainment, sport, speculation and stock markets. |
All upcoming eclipses and major transits, with their effect on every country →
The nation's running dasha
Vimshottari dasha counted from the national Moon (Aquarius, Purva Bhadrapada). The Mahadasha sets the long theme, the Antardasha the current chapter, the Pratyantardasha the month-to-month tone.
Mahadasha — Saturn (24 Feb 2001 → 24 Feb 2020). Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance. In Germany's chart it rules the 8th and 9th houses (crisis and hidden affairs; law, religion and higher learning), sits in Sagittarius (the 7th house) in a neutral sign, and is functionally difficult for this chart. While this period runs, Saturn's themes — labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance — are the ones that the sky's triggers switch on.
Antardasha — Rahu (6 Oct 2014 → 12 Aug 2017). Rahu stands for foreign influence, sudden disruption, technology shocks and mass movements. In Germany's chart it owns no house (a shadow planet that acts through its sign lord and conjunctions), sits in Capricorn (the 8th house) in a neutral sign, and is functionally difficult for this chart. While this period runs, Rahu's themes — foreign influence, sudden disruption, technology shocks and mass movements — are the ones that the sky's triggers switch on.
Pratyantardasha — Saturn (28 Jul 2015 → 9 Jan 2016). Saturn stands for labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance. In Germany's chart it rules the 8th and 9th houses (crisis and hidden affairs; law, religion and higher learning), sits in Sagittarius (the 7th house) in a neutral sign, and is functionally difficult for this chart. While this period runs, Saturn's themes — labour, democracy, infrastructure, chronic problems and the country's endurance — are the ones that the sky's triggers switch on.
Pratyantardasha periods inside this month: Saturn (28 Jul 2015 → 9 Jan 2016).
Where the slow planets stand
♄ Saturn — Saturn is in Scorpio, the 6th house (armed forces and public health) of Germany's chart. Saturn disciplines, delays and tests whatever a house governs — here that means military and police, disease, hospitals, labour disputes and national debt. A dusthana placement: pressure is sharper but also forces long-needed reform.
♃ Jupiter — Jupiter is in Leo, the 3rd house (communication, media and neighbours). Jupiter expands and protects what it touches — press, telecom, transport links, trade routes and neighbouring states — and its glance falls on the 7th, 9th, 11th houses as well.
☊ Rahu / ☋ Ketu — Rahu is in the 4th house (land, masses and domestic peace) and Ketu in the 10th house (government and head of state). The nodal axis brings foreign influence, shocks or obsession to territory, agriculture, housing, the common people, opposition and the weather, and detachment, loss or sudden endings to the ruling executive, national reputation and standing in the world.
Sade Sati of the nation — not running (the national Moon is in Aquarius; Saturn is in Scorpio).
12-month outlook
| Area | Oct 15 | Nov 15 | Dec 15 | Jan 16 | Feb 16 | Mar 16 | Apr 16 | May 16 | Jun 16 | Jul 16 | Aug 16 | Sep 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | ● | ● | ● | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ● |
| Government & Leadership | ● | ● | ● | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ● |
| Economy & Public Finance | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ▲ | ● | ▲ | ● | ● |
| Trade, Markets & Technology | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ● | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▼ |
| Defence, Security & Conflict | ▼ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Foreign Relations & Alliances | ▲ | ● | ● | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▼ |
| Public Health & Welfare | ● | ● | ● | ▲ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Society, Stability & Law and Order | ▲ | ● | ● | ▲▲ | ▲▲ | ▲ | ▲▲ | ▲▲ | ▲ | ▲ | ▲▲ | ▲▲ |
| Justice, Religion & Education | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Climate, Agriculture & Natural Events | ● | ▼ | ▼ | ● | ▲ | ● | ▲ | ▲ | ● | ● | ▲ | ▲▲ |
▲▲ strongly favourable · ▲ favourable · ● mixed · ▼ challenging · ▼▼ under strain. Click a month to open its full analysis.
The foundation chart — Reunification
🇩🇪 Germany is a federal parliamentary republic, Europe's largest economy and an export-led industrial power. Its foundation chart is cast for the Reunification — 1990-10-03, 00:00 local time, Berlin — and rises in Gemini, so Mercury, lord of the Lagna, is the nation's ruler: it sits in Virgo (the 4th house) exalted (at its strongest). The 10th-house (government) lord Jupiter sits in the 2nd house exalted (at its strongest). The Moon — the people — is in Aquarius in Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra.
Planets at their strongest: Mercury (exalted), Jupiter (exalted). Planets under strain by sign: Venus (debilitated). Concentrations: Sun, Mercury, Venus together in Virgo (the 4th house). These natal conditions are the permanent "base score" used in every monthly verdict.
KP (Placidus) chart for Berlin at the founding moment, Lahiri ayanamsa — the same layout as the KP tab. The right-hand chart overlays the planets of October 15, 2015 (the 15th of the month) as "G·" (Gochar).
| Planet | Sign | Sign° | Abs° | House | Nakshatra | Inds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As | Gemini (Ge) | 29°52′ | 89°52′ | H1 | Punarvasu P3 | |
| Su | Virgo (Vi) | 15°43′ | 165°43′ | H4 | Hasta P2 | |
| Mo | Aquarius (Aq) | 24°40′ | 324°40′ | H9 | Purva Bhadrapada P2 | ☽ |
| Ma | Taurus (Ta) | 18°38′ | 48°38′ | H11 | Rohini P3 | |
| Me | Virgo (Vi) | 1°28′ | 151°28′ | H4 | Uttara Phalguni P2 | |
| Ju | Cancer (Ca) | 14°52′ | 104°52′ | H2 | Pushya P4 | |
| Ve | Virgo (Vi) | 8°01′ | 158°01′ | H4 | Uttara Phalguni P4 | |
| Sa | Sagittarius (Sg) | 25°03′ | 265°03′ | H6 | Purva Ashadha P4 | |
| Ra | Capricorn (Cp) | 10°10′ | 280°10′ | H7 | Shravana P1 | ℞ |
| Ke | Cancer (Ca) | 10°10′ | 100°10′ | H1 | Pushya P3 | ℞ |
| House | Sign | Sign° | Nakshatra | NL | Planets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | Gemini (Ge) | 29°52′ | Punarvasu P3 | Ju | Ke |
| H2 | Cancer (Ca) | 15°18′ | Pushya P4 | Sa | Ju |
| H3 | Leo (Le) | 4°18′ | Magha P2 | Ke | — |
| H4 | Virgo (Vi) | 0°34′ | Uttara Phalguni P2 | Su | Su, Me, Ve |
| H5 | Libra (Li) | 8°45′ | Swati P1 | Ra | — |
| H6 | Scorpio (Sc) | 24°21′ | Jyeshtha P3 | Me | Sa |
| H7 | Sagittarius (Sg) | 29°52′ | Uttara Ashadha P1 | Su | Ra |
| H8 | Capricorn (Cp) | 15°18′ | Shravana P2 | Mo | — |
| H9 | Aquarius (Aq) | 4°18′ | Dhanishtha P4 | Ma | Mo |
| H10 | Pisces (Pi) | 0°34′ | Purva Bhadrapada P4 | Ju | — |
| H11 | Aries (Ar) | 8°45′ | Ashwini P3 | Ke | Ma |
| H12 | Taurus (Ta) | 24°21′ | Mrigashira P1 | Ma | — |
Key house domains
Lunation and eclipse charts this month
Each chart is cast for Berlin at the exact moment of the event — so you can see which house of the local chart it lights up.
How these verdicts are built
- Foundation chart. A country's chart is cast for its founding moment (sidereal zodiac, Lahiri ayanamsa, whole-sign houses counted from the rising sign). The 1st house is the nation, the 10th its government, the 2nd its wealth, the 7th its foreign relations, and so on.
- Areas and houses. Each area has governing houses and natural planets: for example Defence uses the 6th and 8th houses and Mars; the Economy uses the 2nd and 11th houses with Jupiter and Venus.
- Natal base. The lord of each governing house is checked for dignity (exalted, own sign, debilitated) and placement (kendra/trikona versus 6th/8th/12th), and benefic or malefic planets sitting in the house itself are counted.
- Dasha. The Mahadasha, Antardasha and Pratyantardasha lords are scored by whether they rule, occupy or naturally signify the area, multiplied by how functionally benefic or difficult they are in this particular chart and how strong they are.
- Transits. Every slow planet is placed by house from the national Lagna for each day of the month. Jupiter and Venus support the houses they pass through; Saturn, Mars and the nodes pressure them (except in the 3rd, 6th and 11th, where malefics help); Jupiter's, Saturn's and Mars's aspects are added, all weighted by how many days they spend there.
- Eclipses. A solar or lunar eclipse on a governing house is a strong negative for that area in the surrounding weeks.
- Label. The four totals add up to a score from −5 to +5, shown as Strongly favourable, Favourable, Mixed, Challenging or Under strain. The "Overall" figure is a weighted average of the nine areas.
Other countries
Frequently Asked Questions
For each area of national life (government, economy, defence …) the page adds four things: the natal base, the running dasha, the month's transits and any eclipse on its governing houses. The total becomes the label, and the reasons behind it are listed under each area.
Germany uses its Reunification chart (1990-10-03, 00:00, Berlin). Mundane charts are debated — different astrologers prefer different moments, and some founding times are approximate — so treat the analysis as one consistent lens, not a prediction.
No. It describes which areas the sky is supporting or pressuring in a given month, using classical rules. Real events depend on people, policy and chance; read it as a weather report for tendencies, not a guarantee.
Astrology is a traditional symbolic system, not a scientific forecast. Nothing here is financial, political, medical or security advice.