Mikhail Gorbachev (1931 – 2022)

One of the great statesmen of the 20th Century Mikhail Gorbachev of Russia died this week at the age of 91. He envisaged peaceful global relations, but against his wishes his domestic policies resulted in the break-up of the Soviet Union.  Thus it is that he is more fondly remembered in the West than in his own country.

Birth Chart

With the Sun in Pisces, Mikhail Gorbachev was a visionary and an idealist.  His Ascendant in Libra was peace loving and diplomatic.  The combination of these traits in his personality contributed to him gaining the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990, for his work in ending the Cold War.  He had a very optimistic and upbeat outlook (unusual among Russian leaders), and that was shown in his chart by the Sun exactly trine Jupiter.  His Jupiter was at the top of his chart, square his Ascendant, and at the end of his 9th House of Foreign Relations, something he excelled in.  He did apparently have a need for attention and admiration, and that was a display of his Moon sign, Leo.  His Venus conjunct Saturn showed up a quality of loyalty in his character.  The Reformer Archetype was very much a part of his style of leadership, and that was shown by the North Node conjunct Uranus, and Chiron exactly sextile his Midheaven (careerpoint).

Life and Career

His family were poor (the I.C. in his chart conjunct Saturn in Capricorn in his 4th House of Home and Family).  This configuration is also an indication of motivation in politics, and he joined the Communist party at the age of 19, rising up the ranks (the Capricorn goat politically climbing).  He was born when Russia was under the declining years of Lenin’s  leadership, but the period of his childhood was dominated by the rule of Stalin.  As a youth, he worked on a farm operating combine harvesters, harvesting grain with his father.

He met his future wife Raisa at Moscow State University while studying his first degree in law, where he worked hard and was known as a mediator.  Raisa was studying Philosophy. He graduated in 1955, having written his final paper on the advantages of social democracy over bourgeois democracy. The couple had a daughter Irina in 1957.  Later he took a second degree in agricultural production.

Within the Communist Party, he took part in implementing de-Stalinization reforms after Khrushchev succeeded Stalin.  Gorbachev had identified as a Marxist-Leninist, but now became more of a reformist. In his political role within the region of Stavropol at this stage of his life, he began to travel out of Russia, to Bulgaria, East Germany and Czechoslovakia, which enabled him to gain wider political perspectives. He also travelled to Italy, being surprised by the poverty and inequality he saw.  But travel in Europe began to open his eyes and change his political focus – he was particularly struck by the way in which Europeans were able to openly criticize their governments, and began to see the merits of bourgeois democracy.

In 1978 he was appointed a Secretary of the Central Committee, then in 1980 he joined the Politburo, and was elected its leader and General Secretary in 1985, despite his relative youth.  Saturn was trine his natal Mars in Cancer in 10th House (career advancement),  Neptune trine his Neptune in Virgo in 11th House (spiritually, he was on track) and Pluto was sextile his natal Neptune (a profound change in his life, allowing him to fulfill his purpose).  He became the eighth leader of the Soviet Union.

Even at that age, he could see that substantial reform was necessary, and this conviction grew after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.  He made it a priority to withdraw from Russia’s war with Afghanistan, and began to reach out to the wider world, including President Reagan in the U.S., Mitterand in France, and Margaret Thatcher in the U.K. (who famously declared she could do business with him).  Gorbachev wanted to end the proliferation of nuclear weapons and end the Cold War.  Reagan was at first mistrustful of Gorbachev’s overtures, but eventually came to an amicable relationship with him. We in the western world learned about Glasnost and Perestroika, terms he used in his process of transformation.

Glossary:

Uskoreniye – An early policy of a path of controlled reform, aimed at accelerating domestic development by Gorbachev in Russia.

Perestroika – It soon became clear that restructuring was necessary, and so Perestroika replaced the policy of Uskoreniye. This involved decentralizing economic decision-making. Restructuring indirectly led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Glasnost – A policy of greater openness, transparency and honesty instigated by Gorbachev, allowing for more freedom of speech.

Gospriyomka – In domestic policy, this required quality assurance to improve output and production, marking a standard of state acceptance.

Yeltsin

As a political rival, the role of Boris Yeltsin proved to be influential in the demise of Mikhail Gorbachev. Yeltsin felt that Gorbachev did not go far enough in his reforms, and was a long-term critic of his policies. The two were destined to work alongside each other as contemporaries, being born within a month and a day of each other in the same year.  Yeltsin came to head the opposition to his government, and after he ousted Gorbachev in some ways finished off what Gorbachev had left undone, but with a destructiveness which Gorbachev was not happy with.  Gorbachev had allowed the Eastern European states to develop their own nationality and socialist policies, expecting them to want to stay in the Union.  The Berlin Wall came down in 1989, an event hailed in the west, and credited to Gorbachev, together with the reunification of Germany.  At the time Saturn (wall) was exactly conjunct Neptune (dissolution) at 10 degrees Capricorn (on Gorbachev’s 4th House cusp). Under Gorbachev’s successor Yeltsin, the Soviet Union came to an end, the states each went their own way, and we are seeing a backlash now, in Putin’s desire to grab back Crimea and Ukraine, in his bitterness about the break up of the Soviet Union.  He declined to attend Gorbachev’s funeral yesterday, but there was support in evidence among the population.

Final Years

In his final years, Gorbachev devoted himself to research (into Russian and international problems, according to the Guardian obituary).  Raisa died of a stroke, after having suffered with leukaemia in 1999, having worked for children’s charities.  She had proved an elegant first lady.  At her death, Saturn was square to his Moon (his female counterpart).  Their daughter Irina had two children.  Gorbachev was reportedly traumatized by the invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, feeling that Putin had undone his life’s work.  To my mind, Gorbachev was a man who put the welfare of the world above nationalism and patriotism.

Words from mourners at his funeral, reported by the BBC:

“Gorbachev gave us hope, helped us dream of liberty. I hope our society is not saying goodbye to liberty.”

~ Stanislav

“This is a farewell to the person who has done his utmost to save the country from authoritarianism, from backwardness,”

~ Olga

Aspects

We have slim pickings this week, aspect-wise!

We begin tomorrow (Monday 5th), with Venus entering Virgo (which is not even an aspect, it’s an ingress).  This makes us tend to be more selective and discriminating in our tastes.  We become more aware of the issues around the environment.  Venus stays in Virgo until 23td September, so less than a three week window of time to refine our tastes and perfect our contribution to the ecosystem, e.g. recycling procedures.  We may also be specializing in our work and studies.  Be prepared for the announcement of our new Prime Minister.

The pickings are so slim, mid-week, that I have selected a Fixed Star to work with for Wednesday (7th).  On that day, our Sun is aligned with Mizar from Ursa Major, and the enlightenment from “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld offers:

“Use of this star system can enhance states of multiple awareness, ability to channel, and the ability to organize various components of one’s personality.  There is an ability to better understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual phases of one’s life…

and

Mental transference of ideas and concepts in whole form is enhanced by use of this star.  As a result, the deeper understanding of complex issues – economic, political, and social can be found with this elixir.  Diplomacy, ability to interrelate in times of national crisis, ability to transfer between countries diverse aspects of culture will be enhanced.  Some artists struggling with large concepts and visions will also be assisted.”

Moving to the end of the week, on Saturday (10th) we have Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde, in Libra (also not actually a bona fide aspect).  Sorry to disappoint those who are not fans.  It will not go direct until 2nd October.  Be clear in your communications between these two dates, in order to avoid misunderstandings and loopholes.  Although technology can go awry, it can be a good period to upgrade such devices.  You may have developed your own strategies, according to past experiences.

But there’s a cheery note from Yasmin Boland and Kim Farnell in their book “The Mercury Retrograde Book”:

“The plus side of Mercury retrograde is definitely that old loves can come back into your life, if that’s what you’re pining for.  This can be for reconciliation…or for closure.  By the same token, if you really want to revive an old love affair, don’t wait for a chance meeting.  If Mercury is retrograde in Libra, the skies totally support you in getting back in touch.  That said, there are no guarantees!”

The Full Moon also occurring on that day, at 17 degrees Pisces, can be called an aspect as it represents an opposition between the Sun and the Moon.  This is an especially tender, sensitive and emotional Full Moon, so tears may flow.  Issues which may come up may be the plastic in the sea, or the fishing industry.  We hope here in the U.K. for some rain, which the Full Moon might grant us…The Pisces Full Moon reminds us that we are all One.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – selectivity and refinement
• Wednesday – channelling, and negotiating complexity
• Saturday – emotional high tide

Martin Lewis

Lowest point of the week for many in the U.K. was the much-dreaded energy price cap, which was announced on Friday.  At  £3,549 a year, it was just as feared, but had now become a reality, and this at a time when we are effectively without a government, and the two incumbent choices of prime minister were not really delivering the level of support needed.  A figure who has consistently tried to help those struggling financially over the last few years, and who had warned that people would not be able to pay their bills, was the financial pundit Martin Lewis.  Goodness knows how hard he had tried to keep the nation going, but when wheeled into the television studio on Friday, he threw up his hands and declared he did not know what to do, and made an impassioned plea to Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and  Rishi Sunak to do something.  He was on his knees (Mars opposing his Neptune at the time).  There has still been no meaningful response from the powers-that-be.

Birth Chart

Martin Lewis has 6 of his 10 planets in the Mutable signs, the adaptability of which may have helped him to navigate the stormy waters of the economy (up to now).  His Sun is in Taurus, the Money sign.  The Sun is unaspected, depicting an independent soul, a free spirit.  Mercury sextile Mars in his chart describes a mental acuity, a quickness of mental reactions.  He has personal warmth and popularity, from Venus closely conjunct Mars.  But what really pushes him is an exact square between Venus and Pluto, the two financial planets, rubbing each other up (the wrong way?) in his chart, so that he cannot rest when he sees a problem, either for himself or others in this area – an evolved response to this square.  Mars closely squaring Pluto gives him a powerhouse of energy.  Jupiter square Uranus is entrepreneurial (his estimated fortune is £123 million) and he does like to take a risk, himself, though advises others more cautiously and prudently (e.g. advising that refusing to pay anything in the present climate in the Don’t Pay group will not help the individual).  Apparently If someone doesn’t agree a payment plan with their supplier, the supplier might try to force them to have a pre-payment meter installed.  An aspect of great strength in his chart is Saturn trine Pluto, an ability to face difficult circumstances head-on, and with a sense of reality.  And one of his greatest assets for his line of work is Pluto (one of the money planets) exactly trine his North Node (karmic mission), bestowing that depth of understanding about finance and its implications for wider society, which is clearly his metier.

Life and Career

Martin was born in Manchester, and brought up in Cheshire.  His father was the headmaster of a Jewish school for those with special educational needs.  Martin still identifies with Judaism and is a practising Jew, but was bullied at school for being a Jew (there was only one other at his school).  With the South Node in Cancer, he has a strong sense of his tribe.  He lost his mother when he was aged 11, due to a horse riding accident (when Pluto was trine his natal Venus and square his Nodal Axis).

He studied Government and Law at L.S.E., then studied journalism, before entering the world of broadcasting.  He established his “Money Saving Expert” persona on a satellite channel radio show Simply Money presented by Angela Rippon, a slot which ended in 2001.  From there, he found other outlets for his special gift, in a Sunday Express newspaper column, and on a Channel 5 show with Gloria Hunniford, before “graduating” to the mainstream channels of  BBC and ITV.  In 2003, he created the website MoneySavingExpert.com, which he sold in 2012 to the Moneysupermarket.com group for £87 million, but is still involved with the enterprise.  He is now a household name, and is regularly consulted on news programmes, as well as regularly writing for newspapers on the subject of saving money.  In particular, he played an important role in advising the public at the time of the 2008 credit crunch, and has been vociferous this year in trying to prepare the public for the current “catastrophe” (his word).  He has provided charitable donations, notably for the Citizens Advice Bureau, and is involved in work investigating the deleterious effect of debt on mental health.  He has received various honours and awards for his work, such as the CBE.  He is married to another Taurean, weather and technology presenter Lara Lewington, whose Sun is exactly conjunct his own, obviously a good match!  They have one daughter.

Current Situation

That Martin Lewis is so caught up in this present crisis is graphically shown in the astrology of the day.  Remember back to the great triple conjunction of Uranus/North Node/Mars of 31st July?  I wrote at the time:

‘Aquarians and Taureans may be most affected, as well as anyone who has a planet or angle at 18 degrees in their chart.  World finance could also be affected, as the conjunction takes place in Taurus.  Financial Astrologer Raymond Merriman observes: “… with the rare conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the Moon’s North Node in the money sign of Taurus… This is a consistent signature for a sharp (but possibly short) drop in equity markets.” ‘

Well Uranus is still at 18 degrees Taurus, exactly conjunct with Martin’s Sun, so he feels personally responsible to try and address the crisis.  He has appealed to the heart of government, but has not been able to locate it thus far.  The irony is that he has always tried to be fair and apolitical – he says he is agnostic about how the problem should be solved.  Broadcaster James O’Brien has said he is the least political man he knows, and is always trying to be fair and neutral.

United Kingdom

He is, I am in no doubt, a servant of the people, and has incredibly positive links with the U.K. chart, i.e. is able to make a positive contribution.  His Uranus sextiles the U.K. Mercury/Sun, waking people up.  His Chiron (Inner Healer) trines the U.K. Sun/Mercury (bringing healing).  His Mars trines the U.K. Mars (energizing and motivating), and his Jupiter sextiles the U.K. Jupiter (can help the U.K. rise above problems – he has done much, but of course he needs help from the government to do so now).  It is possible that he sacrifices something of his own life and energy in the task, for the U.K. Neptune squares his Sun.  But, he is not just living a personal life, he is operating on a collective effort.

Campaign: Martin Lewis for next Chancellor of the Exchequer

Aspects

There are only three aspects this week, two oppositions and a sextile, so make the most of them!

We have the most difficult first: at tea-time today,  Saturn opposes Venus.  This means having to let go in relationships or having to make economies in finance.  The message of the power of love may be more difficult to sustain in the face of testing under this aspect.  But the cure for the situation is even more love.  The message in finance is having to examine your values, needs and necessities.

Thursday (1st September) brings the easiest aspect to work with: Mars sextile Jupiter.  This brings expansive activities, such as running in the park, or strenuous gardening, or the pursuit of any sport or leisure activity with gusto.  You’ll be able to find that extra drive, for what you are wanting to achieve.  Pursue your enthusiasms!

The final aspect of the week, on Saturday (3rd Sept) is Mercury opposite Jupiter.  As it occurs in the early hours of the morning, you may find it operational the night before.  This may bring about communication and travel complexity.  You may feel you need to be in two places at once, and be summoned hither and thither.  Geminis and Virgos may need to factor in some extra relaxation time.  However, it is very mind-broadening, if not mind-stretching, if not information-overloading.  But in a good way, like when you come away from a workshop feeling you’ve learnt a lot, brimming with the empowering confidence that you have, but not quite sure what will be useful and what might not be.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – letting go
• Thursday – finding that oomph!
• Saturday – mind-stretching

Darius Danesh (1980 – 2022)

“He couldn’t have been a nicer, warmer guest [to The Kumars at No. 42] with a great sense of self-deprecation.”

~ Sanjeev Bhaskar

Do you remember Darius Danesh?  Who could forget his falsetto rendering of “Baby One More Time” in Popstars in 2001?  Sadly, we heard this week that he died at the tender age of 41 – in fact, he would have been 42 on Friday.  On that day, his single “Colourblind” went to number two on the UK Official Singles Download and Sales Charts.

Birth Chart

With the Sun in Leo conjunct his North Node, he loved the limelight, and its square to the Scorpio Ascendant/ Uranus ensured a strong individuality and karmic mission.  He was born for stardom. His Mercury was square Uranus, so he was not afraid to be controversial, and with Neptune exactly trine his Mercury and Pluto exactly sextile Mercury, he was capable of great inspiration, the ability to channel, and had an instinct for psychology.  Mercury exactly conjunct his North Node meant that he had the Teacher Archetype, too.  Some of his charisma came from Mars sextile his Neptune, and his drive to succeed came from Mars conjunct Pluto.  Jupiter exactly conjunct the Midheaven ensured success in his career from an early age.

Life and Career

Darius was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and an Iranian father (who was a gastroenterologist).  His parents would have liked him to be a doctor or a lawyer.  He began singing in his teens, and studied English Literature and Philosophy at Edinburgh University.  In 2001 he took part in the new programme Popstars, which aimed to create new bands.  He did not qualify for the bands Hear’Say or Liberty X, but made his mark, and captured the attention of the public.  He was clearly meant to be a soloist, and would not have melded easily into a band.  It was at that time that he performed the memorable version of the Britney Spears hit, but some thought him arrogant.

He later commented:

“I made mistakes and I was too cocky and I didn’t have humility”.  The lion was untamed or immature, but he was a fast learner, and in the new contest Pop Idol in 2002 he returned without the pony tail, hair sleeked back and minus the arrogance.  In that contest, he came third, after Will Young and Gareth Gates.  This was enough to launch his career, and Simon Cowell offered him a recording contract.  However, he could not see himself singing cover songs as Simon was offering.  The Leo was his own man, and would perform his own material!  He found producer Steve Lillywhite who enabled him to do just that.  He released his debut single “Colourblind”, which reached No. 1 in the U.K. Singles Chart.  In 2010 he won the contest Popstar to Operastar.

On Stage

Darius spent many years treading the boards, in musical theatre.  He had the old fashioned good looks of a Hollywood leading man, and many of his roles had been played by the old Hollywood greats.

2005/6 He played Billy Flynn in Chicago, a role previously played in the film by Richard Gere (admittedly not an old Hollywood great, but certainly a next generation heart throb!)

2007 He played Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, a role previously played in the film by Marlon Brando.

2008 He played Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind, a role previously played in the film by Clark Gable.

2013 He played Warden in From Here to Eternity, a role previously played by Burt Lancaster.

2016 He played Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl, a role previously played by Omar Sharif.

He slotted right into those, often romantic, lead roles.  Of his performance in Gone With the Wind, Paul Taylor of the Independent wrote:

“The diabolically dashing Darius Danesh…brings a seductively insolent charm, a dark velvet voice and a genuine, fugitive pathos to the cynical blockade runner”

Health

In 2010, he suffered a broken neck in a car crash in Spain.  That was the year of his Saturn Return, but also his progressed Sun reached his natal Saturn.  He was lucky to escape permanent damage.

In 2017, he accidentally drank Thames sewage water, contracted meningitis, and went into a coma. [Sewage water has been in the news this week, of course].  In that year, Neptune (water, polluted or not) was transiting his natal I.C. (one’s sense of security), and Pluto was square his Pluto.

The cause of his death on 11th August is unknown.  He was looking forward to an upcoming reunion tour with Will Young and Gareth Gates.

Character

What comes across in descriptions by those who knew him was the quality of sweetness.  Gareth Gates said that he was a gentle soul who lit up every room.

And they showed a video this week on breakfast TV of him serenading an 82 year old bedridden fan, with great kindness and tenderness.  He had a healing trine between Jupiter and Chiron in his natal chart.

One thing always stayed in my mind from his time on Popstars, him saying “Can you feel the love in the room?”  I just felt that was a measure of his Leonine warm-heartedness.  And with the Sun trine Neptune,  there was a spiritual quality about him.

Marriage

In his real life romantic lead, he met his Canadian wife in 2004, and they married in 2011.  Their synastry indicated great closeness (including conjoined Mercuries), but his chart has an unaspected Venus and almost unaspected Moon (his female planets) which may have impacted his close relationships. Though they filed for divorce in 2013, they did not finally divorce until 2018, and he is said to have felt this loss terribly.  She has written in tribute:

“I have found the paradox that is you love until it hurts. there can be no more hurt- Only more love -Mother Theresa. There are no words Darius… only Love Love Love. Forever Janam.”

~ Ex-wife Natasha Henstridge

Aspects 

This morning began with an opposition between Mercury and Neptune.  This opposition can bring mental confusion.  There may be for instance a mental dilemma, or you may be trying to get clarification on something.  It may be difficult to focus, if you are engaged in documentation work.  Journeys may be long and complicated, and for some a connection with water could be incident-prone.

Mental clarity is possible tomorrow (Monday, 22nd), especially by the evening when Mercury trines Pluto.  You may get more in-depth reality than you bargained for, because Pluto is not superficial!  Mercury trine Pluto is mentally harmonious if not challenging us to dig deeper.  If you were treading water on Sunday, you’ll meet your rescue vessel, so to speak, on Monday.  That aspect is conducive to psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.  It is good for in-depth consultations and negotiations, and researching past lives.

In the early hours of Tuesday (23rd), the Sun enters Virgo.  The need for knuckling down conscientiously to work and study schedules is reinforced with this ingress  The Sun in Virgo will underline the need for a sense of focus and purpose, and bring people together in common objectives.  Efficiency and Economy will be watchwords for how we organize the second half of our year.  There may be a new resolve to institute health and fitness regimes, and work rotas and practices, for those who still have their jobs secure.  The mind will have to focus differently for those who are looking at re-employment, new opportunities for self-employment, and perhaps the training in new skills, thinking about September courses.  It may also be helpful for decluttering attempts.

There may be an unexpected turn of events on Wednesday (24th), with Uranus Stationary prior to turning Retrograde.  It will complete Retrograde season, as we currently have Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Saturn and Jupiter Retrograde.  Time for a real re-think, re-evaluation, reflection and revision.  Uranus of course is also the planet of rebellion and revolution.  We may hear of more strikes planned.  Industrial action is due to take place on 26th and 31st August by Royal Mail staff, so we are being urged to post early.  You need to review the way you do things, and the way you think about things, and find new types of solutions suited to future working

In the early hours of Friday (26th) Mercury enters Libra.  This can bring a new mental focus on cultural themes, which could bring more pure enjoyment: art and music being fundamental areas for Libra, and decision-making. Mercury in Libra is slightly more relaxed than Mercury in Virgo, but having laid plans and attended to essential detail under the previous placement Mercury in Virgo, we can embellish, beautify and smooth things over.  However, don’t rely on the post that day!

Brace yourself for a couple of squares on Saturday.  Early on Saturday (27th) Venus is squared by Uranus, so you may feel you are missing out, e.g. on your post.  There may be twists and turn in relationships, with this square.  There may be a quirky end to your relationship or money saga, slightly out of your comfort zone.  Your plans may have to be modified at the last minute.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.

Still early on Saturday, Mars squares the Sun, which is hot headed (whatever the weather or climatic condition).  This introduces an element of conflict or aggression, which may not be helpful personally, and may inflame things internationally, e.g. between Russia and Ukraine.  The energy, fire and enthusiasm which the Sun with Mars generates can be positively harnessed if you are especially mindful.

By breakfast time, we have the helpfulness of the New Moon in Virgo (at 4 degrees) maybe assisting us in cooling the vibe.  The New Moon is always a good opportunity to start afresh.  If 4 degrees Virgo is a meaningful point in your chart that will intensify your experience.  Ecology and the environment are some of the provinces of Virgo, so benefits could accrue for the planet if enough minds are concentrated on this aspect of life.

So, there are some tricky aspects this week, and it is to be hoped that with my guide to them, you’ll stay one step ahead!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mental fog
• Tomorrow – mental depth
• Tuesday – knuckling down
• Wednesday – reflection and revision; the unexpected
• Friday – harmonizing
• Saturday – social awkwardness; hot-headedness; new beginning

Olivia Newton-John (1948 – 2022)

“People don’t want to hear that you’re nice, but that’s what  I am.  In fact, I’m pretty boring”

~ Olivia Newton-John

Singer and Actress Olivia Newton-John died this week at the age of 73.  She made her mark on this world in several ways, not least in promoting health research, but the role which she is most remembered for was that of Sandra Olsson in the film Grease.  The film made a big impact on our household!  As a young mum, I remember singing “Summer Nights” to my first daughter as a baby, then later when my children were older, they put the video of the film on replay.  I asked one of them how many times they played that film, to be told “millions”!

Birth Chart

They say the beautiful people are born under Libra, and this was true of Olivia.  She also had the “nice” persona of Libra, and singing is one of the professions of that sign.  She did not however have a smooth-sailing life, and that is to some extent due to her Sun’s square to Uranus (disruption).  Her Moon trine Mercury gave her the ability to combine imagination with rationality, which would have been useful in acting.  Her Moon was in the sign of Cancer, giving her a strong femininity, and was conjunct with Uranus, firing her imagination. With Mercury also sextile Saturn and closely trine Uranus, she had a keen mind. Her Ascendant was in Virgo, providing an interest in health and wellbeing, the “wholesome and pure” element of her persona.  With Chiron trine her Ascendant, she was particularly interested in alternative medicine.  Venus trine Jupiter made her very sociable, a lover of humanity.  Another challenging feature of her birth chart was Venus conjunct Pluto, signifying upheavals, and often turbulence, in relationships.  Venus sextile her Midheaven pointed towards a Singing career.

Life and Career

Olivia was born in Cambridge in the U.K., into a comfortable middle-class background (Jupiter exactly conjunct I.C., though she was unaware growing up that her father had worked for MI5 on the Enigma project at Bletchley Park.  Her grandfather Max Born was an eminent scientist, and she would have liked to have been a vet but was not confident of passing the necessary veterinary exams. Her family moved to Australia when she was six, and she began singing at the age of 14.  Her first single, in 1966, failed to chart.  Back in the U.K., she became engaged to Bruce Welch of the Shadows, and appeared on Cliff Richard’s TV show, often duetting with him.  This led to her releasing the song “If Not For You”, a beautiful song written by Bob Dylan, in 1971, her first hit.  She had a lovely voice, but did need some beautiful songs!  Her astrological links with Cliff and Bruce show advantageous boosts to her career, for example Bruce’s Jupiter on Olivia’s Midheaven (Careerpoint), and Cliff’s Sun sextile her Jupiter and trine her Midheaven.  Her reputation established, she came fourth in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with “Long Live Love”.

Grease

She played the role of Sandy in Grease in 1978, having been invited to do so by the film producer Alan Carr. It was a romantic musical film, with a happy ending, and the romantic interest was provided by John Travolta, playing Danny.  Olivia fought for equal billing. His Sun trine her Uranus, an exciting match, provided the spark!  Travolta’s Jupiter sextiled her Pluto, so they were empowering for each other.

At the time the film was released, Neptune was trine Olivia’s natal Pluto in Leo in her 11th House: a huge event in her life.  For Travolta, Saturn was sextile his natal Neptune exact to the day, cementing his charisma.  Pluto was on his I.C., also a life changing time for him.

The title song “Grease” was written by the prolific songwriter Barry Gibb.  The soundtrack Album from the film featured such classics as “Summer Nights”, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and the sparky song performed after Sandy’s transformation from nice girl to femme fatale, “You’re the One That I Want”, a duet between Sandy and Danny.

Sandy’s transformation in the film helped Olivia make a change of image, and her subsequent song “Physical” released in 1980 was a huge hit.  In the same year, she starred in the film “Xanadu”, which produced another musical hit of the same name.  In the film, she played a reincarnated Greek muse.

Relationships

Olivia’s first marriage was to actor and dancer Matt Lattanzi in 1984, whom she met on the set of the film “Xanadu”.  They had a daughter, Chloe Rose, in 1986, and divorced in 1995, citing spiritual differences.

In 1996, she met cameraman and lighting designer Patrick McDermott, and had an on-off relationship with him for nine years.  In 2005, Olivia was at her Gaia Retreat & Spa in Australia, and Patrick was on a fishing break off the coast of California. He disappeared, and he was never traced, though there were reports that he may have faked his death and gone to live in Mexico.  At the time, Mars from  Aries  in her 7th House was opposite her natal Neptune in Libra in 1st House (a mystery involving her male partner) and Pluto was square her natal Ascendant from 4th House cusp, a dramatic change.  In their synastry, his Neptune (disappearance and mystery) was opposite her Mercury.

She then married John Easterling, in Peru in 2008, in a spiritual ceremony.  Their marriage endured, and they collaborated on research into plant medicine.  This was a profound match, with his Neptune trine her Midheaven and his Pluto on her Venus, the outer planets encouraging their wider causes.

Health

Olivia, in her own words “lived with” three bouts of breast cancer in her life, the first in 1992, the second in 2013, and again in 2017.  She set up the Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Research Centre in Melbourne, which looked into plant-based treatments for cancer (including the promotion of medical marijuana).  She was also an activist for environmental causes.  She was made a Dame in 2020 for her services to charity.

I re-watched the film Grease on Channel 4 yesterday afternoon, and was very amused, watching it several decades later, especially at Danny Zuko’s posturing, strutting, and combing of hair!  But there did seem to be a lot of Olivia in the sweetness and light of her alter ego Sandy – a role made for her, perhaps.  And a story which shows our desire to balance light and darkness.

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better.  Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.  We will see you down the road and we will all be together again.  Yours from the moment I saw you and forever!  Your Danny, your John!” 

~ John Travolta

Aspects

It’s a good week for Trines!  There will be three this week, lightening up your week, and I hope that is not just about the heat.  We are promised some rain, so the lightness should come in other forms.  You might not be feeling the relief quite yet, for in the daytime today we have Saturn opposing the Sun.  This may bring be a touch of sadness to work through, a coming down to earth, a dose of reality (which could turn out to be a good thing or have a silver lining).

The first of the three trines comes this evening, possibly the most powerful of the three, that is Mars trine Pluto.  This aspect speaks of self-empowerment, but you have to remember that everyone also has this force!  This is a great aspect for tasks which need great energy.  There may be some upheaval involved, as when you are decluttering in earnest, but you should have the energy to start afresh once you have cleared some old ground

On Tuesday (16th) we have the second trine, that of 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.

The third trine hugging the week arrives on Thursday (18th), and it’s one of the best aspects of the year: Venus trine Jupiter.  It may help in creating good memories.  It could be party time, too, but beware of disposable barbecues, even if we have a little rain.  Close relationships are favoured, and romance (e.g. engagements) is in the air.  Olivia Newton-John had Venus trine Jupiter in her natal chart, so she may be smiling down at us.  A good day to find the one that you want!

Mars goes roaring into Gemini on Saturday (20th), at breakfast-time.  We go from the more sluggish energy of Mars in Taurus (it has been difficult to do anything in this present heat) to a brighter, more expressive energy.  It’s a high action placing, with a spike in mental and physical energy, and the urge to get things done.  Certain sports, such as running and cycling, are highlighted.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – sadness; self-empowerment
• Tuesday – high functioning minds
• Thursday – partying and romance
• Saturday – busy minds and bodies

Nancy Pelosi

“The world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy”

~ Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House of Representatives in the U.S.) paid a risky visit to Taiwan this week, reportedly against the wishes of Joe Biden.  This is the second blog I have written about her, the first being in January 2021 on the occasion of the second impeachment of Donald Trump.  At a time when the world has been plunged into economic crisis resulting from the ongoing war against Ukraine by Vladimir Putin of Russia, her visit resulted in brinkmanship, this time with China.  While Ukraine has a valuable role in the world in relation to the distribution of grain, Taiwan itself has a vital role, as the source of much of the world’s microchips, without which the world’s computers would not be able to function.

Birth Chart

In 2021 I wrote:

“Nancy has the Sun in Aries, a sign of great self-belief.  Her Moon is in strong-willed Scorpio, and her Ascendant (from a birth time of14.30 Hrs, sometimes disputed) is in Leadership Leo.  She is very grounded (5 Earth planets), works on instinct (0 Air planets) and is extremely strong-willed (6 Fixed planets).  Her strength is increased by a trine to her Sun from Pluto in the 8th House.  The Moon in Scorpio in the 3rd House exactly trines Mercury, so in her chart rationality and imagination are working perfectly together.  The Moon is conjunct her I.C., which means she has strong emotional family roots.  Mercury sextile Venus gives her a way with words, and Uranus sextile Mercury conveys a brilliant mind.  A trine from Chiron to Mercury adds problem-solving ability.  Venus is positioned exactly conjunct Uranus in Taurus, either side of the 10th House cusp, both exactly conjunct with it, with Uranus in 9th and Venus in 10th – a most interesting description of her unusual role in society for her times.  With Venus trine Neptune, she is capable of  the finer feelings, and with Mars conjunct Uranus she can be forceful.   She may have acquired merit in past lives, with Jupiter conjunct the South Node in Aries in 8th House.  The North Node in Libra (Law) in 3rd House, points possibly to her karmic mission.  Chiron in Cancer may convey great patriotism.”

Visit to Taiwan

Why Taiwan?  Why now?  Nancy Pelosi’s term in office is drawing to a close, and she has felt a sense of injustice about various aspects of China’s policies since Tiananmen Square on 15 April 1989.  This may be connected with her Nodal Axis (North Node in Libra representing China and South Node in her 9th House of foreign affairs).

Her transits at the time of Tiananmen Square were powerfully provocative:  Mars was trine her natal North Node in Libra, invoking a sense of justice.  Jupiter was sextile her natal Sun, Saturn was opposite her natal Chiron (rubbing salt in a wound), Uranus was square her natal Sun in Aries (triggering her Inner Rebel), Neptune was trine her natal Midheaven exact to the day, invoking a sense of spiritual sensitivity, and Pluto trine her natal Chiron (alerting her to a need for healing).

Her stated aim in this week’s mission was to express solidarity with Taiwan in its aim to keep democracy.  The trip to Taiwan was part of a trip to that part of the world, the next stop being South Korea.  However, the President of South Korea did not meet her, in order not to offend China.  She also visited Japan, which apparently was also embarrassed by her visit, on Friday.  It is hard to know why she insisted on the visit, knowing it would be so contentious.

The astrological timing this week is quite revealing, however.  Natally, Nancy’s Uranus (Inner Rebel) is right at the top of her chart, at the end of her 9th House of Foreign Affairs, and squaring her Ascendant.  It brings to mind an itch that has to be scratched.  And at 82 now, she has her Uranus Return (to its original position in her natal chart).  This is like a time of elderly rebellion.  Around the age of 40, we have the Uranus Opposition, which is akin to a mid-life crisis, as part of Uranus’ cycle.  There is definitely a feeling for her of “now or never” with this issue, which she obviously cares passionately about.  Ostensibly, the visit was to show support for Taiwan’s democracy, and not necessarily independence (which is the more contentious issue for China).

Synastry and Transits

For the chart of Taiwan, I have used the date for its constitution.  There seems to be a strong tie between Nancy and Taiwan, but not an easy relationship:  her Uranus on its Moon in Taurus shows a keen interest on her part; their Moons oppose each other (her own Moon opposes her Uranus, which is confrontational); her Saturn square its Venus (an element of sorrow); Her Pluto opposes its Venus (she may have a profound effect); her Neptune squares its Uranus (she can complicate matters), her Chiron square its Neptune (however well-meaning, further complication); and her North Node sextile its Saturn in Leo in 11th House of Friends (the key to a serious karmic link).

Her transits for the visit on 2nd August: In addition to the Uranus Return mentioned above, Mars was on her Uranus in Taurus, triggering her Inner Rebel.  The transiting triple conjunction of Mars/Uranus/North Node was operational: that turning point and game-changer.  This was taking place in her 9th House of Foreign Lands and Trips.  Neptune was sextile her natal Mars: her motives a mystery (possibly self-indulgent).

The population of Taiwan had mixed feelings about the visit: Mercury was trine its natal Mercury (dialogue with the outside world); Mars/Uranus was on its Moon (inflamed emotions and shock); Saturn was (and is) opposite its natal Saturn (a major and serious decisive cycle).

For the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, who gave Nancy Pelosi a warm welcome, Pluto was sextile her Saturn (a serious matter).  This transit gives Tsai Ing-wen a measure of strength at this time.

Joe Biden

Joe Biden’s transits, despite his recent bouts of covid, are also strong at this time: he has Pluto sextile his Sun (able to make profound changes) and Neptune trine his Jupiter exact to the day of the visit (extra-inspired by his faith).  He was riding high from his operation of the assassination of Al Quaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri just a few days before (with Pluto square al-Zawahiri’s natal Mars being a classic assassination transit).  Though this year is a difficult and pivotal year for the United States, experiencing its Pluto Return.  It has certainly stepped up in its involvement in the Russian threat to Ukraine.

For the U.S. chart, in addition to its Pluto Return, Saturn is on its Moon, Neptune trine its Mercury, and Jupiter sextile its Uranus – a mixed batch of transits, but there is a lot going on, not just Nancy’s visit.  Saturn transiting its Moon (female fertility) may be the issue of the new anti-abortion law, which saw the state of Kansas this week vote to keep the option of abortion.

China

For the chart of China, transits this week showed Mars trine its Sun, hackles rising and a show of force, and Chiron trine its Pluto (feeling strong in its response).

For president  Xi-Jinping himself, Pluto squares his Venus (sinking relations), Chiron squares his Uranus (crisis and discomfiture).

Consequences

After Nancy Pelosi left Taiwan, China began military exercises around Taiwan, effectively a blockade at this point.  Taiwan is situated not far from the Chinese mainland, at around 2,103 kilometres, approximately two and a half hours of air travel.  Economic sanctions were also placed on Taiwan by China.

China also announced that it was abandoning its co-operation with the U.S. on various issues, crucially including climate change.

Nancy has a good record in the past for acting with integrity.  And whatever the rights and wrongs of her action, it is certain she believed she was being true to herself.  But what was right for her may not have been the best thing for the U.S. or the wider global community.  The Observer article this morning by George Yin and S. Philip Hsu advises other courses of action:

“It [the U.S.] should take steps to signal its commitment to Taiwan by deepening bilateral trade and economic relations, which would have less risk of provoking Beijing.”

“One of the best Speakers the House of Representatives has ever had.”

~ Barack Obama

Aspects

A beneficent trine occurs mid-afternoon today, that of Venus trine Neptune.  This is a beautiful aspect from a social point of view, enabling spiritual links with people.  Artistically or musically, you can achieve inspirational heights.  However, be aware that on Tuesday Venus will be opposed by Pluto, so a satisfying point may be reached today, but may require adjustments later in the week.  Gather ye rosebuds today…

A different adjustment will be required even as early as this evening, for Mars will be square Saturn, and this may involve conflict, for example brinkmanship between the U.S. and China.  I think of this aspect as a square peg in a round hole, and a square peg which  you shouldn’t try to push through the round hole.  Energies clash, and there may be an impasse of some sort.  You may feel tired and a little discouraged, and unproductive.  Ride it out gently.  And observe others carefully, who may not be astrologically mindful.

Tomorrow (Monday, 8th) may see some healing achieved, with the Sun trine Chiron.  This aspect favours both physical and psychological healing, and a trip or leisure activity may be just the tonic you need.  You may put the world to rights, theoretically at least, over a coffee.

We then come to Tuesday (9th), which I have already warned about. In the early morning, Pluto opposes Venus, which may start the day on a dramatic note: perhaps the Sun bursts through your window, and you get out the wrong side of bed.  Struggles may apply mostly in terms of relationships, and possibly in relation to money and the Arts.  This again can symbolize brinkmanship in relationships, such as between the U.S. and China.  In negotiations, people may be using negative tactics such as project fear, or threats of no deal. If your struggles are in the realms of art or music, you may have to go back to the drawing board on a creative project, or fundamentally change the values behind what you are creating, taking them to a higher level or a deeper level psychologically.

At lunchtime on Thursday (11th) Uranus squares the Sun, which may throw an additional spanner in the works.  For some, it may be exciting.  Don’t rest on your laurels, provide for loopholes, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Venus enters Leo at tea-time on the same day, which is a sunnier vibe.   You can afford to be bold in seeking entertainment today, e.g. in a summer break.  Alternatively express some rich creativity, dine out, or polish up your performance skills…just a few suggestions!

When we get to mid-evening, Mars sextiles Neptune, the pleasure intensifies. This can be a soothing influence on Mars types (Ariens), or enlivening on Neptune types (Pisceans).  For the rest of us, it is conducive to refined and spiritual actions, meditations and exercises.  Yoga and Tai Chi are recommended under this influence.

In the early hours of Friday (12th), we have a Full Moon at 19 degrees Aquarius.  The tension may be felt to be rising on Thursday evening, and it may be difficult to settle to sleep until after 1.36 a.m. on Friday morning.  We might be torn by looking at an issue emotionally, then from a detached perspective, then back and forth.  This may produce heightened tension, or a stand off  between the individual and a group.  But resolutions can be found, and you will probably release it and sleep it off.  Friday itself may have an “after the rain” feeling, though rain itself is a precious commodity at the moment.  Remember to be responsible in your use of water!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – beauty and inspiration; then stuckness
• Tomorrow – healing
• Tuesday – heavy relationships
• Thursday – the unexpected; sunniness; sensual enjoyment
• Friday – emotional high tide, evaporating early

James Lovelock (1919 – 2022)

“Even the best democracies agree that when a major war approaches, democracy must be put on hold for the time being. I have a feeling that climate change may be an issue as severe as a war. It may be necessary to put democracy on hold for a while.”

~ James Lovelock

James Lovelock, creator of the concept of “Gaia”, died this week on his 103rd birthday.  His groundbreaking book “GAIA, a new look at life on Earth” of 1979 proposed a hypothesis which was responsible for a whole new way of thinking.  It posed a scientific question which flew in the face of Darwinism, put him at odds with some other scientists, and in its solution also conflicted with some environmentalists’ views of how it should be dealt with.  He saw the Earth as a living organism in which its components were interconnected.  He brought up the danger of CFCs, greenhouse gas emissions, a problem which we are still dealing with.  He held very individual views about climate change, and it is interesting that he has left the planet at this time, a few days after the extreme 40 degree celsius temperatures in his home country.  People are still questioning whether climate change is real (deniers), and in our Tory leadership contest, there is no attempt to put this planetary issue at the forefront of their policies.

Birth Chart

The work and thought of James Lovelock appealed both to scientists, and to New Agers.  The Green Movement also owes a lot to his pioneering ideas.  The genial, open face which consistently presents itself in his photographs is the epitome of the sunny sign of Leo.  That he was born and died on 26th July would be especially significant to the New Age ascension movement, a proponent of which, Celia Fenn, declares that date annually to be the start of the Galactic or Planetary New Year.  His theories are holistic (“My role has been to bring separated things and ideas together and make the whole more than the sum of its parts”), and he insisted on working independently as a scientist, both hallmarks of the sign of Leo, ruled by the all-embracing Sun.  He stated:

“Any artist or novelist would understand,  some of us do not produce their best when directed.”

His Sun was in conjunction with Jupiter, giving him an expansive outlook.  Some of his scientific research was in relation to life on Mars.  His North Node (karmic mission) was at 0 degrees Sagittarius, the sign ruled in esoteric Astrology by the Earth.  His Mercury was exactly conjunct Saturn in Leo (capable of very precise thought and accuracy) and opposite Uranus  (not afraid to be controversial, thinking outside the box).  Venus in Virgo gave him a leaning towards Environmentalism.  Mars conjunct Pluto in Cancer bestowed upon him a powerhouse of energy.  Academically, he gained a PhD in Medicine, depicted in his chart by Chiron (the Inner Healer) in his 6th House of Health.  He had Uranus trine Pluto, depicting enormous strength, which may be one of the secrets of his longevity, but also gave him the ability to bring about constructive change.  Uranus in fact takes a pivotal role in his chart: it is exactly square his Nodal Axis, prompting him to smash prevailing world views, and marking him out as an inventor.  Neptune conjunct the Midheaven portrays him as a spiritual leader of sorts.  Last but not least, he has a full 9th House of publishing, containing Pluto, Mars, Moon, Jupiter/Sun.  He is known especially for the book which changed world thought: GAIA – A New Look at Life on Earth 1979 Oxford University Press.  The term GAIA was suggested by neighbour and friend William Golding, citing the Greek goddess brought forth the living world from Chaos.

Life and Career

James Lovelock was born in Letchworth Garden City, coming from a humble background, and could not initially afford to go to University on  leaving school.  A Quaker upbringing instilled in his mind that: “God is a still, small voice within rather than some mysterious old gentleman way out in the universe”.  After establishing himself as a scientist and inventor, he refused to take up any professional post in a university, so as to remain independent.  Instead, he used a home-grown laboratory in a barn on the Devon-Cornwall border for his continued explorations.  He was married twice and had four children.

The Science Bit

Lovelock’s scientific interests were wide and eclectic.  Early experimentation on mice (in connection with researching the possibility of life on Mars) had later applications for cryogenics, and he claimed to have accidentally stumbled upon the use of the microwave oven (though he did not claim to actually have invented it).  It was when designing scientific instruments for NASA, that he developed his GAIA hypothesis.  He invented the electron capture detector, which led to his pointing out the need to reduce CFCs, the proliferation of which was causing global warming due to the greenhouse effect, and their role in eroding the ozone layer.  To this end he proposed a method of climate engineering.  By 2001 the scientific community formally acknowledged the concept that the planet “behaves as a single self-regulating system comprised of physical, chemical, biological and human components”

But he was at odds with certain members of the scientific community, for example evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkings over Darwinism.  The Darwinian view was that life was shaped by the environment, but Lovelock felt that it was just as true that life shapes the environment.   Although his work had nurtured the Green Movement, he did not agree with their policy over carbon footprints, and felt that nuclear power was the only way forward.   He wrote in 2006:

“I find it sad, but all too human, that there are vast bureaucracies concerned about nuclear waste, huge organisations devoted to decommissioning power stations, but nothing comparable to deal with that truly malign waste, carbon dioxide.”

At odds with the Greens, he also surprisingly approved of fracking and disliked wind turbines.

Death

His death, though coming after a fall, was graced astrologically by Jupiter trine his natal Neptune, a sign of being at peace after a life well lived.

In his various publications, he portrayed an apocalyptic future where much of the Earth would turn to desert, and then would from time to time row back on his own assertations, only to re-state his warnings.  Nowadays, scientists agree that we have virtually passed the tipping point of terrestrial climate resiliance, and that our targets are a damage-limitation exercise.  Even so, and despite warnings and efforts from David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, Caroline Lucas and Chris Packham, our governments are still failing to tackle this all-pervading issue, or to meet their own proclaimed targets.

According to his Obituary in the Guardian, he had wondered how Earth might appear from the perspective of an extraterrestrial intelligence.  I like to think he was actually mentally attuned to guardians of the Earth from out in the Cosmos.  And hope that, from wherever he is now, he will still have a care and an influence on humanity and the planet.

“One thing that being a scientist has taught me is that you can never be certain about anything. You never know the truth. You can only approach it and hope to get a bit nearer to it each time. You iterate towards the truth. You don’t know it.”

~  James Lovelock

Aspects

This week could be an important turning point, both on a personal level, and in society and global affairs.  For today,  the True North Node conjoins with Uranus.  You may have had inklings of such changes in the last few days.  This karmic conjunction can bring sudden and surprise events, and is good for innovation and innovators.  I think the passing of innovator James Lovelock is an indicator of the passing of one karmic (Nodal) cycle and the beginning of another.  Perhaps it heralds a new thinker, scientist or environmentalist coming to the fore – another Futurist.  As mentioned last week, it could be eventful for those engaged in Uranian professions, such as Electricians, Engineers and Astrologers.  On the world stage, there may be some startling changes.  Aquarians and Taureans may be most affected, as well as anyone who has a planet or angle at 18 degrees in their chart.  World finance could also be affected, as the conjunction takes place in Taurus.  Financial Astrologer Raymond Merriman observes: “… with the rare conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the Moon’s North Node in the money sign of Taurus… This is a consistent signature for a sharp (but possibly short) drop in equity markets.”  Take note, financiers.  There may be events now for which the consequences may not be immediately clear or realized.

Saturn opposed Mercury early this morning, possibly while you were still having a Sunday lie-in.  Saturn promises more frustrating and delay in communication and travel, some being repercussions from yesterday’s rail strike.  You will be urged to think before you speak, or even to remain tight-lipped in order not to deepen an existing crisis.  Documentation may be delayed, e.g. passports and driving licences – well, even more delayed!  You may have to tell someone “It’s in the post!”.

In the late evening, in contrast we have one of the brightest aspects of the year, in the trine between the Sun and Jupiter.  If you have been feeling stressed, you may experience a welcome distraction.  It’s a happy-go-lucky aspect where circumstances allow.  So whatever lights your candle today, grasp the opportunity in the evening.  Good cheer, laughter, and adventure may characterize the later hours.  For those watching the Women’s football final, fortune may favour either side, but the astrology can promise a good match (though my remote control will be heading elsewhere!)

Tomorrow (Monday, 1st August) Mars may trigger events and specifically the Uranus/North Node conjunction at 18 degrees Taurus, forming a triple conjunction.  In the U.K., this is the day that Tory Party members receive their ballot papers: choose wisely!  The consequences could be indeed far-reaching.  At this time, Liz Truss seems to be a foregone conclusion to take over the role of Prime Minister.  Mars conjunct Uranus is an explosive and volatile mixture, and Liz is not known for her tact in her current role of Foreign Secretary.  I will say no more!  Similarly, in personal lives, try to take the heat out of events, and choose the more peaceful option, I would say.

This combination brings out the dignity of our own Inner Warrior, and the practice of asserting this in the most constructive way we can understand at this time.  It depends where you are with your own Inner Warrior…you may be in denial that you have one at all, you may be working on being a peaceful warrior or a warrior on behalf of women’s rights.  With Mars conjunct the North Node, we see the karmic results of our actions straight away, giving us the wisdom of knowing, instant-karma style, whether or not we are doing things the right way and learning the right lessons, including the way to conduct our Inner Warrior.

In the last hour of the day, specifically the Mars/Uranus element of the triple conjunction kicks in.  It is important to check health and safety practicalities, particularly before you retire, in the U.K timing.  Mars conjunct Uranus is very focussed action, sometimes conducted at lightning speed.  It favours engineering, mechanics and science, and could be explosive if the energy is not harnessed with some sense of control.  The energies could be very galvanizing. If you are engaged in a creative venture, your mind could be over-active on retiring at night, with original ideas.

While Mars dominates at the beginning of the week, Tuesday and Wednesday could have a more soothing vibe, being dominated by Venusian aspects (Venus sextile the triple conjunction).  This can take the edge off some of the harshness of Mars/Uranus.  The first, on Tuesday (2nd), is Venus sextile the North Node, which is ideal for smoothing over karmic issues, resolving relationship karma and easing connections. It is more about forgiveness and laying aside grievances than exacting karmic balance.  The law of karma works automatically – you don’t need to engineer it.  Your own knowledge may not be complete enough to judge.

At lunchtime, Venus goes on to sextile Uranus – There may be a social sparkle somewhere in your life, even if only on social media.  It’s a good day, for the most part, for socializing and meeting new people.  Meetings are significant with the combination of Venus and Uranus, and sometimes they can be strange.

The third Venusian aspect in the row occurs in the early hours of Wednesday (3rd), a sextile between Venus and Mars.  This is an altogether more relaxing prospect.  Time for some pleasure and enjoyment.  A better night’s sleep may be on the cards, with romantic dreams possible!

By the morning of Thursday (4th), we are in a more mental and practical mode, with Mercury entering Virgo.  This signals a more studious change in focus and presaging the next academic term.  We will be thinking ahead, planning for September schedules.  Students and teachers will be trying to plan for the term ahead.  Parents will be stocking up on essentials such as school uniforms and various kits.  Businesses will be hoping for an extra push in efficiency for after the holiday period.  Retail will be preparing for the run up to Christmas. Some services will be planning strike action.  Parliamentarians will be setting out their policies on strike action.  Mental application will be needed all round.

The rest of the week is free of major aspects, so I will leave you again with a Fixed Star for the end of the week (Saturday 6th).  The alignment of our Sun would be to Dubhe, the Alpha star of Ursa Major.  “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld puts forward the following information:

“A particularly good application here is the pouring of such an energy into a clear quartz crystal to allow this energy to strengthen further and vibrate on its own.  The combination of free will and love can be better communicated to others.  These stars can also create certain deeper states of forgiveness of the elderly in your life, be it your parents, grandparents, or ancestors.”  This star is associated with the colour and substance of Gold.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – game changing; communication delay; a touch of luck
• Tomorrow – explosiveness; karmic warriorship; engineering
• Tuesday – smoothing over karma; social sparkle
• Wednesday – sensuality
• Thursday – knuckling down mentally and practically
• Saturday – combination of free will and love; forgiveness; going for Gold

 

Leo Careers

We are  in Leo season!  This is the sixth in a series in which I look at careers for the various zodiac signs.  Maybe you have children or grandchildren born under this sign, and are looking at their potentials, or you are a Leo looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are a Lion and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.

The Boss/Businessman/woman/Leader/CEO

Leos do not like to work under someone else’s jurisdiction, and therefore you will often find they will take their strength or speciality, and turn it into a business.  They work well with Virgos, who tend to be conscientious but do not like so much to lead.  Taureans too are very supportive, though there may be a clash of wills.

Actor / Actress

Leo is one of two signs I associate with the acting profession.  The other sign is Pisces, which represents the more sensitive and nuanced side of an actor in portraying inner psychological states.  Leo is more flamboyant, playful, and dramatic.

Famous Examples: Arnold Swarzenegger (plays the strong man who seems to always triumph)

Bennifer (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, who just got married in Las Vegas, both Leos)

Alexander Vlahos (who played Philippe, Duke of Orleans in Versailles)

Barbara Windsor (of Carry On fame; also played Peggy Mitchell landlady of the Queen Vic Pub in Eastenders)

Film director

The Film Director controls and oversees all aspects of the making of a film.  Many Film Directors are born under Leo, and embody that total creative vision.

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

Performer

This displays the Leo traits of creativity and self-expression.  You may find the Leo fronting in a band (e.g. Mick Jagger in the Rolling Stones, and Mark Knopfler in Dire Straits), or treading the boards (as above), or performing as a soloist in an orchestral setting.

Conductor

The Conductor in an orchestra literally plays the role of leader with control over the whole orchestra, rather like the Film Director for a film.

Playwright/Scriptwriter

Associated with theatre, drama and acting.  Some actors go on to scriptwriting, or film directing.

Leo writer Carla Lane was the creator of successful sticoms for television The Liver Birds, Butterflies, and Bread.

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist can work in a holistic way to empower the patient in various activities in rehabilitation.  This is a worthwhile role for a Leo.

Leos are particularly suited to the role of Youth Worker, as they have an innate playfulness, and can nurture the Inner Child.

Teacher

You will often find Leos in the profession of Teaching, and they often find they can bring out their inner performer in order to project their personality and engage their pupils.  Even if the teacher does not have Sun in Leo, they may for instance have Midheaven in Leo which represents the Persona in the outside world, which they can bring out for this purpose.  The Sun, which rules Leo, is central in a birth chart, and may occupy a special significance in the chart of a teacher.

Holiday Rep

The Hedonist Archetype of the Leo personality would lend itself well to a career in the tourist industry, enabling others to enjoy their leisure time.

Other Occupations:

Working with Competitions, Speculation, Gambling (e.g. a Bookie or Croupier!), because the Sun and Leo are expressive and lucky in these spheres.  For this reason, possibly property development may also be an attractive path, though this would also come under Capricorn and Saturn for property.

A Modern Option: Social Media “Influencer”!

Talented Leos can turn their minds to a host of occupations, just as long as they are calling the shots!

Aspects

Early tomorrow morning (Monday 25th) Jupiter squares Venus, so you may be confronted with an awkward social situation.  Behaviour may be gauche or a little inappropriate, and that may have consequences.  You may be socializing when you don’t feel like it, or feel that you have to force jollity.  There will be a meaning to it – there always is!  Even if it is one remark which makes you think deeply, or helps you to realize what you don’t need.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.

The Mean North Node conjoins with Uranus that day at 18 degrees Taurus, which will give you a taste of the True North Node conjunct Uranus which occurs next Sunday (31st July).  This can bring sudden and surprise events, and is good for innovation and innovators.  It may be a significant day in relation to proposed and threatened strike action, which is in the air in the U.K.  It could be eventful for those engaged in Uranian professions, such as Electricians, Engineers and Astrologers.  On the world stage, there may be some startling changes.  Aquarians and Taureans may be most affected, as well as anyone who has a planet or angle at 18 degrees in their chart.  The effect may last all week, through to next week.

On Tuesday (26th) early evening Mercury squares Mars, which can bring can bring irritations, wars of words, and minor cuts and bruises.  So, proceed with caution.  If you are sufficiently centred, you may be quite productive, producing brisk work.

On to Thursday (28th) and an opportunity for a fresh start afforded by the New Moon at 5 degrees Leo.  This emphasizes the holiday making, creative and performing qualities of the sign and the season. In fulfilling the spirit of holidaymaking, staycationing would seem the best bet, seeing continuing difficulties for some overseas travellers.  But it is some kind of a new beginning, so if you have experienced some testing times recently, you can press the re-set button.

In the evening, Jupiter will be Stationary prior to turning Retrograde, increasing the count of retrograde planets, which include Saturn, Chiron, Neptune and Pluto.  You might feel it is difficult to make progress under such conditions, but most years you see a similar pattern for planets going retrograde, and life goes on!  As for Jupiter, Sagittarians may feel the effect more than most.  Though you may have been working along a particular line and making steady progress, you may now have to re-assess.  One of the Tory contenders for leadership may have to make a U-turn on prospective policies, seeing an adverse public reaction.

Even later on Thursday evening, Mercury squares Uranus, which is the the spanner-in-the-works aspect of Uranus square Mercury.  Back up your computer files, and consider I.T. loopholes, as this is a time when you may experience glitches in this area.  Your Intuition is your guide to your way through these anomalies.  Set your antennae to a higher frequency!

This looks like a tricky week, and coming up to next weekend that may intensify as we near the conjunction of the True North Node with Uranus.  So I am bringing in a little soothing balm from the Fixed Stars for the end of the week (Friday/Saturday), one of which is the Asellus Borealis, the Gemma star of the constellation of Cancer.  According to “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“With use of this star there is some strengthening in the dream state of the ability to perceive your direction with your family and how things are to work themselves out together.  The ability to nurture others is strengthened.  This star can assist individuals in professions that rely heavily on such nurturing abilities, such as nursing, childcare, or teaching younger children.”

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – socially awkward; surprises
• Tuesday – minor skirmishes
• Thursday – new beginning; U-turns; more surprises
• Friday – make use of your nurturing dreams

Tory Leadership Contest 2022

In the TV debate on Friday evening on Channel 4 hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the candidates did not distinguish themselves, and there was bickering between the candidates jostling for the attention of the floating voters in the audience.  In the event, when they were asked if they were more likely to vote conservative, a mere handful of the audience indicated they would. In a poll immediately afterwards, Tom Tugendhat came top, and Liz Truss came last.

Here are the current contenders, who will be further whittled down this week:

Rishi Sunak

Slogan: Ready4Rishi

Rishi currently has the highest number of votes from his fellow MPs.  He is known to be one of the richest MP currently in parliament, and took some flak over his wife claiming non-domicile status.  He famously saw us through the pandemic with the furlough scheme, and the eat out to help out scheme, etc. He crossed swords in the TV debate with Liz Truss, e.g. saying that there was “no such thing as covid debt”.  He is the only one of the five that thinks it would be madness to lower taxes, and came across as competent and confident compared to others in the TV debate, with the exception of Tugenhardt.  He wants people to think of him as a realist.

When he became Chancellor of the Exchequer, I wrote about his chart:

“So what is the new Chancellor made of?  He was the deputy for Sajid, and has married into Indian wealth.  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.  But will he be a mere puppet of Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings?  He has a preponderance of planets in the Mutable signs (adaptability and flexibility), but he also has Uranus opposite his Sun (so is capable of rebellion).  It is an intriguing combination, in terms of his future role.  He has Mars closely conjunct Jupiter, energy allied with enthusiasm, which I feel has contributed to his success (at 39, he is a very young age for a Chancellor).”

He is backed by Liam Fox, Oliver Dowden, Dominic Raab and Matt Hancock

Transits now:

Saturn squares his natal Uranus.  He will be finding the process tough.

Saturn urges him to stay true to his cautious principles, and not give rein to his Inner Rebel (Uranus)

Transits 5 Sept (when the new PM is to be announced):

Saturn will square his Mercury (mental headache)

Saturn trine his natal Pluto (power, strength and responsibility)

Neptune trine his natal Uranus (taking on complexity)

It is very likely he will succeed.

 

Penny Mordaunt

 Slogan: PM4PM

 “I could feel myself dozing off in the heat.  Along with almost everyone else packed into the room.  Mordaunt may have a vision but she’s not a natural communicator.  There’s a reason that almost no one outside of Westminster has heard of her.”

~ John Crace

Penny currently has the second highest number of votes from her fellow MPs, but many people are still saying “Who is she?”.  I have previously written about her, but had forgotten I had done so.  She basically wants to lower taxes, but otherwise keep things as they are and fulfil Boris’ mandate.  She has served in a variety of government departments, so like Liz Truss, claims experience.  There is a controversy over her views on gender, which she tried to clear up in an interview with Sophie Raworth this morning, and has taken part in reality TV.  Some of my readers may be interested to know she is enthusiastic about Homeopathy. (Her Nodal Axis is exactly square Chiron, the asteroid which signifies Homeopathy).

Her birth chart:

Penny has Sun in Pisces sextile Mars exactly conjunct her North Node.  She does not come across as a warrior, but her chart marks her out as one.  (She became the UK’s first female defence secretary, and has a background as a naval reservist, among other things).  Sun exactly square Saturn may put a restraint on that.  She has the Sun and Moon in Pisces, being born around the New Moon, which means she has the ability to start afresh.  The Sun sextiles her North Node, meaning that leadership is possibly part of her karmic mission.  In addition, she has Jupiter closely trine Pluto, a sense of comfort around power.  She has said:  “Our leadership has to change.  It needs to become a little less about the leader and a lot more about the ship”.

She is backed by Andrea Leadsom, and was slated by David Frost (of Brexit fame).

Transits now:

Light on significant transits. This could mean she feels free to express herself.

Transits 5 Sept:

Still light on transits…she may have withdrawn the race by then, surprisingly.  Or she may be operating in a different Universe.

 

Liz Truss

Slogan “Delivery, Delivery, Delivery”

“Truss looked blankly straight ahead, her body rigid with fear, and started misreading her script.  She tumbled over words and left pauses in mid-sentence.  She was robotic, managing to make Theresa May sound engaging, animated and personable.”

~ John Crace

Liz currently has the third highest number of votes from her fellow MPs.  She is our local MP.  I never imagined she could one day be running for Prime Minister!  She’s another low tax advocate.  She tries to dress like Margaret Thatcher, and echoing Boris Johnson she promises she will “Get things done!”.  As Foreign Secretary, she has been recklessly loose tongued, in the manner of Johnson himself.  Though she has experience in various government departments, she is not known for any successful achievements.

 There are similarities with Penny Mordaunt’s chart.  Liz has Sun trine North Node similar to Penny Mordaunt’s sextile “that leadership is possibly part of her karmic mission.” but not as exact as Penny’s.  Having 5 Cardinal planets, she likes to lead, and having Sun in Leo, she likes to shine.  With the Moon opposite Venus, she may be divisive on women’s issues.  Mercury square Jupiter makes her mind wide ranging, but not as flowing as Penny’s Mercury sextile Jupiter.  Her Mercury is conjunct Saturn, which may give rise to a stilted delivery at times.  She is not afraid of controversy (Mercury square Uranus), which may be one factor in the bluntness in foreign exchanges referred to above.  Jupiter square Saturn is not so favourable for balanced judgement, as optimism squares up to pessimism in an awkward way.  Jupiter opposing Uranus can give rise to the Chancer Archetype, and putting herself up as a possible Prime Minister may be a measure of that courage.  Saturn squares her Uranus, setting up yet another clash: this time between the old and the new.  I have counted thirteen squares altogether, so it is not an easy chart.

She is backed by Therese Coffey, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nadine Dorries and Suella Braverman

Transits now:

Uranus is on her Mars, so there may be an upset imminent, such as being eliminated from the next round, or realizing that the polls put her last in the TV debate.  Saturn is sextile with her Jupiter, so her judgement and decision making are better than they usually are, at this time.  Jupiter is trine her natal Neptune, so self-belief is also high at this time, and that transit is of greater importance than the Uranus-Mars conjunction, so I cannot completely rule her out.  It is possible that in the next round, she will gain more backers.

Transits 5 Sept:

A lot can happen in the intervening weeks.  In early September Pluto will be opposite her natal Mercury, so if she gets through to the final two, she could suffer a major upset at that time.  If not, she will be having a heavy think about her future at that time.  Neptune will be trine her natal Saturn, so again she may start to follow a new path altogether at that time.  A new Prime Minister may mean different employment.  Mars will oppose her Neptune, so again, feelings may be hurt.  And Jupiter will be opposite her natal Pluto, so not a good transit for power issues.  In the New Year, Pluto will exactly sextile her natal North Node, so a new phase of karma is likely to come about.

 

Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch is the former levelling up and equalities minister, and takes the stand of “war on woke”.  She too would lower taxes.

Capricorn Kemi has half her planets (5) in Earth signs, so is very grounded.  Born on a Full Moon (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Cancer), she could be very emotional.  With the Sun trine Mars, she is another warrior.  She also has Sun closely trine Jupiter, which makes her upbeat and positive, creating a Grand Earth Trine with Mars.  She could “get things done”.  She clashed in the TV debate with Penny Mordaunt on the trans issue.

She has been enthusiastically backed by Michael Gove – with her North Node exactly conjunct his Sun, and her Chiron trine his Venus, they have a strong karmic link. Their Uranuses are also exactly trine, which indicates a good spark between them, and they could work together well (telepathically, even!)

Transits now:

Mars on  her Chiron, she is challenging herself right now.  (Mars is therefore trine Michael Gove’s Venus, so he is really fired up)

Saturn squares her natal Uranus, like Rishi Sunak.  She will be finding the process tough.

Pluto trine her natal Saturn.  It’s powerful exercise for her, likely to earn her recognition and raise her profile.

Transits 5 Sept:

Pluto trine her natal Saturn

Neptune trine her natal Uranus, like Rishi

Saturn sextile her natal Neptune

All very favourable transits.  This suggests she will be happy she stood for office, and that she may gain a place in a new cabinet (maybe Rishi Sunak’s).  Rishi and Kemi were born in the same year, and have Uranus exactly conjunct.  Michael Gove’s Uranus is exactly trine theirs, so the three together might work well.

 

Tom Tugendhat

Slogan: The country needs a “clean start” 

Tom is the only candidate untainted by the Boris Johnson regime, and is the most left wing candidate.  He voted against Brexit in the 2016 referendum.  He promises an unrelenting focus on the cost-of-living crisis (which they all acknowledge as important).  He thinks taxes are too high, and has called for the national insurance hike to be scrapped, plus a cut in fuel tax.

Most  of the candidates stated on Friday that they love this country.  As a Cancerian, Tom may be a genuine patriot   Like Liz, Tom has half his planets in Cardinal signs, signifying leadership.  His military background is seen in his chart as Sun closely square Mars (a warrior, with bells on).  At the same time, his Mars opposes Pluto, so he has a powerhouse of combative energy.  The three planets are locked in a T-square, so he has to manage his passions carefully – when a planets transits one of those three points, all of them are triggered.  His Moon is in Taurus, which gives him some earthiness and grounded, but it is his only planet in the Earth element.  Mercury conjunct Venus indicates he should be good with words…although his denial of Boris’ honesty came in a nod of the head at the TV debate!  Mercury trine Mars gives him quick-wittedness and good co-ordination, an essential in battle.  Mercury trine Neptune means he can be inspired, and Mercury closely sextile Pluto means he is capable of deep thought.  Mars squares his Nodal Axis, another indicator of military karma and involvement.  Jupiter loosely trine Uranus is helpful for entrepreneurship.  And last but not least, Saturn trine Uranus in his chart indicates he can balance the old and the new, the outgoing with the incoming.  He says “The most consequential victim of our age is…Truth”.

He is backed by Damien Green

Transits now:

Neptune squares his natal Saturn, not a promising astrological look

Transits 5 Sept:

Jupiter with square his Sun, may be offered a post in a new cabinet

Pluto opposes his Venus, there may be turbulence in his private life

He is riding high in the polls post-TV-debate, but I don’t expect him to go much further.

I will try and analyse the two final hopefuls nearer the time that the new Prime Minister is selected.  There is another TV debate tonight (7 pm, ITV) hosted by Julie Etchingham, so the hopefuls have another chance to impress us.  You can re-assess them!  Though as Alistair Campbell points out in the Observer today: “Why is the country allowing – yet again – 160,000 mostly very old and similar people to choose the country’s leader?”  We need an overhaul of the constitution, to include proportional representation.  None of the candidates address the biggest issue to affect the planet, climate change, and the headline in today’s Observer stresses that the Climate chief Alok Sharma is threatening to resign if the new Prime Minister “dumps the net zero plan”.  Caroline Lucas of the Green Party is the only M.P. making that her priority.

Aspects

Today Mercury trines Neptune.  Things may fall into place spiritually, and you may be ready to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys, and insight.  A kind astrological note to start the week.

Late in the day, it is the turn of the Sun to trine Neptune, so to some extent, more of the same: A sparkling time, especially good for receiving creative inspiration.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.

Tomorrow (Monday 18th) begins well enough, in the early hours, with Venus entering Cancer.  We place our love on the home and family, and appreciate our locality.  We need to be conscious about our emotional boundaries during this period (to 11th August).  We have been advised to stay in our homes on Monday and Tuesday because of the severe Red Extreme heat warning of temperatures approaching 40 degrees centigrade.  The media are issuing all sorts of advice for managing this, mainly based on staying indoors and out of the sun.  So ingenuity, combined with common sense, are required to find just the right note, and stay safe, while enjoying yourself.  Find novel ways to enjoy staying in, and cherishing the home and family.

There’s an astrological warning to add, from breakfast time (so getting things done very early in the cool of the day may be advisable).  Pluto opposes Mercury, which means there may be a real danger involved in travelling if you don’t have to.  In this country, we are not used to dealing with such temperatures.  We don’t know what can melt, for instance… Watch your mental processes carefully, and be mindful in conversation.  Something could appear to be a minor snag on the surface, but may give you pause for deeper thought, leading to more psychological awareness.  Don’t skirt over it.  Examine the issue carefully, and the resulting insight could be a gift.

On Tuesday (19th) lunchtime we have another ingress, for Mercury enters Leo.  This placement favours applying the mind to ways of finding leisure and enjoyment in this holiday season.   Find novel ways to enjoy staying in, on Tuesday.  Take up a new hobby!  Mercury is on another rapid sojourn, leaving Leo on 4th August, so when the heat subsides, you can come out again.

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

The early hours of Wednesday (20th) bring another challenge, and another opposition, that of Pluto opposing the Sun.  Perhaps, on venturing out again, you have a great deal of catching up to do.  There is an opportunity to look at deeper issues in your life, and re-assess what you need and don’t need.  It may be helpful to get the energies and balance right on Tuesday, because of Wednesday’s challenge, which may bring up a lot of emotion and drama for people to balance and process.  It could be a day for sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement again (after Pluto opposite Mercury earlier in the week) to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.  A good question to ask on this day is: what needs to be transformed, or transcended?

The Sun enters Leo on Friday evening (22nd).

The Sun has got his hat on hip-hip-hip hooray

The Sun has got his hat on

And he’s coming out today

Well, you can celebrate, if you haven’t had enough of the Sun, and if the heat doesn’t constantly remind you of climate change.  I do enjoy my running in the warm weather, but will desist on Monday and Tuesday, unless the weather forecast turns out to be wrong.  For those of you on holiday by the sea, you may be able to enjoy a dip, alternating with lazing on a deckchair under a parasol sipping a pina colada.  But if the weather is still warm, some cautions may still apply.  Sun in Leo is also about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.  For many schoolchildren and workers, it is the start of holiday season…Have a good time!

The Universe has saved the best till last, this week.  On Saturday (23rd), Mercury trines Jupiter.  This aspect will help business transactions, and expand our horizons, minds and philosophies.  This is an upbeat vibe mentally, one that takes in great wads of information, produces good ideas and may incline one to travel, strikes permitting of course.  There may be media opportunities, for those so inclined, and it could be a productive day.  A cause for optimism may be found.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – spiritually harmonious
• Monday – focus on the home; mental and travel stress
• Tuesday – creative thinking; going over healing ground
• Wednesday – depth of thought required
• Friday – enjoy the sunshine, whether inner or outer
• Saturday – helpful for sales, learning and travel

Cancerian Careers

This is the fifth in a series in which I look at careers for the various zodiac signs.  Maybe you have children or grandchildren born under this sign, and are looking at their potentials, or you are a Cancerian looking at re-training for a change of career.  If you are Cancerian and have found an ideal or fulfilling career,  you could share that under comments.

Parent

Many who are parents say it is the best thing they do or have done.  It’s not fashionable in this day and age to regard it as a sole purpose in life, though it was by necessity in previous centuries.  In these days of equality, househusbands are equally prized for this role as the tradition mother.

The Mother Goddess is central to the sign of Cancer.  Of all the Goddesses, Mother Mary is the most intrinsic.  Caroline Myss says of the Mother Archetype:

“You don’t need to be a biological mother, but must have a lifelong devotion to nurturing and protecting the environment or supporting any life form, including giving birth to books and ideas.  Some men relate to being ‘Mr. Mom’, another variation of the Mother Archetype”.

These days it is much easier to take a short break in your career, obtain maternity leave, etc.  When I first became a mother, maternity leave was not available for secretaries (my then career).  I took up childminding, so that I could look after my own children (I have the Moon, ruling planet of Cancer, in my 6th House of jobbing).  I noticed that when the Blair administration came in, women were more encouraged to sustain their careers and become working mothers, in the manner of Cherie Blair.  From that time, women’s rights in this area have improved, and many women take a year out to tend to their newborns.  There were also no paternity rights until 2003.

Gynaecologist/Obstetrician/Paediatrician

Cancerian medical students under this sign, will often opt for these areas of specialization, being associated with the female reproductive system, which is the province of this sign.

Nurse/Midwife/Carer

Caring professions in general are the province of the sign of Cancer, suiting their nurturing nature.

I have previously written, in relation to Archetypes:

In her 2013 book, Caroline Myss presents 10 new Archetypes for the modern age (look what you started, Carl Jung!).  One of these, the Caregiver, is related to the Mother, strongly associated with the sign of Cancer, but also has associations with the sign of Virgo.  Cancerians and Virgoans practically prop up the caring professions.

Myss advises that if this is one of your Archetypes, and you are compulsive about helping others, then your task is to learn self-care:

“Your challenge as a caregiver is to care enough about yourself to find out who you really are – to be willing to look closely and experience the deeper level of your inherent need and desire to care for others.”

Hospitality/Hotelier/Guest House proprietor/B&B owner

Cancerians are great home makers, and can make a profession out of this in the hospitality industry.

Sailor

Of the armed services, the Navy is associated with the Water signs, of which Cancer is one.  Cancerians tend to adore being at sea.

Novelist

Novelists who help us escape into a world of imagination, are often Cancerian or have a prominent Moon in their chart, e.g. you often find that people with the Moon rising close to their Ascendant have a talent for writing novels.

Childcare/Nursery Nurse/Reception Class Teacher

Whether or not someone becomes a parent, they may have a natural talent for working with very young children, say in the educational system.

Drummer

Cancerians have rhythm!  Musicians who are Cancerian or have Moon in Cancer can be especially adept at the art of drumming.  Examples of  Cancerian drummers are Ringo Starr and Mick Fleetwood.  In a band or orchestra generally, they would be well placed in the rhythm section.

Historian

Cancerians can also make talented historians.  They are able to store memory through emotional associations, and also have the imagination to re-create historical periods in their own minds.

Genealogist

Cancerians have a strong bond with their ancestors, and an interest in tracing family trees.  Often it is the Cancerian in the family that you find undertakes this task as a labour of love on behalf of the whole family.

Antique Dealer/Furniture Restorer

Related to their love of history and cherishing people and objects, you’ll often find them collecting antiques (collecting is an especially Cancerian hobby) and restoring objects to their former glory.  They have a great respect for such things.  You may also find that their favourite TV programmes are The Repair Shop, and Who Do You Think You Are.

I hope you have enjoyed this survey of Cancerian careers, and been able to apply it to your family and friends, even if you are not yourself a Cancerian.

Aspects

As I write this, Boris Johnson is still entrenched at No. 10 Downing Street, as long as he is allowed to stay, having been forced to resign by an unprecedented number of resignations within his party and cabinet.  His departure date is still uncertain, but the trigger for the announcement of the resignation came at about 9.10 a.m. on Thursday (7th) morning, with Mars (trigger) exactly opposite his Moon in his 1st House in Scorpio – he came out fighting.  I can feel a blog coming on…but in the meantime have written about Cancerian careers before we leave this zodiac sign.

On Sunday (10th July) the Sun will be sextile Uranus – a bright new day dawns.  This aspect supports us and adds a sparkle of ingenuity and inventiveness. Make headway with your various projects, assisted with some telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group.  I shall be attending a retirement party, with my Jubilee trifle (orange jelly over lemon jelly), wearing a matching outfit of a yellow skirt and orange t-shirt (with a dab of Atelier mandarin cologne behind my ears).  What fun!

Another sextile occurs on Tuesday (12th), with the Sun sextile the North Node, which favours right action on a karmic level.  It is a good day to look at your life path as a whole, your creativity and self-expression and where you would like it to go.  Visualize your best possible path for the coming month.

We have a square on Wednesday (13th), between Chiron and Mercury.  This may cause some mental strain, a headache, a conundrum.  Remember every problem contains its own solution.  Attentiveness to health and healing is required, but first the question has to be aired.  The solution may just take a little work, or some lateral thinking.  Perhaps a good day to tackle the future of Boris’ tenure of 10 Downing Street.

Venus also trines Saturn that day, which brings some balm, e.g. perhaps some face saving for Boris.  It’s an aspect of practical compassion.  It can brings hope, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty.  Venus can provide a softening role to a hard line stance.  It is conciliatory, which may be just what is needed.  Relationships may need serious resolving, and this aspect can help, whether on a personal level, or between the schisms in our society.

In the early evening, there is a Full Moon at 21 degrees Capricorn, which may exacerbate some of the insecurities of earlier in the day if they have not yet been resolved.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  If you feel that part of your frustration is coming from the power wielded by authorities, then this may be your Full Moon issue.  Many people are feeling angry and frustrated by the current political climate, and may need to focus on what they can do for themselves at this point in time, especially with government being in a virtual state of paralysis.

Mercury sextiles Uranus the next day, Thursday (14th), which may feel like a breath of fresh air after the complexities of Wednesday.  It’s a constructive aspect, being helpful for mental endeavours and technology. Telepathy, intuition and the power of surprise are benefits of this aspect.  This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor, or unusual ways of articulating your message.

On the same day, Venus squares Neptune, adding a sense of intrigue.  There may be confusion or deceit involving relationship or money.  You need to look behind the illusion in each case, or both.  There could be uncertainty in the Arts or the world of Music.  Paranoia could steal into relationships, and frustrating flaws in creative works, as well as insecurity in finance. Tread softly.

And last but not least, the Sun conjoins Mercury at 23 degrees Cancer on Saturday (16th).  .  It is a good day generally to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements.  The focus may be on your own growth and potential and physical wellbeing, or home and family matters.  Mentally you may see things clearly, if egocentrically.  Recognizing that people’s feelings and emotions must be part of the equation and honoured to an extent, may help matters.  In a negotiation, for instance, it is good that each party saves face, or there is an attempt at a win-win outcome.

The week in bullet points:

• Sunday – a bright new day dawns
• Tuesday – right karmic action
• Wednesday – problem solving; loyalty; emotional high tide
• Thursday – a breath of fresh air; love complications
• Saturday – clarity of mind and emotion

 

Wimbledon 2022 – Week 2

What a week that was: a week that saw Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu and Serena Williams out of Wimbledon, and various players (such as Berrettini) staying away due to Covid.  Yesterday’s Mars-Pluto square was very much in evidence on court yesterday, in the match between Kyrgios and Tsitsipas, dubbed “the most bad tempered match”! Kyrgios played extremely well, but messed mercilessly with Tsitsipas’ head.  This Sunday morning, I am looking at some of the next players in line.

Women’s Seeds

No. 16 Seed: Simona Halep

I wrote in 2014:

“She has Neptune conjunct her North Node natally.  This points to spiritual leadership potential, so she may have many followers who do not only follow her for her tennis playing.  She is Libran, one of the commonest Sun signs for tennis skill, because it involves a close monitoring of the person the other side of the net!”

Her transits on Monday:

Saturn exactly opposite her natal Venus, to the day (could point to a disappointment)

Chiron opposite her natal Mars (tricky and could point to a potential injury)

Mars square her natal Saturn (again, she may be accident-prone)

Uranus opposite her Pluto (difficult change)

Not an accommodating set of transits at all.  I would not expect her to get to the final.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Saturn still opposite her Venus

Chiron still opposite her Mars

Uranus still opposite her Pluto

South Node on her Pluto (difficult karma, but not insurmountable)

These are not promising transits at all.

No. 17 Seed: Elena Rybakina

Rybakina was No. 18 last year.  I wrote:

“Rybakina…is a 6-footer.  She has 5 planets in the Fixed signs, showing strong will.  Her Sun is exactly trine Mars, making her a Warrior (she is an “aggressive baseliner”).  With Sun sextile Jupiter she is sporting and positive, and her energy and enthusiasm are sometimes over the top due to Mars opposing Jupiter.  She has the Moon/North Node/Venus in competitive Leo and has enormous self-belief.  This triple conjunction opposes Uranus, so she can be emotionally unpredictable.”

Her transits on Monday:

Jupiter trine her Pluto

Uranus sextile her Mercury

Neptune square her Sun

Pluto square her Jupiter

With the Jupiter/Pluto exchanges, she could be fighting with herself to some extent.  But this could be a powerful set of transits, and Uranus trine Mercury could result in some ingenious play.  There may be moments of loss of concentration with Neptune square her Sun, but overall an interesting and helpful set of transits, which could take her to the final.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Jupiter still trine her Pluto (a big plus)

Uranus sextile her Mercury exact to the day (electrifying thought)

Neptune square her Sun (some confusion)

Pluto still square her Jupiter (power tussles)

I still like this set of transits, so she could be in the final.

No. 20 Seed: Amanda Anisimova

Amanda Anisimova is a Virgo Sun sign, an unusual sign for a tennis player, but of course a sign which pays attention to detail and has perfectionistic standards.  Her focus is widened by having Jupiter closely sextile her Sun.  Mercury squares Mars, so she can get quite tense at times.  Mars sextile Uranus in her chart can produce some enthralling shots.

Her transits on Monday include Neptune square to her natal Mars, which may be error-prone.

Her transits at the end of Wimbledon look very similar, nothing much changes over the week.

I would not expect her to be a strong contender for the final.

The rest of the Seeds are out.

Unseeded: Harmony Tan

Harmony Tan, who beat Serena Williams in the first round, has her birthday on 11th September – 9/11 took place on her fourth birthday.  Like Anisimova, she is a Virgoan, and is born to shine with the Sun exactly conjunct her North Node.  Her Sun sextiles Mars exactly, so she is a pure Warrior.  Mercury exactly squares Pluto in her chart, so she is a deep thinker and a problem solver with Mercury exactly sextile Mercury.  Mars square Jupiter takes her energy and enthusiasm to another level, almost another dimension.  An unaspected Saturn gives rise to an unusual attitude to discipline and control, perhaps a sense of inner freedom.

Her transits for Monday’s match against Anisimova:

Harmony is riding high with Uranus trine her Sun, though she should watch out for injury with Uranus opposite her Mars.  And Pluto on her Neptune, so it is not plain sailing for her.

Her transits for the final:

Harmony will have the Sun, Uranus and the North Node all trine her Sun (again, she is really riding high).  Mars will be trine her Mercury (acute senses), Uranus will still be opposite her Mars (riding high on a tightrope), and with Pluto still on her Neptune.  I think she could be a contender for the title.

Of these four women’s transits, I like Rybakina’s the best, though Ons Jabeur (my tip from last week) may still overcome.  Harmony Tan could also appear in the final, and even win.  There are still other contenders I haven’t looked at (e.g. Heather Watson, who I hope will win today) so look out for them under comments, or make a request.

Men’s Seeds

No. 5 Seed: Carlos Alcaraz

Looking at his chart for the first time, he has half his planets in the Fixed signs, and is therefore strong willed and stubborn.  He is a Taurean (a sign of great stamina), with his Sun caught in a T-square with an opposition between Mars and Jupiter.  He has plenty of energy and enthusiasm, but may struggle to balance them sometimes.  Saturn trine Uranus gives him strength and some adaptablity to counteract the Fixity.

His transits today:

Uranus transiting his natal Mercury (mental brilliance)

Chiron transiting his natal Venus exact to the day (talent)

Jupiter sextile his natal Mars (luck and energy)

Jupiter closely trine his natal Jupiter (luck and enthusiasm)

A good set of transits.

His transits at the end of Wimbledon:

Exactly the same, a week later.

He has a good chance of being in the final.

No. 9 Seed: Cameron Norrie

Earlier this year, I wrote:

“He has the Sun at the end of Leo conjunct the Fixed Star Regulus (the King), and exactly sextile his North Node (a very strong karmic mission). On the more difficult side, he has the Sun square Pluto and Mercury opposite Saturn. I think he has a very strongly competitive nature.”

His transits for Today:

Mars will be trine his natal Sun (great energy and strength) and squares his Uranus (liable to upset)
Pluto will be on his Uranus (a time of change and upheaval in his life)
Pluto sextile his natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Mixed influences. We’ll know the outcome by the end of the day!

His transits for the end of Wimbledon:

Pluto will be on his Uranus (a time of change and upheaval in his life)
Pluto sextile his natal Pluto (self-empowerment)

Reasonable…if the Pluto sextile triumphs. He could make the final.

No. 10 Seed: Jannik Sinner

Italian Jannik Sinner will be playing Carlos Alcaraz, so only one of them can win through to the next round!  Here’s another chart I haven’t seen before…with all these new players coming up through the ranks. With Mars trine his Sun in Leo, Uranus opposing his Sun and Uranus sextile his Mars, he could be a bit of a maverick and is certainly a ball of energy who can surprise an opponent.  His Chiron also exactly trines his Sun and forms a conjunction with his Mars, so he is a problem-solver too.  Moon conjunct Venus in Cancer suggests he can also play those surprise soft strokes such as drop shots, which sometimes take other players by surprise.  Jupiter conjunct his North Node in Cancer brings him some luck and success down to good karma.

His transits for Monday:

Saturn opposes his Sun, Chiron squares his Venus, Jupiter squares his Jupiter and sextiles his Neptune

His transits are not as good as those of Alcaraz, but he could take a loss philosophically and count his blessings with Jupiter sextile his Neptune

His transits for the end of Wimbledon if he were to get there:

Saturn still opposes his Sun,

Mars trines his Mercury (on the ball mentally)

Uranus sextiles his Venus (some intuitive play)

and Chiron still squares his Venus (some discomfort)

I think he will have peaked before the final.

Of the two, I favour Alcaraz

No. 11 Seed: Taylor Fritz

Taylor Fritz is another maverick, like Jannik Sinner, with Uranus exactly square his Sun in  Scorpio.  His Sun is also conjunct Chiron, so he is a problem-solver, too.  He has a wide-ranging mind, with Jupiter square Mercury, and enjoys foreign travel.  Mars trine Saturn is good for precision shots, and Jupiter sextile Saturn helps balanced judgements and decision making.  There is also an entrepreneurial conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in his chart, in the sparky sign of Aquarius, so he may be a whizz with technology.

His transits for Monday:

Pluto transits his natal Neptune (a deep psychological challenge)

His transits for the end of Wimbledon if he were to get there:

Pluto still transits his natal Neptune, and

Mars opposes his Sun (could experience burnout)

These are not promising transits.

Of these four men, I like Alcaraz’s transits most, now that last week’s tip (Tsitsipas) is out.

But I will still be looking at other players throughout the week (e.g. Kyrgios), in case there are some standout final transits.

Aspects

With Neptune square Mercury yesterday evening, we did indeed hear more scandal as forecast, about the Deputy Chief Whip, but it has become almost an everyday occurrence.

6 a.m. is the time to watch this week!  Each aspect described takes place in that hour this week, extraordinarily – three of them on one day!  So tune up your daily rhythm to make the most of this and focus or meditate at that hour.  Other features of this week is that we have two Ingresses, so if 0 degrees of a sign features in your birth chart, events and achievements may be triggered.  Also, either Mercury or Mars or both are involved in all four features, so if you are Aries, Gemini or Virgo, things may be lively for you this week.  For the exact times in the U.K., see below:

6.04 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mars enters Taurus – For many, this is a call for slowing down, except for Taureans, who will be stepping up their game.  If you have a Taurus Ascendant, you may begin several new projects between now and 20th August, while Mars is in Taurus.  Although Mars is not so happy in the earthbound sign of Taurus, the testing quality of this energy has its reasons and worth.  You may find yourself querying more often why you are doing something, and how to do it, e.g. working more resourcefully and more in alignment with planetary requirements.  Any enterprise on Tuesday needs to take account of the new energy and attitude.  As Taurus rules the Arts, an aesthetic angle or a musical rhythm may need to come into the equation, for instance.

6.25 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mercury enters Cancer – The collective mind will be more able to encompass emotion when considering an argument.  Mercury will be staying in Cancer until 19th July (it’s a short and quickfire stay), so we have to get with the programme.  Family matters are under the mental microscope throughout Mercury in Cancer, and examining our emotions about our roots.  Under this transit, you have to take emotions into account when making a rational judgement.

6.37 a.m. Tuesday (5th)

Mercury sextiles Mars – This leading to brisker action, even though Mars is in Taurus.  Your mental reactions may be heightened, and this can lead to enhanced productivity.  It’s a spike in activity, paradoxically on a day when most of us are being asked to slow down.  Taureans, hop to it!

You can take the middle of the week off, from working on the aspects…!

6.14 a.m. Saturday (9th)

Mercury square Jupiter – This will stimulate us mentally, almost to the point of too much information!  There may be travel involved or planned.  It would be a good day to be out in nature, taking a good stroll, and picking up information.  Or visiting a museum, such as the Museum of Making in Derby, recommended in the Guardian this week, and shortlisted for the art fund Museum of the Year Award [this is my attempt at being an Influencer].  Mercury square Jupiter is a refreshing aspect, if not a little over-stretching to manage, so you may find yourself travelling a little bit further than your comfort zone.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – it’s all happening! The early bird catches the worm; slow down, unless you are a Taurean; take emotions into account; some briskness for some!
• Saturday – educational, informational and mind-stretching