The Deputy Labour Leadership Contest

Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell

Among the drama-laden political stories of the week (which included the sacking of Peter Mandelson, and the shooting of Charlie Kirk), the search began for the successor to Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister.  Her strength in her role was shown in her chart by an exact conjunction of Mars and the North Node in Leo (a Karmic Warrior).  She was once touted as a future Prime Minister.

Bridget Phillipson’s Birth Chart

“Our state schools need teachers more than private schools need embossed stationery. Our children need mental health support more than private schools need new pools. Our students need careers advice more than private schools need AstroTurf pitches.”

~ Bridget Phillipson

Bridget Phillipson, currently Education Secretary, has the Sun in Sagittarius, an unusual sign for a politician as it happens.  She has a satellitium of 4 planets in that sign, making her a specialist, which includes a triple conjunction of Jupiter/Sun/Neptune.  This triple conjunction suggests that she is deeply motivated by her faith, which in her case is Roman Catholicism.  She is born close to a Full Moon in Gemini, and, with strong emotions, full mooners can ruffle a few feathers sometimes.  She has the positive benefits of the Sun closely conjunct Jupiter, which provides a certain amount of optimism.  Neptune adds some sensitivity.  We do not have a birth time for her, so cannot properly assess her Moon aspects, but a noon chart would show the Moon closely trine Mars – she has appeared to vehemently stand her ground on episodes of Question Time.  Venus in Scorpio conjunct Saturn can result in harsh feelings at times, especially when criticized about Education policies.  But she has Mars trine the North Node, so a positive warrior position karmically, and Mars is in Libra which is capable of conciliation.  It must be noted that in her chart she has relatively few aspects, though the interpretation of that may be up for grabs: one possible interpretation is that of a lack of self-knowledge.

Bridget – Life and Career

Bridget Maeve Phillipson was born in Gateshead. To her credit, she is a local MP still serving in her area (Houghton and Sunderland South) – a rarity, these days!  Good Northern Stock – and it was pointed out by a few notables when Angela Rayner left office that we need a Northern female replacement.  There is still a lot of levelling up to do!

She attended a Catholic School, joined the Labour Party at 15, and studied modern history and modern languages at Oxford University.  She worked in local government, and for Women in Need (following in her mother’s footsteps).  At the 2010 General Election she was elected MP.  She campaigned to Remain at the time of the 2016 Brexit referendum.  She was a supporter of Keir Starmer in the 2020 Labour leadership election, and became Shadow Education Secretary in 2021.  With Moon in Gemini, Education is a natural interest.  She progressed to Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities when Keir Starmer formed a government in July 2024.  This was an elevation for her (with Neptune sextile her natal Chiron, the North Node trine her natal Uranus, and Chiron trine her natal Jupiter), but she had some more severe transits (Pluto square her natal Pluto, and Neptune square her natal Neptune), which may show the scale of the task and the bumpiness of the road ahead.

What has she achieved?  She has clearly impressed her fellow MPs, having gained more votes than any other contenders thus far in the contest. When in opposition, she stressed her aims of catering for the care of children at all stages of education. Among her achievements are bringing breakfast clubs to schools.  Another development in the school system in this period is VAT on private education, though that may be laid at the door of Rachel Reeves.

Bridget’s Transits for the Contest

Bridget put her name forward on 9^th September, and quickly established a lead among the six candidates.  Her transits were Chiron trine her natal Sun (helpful) and Saturn square her natal Neptune (stressful).  She led with nominations from 175 Labour MPs, so has clearly earned their respect.  She is also the favoured candidate from Keir Starmer’s point of view, the one most likely to support him without conflict.

The results are due on 25^th October, by which time her transits will have changed:-

Pluto will be square her natal Pluto (psychological challenge), Neptune Retrograde almost square her natal Neptune; these two transits operating at the time she began her role as Education Minister.  Chiron will be almost trine her natal Jupiter (another transit which was operating at that time, because of planets in retrograde – could it mean she will be staying as Secretary of State for Education?).  Saturn will square her natal Sun (responsibility, or disappointment? and the Nodal Axis will be square her natal Nodal Axis, forming a Grand Cross: a karmic time, to be sure.  Finally, the North Node will be almost trine her natal Venus, implying that whatever happens, she will be comfortable with it on a personal level.

Lucy Powell’s Birth Chart

“I really want this government to succeed, but I’m not afraid to speak truth where that truth needs to be spoken”

~ Lucy Powell

Lucy Powell, until Keir Starmer’s recent cabinet re-shuffle Leader of the House of Commons, has the Sun in Libra, with a satellitium of 5 planets in that sign, also making her a specialist.  Would that indicate that they should both stay put?  Except for the fact that Lucy has just lost her role, so it may be that fate has freed up her energies for a different role.  Intensifying the diplomatic skills of Libra, Lucy has the Sun conjunct Venus.  But she too has warriorship, with the Sun closely conjunct Mars, in Libra, the sign of peace.  Though born 9 years apart, Bridget and Lucy’s Marses are exactly conjunct, at 17 degrees Libra – they belong in the same cabinet, working together.  Astrologically, Lucy does not have an easy chart, with some awkward squares (including a T-square), suggesting she may not have had as easy a life as it seems on the surface.  Again, we do not have her birth time, but in a Noon chart, the Moon is exactly trine Neptune, indicating emotional sensitivity, and the qualities of a good listener (a quality some MPs, such as Emily Thornberry) have pinpointed as being the need of the hour for the government.  In another interesting link with Bridget, their Nodal Axes are opposite each other, so could balance out each other, if they overcome any differences they might have.  Mercury trine Jupiter in Lucy’s chart shows a good, wide-ranging mind.

Lucy – Life and Career

Lucy Powell was born in Moss Side, Manchester, so is another “Northern lass”, fulfilling that particular requirement.  Her position on the politican spectrum has been described as “soft left” of the Labour party.  She also studied at Oxford University, taking Chemistry as her subject, and she too is MP for her local area (Manchester Central), having been elected in 2012.  She too campaigned for Remain in the Brexit referendum in 2016.  The two must have a sense of shared values.  Lucy gained much political experience, first in Ed Milliband’s shadow cabinet, but also under Jeremy Corbyn (as Shadow Education minister).  However she resigned, with others, from Corbyn’s shadow government, on 26^th June 2016  The aspects for that day of mass resignations was Pluto trine Jupiter/North Node (potent karma).  In her own personal chart, Neptune was square her Nodal Axis (karmic confusion over her path).

She was appointed Leader of the Commons when Keir Starmer formed his government on 5^th July 2024.  This was her Chiron Return in Aries, and Jupiter was trine her ruling planet Venus.

What has she achieved?  In her wider and more general role, she has helped to bring about several parliamentary reforms, including supporting improved accessibility for disabled MPs.

In Keir’s re-shuffle on 5^th September, she was axed in her role and replaced by Alan Campbell.  Her transits when axed were Chiron opposite her natal Uranus (shock), and Jupiter square her natal Mars, plus a Mars return in Libra.  As I have mentioned, it may have been a freeing up for a possible new phase in her life.

In a Guardian Article, Peter Walker tells us that Lucy Powell was shocked and received no explanation. Do we know why he removed her and appointed Alan Campbell?  A possible clue is “She said she believed it could be because she sometimes passed on MPs’ concerns to Downing Street”. She has called for a “change of culture” inside the government and says if elected she would take “difficult truths” to Keir.  Of course, Bridget would be his preferred candidate, but that may not be the best thing.  Lucy’s transits at the time of the announcement of the new deputy are lacklustre, but that doesn’t count her out altogether astrologically.  In her favour, the North Node (karma) was trine her natal Saturn in Cancer at the time she threw her name into the hat, which shows she is up for more responsibility.

Bridget is patently a strong woman, and would be a good support for Keir Starmer.  Lucy has a vast amount of political experience, and she could make a good counterpoise to Keir Starmer, where Bridget would likely just promote more of the same.

Andy Burnham

The Guardian declared this week that “MPs have shared data showing Andy Burnham is Labour’s only politician with a net positive public rating the equivalent of a rave review”.  I know there is a lot of support for him out there, but I don’t know the logistics of him being able to lead, with his currently entrenched role as Mayor of Manchester.  He certainly has proved himself worthy of the position.

His chart, too, looks qualified, with Leadership and Warriorship packed into aspects of:-

The Sun exactly sextile Mars, the Sun closely sextile the North Node, and Mars conjunct the North Node (the Sun sextile Mars/North Node).  Note he has the same conjunction as Angela Rayner (Mars conjunct North Node) but two degrees apart, where hers was exact.  He was born on a New Moon, a positive lunar phase.  And he has Mercury closely trine Pluto (depth of thought).  He’s a Capricorn, the sign born for Politics.

So I thought I would check his transits around the time of the choice being revealed, which are interesting:-

He will have Pluto almost sextile his natal Neptune in Sagittarius; Neptune sextile his natal Mercury in Capricorn; Uranus opposite his natal Neptune in Sagittarius; and a Nodal Return, with the North Node sextile his natal Sun in Capricorn.

With such a concentration of Neptunian influences, it suggests a period of flux, of re-considering his position.  Perhaps he is working towards leadership, but I understand he would have to become an MP first.

Of the two protagonists, I personally would prefer Lucy Powell (and, yes, I still have a membership vote!), and there is support for her in my area too.  But Andy Burnham in the long term seems a bright prospect.  With the divisions in the world at the moment, we need people who can somehow bridge the polarities, which seems an impossible task right now.  And Socialism needs to be able to fulfil its promise to look after the welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disabled.

Aspects

We are awash with aspects this week, though they don’t begin until Tuesday, and then three come along.

In the early hours of Tuesday (16^th) Venus sextiles Mars, a largely enjoyable entanglement.  This aspect is given over to pleasure and indulgence, and maybe romance is also on the cards.  Art will have vigour, and movement will have artistry or elegance under this influence.  Social plans should flourish. As experienced specifically in the early hours, this aspect may give rise to sensuous dreams!

The other two aspects involve Chiron, and accordingly have healing themes:

Venus trines Chiron, and the healing power of Love may come to the fore.  Try to keep the heart open, and keep the faith.  There may be a real opportunity to re-group your healing energies and feel harmony within your being.  This is something especially relevant now, with society being torn apart with negative emotions, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Finally, Chiron will oppose Mars, which is more challenging.  This can highlight wounds, mainly of the psychological kind.  Something may be flagged up for you to heal.  Perhaps a longstanding misunderstanding in the family, especially concerning the male of the species.  We may be surprised to hear how deeply someone feels about an issue, which might hitherto have been hidden.  We can only start to address something which has emerged in consciousness and awareness, so can thank Chiron for that process.

Wednesday (17^th) brings another opposition, that between Saturn and Mercury.  There may be a setback to a plan, or you may suddenly feel fatigued.  Challenges or blockages may occur to the smooth flow of earlier in the day.  Travelling plans may be delayed that day, for example the wrong Autumn leaves on the rail line.

An ingress occurs on the morning of Thursday (18^th), that of Mercury entering Libra.  This can bring a new mental focus on cultural themes, which could bring more pure enjoyment: art and music being fundamental areas for Libra, and decision-making. Mercury in Libra is slightly more relaxed than Mercury in Virgo, but having laid plans and attended to essential detail under the previous placement Mercury in Virgo, we can embellish, beautify and smooth things over.

In the evening, Neptune opposes Mercury, in the third opposition of the week.  This can spark mental confusion.  There may be for instance a mental dilemma, or a demand for clarification.  It may be difficult to focus, if you are engaged in documentation work.  Journeys may be long and complicated.  You may need to take care near water.

Three more astrological features to come for Friday (19^th).  In the early hours, Mercury trines Uranus, which can inspire high functioning minds, intuition and good ideas (especially for Geminians).   Uranus will add extra spice to your plans, and documentation.  Computers and technology should be on sparkling form and assist your expression.  You may spring pleasant surprises.  Writing projects may also flow.

Then at breakfast time, Mercury trines Pluto, also benefitting Geminians, as well as our mental make-up generally.  It challenges us to dig deeper.  This aspect is conducive to psychological reflection, and earnest conversations between friends or colleagues.  It is good for in-depth consultations and negotiations, and researching past lives. Something to chew on over the muesli.

These two trines enhance the atmosphere of the day, forming a Grand Trine in Air, between Mercury, Uranus and Pluto.  It is especially conducive to changing minds.

The third astrological feature of the day is the ingress of Venus into Virgo, which occurs around lunchtime, making you more discerning in your tastes.  We may also be discriminating about the company we keep (if we subscribe to such a philosophy), and be exercising caution.  We choose the catering (in a healthful, Virgoan or Vegan way), and we tailor our practices to ecological ways under this placement.  This will be a general influence until 13^th October.

A tricky transit right at the end of the week, so try and smooth the path in advance, e.g. deal with possible loopholes.  On Saturday (20^th) Uranus squares Venus, which might bring twists and turn in relationships. There may be a quirky end to a relationship or money saga, slightly out of your comfort zone (especially for Taureans and Librans).  Your plans may have to be modified at the last minute.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – sensuality; relationship healing; dealing with psychological wounds
• Wednesday – delay and frustration
• Thursday – new cultural focus; mental confusion
• Friday – sparkling minds; deep consultations; healthy choices
• Saturday – disruption in relationships and finance

Zack Polanski

New Leader of the Green Party

“A fluent media performer”

~ The Guardian

“I believe that his style and emphasis meet the challenge of the moment”

~ George Monbiot

It’s been a turbulent week for politics in the UK this week: Angela Rayner was forced to resign as Deputy Prime Minister, a cabinet reshuffle ensued, Boris-Johnson-lover Nadine Dorries defected from Conservative to Reform…But then you had to notice the election of the radical Zack Polanski as Green Party leader this week, chosen by 85% of the Greens.

Birth Chart

Zack has a specialist’s chart, planets bunched up and concentrated in a segment of the zodiac, which helps to provide the passion for his cause: after all, who doesn’t want the planet to succeed?  His Sun is in Scorpio, one of the Warrior signs, and he exhibits one of its possible archetypes, The Firebrand.  Scorpio is also the sign of the Hypnotist (Paul McKenna having Sun conjunct Neptune in the sign), a former occupation of Polanski.  The Sun is exactly conjunct Venus in his chart, and Venus representing the voice, he has sung for the London Gospel Choir.  Venus is also trine his North Node – could that be providing some charm and charisma?  His Sun loosely conjunct Jupiter is useful, providing a certain amount of Luck.  It is trine the North Node, providing leadership qualities.  He was born with the Moon in Taurus, born just after a Full Moon.  The Scorpio/Taurus polarity is obdurate and determined.  Though with his variety of talents, he has chopped and changed quite a bit (having originally begun his politics with the Lib Dems, and tried a few different career paths).  He has Mercury sextile Mars, like last week’s subject Richard Osman: giving him a quick and incisive wit, but also in his case, he talks ten to the dozen, as you could expect with this aspect.  I would advise him to tone it down a bit, especially for us pensioners listening (I know at least one pensioner who finds him aggressive).  A triple conjunction of Saturn/Pluto/Mercury, inclines his thinking processes towards serious matters, a factor in his choice of politics as a career.

Life and Career

Polanski was born in Salford, into a Jewish family.  His parents divorced when he was young.  He was educated at Stockport Grammar School, and then Aberystwyth University. He worked initially as an actor with a theatre company, and taught at arts institutions (Sun exactly conjunct Venus, and Venus trine his North Node natally).  He then hitched his wagon to the Liberal Democrats for a couple of years, before joining the Green Party in 2017.  He was elected a Member of the London Assembly on 6^th May 2021 – his transits included Jupiter trine his natal Mercury in Libra, a win and an expansion; and Mars transiting his natal North Node in Cancer, a trigger for his karmic mission.  He was elected Deputy Leader of the Green Party on 7^th September 2022.

But this week, on Tuesday 2^nd September, he gained the top job in his party.  And his transits were stunning:

Chiron was opposite his natal Saturn in Libra, denoting Responsibility (this is a theme in his transits generally, and may make more sense if we had a birth time);  Jupiter was trine his natal Jupiter, a Triumph, his Luck coming in.  Traditionally, it denotes a Win!

In addition, the North Node in Pisces formed a Grand Water Trine with Natal Jupiter in Scorpio and transiting Jupiter in Cancer!  His time has come.  What he does with it, only time will tell.  He has followed his Karma to get to this longed-for point, with the North Node centrally involved.

John Crace has commented:

“Those of us with long memories might feel we have heard all this before…But Polanski sounded as if he believed it more than most.  This was his moment and he was going to make the most of it.” And

“If you can’t dare to dream on your first day in the new job, when can you?”

Policies

So, what does he stand for?  He has labelled himself an “eco-populist”, and links the climate with all the issues facing us.  With the threat of the Reform party, he wants to secure over 30 seats for the Greens at the next election.  He sees the Labour government as failing, and sees a gap in the market.  He has indicated possibly working with the emerging Corbynite party (Corbyn has congratulated him).  He is very vocal about the genocide in Gaza.  He wants to renationalize the water companies.  He is unsure of our relationship with NATO.  The Guardian Leader summed up  his stance as “Mr Polanski speaks of a climate-anchored politics rooted in solidarity with workers and migrants”.

He also wants to tax the wealthy.  In his own words:

“For years now, the very richest in society have accumulated more and more wealth.  While they sleep at night, the money pours in, not from work, but from assets such as stocks, shares and multiple properties.”

Millionaire entrepreneurs Dale Vince (owner of the company Ecotricity) and Deborah Meaden have both spoken out in support of taxing the wealthy.

In conclusion, time will tell, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating, to employ a couple of old cliches…We need something to galvanize fair changes and to counteract far-right populism.  We need more action on Net Zero to counteract climate change.  He may or may not be the one to deliver it.

“He must balance an attention-grabbing style with the risk of alienating the party’s other main power base, its MPs, or the chunk of members who remain sceptical about his talents and approach”

~ Peter Walker, The Guardian

Aspects

This evening brings a Full Moon and Eclipse at 15 degrees Pisces.  Pisces is one of the most sensitive and emotional Full Moons of the year, so treat yourself with tender loving care and you can then treat others with that sensitivity.  The Pisces Full Moon reminds us that we are all One.  As it is an Eclipse, it is extra potent and may be a turning point, especially if you have an angle or planet at 15 degrees of a sign.  Also, pay attention to the House if falls in, if you know it.

On Wednesday (10^th) the Sun is opposite North Node, and conjunct the South Node.  It may take that intervening time to digest the experiences of the Eclipse on Sunday (7th).  The Sun on the South Node can mean past karmic glory coming home to roost; for the most part that can be a positive gain.  The South Node in Virgo relates to past lives in connection with service, and working on minutiae.  This can also refer to earlier phases in this lifetime.  On the world stage, there seems nothing glorious anytime soon emerging from the current conflicts – the karmic lessons of this aspect need yet more time to work out.

The upside of this aspect can bring light and insight into past actions and memories, and fostering existing talents.  It can bring forward the talents you developed in past lives, but also enable you to release habits you no longer need.

Sunnier prospects on Friday (12^th), the best day of the week, with one of the best aspects of the year: the Sun sextile Jupiter.  Time to embrace hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.  It’s the sort of day that can restore your faith in human nature.

There’s another sextile in the evening, boosting our mental energy: Mercury sextile Jupiter.  Some good news may be possible. This aspect favours communication, sales and travel.  Higher learning is also a benefit – e.g.  the anticipation of “fresher” further education students.  It’s a good time to practice any new language skills, too.  It is a time to forge good connections with business, and may benefit small businesses.

The Sun conjoins with Mercury at 20 degrees Virgo on Saturday (13^th).  This may bring an opportunity to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements.  The focus may be on working schedules and documentation or environmental projects.  Mentally you may be able to see things clearly. If you know which House Virgo occupies in your chart, you’ll find that area of your life to be exceptionally busy.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – emotional turning point
• Wednesday –emphasis on past karma
• Friday – embrace hope; minds brightened
• Saturday – concentration and clarity

Richard Osman

There’s a new pinnacle in the career of television presenter, producer, and novelist  Richard Osman this week, with the premiere of an all star film based on his first book in the series “The Thursday Murder Club”.  With the book series numbering four, soon to be five, this could be the beginning of a whole new franchise.

Birth Chart

With half his planets (5) in Mutable signs, Richard can turn his hand to anything.  The Sun in Sagittarius often produces physical height, but with his out of the ordinary stature of 6 feet 7 inches, I suspect a long-limbed Aquarian Ascendant (we do not have his birth time).  Richard is predominantly Sagittarian, having a cluster of planets in that sign (a satellitium of Neptune/Sun/Moon/Mercury), and being born under a New Moon in that sign.  New Mooners have an ability to easily start afresh, with new ideas, and that has characterized his career.  He has some interesting natal aspects, including the Sun exactly trine Chiron, which indicates a highly-developed ability in problem-solving.  The next exact aspect he has is Mercury sextile Mars: a quick and incisive wit.  Mercury is sextile the North Node in Aquarius, linking his mental prowess with his karmic mission.  Mars is closely trine the North Node, giving him a strong Inner Warrior.

Life and Career

Richard Osman was born in Billericay.  His father left the family when he was nine years old, and his mother attended teacher training college to try to support the family.  He obtained some experience in broadcasting while still at school, in local radio, before attending Trinity College, Cambridge where he studied Politics and Sociology.  In television, he has worked for many years as a producer, especially on game shows, including on “Deal or No Deal”.  He worked for Hat Trick Productions, and then became creative director at the TV company Endemol for a number of years.  It was in this capacity that he came up with the idea of the quiz show “Pointless”, which made him a household name as co-presenter.

Pointless

The hugely successful show Pointless was launched on 24^th August 2009, and is still part of our daily tea-time fare today.  Neptune was sextile his natal Mercury at the time and trine his natal Mars.  Mars was also square his natal Pluto, a huge challenge, but crucially the North Node was trine his natal Pluto (karma supporting his power).

Until he left the programme in 2022 (a thirteen year stint), the format was Alexander Armstrong as main presenter, and Osman as fact checker (in fact he was much more than that, in the production of the programme).  The easy camaraderie between the two presenters was a warm feature of the programme.

Alexander Armstrong

The two friends met while at University.  Born the other end of the same year (1970), there are similarities in their charts which are not connected with their year of birth, such as both having 5 Mutable planets, and both having Mercury sextile Mars.  Notably they both have Jupiter opposite Saturn, a feature of their year group, an internal set of checks and balances.

In their synastry, their Mercuries exactly sextile (mentally in sync); Armstrong’s Mercury is exactly trine Osman’s Mars, adding to their communicative vigour; and Armstrong’s Venus exactly trine Osman’s Jupiter, a great inter-aspect for friendship.

And Alexander Armstrong’s transit at the time of the inception of Pointless also owed backing from Neptune (pointlessness?), with Neptune transiting his natal Mercury.  At the same time, Uranus was opposite his natal Pluto, indicating a huge change in his life

Authorship

Richard’s debut as a novelist came in 2020, with the publication of “The Thursday Murder Club” on 3^rd September.  It immediately became a bestseller.  It was launched under a superbly entrepreneurial aspect of the Sun trine Jupiter/Uranus (budding authors take note). Supporting transits for this next huge step in his career, were as follows: –

Jupiter trine his natal Saturn in Taurus (his natal planet supporting his efforts); Mars sextile his natal North Node (movement in his karmic mission) and the South Node on his natal Mercury in Sagittarius (a karmic potential of his mental output realized).

He announced that he was leaving Pointless on 8^th April 2022, to concentrate on his literary work, after 1,300 episodes across 30 series.  This announcement came as Pluto trined his natal Pluto – Self-Empowerment, leaving a long-running programme; Neptune square his natal Mercury (changing his mental focus); Chiron was opposite his natal Uranus, just after his Chiron Return in Aries (a re-assessment of what he needed for his own healing); and Mars trine his natal Mars, decisive action.

Three more books followed: The Man who died Twice (2021), The Bullet that Missed (2023) and The Last devil to Die (2024).  The next book is due later this month.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg immediately signalled interest in the potential of the first book to be made into a film, which at the time I thought was remarkable.  He is another Sagittarian, and Sagittarians can often magnify each other’s work, through the joint application of their ruling Jupiters.  As Sagittarians, some of their personal planets do jostle with each other.  In addition, they do have a strong karmic link: Osman’s North Node is exactly sextile with Spielberg’s Sun.

Spielberg has his natal Sun at the Galactic Centre, accounting for his power. It was confirmed in August 2020 that Spielberg had acquired the film rights. In the event, Spielberg was not directly involved in the film adaptation, but remained associated with the project as an executive producer through his company, and regularly visited the set. The film was directed by Chris Columbus.

The Film

As with the book, the story centres itself in a retirement home, with some powerful inmates: one was a spy, one a nurse, one a trade union official and the other was a psychiatrist.  Together, they have all the tools they need to solve murder mysteries. The star-studded cast included Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.

The transits for Richard at the Premiere included Chiron sextile his North Node.  With Chiron exactly trine his Sun natally, Chiron transits feature prominently in his life.  A positive Chiron transit such as this one signals that he is on the right track in his life.

Helen Mirren plays the lead protagonist, Elizabeth Best, the former MI5 agent.  Helen has natally Chiron at 0 degrees Libra and Mars at 1 degree Gemini, and so with the current dance of Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn at these degrees, there is a high impact at this time for her, and this role is important to her.

I have read the first book, but I confess not the subsequent sequels, as crime fiction is not my genre.  But I am fascinating by the multi-faceted talent that is Richard Osman.

“I have no interest in watching someone from the far right and far left argue on Question Time. We want to be the best society we can, where everyone thrives, and it’s not going to be achieved by extremists shouting at each other.”

~ Richard Osman (Mars in Libra)

Aspects

Today we have Mercury trine Chiron, hopefully bringing some healing balm to the beginning of the week.  This aspect describes healing on a mental level (positive thinking, writing and affirmations), and helps to combine conventional and alternative or complementary healing approaches.  This is also a problem-solving aspect.  You may receive some re-assurance on the health front.

Tomorrow (Monday 1^st September), Saturn returns temporarily to Pisces. Saturn entered Aries in May, ushering in a huge dose of reality, and letting go of the unreality and illusions of Saturn in Pisces.  For the population in general, it is about personal growth, accountability and maturity.  You may have done some work on this in the last few months, but sense there are t’s to cross and i’s to dot in terms of evaluating the illusions of the Saturn in Pisces era (of two or three years).  These may be personal (e.g. trust issues) or political (e.g. trust issues).

There is another ingress on Tuesday (2^nd Sept), with Mercury entering Virgo.  This signals a more studious change in focus at the beginning of the next academic term.  We will be plunged into September schedules, as if we’d never been away from them!  Students and teachers will be immersed in their new schedules.  Businesses will be hoping for an extra push in efficiency for after the holiday period.  Parliamentarians will be firming up their policies, with a glance at Nigel Farage or Donald Trump, over their shoulder.  Mental application will be needed all round.

All this need for focus may take its toll, with Uranus squaring Mercury on Wednesday (3^rd).  People might feel overwrought, and needing to take a moment for mental health.  Be prepared for glitches as you open up your devices first thing.  Back up your computer files, and consider I.T. loopholes.  Speech may be controversial.  Use your intuition to be one step ahead – the Universe may be trying to show you new pathways, and possible new perspectives.  However, some new pathways may prove to be cul-de-sacs.

But it’s not all bad news for Wednesday: in fact, there might be some jolly good news, for Jupiter trines the North Node.  This favours future vision, reaping karmic rewards, and looking at life positively.  A good day to refresh your hopes, and to observe how everything is happening at the right time in divine right order.  Indeed the challenge from Uranus on the same day may provide a twist in your higher thought which proves beneficial.

Going towards the end of the week, we have Mars square Jupiter on Friday (5^th).  Excitement may spill over into uncontrolled action.  This combination can produce high jinks, fun and games, or just sheer over the top enthusiasm allied with energy – that’s what I would normally expect.  Emotions may be volatile.  Look for enthusiastic activity and fiery exchanges in your personal environment, and channel the energy constructively.

The last feature of the week occurs on Saturday (6th) in the shape of Stationary Uranus prior to its Retrograde motion.  Once again, the element of the unexpected is operating this week.  Uranus of course is the trickster, so things may not necessarily go according to plan. Plan for the unexpected, if you can.  You may see some goalposts moving.  The new regimes of the Autumn require adjustments.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – healing balm
• Tomorrow – re-evaluating illusions
• Tuesday – new diligence
• Wednesday – over-wrought; karmic reward
• Friday – high jinks!
• Saturday – plan for the unexpected

Terence Stamp (1938 – 2025)

“Master of the brooding silence”

~ The Guardian

Heart throb actor Terence Stamp die this week, aged 87.  He was part of a trend towards cockney actors in the 1960s, and was seen in the Swinging Sixties fashionably coupled to actress Julie Christie, and then to model Jean Shrimpton – the beautiful people.

Birth Chart

Sun in Cancer (with Chiron, Midheaven, Pluto and Mars) is a weight of femininity, but it is part of an exact triple conjunction (rare) with Mars and Pluto, the ultimate in masculinity.  He was close to his mum who brought him up with his grandmother and aunts (an emphasis on the sign of Cancer), but could play the most villainous of roles, especially in the second act of his career (Mars-Pluto).  Small wonder, then, that he played one of the first trans cinema roles.

This exact triple conjunction can be seen both in cinematic roles, such as in the psychological horror film “The Collector” (1965), and as the archvillain General Zod in “Superman” (1978 and 1980), but is also reflected in his accolade of being voted one of the 100 Sexiest Film Stars of All Time (1995).

The Sun trine the North Node points to the acting profession as his karmic mission.  But his Moon is also powerfully aspected, and indicates a powerful imagination: Moon conjunct Uranus in 8^th House, Moon trine Neptune (sensitivity plus imagination), Neptune in 12^th House, and Moon conjunct the South Node (strong connection with his mother in past lives).  It is likely that he was able to play the allotted roles through a strong use of his imagination.

His Venus was unaspected, but in Virgo, pointing to specialized, discerning and refined tastes – he brought out two cookbooks, and a range of food and drink products, for wheat and dairy intolerance.  He was also intolerant to meat, cow’s milk and sugar.

The physique comes largely from the Ascendant, in this case Libra, the sign of Beauty, conferring the perfectly chiselled features, but also showing the deep-set eyes from the Sun exactly conjunct Pluto.  Pluto exactly conjunct Mars gave him a powerhouse of energy.

With having his birth time, we can see Jupiter in Pisces in 5^th House of Acting bringing success in that sphere; Saturn in Aries in 7^th House bringing relationship disappointments; and Neptune in the 12^th House: “As a boy I always believed I could make myself invisible”.

Life and Career

Terence was the eldest of five children, born in Stepney.  His father was a mostly absent sailor (represented in Terence’s chart by the Water Sun in Cancer).  It is said that his mother took him to see the film “Beau Geste” starring Gary Cooper, at the age of three: an event which inspired him at a tender age.  As he was born in 1938, the Blitz featured heavily in his childhood.  The family moved around the London area, and he was educated at Plaistow County Grammar School.  On leaving school, he worked in advertising, and while he entertained following the acting profession, his father disapproved.  He then won a scholarship to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

His big break came as the title role in an adventure film “Billy Budd” in 1962.  Peter Ustinov cast him as much as anything for his good looks, apparently, as he was relatively short on experience.  For this role, he earned a Golden Globe Award, and nominations for the Academy Award and a BAFTA.

Michael Caine

Terence had formed an alliance and deep friendship with the also budding and cockney actor, Michael Caine.  They had met in a tour of a play “The Long the Short and the Tall”, and subsequently moved in together, in Wimpole Street, London.  That their lives were karmically entwined is shown in their synastry: Caine’s Sun sextile Stamp’s Moon and South Node; and Caine’s Venus trine Stamp’s Midheaven.  According to an article in the Guardian by Andrew Pulver, Stamp later described Caine as his guru.

Julie Christie and Jean Shrimpton

Terence Stamp was in high demand in the film world during the 1960s.  Among other roles, he played in “Far From the Madding Crowd” in 1967: “the swaggering sword-brandishing Sergeant Troy” (Andrew Pulver).  That was his iconic look as a young man.  Like a true Plutonian, he was to undergo subsequent transformations.

As a key player in the Swinging Sixties social scene, he was paired with beauties Julie Christie, an Aries, and supermodel Jean Shrimpton, a Scorpio.  Together with Shrimpton, he was one of the most-photographed couples of the time.   Stamp and Shrimpton were together for three years: their Venuses were sextile, Shrimpton’s Sun was trine Stamp’s Midheaven, and her South Node was on his Jupiter in the 5^th House.

Roles he didn’t play, intriguingly…

How certain film roles could have looked very different!

In 1966, Terence was in line for the title role in the film “Alfie”.  He turned it down, to play in the film “Modesty Blaise”, but recommended his pal Michael Caine for the part.

Caine later told us: “I still wake up sweating in the night as I see Terence agreeing to accept my advice to take the role in”.   [Caine’s Sun sextile Stamp’s Moon and South Node, seen at work, here].

Also in 1966, Stamp was replaced in the lead role of Michelangelo Antonioni’s film “Blow Up” by David Hemmings.

In 1983, Terence was approached to play James Bond when Sean Connery left the role.  In the end, George Lazenby took over as Bond.

A Quiet Decade

At the end of the 1960s, everything changed for Stamp.  Work dried up, and he has commented:

”It was a mystery to me.  I was in my prime.  When the 1960s ended, I just ended with it.”

This state of affairs may have coincided astrologically with his Saturn Return, and his Progressed Sun going into Virgo.

Of his break-up with Jean Shrimpton, he stated:

“That’s what turned me inwards”.

He is reported to have subsequently spent time in India at the ashram(s) of Krishnamurti and/or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

A Career Renewed

In 1978, Stamp took on a completely different role, one which would introduce him to a whole new audience.  During his hiatus, he took time to look into himself, who he was, and what he needed to portray, now aged 40.  This is the age of the Uranus Opposition cycle, which often involves a complete turnaround.  He fully embraced his Mars-Pluto exact combination.

The new role was that of the archvillain General Zod, in the superhero franchise of Superman I and II (1978, 1980).  His portrayal of General Zod was named in the list of the “Top 50 Greatest Villains of All Time” in 2007. So very good at it, he was.  He carved a new niche for himself and a new fan base.  And his career revived generally, with a string of new films.

In 1994, in the fourth decade of his acting career, he undertook a new twist in his career, that of one of the first trans roles in film, in the Australian comedy “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”.  He played a trans performer flanked by two drag queens, taking a road trip across the Australian outback.  For this he earned a BAFTA and Golden Globe nomination.

More filmwork followed, including a guest appearance in the television series of Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” in 2020, and culminating in his last film in 2021, entitled “Last Night in Soho”.

2002 Marriage

Having avoided marriage until the age of 64, he married on New Year’s Eve 2002.  The bride was Elizabeth O’Rourke, someone he had known since the mid-1990s.  What astrological transits could have induced him to do so at this time of his life?

Saturn was sextile his Mercury in Leo in 11^th, a commitment; Jupiter was trine his natal Saturn in 7^th House, a sense of commitment also.  Natally, Saturn’s only aspect was a square to Midheaven, so the Saturn (commitment) principle was not strong in him.  Jupiter at the time was square to his natal Uranus in Taurus in the 8^th House – he was willing to take a leap of faith; and Mars was sextile his natal Neptune in Virgo in 12^th House, a sense of inner passion and awakened mystery.

The marriage lasted less than six years, as Elizabeth divorced him on the grounds of “unreasonable behaviour” in April 2008.

Death

This week Uranus was square his natal Jupiter in the 5^th House, a shift; and the South Node was conjunct natal Neptune in 12^th House, a resting place.  Whether you regard him as the handsome lead, or the chilling villain, he is undeniably unforgettable.

“Terence was kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating. I loved … reminiscing about his films, going back to his debut in Billy Budd. Terence was a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back”.

~ Edgar Wright

“Stamp remained a brilliantly mesmerizingly unknowable presence.  He was the seductive dark prince of British cinema; an actor who carried an air of elegant mystery”

~ Xan Brooks

Aspects

Today’s aspect of Uranus square to the Sun may make you aware of possible loopholes through which the element of the unexpected can enter.  Disruption can occur, but unexpected twists and turns may give you new ideas for future reference.

Tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday, 25^th) we have an ingress: Venus entering Leo.  This enables you to make hay – they are at least predicting barbecue weather.  There is an opportunity to get out and about and enjoy the fruits of summer (which hasn’t finished with us yet!).  You can afford to be bold in seeking entertainment, and also polish up your performance skills.  Let your hair down while you can.

A timetable for Tuesday 26^th:

00.56 a.m. – Venus trines Saturn

This may bring encouragement, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty, in this period of social destructiveness. As I type, we have a weekend of anti-immigrant versus anti-racist groups kept apart by policing: a headache for the current government, and an opportunity to stir the pot by opposition parties. Venus can provide a softening role to a hard line stance.  It is conciliatory, which may be just what is needed.  Relationships may need serious resolving, and this aspect can help, whether on a personal level, or between nations (for any bidders for the Nobel Peace Prize).

Occurring as it does not long after midnight, it may steal some peaceful wisdom into your night’s dreams.

20.58 Hrs  – Venus sextiles Uranus

There may be a social sparkle somewhere in your evening, even if only on social media.  It’s a good day, for the most part, for socializing and meeting new people.  Meetings are significant with the combination of Venus and Uranus, and sometimes they can be strange and spooky with an air of serendipity.

22.19 Hrs. – Venus trines Neptune

By late evening, Venus trines Neptune, which is a beautiful aspect from a social point of view, enabling spiritual links with people.  Artistically or musically, you can achieve inspirational heights.  If you’re not burning the midnight oil, maybe you are set for sweet dreams.

I’d say Wednesday (27^th) is the most difficult day of the week, with a challenging opposition between Venus and Pluto.  It’s a dramatic note, especially in terms of relationships, and possibly in relation to money and the Arts.  This can symbolize brinkmanship in relationships, such as between Trump and Putin.  In negotiations, people may be using negative tactics such as project fear, or threats of no deal. If your struggles are in the realms of art or music, you may have to go back to the drawing board on a creative project, or fundamentally change the values behind what you are creating, taking them to a higher level or a deeper level psychologically.

Finally, on Friday (29^th), we get to the most important aspect of the week, Uranus sextile Neptune, an aspect involving two big hitters.  This is a rare an unusual aspect, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.  In my New Year Review, I wrote: “A major reorganization in order to incorporate more complexity and a deeper understanding.”  Uranus is coming from Gemini and Neptune is coming from Aries, both at 1 degree of their signs, a truly reforming zeal.  This aspect is laying down terms for the future, whichever way you are looking at it, and from the personal to the universal.  In interpretating what this means for you in your life (and take into account the Houses it falls in, if you know), I would like to make immortal the words of my favourite Astrologer Alan Oken (who has now passed):

“Intuition flows or works well with Illumination.  On an individual level the result would give the ability to properly handle higher levels of consciousness and a profound interest in the occult and mystic.  On a mass level it contributes to a generalized expansion of consciousness and an awakening to new uses of heretofore untapped energy sources.”

Take what you can and weave it into your current reality, and vision of the future.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – the element of the unexpected
• Tomorrow – make hay while the Sun shines
• Tuesday – commitment and loyalty; social sparkle; inspiration
• Wednesday – a dramatic note
• Friday – balancing major complexities

Leo Archetypes

I am writing about the Leo Archetypes today, before the month of Leo is out!  This is the sixth of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  It is time to embrace the potential of this sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  It’s still light in the evenings, and we have had another heatwave, and more record-breaking temperatures!  An affirmation of global warming.

A few words about Leos: Ruled by the Sun, they are associated with the patriarchy, power, pleasure-loving, sun-seeking, and hedonism; all qualities to enjoy about this holiday time of year. The object of the Leo personality is ultimately to bring sunshine into other people’s lives.

So, following, are some thoughts I highlighted back in my 2015 blog, and then some examples of Leo and their Archetypes, including from history:

“King

The King represents temporal power, and is related to the Tyrant archetype.

One example of the King Archetype is the Film Director, who controls all aspects of the making of a film.  Many Film Directors are born under Leo, and embody that total creative vision.

Examples: Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Sam Mendes, Christopher Nolan, Roman Polanski, John Huston, Cecil B. de Mille, Wim Wenders, Peter Bogdanovich

Queen

Strong Leo in a chart can indicate royal connections in past lives.  Tina Turner, who thinks she was an Egyptian Queen in a past life, has a Leo Ascendant.

Specifically South Node in Leo can indicate royal past lives in Egypt.

Leo actress Helen Mirren has played the Queen on film and in theatre.  Cate Blanchett, who has played Elizabeth I, has the Sun (ruler of Leo) rising.

The Queen/Executive

In 2013  Caroline Myss published a new book on Archetypes for the modern age.  One of these is the Queen/Executive:

“Elizabeth’s [I] archetypal successor in the modern world is the Queen/Executive.  A new archetype, this is a partnering of a noble force, the Queen, with a contemporary concept of power associated with business and finance, the Executive.”  I know a Leo woman who very much fits this description.

Inner Child

Play is a natural function of Leo, and Moon in Leo brings up the Playful Child, and also the Performing Child.  We all have the Inner Child Archetype, and it is usually described accurately by our Moon Sign.

“Star Healing” by David Lawson describes this quality of Leo well: “Leos are inspired by the magical qualities of children and many Leos express their creativity through the raising, teaching or guidance of children.”

Examples of the Performer: Mick Jagger (Sun, Jupiter, Pluto, I.C., Mercury, North Node and Chiron all in Leo!) and Madonna (Sun, Uranus and Venus in Leo).  Madonna blends Leo with Virgo (Moon and Ascendant among other features) for her “Like a Virgin” image.  Performers can of course also be grown-ups.

The Father/Patriarch

Shared with the sign of Capricorn, this Archetype in its Leo manifestation brings up a feeling of Protectiveness and Guidance.  The Capricorn manifestation is more authoritarian and disciplined in nature. [Related to The Patriarch, which is more authoritarian and antiquated].

Leo Mick Jagger, is detailed below under the Performer Archetype. A Capricorn example is Rod Stewart, who has eight children, like Mick.

The Hedonist

The Hedonist is one of the primary Archetypes for Leo.  It deals with the pursuit of pleasure and leisure.  Note that whereas there are not many animal totems for Leo, there are plenty of Archetypes.

The Hero

The Hero overcomes all odds, sometimes over and over again in their lives. You can spot a Hero Archetype by their stories, which can be long and complicated with a thread of how they came through.

Shadow Side

The Tyrant or Bully can be a negative Archetype, for whatever reason, and that includes psychological bullying. Napoleon, an Archetype himself, was a Leo.  It is interesting that the Arab Spring movement, that of the Inner Rebel (Aquarius/Uranus) confronted the various Tyrants (Leo) of the Middle Eastern Countries, and Aquarius opposes Leo in the Zodiac circle.  It is one of the astrological balancing acts, Leo vs Aquarius.”

To which I would add:

The Sportsman

Leos are supremely competitive, and tend to enjoy different sports.  There isn’t one associated primarily with Leo.  But the venerated Roger Federer in the world of tennis is regarded as a king.

The Performer

Madonna is an example of a hybrid Performer/Virgin, with Sun/Venus/Uranus in Leo (the Performer) and Pluto/Mercury/Ascendant/Moon in Virgo (the Virgin; the Madonna).

The Hedonist

Mae West, who had Sun/Chiron in Leo, was quoted as saying: ““Too much of a good thing is wonderful”.

The Hero

I have previously written about Lord Arbuthnot, in regard to his role in championing the Post Office scandal victims:

Lord Arbuthnot – a Hero

Lord Arbuthnot was born under the sign of the Hero Archetype, Leo, with four planets in that sign.  He was a staunch supporter of the stricken postmasters for many years – I would say he acted as a rock, highlighting their case continually in parliament.  He took the fight first to the House of Commons, and then to the House of Lords.  His synastry with the Post Office shows his Mercury sextile the Post Office Chiron (an interest in its wound and healing); and his Pluto conjunct exactly with its Sun, showing his role in bringing it down.

Historical/more in-depth Examples:

The Performer

Mick Jagger (b. 26/7/43)

Still prancing at 82, Mick Jagger is the Archetypal Leo, with Sun/Jupiter/Pluto/Mercury/North Node and Chiron all crammed into Leo (most of them in his 2^nd House of Money).  As well as the Performer, he exemplifies another Archetype of Leo, namely The Lover (through Leo’s association with the 5^th House): he has been married several times, and has had multiple partners, among them Chrissie Shrimpton, Marianne Faithful, Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, Jerry Hall, L-Wren Scott, and Melanie Hamrick.  With 8 children, five children and three great-grandchildren, he also fulfils The Patriarch Archetype (where Leo’s ruler the Sun represents the father, and Cancer’s ruler the Moon represents the mother).  A definition of a Patriarch is “the male head of a family or tribe.”

The Film Director

Alfred Hitchcock  (13/8/1899 – 29/4/1980)

With the Sun, Ascendant and Venus all in Leo, he has the credentials of the all-controlling classic Film Director Archetype.  Leo’s ruler the Sun was trine his North Node (karmic mission).  His macabre side comes from his Saturn exactly opposite Pluto.  And he had Uranus, Chiron, Saturn and the North Node in the 5^th House of Creativity and Drama, the natural province of Leo.

His North Node (karmic mission) was exactly conjunct the Galactic Centre in 5^th House – conferring extraordinary Power.  Leo anyway is a sign that represents Power, and power is represented by the 3^rd Chakra (the midriff section of the body).  In her book “Companions in Spirit” psychic Laeh Maggie Garfield offers a possible insight into Alfred Hitchcock’s notorious silhouette.  She says:

“Some people have an excess of third-chakra energy which they abuse by trying to control others.  The ‘bay windows’ of Alfred Hitchcock and Aristotle Onassis were bodily demonstrations of what happens when third-chakra power is projected in a coercive or manipulative way.”

Every sign or Archetype can have a shadow side.  Power can be mis-used, and in Alfred Hitchcock’s case it may have been, as testified by the actress Tippi Hedren, who starred in Hitchcock’s film “The Birds”.  She said:

“We are dealing with a brain here that is genius and evil. Deviant almost to the point of dangerous because of the effect that he can have on people that are totally unsuspecting.”

Hopefully, in his next life, he will learn to balance his power.

The Actress

Sandra Bullock (b. 26/7/64)

One of my favourite actresses, Sandra Bullock, has the Sun (and Mercury) in Leo.  Her films include The Proposal, Miss Congeniality, and Gravity.  Leo is the sign associated with the thespian profession, and drama.  The other sign associated with drama and acting, the more interior experience of sensitively conveying emotion, is Pisces.  Note that Sandra Bullock has the same birthday as Mick Jagger (26^th July); so often when I am picking these Archetypes there seem to be significant dates, which may be potent conveyors of the essence of the sign and archetypes.  It has happened too often to be mere coincidence.

An interesting feature of Sandra’s chart is that her Sun (Leo’s Ruler) is unaspected: hence it may indicate a more free-spirited expression of this expressive planet/star.  There is an echo of this in her Human Design Chart.  As detailed in the book “Human Design” by Chetan Parkyn:

“She…happens to be one of those rare beings whose Human Design is that of a Reflector, with no defined centres.”  The centres in her Human Design chart are empty.  He goes on to say: “She is naturally empathetic…and no doubt finds that she’s able to pick up everything about people: their habits, mannerisms, attitudes and moods.  This gift means that she is able to play out, reflect and perfect any role that a playwright or director asks of her.” This implies that she has the Neptunian component of the acting gene, too, and in her chart Neptune is the planet that occupies her 5^th House of acting.

With Venus/Mars on her Ascendant (opposite the Galactic Centre incidentally), she has been dubbed “the most beautiful woman” by People magazine (in 2015).  Her Midheaven (Careerpoint) is trine with her North Node (karmic mission), which makes it easier for her to fulfil her life purpose.

The Playwright

George Bernard Shaw (26/7/1856 – 2/11/1950)

Close to the thespian profession, playwrights also come under Leo Archetypes and careers.  George Bernard Shaw is regarded as one of Britain’s most prominent playwrights of the modern era.  His prominent works included Man and Superman, Pygmalion, and St. Joan.  Mars was trine his Ascendant, on the 5^th House cusp – prolific in creativity, in his case as a playwright.  He had the Sun closely conjunct Venus, and was also gifted artistically and musically.

Incredibly, this is the third, out of four examples, having the birthday of 26^th July.  It keeps happening, and I am sure there is a rhyme and reason to it.  Just realized that I wrote for Cancerian Archetypes last month:

“Notice that three of my specific examples were born around 6^th/7^th July, which gives them a connection of the very special Fixed Star Sirius, sacred to the ancient Egyptians, and our brightest nearest star.”

Perhaps it is the Fixed Star connection which makes certain dates stand out.  The nearest Fixed Star to the Sun’s position at 26^th July is Praesape (the M44 cluster in Cancer), which according to Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld in “Starlight Elixirs” represents:

“At a deeper level, most people will discover that a sense of what is needed created in them, as well as a sense of what is not needed.  Priorities can shift to spiritual levels, so the true God-nature of the priorities emerge.”

Looking back at the Archetype series of blogs, famous people just picked for their archetypes, I found 5 athletes born on 23^rd March.  Their Fixed Star is Diphda, in the constellation of Cetus, associated with 2^nd chakra energy.  I had two the same under Pisces (2^nd March): aligned with Scat in Aquarius (Rosa Parks was one, and the principle is about moving through red tape). And there were also two the same under Aquarius (4^th February): corresponding with Dorsum in Capricorn (one of whom was Mikhail Gorbachev), which may be politically linked.

 So, in summary, in contemplating your own link to the sign of Leo and for those you know, you can explore for the next month, this segment of the zodiac, while the Sun is still in Leo (until 22nd August).  You may notice that with your Leo family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes, and you may look up to them and admire them for it!  Notice too that some families have a particular sign as their theme, so perhaps they may be working on that theme in a common purpose in this incarnation as a soul group.

Aspects

Slim pickings this week…!

Monday 18^th brings a sextile between Mercury and Mars.  Physical and mental energies can co-ordinate well.  If you are cycling a great deal to keep fit, you may find the wind behind your sails.  You may be able to cycle just that bit faster or longer, and your fitbit may register record stats (if it is working properly).  You may also find shortcuts to your usual way of doing things.  Travel and active tasks can be brisk.

The Sun goes into Virgo on Friday (22^nd).  We may be starting to look at Autumn schedules, which are almost upon us.  The need for knuckling down conscientiously to look at work and study programmes is reinforced.  The Sun in Virgo will underline the need for a sense of focus and purpose.  Efficiency and Economy will be watchwords for how we organize the second half of our year.  There may be a new resolve to institute health and fitness regimes, and work rotas and practices.  You may be thinking ahead to September courses.

The week ends on a new beginning, that of a New Moon at 0 degrees Virgo, on Saturday (23^rd).  You may come to the end of a line of enquiry or a work project during the course of the week, ready for this New Moon, when new experiences can take place.  Aspirations around this New Moon in Virgo could be very work-orientated.  Ecology and the environment are also provinces of Virgo, so benefits could accrue for the planet if enough minds are concentrated on this aspect of life.

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – brisk action
• Friday – looking at working schedules
• Saturday – new beginning

Stella Rimington (1935 – 2025)

“I still thought the essence of the cold war and spies and stuff was fun.  You know, going around listening to people’s telephones and opening their mail.”

~ Stella Rimington

Stella Rimington, a former Director of MI5, and prolific crime novelist, died last Sunday, at the age of 90.  The security service was quite a distinguished glass ceiling for her to break.

Birth Chart

Stella had the Sun in Taurus, which straight away suggests a staunch individual acting as a rock in their sphere.  The Sun was trine her natal Moon in Virgo, also in Earth, adding an eye for detail.  She had 0 Fire planets in her chart, which may have given her the ability to be dispassionate, and even to keep a cool head.  There is clear evidence of the “Spy Archetype” with Pluto closely conjunct South Node in Cancer (likely carried over from past lives), and the Sun sextile Pluto shows a successful co-operation with the Police (= Pluto) as Director of MI5.  Leadership is shown by the Sun’s trine with the North Node, and is linked with her karmic mission.  The Moon also links with Pluto, by sextile.  Mercury trine Mars gave her quick mental reactions, but the most crucial aspect with mindset Mercury is an exact conjunction with Chiron, a conjunction I think of as the “Problem-Solver Archetype”.  This ideal conjunction for a Head of MI5 (and spy writer) is put under extreme pressure and stress by an exact square with Saturn, a measure of her strength and load of responsibility.  A further highly suitable aspect in her chart came in the shape of Jupiter trine Pluto, which indicates wise use of power.

Life and Career

Stella was born in South London, but her family moved to Essex during the Second World War as life had become very stressful:

“My childhood was disturbed and frightening. I was four when we left London as the Second World War broke out.  We lived in Barrow-in-Furness as the Barrow Blitz commenced: hiding under the stairs, windows were blown out and ceilings fell down.”

The family moved to Cumbria, before settling in Derbyshire, where Stella attended Nottingham High School for Girls.  She studied English at Edinburgh University, where she was fated to re-meet a friend from schooldays John Rimington, and they later married.  She went on to study Archive Administration at Liverpool University.

She married John in 1963, and in his career he was appointed as First Secretary for the British High Commission in New Delhi, so she travelled with him to India in September 1965.  Her transits for this transition were particularly interesting: Neptune on her natal Jupiter (foreign travel), and the North Node on her exact Chiron/Mercury conjunction in 10^th House – Wow! A karmically originated move if there was one.  It was directly to lead to her true career path.

While undertaking typing work in India, she was asked to assist one of the First Secretaries at the High Commission there, and he was revealed to be the representative in India of MI5.  She commented, in retrospect: “I was grateful for an end to the boredom.” When she returned to England she applied for permanent work in the institution.  From 1969, she went on to work in all three of its branches: counter espionage, counter subversion and counter terrorism.  She undertook a trip to Moscow in December 1991, making contact with the KGB.  Pluto was opposite her natal Sun at the time (a covert operation), and Uranus was trine her natal Neptune (an unusual step related to her undercover work).

In 1992, just after her return, she was appointed Director General of MI5, a position she held until 1996, the appointment being approved by John Major.  Aged 57, it may have been a representation of her second Saturn Return.

She was the first Director General to be openly named, and the first female to take the post.  As expressed in her later memoir, much to the consternation of their ranks, she described a great measure of sexism.  She also partook of some controversial recommendations during her time as head, for example speaking out against I.D. cards.

Relationships

Her elevated career position took its toll on her relationships.  The astrological pattern shows Venus loosely trine Saturn (loyal, committed, responsible in relationships) and Venus exactly sextile Uranus – (reunions, chance meetings, a search for excitement in relationships and some detachment).

One of her motives for writing her memoir according to the Guardian Obituary by Richard Norton Taylor was:

“She decided to write her memoir to explain to her daughters, Sophie and Harriet, why she was never around as a mother.  She separated from her husband when the children were young.”

In her marriage, there was a plot twist:

“Divorcing my husband seemed a faff.  We separated when our children were young, but the paperwork felt like an effort.  Now, I’m rather glad we didn’t.  We’ve become friendly again in old age, living together during lockdown.  Yes, we argued, but we’ve mellowed.  It’s a good recipe for marriage: split up, live separately, and return to it later.”

And on her relationship with her mother:

“I’ll always regret not being with my mother when she died.  I was away and failed to leave a contact number.  She died in hospital having fallen down the stairs: but I didn’t know until later.  We’d always been close.”

As a grandparent:

“My children would say I was quite detached as a mum.  We managed with au pairs, grannies and kind neighbours.  Still, I always tried to be caring and encouraging, and now – with my five grandchildren – I’m far more present.”

The Author

Her first literary venture was the Memoir “Open Secret”, which was considered a travesty by some, shedding light on that covert institution.  It is said that the character “M” in the Bond films, portrayed by Judi Dench, was based on Stella Rimington.

After the memoir, Stella then began a series of crime novels, based on two different intelligence officers Liz Carlyle (8 books) and Manon Tyler, a CIA agent (2 books), both alter egos of herself.

Her first novel was “At Risk”, with Liz Carlyle hunting down a terrorist cell.  A review in the Telegraph stated:

“At Risk is breezily told, seldom pompous, and the plot, though every bit as hokey as you’d expect, winds its threads together very entertainingly ”

My hubby has read several of her books, generously donated by Janet (a regular commenter here).  He tells me:

“The female character in her books is sympathetic to the plight of her ‘assets’ [fellow agents], suggesting this was how she interacted as the actual Head of MI5.  The stories involve you from the very start, you’re into the story very quickly. They are are well-written, similar to Ken Follett’s page turners [which include spy novels].  She’s a good descriptive writer.

Death

She apparently died on Sunday night surrounded by her family and dogs and it is reported that she “determinedly held on to the life she loved until her last breath”.

With a transit of Jupiter sextile her natal Neptune, she will have passed peacefully to her spiritual state.  A remarkable woman, whose life was clearly mapped out for greatness, with the resilience that was needed for her mission.

“I’ve never been one to retreat at the first whiff of gunshot.”

~ Stella Rimington

Aspects

Today’s aspect is Mars trine Pluto, a dynamic aspect which nevertheless needs to be handled with care.  There may be some upheaval involved, as when you are decluttering in earnest, but you should have the energy to start afresh once you have cleared some old ground.  This aspect speaks of self-empowerment, but you have to remember that everyone also has this force!  This is a great aspect for tasks which need great energy, and should be of benefit to you throughout the day.

Good news for Mercury-Retrogradophobes, for tomorrow (Monday 11^th) Mercury is Stationary prior to going Direct! I have heard several complaints these last three weeks, and I currently have a tech issue going on myself.  There can be some alleviation of recent communication glitches.  There may also be a turning point in your travel plans. Hopefully, if you have projects waiting to happen of a literary or technical nature, this may also be a go-ahead for you.  If you have been holding back on communication, you may feel the push to move forward again with it.

Tuesday (12^th) is a progressive day.  The early hours of the morning bring a sextile between two heavyweights: Saturn and Uranus.  You may have contemplated the changes of the early days of Neptune in Aries, and have a chance now to balance (sextile) the old (Saturn in Aries) with the new (Uranus in Gemini).  It’s a major aspect and enables stabilization.  This is a time when you can do something for yourself which is constructive.  You may have a joint venture with someone which is new and innovative, but need a steadying force.  Make no mistake, this is the most important aspect of the week.

And make no mistake either, this is the best day of the week, for Venus is conjunct Jupiter (at 14 degrees Cancer).  At the same time, it is one of the best days of the year, socially and romantically.  It is a great conjunction for getting out and socializing, but also for practising Unconditional Love.  This conjunction is aligned with the Fixed Star Sirius, giving the day an extra boost.

“Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld tells us:

“Sirius can enhance communication between the subtle bodies. This is that which normally goes on under healthy conditions for most people and is generally cut off between certain of the subtle bodies when there is disease or difficulty.   Communication will be enhanced between the physical and aetheric bodies, and to a lesser extent between the aetheric and emotional bodies.  This will be of great benefit for anyone who is working with healing.”

From Tuesday we skip to Friday (15^th) for the next aspect, which is Mercury sextile Mars.  This may bring about brisk action.  You may receive ideas to implement into your day.  Your mental reactions may be heightened, and this can lead to enhanced productivity.  Stella Rimington had Mercury trine Mars, conferring mental vigour, you may avail yourself of a little of that, with this aspect.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a powerhouse of energy
• Tomorrow – straightening communications
• Tuesday – *best day of the week: successfully combining or balancing the old and the new; socializing to the max
• Friday – mental vigour; brisk action

Sarina Wiegman

“The success of Sarina: she is always herself”

~ Hans Verheij

Last Sunday afternoon, a nation watched as the Lionesses, our Women’s football team, triumphed in the final of the UEFA champions league.  The match was nailbitingly close, involved a penalty shoot out, and represented a second such triumph for the team’s manager, Sarina Wiegman.  This week saw a homecoming parade and celebration in London for the team, with Sarina dancing and singing with her favourite music artist, Burna Boy.  What makes the magic of a successful manager, and team?  We came to know and love the characters playing over the period of the tournament, and I will look at a few.

Birth Chart

We do not have a birth time for Sarina, but she has the Sun in Scorpio: so she’s intense, passionate, and driven.  Scorpio is a persevering sign, and with having Moon in Taurus, she is doubly so (both signs are part of the Fixed Quadruplicity).  She has the Sun opposite Saturn, experience born of hardship, which hints that as a player, she specialized in defence.  She has four planets bunched up in Libra (Uranus/Venus, Mercury/Jupiter), indicating that the chart belongs to a Specialist.  Planets mainly occupying Libra means that she is good with one-to-one relationships (she is married with two daughters), though some have found her tough (Sun in Scorpio), but perhaps necessarily so in her role.  Mercury square Mars produces a critical mind, and Mercury exactly conjunct Jupiter a wide-ranging mind and love of travel.  Venus conjunct Uranus bestows personal magnetism.  Her Mars is square to Jupiter (over the top enthusiasm, which she  has made good use of!), and Mars is also trine Pluto (a powerhouse of energy).

Life and Career

Sarina was born in The Hague in 1969, and played football from a young age.  To make ends meet while training, she worked as a P.E. teacher. In 1986 she began playing for the Dutch national team.  From 1994, she played for North Carolina’s soccer team, and won the Dutch championship.  She represented the Netherlands between 1987 and 2001.  She retired from playing in 2003, and began coaching. She coached the Dutch national team to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro of 2017.  It was announced in August 2020 that she would manage the England women’s team from September 2021.

The transits for that moment were auspicious:

Pluto (her ruler) on her Mars, all power to her elbow! Saturn was trine her natal Pluto, a supreme challenge, but one that she was up to. Jupiter was sextile her North Node, a major high-profile career advancement and karmic reward.  And her Nodal Axis was square her natal Pluto (ruling planet) – again, a supreme challenge, but one that she was up to.

The rest is history: she led the English team to victory, on home soil, at the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022.  Not since our men’s team in 1966 at the FIFA World Cup had we had achieved anything comparable.

Her transits at the time of this victory included transiting North Node exactly conjunct her natal Uranus = A surprise!;  Pluto trine her natal Pluto, Empowerment!; Uranus and the North Node sextile her natal North Node – Karmic Success and Progress!  It was an astonishing feat.

Then, astoundingly, on 27^th July, just those few days ago, it happened again!  This has cemented the record-breaking nature of Sarina’s career.  On this occasion, Pluto was sextile her natal Chiron (a deep experience), Pluto (her ruling planet) was square her natal Sun (she had passed the ultimate test of a Scorpio!) and Mars was trine her natal Mars.

It was especially noted that she was inspired in her choice and timing of substitutes.

Some of the Stars of the Tournament

A study of some of the women stars throws up some interesting astrological facts.  Though I don’t have the time on a Sunday morning, nor the technical ability, to amass statistics and spreadsheets on all the players, what I have found is intriguing.

Leah Williamson

Captain Leah Williamson has the Sun in Aries, a sign of Leadership, but again (as with all these players, we have no birth time).  She has 4 planets bunched up in Aries, and so is also a Specialist in her own way.  She has the Sun conjunct closely Saturn, indicating the ability to take on responsibility, and possibly pointing to her role  in central defence and midfield.  Outstanding talent is suggested by the Sun exactly sextile Uranus and trine Pluto.  She has a well-co-ordinated chart, which may contribute to making her a good captain.  She has the Entrepreneur Archetype, in the shape of Jupiter conjunct Uranus.  She also has the Strategist Archetype, in the shape of Saturn trine Pluto.  She has Uranus sextile Pluto, the ability to work well with the complexity of a team.  And Neptune trine closely with the North Node, a spiritual leader as well as one on the field!

Leah led the team for Sarina’s first triumph in 2022, and for that final, Leah’s transits included:  Saturn trine her North Node (responsibility earning her a karmic reward); and Jupiter on her Sun (an unequivocal Win!).

For the second win, she had Jupiter squaring her natal Saturn (all about overcoming the odds); a Mars Return 24/25^th July, just after the semi-final.  She may have had a particularly fine moment during that match.

Choe Kelly

Chloe Kelly was also involved in both triumphs, and memorably scored the final penalty at the end of this year’s match.  She is a Capricornian, and has 6 planets bunched up in Capricorn and Aquarius, and so is another Specialist (especially in penalties!). She has Neptune conjunct her Sun, with Venus exactly conjunct the Sun, and, like Leah Williamson has Uranus sextile Pluto(the ability to work well with the complexity of a team).

She is the youngest of seven in her family, an early lifestyle which may have prepared her for working in a team.  Scoring the winning goal in the final of 2022, Pluto was on her natal Venus, Saturn (her ruling planet, and signifier of control) on her natal Mars, and Mars was opposite her natal Chiron.  She rose to astrological challenges, as well as the occasion.

In this year’s tournament, she came on at the end of the match, as a final flourish, and sealed the deal.  Transiting Chiron was square to her Venus earlier than the tournament and during the match.  Venus is an important planet for her, being exactly conjunct her Sun, and she had various wrangles to sort out professionally with the clubs she played for, coming up to the tournament.  Transiting Mars also formed a minor transit, a quincunx, to her natal Mars.

Michelle Agyemang

Another player who created a sensation was Agyemang, who was only a ball girl at the time of the first triumph in 2022, and who this year received a special award as “youngest player” of the tournament.  She replaced Alessia Russo in an earlier round against Sweden and scored immediately, equalizing and saving the day late in the match, paving the way for what proved a penalty shoot-out win.  Against Italy in the semi-final, she again scored a late equalizer which helped save the match.  Michelle is an Aquarian, ahead of her time (and old for her years!).  She has Sun conjunct Neptune (in Aquarius), like Chloe Kelly has (but in Capricorn), due to the eight years difference in their age.  She also has Mercury square Mars, like Sarina (a  sharp mind).  Her Saturn is exactly trine her North Node in Aries.

Her recent transits at the final were:

Jupiter trine her natal Uranus (luck plus surprise!) occurring exactly on 20^th July (between the time of the equalizing goals on 17^th and 22^nd July).  In addition, Mars was trine her natal Mars

Hannah Hampton

Hannah has less of a specialist’s chart, but has a different role to play, as goalkeeper.  A goalkeeper needs a strong Saturn.  Accordingly, she has the Moon (at Noon, no birth time available) closely sextile Saturn.  Her Sun is opposite Saturn, like Sarina Wiegman.  She had me amazed, every time she saved a goal.

Like Sarina she is a Scorpio (intense, passionate, and driven).  She has overcome health issues to get where she is, including an eye condition which affects the sensing of depth perception.

Transits include Chiron on her natal Pluto (she lost her grandfather just prior to the tournament, a grandfather who had encouraged her progress); and Mars was sextile her natal Sun.

Teamwork is the Dreamwork

It is notable that the transits for the individual Lionesses are not as remarkable as Sarina’s.  I believe that is because their successes were a team effort.  However, there is an important clue to their team work, bearing in mind that Mars rules football and that Mars interaspects indicate work together.

Here is the clue:

Mars positions

Sarina = 23 degrees Capricorn, Earth

Leah Williamson = 22 degrees 09’ Virgo, Earth

Chloe Kelly = Mars 22 degrees 11’ Aquarius, Air

Michelle Agyemang = 23 degrees 09’ Taurus, Earth

Transiting position of Mars at the final win = 23 degrees 38’ Virgo, Earth

All their Marses work together!  And the transiting Mars at the recent final works with them!  Only Hannah Hampson, who works from a different viewpoint, has a differing Mars.

That’s enough researching for one Sunday morning!  But they provided what the nation needs right now, a good news story.

Aspects

Our aspects this week start on Wednesday (6^th), technically with an ingress, not an aspect.  The ingress in question is Mars entering Libra, at 23.23 Hrs (for those who like repeating numbers).  Admittedly you have to wait most of the day for it…

That will a bring a change of energy, with Mars (the planet of war) entering Libra (the sign of peace).  It means that Peace and War have to interact, and negotiate, and can no longer ignore each other.  Either one can prevail, but they do have to try and acknowledge each other and if possible make progress.  Whether you have an ongoing tussle in your circle, or are interested in the wider world picture, this movement of Mars could be crucial, especially if you have experienced an impasse.  Brave and hard headed negotiations internationally with this sojourn, which lasts until 22^nd September.  Put on your diplomat’s hat during that time, as when Mars goes into the next sign, Scorpio, battles may recommence.  This period could make all the difference, say in mitigation.  The Sun will enter Libra that day, which could help the transition (from war to peace or less war).

On Friday (8^th) we have the *best aspect of the week*, Mars trine Uranus.  You may be able to swing the element of the unexpected to work your way, with this aspect.  It could, for instance, make for an unusual lunch!  Excitement may describe proceedings.  In science, technology and mechanics there could be progress and advances.  Engineering and electrical themes also benefit, so sparks fly, but in a good way!  You may also notice some bold and controversial moves.

The week ends, on Saturday (9^th), with a trio of oppositions.  You may be struggling to keep various elements in balance.

The first of these is Mars opposite Saturn, in the early hours.  In dreams, you may be tackling a conundrum, for example.  This aspect is no picnic, and indeed if you are trying to picnic you may have all sorts of obstructions: rain, wind or wasps to name three possibilities.  Two forces may be pushing against each other, and this could prove uncomfortable.  This can mean a conflict in the outer world, or the inner world.  A day which spells the need for caution.

Around breakfast-time there is a Full Moon at 17 degrees Aquarius, effectively an opposition between the Sun and the Moon.  It will add heightened emotion to the Mars-Saturn opposition.  We might be torn by looking at an issue emotionally, then from a detached perspective, then back and forth.  This may produce a stand off between the individual and the group.

In the evening, we are faced with an opposition between Mars and Neptune.  Again, there is a theme of war and peace, and smoke and mirrors, about this opposition, so don’t try and be too clever, just try and stay away from unsavoury entanglements.  There can also be a sense of illusion (Neptune) with this opposition.

The week in bullet points:

• Wednesday – the need for negotiation
• Friday – sparks fly, in a good way!
• Saturday – balancing oppositions: obstructions, emotional high tide, illusions

Ozzy Osbourne (1948 – 2025)

“It’s crazy that anyone would think I’d be in league with the devil, because I’m terrified of all sorts of shit.  I’m very superstitious.  I have to try not to be, otherwise I wouldn’t leave the house.”

~ Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal, frontman of Black Sabbath, died last Tuesday, at the age of 76.  Birmingham was in mourning, but grateful to have had the group’s farewell gig on 5^th July.

Birth Chart

We are fortunate to have a birth time for Ozzy, and can clearly see the shape of his chart.  His nickname, “The Prince of Darkness” is starkly shown by his Ascendant in Scorpio, with its ruling planet Pluto (the Prince of Darkness) at the top of the chart.  There is no mistaking his persona.  He has the Sun in Sagittarius, a sign which also has a strong showing in his chart, with Chiron/Mercury/Sun in Sagittarius in his 1^st House.  This contributes the humour which so many who knew him valued, the slapstick clumsiness, and the tendency to excess (both Scorpio and Sagittarius have a tendency to excess).  His Mercury was exactly square to his Saturn, a common sign of dyslexia.  A musical career is highlighted by Venus being exactly sextile his Midheaven in 10^th House.  Mars was closely conjunct Jupiter in his chart, depicting the high energy allied with enthusiasm which characterized his performance.  The conjunction was made more electric by virtue of being in an opposition with Uranus, and Jupiter opposite Uranus spells out the Chancer Archetype.  Success was aided by a Grand Trine between Mars/Jupiter, Midheaven/Saturn and the North Node.

Life and Career

Ozzy was born in Aston, Birmingham, and is one of their greatest exports, and famously sports the accent.  He came from a large family, and enjoyed taking part in Gilbert and Sullivan productions at school.  Growing up in the 1960s, he greatly admired the Beatles, his passion for them aroused by the song “She Loves You” in 1963.  He left school at 15 and took a string of blue collar jobs.  At 19, he briefly joined a band called “Rare Breed” as a vocalist.  He then belonged to a group named Earth, which included guitarist Tony Iommi.

Band member Geezer Butler was influenced by the occult, and the group changed its name to “Black Sabbath” in August 1969, based on the 1963 film of that name with Boris Karloff.  They noticed that their audience enjoyed being scared, and with Osbourne’s “eerie vocals”, they found their unique selling point.  Their first album was a success.

Karmic Connections

The band was managed by Don Arden, a Sun in Capricorn, described as “unsentimental”. Don’s Mars was conjunct Ozzy’s Mercury, so in some ways they rubbed each other up the wrong way. And Ozzy proved to be an unruly member of an unruly band.  He was fired from Black Sabbath on 27^th April 1979.  Transits for the event included:

Mars trine his natal Pluto, forceful ejection; Jupiter trine his natal Chiron (opportunity for new healing for him); Uranus on his Ascendant (a break away, change in the air); and Pluto sextile his natal Pluto  (an empowerment and ending of sorts, a chance to embellish his “Prince of Darkness” persona.

This was the cue for Don’s daughter, Sharon, to take over the running of Ozzy’s solo career, but also contributed to an estrangement with her father.  In involving Sharon, Don hoped she would bring Ozzy back to Black Sabbath.  Her synastry with her father included her Mercury square Don’s Nodal Axis (mental disagreements) and her Venus trine Don’s Pluto (Pluto is often involved when one person replaces the role of another).  Sharon and Ozzy worked alongside each other when Don was managing the group, but their chemistry was evident:

Her Sun was closely conjunct his Neptune (she indulged his fantasy); her Sun was exactly sextile his Pluto (Prince of Darkness) – she really got him!; her Jupiter was closely opposite his Ascendant (indicating a successful partnership);

Guardian writer Ben Beaumont-Thomas stated: “Her business acumen paired with his enduring popularity led to huge wealth”.  This was shown in his chart by his Jupiter/Mars/Moon (woman) in his 2^nd House of Wealth.  Sharon’s business acumen is shown by the Entrepreneur Archetype (Jupiter closely sextile Uranus).

Sharon and Ozzy married on 4^th July 1982.  They made it Independence Day so that Ozzy wouldn’t forget the date!  At the time, Uranus transiting Ozzy’s natal Chiron in 1^st House (stimulating his Inner Healer), and Mars was on his Neptune in 11^th House (spiritual fire).  Theirs was a tempestuous relationship, history would prove.  For Sharon, Saturn was on her Sun – (taking on a responsibility?), and the North Node was trine her Venus, a love match for her.

1982 was also the year he bit off the head of a live bat on stage, thinking it was a stage prop.  The incident involved a trip to hospital, to treat for a possible contact with rabies.

Ozzy continued the drink and drugs rock ‘n roll lifestyle, and the married couple had their ups and downs, characterized by constant bickering.  In 1989, he was arrested for trying to strangle Sharon while drunk.  In the early 1990s he announced his retirement.

2002 brought a new departure, a new enterprise from Sharon, that of an MTV reality TV show, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, rare for those days, though daughter Aimee declined to take part.  Beaumont-Thomas describes it as:

“complete with dog therapists and an endless stream of imaginative bad language from everyone”

More drama ensued on 8^th December 2003, when Ozzy came off his quad bike in the grounds of their home in Buckinghamshire.  He broke his collar bone, eight ribs, and a neck vertebra.  Transits for the accident included Saturn opposite his natal Moon in Capricorn in 2nd House (a message to slow down); and Uranus (the planet of accidents) exactly trine his own natal Uranus to the day (a negative manifestation of what should have been positive; always unexpected in nature, though).

Soon after, he and his daughter Kelly made a number one hit “Changes”, a song previously recorded by Black Sabbath, with the transformative Plutonian lyrics of “we’re going through changes…”.  But other positive transits were operational: Jupiter sextile his Ascendant, and Neptune sextile his natal Sun in Sagittarius in the 1^st House.  The Osbourne family are a tight-knit group, and his daughter Kelly and son Jack are both Scorpios, inheriting his love of the macabre.  His synastry with his daughter Kelly (one of several children, one of three with Sharon) included:

His Sun conjunct her Venus/Uranus (an affectionate complexion); her Saturn is on his Ascendant (loyalty and commitment); his Venus sextiles her Jupiter (good for relationship); his Mars sextiles her Sun (he is able to represent her animus); his South Node conjoins her natal Pluto (past-life experiences in relation to the Prince of Darkness persona – she can take that forward if she should choose to do so).

Completing the foursome, son Jack has overcome addiction and found a path as a fitness and travel reporter.  There’s mental companionship between him and his father, with his Mercury conjunct Ozzy’s Sun.  Ozzy’s Venus is conjunct Jack’s South Node, pointing to a personal relationship from past lives. Jack’s Venus trines Ozzy’s Uranus (affection).

Final Days

The band has had reunions, most notable the farewell gig in Birmingham this summer.  Ozzy was noticeably frail, with various health issues such as Parkinsons diagnosed in 2020, but he rallied to the occasion, and fans were over the moon.  Pluto was square his Nodal Axis, an air of finality; Jupiter was sextile his natal Saturn in 10^th House (temporarily overcoming his disabilities, to cement his place in the world); and Mars squaring his natal Sun in Sag in 1^st House (pushing his energy, health and vitality to its limit).

Ozzy Osbourne was a phenomenon, and his wife a driving force.  His family were taken to the hearts of the public, through the reality TV series.  His band created a new genre of music, heavy metal.  That is quite a legacy.  All done by just being himself, and wearing his heart on his sleeve.  Thoughts go out to Sharon.

“Sabbath and Ozzy were a lesson in being yourself, at all costs.”

~ Lizzy Hale

“He was very clever at being the caricature of himself that the media wanted when they wanted it, but when it came down to music, he was a bright boy.”

~ Rick Wakeman

Aspects

Tomorrow, Monday (28^th), Venus will be sextile Chiron, a congenial and healing influence, especially for relationships.  It is a good day to combine the Arts with Healing, such as creativity which involves and brings about healing.

Chiron is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde at 27 degrees Aries, on Wednesday (30^th), so a healing issue may crop up that day; perhaps you have gone as far as you can with a particular line of healing, and may need to revise or go over old ground for a while.  There may be more understanding to be achieved, for instance, about the emotional component of the healing issue.  If you know where you have Chiron Retrograde in your natal chart, you may be able to assess its greater significance.

There are two features to consider on Thursday (31^st), the first being Venus entering Cancer, which boosts family life and feelings, and applies more love and care towards other members of the family.  There could be memorable and sentimental occasions arising (Venus stays in Cancer until 25th August) such as family get togethers.  We need to be conscious about our emotional boundaries during this period.

Late on the same day, the Sun conjoins with Mercury at 9 degrees Leo.  That would be a good day generally to apply your mind with clarity, concentration and focus, and make important statements.  The focus may be on your own growth and potential and physical wellbeing.  Mentally you may see things clearly, if egocentrically.  Creatively, this is a very helpful conjunction: If you are writing a play, for instance, the perfect line could come to you.

In comes August, and we have two squares on the first of the month (a pinch and a punch…).  First up on Friday 1^st August, at lunchtime, Saturn squares Venus.  Maybe you are wrestling with a conundrum…Maybe you have felt let down by someone or you disappointed yourself in some way.  Forgiveness could be a solution, in that case.  Perhaps the way the changes are taking shape are not quite to your liking, but it is not too late to change them.  It may be about the way something looks, or the way something makes you feel, but some warmth of heart can make a difference.  Relationships need work, plus economies may need to be made.

This is followed in the evening by Neptune squaring Venus.  It could be socially confusing.  You could experience some mild paranoia, which could be soothed or alleviated by listening to old songs from a simpler time (music has become more complex over the years, to catch our interest).  Remember when life was simpler?  There may be a a sense of intrigue, involving relationship or money.  Maybe another political scandal…You need to look behind the illusion.  There could be uncertainty in the Arts or the world of Music.  You could experience frustrating flaws in creative works. Tread softly.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – congenial healing
• Wednesday – go over old healing ground
• Thursday – loving boost to family life; sparkling focus on creativity
• Friday – forgiveness a solution; social confusion

Fauja Singh (1911 – 2025)

“The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for last six miles, I run while talking to God.”

~ Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh, a British Indian marathon runner, died last Monday aged 114.  I was interested to investigate his birth chart.  The problem is, he did not have a birth certificate, though he claimed to have been born on 1^st April 1911.  So it was a challenge to authenticate this birth date, using important events in his life.  He was assumed to be the ninth oldest person on Earth.

I had an aunt who did not have a birth certificate.  She ended up choosing a birth date (strangely enough, mine), but knew her year of birth.  So all her life I had to work on the chosen date…I wonder if there is a resonance in a chosen birth date, even if it is not exact.

And what clues to longevity can we draw from Fauja’s life?  There is another Indian long lived runner (still alive) who also does not have a birth certificate.  I will take a brief look at his chart, too.  It’s a subject that caught my attention this week.

Birth Chart

With the Sun in Aries, straight away we have a high energy, high vitality chart.  On top of this, the chart has the Sun sextile Mars, bringing even more high energy.  If we have the exact day, Moon in Taurus provides stamina, then the Moon squaring Mars provides quick emotional reactions, also high energy.  All that may have been enough to show the record making marathon runs he undertook.

The Moon opposite Jupiter (if the day is exact) would have provided a positive emotional outlook:

“I go to bed early taking the name of my Rabba (God) as I don’t want all those negative thoughts crossing my mind.”

This chart has Mars exactly square Jupiter – over-the-top energy combined with enthusiasm (if so, it did him proud).  Mars was also square the Nodal Axis – a tremendous karmic drive, in this case for running.  Jupiter trine Neptune provided tremendous faith (in his case, Sikhism).  Jupiter was conjunct the South Node in this natal chart – good karma brought forward from past lives.  Saturn was sextile Chiron – strong for healing, e.g. for bones.

In terms of character and lifestyle, the chart is quite compelling for a long lived marathon runner.

Life

Fauja was born at Beas Pind, in Jalandhar, Punjab, at a time when birth certificates were not issued.  He did not walk until he was five years old, and his legs were thin and weak.  But as a young man he took up running.  This came to an end at the time of the Partition of India, in August 1947.

The character and talent of a marathon runner is consistent with his birth chart, but now through the events in his life, we can see if the transits and progressions match up as well.  The main transit to the chart in question at the time of Partition, was very telling:

Pluto, the life-changing (dwarf!) planet exactly opposed his natal ruling planet Mars (representing his energy) and squared his optimistic Jupiter, forming a T-square.  Pluto can also can point to a nationwide cause for the trauma.  So this event passes the test.

The next event that we know of that shaped his life was the death of his fifth son, Kuldip, in a construction accident in August 1994.  At the time, Uranus was square to his natal Mercury, if we are using the April 1911 chart: this would comprise a tremendous mental shock.  It apparently led to him taking up running again the following year, 1995, at the age of 84, which is extraordinary.  His progressed Sun would have trined his natal Chiron in Pisces at the time.

Other tragedies that fuelled his determination in that period were the deaths of his wife and his eldest daughter.  He came to live in England in the 1990s, living with one of his sons in Ilford.

He began to take up running seriously, and turned up for training at Redbridge dressed in a three-piece suit.  He ran his first marathon on 16^th April 2000, to very high energy transits.  Jupiter was sextile his natal Jupiter (great enthusiasm), Mars (his ruling planet) was sextile his natal Neptune (spiritual fire), and the South Node was on his Uranus (an unexpected development, karmically driven).  It seemed that this is what he was meant to do.

2003 was his personal best year, in two world events, the London Marathon and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In 2004 he appeared in an Adidas advertisement with David Beckham and Muhammed Ali.  He broke many established records, especially in UK events, and especially for his age group.

His biography “Turbaned Tornado” was published on 7^th July 2011, to several positive transits, including Jupiter sextile his natal Chiron in Pisces, and the North Node (karmic reward) trine his natal Mercury (publication).

He was a torch bearer of the Olympic flame at the 2012 London Olympics, with Jupiter sextile his natal Sun (an honour).

He formally announced his retirement on 24^th February 2013, an event you would expect definitive transits.  The transits were amazingly fitting: Pluto trine his North Node, very consistent with the event; Uranus trine his Saturn, seeking a new direction; and Saturn exactly conjunct his South Node, very much consistent with the event.  Very much a sense of an ending.  He did, however, occasionally take part in events after this retirement, as people so often do!

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2015 New Year Honours list for services to sport and charity.  Again, the transits come up trumps: Pluto sextile his natal Jupiter (a profound award); Neptune on his natal Chiron in Pisces (service to charity); Chiron trine his natal Jupiter (a healing award); Jupiter trine his natal Mercury (a recognition for running); and the North Node (karmic reward) trine his natal Mars (his ruling planet, representing the use of his energy).

I am very convinced that his birth date is accurate, or very close to being so, from the evidence.

His recipe for health and longevity:

“I am very careful about different foods. My diet is simple phulka, dal, green vegetables, yogurt and milk. I do not touch parathas, pakoras, rice or any other fried food. I take lots of water and tea with ginger….”

Dharampal Gudha

Dharampal Gudha is another Indian runner who claims to be the world’s oldest marathon runner at the age of 120. His claim to have been born on 6 October 1897 is disputed (more controversially than Fauja’s.  His chart doesn’t seem as “authentic” as Fauja’s for character and energy.  He ran his first marathon in 1970, and routinely rises at 4 a.m. and runs 4 kilometres daily.  He’s been the subject of a National Geographic documentary about his extraordinary running career.  That is not under dispute, but his birth date is, and I do not have any evidence that it is correct from the description of his lifestyle from his chart, and events in his life are not available to test the other set of evidence.  The only similarity between his chart and Fauja’s is that they both have Mars square to the Nodal Axis, their karmic mission being related to the expenditure of energy.

We can learn something from both men, from their recipes for health and longevity.  Apparently, he controls his diet, and has had a strict healthy lifestyle since childhood.  He credits his self-prepared chutney, mineral water and lemon juice.

“I eat a strict and balanced diet and have no illness. I stopped eating ghee and other fatty items almost 40 years ago, neither do I drink or smoke,” he has stated.  He has been a strict vegetarian since birth.

Death of Fauja Singh

Sadly Fauja Singh lost his life when visiting his birth place of Beas Pind, whilst crossing the road.  He was the victim of a hit and run by an SUV driver.  Strangely, of all the transits for his lifetime events, this was the least convincing.  My conclusion is that it would show up with a birth time, as a significant transit to one of the angles to the chart, or to the exact position of the Moon.  I do hope you found his life as enthralling as I have (as someone who only took up running at the age of 71)!

Longevity checklist derived from these two gentlemen:

[Especially for lovers of Indian food]

Do’s

Early bedtime

Connect with God

Think positively

Eat vegetarian!

Phulka [Phulkas also known as Roti or Chapati in some regions are a whole wheat soft and thin puffed flat bread]

Dal

Green vegetables

Yoghurt

Milk

Water

Mineral water with lemon juice

Ginger tea

Self-prepared chutney!

Don’ts

No alcohol

No smoking

Parathas

Pakoras

Rice

Fried food

Ghee

Fatty items

Aspects

Today, Mars conjuncts the South Node, a symbol of old karmic battles being fought.  Review the state of your Inner Warrior: it depends where you are with your own Inner Warrior…you may be in denial that you have one at all, you may be working on being a peaceful warrior or a warrior on behalf of women’s rights.    This may highlight one of the wars being fought on the globe, focussing on the karmic origins.  In personal lives, try to take the heat out of events, and choose the more peaceful option, I would say.

Tomorrow (Monday 21^st) it’s the turn of Venus to interact with the Moon’s Nodes, squaring them.  This aspect challenges us to take note of the karma of personal relationships, and group dynamics.  You may work with past life patterns, or present life practicalities.

The Sun bursts into its own sign of Leo on Tuesday (22^nd).  For many schoolchildren and workers, it is the start of holiday season, so have a good time.  Sun in Leo is about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.   For those of you on holiday by the sea, you may be able to enjoy a dip, alternating with lazing on a deckchair under a parasol sipping a pina colada, if the weather is fine (the spate of heatwaves has left us for the time being). For those staying at home, it is about enjoying aspects of life and being, generally.  The weather forecast for the coming week is mixed:  possible thunderstorms, a lot of cloud, but Sun on Friday.  A lot of people complained about the heatwaves (time to press on with Net Zero), but even if you did, there may be some aspect you enjoyed and can keep within your heart, such as an outdoor activity or sunlit photographs.

The Sun sextiles Uranus on Wednesday (23^rd).  You can make this day count, in a spectacular way.  Spontaneity and innovation characterize the proceedings of the day.  Telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group, are also favoured.  Mindblowing conversations can take place, and it’s a good day for reading out-of-this-world literature.

There is also a square, on that day, between Venus and Mars.  You may find that you feel inclined to let your hair down a little, inhibitions loosened.  This square may also have a bearing on the battle of the sexes (within, or interpersonal).  If you are creative on an artistic or musical vibe, you may introduce a little cheekiness into your work.

A stabilizing note is provided on Thursday (24^th) with a trine between the Sun and Saturn.  This enables the re-establishment of a foothold on reality, if that is what you might need.  It is a solid and productive aspect.  If you are engaged in creativity, it can help ensure that it works on a practical level.  It is also a good aspect for making plans and laying foundations, and counting your chickens.

Another trine occurring on the same day is that between the Sun and Neptune.  This is a more sparkling time, especially good for receiving creative inspiration, providing the champagne bubbles to the practicality of the previous trine.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.  Hope springs eternal.

This combination of trines highlights the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which for some people are constituting a bring-down a lot of the time.  Today’s combination provides the possibility of deriving something of benefit from the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction, and inspiration for how to handle it.  The conjunction becomes exact early next February.  People born under this conjunction (e.g. those born in 1953) have a heads-up, both for its more debilitating influences, and for knowing how to handle it.  Make the most of this opportunity.

A New Moon at 2 degrees Leo also greets us on that day, enabling us to make a fresh start.  The New Moon in Leo is about the soul quality of Joy.  This emphasizes the holiday making, creative and performing qualities of the sign and the season. It is some kind of a new beginning, so if you have experienced some testing times recently, you can press the re-set button.

It’s important that you make the most of the tremendous resources of Thursday (24^th), because Friday (25^th) holds a profound challenge, in the shape of an opposition between Pluto and the Sun.  Something to grapple with, and put your new-found wisdom into practice with.  The day suits sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Of course, there is a lot going on in our lives, both personally and globally, and our minds may go to issues which affect us more immediately.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – old battles
• Tomorrow – karmic relationships
• Tuesday – holiday mood
• Wednesday – mindblowing conversations; battle of the sexes
• Thursday – *Best day of the week: establishing foundations, incorporating inspiration, and new beginning(s)
• Friday – psychological challenges

Norman Tebbit (1931 – 2025)

“I grew up in the 1930s with an unemployed father.  He didn’t riot.  He got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking until he found it.”

~ Norman Tebbit

Norman Tebbit, the often unpopular right hand man of Margaret Thatcher died this week, aged 94.  He was possibly headed for the top job, until the bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton changed the course of his life.

Birth Chart

Tebbit had the Sun in Aries, a sign which has no difficulty in promoting the “me first” political policies of his Prime Minister. Every sign has its strengths and weaknesses, and its negative and positive poles. But Aries doesn’t let anything stand in the way of getting things done.  Thatcher’s Britain came to embody selfishness and greed (for example, selling off council homes, a policy which still has repercussions to this day).  Margaret herself, however, was the opposite sign, Libra, which presents a conundrum.

I wrote about her in 2013:

“Looking at her chart, you would expect to see the Warrior Archetype featuring strongly.  This is not what I see (other Astrologers may).  What I see is the strength of the woman: She had Saturn (Discipline) almost exactly conjunct her Ascendant in Scorpio (she meant business), with the power hungry opposition of Jupiter and Pluto almost strategically placed on the 3^rd/9th House cusps supporting the Ascendant/Saturn.”

She was surrounded, however, by Aries henchmen, and that may have been a strong influence and source of strength.   But this blog is about Norman…

Norman’s Sun in Aries was part of a triple conjunction with Uranus and the North Node.  This denotes a powerful karmic mission.  His Warrior Archetype is reinforced in a big way with a close conjunction between his Moon and Mars – he was an Emotional Warrior!  That was the vehicle and tool for his rage.  His Moon was in Leo, emphasizing a love of power.  His Ascendant was in Capricorn (yes, we have his birth time), denoting a strong political ambition, squared by his Sun.  He also had Jupiter square Uranus (the Chancer Archetype), and Jupiter loosely conjunct Pluto (power hungry).  The trine between Jupiter and his Midheaven (Careerpoint) ensured a successful career. Uranus square Pluto, gave him the ability to absorb change and shock.  He also had Neptune closely trine his Ascendant, on the 9^th House cusp – showing that on the religious spectrum he was an agnostic.  When asked if God existed, he replied “I’m not sure. He ought to.  Things would work better.”

Life and Career

Tebbit was born in Ponder’s End, Middlesex into a working class family.  He attended Edmonton County Grammar School, then left school early and, hoping to become a journalist, found a job at 16 with the Financial Times.  He had joined the Young Conservatives at the age of 15.

In 1949 he embarked on national service with the Royal Air Force. In 1954 at Waterbeach he had to escape from a burning Meteor 8 which had crashed off the end of a runway.  The drama in his life may be connected with a square between Pluto and his Nodal Axis, in his natal chart.  Many years later it was discovered he had had long term cardiac arrhythmia, and he associated it with that incident: “The suspicion I had a heart problem caused me to puzzle over earlier incidents in my life…I suspect that, that morning, stressed from the previous day and having had little sleep, I lost consciousness on that take-off run.”  The cardiac arrhythmia may be a feature of his Sun squaring his Ascendant in his natal chart, or some of the aspects to his Sun.

He continued to work within publishing and advertising, and sought a career in politics, eventually being elected as MP for Epping in 1970, and then to Chingford in February 1974, where he remained until 1992.

He became involved with various disputes about unions, and clashed a great deal with Michael Foot.

Back to Thatcher: She became Leader of the Opposition on 11^th February 1975, to the surprise of many, with Jupiter (success) transiting her Uranus (surprise) in her 5^th House of Self-Expression, and she became the first female Prime Minister on 4^th May 1979.

Norman Tebbit served in her Cabinet from 1981 to 1987, initially at Employment, then Trade and Industry.  Later (1987), he became Chairman of the Conservative Party.

What of their synastry?  His Moon and Mars were exactly conjunct her North Node, a very karmic relationship, speaking of two from the same soul group, coming into incarnation with an agenda.  Her Venus was also exactly trine his Moon: an affectionate bond.

The Brighton Bombing

There were two Margarets in Norman Tebbit’s life.  His 7^th House of Marriage and Close Relationships was one of two heavily populated areas of his birth chart.  In this 7^th House he had Jupiter, Pluto, and Mars in Cancer, and the Moon in Leo, so he was both powerful in relationship, but also in the company of strong women (Moon conjunct Mars).  Mars and Pluto were 11 degrees apart in the same sign, which is not strictly a conjunction, but clearly shows strong arm tactics.

The synastry between himself and the long, strong and loyal bond with his wife included: her Pluto opposite his Saturn (life-changing); her Mercury exactly sextile his North Node/Uranus (a bright mental companionship); her Venus exactly conjunct his Mercury (good communication); her North Node exactly sextile his natal Uranus (the ability to surprise each other); and her Uranus square his natal Mars (a considerable spark).  They had three children together.

On 12^th October 1984 the Conservative Party Conference was being held in Brighton, and at 2.54 a.m. the IRA detonated a bomb at the Grand Hotel where the delegates were staying.  Norman himself fell through four floors.

His transits at the time included: Pluto squared his natal Moon in 7^th House (his wife being seriously injured), Chiron sextiled his natal Sun in Aries (he was saved from a crisis), Saturn was opposite his natal Chiron (a serious crisis), and the North Node sextile his natal Mars (bravery).  When asked if he was allergic to anything as he was being rescued, he replied “Only bombs”.

For his wife Margaret, who sustained life-changing injuries, Uranus was square to her natal Neptune, and Chiron was also square to her Neptune, forming a T-square.

For PM Margaret, the Nodal Axis was square to her natal Moon (a crisis of wider implications), and Neptune was trine her natal Moon – being saved caused her to exclaim the next day “…It just occurred to me that this was the day I was not meant to see!”.

Later years

Although he stayed in government for a few years after the bombing, when it became clear that Margaret Thatcher was about to leave the top job, he had to make a decision, whether or not to enter the competition for that position.  With strong Cardinal signs (Aries and Capricorn) and a strongly aspected Sun, he certainly had a strong chart for leadership. But he had promised his wife Margaret he would look after her, and needed to earn money to pay for his wife’s long-term care, and curtailed his ambition for these reasons.  This he was able to do by accepting directorships, but it remained a long term regret that he did not fulfil his potential in the political domain.  It is worth noting that although he had made her a promise, she too gave him the freedom to change his mind.  However, in making the choice he did, he was probably fulfilling his karmic obligations and possibly also softening his character, and I suspect he was honouring a pre-birth contract.

“Tough, articulate and trustworthy”

~ Margaret Thatcher

Aspects

Were you awake at 4 o’clock this morning?  I was.  Perhaps you were reacting to Stationary Saturn prior to turning Retrograde.  I just had to go downstairs and have a cup of tea to re-set.  Turning inward for contemplation is one of the requirements of a retrograde period.  That entails going through a period of revision: often with Saturn, it is a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.

There is space for two Fixed Stars in the middle of the week:

For Tuesday 15^th, Pollux (one of the Gemini twins).  According to “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“When we refer to thought, it is very difficult to define these terms in ways in which individuals can separate this from what you would call mind chatter or even thought addiction.  We are referring to the energies that precede the actual process of electrical activity.  These are often energies of magnificent and beautiful inspiration.  These are generally lost to most individuals.  Pollux can enhance the process of absorbing a little more of this, making it a little more practical, and accepting that this is all right for yourself.”

Bernadette Brady, in “Fixed Stars” writes:

“Castor and Pollux are probably not about writing itself, or the urge to write, but, rather, successful storytelling by one who has a knowledge of mixing good and evil, overlapping them until both are changed and whole.  Writers who can do this will be successful.”

On, to Thursday 17^th, when our Sun is aligned with the star Procyon in Canis Minoris.  Again from “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“Procyon provides a greater acuity of mental functioning that can enhance concentration.  This may result in an ability to strengthen the physical body.  There is some stimulation of the intuitive understanding of reflex points in the physical body.  Individuals involved in reflexology would do well to utilize the starlight elixir.  Procyon can also enhance the ability to absorb energy directly from plants, the Earth, and the Sun.  In a healing process, the person receiving the healing energy will find the reception of such energy enhanced.”

Mercury goes Retrograde on Friday 18^th, in the early hours of the morning (should you wake, you’ll know why!).  Most people will see this as an alert to take good care of their communications for the three-week period.  A cheerier picture is provided by Yasmin Boland and Kim Farnell in “The Mercury Retrograde Book” for Mercury Retrograde in Leo:

“This is a time for playful creativity; let your ideas take their course, wherever they lead you.  You can’t control what’s going on around you, so there’s no point trying.  This time can be quite restful and will allow you to fully focus on your creativity (instead of the applause!).  For this reason, the retrograde can also be a very good time to go back to a creative project you worked on a while back but abandoned.”

But in the early afternoon, we have a very pleasurable sextile between Mercury and Venus, to round off the week’s aspects.  It is a harmonious and social vibe; a moment to savour, in the now, a combination that aims to please.  This favours conversation, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and affinity and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe or soiree (extending to the evening) culture.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – turning inward for contemplation
• Tuesday – aligning thought
• Thursday – absorbing healing energy
• Friday – communication glitches; social harmony