Chaim Topol (1935 – 2023)

“If I were a rich man, yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum/All day long I’d biddy biddy bum/If I were a wealthy man…”

~ Tevya, Fiddler on the Roof

Chaim Topol (whose name means Tree of Life in Hebrew), passed away this week at the age of 87.  It is rare for an actor to be so closely associated with one role (though he did play others) as Chaim was for playing Tevye in the film and stage musical “Fiddler on the Roof”.  Among his other roles was as Milos Columbo in the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”, the scientist Dr Zarkov in “Flash Gordon”, and Othello to Keith Michell’s Iago.

Birth Chart

Chaim Topol had the Sun in Virgo (the sign of the Specialist), Moon in Capricorn and the Ascendant in Leo.  Leo is the performing sign, and his Moon was in his 5th House of Performance, with his  Sun (ruler of Leo and his chart) was in Chaim’s 1st House – theatricality was in his veins.  But he was primarily an earthy individual, with half his planets (5) in the element of Earth.  With the Sun closely conjunct Venus he had a lovable quality, and also a penchant for art (something he originally wanted to pursue as a career).  Singing too is a talent shown by this conjunction.  The Sun and Venus were in a triple conjunction with Neptune, adding spirituality and idealism to his fundamental nature. In addition, he had a great deal of energy and enthusiasm (Mars conjunct Jupiter, and Mars closely trine Pluto) and was very sociable (Venus sextile Jupiter).  Religion and spirituality were nicely balanced in his psyche (Jupiter sextile Neptune).

Life and Career

Topol’s family had fled from Poland in the 1930s.  He left school at 14, and was not particularly academic.  His Mercury was unaspected, and he had only one Air planet, so worked predominantly by instinct.

Being born in Tel Aviv in 1935, before the founding of Israel in 1948, he fought in three wars: the Sinai war of 1956, the Six Day war of 1967, and the Yom Kippur war of 1973.  This is reflected in his exact conjunction of Mars and the I.C. (his security dependent on flight or fight).  He began acting while serving in the military.

The month of October 1956 seems to have been pivotal for his life.  On 2nd October he was discharged from military service, with Jupiter sextile his natal Jupiter (freedom).  On 23rd October, he married Galia Finkelstein, a fellow member of his troupe, with Neptune trine his natal Mars.  However, on 25th October he was called up as a reserve in the Sinai Campaign.  At that time, Mars (military duty) was exactly opposing his natal triple conjunction of Venus/Sun/Neptune.  He performed for the other soldiers while there.

After the war, he and his wife settled in a Kibbutz, and they had three children, later moving to Telaviv.

The Role of Tevye

When an actor is inextricably linked with a role, the persona usually shows up strongly in the actor’s birthchart.  In Chaim’s case, we are lucky enough to have his birth time, so we know the exact position of his Moon.  The Moon closely trine the Midheaven (Persona) means that he would be in the public eye, and he played a dairyman (a Moon ruled occupation).  The Moon is conjunct the North Node (a karmic mission in the public eye) with a trine between that conjunction and his Midheaven (so harmony between his conventional career and his karmic mission).  He also had Saturn exactly sextile Uranus – echoing the basic dilemma of Fiddler on the Roof – tradition versus progress.

Topol played the lead character in a 1964 film “Sallah Shabati” which was about a Sephardic Jewish immigrant family and its hardships.  This brought him to the attention of Harold Prince, who was looking for someone to play the lead role in the London stage version of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which opened on 16th February 1967, the play being an adaptation of one of the stories of Shalom Aleichem. Speaking little English, Topol had to be coached before taking up the role by Cicely Berry.  Considering the importance of the role in his life, the astrological transits were suitably momentous:

Jupiter was conjunct his natal Pluto (finding his power), Uranus was trine his natal Moon in Capricorn in his 5th House, establishing that Archetype for him, and Uranus also trined his natal Midheaven (careerpoint) in Taurus in 9th House, forming a Grand Trine.  Neptune was on his natal Mars/IC in his 3rd House, portraying a soft side to his courageous inner warrior; and Pluto was trine his natal North Node in Capricorn in his 5th House, establishing his karmic mission!

The film told the story of the dairyman Tevya bringing up three daughters in the village of Anatevka in the Ukraine in 1905.  It tears at the heartstrings in many ways: the harshness of the way of life, the pogrom visited upon the village by the Russian soldiers, the matchmaking of his three daughters (each match producing an ever increasing cause for concern and heartsearching in its dilemmas for Tevya), and in Tevye’s relationship with God.  Chaim portrayed the lead role with immense warmth.  In the Guardian Obituary, Michael Coveney writes:

“Irving Wardle again hailed Topol’s Tevye as ‘a living memorial to the comic genius of a tragic people’ ”

We have a fondness for “Fiddler on the Roof” in our family.  When the children were young, they used to dress up, act out and sing the musical with their friends, and we adults would enjoy the viewing.

When it came to the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 1971 directed by Norman Jewison, Topol was chosen for the lead role over Danny Kaye, Rod Steiger, Walter Matthau, Richard Burton and Frank Sinatra!  Topol won a Golden Globe Award for his part in the film.

Topol did not stop there…he went on to play Tevye in this iconic role on stage, all over the world, until his last performance (3500 performances in all) in Boston on 15th November 2009.  The final transits included Jupiter square his natal Jupiter in Scorpio in 3rd House, Uranus sextile his natal Moon in Capricorn in his 5th House (severing this Archetype) and Neptune square his natal Midheaven in Taurus in 9th House (letting go of an important part of his career path).

He was made for this iconic and poignant role, and obviously loved the playing, judging by his never-ending appetite for the role.  His son revealed last year that he had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but at 87 he had a good innings and fulfilled the Leo rising aim of giving pleasure.

“Anyone who plays Tevye knows he can never top Topol. God rest his soul.”

~ Omid Djalili

Aspects

It’s a roller coaster week, with ten astrological features, four squares, and a strong Neptunian dose of confusion – hold on to your hats!

Today, a rare conjunction of Jupiter and Chiron takes place.  This highlights the Healer Archetype, but can also bring about healing crises, and opportunities for problem-solving.  The possibility of the miraculous may also be on the table. and faith in yourself can be part of that.  Jupiter’s effect on Chiron is to magnify its Healing, and Chiron’s effect on Jupiter is to make life meaningful.  You know innately that the solution lies within the problem, and where there are nettles, dock leaves are not far away.

The last hour of Tuesday (14th) brings the first square, between Mars and Neptune.  Confusion may reign, so take that time for thinking things through. Meditation and activities which combine meditation and movement, can be helpful for centring, during the day, if you sense that this aspect is operating on your consciousness.

Confusion is also a theme on Wednesday (15th), and especially also in the last hour of the day, with the Sun conjunct Neptune.  Neptune combined with the Sun so intensely can bring high spiritual experiences and inspiration, especially if you are channelling or working with your creativity, in art or music for instance.  But for some, for example if you have a difficult aspect to Neptune in your natal chart, it may bring confusion.

Thursday (16th) is the big day in terms of astrological features, and so I have a timetable for you, which starts late afternoon:

17.13 Hrs: Mercury conjunct Neptune: This is not conducive to exacting and detailed mental work and documentation, but it can favour dreams, mystical states and spirituality.  They in turn can affect creativity, art and music in an inspired way.  If you are feeling below par, you may experience added confusion or brain fog, so it is best to plan your diary accordingly.

18.10 Hrs: Sun square Mars: The second square of the week, Sun squaring Mars, is a hot-headed aspect which can result in minor cuts and bruises through slapdash inattention.  Aggro, irritation and conflict are all possible under this aspect, so set out to have a peaceful day starting with a spot of your best meditational efforts.  Then radiate that calm to all who cross your path, while self-distancing.  You might find people sounding off, in anger, about things that are going on in the world, such as rows about people in boats.  If so, some advance preparation may assist in defusing agitation.  The energy, fire and enthusiasm which the Sun with Mars generates can be positively harnessed if you are especially mindful.

19.59 Hrs: Venus square Pluto: Another square, and it is time to contemplate, and reflect, rather than to dig even deeper, as it is time to digest recent experiences in a loving and healing way.  That may even include a damage limitation exercise.  Venus rules relationships and Pluto represents the force of transformation or deep soul searching, and both planets rule money, so all these factors may be on your mind and vying for attention, in some cases conflicting.

22.34 Hrs: Venus enters Taurus: Late in the day, with this ingress, Venus settles into a a happy bunny (or a contented cow) phase.  This may help to end a hectic day with a feeling of “all’s right with the world.  Within yourself, and in your relationship with nature (edging towards Spring), you are capable of feeling much more settled and harmonious.  This placement of Venus in her home sign continues right through to 11th April.  Those born under the Venusian signs of Taurus and Libra will especially feel its benefit, their normal sense of steadiness and balance.

The next day, Friday 17th, brings us another three aspects, so I might as well continue the timetable, starting in the early hours:

4.48 a.m.: Mercury square Mars: The last square of the week (you can utter a sigh, or a “phew!” after you negotiate it), occurs in the night for most of us (unless you are a shift worker) so it may influence  our dreams.  If you’ve been sailing along on a bright new health and fitness regime, be careful not to overdo things as you may be slightly incident-prone, partly through carelessness or complacency.  Another possible hazard of this square is argumentativeness and verbal conflict.  A careless word could have consequences. Dreams or nightmares may centre round trouble and strife.

10.45 a.m.: Sun conjunct Mercury at 26 degrees Pisces: As the day gets under way, you may become aware of the deeper issues, such as the compassionate implications of things.  The Sun and Mercury together may come up with some insightful solutions, and coming after the intense week may be accompanied by a little more calmness and relief from its dramas. Hope may be rekindled and the light at the end of the tunnel glimpsed.

22.25 Hrs: Venus sextile Saturn:  Last but by no means least, at the end of the day, comes a sextile between Venus and Saturn, which is a constructive aspect, a re-affirmation of where you are going, especially in terms of relationship, or art.  In the realm of human relations, it is about steadiness and loyalty: cementing commitment.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – healing and crisis resolution
• Tuesday – confusion
• Wednesday – more confusion, and inspiration
• Thursday – spirituality; conflict; deep soul searching; peace
• Friday – irritabililty; concentration; loyalty

Betty Boothroyd (1929 – 2023)

“The passion, wit and sense of fairness she brought to politics will not be forgotten.”

~ Rishi Sunak 

Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons, died this week at the  age of 93.  An affable personality, and capable politician, she stood out as a straight talking supporter of the working class and for her all round popularity.

Birth Chart

Betty was a good advert for her Sun sign of Libra, having a good proportion of the sign’s attributes: popularity, charm, fairness, beauty (she won a contest) and musicality.  This was concentrated in quality by virtue of an exact conjunction of her Sun with Mercury in that sign.  So she had the sign’s spiritual and mental qualities.  The Sun/Mercury conjunction was trine Jupiter, giving her an expansiveness which drew people to her.  Mercury trine Jupiter is by nature a Speaker.  The office of Speaker in the Commons is the head of parliament, and this trine befits the office.  She proved to be successful and popular in the role.  Her Part of Fortune was in the 3rd House of speaking, too.  With the Moon also in the Jupiter-ruled sign of Sagittarius, she had a cheery smile and was known for her humour. The opposition of Sun/Mercury to Uranus meant that she was not afraid of being controversial, and there are some good examples of this in her life, such as a controversial maiden speech.  She ignored advice from Bob Mellish to “Keep your trap shut, girl, and you will get on”.  A journalist described her as having the “lip of a barmaid.”  Chiron exactly conjunct the North Node in Taurus gave her a very specific karmic mission, as a healer of sorts in her profession, and a steady hand on the tiller.  Mars in Scorpio gave her some toughness to counterbalance Sun/Mercury in Libra.

Life and Career

Betty was born in Dewsbury, and was an only child of textile workers.  She was brought up with political awareness, with her father being a trade unionist.  At the age of 12 she won a scholarship to Dewsbury Technical College.  She loved dancing (Mars closely sextile Neptune) and worked as a dancer from 1946 to 1952, which included a stint as a Tiller girl at the London Palladium.  That showed a performing side, which may be linked with Sun in Libra, but  a birth time would possibly  emphasize this.  When she recorded “Desert Island Discs” in 1993, she chose Ethel Merman’s “There’s no Business like Show Business” as one of her tunes.  A turning point in her life came though when she suffered from a foot infection, and sought a different life direction.

She had already shown an interest in politics, with her mother’s encouragement. She had became a member of the Labour League of Youth when she was 16, at the time when her progressed Sun moved from Libra to Scorpio.  The following year, with her progressed Sun conjunct her natal Mars in Scorpio, she was the winner in a speaking competition which took place for young socialists.  In the 1950s she worked as a secretary to the Labour politician Barbara Castle, a foot in the door of the political world.  She also held such a supportive post in politics in Washington for a while.  She was not academic in her school life (and had failed the 11-plus), so it may have taken her a while to build confidence: some of her humour has a distinctly self-deprecatory flavour.  Her first foray into direct political responsibility came in 1965, when she won a seat on Hammersmith Borough Council.  Eventually, after four unsuccessful attempts, she became an M.P. in 1973 (for West Bromwich).  Her star was rising, and she gradually built a good reputation among her fellow M.Ps, and a growing popularity.  She became a Deputy Speaker in 1987, and finally in 1992 she “smashed the glass ceiling” and became the first female Speaker.

Her Speakership

Before Betty took up this office, speakers were addressed as “Mr Speaker”, but when asked what she would like to be called, she said “Madam Speaker”.  Another tradition which she changed was the wearing of wigs.  She declined to wear the wig, and after her speakership the tradition was not resumed.  She had a signature catchphrase, and that was “Time’s up!”  She announced her resignation, after eight years, on 12th July 2000.  Transiting Jupiter was square her natal Neptune in Virgo: she was restless on her inner journey.

Awards

She collected an enormous amount of awards and honorary degrees during her life.  Naming just a few: In 1993 she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law from City University London; in 1999 she became an Honorary Fellow of St Hugh’s College Oxford; She gained a life peerage in 2001 (with Pluto sextile her natal Sun/Mercury), and an Order of Merit in 2005.

Personal Life

For a Libran, it was unusual for Betty Beecroft not to have married or had children.  But she would have liked children, and said that she had at least three offers of marriage, which never arrived at a convenient time.  Her Venus in Virgo may have made her very discerning in relationships.

Leisure

She took up paragliding in her 60s, a hobby which  would suit an Air sign such as Libra, and described it as “lovely and peaceful”, a phrase which is distinctly Libran in nature.

House of Lords

She took up her peerage, and campaigned against Brexit.  The future of the House of Lords is currently under question by the Labour party, as the entry of members has been used inappropriately over the last few years by the Tory government.  Keir Starmer would like to see an elected House.  However, Betty had clear views to the contrary, saying:  “It is wantonly destructive. It is destruction that hasn’t been thought through properly.”  She was worried about power struggles and constitutional disarray.

Though she had a colourful personality, she was not a radical politically, coming from the right of the Labour Party, and honouring most protocols and traditions, while dispensing with some.  Like the Libran scales, a curious balance or mixture, but one that endeared her to a wide range of people.

“You never know what people are capable of until you give them the opportunity to show it.”

~ Barbara Castle

Aspects

Today Mercury from Pisces sextiles the North Node in Taurus, setting up a productive element to the day: the karmic wind will be beneath your wings.  Communication will be highly significant and imbued with meaning, though subject to differing interpretations according to belief.  Solutions can be found: today after ten years of negotiations The High Seas Treaty has been agreed to protect marine life.  We have something to show for Mercury (contracts and agreements) in the water sign of Pisces harmonizing with the North Node (karmic necessity).

Tomorrow (Monday 6th) we have another sextile, that between the Sun and Uranus.  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.

Tuesday lunchtime brings a Full Moon at 16 degrees Virgo, which is likely to bring some emotional tension and a desire towards perfectionism and practicality, at the same time as honouring spiritual ideals represented by the opposing Sun in Pisces.  Work and service are also principles of this polarity of signs.

Not long after the Full Moon and its tension, we have a major shift, in the shape of Saturn entering Pisces.  This is a big deal, and may be a relief for Aquarians (who will have their big deal arriving soon in the shape of Pluto’s entry into that sign).  Pluto will enter Aquarius on 23rd March, so enjoy the hiatus, Aquarians!  As you can see (if you don’t already know), March is going to be an important month, especially for people who have their Sun or any other planet at 0 degrees of a sign.  There will be changes, some expected, and some not so.  Saturn has a slow application, so you may see these changes coming, and some of them may arise from your own cuts and economies.  Simplifying your life may be an option.  Saturn stays in a sign for two and a half years, so you have time to work with it.  One important consideration for Saturn in Pisces is to work charitably for those struggling in society, e.g. in poverty.  By the end of the period, the government of the day may be able to put into place something to help, possibly after a huge public outcry.  Compassion is always a watchword for Pisces, but excruciatingly so for Saturn in Pisces.

There are two more sextiles on Saturday (11th), the first being Venus sextile Mars, which takes place in the afternoon.  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.

In the evening, Mercury will be sextile Uranus, giving rise to spectacular and unusual communications.  This encourages us to use all the new technology for our communications, and brings new ideas, heightening intuition and telepathy.   This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – the wind beneath your wings
• Tomorrow – spontaneity and innovation
• Tuesday – emotional high tide; deepening compassion
• Saturday – sensuality; sparkling technology

Shamima Begum

“Shamima knew when she made the decision to join Daesh, she was going into a country where there was no embassy, there was no consular assistance, and I’m afraid those decisions, awful though it is, they do have consequences”

~ Jeremy Hunt

Shamima Begum, who as a 15-year old schoolgirl, went to join ISIS, lost her appeal this week in relation to the removal of her British citizenship.  She is currently stateless in a Syrian camp, and her situation is subject to much debate and disagreement.

Birth Chart

Shamima’s chart is very reflective of her character and situation.  First of all, she has 8 out of her 10 planets in the Fixed signs, which is very unusual, and describes someone who is stubborn once set upon a course of action.  Secondly, she has no Cardinal planets, which may show she is easily led (one of the arguments surrounding her is whether she was groomed).

Her Sun in Virgo square Mars is not averse to danger, though it is a loose aspect, and may be the sign of the Warrior Archetype.  Her Sun trines Jupiter  (a thirst for adventure and foreign travel), squares Pluto (deep transformations in life) and squares Chiron (acclimatization to crisis).

Her Moon is in Aquarius, which combined with a Virgo Sun, produces a cool and detached personality.  The Moon opposite Mercury  indicates that her imagination and rational brain can be out of sync. But the Moon’s conjunction with Uranus in Aquarius strongly speaks of the Rebel Archetype being very influential within her psyche.  This conjunction close to the South Node may be linked with the loss of babies (three in total), and may be karmically linked with Atlantis in past lives.  She’s not afraid to be controversial (Mercury opposite Uranus), and with Mercury also conjunct the North Node, she may eventually be a teacher, if rehabilitated, having that potential as her karmic mission.  Venus exactly square Mars means that she could be motivated by sensuality, but Venus square Saturn can betoken disappointment in love; while Venus square Chiron shows emotional wounds.  Mars loosely opposite Saturn indicates some harshness, and Mars conjunct Chiron is interesting: I associate this in karmic astrology with wounding on battlefields in past lives.  In Shamima’s case, she certainly experienced a war climate, in this lifetime.

Her birth chart analysis continues to reveal a great deal.  Jupiter square Neptune is an aspect which classically represents confused ideologies, especially between religion and spirituality.  She may have been in a state of aimlessness before being groomed by ISIS, and certainly would not have been thinking clearly on such matters.  Jupiter square the Nodal Axis may represent international karma, as someone who is half-English half-Bangladeshi, and married to a Dutchman, and is now stateless.  Finally, Saturn square Uranus denotes personal earthquakes.  Her camp is situated in Northern Syria close to the border.  It may not be very close to where the recent earthquakes took place, but it is certainly in an unstable territory, geographically and politically.

ISIS

Shamima was brought up as a Muslim in Bethnal Green, and left the U.K. with two school friends in February 2015, after being groomed online and attracted towards a “better life” as a bride of ISIS in Syria.  The MET Police had had intelligence information originating in Canada hinting at the possibility of this happening, and had sent warning letters to the Bethnal Green trio’s parents, which were intercepted by their daughters.  The tragedy could have been averted (the other two girls are reported to have died).

On leaving London, Chiron was sextile Shamima’s natal Saturn (a deliberate decision with the hope of improving her life), Uranus was sextile her natal Uranus (her Inner Rebel had come into its own) and Neptune was squaring her natal Pluto (deepening her problems, and entering into dangerous waters).  The girls arrived at Gaziantep in Turkey (interestingly also the site of the epicentre of the first earthquake this year) where they were picked up by pre-arrangement and taken across the border to Syria.

Ten days after Shamima’s arrival she was married to a Dutch ISIS fighter.  Two of the transits mentioned for her arrival were still operational, plus Venus trine her North Node (a karmic romantic connection), and Mars trine her natal Pluto (a warrior connection).  They had three children together, one of whom (a daughter I believe), Shamima was particularly attached to and tried desperately to keep alive – her death (from starvation) was heartbreaking.

Found in a Camp

In February 2019, Shamima was found in a Northern Syrian camp by a war correspondent named Anthony Loyd.  The North Node was trine her natal Mars at the time (karmic exposure), and Saturn was trine her Saturn (an important turning point).  It must have been a crucial professional scoop for the journalist.  Anthony Loyd has the Sun exactly conjunct Uranus in Virgo in his chart (in an affinity with Shamima’s chart) opposite a conjunction of Saturn and Chiron in Pisces.  His transits on finding her were  Jupiter square his natal Sun (a lucky break journalistically!), Pluto trine his natal Mercury (a deep, hard-hitting piece of reporting!) and Jupiter exactly square his Uranus (a risky venture, in some way, a transit exact to the day).  Their synastry showed:   Her Jupiter trine his Venus (she provides him with a lucky break, or a scoop) and her North Node conjunct his Mars in Leo (a karmic connection).  In talking to Anthony Loyd, and later to Quentin Sommerville (no birth date available) she sounded uncaring and blase about the sufferings brought about by ISIS, though to some extent she was still wary of them.  Indications were that she had actively participated in the way of life of the fighting community.

The next day (with virtually the same transits for Shamima), Sajid Javid, who was Home Secretary at the time, revoked Shamima’s British citizenship, which meant that she could not return to the U.K.  For Sajid, Saturn was sextile his natal North Node (making a historic decision or judgement).  At the time, it was wrongly believed that she had joint Bangladeshi citizenship and would be able to go to Bangladesh, but it turned out that she would face the death penalty there, as she would be regarded as a terrorist. It is technically illegal (under international law) for the U.K. to leave someone stateless, which she now was.  She was deemed a threat to national security.

Heavily pregnant at the time, her baby, a son named Jarrah, was born on 17th February.  I wrote at the time:

“Shamima Begum, who as a 15-year old went to join ISIS, and who wishes now to return to the U.K., gave birth to a baby boy this morning.  The issue sparked a lot of debate last week, revealing a great deal of complexity around it.  If he survives, he is likely to have a complex destiny.  If his mother is allowed to bring him into the U.K. she would have to face the music, and may be separated from him.  With the Moon in Cancer, his psyche will be very much tied to that of his mother.”

Additional features of his chart were the Moon’s conjunction with the North Node in Cancer, the babyhood being part of his karmic mission, and Venus conjunct Saturn (a cause of heartbreak).  At his birth, Shamima had Mars exactly trine her natal Sun, to the day (birth of a boy!), Mars square her natal Neptune (uncertainy and precariousness) and Saturn trine her natal Saturn (facing the music). Jarrah died of a lung infection just a few days later, on 8th March 2019.  She had been found, but her newborn son, though hospitalized, had not been saved.

Appeal Denied

Shamima’s unsuccessful attempt to appeal against the government’s decision this week comes under the following transits: Neptune trine her natal Mars, and Chiron sextile her natal Uranus, not difficult transits.  In a recent television programme, BBC’s “The Shamima Begum Story”, she seems almost resigned to her current fate.  The programme included an interview with her Dutch husband.  In another programme recently aired, SKY’s “The Return: Life After ISIS” she is shown living amongst an international group of ISIS brides trying to return to their countries of origin (Britain being one of the most intransigent) supporting each other, and trying to keep up morale.

In an LBC radio broadcast this week, James O’Brien expressed the view that she should be accorded the same treatment as white teenagers from Rochdale and Rotherham who were seen as victims of child trafficking and sexual exploitation.

My own view is that she need not be a threat to our national security, as she would be under surveillance here in Britain, we would be able to obtain information about ISIS from her, and she could face justice in a court.  Life in prison, if that would be her fate, would be preferable to being stateless forever in the desert under the conditions in which she now lives.  In my opinion, that is no state for a human being.  Others might consider it just desserts, (or deserts – excuse the pun).

“The spectre of the supreme court’s ruling on Begum in early 2021 hangs over this decision by Mr Justice Jay and his colleagues. Reflecting that earlier judgment, we see a determination to defer to the widest possible extent to government on the grounds of national security, as well as a lack of any moral urgency in relation to the alleged breaches of Begum’s core human rights.”

~ Conor Gearty, The Guardian

Aspects 

As we have no aspects until Thursday, I will begin with a Fixed Star which aligns with our Sun on Tuesday, 28th.  The star is SCAT, the delta star in Aquarius.  We have a few applications from  “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, the first of which I might find helpful on my Philosophy course:

 Further Education

“Scat can encourage people in their tasks when they need to delegate or to form a group interaction that goes on to delegate others. This is  especially helpful in research projects or the teaching profession where interaction of clear hierarchy is an important part of the work, an example being graduate studies under the auspices of various professions.  Such academic relationships are often made a little more acceptable to the people involved by work  with this star.”

Bureaucracies

“There is also an ability her to accept and release some of the naturally occurring difficulties that are produced by bureaucracies.  The ability to  pierce through the veils created by bureaucracies is improved.    Thus individuals seeking to move through red tap to accomplish their goals appropriately may have insight and understand how the group interaction has created such red tape.  At a higher spiritual level, there can be a telepathic concordance between the people involved in such research projects or between those on a bureaucracy  who would seem to oppose you and your progress.  Various new ideas may come forth from this in the dream state.”

This may assist Rishi Sunak’s attempts to break the deadlock over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Fear

“At the highest spiritual level there is a shedding of fear.  This can produce a deep willingness to become one.  This is only for those who are already open to such ideas, perhaps having studied Buddhism, Taoism, or other forms of understanding this oneness amongst people.”

Minor chakras

“This star can stimulate the heart chakra and the minor chakras in the palms.  The astral body is soothed.  For those who seek to use the astral body for deeper communication in the dream state, a natural strengthening and more healthful sleep will take place.”

Thursday (March 2nd) is the main day for working with the aspects this week.  First we have the great conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in the early morning at 12 degrees Aries, which has been visible of late as the two planets come together spectacularly in the night sky.  In terms of beneficence, this is one of the year’s highlights.  It is an aspect of celebration, social pleasure, and romance.  There may be announcements of engagements, for example.  Look out for some good news, and crack your best jokes.

In the early afternoon, we have a more exacting influence, that of Mercury conjunct Saturn at 29 degrees Aquarius.  The combination of Mercury and Saturn pins us down to reality, and brings communications of a serious nature.  You may have found yourself trying to come to terms with recent events or news.  The important thing about this conjunction is what conclusions you come to, and what constructive action you might decide to take, even if it is just taking up the ever present demand of decluttering.

In the late evening of the same day, Mercury enters Pisces, which increases mental focus and communication around compassionate issues, such as the vulnerable, those with mental health issues, and the state of institutions, such as prisons and the NHS.  In the period of its rapid jaunt in this sign (up till 19th March) compassion will be more easily shown and charity given, and it will be easier to receive ideas of creativity and inspiration.

The next day, Friday 3rd, brings a third conjunction, that of Venus and Chiron, at 13 degrees Aries.  This can warm the cockles of the heart, while as the same acknowledging wounds.  So it is very poignant, and some of the greatest writers of love songs have it in their natal charts!  Notable examples are Adele, Christine McVie, Burt Bacharach and Joan Armatrading.  So if you’re feeling it, write a poem or a song.  Forgiveness and healing are positive manifestations of this conjunction.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – progress in study, negotiation to cut red tape, alleviating fear, and healing minor chakras
• Thursday – beneficence and celebration; exacting paperwork; compassionate mindsets
• Friday – expressing personal wounds creatively

Nicola Sturgeon Resigns

“I am proud to stand here as the first female and longest serving incumbent of this office, and I’m very proud of what has been achieved in the years I’ve been in Bute House.”

~ Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, heralded a major shift in politics with her resignation this week.  Not only does it shift the tectonic plates about Scottish Independence, but also touches areas such as Brexit, issues of gender, and a possible gain for Scottish Labour.  Coming after the shock announcement a few weeks ago by Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, who had overlapping concerns, their resignations may be part of a trend.

Birth Chart

I have previously written:

(2014):

“Scottish Deputy Nicola Sturgeon … is a role model for the strong woman, and unflinching in her political aims….  She is comfortable with power, as her Sun is sextile Pluto… Nicola started young on her course: she was 16 when she entered politics”.

I added in 2021:

“She has the Sun conjunct Mars, the Inner Warrior Archetype.  Her strength comes from the Sun closely trine Neptune and closely sextile Pluto, and in addition the problem-solving exact trine between Mercury and Chiron.”

I have always found her formidable in debate, albeit arguing from an agenda of Scottish Independence.  However, I can empathize with her frustration about Scotland being forced against its will to leave the European Union, and being “under the thumb” of Westminster.  Recently, of course, the government at Holyrood was directly blocked by Westminster over its attempt to introduce progressive legislation about transgender rights (the “gender recognition reform bill”), which is a complex issue.

She was criticized about certain areas of her political performance, such as the recent record of Scottish education, but the progressive nature of Scotland’s tax system has earned praise, and heroically she faced her nation daily during the covid years.

She started young in politics, and has spent almost three decades in frontline politics, and ten years as First Minister.

Timing

Some of Nicola’s statements now echo those of Jacinda.  Here are some phrases from her resignation speech:

“I have believed that part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else…

In my head and in my heart I know that time is now…

my decision comes from a place of duty and of love…

I am a human being as well as a politician…

there is a much greater intensity – dare I say it? – brutality to life as a politician than in years gone by”

Her resignation comes with the following transits to her birth chart:

Saturn trine her natal Jupiter (a decision carefully weighed and balanced)

Saturn square her natal Neptune (soul searching and anguish, encountering complex and almost unanswerable questions)

Pluto sextile her natal Neptune (recognition the necessity for deep change, both for herself personally and in the wider concerns of her party and society)

Yes, she is right to resign at this time.

I personally feel that she has been a politician of integrity, in a period of years where integrity has been lacking in the government at Westminster.  But I know others who have disagreed with me on that, so I am just sayin’.  I believe in the Union between England and Scotland, but I also believe England should be fair to Scotland.

“I admire her for not clinging too desperately to her dream of personally delivering independence.  It must be tough to give up such a large part of your life…”

~Dani Garavelli, The Guardian, 17th February

Aspects

Today’s aspect is Venus sextile Pluto, an aspect which encourages soul-searching and arriving at deeper concepts and perceptions.  You can add extra artistry and harmony to your current projects.  You can also experience profound connections between people, and it’s a good time for evaluating what people mean to you.  You may experience a volcanic eruption of creativity!

Tomorrow (Monday, 20th) starts with a New Moon at 1 degree Pisces.  This is the most sensitive New Moon, and a time to set intentions, make affirmations, and creatively visualize along the lines of peace in your own environment, and the plight of war torn nations around the world.  Lessons we have recently learned can be put to good use.  Issues around water are also in the spotlight, such as plastic in water, and sewage in water.

Venus also enters Aries early on in the day, which sets up bolder feelings to express and contend with, bearing in mind the general tone of the month will be the gentler Piscean spirit and idealism.  Venus is not entirely comfortable in Aries and therefore Venusian types may feel that they are being pushed to a faster pace of life than they are comfortable with.  There is a warmer and more demonstrative feel about Venus though while she is in Aries, so hugs may be more forthcoming.

All in all, it is a positive and constructive day, as we also have a sextile between Mercury and Chiron.  It is a good day for combining natural and scientific medicine, or alternative and conventional healing.  So you may be making or attending appointments of this nature.  This can also bring a satisfactory outcome in the arena of communication.  For example, something you might have been told was impossible finds a way through, and a problem may turn up with a solution.

Tuesday (21st) brings an awkward square between Mercury and Uranus, so be prepared for glitches.  Back up your computer files (mental note to take my own advice!), 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.

The next day (Wednesday 22nd) is more dynamic, with Mercury trine Mars.  Communications may zip along, and the day could be very productive.  Much can be accomplished.  You can put your ideas into practice.

And we have a subtle aspect with a karmic flavour on Friday (24th): that of the North Node sextile the Sun.  This favours and supports creative plans.  It is a good day to settle on your direction in life, or for the week at least.  You may find that everything falls into place.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – soul searching
• Tomorrow – new beginning; bolder feelings; healing
• Tuesday – square pegs in round holes
• Wednesday – communications more straightforward
• Friday – favourable creative karma

Burt Bacharach (1928 – 2023)

“Burt was clearly bound to go out on his own. He was an exceptionally talented, classically trained pianist, with very clear ideas on the musicality of songs, how they should be played, and what they should sound like. I appreciated his musical gifts.”

~ Vic Damone

The legendary composer Burt Bacharach died this week, of natural causes, at the age of 94.  Hubby and I broke out into random duetting when we heard the news.  Some of his songs were the backdrop to our childhoods, and some came later.  Before the Beatles came along and changed pop music, his ballads were some of the best words and music combinations around.  His successes included 73 top 40 hits in the U.S. and 52 in the U.K., and his musical output spanned six decades.

Birth Chart

Burt Bacharach was born under one of the two Venus-ruled signs, the musical sign of Taurus (the other being Libra).  Taurus is very descriptive of the sort of melodic ballad which he wrote.  He had Venus in Taurus, too; Venus and the Sun in Libra would be lighter, more airy compositions.  With Venus closely conjunct Chiron in Taurus, he often wrote about the wounds of love, playing at the heartstrings.  Adele also has Venus conjunct Chiron.  With Jupiter closely trine Neptune, he could create a sense of moods on an inspirational level.  the brilliant success of his career is shown by Uranus exactly trine his Midheaven (careerpoint),

Life and Career

He was born in Kansas City, and his mother encouraged his musical talents – she herself was a songwriter.  As a teenager, he enjoyed jazz, especially Dizzie Gillespie, Count Basie, Thelonius Monk and Charlie Parker.  He went on to study music at Montreal, New York, and California.  He was drafted into the U.S. army in 1950, and teamed up with the singer Vic Damone while in Germany.  He subsequently toured with Damone as a pianist, and Damone was later to recall how much he valued his contribution (see the above quotation).

By 1956, he was working with Marlene Dietrich as her musical director, and this collaboration lasted for five years, at the same time as he was building a career out of songwriting.  She wrote in her autobiography:

“As a man, he embodied everything a woman could wish for … How many such men are there? For me he was the only one.”

Meanwhile, in 1957, he met the lyricist Hal David, who played a huge role in boosting Bacharach’s success.  While their fortunes were tied, they were guaranteed success, but they later fell out, and their synastry is mixed.  The height of musical inspiration was produced by Hal’s Venus exactly trine Burt’s Neptune. [please note this week’s Venus/Neptune conjunction, which could make a songwriter or poet out of you!].  Reinforcing that, was Hal’s Neptune sextile Burt’s North Node, so the inspiration was mutual.  Hal’s Pluto also supported Burt’s Venus in a sextile, which deepened their experience of feeling, useful in songwriting.  But the stumbling block was a square between their Saturns, which could be stubborn on both sides on an issue.  They wrote over a hundred songs together.

Burt Bacharach was married four times, and was quoted as saying: “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody, but when you wind up being married four times, there are a lot of bodies strewn in your wake.”

Remembering his Songs

Musically, he was described as producing “easy-listening” music, whereas in fact his arrangements were quite complex, and encompassed different genres.  He also wrote some highly regarded film scores. Here are a few of his memorable songs by just a few of the artists he worked with (sing along, if you will):

1957 The Story of My Life – Marty Robbins

Someday I’m going to write
The story of my life
I’ll tell about the night we met
And how my heart can’t forget
The way you smiled at me

1957 Magic Moments – Perry Como

Magic moments, memories we’ve been sharin’
Magic moments, when two hearts are carin’
Time can’t erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

1962 Don’t Make me Over – Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick worked with Bacharach and David for several years, and her relationship with Bacharach broke down around the same time as his relationship with David.

Burt’s relationship with Dionne shows up the following interaspects:

Her Mars was square his Moon, so quite fiery emotionally.  Her Mars was trine his Pluto, a driven relationship on both sides.  Her Jupiter on his Chiron in 3rd House, her ability to bring out the best and most healing from his songwriting.  Her Saturn on his Venus in his 3rd House, that is where there may have been too much demand on her part.

Don’t make me over
Now that I’d do anything for you
Don’t make me over
Now that you know how I adore you

1963 Make it Easy on Yourself – Jerry Butler and The Walker Brothers

If you really love him
And there’s nothing I can do
Don’t try to spare my feelings
Just tell me that we’re through

1964 Anyone who had a Heart – Dionne Warwick and Cilla Black

Anyone who ever loved could look at me
And know that I love you
Anyone who ever dreamed could look at me
And know I dream of you
Knowing I love you so

1967 I say a Little Prayer – Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin

The moment I wake up
Before I put on my makeup (makeup)
I say a little prayer for you
While combing my hair now
I’m wondering what to wear now (wear now)
I say a little prayer for you

1967 The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield

The look of love
Is in your eyes
The look your heart
Can’t disguise

1968 This Guy’s in Love with You – Herb Alpert

You see this guy
This guy’s in love with you
Yes, I’m in love
Who looks at you the way I do 

1970 (They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

[Apologies if I have left out your favourite!] 

Of his own performances of songs, he wrote: ““I [tried] to sing the songs not as a singer, but just interpreting it as a composer and interpreting a great lyric that Hal [David] wrote.”

They don’t make ’em like they used to.

“Burt was a hero of mine and very influential on my work.  He was a giant in the music business.  His songs will live for ever.”

~ Brian Wilson

Aspects

In the early hours of today Mars was sextile with Chiron.  Wilful types may see that their way of doing things is not working in a group situation (it may work for them on their own), and invite some healing input from others.  Healing actions and efforts can thrive under this aspect.  If it influenced your dreaming time, it may have rebalanced your system somewhat, between activity, rest and healing.

We have a sweet conjunction on Wednesday (15th), the afterglow of Valentine’s Day.  If you had a romantic time the day before,  you can savour it, or dine out on it.  Inspired artistic and musical expression is assisted.  Idealized and spiritual love may also be on the menu.  You may find inspired ways to show love.  With Neptune being in Pisces there is an idealized element to love (being in love, as distinct from loving):

“Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
Looked at clouds that way…”

We experience a sharp contrast the day after, on Thursday (16th).  First, the challenge of the Nodal Axis squaring Mercury, a much more analytical way of looking at life, probably triggered by necessity or a demanding communication.  But it is an opportunity to tackle, or honour, your karma!  We can give more thought and exercise more mindfulness in our processes and actions.  Whether it is personal relationship karma or environmental karma, we can put our minds to what needs to change for the future.  Put into practice what we can do now.

Next, on the same day, is an unromantic conjunction of Sun and Saturn, which may deflect your attention if you are still basking in the Valentine’s week mood.  This conjunction bears a serious message.  Take note of the area/House it falls in, if you know it, as that will help you to ascertain the purpose of this event.  There is a great sense of concentration about this conjunction, focussed on practicalities  such as “what can we do about the situation?”  Caution is Saturn’s name.  Saturn demands responsibility, commitment, and common sense.

“…I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions that I recall
I really don’t know love
Really don’t know love at all” 

~ Joni Mitchell

Saturday (18th) is a chance to recoup some joie de vivre, starting with a sextile between Mercury and Jupiter in the early hours, so sweet dreams of travelling may be on the cards.  This sextile encourages mental development and learning (if you are on a course of study, for instance), and is helpful to businesses in need of a lift.  If you are learning a new language, you may experience a shift and take off with it!  It will also be favourable for the teaching profession.  If you are travelling, remember St. Christopher is with you.

Then, at the other end of the day, late evening, the Sun leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces, and the general tone of life will become more soft focus.  We become more introspective and aware of our deeper emotions with the Sun in Pisces.  We also become more aware of the sentience and oneness of all life, especially the plight of the creatures of the ocean and the state of the waters.  This is the last stage of our winter introspection before the coming of the spring.  We are also preparing for the imminent entry of Saturn into Pisces, and taking into account a more empathetic outlook towards the general suffering in the world.  Perhaps a change in government handling of and attitude towards refugees and asylum seekers.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – rebalancing your system
• Wednesday – sweetness and light
• Thursday – karmic information; sober reflections
• Saturday – widening horizons; charitable behaviour

Paco  Rabanne (1934 – 2023)

“I have always had the impression of being a time accelerator, of going as far as is reasonable for one’s time and not indulge in the morbid pleasure of the known things, which I view as decay.”

~ Paco Rabanne

The fashion designer Paco Rabanne died this week at the age of 88.  He was a textbook Aquarian in character, but fascinates also in his recall of his various past lives.

Birth Chart

Paco Rabanne is an Astrologer’s dream, because everywhere you turn this non-conformist conforms to all the Aquarian stereotypes!  He was futuristic (though was said not to regard himself as one – the classic Aquarian arguing that black is white!), unusual, and rebellious.  With the Sun exactly square Chiron in his chart, he enjoyed putting square pegs into round holes – he famously made clothes out of unwearably metal objects.  His Moon conjunct Uranus increased the Aquarian lode on his chart, bestowing great imagination.  Mercury conjunct Mars, represented the “Inner Critic” in him.  His sensation-seeking Mars exactly opposite Neptune is a key feature in his chart, and plays a role in some of his key astrological progressions for events in his life.  That he was self-possessed and in charge of his life is partly down to his Moon in Aries, and Jupiter trine Saturn – he was able to make judgements that served him.  Jupiter closely opposite Uranus, gave him the “Chancer” Archetype, always pushing boundaries.  He also liked Power (Jupiter exactly square Pluto).  Jupiter in Libra in his 5th House indicated great creativity, artistic and fashion talents, and it was trine his Midheaven, so easily put to use in his career.  But a stunning almost exact triple conjunction of Saturn/North Node/Midheaven in Aquarius tells a great deal about his story, and ensured that his conventional/unconventional career was exactly aligned with his karmic mission, and pushing forward into the future.  This triple conjunction also trined his Ascendant, making his life work more powerfully.

Life and Career

Paco Rabanne was born in the Basque region of Spain.  His mother worked as chief seamstress at Balenciaga, but his father  was executed during the Spanish Civil War, and his mother moved the family to Paris when Paco was aged five.  He trained in Architecture (one of the classic professions for Aquarius) and worked for ten years at a firm which developed reinforced concrete (represented in his chart by Saturn on his Midheaven).

In his spare time he made sketches for jewellers and fashion houses in Paris, and by 1966 he established his own fashion house.  He made his reputation in his  manifesto of “12 unwearable dresses in contemporary materials” in that year.  The dresses were made of metal, paper and plastic, and had a space age style (again, Aquarius).  At the time, his progressed Sun was entering Aries in his 10th House, denoting a very individual expression.  In 1968, his fashion designs were used for Jane Fonda in the film Barbarella (an Aquarian Archetype if there ever was one).   In the same year, he began marketing his trade mark perfumes, with the Spanish fashion and fragrance company, Puig.  He gave up fashion in 1999, but was a keen follower of Nostradamus, whose predictions ended in that year, and one of his own predictions failed to materialize in the same year.

Past Lives

He published a book in 1994, entitled “Has the Countdown Begun?  Through Darkness to Enlightenment.”  It was around that time that his past lives began to be publicized.  he would have recently had his second Saturn Return, and a transit of Saturn to his North Node and Midheaven, and this may have been a factor in his decision to make a stand on the material about his life, and to release information about visions he had had from early life.  It proved shocking (again, an Aquarian tendency), and led to some question over his sanity.

I wrote in a blog in 2011:

“One of the fascinating stories about Altair comes from the Paris fashion guru Paco Rabanne, who says he came from this “crystal planet” several thousand years ago.  In pre-Atlantean days, he said “`I travelled to Earth from the planet Altair. I simply came to help organise civilisation on this planet. There is no great mystery to it. Logistically speaking,’ he added, `that trip was simply a matter of applied physics.’  This story appeared in articles from the early 1990s and he has written about it in his books.”  The position of the Fixed Star Altair is the first degree of Aquarius.

He claimed to be 75,000 years old.  This may be fanciful to some, but not to past life therapists.  The books of Dolores Cannon (“The Convoluted Universe”) Parts 1 – 5 are an in-depth testament to  this sort of material.

Other lives mentioned by him involved the murder of Tutankhamun, knowing Jesus in a previous life, and prostitution at the time of Louis XV.  In his mystical life, he claimed to have seen God three times, and to have been visited by aliens.

He was undoubtedly a visionary, and his fashion house saw him as inspiring a future of limitless possibilities.  Whether or not you believe in his space age fashion and extraordinary spiritual claims, he must have opened a few minds, in his time.

“That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart”

~ Jose Manuel Albesa, fashion president of Puig

Aspects

This morning in the early hours Venus was square to Mars, which may have produced sensuous dreams!  You may find during the day 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. This aspect may produce some tension, but there is also tension gathering for the Full Moon.

At tea time, there is a Full Moon at 16 degrees Leo, so another stand off between the male and female principles (i.e. the Moon opposes the Sun).  Moon in Leo can be dramatic, and bring about power struggles.  But Leo is creative, and can write its own screenplay, especially if working in a balanced way within a group.  Interestingly, the disgraced ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss, a Leo, is launching her comeback today, which I don’t think is a good idea.  There usually is a crest of emotion at the peak of the Full Moon.  So this Full Moon may leave you with material to ponder…

Tomorrow (Monday 6th) brings a much easier aspect, that of Mercury sextile Neptune, ushering an influx of intense imagination.  This aspect will assist you in refining your mindset, because our minds will be open to receiving higher guidance more easily.  Delicate conversations and channelling will also be made easier.  Artistic efforts may also be rewarded.

The constructive vibe continues on Wednesday (8th) in the shape of another sextile, that of Venus with Uranus.  Whereas Mercury sextile Neptune can be a very inward process, Venus sextile Uranus is more social and may produce more outward manifestations.  For example, a chance meeting on a walk in the park or while out shopping is not out of the question, and may result in an impromptu coffee interlude.  Sometimes Venus-Uranus meetings can be strange or seem random.  Venus sextile Uranus is on the pleasantly uplifting side of the equation, and can bring reunions.  The three S’s come to mind: spontaneity, synchronicity and serendipity.

Friday (10th) brings greater challenge, with Mercury conjunct Pluto, with a need to pull together your most profound ideas and leave behind any wishy washy thinking.  This conjunction may have the effect concentrating the mind, possibly seeming to make the task in hand more difficult, but actually giving it more meaning, depth and thought.  This conjunction brings great scrutiny but goes deep psychologically.  Conversations and communications deepen in nature, and causes of situations and circumstances may be uncovered, such as motives.  We all become detectives.

Time for a change of mindset on Saturday (11th), when Mercury leaves methodical Capricorn and enters futuristic Aquarius.  We might all take a leaf out of Paco Rabanne’s book (but which one?!).  This is about big, bold envisioning of the future.  Perhaps there are ideas we have not quite been ready to accept before this point.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – the battle of the sexes
• Monday – intense imagination
• Wednesday – stimulating meetings
• Friday – deep thought and communication
• Saturday – space age thinking

Tory Party Blues

Alternative titles:

Embarrassment of riches, riches of embarrassments, an Embarrassment of Rishi’s

“Sunak only got caught because he filmed himself breaking the law”

~ John Crace

Rishi Sunak

I wrote in 2020 when he was appointed Chancellor in Boris Johnson’s cabinet:

“He has the Sun, Mercury and Chiron in Taurus, the sign of money.  With the Sun/Mercury trine Saturn, he has a great deal of common sense.”

On 20th January, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was seen to be failing to use a seat belt in an advertisement.  He has been fined a mere £100, which when added to his Partygate fine, totals two fines.  His transits at the time, which include the circumstances for all the other scenarios appearing here, are as follows:-

Saturn squaring his Uranus (exacting standards highlighting where corners have been cut)

Saturn on his South Node  (karma catching up with him)

Neptune trine his Uranus (having to deal with complex dynamics)

His troubles are piling, partly because when coming to power, he had to choose colleagues from all areas of the party, and not all of them are up to the standard he promised us at the outset.

Nadhim Zahawi

“Then there’s Nadhim Zahawi, the Tory party chair, who appears to have accidentally failed to fill in his tax return correctly”

~ John Crace

Nadhim’s story is also about a fine.  Nadhim’s birth chart has a Grand Trine in Water, consisting of Venus, Chiron and Neptune.  Maybe it was this strength which enabled him to successfully oversee the vaccination programme for covid, his finest hour.  Now as the Tory Party Chairman, he finds himself facing an enquiry over his tax return.  During his brief period as Chancellor under Liz Truss’ brief role as Prime Minister, he negotiated a settlement with HMRC whereby he paid a gargantuan penalty for a wrongly calculated tax form.  I imagine that millions of people around the country, facing tax worries, are at the very least perplexed about this, if not angry.  This came to light around the same time as Rishi’s seat belt blunder.  We do not have a birth time for him, and in this case the missing information would be crucial, as the most significant transit for him is Neptune trine his natal Neptune.  This would indicate that he is at peace with himself, and does not consider himself to have done anything wrong.  Which may be the case, but he is certainly being judged for it, and for his embarrassment of riches.

Stop Press: This morning Nadhim Zahawi was found to have committed a serious breach of the ministerial code, and has been sacked by Rishi Sunak.

This morning’s transits: The trine between Neptune and his natal Neptune has now shifted, so he may have a different perspective.

Boris Johnson

“You can tell Johnson knows he’s done something wrong because he sloped off to see Volodymyr Zelensky at the weekend”

~ John Crace

Around the same time as the two events above, Boris Johnson (still a Tory MP) faced a new scandal, just as the Partygate enquiry by the Commons Privileges Committee is getting into full swing.  The current Chairman of the BBC, Richard Sharp, apparently “helped” him secure a loan of £800,000 as he embarked on his premiership.  Richard Sharp was appointed Chairman shortly after, in what looks like a linked event.  Again, millions of people around the country, some relying on food banks to get by, are wondering why he needed such a huge amount of money, and whether Carrie Symonds’ furnishing tastes had anything to do with it.  But as a nice diversion, he went to Ukraine to reassure Zelensky that we are still supporting him.

Boris’ transits for this time:

Uranus on his natal Jupiter (a sudden trip abroad)

Uranus opposite his natal Neptune (a tricky, complex time)

There had been talk of Boris making a big comeback, but it looks less likely now.

Richard Sharp

Richard Sharp himself has a very dynamic birth chart, with the Sun in Aquarius sextile a conjunction of the North Node and Mars in Sagittarius, and a powerful conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in Leo.  Now the case of whether the link with Boris Johnson was a factor in his appointment is also being looked into, in yet another enquiry.  He has at the moment Pluto on his natal Mercury (an excruciating enquiry).

Stop Press:  A report has come to light that Boris Johnson had been told to stop asking Mr Sharp for financial advice.

Dominic Raab

Dominic Raab has played various roles in recent years in Tory cabinets, but now it seems several civil servants have come forward to accuse him of bullying in the various departments.  He may feel it will all blow over, as happened to Priti Patel when she was examined over bullying claims.  But the accusations seem to be mounting up at this time, and he is a key ally of Rishi Sunak, currently playing the role of Deputy Prime Minister.  The Sun in Pisces does not tend to produce a bullying mentality, but may have shown some negative traits of Pisces in his vague and disorganized approach to the evacuation of Afghanistan, while sunning himself on a beach by the ocean (Pisces).  The more salient points of his birth chart are Mars square Jupiter (which can produce over-zealousness), and Saturn on his South Node (showing that he may have  brought in some difficult karma from past lives).

His current transits (though this looks like a situation which will drag on) are:-

Mars opposing his natal Neptune (a fine mess; accusations of insensitivity)

Saturn sextile his natal North Node (a karmic accounting)

Pluto on his natal Venus (acute difficulties in his personal life), trine his natal Mars (he is ready to fight his corner) and Pluto square his natal Uranus (huge upheaval and change).  Pluto transits are long lasting, and he has three major ones going on at the moment.

Tory Party

Does all this turmoil show up in the transits to the chart of the Conservative Party?

There are three difficult transits operating:  Chiron squaring its Uranus (necessary corrections), Chiron on its Neptune (crises bringing sensitivities to light) and Uranus on its Pluto (huge challenges and change).  We are left with questions: Can the Tory party recover?  How long will Rishi be able to sustain this complicated balancing act?  And how many cabinet members will be lost in the process?

Aspects

Two trines occur tomorrow (Monday 30th), at the beginning of the working week, so the proceedings of the office or working environment and conditions could have a dynamic sparkle!  The first trine (Sun trine Mars) occurs in the early hours of the morning, so may affect your dream life, making for a vivid REM experience.  In the waking hours, it may turbo-charge your activities, bringing new initiatives to your activities and objectives.

The second trine (Mercury trine Uranus) occurs a little later, but still in the early hours, and also with the possibility of affecting your dream life.  Mental brilliance, technological upgrades, lightbulb moments, and futuristic inspiration can be yours. You may awake with amazing ideas.  In the waking hours, the mind will be uplifted, and computers and I.T. devices given or received, will be on good form and working satisfyingly well. Hopefully, you won’t be so over-stimulated by these two trines that you wake too bleary eyed to put them into practise during the day.  You may have to waive your no-caffeine rule!

On Wednesday, 1st February, we have another aspect of ease, Sun sextile Chiron.  This is a useful aspect for balancing the middle of the week. It can bring about healing, and beneficial input from other worlds and planes.  It’s helpful for problem-solving, too.  What do you yearn to solve?  There will be an attempt to bring everything to a wholeness.

The end of the week, Saturday (4th) brings more of an element of challenge, in a square between the Sun and Uranus.  Again, it occurs in the early hours of the day, so you may find yourself working out wrangles of some sort in your dreams.  And your dreams may be more bizarre than usual.  During the day, be 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.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – onwards and upwards
• Wednesday – healing
• Saturday – the unexpected

Jacinda Ardern stands down

“I know what this job takes.  And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice.”

~ Jacinda Ardern

Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern suddenly announced she was stepping down from the role this week.  How many people keep going in a role long past the time they should have left?  Her popularity rate had plummeted recently, with issues in that country similar to worldwide problems, but there is no doubting her successes over the last few years (she led her party from 2017, and became Prime Minister later that year), and the strong feminine style of leadership admired by many.

Birth Chart

I wrote in 2019:

“Jacinda has an unaspected Sun in Leo, indicating a very individualistic leader.  Her North Node in Leo also indicates leadership as a karmic path.  I pointed out last week that she has Neptune trine her North Node, like Greta Thunberg the subject of last week’s blog, showing spiritual leadership.  With Mercury trine Uranus she is also a very independent thinker.  Venus is closely sextile with the North Node in Leo, depicting her warmth.  Jupiter trine Chiron describes her positivity, the ability to see solutions.”

Life and Career

Jacinda is still only 42 years old.  She studied Politics and Public Relations at the University of Waikato, and became a researcher in the government of Helen Clark, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.  She also had experience as a policy advisor under Tony Blair’s government.  Shortly before becoming Prime Minister, she was elected leader of the Labour Party – Saturn (responsibililty) was trine her natal North Node in Leo (Leadership) at the time, a karmic duty was calling.  The win earned her the nickname “Jacindamania”.  She had a resounding win in the election of September 2017 which resulted in her taking the role of Prime Minister of New Zealand.  She was experiencing a Nodal Return, fulfilling her karma. At the time, she was the world’s youngest female head of government.  Her stated aim would be that her government would be “focused, empathetic and strong”.  In the U.S., Donald Trump had begun his term as President at the beginning of the year, and their styles and policies of leadership were markedly different in many areas.  She promised various reforms, including for housing, in domestic affairs.  In international affairs, she raised the mistreatment of the Uyghurs with China, and the mistreatment of the Rohingyas with Myanmar’ leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Motherhood

Jacinda was a trailblazer in having a child during the high office when she gave birth to her daughter Neve on 21st June 2018 (second world leader to give birth while in office).  We have a birth time for Neve, giving her a Sagittarian Ascendant, and a rectified chart is available for Jacinda, which would give her a Sagittarian Ascendant as well.  In Neve’s chart, her Moon (signifying her mother) appears in the 10th House of high office.  Neve is an important factor, I believe, in Jacinda’s resignation, as she has stated she wants to be able to do the upcoming “school run” for her.  Jacinda’s partner Clarke Gayford has been looking after Neve, and Jacinda hopes that they will have the leisure time to get married.

Christchurch Shootings

In March 2019, I wrote:

“We are One”

~ Jacinda Ardern

“On Friday 15th March in Christchurch New Zealand, a white supremacist opened fire in two mosques, killing 50 worshippers.  The 38 year old Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern immediately stepped up to the plate in this crisis.  Her words were exactly on point, and reminded you of the admirable values of her nation.  Images of her comforting the Moslem community this week are iconic: wearing a black headscarf she demonstrated her unity with those grieving, while at the same time bringing to mind the Madonna archetype.

… She has taken active steps on gun law, and she has professed a desire to initiate reform worldwide around social media excesses and problems (because the gunman live streamed his actions).”

On Climate Change

“We’re small, and our contribution to the global emissions profile is even smaller, but we are surrounded by island nations who will feel the brunt of climate change acutely. I see ourselves as having a responsibility to demonstrate that we can and we will lead the charge.”

~ Jacinda Ardern

Pandemic Response

Again from my archives:

“On 14 March 2020, Jacinda acted promptly on the threat of the Pandemic, announcing the “widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world”.  Mars was square to her natal Pluto in Libra, indicating bold and courageous action. Transiting Jupiter was also sextile her natal Uranus in Scorpio, showing enterprise.  Uranus was squaring her natal Sun, meaning that she was taking the initiative on the element of the unexpected (which she was more able to do than during the volcanic eruption).  Her actions proved inspired, as the subsequent health records for New Zealand testify.  She closed all borders to all non-citizens and non-permanent residents at 11.59 p.m. on 20th March.  Her resolve at that time showed in a transit of Mars/Jupiter trine her natal Saturn in Virgo at that time.  The Washington Post has praised her use of social media and high level communication throughout the crisis.  By 11.59 p.m. on 25 March she had put the nation on full lockdown, which was at a similar time to lockdown in the U.K. (but with very different results).  Jupiter at that time was still trine her natal Saturn, and steady progress was being made. On the financial front, she took a 20% pay cut in solidarity with those suffering as a result of the economic results of the pandemic. Her practical response to this crisis has been hailed as a model.”

Her success rate in keeping the covid rates down became the envy of the world, with very low rates of illness and death.

Earthquake

In May 2020, an earthquake struck while Jacinda was live on TV.  Notably, she kept her cool!  I wrote at the time:

“As an earthquake struck, she calmly stated “We’re just having a bit of an earthquake here”.  I could be reading too much into it here, but perhaps this was a symbol from Gaia of how tuned in Jacinda has been, designed to show how strong she is.  At the time, Chiron was opposing her natal Mars.  That is a transit which can rock your world, Chiron representing crisis and Mars representing the response of her energies.  She was unshakeable, and cool, in the best manner of her Mars in equable Libra.

…  It is a measure of her strength and evolvement that she is able to stand firm in these times.  Her current popularity rating would be the envy of any politician: she is riding high in her approval rating at 65% of the voting public.”

Retirement announced

Astrologically, she could not have picked a better moment to announce her resignation.  Her transits this week showed:

Jupiter trine her natal Sun, that’s the way to do it

Uranus sextile her natal Mercury, the right time to break away

Neptune square her natal Venus, nothing left in the tank

Mars trine her natal Mars, decisive moment of action

Neptune opposite her natal Saturn, nothing left in the tank

Jacinda’s popularity ratings have slumped recently, and with elections coming up, in order to give her party time to stabilize, she has probably chosen the right time for her announcement.  Issues in common with other countries round the globe, such as cost of living and inflation, dented her reputation.  It clearly was the right time for her personally, in her private life, and possibly also healthwise (transiting Neptune opposite her natal Saturn).  She has stated she will leave at the latest by 7th February.  She has raised the issue of political stress, and in particular, the stress of females in office with young families.  She gave birth in office, and didn’t have time for the baby blues – she needs catch-up time.

U.K. labour MP Jess Phillips, writing in the Guardian wrote yesterday:

“I believe the answer is being honest about the fact that politics is an emotional, not a bureaucratic fame.

…We must create support structures female politicians and activists can lean on without being seen negatively or as weak.”

With her undeniable emotional intellligence, Jacinda has been an example to other politicians around the world, perhaps the model for a new kind of politician.  She has earned the right to step down.

“I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused. And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go”

 ~ Jacinda Ardern

Aspects

We have three astrological features occurring today, with two of them late in the evening.  Operating in the early part of the day, we have Mercury trine the North Node.  This can help ensure that information and communication are accurate and karmically relevant.  You should be able to experience that on a mental or spiritual level.  It will contribute to progress generally, especially when preparing your week’s work, studies and communicative ventures.

In the late evening, Venus conjoins with Saturn at 24 degrees Aquarius.  This may give rise to sobering reflections about relationship or money.  Feel your feelings (e.g. the nostalgia, or injustice), or deal with them philosophically, and let them go if you can.  The care of the elderly may be a particular preoccupation.  The optimum condition for this conjunction would be loyalty and commitment, and perhaps some songwriting incorporating a touch of melancholy.

An hour before midnight, Uranus will be Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  It is a good time to receive ideas about alleviating any collective, tribal, or social difficulties which you can see.  Closer to home, you may see what could be done in the family setting, or in the community.   Intuition will flow better, and future vision come into view.  However, the trickster element of Uranus may still be in evidence.  Then let go, and let yourself sleep!

Mid-week, on Wednesday (25th), in the early hours of the morning, an upbeat sextile between the Sun and Jupiter is to be savoured.  This may bring joyful dreams.  It can bring new hope!  It is one of the brightest  aspects of the year.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.  It may bring the return of an enjoyable leisure pursuit.

Our last feature of the week occurs on Friday (27th), and it is the ingress of Venus into the sign of Pisces.  It is timely to recall the gentleness and sensitivity of Pisces, as soon we will need to harness its resources when Saturn enters that sign for a two and a half year sojourn.  We will begin to lose that evangelical focus of Aquarius, and begin to appreciate a soft-focus approach which takes into account the emotion and feeling of every sentient creature.  Though in other ways, when Pluto imminently enters Aquarius, we will experience Aquarius in a new way, precipitated into a new type of future.  But Venus in Pisces is unashamedly emotional and easily prone to tears, so don’t be surprised to release the tears which have been stoically been held back from the recent past.  This placing will enable charities to be more easily heard, and the Arts to acquire inspiration.  We may be sentimentally reminded of the past.

Happy New Chinese Year of the Water Rabbit!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – good karmic communications; letting go; intuition brightening
• Wednesday – joy and hope
• Friday – gentleness and sensitivity

Jeff Beck (1944 – 2023)

“Jeff could channel music from the ethereal…his imaginations apparently limitless”

~ Jimmy Page

Jeff Beck, regarded as one of the greatest guitar players of all time (the “guitarists’ guitarist), died this week unexpectedly, after contracting meningitis.  He was 78 years of age, and many musicians have paid tribute to his skills.  In 2015 he was ranked 5th by Rolling Stone magazine in a list of the list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists”

Birth Chart 

The first thing to note about his birth chart, is that he had 0 Earth planets, so that may have been a factor in being able to reach the celestial realms.  I am studying “genius” at the moment in my philosophy course, and that word has been used frequently in connection with Jeff Beck. [we are studying whether genius is born or made].  Jeff Beck had an exact conjunction of the Sun and Venus (artistic and musical talent) in the sign of Cancer (which represents musical rhythm).  These two planets are joined in a triple conjunction by Saturn, which is a hard taskmaster, but can produce great concentration and discipline.  And Neptune is in close square to this triple conjunction, again bringing in the ethereal frequencies.  He had the Moon, Mars and Jupiter in performing Leo.  His Mercury was exactly sextile Jupiter, so that produced a wide-ranging mind, and a well-travelled life.  But with the Sun in Cancer, there were periods of time he retired from the limelight.  He collaborated with many musicians in his life, but Cancerians do like to belong to bands (e.g. in my research on Fleetwood Mac, that band was founded on the sign of Cancer).  It’s their sense of “family”.  Mars conjunct Jupiter in his chart was a high energy, enthusiastic, joyful, frequency, and perfectly expressed in his well known hit “Hi Ho Silver Lining”:

And it’s hi, ho silver lining
And away you go now baby
I see your sun is shining

But I won’t make a fuss

I have no idea what the song means, and he didn’t write it, but the melody makes it one of the most uplifting of songs.  It is the song I hear, when I think of him.  Ironically, though, he never liked it, because it was a light and fluffy pop song.  Incidentally, the title bears the Cancerian colour, silver.

Saturn exactly square Neptune may have made him susceptible in terms of health; he suffered from tinnitus, and also suffered ill health after a car accident.  Neptune sextile his North Node further cements his reputation as an inspirational guitarist – and this is as part of his karmic mission.

Life and Career

Jeff Beck was born in Wallington, London, and had a fascination with the electric guitar from a very young age.  He started out by hand-making his own guitars.  On leaving school, he attended Wimbledon College of Art, and was introduced to Jimmy Page, who was born in the same year and later founded Led Zeppelin.  Beck began playing in a variety of groups, including that of Screaming Lord Sutch in 1962 (long before the latter became an amusing diversion to serious politics).

In 1965, Eric Clapton left the Yardbirds, and Jeff Beck was recruited to replace him (on Jimmy Page’s recommendation).  He was with them for 20 months, but that period was a high point for the band, their hits including “Heart Full of Soul”, which included some sitar-style guitar playing by Jeff Beck.

However Beck was asked to leave the Yardbirds during a tour of the U.S. because he was failing to turn up, and his perfectionism (Chiron in Virgo) and explosive temper (Moon conjunct Mars) made working with him more difficult.  In 1967 he recorded “Hi Ho Silver Lining”, produced by Mickie Most (who twisted his arm to make it), then went on to form The Jeff Beck Group, which included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.  The band lasted until July 1969, citing resentment, physical fights and touring incidents.

A period of ill health followed, and Jeff Beck resumed his musical career in 1970, with the drummer Cozy Powell.  The new group was also called “The Jeff Beck Group”, but they made little impact and he went solo in 1975.  He continued to collaborate with many artist over the years, including the Rolling Stones, Nile Rodgers and Brian Wilson.

In the 1980s he made a Grammy Award winning single with Rod Stewart of “People Get Ready”.  The recording, and the video, were a showcase for Beck’s guitar playing.  You can see him in his element, doing what he loved to do.

He also collaborated on an album with Johnny Depp in 2020, and they performed together at the Royal Albert Hall the week Johnny Depp won his court case against Amber Heard in July 2022.  They had made a cover version of “Isolation” by John Lennon.

Death

Jeff Beck died on Tuesday 10th, with Pluto transiting his South Node, a karmic note.  My 94-year old mother died on the same day this week, and she too was born on 24th June.  That meant they both had Jupiter at the time squaring their Suns.  In an elderly person, this can be a release.  However, for Jeff Beck, contracting meningitis suddenly, his death came as a shock to his family, friends and fans.

“Jeff Beck was on another planet. He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since.”

~ Rod Stewart

Aspects 

In the early hours of this morning, Venus squared Uranus.  I woke with a start, at that time, and it took me a while to get back to sleep.  It may be an abrasive day for meetings.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.  Relationships can be disrupted, and subject to misunderstandings.  On the other hand, on another level, it can open up telepathic communication between individuals  on a higher plane.

At lunchtime on Wednesday (18th), Mercury will be Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  There is some relief from recent communication glitches and hopefully from the rail nightmares, when Mercury is Stationary prior to turning Direct.  There may be a turning point in your travel plans. It would have been useful to look at the transits of Mick Lynch, the astute rail union leader, at this point, but there is no available birth date for him.  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.

Just after lunch, the Sun conjoins with Pluto at 28 degrees Capricorn.  That may delay any benefits to the forward motion of Mercury, as it introduces a serious note into proceedings.  It may be a profound wake-up call, both personally and collectively.  Practicing meditation and calming techniques would be a good way to proceed on the day as the deeper issues of life come up for assessment.  Any creativity will have depth to it, and you won’t be able to skim the surface of things. But you will emerge the richer for it.

A fresher atmosphere arises on Friday (20th), with the entry of the Sun into Aquarius.  We are more open to embracing change,  as we emerge from the stiffness of winter, like snowdrops from the ground.  We still have a way to go before Spring, but are ready to look at different ways of being.

A definite new start is scheduled for Saturday (21st), with a New Moon right at the beginning of Aquarius (at 1 degree).  The New Moon is traditionally a time to focus on your wishes and intentions for a new beginning, and this one projects farther into the future than most.  It is time to imagine a better world, a time when we have overcome current obstacles and problems, the outlook has been so bleak in the last year.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – strange relationships
• Wednesday – communications improve, but serious issues to be considered
• Friday – a fresher outlook
• Saturday – new beginning

Fay Weldon (1931 – 2023)

I was in two minds about writing a blog about novelist Fay Weldon, since Astrology and astrologers incurred her wrath after one of her husbands left her for an astrological therapist.  But I have to admit she was an interesting woman, who led an interesting life.  She died this week in a care home, at the age of 91, leaving behind an impressive progeny of three sons (a fourth had died), twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Birth Chart

Fay’s vital astrological statistics were Sun in Virgo (a writer’s sign), Ascendant in Aquarius (loved to shock) and Moon in Aquarius (rising, the sign of a novelist).  An interest in the Arts is indicated by the Sun conjunct Venus, and that conjunction sits at the South Node, suggesting that this tendency has been cultivated through previous lifetimes.  It may also depict the fact that she came from a family of novelists.  The combination of Virgo and Aquarius as her main signs indicates a coolness and detachment in the emotions.  You may wonder at that, but the passion that came across from her, fuelled and drove her, was from her anger: Mars squaring her Ascendant.  Her capacity to imagine comes from Mercury conjunct Neptune, which is a conjunction which often occurs in people who are mediums, or who channel.  She was prolific and wrote with ease, and labelled herself as a “writaholic”.  With Jupiter trine her Uranus, she also had the Entrepreneur Archetype.  Her Jupiter was in her 7th House of Close Relationships, and she had three marriages, true to this placement.  Jupiter was also successful and expansive in her career (publishing 31 novels), placed in trine with her Midheaven (careerpoint).  Saturn, on the other hand, was closely square to Uranus – a sign of personal earthquakes, and  in fact there was literally an earthquake while she was in the womb in New Zealand.  Saturn was part of a T-square, being in an opposition with Pluto, so the whole T-square (with Uranus) would be activated from time to time, causing upheaval in her life.  Also worthy of note was Midheaven trine her North Node, enabling her career to be in harmony with her karmic mission.

Life and Career

Fay was brought up in New Zealand, but her parents separated when she was five, and her mother later brought her to England, together with her sister.  She studied Psychology and Economics at St. Andrew’s University, before going on to work in advertising, where she was associated with the enduring slogans “Go to work on an egg” and “Unzip a Banana”.  She published her first novel in 1967, entitled “The Fat Woman’s Joke”.  Two dominant themes in her work which she championed were the fat, plain, woman (“I was born large, blonde and big-boned into a family of small beautiful women”), and feminism (together with the fight against misogyny and inequality) depicted in her chart by the Moon rising.  She also wrote for television, notably for Upstairs, Downstairs in 1971.  She was most well-known for “The Life and Loves of a She-Devil”, which she wrote in 1983, arguably in a spirit of vengeance, after her husband left her for the astrological therapist.  This was later televised.  She admitted that she liked to shake things up (Aquarian Ascendant), often making controversial statements to draw attention to her newest book.  Her second husband was Ron Weldon, and she divorced him after he left.  Interestingly the reason cited for  his leaving was that the astrological therapist had told him his birth sign was incompatible with Fay’s (Virgo).  This seems a very flimsy statement for an Astrologer to have made.  Incompatible Sun signs have often made successful marriages, and the Sun is just one factor in synastry (compatibility analysis).  Ron Weldon died eight hours before the divorce was finalised, and we do not have his birth date.  She also judged literary prizes, most notably the Booker prize in 1983, and intriguingly wrote: “I’ve judged enough prizes in my time to know the most boring book wins. And that’s not the book you want to write.”  Which gives me heart, because my own first novel (see my book page) is deliberately boring – “The Quiet Office” being an antidote to the modern, rushing, adrenalin-fuelled modern lifestyle.

As I said, “an interesting woman, who led an interesting life”, with an interesting birth chart.

Aspects

Today we have Mercury trine Uranus.  This can inspire high functioning minds, intuition and good ideas.   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 flow.

Tomorrow, Monday 9th, we see a trine between Venus and Retrograde Mars.  Other wars may be raging (Ukraine, for instance), but the relations between the sexes may be harmonious, or the connectivity between your own inner male and female.  It would be a good opportunity for sharing and balancing roles, such as career and parenting.  And exercises of body awareness, such as qijong, may be helpful.

Two squares are sent to challenge us on Wednesday (11th), the first being Venus square to the Nodal Axis.  This one 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 second square is that of Mercury with Chiron, so mini-crises may arise needing problem-solving skills, and solutions which may be to hand, like dock leaves near nettles, or may require soul consultation, digging deep.  The cause of this may be confronting new year expectations, such as the apparent sliding back on unrealistic new year’s resolutions.  Cut yourself some slack, and do what you can.

On Thursday (12th) Mars will be Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  This may make energies more straightforward  (once Mars has turned).  If you have felt you were swimming against the tide, this direct turn can release some energy and sense of purpose. A lot of people, beset by seasonal viruses, have been experiencing  a mild chronic post-viral fatigue.  By the end of the day, or later in the week, you may be able to confidently say “Onward and Upwards”.

A lucky aspect for Friday 13th, in the Sun sextile Neptune.  The saying goes that you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but the Sun sextile Neptune gives you the best chance of creating beauty and inspiration in your life.  If spiritual harmony and creativity are some of the goals and aspirations you have for the start of the year, you can safely and profitably cultivate them on Friday.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – bright minds
• Tomorrow – sensuality
• Wednesday – karmic relationship challenges, and health conundrums
• Thursday – energies moving forward
• Friday – inspiration and creativity