Brian Wilson (1942 – 2025)

“There were times when [mental illness] was unbearable but with doctors and medications I have been able to live a wonderful, healthy and productive life.”

~ Brian Wilson, 2019

A universally acknowledged musical genius, Brian Wilson, died this week aged 83.  Together with his band, The Beach Boys, they formed a glorious soundtrack to the sixties.  From a difficult relationship with his father, and lifelong struggles with mental health and drugs, his life was not easy, and much of his vast creative output remains unpublished or unrecorded.  But those he did bring to the world went straight to our hearts.

Birth Chart

Fortunately, we do have a birth time for Brian, which reveals the basic specifications of Sun in Gemini, Ascendant in Taurus, and Moon in Virgo.  Yet, as you will probably have guessed, the picture is far more complex.

He was almost an astrological twin of Paul McCartney, born two days later in the same year.  They have admired each other, but also rivalled each other.

In 2022 I wrote:

“Sir Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson were born two days apart in 1942 on 18^th and 20^th June respectively, and are both regarded as having musical genius.  Paul has Venus in Taurus (Music) in 8^th House trine Neptune in Virgo rising within 1 degree of his Ascendant.  His Moon is in showbiz Leo in the 11^th House of bands.

Born two days later, Brian Wilson, formerly of the Beach Boys, has Venus in Taurus in 12^th House of Unconscious inspiration (and sometimes mental confusion) trine Neptune on the cusp of his Creative 5^th House in Virgo (trine exactly his natal Ascendant).  His was a greater struggle for self-expression, with most of his planets below the horizon and the Moon in shy retiring Virgo, and he did in fact retire for many years.”  Paul McCartney described “God Only Knows” as one of the greatest songs ever written”.

Brian had the Sun conjunct Jupiter (cue “Good Vibrations”), but inevitably for one who was diagnosed with mild manic depression (as well as other diagnoses), he also had contrasting conjunctions which tore him apart: notably Mars conjunct Pluto (a combination of energy difficult to control), and Saturn conjunct Uranus (restraint with rebellion).  A Pluto/Chiron conjunction was positioned on his I.C., his roots and sense of (in this case in-)security – with a controlling and abusive father, a perennial wound.

The Ascendant represents the physical body, and he had Uranus rising, five degrees in to his 1^st House.  This indicates a highly strung nature, with Aquarian features, for example his height, which was over 6 feet.

He had Venus (the planet of music) in Taurus (one of the two musical signs) in his 12^th House trine Neptune (Venus + Neptune = Perfection).

But it is the close square to his Sun from Neptune which I consider the to be the crux of his character and dominant in his life, the source of his delicate psyche.

Neptune closely square the Sun

The close connection between his Sun and Neptune gave him strong Piscean traits, i.e. the genius title often attributed to this sign.  But with Neptune adversely aspecting his Sun, many of the pitfalls of Neptune affected his life negatively.  It tips his Neptune relationship into the Genius/Madness Archetype.  He fell prey to drugs, was afraid of the sea (Neptune) and did not like film (Neptune).

On the sea: “Fear of the ocean meant that Brian was no surfer, but he loved cars and girls”

~ Richard Williams, Guardian Obituary

On film:

2011 interview:

Q: “Is there an art form you don’t relate to?”

A: “Movies.  There’s just never been any I liked; I find them cold, somehow.”

Where he was able to use Neptune in its divine dimension (and he attributed his work to God) was its position at the beginning of his 5^th House of Creativity trine his music-making Venus, and exactly trine his Ascendant.

Life and Career

Brian Wilson was born in Inglewood, California. In the 2011 Guardian interview, he was asked:

Q:“What one song would work as the soundtrack to your life?”

A: “Rhapsody in Blue [by George Gershwin].  My mother played it for me as I was being born.”

His father Murry was an aspiring songwriter, and acted as manager for the Beach Boys in their early years.  Brian exhibited precocious musical ability from an early age, and was noted by a choirmaster to have perfect pitch.  He taught himself to play the piano at the age of twelve.  At the age of 17 he wrote an essay titled “My Philosophy”, in which he stated his aim in life as being to “make a name for myself […] in music.”

He had a complex attitude to fame, spending much of his life as a recluse, but asked in 2011:

Q: “Is fame important to you?” he replied:

A: “Yes it is; I’m very proud of it. I earned my famous name.”

In high school he formed a band with his brothers Dennis and Carl, and cousin Mike Love, which took various names before it settled on “The Beach Boys”.  Their first recording “Surfin”(1961) reached no. 75 on the national billboard.  The surfing theme of their early works (Surfin Safari 1962; Surfin USA and Surfer Girl 1963) was inspired by one of his brother – as has been mentioned, he himself was not an enthusiast.

He painstakingly taught them harmonies, and the hits came thick and fast: In my Room and Little Deuce Coup 1963; Don’t Worry Baby and I Get Around 1964; Help me Rhonda 1965).

It was around this time that Brian Wilson strove to be like Phil Spector.  I wrote in a blog in 1922 when Ronnie Spector died:

“The Beatles and the Rolling Stones were close to Ronnie when their careers were building.  And notably, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys greatly admired Phil Spector at the outset of his career.  Apparently, he nearly crashed his car when he first heard “Be My Baby”.  He later declared it “the greatest record ever produced. No one will ever top that one.” He attempted to write a version from the male point of view: the result was Don’t Worry Baby, a hauntingly beautiful song, with a similar structure.  He intended it to be sung by Ronnie, whom he also admired.  However, Phil did not allow that to happen, because he had not written it.  Ronnie sings it on one of the excerpts in the programme “Ronnie Spector at the BBC”, which is still available on I Player…The Beach Boys subsequently recorded it themselves, and Brian declared it “Probably the best record we’ve done”.  Brian Wilson and Ronnie Spector remained lifelong friends.  Their synastry included her Mars exactly conjunct his Venus (Love and Music).”

But by 1964 the strain of performing, producing, creating and life in general began to affect Brian’s mental health, and he started to withdraw into himself, while still to some extent participating in the work of the group.  He had his first nervous breakdown on December 23, 1964.  Hits at this stage included: Barbara Ann and California Girls 1965; Wouldn’t it be Nice, God Only Knows and Sloop John B in 1966; and Good Vibrations and Heroes and Villains in 1967.  He started to take a more background role.

In 1965 he took LSD for the first time, and later described the experience: “It just tore my head off. […] You just come to grips with what you are, what you can do [and] can’t do, and learn to face it.”

All this time he was still fervently creative.  In 1966 he produced the album Pet Sounds, which did well in the U.K. but its lack of initial success in the U.S. discouraged Brian, and nudged him further into paranoia.  It included the song “Caroline No”, which at one time he declared was his favourite composition.

The opening up of his psyche, however dangerously, through drugs, was taking him in a spiritual direction.  He began working with Van Dyke Parks on a new album Smile, a proposed “teenage symphony to God”, but was so discouraged that he abandoned the project.  He later commented:

“We pulled out […] because I was about ready to die. I was trying so hard. So, all of a sudden I decided not to try any more.”  He officially pulled out in May 1997, with transiting Pluto squaring his natal Mercury (severe mental strain), and Chiron squaring his natal Sun (the registering of a wound).  In addition, Saturn was sextile his natal Midheaven in Aquarius in the 9^th House, a transit which often sees people cut something from their career path.  He did not take up the project again for 35 years.

His life took a bizarre turn, and in the 1970s he seemed to live a half-life of drink and drugs, turning up in pyjamas in public, and overeating.  His band and his family took pains in trying to manage the situation, but there was no breakthrough for a long time.  His relationship with his wife singer Marylin Rovell came under increasing strain.  They had married in 1964 and divorced in 1979, and although their charts had many connections, the liaison was only to last 15 years.  They had two children together.  Their Nodal Axes were locked in a Grand Cross, karmically fated to be together for a while.

Eugene Landy

The band continued to work on their own brand of music, with Brian making an occasional contribution.

A turning point was when the psychologist Eugene Landy came into his life.  He began to treat Brian Wilson in 1975, and began to stabilize him to some extent, later becoming controlling and was even accused of corruption by Wilson’s family.

Wilson’s Pluto was conjunct Landy’s South Node, a clear indication of a karmic relationship.  It suggests that Landy may have been involved with Brian Wilson’s psychology (Pluto) in a previous life.

We do not have a birth time for Landy, but his natal Moon looks to be conjunct Wilson’s Pluto (his psychology), too.  Landy’s Sun was trine Wilson’s Mars and opposite Wilson’s Uranus rising; and Landy’s Venus was opposite Wilson’s Saturn in the 1st House (his depression)

Brian briefly resumed performing with the band on 2^nd July 1976 with Pluto (a resurrection) exactly trine his Midheaven (career path), and Neptune trine his natal Chiron (healing) in performing Leo in 3^rd House.  But the healing did not go deep enough.

Melinda Ledbetter

Brian first met Melinda Ledbetter  in 1986, but the relationship was discouraged by Eugene Landy.  Wilson later said that Melinda “was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closer to my heart”.  After Landy left his services, his creative output returned.

They met when he was visiting a Cadillac showroom where she was a saleswoman.  He loved cars.  They married on 6^th February 1995, and she became his manager.

They had Venuses opposite each other (which can be complementary); her Saturn/Pluto conjunction was conjunct Brian’s North Node/Moon conjunction (a serious involvement); and her Neptune trine his Midheaven

He was helped by the love of a good woman (!), and their marriage lasted until her death in January 2024.

Resurgence

He took up the reigns of the Smile album again, completing it in 2004, and reunited with cousin Mike Love and the band in 2011, to engage with recording.

He played his final concert on 26^th July 2022, by which time he was in a wheelchair.  So it was a triumph just to appear on stage.  He was reported to have “sat rigid and expressionless” throughout the performance.”

Transiting Pluto was trine his Ascendant, from the 9^th House cusp: an air of finality.  Pluto was also trine his natal Neptune at the beginning of his 5^th House of performance.  Jupiter was sextile his natal Midheaven (Careerpoint) – a permission of grace from the Universe.  It was quite clear from then on that he could no longer perform, his health was severely compromised by COVID, and his second wife Melinda died on 30^th January 2024.  Shortly afterwards it was announced that he was suffering from dementia.

Brian Wilson, thank you for the music.

“The beauty of Brian’s songwriting is the simplicity of the complexity.  A song can sound like a nursery rhyme, and when you start to actually play it on a guitar, it becomes a symphony from God.”

~ Simon Neil

“Not many people influenced me as much as he did.  I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him.  He was always very kind and generous.  He was our American Mozart.”

~ Sean Lennon

Aspects

It’s a big day astrologically, and certainly writing this blog has been a marathon!

This morning Mars was square Uranus, an electrical and often destructive aspect.  We woke to hear more of the warfare between Israel and Iran which started on Friday evening, and is causing worldwide concern.  Mars square Uranus is a jolting energy or mood.  Something may need to be dealt with urgently, whether it be a mechanical fault or a human fault.  Electrical appliances may be especially tricky.

That was followed by another, more weighty, square, this afternoon: that of Jupiter with Saturn.  This is a major astrological event.  It doesn’t come round very often, and represents an important dilemma, e.g. what response should countries make to war breaking out in the Middle East.  It represents difficult decisions, such as fiscal ones, both personal and public.  If it is not about your own internal wrangling, you and others need to bring good will to the table of negotiation.

Tuesday (17^th) brings a possibly stabilizing sextile between the Sun and Chiron, but only if parties desire to work on healing.  This is a useful aspect for balancing, and receiving beneficial input from other worlds and planes.  It’s helpful for problem-solving, too.  What do you yearn to solve?  There will be an attempt to bring everything to a wholeness.

On the same day, we also have the entry of Mars into Virgo, a conscientious statement of intent if there ever was one.  Mars has been making hay in Leo, encouraging us to play, but also encouraging pride and posturing among some nations.  Entering Virgo, it starts to clean and clear the working space in preparation for some real work to be done.  Mars in Virgo spells efficiency, but it also represents economy of effort and energy, organizing ourselves to best effect.  Any ardent de-clutterers out there, should be in their element.  Some aggressive country leaders may recognize the need to lay aside the pride of Leo the Lion, and assume the humility of Virgo the Virgin.

There’s another big square on Thursday (19^th), with Neptune squaring Jupiter.  It’s a major aspect of confusion, between spirituality and religion. The effects of A.I. likely to be prominent in questioning our reality, too.  This could add to any confusion you are experiencing, and the urge for greater processing.  It can pull us back to confusion (which is a high state according to The Course in Miracles) and force us to look at the bigger picture.  There is a sort of polarization too about this square.  If you are unsure of where you stand on religion, you would really feel it now.  The answer to everything must be to expand the mind, I would think…or, as Douglas Adams would have it “The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42.”

Arriving at the end of the week, on Saturday (21^st), the Sun enters Cancer, AKA the Summer Solstice.  Wring every ounce of enjoyment out of your daylight hours!  A holiday mood is possible, at least theoretically.  You may also be taking stock of your life.  The season just gone was about sowing seeds, and the coming season for watching projects grow and blossom, and keeping them “watered”.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – extreme tension
• Tuesday – healing; application
• Thursday – balancing spirituality and religion
• Saturday – the peak of the light

No frills this week…just the Aspects!

Aspects

Today Mercury is the star of the show.  First it forms a conjunction with Jupiter at 29 degrees Gemini – a nice, mind-expanding show before they both enter the sign of Cancer.  This conjunction favours learning and education, communication and good news, sales and transport.  The enjoyment of mental expansion and philosophical awareness should bring about a major uplift.  Awards may be given out.

Later in the day Mercury zips its way into Cancer, ahead of Jupiter.  You may need to attend to family matters in detail, such as documentation related to that area of your life.  The collective mind will be more able to encompass emotion when considering an argument.  For example, if you have set your mind on a belief because it seems logical, you may be presented with a situation which helps you see the need for compassion for the other side of the argument.  The rights and welfare of children, for instance, may be put under the microscope.  Mercury will be moving very quickly and leaves the sign of Cancer on 26th June, so make the most of this particular opportunity.  It’s a good day for a family gathering.

There are four features tomorrow (Monday 9^th), so here’s a timetable, so that you can pace yourself!

10.48 a.m. – Mercury square Saturn

During the day, if there are obstacles or delays in communication, you’ll know why!  Patience may be the key here (e.g. you may have to repeat yourself), and “more haste less speed” may be a useful mantra to follow.  There may be more to be learned.

17.20 Hrs – Venus square Pluto

This may disrupt relationships and  be psychologically discombobulating.  On the world stage, there may be more unedifying examples of man’s inhumanity to man, and the vagaries of global finance.  Deep feeling issues may be preying on your mind.  These will require some psychological soul-searching for a true interpretation, and may spur on honest-as-you-can-be interpersonal communication.

*21.02 Hrs – Jupiter enters Cancer

This is the dish of the day/week/month: Geminis have had their fill of patronage from the Universe, and now it is the turn of Cancerians!  It’s the new era (step 4) [as pointed out at the start of the year]: turning us towards family life, or a sense of belonging in Soul groups.

The forthcoming year will favour Cancerians generally or anyone who has a preponderance of planets in that sign.  It is preparing to hook up with the Saturn-Neptune trine to form a Grand Water Trine in the middle of July, which is a real astrological highlight!

Jupiter’s recent sojourn in Gemini for the last year should have seen improvements in education and transport. In the U.K. there have been improvements, but not remarkably so: a teacher’s pay rise, and recent announcement about levelling up, in terms of some northern transport links (much needed).

Jupiter in Cancer will turn us towards family life, or a sense of belonging in Soul groups.  It will enable us to express our emotions more joyously, and may bring out some rich literary tomes.  I am hoping to complete Volume III of my Quiet Office trilogy within the period, especially as it transits my 3^rd House of Writing.  The preserving and restoration of antiquity also comes under the sign of Cancer, so some old treasures may be unearthed in the archaeological world.

You may notice a sea change in how you are thinking and feeling.  You will be engaging more with your emotions, having done what you can with opening up your thinking apparatus while Jupiter was in Gemini.  New hope there is for Cancerians, and all water signs for the year ahead which is the natural passage of time for Jupiter’s transit through a sign.  Jupiter enters Leo at the beginning of July 2026.

22.54 Hrs – Mercury square Neptune

Notice that the entry of Jupiter into Cancer is accompanied by three squares, which may initially take the shine off what it has to offer, so be patient as you navigate these squares.

Mercury square Neptune is a challenging aspect to deal with. Perhaps you are grappling with a mystery in your life, such as why you have a leak somewhere.  Some undefinable snag may be nagging at you.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it, move on and let it go.  There may be an emphasis in the news on the perennial issue of boat people trying to cross the channel.

Tuesday (10^th) brings a welcome trine between Mars and Chiron.  Help may be at hand, which can assist the matching up of parts in better relation to each other, e.g. in mechanics, production or even relationships.  There may be some macho posturing during the day while things are getting sorted (e.g. “watch and see how it’s done”).  The day’s aspects will certainly sort out the men from the boys.

There’s  Full Moon at 20 degrees Sagittarius on Wednesday morning (11^th).  You may experience restlessness, emotion and tension.  Be clear in your direction of travel, both physically and metaphorically There is a global flavour to this Full Moon, and strong statements may be made for example about the world response to war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In the evening, Mercury sextiles Venus, which may dissipate some of the tension from the Full Moon.  It’s a sociable, equable sextile), a combination that aims to please.  This favours conversation, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe or soiree culture.

That’s the last aspect of the week, so take the rest of the week off! ;-}

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mind-expansion; family on your mind
• Tomorrow – complex: mind-slowing; soul-searching; emotional uplift; mental complexity
• Tuesday – healing at hand
• Wednesday – emotional high tide; followed by equanimity

Gemini Archetypes

This is the fifth of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  We are now in the month of Gemini, and it is time to embrace the potential of that sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  The Sun entered Gemini on 20^th May, and we have been experiencing warmer weather.  Today is the meteorological first day of Summer, and the astrological summer solstice will be on Saturday 21^st June.

Geminis, ruled by Mercury, are in many ways conduits.  Information flows through them, in some form or another.  They reflect their environments very often, and relay what needs to be communicated.  As an Air sign, they take part in the circulatory nature of life, ideas and events.

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

“Archetypes

Definition of “Archetypes” by Barbara Hand Clow: “Thoughtforms that shape reality, which may have existed before reality manifested and may even have precipitated reality; the primordial ideas.”

Communicator

Communication is the most basic principle for this sign.

Teacher, Scientist, Scribe, Intellectual, Merchant

These Archetypes feature heavily in Geminian careers, and potential.

Combinations

Gemini in combination with Aries: The Engineer

Gemini in combination with Virgo or Aries: The Critic

Gemini in combination with Virgo: The Gossip

Caroline Myss writes of this Archetype:

“Most people would hesitate to choose this archetype because of its negative implications, yet many others make their living in the business of political, social and entertainment gossip in a positive way.  The Archetype is connected to lessons of truth, integrity, and honouring the trust another has placed in you.”

Famous Example: Gossipy style of Joan Rivers’ humour”

Joan Rivers had Mercury exactly conjunct Venus in Gemini, as well as the Sun, giving that slick comedic delivery.  She had Chiron in Gemini, too, providing the pathos.  The comedy came from a square to her Sun of Jupiter (the Joy Bringer).  The Virgoan gossipy addition came from  Neptune/Jupiter/Mars in Virgo.  Bob Monkhouse, also a Geminian, had a slick delivery, too, and a huge stock of jokes.  He had Venus, the North Node and the Sun in Gemini.  That type of comedy contrasts with the slower type, such as Dave Allen (Cancerian) and Jack Dee (Libra).  Sagittarius is the traditional home of comedy (e.g. Miranda Hart).

The Gemini Archetypes, as under my Animal Totem series of blogs, was the first I wrote about, hence its introductory tone.

The Teacher

The Teacher Archetype is one of the most fundamental archetypes for Gemini, and I have encountered many of these.  Hubby Mike was a teacher all his working life, and embodies two of the top archetypes of this sign, the Teacher and the Scientist, as a Chemistry teacher.  Some of the best teachers I have known have been Geminis, or Gemini Ascendants.  And Mentors too come under this sign.  However, as the teaching profession is not given to fame or fortune, I can’t point to any famous examples!  Teaching can also come under Leo, due to that sign’s association with children.

The Scientist

The Scientist is also prominent within the archetypes of Gemini, and also to some extent with Aquarius (especially in the realm of technology).

The Journalist

The Journalist or Reporter derives from that Mercury/Hermes (ruler of Gemini) messenger role.  Broadcasting and Media also come under this banner, and possibly also the new fangled “profession” of Influencer.

Other Archetypes

The Writer Archetype – tends to be focused on shorter writing such as journals and magazines, while Gemini’s opposite sign Sagittarius is on a wider arc of book publishing

The Jack-of-All-Trades, who can turn their hand to anything!  Not for nothing are they known as a dual sign.

The Meteorologist, weather being very much represented by Mercury, and mercurial weather patterns.

Ornithologist, birds being a major animal totem for Air Sign Gemini

Channeller – commenter to this blog Sarah is a wonderful channeller!  She is a chatty person (tick, Gemini) but her channelling flows with a high heart energy and warmth.  It so helps, to be able to verbalize easily.

Historical/more in-depth Examples

The Scientist

Francis Crick (8/6/1916 – 28/7/2004)

Co-author with scientist James Watson of the academic paper introducing the double helix structure of the DNA molecule.  He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 1962 with Watson and Maurice Wilkins.

Crick had the Sun conjunct Mercury (his ruler) in Gemini, showing up his Scientist Archetype.  His Sun/Mercury trined Uranus, the planet of Discoveries.

At the time of the actual discovery of DNA on 28/2/1953, Saturn was opposite his natal Jupiter in Aries; Jupiter was sextile his natal Saturn in Cancer (checks and balances, to get the right answers) and Mars was square his natal Saturn.

In the cut throat world of scientific publishing, the first Watson/Crick paper appeared in “Nature” on 25 April 1953.  The transits for this event were: Uranus on his Saturn in Cancer (a shock breakthrough), and Jupiter/Mars sextile his natal Chiron in Pisces (the solution found to a scientific poser).

The Journalist

Simon Hoggart (26/5/1946 – 5/1/2014)

We (hubby and I) have taken The Guardian ever since we were married (1973), and Simon Hoggart was a political writer for The Guardian and The Spectator, and also a broadcaster.  If you are not a Guardian reader, his name may not have crossed your path. He joined The Guardian in 1968.  I have his birth time because, at some point in time I went through a phase of offering to do famous people’s birth charts (e.g. Mick Hucknall!)  I remember asking Simon Hoggart because he professed to be a sceptic!  So I have his full chart.

Revealingly, he had the Sun, Uranus, the North Node and the Ascendant all in Gemini!  Plus Jupiter was trine his Midheaven (a successful career).  So if I had been given his chart at birth (I do a lot of baby charts) I would have confidently predicted his future profession!  It helped that his father was Richard Hoggart, whose seminal book on the English language, “The Uses of Literacy”, I had studied at school – that background must have set him up for life!

He once famously dubbed David Cameron’s bald patch as comparable to “a goujon of plaice” from Marks & Spencer.

The Wordsmith

Bob Dylan (b. 24/5/1941)

Bob Dylan has  the Sun, Venus, Descendant and Mercury in Gemini – that’s a lot of wordsmithing!  I have written 3 Dylan blogs to date!  Here is a precis of his birth chart from the first one, written when he won the Nobel prize for literature [the Gemini wordsmith]:

“The majority of his planets are clustered around Taurus [his Moon sign] (song) and Gemini [his Sun sign] (writing) and so his work is revealed, a natural expression of the art of songwriting.  And five (half) his planets are in his 6th House of work, describing the prolific nature of his output.

He has Mars in 3rd House (Protesting communication) square his Sun, expressing his anger and activism.

North Node conjunct Neptune (spiritual leadership) in Virgo in 10th House of Reputation is an interesting feature of his chart. “

Joan Baez has said:

‘The Nobel Prize for Literature is yet another step towards immortality for Bob Dylan. The rebellious, reclusive, unpredictable artist/composer is exactly where the Nobel Prize for Literature needs to be. His gift with words is unsurpassable. Out of my repertoire spanning 60 years, no songs have been more moving and worthy in their depth, darkness, fury, mystery, beauty, and humour than Bob’s. None has been more of a pleasure to sing. None will come again.“

She herself wrote a superb song in 1975, “Diamonds and Rust” about her relationship with Bob Dylan, with haunting lyrics:

“Now you’re telling me you’re not nostalgic

Then give me another word for it

You were so good with words

And at keeping things vague” [his Mercury closely square Neptune]

The recent film “A Complete Unknown” highlighted his emotional unavailability.  He has the Moon closely conjunct Saturn, an archetype I have dubbed “The Ivory Tower”.

The Meteorologist

Carol Kirkwood (b. 29/5/1962)

BBC Weathergirl or Weatherwoman Carol Kirkwood has been feeding us the weather for many years, since 1998 in fact.  In 2015 she took part as a contestant in Strictly Come Dancing.  I wrote at the time:

“Carol Kirkwood is the relentlessly cheerful weather girl, a favourite with my Hubby (and maybe yours, too)…  The upbeat qualities are shown in her chart by first and foremost Jupiter conjunct Chiron.  This conjunction is exactly trine Neptune, lending inspiration to her personality…  She claims she cannot dance (Saturn square Neptune) but a breakfast TV colleague claims she can, and Chiron/Jupiter trine her Neptune testifies to some prowess on the dance floor.”  She lasted 7 episodes.

Her Geminian credentials are the Sun and Mercury in Gemini, and she also has the Writer Archetype, having published four novels between 2001 and 2004.  The first “Under a Greek Moon” was published on 8^th July 2021, with Chiron trine her natal North Node in Leo (healing creativity); it was also her second Saturn Return, conjunct her karmic South Node.

You may notice that with your Geminian family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes.  While the Sun is in Gemini (until 21^st June), you can connect with your own Geminian Archetypes, or Mercurial qualities if you do not have any Geminian planets, and enable them to blossom.  If you are a Gemini, you can count your Intelligence as your greatest asset, and one that you bring to bear on all that you do.

Aspects

Today, Venus is conjunct Chiron, at 25 degrees Aries.  This can warm the cockles of the heart, while as the same acknowledging wounds.  So it is very poignant, and some of the greatest writers of love songs have it in their natal charts!  Notable examples are Adele, Christine McVie, Burt Bacharach and Joan Armatrading.  So if you’re feeling it, write a poem or a song.  Forgiveness and healing are positive manifestations of this conjunction.  You can continue to work with this conjunction, for…

We don’t have another aspect until Thursday (5^th), when Venus sextiles Jupiter.  This is one of the most delightful of the year’s aspects.  It’s a sociable and romantic aspect, possibly suited to writing about love triangles.  The day could bring hope and happiness, socially or romantically.  Engagements, celebrations and virtual parties could be on the agenda.  This sextile combines luck and love.  Enjoy!

The evening of the same day brings another sextile, that between Mercury and Mars, so it’s a double sextile day!  Physical and mental energies can co-ordinate well.  If you are cycling a great deal to keep fit, you may find the wind behind your sails.  You may be able to cycle just that bit faster or longer, and your fitbit may register record stats (if it is working properly).  You may also find shortcuts to your usual way of doing things.  That aspect peaks in the evening.

Looking to Friday (6^th), we see Venus entering its own sign of Taurus, sighing in relief from its sojourn in Aries where it was forced to go at a faster than comfortable pace.  There’s nothing like going at your own pace…This may bring a feeling of “all’s right with the world.“, especially if you are a Venusian (Taurean or Libran).  Within yourself, and in your relationship with nature (edging towards Summer), you are capable of feeling much more settled and harmonious.  This placement of Venus continues right through to 4^th July.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – forgiveness
• Thursday – sociable and romantic; actively productive
• Friday – harmony and balance; go your own way

 

Voltaire (1694 – 1778)

“It does not require great art, or magnificently trained eloquence, to prove that Christians should tolerate each other. I, however, am going further: I say that we should regard all men as our brothers…without doubt; are we not all children of the same father and creatures of the same God?”

~ Voltaire

Time for the next in my zodiacal series of Philosophers, and we now come to Scorpio, for which I have chosen Voltaire (full name François-Marie Arouet), a critic and satirist.   How far does a philosopher’s work reflect their Sunsign, and overall birthchart, I continue to ask…?

Birth Chart

Voltaire’s birth is generally taken to be 21^st November 1694.  However, he claimed an illegitimate birth for 20^th February that year.  I have used the official birth date and time, whilst bearing in mind the latter.  The November date seems very fitting character-wise, and I have checked out the major events in his life against both charts, and the transits for the November date are more relevant and revealing, too.

For the November birth date we have an individual who had half his planets (5) in the Fixed signs of strong will.  Scorpio is renowned for its “sting” (not compulsory) and certainly his reputation for incisive with and prolifically productive drive go with this sign.

Sun in Scorpio could therefore be scathing.  Sun square Jupiter in his chart, is scathing with a philosophical twist; and Sun trine Pluto scathing with a philosophical twist, while trying to make a profound point!

His Moon and Midheaven in Aquarius was forward thinking, and the Moon sextile the Sun meant that his conscious mind was aligned with his subconscious.

Mercury was in Sagittarius (with Mars, Descendant, North Node and Saturn) – the Philosopher’s sign.  Mercury was conjunct Mars in his birth chart, The Critic Archetype, and in Sagittarius, Philosophical Critique.  Mercury exactly opposite Uranus, again forward thinking, capable of lightning thought, and not afraid to be controversial – he was almost reckless in this, which led him into hot water.

Jupiter exactly trine the North Node spelled success in a karmic mission as a Philosopher.  Jupiter’s positioning in his chart sextile the Gemini Ascendant and in the 3^rd House denoted success in Writing (literature).  Jupiter is enhanced by being conjunct his I.C. (security point) in creative Leo, and exactly conjunct the Part of Fortune, making for a rich vein of inner security and success in writing.

Uranus, ruler of his Moon and Midheaven sign, was conjunct his Ascendant, from the 12^th House side – a revolutionary, progressive energy, liking to shock.  It trines his Midheaven, so is a strong feature of his career path, and in the nature of Uranus brought sudden changes of fortune.

Life and Career

Voltaire played a key part in the philosophical movement known as the Enlightenment, or Age of Reason, which led to the American (1776) and French (1789) Revolutions.  He died in 1778, so did not live to see La Revolution happen in his own homeland.

Voltaire was born in Paris in 1694 with the name François-Marie Arouet.  He was the youngest of five children – this is reflected in his birthchart as Jupiter exactly conjunct the Part of Fortune in his 3^rd House of Siblings.  He was educated at a Jesuit college, where he studied Latin, theology and rhetoric.  His father wanted him to be a lawyer like himself, but Voltaire set his heart on writing as a career.

Poetry was his first medium, and one indication that the Piscean birth chart may have validity, for poetry is in that domain.  In his book “A Very Short Introduction to Voltaire”, Nicholas Cronk writes:

“The Moderns were notably hostile to verse, which they saw as an old-fashioned form of expression that needlessly complicated the clear and logical communication of ideas, and in this respect, Voltaire aligned himself clearly with the Ancients who were staunch defenders of poetry.”  His first published book was a poetic work.

His father tried to deflect the path of the writer, and in his early 20s sent him out  into society as secretary to the French Ambassador in the Netherlands, where Voltaire’s natal exact Mercury opposition to Uranus began to get him into hot water; he became involved in a scandalous affair, and produced writings criticizing the royal  family, and was imprisoned in the Bastille on 16^th May 1717 (when Neptune, for incarceration, was opposite his natal Venus).  He stayed there for a year, in a windowless cell with ten-foot-thick walls, and when he emerged (with the freedom of transiting Uranus trine his natal Moon) he decided to change his name.

From then on, he used the nom de plume Voltaire, and soon he found success as a playwright, his play Oedipe opening in mid-November 1718.  Voltaire was involved in many genres of writing throughout his life, but Nicholas Cronk sees him primarily as a man of the theatre and a performer.  A taste for emotional drama is shown in his natal opposition of the Moon and Pluto.

More controversy was to follow: A member of a powerful family, Rohan, challenged him over his name change, and Voltaire called for a duel.  But the response of the family was to call for him to again be imprisoned in the Bastille.  Voltaire pleaded with the authorities to send him instead into exile in England, and they accepted.  Thus he spent two years in England, and met prominent thinkers and writers.  He was a great fan of Shakespeare, especially in relation to his own aspirations as a playwright.  Among his friends and acquaintances were Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Isaac Newton’s niece, and Sarah Duchess of Marlborough.  He was particularly taken with Newton and his science, and helped spread the rumour about Newton and the apple which fell, the reported source being Newton’s niece.

He spent two and a half years in England, and admired the country’s political set-up.  Later in life he reflected:

“If ever I smell of a resurrection, or come a second time on earth, I will pray God to make me born in England, the land of liberty.”

On his return, he made a wise financial investment, which set him up well for the future.  Again, this accords with his natal chart which has Pluto in the financial 2nd House (finances on large scale changes) opposite the Moon (ruler of the 2^nd) in the 8^th House of investments.  Scorpio too is a sign which is gifted in these areas.  He learned to master the world of publishing and editors, and constantly put out material in philosophy, scriptwriting, poetry and existing forms of literature.

Relationship

A major turning point in his personal life took place in 1733, when he met the Marquise Emilie du Chatelet, a mathematician.  This was a serious relationship, spanning 16 years, despite her being married.  They came to an arrangement whereby she and Voltaire would live together at a chateau in Cirey.  Her husband sometimes came to stay.  Voltaire and his paramour did scientific experiments there and encouraged each other in their work.  Between them, they amassed 21,000 books.  Their synastry was strong: her Sun conjunct his North Node, clearest indication of a karmic relationship; her Mercury was sextile his Venus (happy communication) and her Mars was sextile his Jupiter/Part of Fortune (she could fire his enthusiasm).

Whether it was the influence of this relationship, or a natural learning of the dangers of his natal Mercury-Uranus exact opposition, it was apparently around this time that he began to learn to avoid confrontation with the authorities.  Astrologically this may have been around the time of his Uranus Opposition, a recognized cycle of turning a corner.

Religion

Religion and metaphysics was one of the areas they continued researched together.  Voltaire was known to be against the Catholic church, and was a staunch critic of the institution.  But he did speak a lot of God, in a more universal vision.  He is frequently referred to as a “Deist”.  This was a belief in God, but in a more natural sense, divorced from the biblical picture.  Personal reason was the guiding light.  Later in life, he adopted a form of Spinozism, a more pantheistic view, after the 17^th Century philosopher Spinoza.  Voltaire wanted to free the state of France from its religious stranglehold, and argued for a separation of church and state.  Above all, his creed was religious tolerance for all.

His firm views on the matter led eventually to his later work “Candide”, a novel of 1759, which remains his defining work.

Candide

Voltaire was deeply offended by the religious theories of the German philosopher Leibniz, who propounded the doctrine of Optimism.  The Synastry between the two philosophers is most interesting: their Mercuries were opposed (literally, opposed thinking); Leibniz’ Mercury was conjunct Voltaire’s Uranus (Voltaire wanting to transform Leibniz’s thinking); plus Leibniz’ Uranus, the disruptor, square Voltaire’s Jupiter/Part of Fortune – Voltaire went to town on his irritation.

In the short, fast-paced and easy to read novel “Candide”, the philosopher is represented by the character Pangloss, a German professor, the guru of the central and naïve character “Candide” who undertakes a hero’s journey and blindly adheres to Optimism throughout earthquakes, battlefields, poverty, heartbreak and multiple catastrophes, even unto the end.

I studied “Candide” at A Level French, my 17-year old self taking it fairly superficially I admit!  I was pretty appalled by what Candide had to live through.

The book was triggered by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 which killed over 40,000 people.  Voltaire’s argument was the question of how God could allow all that suffering, and how, as Leibniz put it “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds”.

Many of the ills experienced, I venture to say, are a result of “man’s inhumanity to man” and not suffering imposed or allowed by God.  It is more difficult or complex to argue about His/or Her involvement in natural disasters (too much for the scope of this particular blog).

Cronk writes: “Voltaire’s real mockery is reserved for those human beings who deny their essential humanity by clinging to beliefs which are demonstrably harmful and rationally unprovable”.

Finally, with such a strong Jupiter in his chart, you can’t ignore Voltaire’s comic side.  Again from Cronk, speaking of this side of the work, we have the comment: “The zany and surreal qualities of its bitter-sweet comedy seem to speak to all cultures and to all periods”.  The comedy is almost slapstick in nature, and definitely absurd.  The ultimate advice in the book is to cultivate your own garden.

The publication of the book in January 1759 shows Pluto exactly on Voltaire’s Descendant: he is fully confronting the shadow side of human nature, and with the North Node on his Chiron in Cancer in the 1^st House (addressing the wound of his life).  So at the same time as he was writing a universally acknowledged “truth”, he was working out his own deepest psychology.

Death

In February 1778, having a presentiment of his death, he wrote: “I die adoring God, loving my friends, not hating my enemies, and detesting superstition.” He died on 30^th May 1778, aged 83, with Pluto on his Moon, and Neptune square his Nodal Axis.

“Of all the thinkers of the 18^th Century, it was surely Voltaire who was the most media-savvy.  His celebrity status meant that his books, and his message, reached over wider audiences.”

~ Nicholas Cronk

Aspects

Did you register Saturn entering Aries in the early hours of this morning?  There may have been some warning shots late last night as Mercury conjoined with Uranus, bringing some late shocks to the system, and perhaps urging us to let go of outworn habits and ideas from the Saturn in Pisces era (two and a half years’ worth).  Today with Saturn’s new positioning, we are brought into a huge dose of reality, and letting go of the unreality of Saturn in Pisces.  For Saturn-ruled Capricornians in particular, its placement in Aries will bring out the inner fighting spirit.  For Aries people, and depending where in Aries their natal Sun is, they will need to step up, take responsibility, and grow.  For the population in general, it is about personal growth, accountability and maturity.  Saturn, a slow planet, in Aries, the Mars-ruled fast-paced sign means that patience will be needed to adhere to a long project, and see it through (something that Aries-Mars doesn’t usually have the capacity to do). “Rome was not built in a day” may be one of the mottos of this two-to-three year period: the impatience of Aries polished by the stamina of Saturn.

All the rest of the features this week involve Mercury: therefore it is an important week for those born under the signs of Gemini and Virgo.

Tomorrow (Monday 26^th), in the early hour of the day, Mercury enters its own sign of Gemini.  Geminians will be feeling even more Geminian than usual!  More talkative, more on the move, acting even more as a channel for their environment, and in many cases as a teacher.  Collectively, it will quicken our mentality and curiosity, and stimulate our communications during its stay in this sign, which lasts until 8th June.

A little later, but still in the early hours, Mercury will be sextile Saturn.  All this Mercurial activity could over-activate the brain when suffering insomnia, so try to make the time profitable in some way.  Thoughts and feelings can be channelled and harnessed into constructive plans and ideas.  Mental foundations can be laid, at least during waking hours!  You may have taken in all the facts for dealing with an issue or project, and are ready to put in serious and solid plans based on sober thinking. The aspect favours documentation and knuckling down to form-filling etc.  Geminis and Virgos have the chance to regain their balance, if they need to.  Progress can be made, including possibly for health related checks.

It could be a productive day, altogether, with another sextile in the evening: that of Mercury with Neptune, bringing a chance to refine your plans, and perhaps shift them to another level.  The earlier sextile being more concrete, can be built upon, and inspiration added.  This is a time of intense imagination, so it is helpful for creative dreaming in the night, and creative visualization in the day.  This aspect will assist you in refining your mindset and remaining mental clutter.  Our minds will be able to receive higher guidance more easily.  Delicate conversations and channelling will also be made easier.  If giving or receiving gifts, be open to non-material gifts.

There’s a chance of a new beginning on Tuesday (27^th). With a New Moon at 6 degrees Gemini.  A fresh mental focus is possible.  You may have needed to review recent events, to let them go for the new month: mental decluttering. There’s a fresh outlook, new learning and progress in communications.  New initiatives in the travel industry may also be helpful.  The early bird catches the worm, in this respect.

In the afternoon Mercury trines Pluto, and as if you (especially Geminis and Virgos) haven’t been through enough learning this week (not necessarily too challenging, just on the go constantly), you are being called to do more soul-searching.  There could be positive outcomes to deep issues.  Mercury trine Pluto brings deep thought and psychological reflection, and earnest conversations.  Conversations could be life changing: the right word at the right time, striking home in the right place.

Finally, on Friday (30^th) thoughts can clear and crystallize, with the Sun conjunct Mercury at 9 degrees Gemini.  That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.  It is a good day to apply your mind with concentration and focus,  make important statements, and look to the future.  You may write or speak some memorable lines.  Look out for some telepathy, too!  If you’re a Geminian or Virgoan, even more so (i.e. with spades on) – you’ll be saying “What a week!”  For the rest of us, communication will be memorable this week.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a huge dose of reality
• Tomorrow – busy minds; plans afoot; inspiration
• Tuesday – new beginning; deepening thought
• Friday – mental clarity

Pope Leo XIV

“Evil will not prevail: we are all in God’s hands….The world needs His light…help us build bridges, with dialogue, to always be at peace.”

~ Pope Leo XIV

I’m a bit late posting about Pope Leo XIV, but I felt there needed to be a gap between Popes in this blog!  Welcome to the new custodian of the Roman Catholic community.  His inauguration mass is being held today in St. Peter’s Square, and we have already seen his first outing in the Popemobile.

Birth Chart

We do not have a birth time for Pope Leo, but see that his planets are bunched up in the Leo (see what I did there) – Virgo – Libra segment of the zodiac. He doesn’t have a profusion of aspects to his personal planets, which may be an indication of his wider service.  He has the Sun in Virgo, which of course is the sign of Service.  His Sun is conjunct Venus, bringing Love as a central theme of his life and character.  This Sun in Virgo is exactly square to the Nodal Axis, again emphasizing service and Power surrendering to the greater good.  His Moon may be in Leo or Virgo.  At Noon on that day, the Moon was closely sextile Neptune (great emotional sensitivity) and exactly conjunct Pluto (extreme emotional depth).  He has Mercury sextile Jupiter, a breadth of learning and widespread travel (from Chicago to Peru to Rome).  This aspect is often found in the charts of poly-linguists (he knows English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, German and Latin.)  Venus is trine Chiron, which is about healing through Love.  Venus also squares the Nodal Axis, which may signify sacrificial love.  Mars is unaspected, a free expression of his will and force, but in Virgo, which is light handed when it comes to assertion, but economical in the use of energy.  Jupiter squares Saturn, indicating there are often situations where his hands are tied, for some reason or another.  Jupiter loosely conjuncts Pluto, which is a definite sign of Power.  Jupiter closely trine the North Node is an indication of his karmic mission being closely tied to a Religious path, but also likely to be a force for good.  His square between Uranus and Neptune means he will have worked his way through a ton of complexity in his life, some of it very difficult, and that will stand him in good stead for his new role.  It forms a T-square with Chiron, which means he will have faced crises when the outer planets transited these points: again, all grist to the mill of his character.  He needs that resilience, as being a comparatively young Pope he has much to offer in the future.  Last but not least, Pluto also trines the North Node, adding gravitas to his mission.  It may also be worth noting that his Neptune (spirituality) is exactly sextile the powerful point of the Galactic Centre.

Life and Career

He was born with the name Robert Prevost.  He went to school in Dolton, Illinois, where he sang in the choir and served as an altar boy.  According to his brothers, he was always heading for an ecclesiastical destiny, play-acting the role with them as a child.  He has always been close to his brothers and in constant communication, at least up to this point in his life: we don’t know what family constraints the papal role may bring.  He attended St. Augustine Seminary High School near Michigan. He earned a BSc degree in mathematics from Villanova University, then taught physics and maths. He then studied Canon Law in Rome, with a dissertation relating to St. Augustine.

He joined the Order of Saint Augustine as a novice on 1^st September 1977, when the North Node was on his Sun ruler Mercury in Libra, an important marker in his life, stepping onto his true path.  His career trajectory is well-documented in exact dates.  He was ordained a priest in Rome on 19^th June 1982.  Uranus was trine his natal Uranus (a successful step forward).

He re-located to Peru for two years in 1985-1986, for the Augustinian mission in that region, then returned to Illinois.  He then spent a decade in Peru, teaching canon law, and supporting Venezuelan refugees to Peru, and human rights against the Shining Path organization.  Both he and his predecessor Pope Francis had deep links with South America.  He became a naturalized Peruvian citizen.

Pope Francis had an eye for his successor for some time, and advanced his career in increments.  In 2023, he moved him to Rome, and made him a Cardinal.  In that role, he was especially concerned with climate change and human rights.  During Pope Francis’ period of ill-health in February of this year, he promoted him to Cardinal-Bishop.

Conclave

Although he was placed in a position to be elected Pope, he was still considered a dark horse.  We had been prepared for a long and complicated procedure, by the well-timed and award winning recent film “Conclave”, so it was a surprise that after only four rounds of voting, white smoke was seen billowing from the keenly scrutinized Sistine Chapel chimney.  Though his election had not been predicted, a unanimous decision was delivered swiftly.  Pope Francis will have been pleased for his protégé.

The dramatic moment occurred at 7 minutes past 6 pm, so we have an exact chart, showing Chiron exactly on the Descendant, possibly signifying a mass healing event.  Like his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV represented several “firsts”: being born in North America, one holding Peruvian citizenship, and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.

He shares many values and aims with his predecessor and mentor, but seems more inclined to retain some of the more traditional trappings of office, whereas Pope Francis had stripped his practices and circumstances down to greater simplicity.  Pope Leo has been seen as a moderate centrist.  In a nod to his Sun/Venus in Virgo he had in the past been described as an “impeccable dresser” wearing “formal” vestments.

His transits at the time of his election were the South Node on his Venus (called to World Service), Jupiter on his South Node (continuing religious orders from past lives); and Neptune trine his natal Uranus, a culmination and reward for the 69 years’ experience of that square in his natal chart.

I am hoping he will be a spiritual counterpoint to his fellow American, President Donald Trump.

“At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace.”

~ Vlodomyrr Zelenskyy

Aspects

Yesterday’s Sun/Uranus conjunction lived up to its hype as bringing surprises.  I collected quite a few pleasant surprises among people I knew, but two more collective examples were the utterly down-to-the-wire voting in the Eurovision Song Contest, and the triumph of Crystal Palace over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

The early hours of this morning may have been a little fractious if you were trying to sleep, with a square between Mercury and Mars.  Be careful not to overdo things as you may be slightly incident-prone, partly through carelessness or complacency.  Another possible hazard of this square is argumentativeness and verbal conflict.  A careless word could have consequences.

However, a weighty benefit also comes today from a sextile between Jupiter and Chiron.  That brings the possibility of some real healing, or more good news about health.  You can bring out your own wishes for Jupiter sextile Chiron on any issue in your life.  It is a really positive force.  In a personal example, I have just learned that my diabetic blood sugars have reduced by 11 points, and can share that it was via the regime recommended by the Glucose Goddess (google her, if this is an issue important for you!).

Another Jupiterian aspect occurs later in the day, in the shape of the Nodal Axis squaring that planet.  This may be characterized by a great deal of interaction, and attempts at jollity.  For some there may be over-vigorous adventure, and possible insight into past life interaction with groups.  There is a chance for groups to be upwardly mobile in their evolution.

Moving on to Tuesday (20^th) the Sun will be sextile Saturn in the morning.  This is a steadying influence, a practical and serious minded.  Duties and commitments are to the fore.  It makes for a good day with regard to laying foundations and establishing rules.  Creativity is firmed up, and decision-making may be easier.

That evening, the Sun enters Gemini. Earthy preoccupations of Taurus may give way to a need for Communication and lightness of heart.  ‘Tis the season of chatting to the neighbours over the garden fence.  In the month of Sun in Gemini any kind of communication goes, writing your book, dealing with your documentation.  It all aids the general connectivity and circulation, which enables society to flourish.

Thursday (22^nd) brings a trine between Venus and Mars at breakfast-time.  You could undertake a walk in the park, forget any troubles and cares.  Other wars may be raging (we know where in the world), but the relations between the sexes may be harmonious, or the connectivity between your own inner male and female.  It would be a good opportunity for sharing and balancing roles, such as career and parenting.  And exercises of body awareness, such as qijong or pilates, may be helpful.

At lunchtime, the Sun sextiles Neptune, a sweet sextile, and as you go about your day, you may be in an equable spiritual state, especially if you have been able to take advantage of the Venus-Mars balancing.  This aspect gives you a better chance of creating beauty and inspiration in your life, conferring spiritual harmony.

Another trine awaits us in the evening of Saturday (24^th), that of the Sun with Pluto.  Deep progress may be made.  There may be the sense of an ending, which clears the way for a new beginning or rebirth.  You may have to make a decision which brings about change.It is time to construct a new psychological mindset: one which is creative but also bears in mind the changes and cycles which are transforming our lives at this time. You may have felt that you haven’t got very far with a goal, but may receive an indication in this period that you have done better than you thought, your patience is rewarded, or that a pipe dream could become a going concern.  You may have cause to remember fondly the dearly departed.

A further aspect in the late evening may also bring change, a conjunction between Mercury and Uranus at 27 degrees Taurus.  Mentally it could be off the wall.  You’ll be thinking inventively and out of the box.  There may be some interesting synchronicities happening.  Welcome to the power of surprise!  It may not be as easy as the Sun/Uranus conjunction occurring yesterday (Saturday 17^th), as it involves the mind, which can get fraught if overloaded with complex information coming in.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – fractious start; healing avenues; karmic exaggerations
• Tuesday – steadying influence; lighter communications
• Thursday – male/female balancing; spiritual harmony
• Saturday – deep and worthwhile research; mental stretching

David Attenborough

“If we save the sea, we save our world.”

~ David Attenborough, 2025

David Attenborough celebrated his 99^th birthday this week.  “National Treasure” is an accolade of a label reserved for the few, lest it be devalued.  But I don’t think anyone would dispute his right to be called that, though apparently he himself has not endorsed the term.  According to the Guinness World Records, he has had the longest career as a natural historian and television presenter.

Birth Chart

I last wrote a blog about David Attenborough in October 2020, when he set up an Instagram account, due to travel restrictions during Covid times.

Here was my description of his birth chart:

“His Sun is in Earth sign Taurus [The Conservationist Archetype], and he has done more to illuminate Life on Earth than anyone.  At the age of 94, he has made a huge contribution to its study, which is impossible to exaggerate.  Taurus also gives him a great deal of grounding.  His Sun is opposed by Saturn, so he feels a huge weight of responsibility, which he carries and conveys admirably.  His Sun is also square Neptune, showing great sensitivity… emphasizing the role of the oceans in his life and work.  With the Sun sextile Pluto, what he has to say is always profound, and this is given extra karmic weight with a conjunction between Pluto and the North Node, and a sextile between the North Node and the Sun.  His has been an extraordinary destiny.  His Moon conjuncts Venus, giving him great tenderness, and you can see that through some of his animal commentaries.  His Moon conjunct Uranus gives him imagination and the power to surprise through the expression of emotion, which, placed in Pisces, contains a great deal of compassion too.  Mercury is sextile Jupiter in his chart, showing breadth of mind and vastness of travel… Jupiter shows the scale of his life plan and contribution, and placed in Aquarius it hints at the extent of his futuristic vision, where he has always had his finger on the pulse of what would happen to our planet.  Mercury exactly trine Neptune gives him acute mental sensitivity, and the ability to channel higher frequencies of thought.  With Mercury conjunct Chiron, he’s a problem-solver…  With Saturn closely square Neptune he is very sensitive to the interface and relationship between the Earth and her Waters.”

Jupiter opposite Neptune

Jupiter opposite Neptune in his birth chart merits a close look, if only to look at where this legend is coming from spiritually.  Jupiter in a chart represents religion, and Neptune represents spirituality.  An opposition in the birth chart often represents an ambiguity, a not-knowing, or in David Attenborough’s case, an avowed agnosticism.  In some it can create confusion, but he exhibits the higher or highest manifestation of this combination: an ability to balance and possibly merge the two.

He has said:

“My view is: I don’t know one way or the other but I don’t think that evolution is against a belief in God.”

and

“It never really occurred to me to believe in God”.

plus

“If there is a supreme being then he chose organic evolution as a way of bringing into existence the natural world”.

I wrote in 2016:  “He describes himself as agnostic, and maybe he doesn’t need religion as he is well and truly ‘doing his bit’ for the planet.”

Life and Career

David Attenborough was born in Isleworth on 8^th May 1926.  His father was principal on the campus of Leicester University, which is where he grew up.  His older brother Richard (Attenborough) pursued the path of acting and directing in film.  As a child, David collected fossils, stones and natural specimens.  At the age of 10, the brothers attended a lecture at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, about conservation, and according to Richard, his brother was smitten with the subject, and the need for action to maintain ecological balance.  David won a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1945 and studied geology and zoology.  After obtaining a degree in natural sciences, two years later he was called up for national service and served in the Royal Navy for two years.

He then undertook a three-month training course with the BBC, and was taken on in the Talks department.  In 1954 he fronted a programme called “Zoo Quest”, around the time of his Saturn Return, a time when life patterns can be cemented.  In 1965 he became Controller of BBC 2.  He began to make occasional films abroad, and in 1971, he found himself in a first expedition to a remote part of New Guinea seeking out a lost tribe – a classic hallmark David Attenborough production.  This reflected his North Node in Cancer (karmic mission centring around indigenous populations). He was promoted in 1969 to be responsible as director for both BBC channels, but resigned in 1972 because that role was taking him away from what he really wanted to do, make natural history programmes: his progressed Sun at the time was trine his natal Mars (asserting his will in the direction of what he really wanted to do).  He began to work on “Life on Earth”, a project which came to fruition in 1979.

His transits at the time were very karmic: Pluto was square his natal Nodal Axis (a hard fought karmic fulfilment); Saturn was sextile his natal Pluto (a serious life work); and the North Node was sextile his natal North Node, very karmic (the world karma aligned with his own personal karma).

Documentaries

I enumerated some of his work in 2020:

“He has made legions of documentaries for the BBC over the decades.  Here is a timeline of a few of those, which you may remember fondly depending on your generation:

1979 – Life on Earth

1984 – The Living Planet

1995 – The Private Life of Plants

2001 – The Blue Planet

2017 – Blue Planet II

2020 – Extinction

In Blue Planet II, he brought us graphic evidence of the plastic pollution in our waters, and sparked a worldwide effort to reduce the impact of plastic.”

His Current work: Ocean

He is launching an important film, about the crucial role of the oceans in the healing of the Earth, in a cinema-length film.  He says:

“After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

In the film, he documents the changes in the world’s oceans which have been occurring over his lifetime.  He warns us that we are almost out of time.

He shows for example the contributory factor of some wasteful trawling for fish, in causing the release of carbon dioxide and global warming.

Yet he says the ocean has the capacity to recover faster than we had ever imagined.

Sir David says the story of the world’s whales has been a source of huge optimism for him.

He cites the heartening story of how worldwide action to save the whales succeeded.  He is hoping that his film will be a catalyst for countries to do more to help the oceans recover: they need to be left alone.  The ocean’s recovery would enable recovery from climate change, by protecting its ecosystems.

The film is currently available in some cinemas.

David has half his planets in the Water element, which is a high proportion, so he is extremely sensitized to the problem.  He also has his North Node (karmic mission) in the Water sign of Cancer.

I have worked without a birth time, but a rectified chart is in existence which gives him Jupiter on the Ascendant: that can be a World Saviour Archetype!

“This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. It is the greatest message he’s ever told”

~ Toby Nowlan, producer of “Ocean”

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 12^th) we have a Full Moon at 22 degrees Scorpio.  The atmosphere may become feverish as we approach the afternoon event.  This is the most emotionally intense Full Moon of the year.  A conversation could set you on a profound journey.  You will need to be in touch with your deepest emotions and be constructively authentic.  There may be a focus on shared finances and an attempt to balance material resources and needs between two people.  With the Moon opposite the Sun in Taurus, values and shared values may be the current issue on your mind.  Donald Trump may be making more statements about Tariffs and trade transactions.  You may pull off a deal, if you have been conducting yourself ethically.

Your arrow of truth needs to be utterly straight, because not long after the Full Moon Pluto squares Mercury, and mentally you need to be on top of your game.  It is a square which requires you, among other things, to rise above negative thinking, or to get to the root of it.  There may be a setback or a reversal (even if a fragile ceasefire was under way), so make sure your actions in the morning are solid if you have a conflict to resolve in your own life.  Perhaps there is a twist in the plot.  You may encounter awkward communications or travel.  You may need extra ‘me time’ in order to separate yourself from worried pronouncements about the state of the world.  If you do engage in chatter, choose a worthwhile subject.

The next planetary aspect does not occur until Saturday, so in the meantime let’s play among the Fixed Stars.  On Wednesday (14^th) our Sun aligns with Capulus, otherwise known as H & Chi Perseus, a double cluster star. Bernadette Brady characterizes this star thus: that “Capulus energy is clear, decisive, focussed, and possibly even ruthless”.

 “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld provides different information:

“This double star cluster assists individuals who seek to love God and understand just what that means – to recognize gratefulness, compassion, and praise.  A resonant phenomena may occur to make one aware of the deliberate separation that one has allowed in coming into incarnation… This can give some remembrance of past lives and some awareness of the time before birth in which contracts were made with individuals one is yet to meet.”

So on Saturday (17^th) we have the stunning, but possibly disruptive, conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, at 27 degrees Taurus.  The influence may occur gradually throughout the day, as it peaks in the evening.  On the other hand, Uranus is notorious for achieving a bolt from the blue.  So expect the unexpected, and that may include pleasant surprises.  It is a good day to demonstrate your originality and inventiveness, and in your leisure time begin a project which is highly creative or benefits society.  You may decide to join a group activity along those lines.  If you are feeling more contemplative in mood, new ideas can flash into your consciousness during meditation.  The evening’s television or film viewing (I do believe it’s Eurovision time!) could provide heightened interest.  The surprise may be that we don’t come last…?

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – emotional high tide; mental challenges
• Wednesday – decisiveness; spiritual contemplation
• Saturday – expect the unexpected

Taurus Archetypes

This is the fourth of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  We are now in the month of Taurus, and it is time to embrace the potential of that sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  The Sun entered Taurus on Saturday 19th April, and we are now experiencing some warmer weather: 1^st May was the hottest start to May on record, hitting 28 degrees centigrade at Kew Gardens.

Taureans are the salt of the earth, and often the rock upon which many people rely.  No wonder then, that they are adept at earth based and material pursuits, which are reflected in their Archetypes.

So, following, are the Archetypes I highlighted back in my 2016 blog, and then some chronological historic examples of Taureans and their Archetypes, from history:

“Artist

The Artist is one of the most basic of Taurean archetypes.  In my Past Life Archetypes, I go back to the cave paintings of bulls for my Taurean archetype.  That is in itself such a basic image and imbued with such meaning for this sign.

In previous centuries there was a prevalent Archetype of the talented artist starving in a garrett in his lifetime, and possibly gaining success posthumously.  The memory of this may unconsciously hold you back if you are an aspiring artist in this lifetime.

Caroline Myss brings the Archetype much more up to date in her book on the subject.  She observes: “In our society, art is generally regarded as a risky, if not altogether reckless, occupational choice, and any activity that isn’t financially rewarding is automatically classed as a hobby.”

She is very encouraging to the budding artist, and her final thought is: “The Artist/Creative archetype has an inborn calling to contribute to life creatively.  It is a privilege to possess artistic gifts and talents.  Cultivate yours.  To deny them is true suffering.”

Midas/The Moneylender

The Taurus/Scorpio polarity has a cluster of Archetypes around the theme of money.  Taurus generally represents one’s own earnings and possessions, and Scorpio (its opposite) represents dealing with other people’s money, e.g. through banking or insurance.  But of course money has to flow between these two ends of the polarity, and as has already been mentioned the current crisis over the Panama offshore tax havens [2016] highlights aspects of this relationship.  Is the rich man hoarding wealth the Midas?  The literary archetype of the moneylender is embodied in Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.  The moneylenders of the Bible have also coloured our perceptions of the profession.  More recently, the banking crisis of 2008 adversely altered the reputation of those who have monetary power.

Again, the last word goes to Caroline for the description of this Archetype: “Entrepreneurial or creative ability to turn anything to gold.  Delight in sharing life’s riches…look for a pattern of creating wealth and/or confronting how far you’re willing to go to create it; also for a pattern of difficulty sharing wealth”.

Chief Sitting Bull

I asked a close friend who is a Taurean if she identified with any particular archetype. Quick as a flash she came back with Chief Sitting Bull, and the more I thought about it, the more apt I found it. She herself had a past life as a Native American chief (not sitting bull), so the archetype is perfect for her personally. The historical figure must have had the qualities of the bull, as his totem animal. Taureans, as mentioned previously, are like a rock for their immediate friends and family. And Sitting Bull represented the oneness with the land (another Taurean feature) which gave rise to many deep sayings.  The theme of the long fuse of the bull comes up again, for Sitting Bull was a reluctant warrior, goaded by the unjust actions of the white man, into being a defender and protector of his people and his land.”

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” ~ Sitting Bull

The Artist

The two main artistic signs are Taurus and Libra, but the emphasis with Taurus is the form, and solidity, such as through pottery and sculpture, as well as of course painting.  For Air sign Libra the emphasis is on design, such as fashion and interior design.

Famous Examples: Potter Grayson Perry and Turner prize winner has his Ascendant at 3 degrees Taurus, so early in that sign that most of his 1^st House is expressed through that sign.

Salvador Dali, Sun in Taurus

The Musician

Venus ruled signs of Taurus and Libra are also musical – again the emphasis with Taurus is the form, and solidity, such as mastery of an instrument, and singing (there are outstanding voices for both signs).  For Air sign Libra the emphasis is on composition and the finer mental qualities required for musical talent.

Famous Examples: Barbra Streisand, Cher, Adele, Bing Crosby

The Gardener

The grounded sign of Taurus is also associated with plant husbandry, and the green fingers.  The connection with the Earth element makes this a natural affinity for horticulture.

Famous Example: Alan Titchmarsh (see below)

The Chef

From the garden to the table, many outstanding chefs are born under the sign of Taurus, or have a heightened Venus in their birth chart.  Taurus is the sign of sensuality, and has a heightened sense of smell and taste, both vital in the making of a good chef.

Famous Examples: Anthony Worrall Thompson, Phil Vickery

The Economist

The association with money in a birth chart is often shown by a strong Taurean showing, through Venus’ talent for finances and accumulation.  The opposite sign Scorpio, as mentioned above, is strongly involved with the finances of others, through its ruling planet Pluto.

Famous Example: Karl Marx (see below)

Other Archetypes: The Builder, The Boxer

Historical/more in-depth Examples

The Artist

J.M.W. Turner (23/4/1775 – 19/12/1851)

One of England’s best loved and most productive artists, he had Sun, Jupiter and Venus in Taurus.

In his biography of Turner, James Hamilton expresses the strong will and patience characteristic of the sign of Taurus, often a quality which results in their great productivity:

“…in his maturity he used assertion rather than aggression or swagger, how he worked through other, weaker personalities, using them as go- between a, and how he used pressure of time as a bargaining tool, fully knowing that if he insisted and refrained from giving his approval for long enough time would run out for the hanging committee and he would be bound to get his own way.”

The Musician

Ella Fitzgerald (25/4/1917 – 15/6/1996)

One of the most outstanding and purest vocalists in history, known as “First Lady of Song” and “Queen of Jazz”, like Turner she had Sun, Jupiter and Venus in Taurus, clustered around her Midheaven which was also in Taurus.  She was blessed with “absolute pitch” – Venus (responsible for voice) in Taurus exactly conjunct the Sun in Taurus surely had something to do with that.  A certain musical broadcaster I know has said he always plays Ella Fitzgerald at Christmas…

The Economist

Karl Marx (5/5/1818 – 14/3/1883)

Karl Marx was among other things a political theorist, an economist and revolutionary socialist.  He had the North Node (karmic mission), Moon/Sun (born on a New Moon), and Venus in Taurus.  He of course wrote “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital”, the latter explaining his theory of historic materialism, in an analysis of capitalism.  When out canvassing for the Labour Party, I have often been accused of being “a Marxist”, or “Commie” (could be my Taurus Ascendant)!  Uranus conjunct the Midheaven (Careerpoint) in his chart, combined with the New Moon, ensured that he would be bringing in something new and revolutionary.  That he was on the side of, and for, the people, is reflected in his Moon conjunct the North Node in Taurus.

More Modern Examples:

The Gardener

Alan Titchmarsh (b. 2/5/49)

Alan Titchmarsh, hardly ever off our screens, was born in Ilkley (with the accent to match), and I have a birth time of 21.00 Hrs for him.  He has Mars, and the Sun/Venus in the sign of Taurus, so is close to the Earth.  Venus is exactly opposite his Ascendant, which means that he strongly relates to all Venusian matters: he has, for instance, written romantic novels.  His garden path began when he moved to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew in 1969 to study for a Diploma in Horticulture.

He is an astrological twin (born the same day in the same year) as mandala Artist, Barry Stevens.  The plot thickens, however…

Chef

Ken Hom (b. 3/5/1949)

…The morning after Alan Titchmarsh was born in the same year, Chef Ken Hom was born, so he is also in effect an astrological twin.  Ken Hom was the earliest proponent of Chinese cuisine to appear on our television screens.  His “Chef Archetype” shows up in his Venus conjunct the Sun in Taurus. But also in Moon in Cancer (representing nourishment). His exact trine between Mercury and Jupiter took him across the world broadcasting.  He studied the History of Art in California.  His big breakthrough came in 1982, when after a 2-year global search, the BBC auditioned him for a Chinese cookery series.  He introduced us to “the Wok”!

He recently said in an interview, explaining why he doesn’t have a restaurant:

“You think it’s glamorous to have a restaurant?  When the dish washer doesn’t show up, guess who’s washing the dishes?  I have a stress-free life.  I play in other people’s restaurants.  I create concepts which allow me to be creative.  I train the chefs and then it’s their problem.”

You may notice that with your Taurean family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes (they’re a talented bunch!).  While the Sun is in Taurus (until 20^th May), you can connect with your own Taurean Archetypes, or Venusian qualities if you do not have any Taurean planets, and enable them to blossom.

Aspects

This afternoon, Pluto is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde.  This may be tricky.  Put your psychological house in order, e.g. with a spot of re-aligning meditation, ready for the challenges of this retrograde period.  There may be practical inconveniences, or contentious subjects arising.  The challenges may be more wearying than acute, but you need to keep up your vitality and reserves.  Alternatively, if you find yourself in overwhelm, surrender is equally effective as a spiritual strategy towards a sense of peace and acceptance, and new insight to inform your next steps.

Tomorrow (Monday, 5^th) Mercury sextiles Jupiter.  Sextiles ensure more ease and harmony and this one encourages mental development and learning (if you are on a course of study, for instance), and is helpful to businesses in need of a lift.  If you are learning a new language, you may experience a shift and take off with it!  It will also be favourable for the teaching profession.  If you are travelling, remember St. Christopher is with you.

Another sextile, on Tuesday (6^th) brings a more introverted set of qualities, from Venus with Pluto: it’s an aspect which encourages soul-searching and arriving at deeper concepts and perceptions.  You can add extra artistry and harmony to your current projects.  You can also experience profound connections between people, and it’s a good time for evaluating what people mean to you. You may experience a volcanic eruption of creativity!  A good day for philosophical and psychological enquiries.

Later in the day we are offered a conjunction, between Mercury and Chiron, at 24 degrees Aries.  It is possible that soul-searching earlier in the day uncovered an old wound that needed to be looked at, and Mercury/Chiron may provide the mental problem-solving assistance to profitably address issues.  For example, paranoia may be looked in the face, soothed and healed.

At the end of the week, on Saturday (10^th), Mercury enters Taurus, and the quality of the mental energy may become steadier and calmer than the fieriness of the last two weeks or so when Mercury has been in Aries.  This placing is better for negotiation, which is something much needed at the moment in war zones.  Practical ideas will be the order of the day.  Mercury will pass rapidly through this sign, and only stays here until 26^th May, so make this a productive time mentally.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – navel-gazing
• Tomorrow – mental development and learning;
• Tuesday – soul-searching; problem-solving
• Saturday – calmer mental shores

Pope Francis (1936 – 2025)

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”

~ Pope Francis

Pope Francis died last Monday at 7.35 a.m., Rome, aged 88, from double pneumonia and a stroke.  He had been ailing, and his health had been a significant cause for concern, since February, when Neptune was trine his natal Pluto in his 1^st House (deep seated changes), Saturn square his natal Chiron in the 12^th House (physical deterioration), and the North Node trine his natal Pluto 1^st House (a reorientation of the Soul).  His journey back to his maker was being prepared.

Birth Chart

I took a good look at his chart when he was elected in March 2013.  I wrote:

“Sun in Sagittarius is traditionally the sign for conventional religion, and pontification.  His Sun is close to the galactic centre, so he may be aligned with spiritual realities, and it is conjunct the North Node (karmic mission) which confirms that his path is a true one (for him at least).  He is comfortable with religious power.  There is a down-to-earth quality about him, and if he is of a certain evolutionary level it may be significant in his life and works that Earth is the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius.

His Moon is conjunct Venus (which gives him great gentleness).  ..The Moon sign is Aquarius, so giving him a social focus and an interest in a fair society, a championship of the underdog.  He has been reported as making statements which maintain the downtrodden status of women in the Papal view, and that may be because Uranus squares his Venus/Moon conjunction, so there is a sense of alienation in his mind towards women at the same time as the fairer qualities.  There is scope here that he may change his mind suddenly (Uranus).

He has a difficult T-square between Chiron in Gemini and Neptune opposing Saturn, and will have learned to balance that to a certain extent by his age of 76.  He does have a much warmer timbre of voice than his predecessor, and Chiron in Gemini could be considered to have healing qualities through the use of the voice.  Fortunately, an exact trine from Mars lifts the Chiron a little from its tension in the T-square, and confers some good healing energy too.

Jupiter is trine Uranus in his chart, so miracles may be ascribed to him; not necessarily high-flown miracles, but placed in earth signs they may be practical miracles, such as shifting some of the poverty in corners of the world.  He has an unusual relationship with money and materiality, as in addition to this aspect his Part of Fortune is in the 2^nd House of Money.  He thinks outside the box in this sphere.

He has been called “divisive” already for various reasons, such as his alienation from his fellow Jesuits.  But he may be able to bring people together, by virtue of his Mars in Libra (the “Peacemaker Archetype”) trine his Chiron (“Inner Healer”) which understands suffering through its position in his T-square.  His election may have been a mental shock (transiting Pluto conjunct his Mercury) but at the same time he understood his responsibility (transiting Saturn sextile his natal Mercury) and the dove of divinity definitely came to settle on his shoulders, with transiting Neptune sextile his natal Jupiter.  He has a huge task ahead of him, and I wish him all the luck of the Sagittarian ruler, Jupiter.”

At the time, I did not have a solid birth time for him, so now that it is accepted that he was born at 9 p.m. near Buenos Aires, I can expand on the above:

He has Cancer rising, cementing his reputation as a caring Pope.  His Midheaven at 0 degrees Taurus marks him out as a steady dependable persona in the world.  At the same time, Uranus conjuncts the Midheaven, giving him the urge to reform and modernise in his career, and some success within that aim.  Mercury opposite the Ascendant indicates the Teacher Archetype – he worked as a teacher earlier in life in a literal sense (lecturing in literature and psychology), and of course he was a teacher in a more archetypal sense.

Life and Career

He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Flores, a suburb of Buenos Aires.  His family was of Italian origin, and he was the eldest child with four siblings.  He attended a technical secondary school, graduating with a chemical technician’s diploma – his Mercury trine Uranus provides a scientific bent.

At the age of 21, he suffered life-threatening pneumonia, three cysts, and the excision of part of a lung.  With Mercury opposite the Ascendant (the physical), there seems to have been a life long weakness concerning the lungs.  After recovering, he subsequently experienced a life-changing (or sliding door) moment when passing a church on his way to celebrating the Spring Day, and after confession was inspired by a priest to study at an archdiocesan seminary.  On 11^th March 1958 he entered the Society of Jesus as a novice: Uranus was opposite his Venus and Chiron trine his natal Mars and Chiron.  Saturn was also on his natal Sun in his 6^th House of Service (a commitment), Jupiter was on his natal I.C. in 4^th House (making religion the foundation of his life) and Pluto trine his Midheaven (a serious direction in life) at 0 degrees Virgo, marking an important shift.

In such a long career, leading up to his papal role, there are many steps and markers, of which I will list a few:

1960: He officially became a Jesuit on 12^th March of that year: Neptune squared his natal Venus in Aquarius in 8^th House (a renunciation – the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience); Chiron was sextile his natal Midheaven in Taurus in the 20^th House (a step towards healing in his career);  Chiron sextile his natal Saturn in Pisces in 9^th House of Religion (cementing the seriousness of his new role); and the Nodal Axis squared his natal Nodal Axis, creating a Grand Cross – a fateful and karmic moment in time.

1969: He was ordained as a Catholic priest on 13^th December that year

1973: He became the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina

1992: He rose to the position of Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires

1998: He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires

2001: Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal, on 21^st February that year

2013: On the retirement of Pope Benedict, he was elected Pope (on 13^th March of that year) and took the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, and he was the one and only Pope to take that name.  In taking the role, he achieved several firsts: the first pope to be a Jesuit, the first Latin American pope, the first from the southern hemisphere, and the first from outside Europe since 8^th Century Pope Gregory III.

Qualities, Beliefs and Achievements

Pope Francis came to be known for his compassion, simplicity, and humility, with which he imbued his ministry in various practical ways.  He lived in a small apartment, used public transport, and cooked his own meals.

He believed in inclusiveness, peacefulness, and charity for the poor and vulnerable, and many works were dedicated to this end.  He fostered relations between religions.

As Peter Stanford put it, in his Guardian obituary, Pope Francis saw that “climate change, migration and global poverty were interconnected.”

He spoke out where he considered that international relations were failing according to these standards of decency (such as on immigration), intervening to speak out about the Ukrainian/Russian and Gazan/Israeli wars.  It is said that he phoned his Gazan church every day since that war began in October 2023.  He spoke out about injustices in economic systems, and supported action against climate change where leaders were failing to acknowledge the importance of protecting the planet.  He pointed out the dangers of the trend towards right wing populism.

He admitted that he was not perfect, and indeed was criticized for not going far enough in women’s rights within the church, standing up enough for the LGBTQ community despite his sympathy, and not tackling the institutional sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic church thoroughly enough.  Some of these “failings” were partly due to opposition from within the church.

But there is no doubt that he dedicated every moment to service as he believed it to be required.  Andy Burnham on the Laura Kuenssberg Sunday show this morning reported that when he took a party to Rome, Pope Francis paid a personal and touching attention to each of his guests.

Death

Last Monday morning, profoundly symbolically on Easter Monday itself, he suffered a stroke, leading to a coma and cardiac arrest.  On announcing his death, the exact time (7.35 a.m., Rome) was given out.

Jupiter was trine his natal Mars in Libra in his 4^th House, he was “going home”.  The Nodal Axis was square his natal Sun in Sagittarius in his 6^th House (he had enacted his final service, speaking delicately and publicly on the previous day).

The chart of 7.35 a.m. shows Uranus on the Ascendant sextile a conjunction of Venus and the North Node in Pisces, a sudden and important event; Pluto was exactly conjunct the Moon and the Midheaven, very symbolic of the passing of an important global figure.

Much has been made about the visit the day before by Vice President of the U.S., J.D. Vance, parallels being drawn between that event and the Queen having met Liz Truss in her final days.  It is a striking symbol for the imagination, when you consider the values of the Vice President (despite his Catholicism) being so much at odds with those of the Pope himself.

For his funeral, Pope Francis opted for a plain coffin, a more lowly church than was the custom, and for a contingent of the poor and vulnerable to be allowed to pay the final respects.  Principled to the end.

To those world leaders who attended the Pope’s funeral, despite conducting policies antithetical to what he stood for, I pray that they may have been touched in some way.

Aspects

In the early hours of this morning a contentious opposition occurred, between Mars and Pluto.  You can’t get much more of a dynamic opposition.  Tempers may flare, unexpectedly, and words may cause upset.  Keep a low profile today if you wish to avoid conflict, and the watchword is tact.

This opposition can spark violence, and around that time in Vancouver according to the BBC News website at least “nine people were killed after a man drove an SUV into a crowd at an event put on by the city’s Filipino community.”

At the other end of this day, in the evening, there is an opportunity for a fresh start, with a New Moon at 7 degrees Taurus.  This can herald a new beginning for all Taurean-related interests, and a chance to focus your intent on these for the next month.  You may take inspiration from looking at artworks or gardens.  You are helping to build the New Earth, as they say in New Age circles.  It is a fresh start for cooking, gardening, art, music or money.  Make the most of this wishing Moon.

On Wednesday (30^th) Venus will enter Aries, waving goodbye to Pisces. Though Venus was sympathetic in Pisces, there is a warmer and more demonstrative feel while she is in Aries.  On the flip side, she is out of her comfort zone in the warrior sign, so there may be some uncomfortable wrestling with issues around whether to express true feelings or stay away from possible conflict.  Venus will stay in Aries until 6^th June.

Uranus sextiles the North Node on Thursday (1^st May).  This one is for those who want to step out of their comfort zone, think outside the box, and create something new (preferably something which advances society or the human race, due to its karmic flavour).  A number of iconoclasts have this sextile in their natal charts.

And lastly, on Friday (2^nd May), Venus conjoins with Neptune.  Inspired artistic and musical expression is assisted.  Idealized and spiritual love may also be on the menu.  You may find inspired ways to show love.  With Neptune being newly expressed in Aries there is a more expressive and idealized combination of the love impulse, e.g. there may be new ways of showing love.  This may combine honouring the self (Aries) with a more divine expression (Neptune) of love (Venus).  Perhaps, still falling within the nine days of mourning, people will be inspired by some of the Pope’s attitudes and beatitudes.  Heartwarming messages may be given and received.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – fierce clashing; new beginning
• Wednesday – demonstrative feelings
• Thursday – creating a new vibe
• Friday – a new kind of loving

Jean Marsh (1934 – 2025)

Actress and writer Jean Marsh passed away last Sunday at the age of 90.  She was in a way a pioneer of the dramatic genre concerning those upstairs and those downstairs, the haves and the have nots.  And the works she created with her co-writer Eileen Atkins had mileage, they endured, sequels were created, and the themes were copied (most notably in Downton Abbey).

Birth Chart

We are fortunate to have birth times for both Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins – a feast for the Astrologer!  Jean had the Sun in Cancer, the perfect sign for her genre, set in a “home”, involving domestication: the theme for her creation, “Upstairs, Downstairs”.  An interesting and very unusual feature of her chart is that she has so few aspects, or connections between her planets.  But she had four exact aspects, and they give some definition to the reading of her chart.  Her Sun was in the 10^th House of Career, its position defines her work in the world.  Her Sun was exactly trine with her Pisces Moon in the Water element – she knew exactly what she was doing, her conscious mind was in perfect concert with her subconscious.  Her Sun was closely sextile Neptune, opening her up to inspiration; while at the same time her Moon opposed Neptune, so she was very imaginative, sometimes overly so for her own comfort.  Her Sun squared by Jupiter gave her an adventurous, even cheeky, quality.  With Mercury exactly conjunct Pluto in Cancer, she was a deep thinker, her thoughts deeply linked to emotion, too.  Mars in her chart was unaspected, emphasizing the female bias of her chart, and her work.  Another strong theme was thrown up by her Ascendant, Virgo, which represents Service (the downstairs function of the “House”).  She had a loose conjunction of Mars however to her Midheaven (Careerpoint) which probably represents her promotion of a “cause” in her most famous work: that of portraying class war.  Jupiter was closely trine her North Node, opening up a fortunate karmic path, and opportunities in life to fulfil the karmic mission.  Her Saturn exactly trine Midheaven may represent a focus on status, i.e. Upstairs and Downstairs.

Life and Career

Jean grew up in Stoke Newington.  Her mother was a parlourmaid “in a big pub hotel” who lived to 102.  Her father was a chauffeur and under-butler in “a grand household”, so she had solid material to draw upon in her later writing.  Born in 1934, she experienced the constant sound of shelling during World War II London, and at the age of seven she went into nervous paralysis.  For therapy, her mother put her into dance classes.  Having also studied acting from a young age, she embarked on an acting career, earning her first big break in 1959, in a stage role.  During her life, she appeared in several episodes of Dr. Who, the first of which was in 1965, and in a variety of films.  With so few aspect-connections in her chart, it may have been a factor in her collaboration in life, most notably with her friend, Eileen Atkins.

Eileen Atkins

Eileen’s father Thomas was also a chauffeur.  The Bellamy’s chauffeur in Upstairs, Downstairs, named Thomas Watkins, will have been portrayed accurately from two life examples!  What did Eileen bring to the table in her expertise?  She had the Sun in Gemini, and Mercury sextile Venus, signs of the Writer Archetype.  Her Moon was in Performing Leo.  When Eileen was three years old, a Romany had told her mother that she would grow up to be a famous dancer.

Jean Marsh played parlourmaid Rose Buck in Upstairs, Downstairs, and though Eileen was originally scheduled to play the other parlourmaid they had written in, Eileen was replaced by Pauline Collins as she was unavailable due to another acting role. Eileen had the Moon at her South Node, bringing strong feminine impressions from a past life, and her Moon was trine her Midheaven, giving that flavour to her career themes.  Her North Node wasconjunct Ascendant, making her a karmic driver.  We know her more recently and affectionately as Aunt Ruth Ellingham in Doc Martin.

Upstairs Downstairs

Jean and Eileen were born within 16 days of each other in the same year, often indicating an inter-life contract to work together in life on a specific mission.  They met in their 30s, after the ripening of their Saturn Returns.  The synastry between Jean and Eileen is very close: Atkins’ Sun is conjunct Marsh’s Chiron (a healing relationship), and Atkins’ Moon is exactly sextile Marsh’s Chiron (supporting each other in feminine healing forms).  Their outer planets from Jupiter onwards are exactly conjunct.  They were perfectly in tune.

In 1967, there was a television production of The Forsyte Sage by John Galsworthy.  Apparently, Jean and Marsh were having Sunday lunch together one day, when Jean observed the fact that the focus was all on the upper-middle class in that programme.  She came up with the idea of portraying the other side of the coin, which is the life that her parents had lived.

Their creation, Upstairs, Downstairs, ran from 1971 to 1975, beginning on 10^th October 1971.  The newness of its theme is reflected in a conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, but there is also a healing purpose present, in the North Node exactly sextile Chiron.  As for the transits for the pair of writers and actresses: Uranus was on their Jupiters (sudden success) for both of them, and they both had a Nodal Return (karma being fulfilled on point, a karmic reward).  In addition, the North Node was transiting Eileen’s Ascendant.

Hubby reminded me this morning that this was another programme that we watched with my (Cancerian) mother, who had declared that it tackled social issues at the time, such as the moral dilemmas around hanging as a capital punishment (he then launched into the exact wording of a scene between parlourmaid Rose and Hudson the butler, cockney accent and all).  Jean Marsh won the 1975 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.  The programme itself was awarded two BAFTAs, two Royal Television Society awards, eight Emmys, and a Golden Globe.

The House of Eliott

Jean and Eileen came together to create another successful series in 1991, The House of Eliott.  Another House! This also carried Cancerian/feminist themes: the series involved a story of two sisters in 1920s London who create a dressmaking business and go on to forge a haute couture fashion house.  The series was broadcast from the 12^th July 1992, with the Sun present in Cancer.

Upstairs Downstairs had portrayed the time period of 1903 to 1930, which included the Edwardian period and the Roaring Twenties.  It makes me wonder if the immediate previous lives of these two actresses took place around the Roaring Twenties.  Atkins also wrote the screenplay for the film Mrs Dalloway, starring Vanessa Redgrave, which was set around the 1920s.

Jon Pertwee

Jean Marsh was married from 1955 to 1960, to the actor Jon Pertwee, who later played the third Dr Who.  Their synastry was also close: he was another Cancerian.  His Jupiter was conjunct her Mercury/Pluto conjunction in Cancer.  They had trined Water Moons.  Her Venus was conjunct his South Node, suggesting a love from past lives.

At their wedding on 2^nd April 1955 Uranus was on her Mercury/Pluto conjunction and on his Jupiter; Neptune was trine her Midheaven and Saturn, creating a Grand Trine in Air; Neptune was trine her Saturn, the North Node trine her Uranus, and Mars was sextile his Jupiter.  Although the marriage only lasted five years, astrologically by synastry and transit it was an important relationship, and she did not marry again.

Revivals

The BBC revived Upstairs Downstairs from 2010 – 2012.

It was filmed in the same house as the original series, at the fictional address of 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia.  Jean Marsh again played Rose Buck, returning to London to run an agency for domestic servants, after nursing her mother in Suffolk.  Eileen Atkins also starred in this production.

A second series began to be transmitted in February 2012, but Jean Marsh appeared less frequently, due to having suffered a stroke on 3^rd October 2011.  Ironically, the re-make was overshadowed by Downton Abbey, which was being shown on ITV in the years 2010 to 2015, some forty years after Upstairs, Downstairs debuted on our screens.

Farewell, Jean!  A fine actress and writer, and a contribution well made to our understanding of early 20^th Century history and the partial unravelling of the class system.

Aspects

At tea-time today, Venus sextiles Uranus, with Venus now Direct.  Venus in harmony with Uranus is very social and may produce some interesting outward manifestations.  Chance meetings are possible and can be strange or seem random.  Venus sextile Uranus is on the pleasantly uplifting side of the equation, and can bring reunions, even if just on your mobile phone or online.  The three S’s come to mind: spontaneity, synchronicity and serendipity.

In the evening we have another sextile, that of Mercury with Pluto, bringing a profound touch to your communications.  It is a harmonious aspect which can produce profound honouring of the gravity of a situation if necessary, and enabling meaningful debate to occur.  It is a good space for reading something profound.  Maybe there is something in your pile of pending books you have been putting off, if so, now’s the time to tackle it.  I am reading “A Better Tomorrow” by Mina Smallman at the moment, which fits that bill.

Tomorrow, Monday 21^st, Mars squares the Sun, so apply caution in your dealings.  It is a hot-headed aspect which can result in minor cuts and bruises through slapdash inattention.  Aggro, irritation and conflict are all possible under this aspect, so set out to have a peaceful day starting with a spot of your best meditational efforts.  Then radiate that calm to all who cross your path, while self-distancing.  You might find people sounding off, in anger, about things that are going on in the world, such as the conditions in war zones.  If so, some advance preparation may assist in defusing agitation.  The energy, fire and enthusiasm which the Sun with Mars generates can be positively harnessed if you are especially mindful.

Saturn also conjuncts the North Node on that day, a karmic conjunction.  It is a call to take responsibility, to own your actions (past and present), and perhaps to re-draw your karmic contract from this point.  For the nations struggling to deal with the consequences of the changes wrought from the U.S., it is an ongoing important focus for self-reliance and re-evaluation, looking at the lessons of past history and consequences.

Wednesday (23^rd) brings a square between the Sun and Pluto, more need for caution.  There may be drama.  The atmosphere becomes more thoughtful and serious.  This is a deep soul-searching aspect.  It is the sort of aspect which can be looked upon as a gamechanger, or watershed.  So if you are in integrity, you may be able to influence what side the coin lands on.

Venus Direct conjoins Saturn in the first minutes of Friday (25^th) which may may give rise to sobering reflections about relationship or money.  Feel your feelings (e.g. the nostalgia, or injustice), or deal with them philosophically, and let them go if you can.  The care of the elderly may be a particular preoccupation.  The optimum condition for this conjunction would be loyalty and commitment, and perhaps some songwriting incorporating a touch of melancholy.  Preoccupations may lead to a restless sleep.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – upbeat and dynamic; socially-stimulating and deep-thinking
• Tomorrow – caution needed; karmic responsibility
• Wednesday – more caution needed; drama
• Friday – sobering reflections on relationships and money

Zodiac Quotations

In an effort not to write about Donald Trump, I thought I would like to present some more edifying quotations this week, for the zodiac signs.  Not all quotations correlate with the Sunsign of the originator.  If the quote for your Sun sign does not speak to you, you may find that another one does!  Something may spark something…

Aries

“The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.”

~ Baba Ram Dass, Spiritual Leader. b. 6^th April 1931. Sun in Aries

 Taurus

“Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones. Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don’t; give way to the seven, you are patient, and then you will soon understand all manner of things, and you will be in harmony with eternity.”

~ James Clavell, from “Shogun”.  Venus exactly sextile Saturn.

Gemini

“So, colours in the auric fields are universal, they can be interpreted, they are not constricted to our cultural representation.  They have universal meanings because the length of a vibrational frequency is the cause of the colours.  We want to be able to allow someone to speak to us from the vibrational frequencies simply by placing our attention on them, by listening.”

~ Chris Griscom,  from “Ecstasy is a New Frequency”. b 3^rd June 1942, Sun in Gemini

Cancer

“Born with the Moon in Cancer
choose her a name she will answer to
call her green and the winters cannot fade her
call her green for the children who’ve made her
little green, be a gypsy dancer…”

~ Joni Mitchell, from the song “Little Green”.  Ascendant in Cancer

Leo

“The unconscious always tries to produce an impossible situation in order to force the individual to bring out his very best. Otherwise one stops short of one’s best, one is not complete, one does not realize oneself. What is needed is an impossible situation where one has to renounce one’s own will and one’s own wit and do nothing but wait and trust to the impersonal power of growth and development. When you are up against a wall, put down roots like a tree, until clarity comes from deeper sources to see over that wall.”

~ Carl Jung, Sun in Leo, b 26 July 1875. Sun in Leo

Virgo

“When others put you down in any way, realise their actions are direct projections of their own state of pain and confusion. Likewise, remember that opening your heart and having compassion for them in their pain (which does not at all mean condoning their behaviour) benefits you as well as them.”

~ Anita Moorjani, Spiritual Author

Libra

“This is a time to reflect on love and to seek out beauty.  Create memories.  Take time to enjoy your experiences, celebrations and special occasions.  The recollection of happy moments will support you.  Look not only in the world around you but also within.  Seek out the loving qualities that you appreciate about yourself.  Search for your own beauty.  Look at yourself and the world around you from a new perspective.”

~  Angela Hartfield, Spiritual Author

Scorpio

“Any child, anywhere in the world, can have a past life memory, regardless of the cultural or religious beliefs of the parents. Most of these memories don’t cause problems. They are benign and are useful to help explain a child’s talents, temperament, behavioural quirks. And … they can forever change the most fundamental beliefs of the parents about death and life. For, by sharing their memories with us, small children teach what we adults have forgotten: that life continues after death.”

~ Carol Bowman, from “Children’s Past Lives”

Sagittarius

“This week I’ve done brain surgery spinal surgery, elbow surgery, knee surgery and a fracture that took 14 hours to fix.  By the end, everything ached.  I empathise with my patients, for sure.  You feel connected to the universe, helping to prolong the lives of animals.”

~ Noel Fitzpatrick, TV Vet.  From “This Much I Know”,  Observer Interview, 9/3/25 

Capricorn

Soul: “The creating of future karma is what causes the universe to go on. Your future karma does not have to be bad karma. As you are working out past karma and do the best you can in your present life, the future karma that you are creating will be good karma and it will have good effects on your future life. And you will be able to continue and improve your future lives until you reach the ultimate.”

~ Dolores Cannon, from “Between Death and Life”.  Saturn in Capricorn

Aquarius

“If a majority in every civilised country so desired, we could, within 20 years, abolish all abject poverty, quite half the illness in the world, the whole economic slavery which binds down nine tenths of our population; we could fill the world with beauty and joy, and secure the reign of universal peace.”

~ Bertrand Russell, Philosopher. Uranus exactly sextile Sun/Mars.  

Pisces

“Sunrise doesn’t last all morning
A cloudburst doesn’t last all day
Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning
It’s not always gonna be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away…”

~ George Harrison, from the song “All things must Pass”.  b 25^th February 1943, Sun in Pisces

Aspects

In the first hour of this morning we experienced a Full Moon at 23 degrees of Libra.  The Libra Full Moon entails a balance between the needs of two people in partnership, and hopefully works towards harmony.  This is the most equable of the 12 Full Moons of the year, nevertheless a delicate balance operates, which may be resolved in common aims, e.g. in a united effort.  The emergency recalling of Parliament yesterday over the Scunthorpe steelworks, reflects the urgency that can arise coming up to a Full Moon.  Delicate negotiations are currently taking place.

A more soothing influence took place shortly afterwards, with Venus stationary prior to turning Direct.  In its retrograde period, you may have noticed a review of relationships and/or money taking place.  You can now act upon your conclusions, with more ease.  At last you may be able to resume normal relations, enhanced by the learning you gained.  You may have realized the true worth of some of your relationships.  You can pause, breathe and relax into that knowledge.

Tomorrow (Monday 14^th) Saturn conjoins the North Node at 26 degrees Pisces, a karmic conjunction.  It is a call to take responsibility, to own your actions (past and present), and perhaps to re-draw your karmic contract from this point.  For the nations struggling to deal with the consequences of the changes wrought from the U.S., it is an important focus for self-reliance and re-evaluation, looking at the lessons of past history and consequences.

Moving on to Wednesday (16^th), we find Mercury moving into Aries.  You might need to be prepared for plain speaking today, whether your own (perhaps without engaging the brain!), candid words from others, or unpalatable government announcements. You will need to get to the point much more directly in your communications, and there is more sense of urgency about paperwork.  So, more direct communication is on the cards.

By Thursday (17^th), Mercury has caught up with Neptune at 0 degrees Aries to form a conjunction.  This is not conducive to exacting and detailed mental work and documentation if that is what you planned; but it can favour dreams, mystical states and spirituality.  They in turn can affect creativity, art and music in an inspired way.  If you are feeling below par, you may experience added confusion or brain fog.  Channelling is favoured.

Good Friday (April 18^th) sees Mars entering Leo, which will bring energy to your self-expression, or you may observe displays of power.  Mars will stay in Leo until 17th June, so will especially energize the affairs of those born under the sign of Leo.  If you are making hay, you could feel Mars supporting you with extra oomph and bravery.  Drama and theatre also receive a boost.  And sporting interests generally will thrive.  Those who thrive on competition and holidaymaking will be having their season.

At the very end of the week, Saturday (19^th) the Sun will enter Taurus, the third ingress of the week, so more newness to be added, with a slightly different focus.  It betokens a time of the blossoming of the earth.  Gardeners will garden, artists will paint or sculpt, and dancers will dance.  So it is very much a cuspal and switchover day, embedding into a productive and possibly more grounding Taurean period.

At the very end of this last day of the week, we receive a resolution between the physical and the spiritual, in the shape of a trine between Mars and Neptune.  This ensures the sensitive use of energies, such as meditative activities.  Yoga, Tai Chi and Qijong all represent this vibe.  Mars represents the use of energy or anger directed (in a trine) in a constructive way, and Neptune represents empathy.  It is also worth noting that in this period our Sun aligns with the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades, so there is scope for a greater cosmic awareness.

Happy Easter, and Passover!  With Love