Andy Murray

“You are a champion on and off the court.  So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future.  Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come.  Your voice for equality will inspire future generations.  Much love to you and your family”

~ Billie Jean King

I am sure there could not have been a dry eye in the U.K. on Friday seeing Andy Murray’s press conference ahead of the Australian Open, at the news that he is likely to retire this year.

Hip Injury

The thought that he has been playing, for years, in such pain with his hip, is eye-watering in itself, quite apart from the emotional agony of having to curtail his career.  He is considering having another hip operation, just so as to improve his quality of life (even putting shoes and socks on in the morning is a trial).  Jupiter rules the hips in Astrology, and natally he has easy aspects to his Jupiter, but he does have Saturn in Sagittarius.  Saturn conjuncts the Moon, opposes his Mars, squares his Ascendant and exactly squares his Chiron natally, so these factors may give him the long-term ability to ignore pain (up to a point).  Sportsmen and women are probably used to the cycle of injury and healing, and probably take more risks with their injuries than the average person.  But even so, can they afford to stop listening to their body?  Many fellow tennis players have said  they do hope he can carry through to Wimbledon, which is his dream, but as a non-sportsperson I would like him to stop, and think about his future health conditions.

Current Transits

The Sun was conjunct Pluto when he made his announcement, a bombshell of an aspect and announcement.  Mars was squaring his Neptune, so he felt vulnerable, Jupiter was square his Ascendant, and Neptune was opposite his Ascendant.  So today’s (and this year’s) Jupiter-Neptune square are exactly on his angles, and he is feeling the nature and pressure of this square (of which I will write later today).  Its impact on his life is more than average, therefore.  Jupiter is entering his 4th House of Home and Family, which will bring him a greater domestic joy, with his wife and two daughters.  Neptune opposing his Ascendant makes his immediate future, and health (the Ascendant represents the physical body) seem more precarious and uncertain.

Dublane Massacre

He was at the school in Dunblane as a child when the massacre occurred in 1996.  In the transits for the time, Mars was square his Moon in Sagittarius in 4th House, a danger in his locality; Saturn was square his Mars in Gemini in 10th House, danger;  and Pluto (extreme danger) opp his Mercury (school) in Gemini in 9th House.  Jupiter trine his Ascendant was offering protection.  Who knows what the  long term effect was on him.  We do know that time and time again, he would come back after three sets to win a five setter match, with his never-say-die attitude.

National Treasure

He became a national treasure for us.  We were frustrated in the years leading up to his win in 2012 at the London Olympics.  With his Moon conjunct Saturn, we wanted to see the real emotions behind the stoical Sun in Taurus.  The moment came at the end of the unsuccessful final of 2012 at Wimbledon, when he made an emotional speech, and sealed his status as national treasure.  At the time, Pluto was transiting his natal Neptune, one of the deepest psychological transits it is possible to have.

That seemed to unlock the man for us, and unlock the inner winner for him.  For just a few weeks later, he beat Roger Federer and won Gold at the Olympics.  Pluto was sextile his natal Pluto (self-empowerment).  He then went on to win Wimbledon (our first British champ for 70 years) in 2013 and 2016.

Feminist

He was a great advocate for feminism and equal rights within the tennis world, and also employed a female coach for a time.  When questioned about this, he always comes across as quite modest and natural about it, but it has been very much appreciated by female tennis players.  He does actually have the Activist Archetype (in Mars opposite exactly Uranus) in his chart, but it is almost a casual, incidental, by-product of being a decent human being.

There have been many great tributes from his fellow tennis players, but this one seems extra heartfelt:

“Andy, I know you take me for a joker, but hear me out on this old friend…I know this was never the way you wanted to go out, but hey it was a heck of a ride.  You took me under your wing as soon as I got on tour, and you have been someone I  look forward to seeing.  You are one crazy tennis player, miles better than me, but I just want you to know today isn’t only a sad day for you, it’s a sad day for the sport and for everyone you’ve had an impact on.”

~ Nick Kyrgios

 

New Year’s Resolutions

I usually wait until the end of the Andrew Marr show on a Sunday morning before I decide the subject of the blog.  He doesn’t finish until 11 a.m. these days, which makes my blog even later.  By 11 a.m.  I was still in a quandary.  “How about the American government shutdown?” suggested hubby.  My friend Flick and I were still texting in disgust about our present government policies, particularly Universal Credit, after watching Theresa May being interviewed.  I mentioned I wasn’t sure what to write about, and Flick came up with New Year’s Resolutions for the various signs.  So whether you approve of New Year’s resolutions or not, here’s my pennyworth…!

Aries

Aries are pretty fit and go ahead people, so I shouldn’t think they would need to make hitting the gym for their New Year’s resolution.  If they are working on character traits, they might choose to work on their impatience, and take the Bach Flower remedy Impatiens.  Aries doesn’t mind making resolutions, and may go full steam ahead initially, but they don’t like to have to follow through.  It is the initial action that thrills them and ignites them.  So endurance and patience would be good watchwords for them.

Iran is an Aries country, and its New Year’s resolution should be to display more humanity towards those unjustly imprisoned, such as Nazanin Zhagari-Ratcliffe.  Aries is a hot headed, passionate sign, and so I would give Iran the New Year’s resolution “have mercy”.

Taurus

Taurus is one of the signs the very opposite in nature from Aries.  It has patience and endurance.  It may however lack the go ahead element, and for this reason, some Taureans may make it their New Year’s resolution to head for the gym!  They are also great gourmets and foodies, and may resolve to take up a new food regime, such as rawfoodism. Taurus has many talents, and so one resolution may be to develop one of those further, such as fine art, pottery, ceramics or sculpture.

I have a Taurus Ascendant, accompanied by Type-2 diabetes, and was given a copy of Paul McKenna’s book “Get Control of Sugar Now!” (including CD) for Christmas.  I will let you know how effective it is!

Gemini

If  you know a Gemini, you’ll know that they make good conversationalists, and it’s great to go out and have a coffee and a chat with them.   But…they can be a bit compulsive about their chatter, and could use a little more meditative listening, and cultivating the silence.  They have great minds, but may need to extend their settings to take in information in different ways.  So a suitable New Year’s resolution might be to learn to still the mind, appreciate silence, and acquire listening skills, which will eventually make them even better communicators.

Kanye West and Donald Trump are both Geminis, and both inclined to speak before they think.  Currently, Kanye is caught up in the confusion of the Jupiter-Neptune square, plus he has Pluto square his Nodal Axis, so while that may not necessarily stop him talking loosely, it may be making him think more about life.  Donald Trump may not have shut his mouth, but he has currently shut down the U.S. government.  I am not entirely sure what is going on with him at the moment, as his transits have correspondingly gone on strike (they will be back soon).  I think his New Year’s resolution seems to be to build that wall.

Cancer

Some mastery of the sensitivities, emotions and feelings of this sign may be a good source of resolutions for this sign.  It is important to honour our feelings, but not be so vulnerable to them that we can’t progress, which happens to some Cancerians.  Or to be so focussed on one’s own family affairs as to not reach out beyond one’s everyday boundaries.  So to travel abroad to undiscovered places may be a goal for Cancerians, and give them a new perspective.  Or to learn meditative techniques which are particularly suitable for emotional development or control, such as the Tibetan Buddhist path.

Cancerian Angela Merkel may need some detachment this year, as she gradually lets go of the reins of her Motherland which she has served so well.  Jupiter is just entering her 1st House, bringing new opportunities for branching out.  It transits her Mars at the Galactic Centre in mid-November, which may bring a new sense of freedom or a renewal of energy.

Leo

A lion will be a lion, so you are born to lead, there is no getting around that!  So to own your power is right for you, and to learn to use it wisely a life task.  If you are a business owner or employer this could be a challenging year if you live in the U.K., balancing the economics of Brexit and compassionate and ethical practices towards your employees!  Not everyone chooses power and responsibility, but to hone your skills and strengths in this talent may be an area to explore when looking for a suitable New Year’s resolution.

To Leo Andrew Marr, who provides me with much inspiration and aggravation throughout the blogging year, I would suggest to let go of always thinking you are right when interviewing your subjects (he notably gives some a harder time than others).  I am thinking in particular of the pride in which he reprimanded Shami Chakrabarti.  She said: “I don’t know about you, Andrew, but I’m a democrat.”  He flared up and replied “Don’t try and patronize me – I’m as much a Democrat as you are”.

Virgo

As a Virgo, you have to keep your standards, it would be no good asking that you compromise on those.  However, you may be one of those super-critical Virgos (though admittedly equally critical towards yourself).  So, if you feel you are, then maybe letting go of judgement and criticism for a year might be a suitable goal.  There may also be other areas of your life and routines where you could let go, just a little.  Perhaps aim to relax more away from tight schedules, or commune with nature more.

For Roger Federer, who has Ascendant in Virgo, I have no advice, for he has achieved perfection (in many eyes!), he’s been there, done that, and got the Uniqlo t-shirt.  Maybe you too are a perfected Virgoan?

Libra

Libra may suffer from the opposite of its neighbouring sign Virgo, in that it is super-sensitive to being the butt of criticism.  Therefore, for Libra an ideal New Year’s resolution would be to try not to worry so much about what others think of you, whether in the realm of looks or character.  That will help you be more authentic, and avoid the criticism of being a people-pleaser!

Or if you want a role model in 2019, you could emulate Gwyneth Paltrow, another who has perfected the qualities of her sign.  Librans are said to be the beautiful people of the zodiac, and in 2013 she was dubbed the most beautiful woman in the world by People magazine.  Her eating is exemplary (in many eyes!), and she sells herself and her products well.  She also knows how to consciously uncouple in a relationship.

Scorpio

Scorpios like a challenge, and so a New Year’s resolution may incorporate that element, but I would not dare to suggest a New Year’s resolution for Scorpios, despite the fact they are my favourite sign.  They have such intense, inner, emotional drive that they know certainly what they want, if not what they need.  So I will pass on this one, and invite any Scorpio readers to tell me exactly what their planned goals are for this year (it would be most enlightening!)

What I would like to say to the Scorpios among us, and what the rest of us may need from you, is to share more of your feelings, wisdom and survival skills.  Your willingness to look life directly in the face and deal with the things that some of us more namby pamby signs don’t want to, is very valuable in these troubled times.

Sagittarius

Well this is easy – just vow to “go for it!”.  That would be a fitting resolution any year for you, but particular in this Year of Jupiter in Sagittarius, when the world is your oyster.  Of course, this may set alarm bells ringing for other signs that have to interact with you, and who would rather you reined it in a bit.  After all, we know that the sky is the limit, but we don’t want things to get out of hand.  I’m a bit confused who I am talking to now, as I am a Sunsign Sagittarian myself…so we’re seekers after truth and like to aim for the stars.  And we’d like to keep expanding.  But maybe we should stop and consider others.

The books which have kept me expanding this last year, consciousnesswise, and provided the most food for thought, are the volumes of Dolores Cannon entitled “The Convoluted Universe”.  I have completed three of the volumes, thinking there were only four in total, but my sister bought me Book 5 for Christmas, which I didn’t know existed.  So if expanding is your trajectory for this year, these books come highly recommended.

From Book I:

“for every action that is done, there is more than one possible outcome. In your universe one outcome is realised, but all the energy of the other outcomes have to go somewhere. And so these other different outcomes that were not realised in your universe, cause another universe to come into being that’s practically identical to your universe, except that this particular outcome is different. And from there the universe continues to develop in its own direction”

Capricorn

Capricorns do have a fair few rules and regulations about their lifestyle, and maybe do not need New Year’s resolutions.  So a possible suggestion would be to actually ease up on some of the rules and regulations that they habitually go by, and make time to have more fun in their responsible world.  As a Capricornian, you may have more playful elements in your birth chart, such as a Leo Ascendant, but if you have not, you may need to more consciously aim to do the things you enjoy, and find more time to express your creativity.

The December 2018 winner of X Factor in the U.K.,  Capricornian Dalton Harris, has a most beautiful voice, and reached No. 1 in the charts with an inspiring rendition of “The Power of Love” for a couple of weeks or so, recorded with fellow Capricornian James Arthur.  If I were to bestow a New Year’s resolution on both of them, it would be to keep on letting those voices flow…

Aquarius

Dear Aquarians, you already live in the future, and have mastered that talent, so maybe balancing it out with living in the now style mindfulness, or researching your past lives to take note of what you might have forgotten or missed, could be your goals for 2019.  Your intuition, already great, would then be all-encompassing.  It is one of the greatest assets you have, and all is within you.

You are the architects of the future, and your thoughts are creative.  Your imagination can take you into other dimensions, and so we are all watching and waiting to see what you adopt as your resolutions, and take us with you.

Pisces

You may not think of yourself as strong, but you contain the possibility of everything.  Therefore you could pick anything from your hologram.  You could start with tackling one of your addictions (let’s admit to the fact we all have them).  There are so many to choose from these days: habits, substances, social media.  The addiction to addiction itself, maybe.  One Fixed Star which is helpful to link with in relation to addiction is Fomalhaut in the constellation of Pisces Australae.  As written in “Starlight Elixirs and Cosmic Vibrational Healing” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld: “On a psychological level, the use of this elixir is timely and important for most people on Earth now.  There is an enhancement of inner quiet as the addiction to the thinking state is reduced.”

Piscean Stacey Dooley, a wonder woman in my eyes, was chosen to see us into the New Year on BBC 1, after winning the December final of Strictly Come Dancing (starting as a beginner in dance).  This apart from making hard hitting documentaries around the world on women’s issues.  Pisceans can be multi-talented, and you get the feeling that Stacey could be or do anything.  They can be all-rounders, and sometimes need to focus on one thing in order to succeed.  So if you are Piscean, perhaps make it your resolution to employ your talents in a particular way this year.

Aspects

We may have started out this morning with a challenge, given to us by the eclipse and New Moon at 15 degrees Capricorn.  Maybe you set your intention yourself, or it was set for you, but the results of your efforts may be long-lasting (up to 6 months for an eclipse).  If it is your birthday, the next 6 months will assume extra importance in your life.  Generally speaking, a Capricorn New Moon relates especially to new beginnings in politics and administration. Today we seem to be in a hiatus on both sides of the Atlantic, with the U.S. administration on hold, and Brexit still at an impasse.  The coming days may begin to see some movement, as the Moon waxes.  It is a good day for organizing your life, or thinking about resolutions.

This evening, Uranus is stationary, prior to turning Direct, and this can only be good news if we are trying to re-align with the times.  Intuition will flow better, and future vision come into view.

Tomorrow (Monday, 7th) Venus enters Sagittarius, which is a fun sign for the planet of love.  There she can look forward to uniting with Jupiter, later in the month, an excuse to party.  It is a good sign in which Venus can allow herself the expression of love freely, and also good for allowing your voice to flow freely, such as spontaneous singing in the street (which I am quite partial to, myself).  Venus will be in Sagittarius until 3rd February.

Mercury squares Mars on Tuesday 8th, and this is incident-prone for some.  The incidents can include minor cuts and abrasions, or minor arguments.  “Keep calm and carry on” might be a good mantra for this aspect, to reduce irritation and increase tolerance all round.

Practicing meditation and calming techniques would be a good way to proceed throughout the week, whatever your New Year’s resolutions, because we face an almighty conjunction of the Sun with Pluto on Friday 11th, and the deeper issues of life come up for assessment.  There may be issues which have been niggling at you for a while, and which you hoped might vanish, but now become more relevant.  At this time, you need the wisdom and survival skills of a Scorpio, which you may anyway have in your toolkit.  Any creativity will have depth to it, and you won’t be able to skim the surface of things. But you will emerge the richer for it.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – new beginning, or turning point; intuition flowing better
• Tomorrow – love flowing freely
• Tuesday – fractiousness
• Friday – in-depth

2019

Welcome to the year 2019: New Hopes, New Dreams and a Fresh Start.

If you want to start working with the aspects from now, here is a guide to some of the major astrological events coming up.

2019 Dates for your Diary if planning ahead:

January

I have been picking up for some time that this January will be very important historically, especially for the United Kingdom.

Tuesday 1st: Mars enters Aries – An influx of energy, which may register more strongly given it is the first day of the year (may set the tone, at least for the month)

Sunday 6th: New Moon and Eclipse at 15 degrees Capricorn – Refreshment and a possible turning point in matters of politics and administration.  It is a good time to focus your intentions on new beginnings related to the structures and organization of your life.

same day: Uranus stationary, prior to turning Direct – Change and progress, re-igniting the more positive facets of the element of the unexpected.

Sunday 13th: Jupiter square Neptune – Spiritual confusion – do we stay or do we go?

Monday 21st: Full Moon and Eclipse in Leo – Emotional power.  May be a turning point.

Thursday 31st: Saturn sextile Neptune – Possible advances in use of chemicals and drugs, e.g. more ethical use and awareness

February

Saturday 2nd: Mars square Pluto – Divisive

Thursday 14th: Happy Valentine’s Day.  Mars enters Taurus – A necessary slowing down

Monday 18th: Chiron re-enters Aries – Emphasis on personal healing again

March

Tuesday 5th: Mercury stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communication disrupted

Wednesday 6th: Uranus re-enters Taurus – Changes in the economy, both personal and international.

Wednesday 20th: Mars trine Pluto – Dynamic

same day: Spring Equinox – Rebirth and Hope

Thursday 28th: Mercury stationary, prior to turning Direct – Communications restored

Just in time for:

Friday 29th: Brexit D-Day – No exact aspects.  Mars conjunct the Pleiades – Maybe we need extraterrestrial intervention…

Sunday 31st: Mars enters Gemini – High energy placing, with a great deal of mental and physical energy, and the urge to get things done.

April

Wednesday 10th: Jupiter stationary prior to turning Retrograde – Revising your steps

Wednesday 24th: Pluto stationary prior to turning Retrograde – A deeper level of setback, necessitating psychological understanding and awareness of reality.

Tuesday 30th: Saturn stationary prior to turning Retrograde – The need to secure foundations, and go over previous ground.

May

16th: Mars enters Cancer – An energetic shift from a mental and analytical mode, to that of feeling and protectiveness

June

June continues some of the same decisive themes of January, but without the eclipses.

Sunday 16th: Jupiter square Neptune (see 13 Jan) – 2nd pass – Spiritual confusion – Have we stayed, or have we gone?

Tuesday 18th: Saturn sextile Neptune (see 31 Jan) – 2nd pass – Possible advances in use of chemicals and drugs, e.g. more ethical use and awareness

Thursday 20th: Mars opposite Pluto – Divisive

Friday 21st: Neptune stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Some retrospection on the Spiritual path.

same day: Summer Solstice – The Full Blossoming of the Year.  Maximum Light.

July

Monday 1st: Mars enters Leo – Energetic self-expression, or displays of Power

Tuesday 2nd: New Moon and Eclipse in Cancer at 10 degrees Cancer – New beginnings and re-births in family matters.

Sunday 7th: Mercury stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications disrupted

Tuesday 16th: Full Moon and Eclipse in Capricorn – Authority versus individual emotional needs

August

Thursday 1st: Mercury stationary, prior to turning Direct – Communications restored

Sunday 11th: Jupiter stationary, prior to turning Direct – Momentum and enthusiasm returning.

Monday 12th: Uranus stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Rebellion, and bids for freedom.

Sunday 18th: Mars enters Virgo – A more purposeful,  nose-to-the-grindstone shoulder to the wheel application of energy

September

Wednesday 18th: Saturn stationary, prior to turning Direct – Constructive progress and laying new foundations.  Movement where there has not be any for some time.

Thursday 19th: Mars trine Pluto – As 20 Mar – Dynamic

Saturday 21st: Jupiter square Neptune – 3rd Pass – see 13 Jan and 16 Jun – Have we stayed, or have we gone?  Maybe we have more idea by now.  And is Trump still there?…

Monday 23rd: Autumn Equinox – End of the Summer, a change of mode, work schedules beckon.  A letting go…

October

Thursday 3rd: Pluto stationary, prior to turning Direct – Psychological progress

Friday 4th: Mars enters Libra – A need for balance, especially between opposing factions

Thursday 31st: Happy Halloween!  Mercury stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications disrupted

November

Tuesday 5th: Mars square Pluto – As 2nd Feb – Divisive – Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot

Saturday 9th: Saturn sextile Neptune – 3rd Pass – As 31 Jan and 18 Jun – Possible advances in use of chemicals and drugs, e.g. more ethical use and awareness

Tuesday 19th: Mars enters Scorpio – Battle mode; battle lines drawn; prepare to defend the underdog, or provide strength and support

Wednesday 20th:  Mercury stationary, prior to turning Direct – Communications restored

Wednesday 27th: Neptune stationary, prior to turning Direct – Spiritual progress on your path, and on our collective path

December

Monday 2nd: Jupiter enters Capricorn – More realism and possible balance

Sunday 15th: Jupiter trine Uranus – Golden Opportunities

Sunday 22nd: Winter Solstice.  The Return of the Light – A sense of relief and that dawn is appearing

Thursday 26th: Boxing Day – New Moon and Eclipse at 4 degrees Capricorn – Reflecting on the past year, putting away the toys, and planning a constructive year ahead.

Aspects

I have been picking up for some time that this January will be very important historically, especially for the United Kingdom, and of course that also goes for you personally.  A sign of that comes in the early hours of the first day of the year, when Mars enters Aries.  So for January 1st, we have an influx of energy, which may register more strongly given it is the first day of the year (it may set the tone, at least for the month).  Seize the day, month and year by setting your New Year’s Resolutions, Affirmations, Intentions and Creative Visualizations when you first arise.  If necessary, prepare them the night before, unless you are involved in lively New Year’s Eve festivities.

The very next day (Wednesday 2nd) we have a counteracting aspect, in the form of a conjunction between the Sun and Saturn in Capricorn.  Whereas we may feel we can forge ahead on 1st, our unconscious blocks may come up the next day, in the form of negative thoughts or actual obstacles on our path which may reflect our doubts.  The Sun conjunct Saturn in Capricorn encourages us to take responsibility and think things through more thoroughly, whether we are planning an exit, a Brexit, or any other kind of radical move.  It is one thing to experience the total vision, but there are the details to sort and the implications, the effects on others, etc. to consider.  Once you have thought things through as much as you can, you can relax and ask your subconscious to work on the plan, and higher guidance to offer insight.

Friday (4th), early in the day, brings us a helpful trine between Mercury and Uranus, especially suitable for upgrading technological appliances.  We may receive new ideas about our path for 2019, embellishing our hopes and wishes from the first day of the year.  Lightbulb moments are possible.

In the evening, the Sun sextiles Neptune, making this the best day of the week.  Spiritual inspiration is available, whether through walking in nature, or listening to music, or engaging in creativity.  Something which touches you that day may inspire you to paint, or write a poem.

On the morning of Saturday (5th) Mercury enters Capricorn, from its sojourn in Sagittarius.  Cosy rosy thoughts and feelings from the Sagittarian mindset need to give way to practicalities, and what seems to be possible from the perspective of here and now.  This may mean modifying some of your original vision for the year, or tweaking it further.  Official documentation may need to be worked on, forms to fill, authorities to interview, etc.  Think methodically and systematically.

Happy New Year to All, and may the aspects serve you well!

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – fresh energy!
• Wednesday – stop and think
• Friday – best day of the week
• Saturday – apply your mind

 

That was the Year that Was – Selections from the blogs…

January

7th:

Karma Chameleon No. 1

Emily Bronte/Kate Bush

Emily Bronte was in the news this week, so that’s my opportunity to launch the first in a new occasional series “Karma Chameleons”!  She is in the news because it is the bicentenary of the year of her birth.  A row has erupted about the appointment of supermodel Lily Cole to the Bronte Society in order to assist this celebration.

The reason I have chosen Emily Bronte for the first “Karma Chameleon”, apart from the fact I have always been a fan of her novel Wuthering Heights and her poetry, is that she bears a remarkable resemblance to Kate Bush, whose big hit single of the 1970s bore the name “Wuthering Heights”.  It is tempting to think that she may, just may, be a reincarnation of Emily.

February

25th:

Billy Graham (1918 – 2018)

“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”

~ Billy Graham

The Archetypal Evangelist Billy Graham died this week, on Wednesday 21st February.  He was revered by many, but my first impressions of him in the early 1970s were that his rallies were a scary display of hypnotic power.

Birth Chart

If ever a birth chart suited its subject to the letter, Billy Graham’s does to an amazing degree.  I am fascinated by the interplay of religion and spirituality in a chart, and this chart does not disappoint.  All roads lead to religion in his chart, and his personality is a force to be reckoned with.

Firstly, he has half his planets (5) in the element of Water, so his power is on an emotional level.  Curiously, one of his health ailments may be linked with this, as he suffered from hydrocephalus from 1992.

He had 0 planets in the element Earth, and may have been ungrounded, as evinced by the quote “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”

6 of his planets were in the Fixed signs, depicting a very strong willed individual, and this quality he undoubtedly used in his persuasive preaching, and in his adherence to his ideals.

The Sun conjunct Venus in Scorpio gave him charisma and magnetism.  You can see the Sun in Scorpio in those mesmeric eyes.

March

11th:

Russia

(A tale of two Russian fathers and daughters)

Salisbury is a wonderful place, close to my heart.  I visit family there once a month.  It is utterly bizarre to be watching it on the news daily, in the context of a Russian spy mystery.  Father and daughter Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found last Sunday in an extremely distressed condition on a bench near the centre of the city.  The cause of their physical distress was a nerve agent, which apparently could only have been developed by a state.  The police officer who first rendered aid to the pair was also affected, and is in hospital in serious condition.  A passing doctor also tended them, but was not affected.  They have been praised for their incredible courage.  Like Amber Rudd, our Home Secretary, it is not for me to point the finger until the truth has been established.

Sergei Skripal

Sergei Skripal is a former military intelligence officer from Russia, who acted as a spy for Britain.  He was imprisoned in 2004 for such activities (with a dangerous transits of Pluto opposite his natal Mars); and then released in 2010 as part of a swap between Russia and the U.S. and allowed to live in Britain.  At his release transiting Uranus was square his Sun, a sudden freedom but probably bringing difficulties in adjustments to change.

Last Sunday (4th March 2018) was an extremely Neptunian day.   The Sun was exactly conjunct Neptune in Pisces, Neptune’s own sign.  One side of Neptune is glitz and glamour (as in the Oscars) but the more sinister side can be poisoning, as Neptune rules such substances.  As a peculiar aside, I find it interesting that the French word for fish, poisson, (linking it with Pisces) is similar to the English word for poison – but there is no etymological basis for that peculiarity. Sergei had the transiting North Node exactly quincunx his natal North Node, a karmically based event, plus Neptune (poisoning) on his North Node. Father and daughter remain critically ill in hospital.

April

15th:

Mark Zuckerberg

On Tuesday (10th April) this week, with Venus square the Nodal Axis, the social network Facebook came under the karmic microscope, as its founder Mark Zuckerberg appeared before Congress to answer questions regarding recent misuse of data.

Mark’s Birth Chart

Mark Zuckerberg’s birth chart bears many hallmarks of a shy but socially minded individual with technical skills, who has made a fortune through the creation of a social network.  First of all, he has the North Node (karmic mission) in Gemini (communication) in the 9th House of wider communication networks.  The North Node conjuncts his Chiron, so that his work is healing or problem-solving for him.  The 9th House contains his Sun and the Midheaven, too, making it a major focus of his life, with global interests.  The other House of great emphasis is his financial House, the 2nd, containing Pluto (finances on a grand scale), plus Saturn and an exact conjunction of the Moon and Mars (quick emotional reactions, confidence, and a keen interest in finance). His Moon conjuncts Saturn (loneliness) and that conjunction opposes his Venus. He was born on a Full Moon in Scorpio, and arouses strong emotions in others.  Not only are his female planets the Moon and Venus in opposition, but so are his male planets (the Sun and Mars) so he is equipped to be combative.  Mercury trine closely Neptune delivers mental inspiration, and Venus trine Jupiter provides a love of human interaction.  Uranus on the South Node suggests a past life connection with technology in Atlantis.

May

13th:

Uranus Enters Taurus

“It’s been a long time, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will”

~ Sam Cooke [Sun in Aquarius]

This week’s arrival of Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday 15th May has been widely broadcast of late, and it probably hasn’t escaped your notice, especially if you use Facebook.  Uranus  takes 84 years to tour around the zodiac, and 7 years per sign and House.

Nature of Uranus in Taurus

Uranus, an Air planet is the planet of sudden change, sees no ideological reason why change should not take place, and the Earth sign of Taurus is resistant to change as it registers the practical obstacles and ramifications.  Thus, the combination of Uranus and earth can sometimes result in earthquakes, both climatic and personal.

Historic Considerations – Finance

On its last entry into Taurus, in 1934, we were in the throes of the Great Depression, a financial crisis which began in 1933 when Uranus was still at the end of Aries.  But Taurus is equated with finance, which is why many Astrologers predict a major overhaul in the area of finance. They also equate it with the rise in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

June

10th:

G7

An extraordinary photo was shared on instagram by Angela Merkel yesterday from the G7 summit, of a seated Donald Trump (arms folded) being confronted by Angela Merkel with the other members of the summit looking on, with Japan’s Shinzo Abe’s arms also folded.  You didn’t need to be able to read body language: the unsmiling looks told all.  Later, Donald Trump left the summit early to engage with Kim Jong Un in Singapore.  The main bones of contention were trade tariffs and relations with Russia.  But President Trump is also at odds over climate agreements.

The Group of Seven

The membership of the Group of Seven, representing more than 62% of the global wealth, consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.  The European Union as a whole is also represented.  Meeting to discuss joint economic policies, the concept of the G7 was founded in 1973.  Russia joined in 1998, when it formed the G8.  But following Russia’s annexation of the Crimea, the Russian Federation was ejected.  This 44th summit was hosted by Canada.

Heads of State

The summits are attended by the heads of government, and I will look at the countries in alphabetical order.

Canada, represented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  Geographically and traditionally, Canada is a natural ally of the United States, but like the U.K. and France there is also a neighbourly rivalry.  He delivered the joint communique for the summit advocating a “rules based trading system”, which Trump rejected. Trudeau stated “Canadians are polite and reasonable but we will also not be pushed around.”  The transits for Canada at the moment include Neptune squaring its Venus (bizarre developments in relationships). For Capricornian Trudeau, who has a patriotic chart, his transits include two difficult aspects from Chiron, bringing crisis and possible health challenges.

…

July

1st:

Wimbledon 2018 – Week 1

Here we go again!  It’s the height of summer, and the tennis season here in the U.K.  We can manage without the carbonated drinks in this time of shortage, but it looks like we’ll have the vitamin D from all the sunshine of the next fortnight, while enjoying the tennis.

As usual, I will set off by outlining the top 4 women’s and men’s seeds, and then comment here and there as the tournament progresses.  For the first round, I will not look at the opponents for the top seeds, as they should be expected to go through.  I will, as usual, endeavour to answer any questions about your favourite players as we go along.

Women’s

Simona Halep – No. 1 Seed

Earlier in June, Simona won her first grand slam at the French Open, against Sloane Stephens.  She had lost the first set (Mars was opposite her Chiron) but Jupiter was sextile her Neptune (a dream come true) and Jupiter was sextile her North Node (her time had come).

How do her transits fall during Wimbledon fortnight?  At the beginning of Wimbledon, she still has Jupiter sextile her Neptune, so she still has dreams, but not the karmic back up of the previous line up of transits.

At the end of Wimbledon Mars (having retrograded) is again opposite her natal Chiron (causing some nerves), Jupiter is till sextile natal Neptune (keeping alive the dream), but Saturn squares her natal Sun (some self-doubt perhaps creeping in), and Uranus is trine her natal Jupiter (she can still pull the rabbit out of the hat if she gets there).

…

August

5th:

Fleetwood Mac – A Soul Group – Part 3:  Christine Perfect/McVie

“If you wake up and don’t want to smile
If it takes just a little while
Open your eyes and look at the day
You’ll see things in a different way”

from “Don’t Stop” by Christine McVie

Christine McVie

Time to introduce the first female member of the band, but before Christine’s arrival, they had to deal with the loss of founder member Peter Green.  The band were doing well, releasing two albums in 1968, “Fleetwood Mac” and “Mr. Wonderful”.  They continued to increase their fan base.

Although he had founded the group, Peter Green, was becoming increasingly unhappy with the way of life.  Belonging to the band gradually became dissonant with his developing philosophy of life.  He told Mick:

“Mick I don’t want to waste my life.  That’s what I’m doing.  I’m wasting my life.”

He was becoming increasingly sensitive to the suffering in the world, and wanted to give all his money to the poor.  He was obsessed with his search for God.  Mick described the reaction of the rest of the group: “We agreed with the beauty of his idealism, but we were practical.”

…

September

2nd:

U.K. Politics – Autumn Term 2018

With both our main parties tearing themselves apart at this point in time, and the country still divided over Brexit, I thought I would take a look at the current state of play astrologically in U.K. politics.

U.K. Chart

Neptunian confusion reigns supreme in the (1922) U.K. chart at the moment.  So it is no wonder we are in the state we’re in.  Jupiter from Scorpio in 6th House squares its natal Neptune in Leo in 3rd House, so its communications are unclear or exaggerated.  Neptune from Pisces in its 10th House squares its natal Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius in 7th, so its reputation and relationships are unclear. There is a sense that it has “lost its way”.

Theresa May

Aside from practising her dance moves in Africa, she is limbering up for the challenges of a new term, walking a tightrope with Brexit, trying to maintain her Chequers proposal, and staving off a challenge to her leadership.  She is ready for the fight, with Mars trine her natal Mercury, Jupiter sextile her natal Jupiter (still smiling), and Mars sextile her natal Saturn.  However, with Mars square her natal Neptune, she is facing subversive factions.

October

14th:

Jamal Khashoggi

The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi seemingly within the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul remains a mystery.  It has been claimed that the Saudi Arabian journalist was killed inside the embassy, as he did not emerge.  Khashoggi was a long term critic of the Saudi regime, on issues such as women’s rights and the intervention against Yemen.  The U.K. government continues to profit from arms trade deals with Saudi Arabia.

Family

His surname was made famous by his uncle, Adnan Khashoggi, who was an arms dealer on behalf of the Saudi government, and who led a luxury lifestyle.  Dodi Al-Fayed was Jamal’s cousin, and their Marses are exactly conjunct.

Birth Chart

Khashoggi is, or was, a Sunsign Libran with Venus, the North Node, Mercury, and possibly the Moon also in that sign.  He was reported to have visited the Saudi Arabian Consulate in order to obtain documents to marry his Turkish fiancee, who waited for him outside, and who reported him missing after the consulate closed for the day.

Mercury is conjunct his North Node, so it is part of his karmic mission to be a journalist, and speak out.  Jupiter conjunct Neptune will have given him a strong conscience.

He has, or had, Mars square closely to Pluto, indicating that he could be a victim of violence.

November

25th:

Protests in France

“There is no place for violence in the [French] Republic.” ~ Emmanuel Macron

French citizens have had enough this week of footing the bill over fuel, and keeping Emmanuel Macron in the luxurious style of a would be Napoleon IV.  Even acknowledging the justification of their cause, and knowing the propensity of the French for revolution, it was still shocking to see the Champs Elysees ablaze last night.  It was also startling to see the water cannon employed for crowd control.  [A fun fact about water cannon is that Boris Johnson bought £85,022 worth of water cannon for London a few years ago, and it has just been sold off at £11,025 possibly to  be placed in a museum.]

Emmanuel Macron

I devoted a blog to Emmanuel Macron in April last year, and analyzed his birth chart to an extent:

“The Sun is conjunct exactly with Mercury, giving him the capacity for concentrated thought, at the end of Sagittarius in his 12th House of Inner Vision. He studied Philosophy (Sagittarius) at University, and in debate has a considerable mental agility.  The capacity for application and hard work is further accentuated by the Sun/Mercury trine Saturn.  His Ascendant is in Capricorn, the sign of Politics.”

This was at a time when he was seen as the most centrist candidate for the French election, and an acceptable swerve from the right wing Marine Le Pen.  Much has been made since of his presidential style and penchant for pomp, and he gave an interesting interview with Andrew Marr in January, describing himself as a Jupiterian (whatever he meant by it).  Certainly, his Sun is exactly conjunct Mercury in Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius and opposes Jupiter closely.  That makes him Jupiterian by any astrological standards.  But his popularity ratings have been consistently low and plummeting during his “reign” (recently standing at 21% in September), and his public are not amused.

December

2nd:

George H.W. Bush (1924 – 2018)

Another former president of the United States of America died this week: the elder Bush.  Contemplating his life takes us nostalgically back to an era when progress seemed to be happening in the world…

George Herbert Walker Bush was well prepared for his role as president, having built his character and life experience through service in the second World War, as a businessman in the oil industry, as a Congressman and as a Vice President.  Then as fate would have it, his period of office as president coincided with important world changes.  His Ascendant was exactly conjunct the North Node, indicating that he was a karmic catalyst.

Birth Chart

George had the Sun in Gemini, the Moon in Libra and   his Ascendant in Leo.  His Sun was exactly square Uranus, so he was strong willed and not afraid to be controversial.  He had Venus conjunct Pluto in Cancer, so he was a man of deep feelings and patriotism.  Mars was exactly trine Saturn in his chart, indicating measured action, and he was described as a “pragmatic caretaker” which is descriptive of that trine.  He found strength through his religious faith, and that is reflected by the positive interaction of Jupiter trine Neptune in his chart.

 

Jose Mourinho

Manager Jose Mourinho parted ways with football club Manchester United at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday this week (18th) after 30 months in the job, and having just renewed his contract. He has a pattern of working with a team for about two years and then going off the boil.  This may be part of the pattern, or it may mark the end of his reign as one of the most successful managers of his time.

Birth Chart

What can we learn about the substance of the man from his birth chart?  He has half his  planets in the fixed sign, giving him a fair amount of stubbornness.  His Sun and Moon are in Aquarius, so he is normally visionary and intuitive.  Why has he been going round with a long face in recent memory?  Well, he has the slow-moving, soul-searching dwarf planet Pluto transiting his natal Ascendant.  That is one of the heaviest transits anyone can have.  Some people don’t have it in one incarnation, because it takes so long for Pluto to travel round the zodiac.  He has been under this cloud for some time, and for some time to come.  He is in the middle of a psychological journey.  His natal Ascendant is in the not-very-jolly sign of Capricorn, so he is serious by nature anyway.  With Saturn, ruling planet of Capricorn, conjunct his natal Moon in the 1st House, emotionally he lives in an ivory tower.  The Saturn/Moon conjunction opposes Mars, so he is liable to lash out harshly at times.

Wherein lies the genius in his chart, the genius giving rise to the nickname of “The Special One” (originally self-designated)?  He has Jupiter conjunct Chiron, which can give rise to miraculousness, though of course he is not in such a phase currently.  Jupiter is exactly trine his Midheaven, giving rise to lucky opportunities in his career.  Interestingly, he has the religious trine between Jupiter and Neptune, and has been quoted as saying in relation to his Roman Catholicism: “I believe totally, clearly. Every day I pray; every day I speak with Him. I don’t go to the church every day, not even every week. I go when I feel I need to. And when I’m in Portugal, I always go.”

Career

He originally wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer, but realized he was better suited to being a manager.  He had previous stints as Manager for European clubs, plus two stints at Chelsea, where he was initially successful both times.

His first stint at Chelsea began on 2nd June 2004.  Saturn was sextile his natal Pluto at the time, marking a serious time for knuckling down.  At the same time, Neptune was conjunct his Moon, so he was able to project a sense of glamour.  Neptune was also square his Neptune, so some of that glamour was an illusion.  Neptune in his natal chart is conjunct his Midheaven, so glamour and illusion are very much a part of his public persona.

Mourinho left Chelsea on 20th September 2007 by mutual consent.  Jupiter was sextile his Saturn exactly that day, Uranus trine his Neptune, and Neptune sextile his Venus: a good planetary line up for a fairly civilized departure.

Six years later, almost to the day that he originally joined, on 3rd June 2013, he was back at Chelsea.  In  his yearly rhythm, the Sun is always trine his natal Saturn in the 1st House at that point, which is a point of stability and commitment.  Saturn, however, was square his natal Sun (not as promising as the first joining), and Pluto was trine his Pluto (self-empowerment). The North Node (karma) was transiting his Neptune (time to establish truth from illusion).  In the 2013 – 2014 season, Chelsea finished third in the Premier League.

While at Chelsea, he ran into conflict with Eva Carneiro, a sports doctor.  She rushed onto the pitch to assist a player, when  Jose thought it unnecessary.  This led to her departure from the team on 22nd September 2015, around her Uranus Opposition.  Neptune was conjunct Jose’s Chiron, an oversensitivity on his part.

Chelsea let go of Mourinho, again “by mutual consent” on 17th December 2015, with Chiron square his natal Venus (unable to resolve differences), Uranus trine his natal Venus, and Uranus trine his natal Mars in a Grand Trine with Venus (a sense of freedom for him).  The statement from the club read:

“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.”

He went on to join Manchester United on 27th May 2016.  The transits for this new alliance was more tricky:  Mars was square his natal Pluto, Jupiter was square his natal Neptune, the Grand Trine was still operating in his life (a golden opportunity), and Pluto was sextile his Neptune (he had the confidence to embark on this new project).  He stayed in a hotel the entire time he worked for Manchester United, his family staying behind in Portugal.  At heart, he professes to be a family man.

In a sense, his Ascendant in Capricorn/Saturn in the 1st House “cautious” approach to management and style of play was at odds with the attacking tradition of Manchester United.  Though he spent money on good players, somehow the morale of the team did not generate good play, and there were numerous squabbles, and numerous justifications by Mourinho.  This all led to this week’s firing.

Others

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Zlatan was Jose’s first signing at Manchester United, with Zlatan eventually leaving on 22nd March this year.  It is said that Mourinho was regretful at the loss of this player.  In October, he stood up for Mourinho against criticism saying they were both victims of criticism.  The two have their Marses closely conjunct in Leo, possessing a similarity of energy (they both have a swagger in their statements about themselves!).  They also have numerous positive interaspects, including a trine between their Saturns, so work well together.

Ed Woodward – Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman reportedly had a difficult relationship with Mourinho.  Jose’s Neptune sits on Woodward’s Sun, throwing Woodward into confusion.  Jose’s Uranus squares Woodward’s Mercury, so the latter cannot think straight!  Jose’s Uranus also squares Woodward’s Saturn, which makes Woodward think he has to stand his ground, resulting in personal earthquakes. At the time of the firing, Woodward was boosted by a Jupiter Return.

Paul Pogba – Paul Pogba was purchased for a record £89 million.  However, he did not live up to his promise, and Jose fired him as captain and left him on the bench.  The resulting resentment over this relationship was one of the bones of contention which led to Mourinho’s firing.  In their synastry, Pogba’s Uranus sits on Mourinho’s Ascendant, catching him on the backfoot and contributing to changes in his life.  Pogba was reportedly delighted by the sacking of Mourinho.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has temporarily taken over from Mourinho, and morale was boosted sufficiently to bring the team to a 5-1 victory over Cardiff yesterday.   They relaxed enough to play their own way, for a day at least, but their future currently lies at a crossroads.

Aspects

Just a sprinkling of aspects this week, starting on Christmas Day itself (Tuesday 2th), with Mercury square Neptune.  This aspect may contribute to misunderstandings, so keep your communications clear (make like it’s Mercury Retrograde).  Clarity may be difficult to achieve (possibly made the worse for wear by Christmas drink – we’ve got in some non-alchoholic pear cider and non-alcoholic Budweiser, really pushing the boat out).  But your sensitivity will be high, for processing the inevitable emotional issues which crop up when families are under the seasonal pressure cooker.  Neptune favours surrender, and letting things lie, rather than confrontation.  People may be putting a brave face on troubles and hiding their pain, or their motives.  I bought the boxed game “Would I Lie to You” last Christmas, which is still languishing, unopened.  Mercury square Neptune seems the perfect aspect to open its lid…

A last word of caution (if you have read thus far), and that is that under Mercury square Neptune journeys could be complicated.  So good for you if you are not having to travel (I will be in the kitchen, wrestling to make decent roast potatoes), but take care if you are travelling – the SatNav could be playing up!

But, apart from that, Merry Christmas!

Friday’s (28th) aspect, Venus sextile Pluto, is altogether more satisfying.  If all the guests haven’t dispersed, by all means have that confrontation on Friday – it could be cathartic and deeply constructive.  It is a good day for relationships to bond.  Alliances can go to another level of understanding.  If you find yourself with a different “crowd” on that day, you will find it easier to achieve a rapport.  If with the same congregation, there is an opportunity to iron out some of the possible misunderstandings.  Love and money may combine profitably that day.

Mars conjoins Chiron on Saturday (29th), a conjunction which could manifest in different ways.  It may bring to  your attention an old psychological wound, or even a new one.  Perhaps it is the source of a misunderstanding from earlier in the week.  It can bring to you new understanding about healing and solutions to problems.  It may also bring more empathy, in the poignancy of recognizing another’s dilemma(s).  Particularly vulnerable may be men, cars and dogs, in this respect, so go gently.

It only remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and remember that Love and Good Will conquer all, whatever the aspects!

• Tuesday – a bit of a fog
• Friday – deep interaction
• Saturday – need to go gently

“But the thing I admired most in him is that rarest of gifts – a politician without an ounce of cynicism”

~ Nick Clegg

Ex-LibDem leader Paddy Ashdown died yesterday, having only been diagnosed with bladder cancer very recently.  He was mourned by politicians of all shades and persuasions, as a generally good egg in the world of politics.

Birth Chart

Paddy had the birth chart of a leader, with Ascendant in Leo and Sun sextile the Midheaven.  His early years saw him begin a career in the Royal Navy as a marine (Sun in Pisces), and there is also a strongly martial side to his birth chart (Sun sextile closely Mars; Mars trine Midheaven, a military career; Mercury sextile Mars conferring good motor skills and co-ordination; while Mars trine Jupiter conferred endless energy and enthusiasm’ Mars square the Nodal Axis, martial karma).  He called himself “the Action Man of politics”.  The desire for balance, which eventually saw him take the helm as the leader of the LibDems, comes from his exact conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn (in Taurus).

Career

Paddy Ashdown was originally affiliated to the Labour Party, then switched to the Liberal Party in 1975.  At the 1983 election, he won the seat of Yeovil and became a Liberal M.P.  The Liberals merged with the Social Democrats in 1988 and formed the Social and Liberal Democrats (which later became the Liberal Democrats, then the LibDems) and Paddy became the first leader of the new party.  Under his leadership, the party grew and thrived (by the time of the 1997 election they had gained 46 seats).

There was a blip, which did not affect the flow of his career, in 1992, when it was revealed that he had had an affair 5 years earlier with his secretary.  Saturn was square his Jupiter/Saturn/Midheaven at the time, and Pluto was opposite his Uranus in 10th House of Reputation.

He spent 11 years as leader and announced his resignation on 20th January 1999, with Jupiter trine his Chiron in Cancer in 12th House of Retirement.  Uranus was square his Midheaven (a change of course in his life) and Neptune was opposite his Pluto in 12th House (deep psychological change).

He continued to be an influence in his party, and on 27th May 2002 became the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.  His transits at that time were Neptune (his ruling planet) squaring  his natal Jupiter/Saturn/Midheaven in 9th House: a complex foreign mission. Pluto was also trine his Ascendant, from his 5th House cusp; a new (and challenging) phase of  his life and work, but one where he made a difference.

At the beginning of the results show at the 2015 general election he was being interviewed and said he would eat his hat if the exit poll was correct.  The following day he was presented with a chocolate hat, which he did duly eat.

His Passing

He died yesterday, with Mars on his natal Moon in Pisces in 8th House, and Saturn trine  his Jupiter/Saturn/Midheaven in 9th House, a journey to pastures new.

Among the accolades he received, was Tony Blair’s tribute: “He was motivated by values of compassion, decency and a profound commitment to make the world a better place”.

“Paddy Ashdown was an advocate for those others forgot, full of courage, integrity and immensely gifted.  He served the people of the Balkans with passion and inspiration, an agent of reconciliation.”

~ Justin Welby

 

Mrs Wilson

The final episode of the drama “Mrs Wilson” aired this week, starring the actress Ruth Wilson, uniquely playing her own grandmother.  The family have an intriguing mystery to tell.  Her grandmother Alison was the third wife of bigamist, intelligence officer and novelist Alexander Wilson.  Ruth is the daughter of Nigel Wilson, one of Alexander Wilson’s sons. The action ranges over time, and displays the range of Ruth’s acting talent, from joy to despair and everywhere in between.

Ruth Wilson

Ruth Wilson first impacted our screens as an arresting Jane Eyre in 2006, at the age of 24, and barely out of drama school.  She won a Golden Globe award for her portrayal.

Her chart is gritty, having the Sun in Capricorn closely square Saturn, with Pluto conjunct Saturn.  Her Sun exactly conjunct the South Node, suggests she was well schooled in the age old profession of acting in past lives, perhaps from the amphitheatres of ancient Greece.  With Mercury square Jupiter, she has a wide ranging mind.  Venus trine Mars gives her a measure of sensuality, while Venus sextile Uranus forms part of her magnetism.  She has a sensitive sextile between Saturn and Neptune too.

She has chosen interesting roles in relation to the female experience, from that initial performance of Jane Eyre.  The Guardian has described her talent as “courageous, edgy and compelling”.  She has played Stella Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, a role of female subservience in a relationship, but ending with a liberation.  She has also played Hedda Gabler, the title role in the Ibsen play, another classic work and one which has at its heart the theme of female empowerment.  We do not have Ruth Wilson’s birth time, but her Moon (female sensibility) is likely to have a sextile with Jupiter and a trine with Chiron, which are positive in regard to feminine issues.  The females she has played often start out as victims, but end in a position of strength, psychologically at least.

Alexander Wilson

International man of mystery Alexander Wilson was born in 1893 and had an unaspected Sun in Scorpio – a free spirit.  We do not have his birth time either, but it seems likely that his Moon was trine Venus, so he tended to get on well with women (he married four times).  His Moon conjunct the North Node at Noon in Aries may tell us a lot about the karmic compulsions behind his relationships with women.  Venus in Sagittarius may often indicate more than one string to the bow in relationships, and closely opposing Neptune points to deception in close relationships.  Some aspects in his chart mirror aspects in Ruth’s: the Sun opposite Saturn, mirrors Alison’s Sun square Saturn; Mercury opposite loosely Jupiter, mirrors Ruth’s Mercury square Jupiter;  Venus sextile exactly Mars mirrors Ruth’s Venus trine Mars; Saturn trine Neptune, mirrors Ruth’s Saturn sextile Neptune.  Mars trine Pluto brought a military side to his character, one which was inherited from his father.  Mars/Saturn on the South Node depicts compelling patterns from his past lives.

The most intriguing aspect of his birth chart was a conjunction between Neptune and Pluto, prevalent in his birth year, a chaotic whirlpool of energy.  Miro and Vera Brittain were also born in 1893, trying to make sense of the chaos through art and writing.  I would expect that the conjunction is prominent in his full birth chart, say on one of the angles, to make that cauldron of intrigue a central facet of his life and character.

His true relationship with MI6 is yet to be fully known, but his ability to write about the world of the spy is openly seen in his many novels, described in various newspapers as “forceful, exciting, thrilling, vibrant, vivid, intriguing, [and] daring”  .

In his synastry with Ruth, there were a great deal of mental connections (although he died nearly 20 years before she was born): his Mercury was trine her North Node, his Uranus was square her Mercury and his Pluto was trine her Mercury.  There is also an energetic connection, in that his Mars was conjunct her Mars, by two degrees, in the sign of Libra.  Ruth’s Neptune sextile closely Pluto brings an opportunity for generational healing of Alex’s intense conjunction – makes it more workable

He died of a heart attack in 1963 (when Pluto was square his Pluto), which sparked the events which were to lead to the uncovering of his bigamy.  His wife Alison encountered one of the other wives through that process.

Descendants

Many of his descendants have chosen life roles which involve the theatre or the media, or connect with the acting profession in some way.  He himself was an actor-manager of a touring repertory company in the early 1920s.  One of his sons, Dennis, was a poet.  Granddaughter Ruth is of course an actress, and other descendants are involved with playwriting, film-making and drama education.   Ruth’s brother Sam is a senior BBC journalist.  Alexander had altogether seven children with his four wives, and subsequent to the death of Alison (who left a biography) all the descendants have met and kept in touch.  At the end of the third programme in the series there is a touching sequence of their gatherings.

Timing of Programme

Transits to Ruth’s, and Alexander’s (post-humus) charts are interesting.  The programme began on 27th November 2018, on a day which saw a triple conjunction of Mercury, Jupiter and the Sun – the telling of a true and informative docu-drama.  Ruth had Mars exactly trine her natal Jupiter in Scorpio (an injection of interest) and Saturn exactly sextile her natal Jupiter (both transits of success).

For Alexander, the emphasis is very much on exposure: Neptune was square exactly his Venus, focussing on an exposition of his bigamy; Neptune square exactly his Neptune, depicting his duplicitous nature generally; and Pluto was square his Nodal Axis, a coming home to roost of his karma.

Finding out the truth of his life is still a work in progress.

Aspects

Venus sextiles Saturn today, encouraging the qualities of loyalty and stamina in relationships.  You recognize the reasons you are together with your loved ones, and why you have stayed together.

Tomorrow (Monday 17th) brings a different sextile, that of Mars and Pluto.  This is more dynamic, less thoughtful, and more instinctual.  There is a sense of strength and courage, but also action without too much prior thought.  Things can certainly get done under this influence.  If you are a slower type, try not to get steamrollered.

Wednesday (19th) sees Chiron squaring the Sun.  It may pose a dilemma, or a problem to be solved, or even a healing crisis to be soothed.  Certainly what needs healing will be uncovered, and the answer may lie in the problem, or deep in the soul.  Choose a healing modality, such as singing, and just go with it (especially if you are in a group).

The Sun trines Uranus on Thursday (20th), which is a day when surprising solutions can be found, and may come out of the blue.  It favours originality and creativity, and group work.  Electricians, Engineers and Astrologers are some of the groups who would benefit especially under this trine.  Someone (if not you) will definitely be thinking outside the box.

Another lovely trine arrives on Friday (21st) in the shape of Venus trine Neptune, as we are preparing for the Christmas break, bringing inspiration, whether philosophically, spiritually, artistically, or in imagining the right Christmas gifts which fit the brief.  Christmas carol services will be sublime!

Mercury also conjuncts Jupiter that day, bringing good news, prolific information, sales opportunities (a better day for the high street), and heightened travel experiences (whether geographically or of the mind).  Optimism prevails.

Lastly on that day, at 22.23 Hrs in the U.K. comes the Winter Solstice, the much longed for return of the light.  It is a good day to reflect on your relationship with the light, your experiences under the fading of the light, and your hopes for the growing of the light.  The Sun enters Capricorn, and we may become more focussed on practicalities.

The Moon is Full at 0 degrees Cancer in the afternoon of Saturday (22nd).  This is a super emotional Moon, connected and expressive of the more personal, private and family emotions, rather than the greater compassion of a Pisces Moon.  Be aware of the truth of your emotions, or otherwise.  Allow the emotion to flow freely.  The human family generally may then be a focus, e.g. we may see on the news the current state of tribal communities in the third world, or suffering in war torn countries such as Yemen, and identify with them on a human level.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – love and loyalty
• Tomorrow – energy and force
• Wednesday – healing and problem-solving
• Thursday – surprise and ingenuity
• Friday – artistic inspiration, good news and a sense of relief
• Saturday – emotions at full flood

 

Question Time

Question Time has been an enduring institution at the BBC since it began on 25th September 1979, as a spin off of the radio programme Any Questions (itself an enduring institution since 12th October 1948).  David Dimbleby hosts his final edition of the show this coming Thursday, 13th December, while this week it was announced that Fiona Bruce will take over the mantle of Chairperson.

Natal Chart

The main focus of the chart of Question Time are the signs Virgo, Libra and Scorpio.  The North Node and Saturn are in Virgo. The Sun, Venus, Mercury and Pluto are in trying-to-be-fair-and-balanced Libra, with Mercury conjunct Venus providing a platform for discussion.  The Moon and Uranus are in Scorpio.

The chart of Any Questions also fell into a similar area of the zodiac, with Venus and Saturn  in Virgo, Sun and Neptune in Libra, and Mercury, Mars and Chiron in Scorpio.  The Moon is in Scorpio, providing a spirit of enquiry, and the North Node is in Virgo.

Robin Day

The first host for Question Time was the flamboyant Robin Day, he of the polka dot bow ties and sharp wit.  His Sun was at the very beginning of the incisive sign of Scorpio, again falling into this sector of the zodiac.  This was a defining opportunity for him, the Question Time Jupiter was sextile his Sun, and he managed ten years as Chair.

Robin Day had the Sun, Venus and Jupiter in Scorpio; Mars, Mercury and Saturn in Libra.  Known for his cutting wit (“The Grand Inquisitor”), he had a T-square formed by Mercury square Pluto and Mercury opposite Chiron.  The flamboyant side of his nature is shown by the Full Moon at his birth, and Venus trine Uranus.  He also had an enquiring spirit searching for the truth: Jupiter square Neptune.

As a student at Oxford University, he became president of the debating society.  Dick Taverne described him as: “The most outstanding television journalist of his generation. He transformed the television interview, changed the relationship between politicians and television, and strove to assert balance and rationality into the medium’s treatment of current affairs”

His last programme was aired on 12th July 1989, with Pluto on his Venus (a goodbye) and Pluto trine his Pluto (self-empowerment).

Peter Sissons

Peter Sissons was the next broadcaster to pick up the baton, between 1989 and 1993.  From a fixed venue in London, the programme began to tour the country, a feature it retains to this day.  Peter hails from a different segment of the zodiac, with the Sun in Cancer.

Peter has Mercury conjunct Jupiter in Cancer, indicating an enquiring mind with a broad range of interests.  His North Node is in Virgo, in karmic harmony with the Question Time North Node in Virgo, and he also has Moon in Virgo.  His Mercury/Jupiter conjunction sextiles the Question Time North Node, providing extra karmic connection.  In his chart comparison with Robin Day, his Jupiter sextiles exactly Robin Day’s North Node, showing the karmic opportunity provided by Robin Day.

An interesting feature of his background was that he attended junior school in Liverpool with John Lennon and Jimmy Tarbuck, then attended the Liverpool Institute for Boys with George Harrison and Paul McCartney.

When he left Question Time, Jupiter was trine his natal Jupiter/Mercury and sextile his natal North Node, so he may have seen it as a liberation.  He continued to work at the BBC Nine O’Clock News and the Ten O’Clock News, but in January 2003 he was dropped from his post.  He claimed that the changes were due to the ageism within the broadcasting company policies at the time, and the astrology certainly shows that theme, with Saturn (Ageism) transiting his natal Venus in Gemini.

In his 2011 autobiography “When One Door Closes”, he criticized the BBC for being, as he saw it, too left wing.  This is interesting, since these days the opposite is suspected.  The whole concept of Question Time, of course, demands a fair and balanced debate.

David Dimbleby

David Dimbleby has sat in the Question Time chair for a quarter of a century!  He comes from the Dimbleby broadcasting dynasty (Gemini Richard, his father, and leo Jonathan, his brother).  Like Robin Day, the original chairperson, he has Sun in Scorpio which is actually conjunct Robin’s Sun.  But David Dimbleby has Scorpio magnified, because his Pluto is exactly square to his natal Sun.  And he owns his Sun sign, having had a Scorpion tattoo inscribed on his shoulder.  Mercury and the North Node are also in Scorpio in his birth chart.  With Mercury opposite Uranus, he is not afraid to be controversial.  And like Robin Day, he also has Mars in Libra.  mars sextile exactly Pluto gives him the ability to handle hostile forces (e.g. in the audience!).  And also in common with Robin Day, he also has Uranus close to his South Node.

His synastry with the Question Time chart in sustaining that role includes his Pluto (ruling planet) sextile the Question Time Sun (durability), his Pluto conjunct the Question Time Mars (endless energy) and his Mars sextile its Mars (drive).

While at Oxford University, David Dimbleby was a member of the notorious Bullingdon Club (as were David Cameron, George Osborne and Boris Johnson).

In his long tenure, he missed a programme on 12th November 2009, when John Humphries stood in for him.  He had been knocked out by a rearing bullock at his farm.  Most notably, Pluto was squaring his natal Mars at the time, which depicts a personal danger.

At the announcement of his leaving, Uranus was opposite his natal Sun (breaking away) and squaring his Pluto (also breaking away).  Increasingly, the last two years, the predominant proportion of time has been given to questions about Brexit, which has been very tedious and repetitive, and the questions and answers seem to go round in a circle.  No wonder Dimbleby is retiring!  His last programme will be this Thursday 13th December 2018, where his farewell transits will be Mars trine his North Node in Scorpio, and Saturn opposite his Chiron.

David Dimbleby is of course himself an institution on the BBC, and has hosted many a General Election through the night.  So he will probably keep his hand in, in the coming years.

Fiona Bruce

Fiona Bruce has been chosen as Dimbleby’s successor.  Apparently, she performed well in front of trial runs with audiences, impressing “with her authority, warmth, and ability to connect with the audience and champion their concerns.”

Fiona is a Sun in Taurus.  Interestingly, Jeremy Paxman was considered for the role at the time David Dimbleby was chosen.  Jeremy has been nicknamed as “the Rottweiler”, but seems to have softened in recent years.  Jeremy Paxman is a Taurean, like Fiona.  This sign gives her qualities of doggedness and stamina when dealing with the challenges of the role.

Like Peter Sissons, she has Mercury conjunct Jupiter (endless curiosity), and hers is part of a triple conjunction with the Sun.  With 5 planets in Earth signs, she would be very grounded, but Sun trine exactly Uranus would make her a quick thinker, and also prevent her from being too stuck in the mud.  Her chart does have more similarity with Peter Sissons’ generally, with the Sun sextile exactly a North Node in Cancer (her role in the Antiques Road Show).  Jupiter sextile exactly Saturn may give her a balanced judgement.  She has the mid-1960s high energy conjunction of Uranus/Pluto in Virgo (she once sang in punk bands).  Uranus sextile exactly the North Node gives her leadership, and good group consciousness.  Neptune trine exactly her Chiron brings healing qualities.

In her relationship with the Question Time chart, its Saturn squares her Venus, so she may feel tied down.  Its Neptune also squares her Chiron, so may be draining to her healing energies.  The role could take its toll – though she has said she will continue her other programmes, but she may have to re-think.  Her Pluto is exactly sextile that of Robin Day, symbolic of carrying on a tradition over the generations.  At the announcement of the take over, Saturn was trine her Mercury (a mental commitment).  Her first programme will be on Thursday 10th January, when Saturn will be trine her Pluto, marking a long term project.  But Pluto will be square her Mars, which will not be easy.  David Dimbleby’s length of service in the role will be hard to beat!

Aspects

Aspects this week are extremely thin on the ground, as to be almost non-existent.  Two planets change direction, mercifully forwards (but these events are not aspects).  There is only one aspect as such, and that occurs today.  So make it last!

Chiron is stationary, prior to turning direct today.  This is a helpful step on  your healing pathway, a boost to your healing energies, and will assist you in finding new healing avenues.

On the day that Chiron went direct last December, I noted: “Interesting that yesterday when Chiron (the Healer) went Direct, a new treatment for diabetes was announced: a liquid diet of 800 calories a day, which applied for several weeks enabled enough weight loss to remove fat from around the pancreas, and bring about remission.”  There have been further developments to this story during the course of the last year.  The government has even announced in the last month that very low calorie diets are to be introduced to tackle type 2 diabetes.

Also today, as if to emphasize this healing trend, Mercury trines Chiron, which provides more of the same.  Because we experienced this recently (on 4th) when Mercury was retrograde, now that Mercury is retracing its steps, we might find healing themes recurring.  As mentioned last week, Mercury trine Chiron describes healing on a mental level (positive thinking, writing and affirmations), and helps to combine conventional and alternative or complementary healing approaches.  If you noticed such a theme last week, the flow may continue this week.

On Wednesday (12th), Mercury re-enters Sagittarius, from its retrograde period retracing its path in Scorpio.  It went into Sagittarius at the end of October, before dipping back to Scorpio.  Mercury in Sagittarius is fun loving, so buy some joke books as stocking fillers for those you love, young and old!  Mental expansion and curiosity are also prevalent with this placement, so books fostering keen interests will be welcome this Christmas and into the New Year while Mercury is in Sagittarius.  “Knock, knock, who’s there?” and “Did you know…?” are phrases that may be ringing in your ears.

All these influences will be hanging around for most of the week if  you need them.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – healing progress and mental avenues of healing
• Wednesday – fun loving, and a thirst for knowledge

George H.W. Bush (1924 – 2018)

Another former president of the United States of America died this week: the elder Bush.  Contemplating his life takes us nostalgically back to an era when progress seemed to be happening in the world…

George Herbert Walker Bush was well prepared for his role as president, having built his character and life experience through service in the second World War, as a businessman in the oil industry, as a Congressman and as a Vice President.  Then as fate would have it, his period of office as president coincided with important world changes.  His Ascendant was exactly conjunct the North Node, indicating that he was a karmic catalyst.

Birth Chart

George had the Sun in Gemini, the Moon in Libra and   his Ascendant in Leo.  His Sun was exactly square Uranus, so he was strong willed and not afraid to be controversial.  He had Venus conjunct Pluto in Cancer, so he was a man of deep feelings and patriotism.  Mars was exactly trine Saturn in his chart, indicating measured action, and he was described as a “pragmatic caretaker” which is descriptive of that trine.  He found strength through his religious faith, and that is reflected by the positive interaction of Jupiter trine Neptune in his chart.

The Bush Years

His inauguration as president took place on 20th January 1989, and he was defeated by Bill Clinton in the election of 1992.  His term in the most powerful office in the world was uniquely important in history, as has been mentioned.

Inauguration

At the time of his inauguration, and dominating the first year of his presidency, there was a world changing triple alchemical conjunction of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in the cauldron of Capricorn.  At this point in time, the triple conjunction was trine the North Node in Pisces, activating world karma.  In his inaugural address, he stated:

“… a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man’s heart, if not in fact, the day of the dictator is over. … A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken, and new action to be taken”.

The fall of the Berlin Wall

“Bliss it was in that dawn to be alive. But to be young was very heaven!” So wrote Wordsworth about the French Revolution, but the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November 1989 had the same momentous atmosphere of rebirth.  The dissolving of long term barriers and the prospect of unification gave rise to a sense of optimism and the world heading in the right direction.

How did we come from there, to here, now?  To having a president talk of walls between countries.  It makes you wonder what has happened in the years in between to reverse this spirit.

At the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Saturn and Neptune had come together exactly at 10 degrees Capricorn.  It is interesting to note that Saturn, which has a 29 year cycle, reaches that point of 10 degrees Capricorn this very month, around the Christmas period.  Pause for thought: again, how did we get from there to here, with fascism on the rise in Germany and across Europe, seemingly the opposite of progress.  How will Saturn manifest in that position this time round, very differently it would seem.  Saturn and Capricorn represent walls, and Neptune represents dissolution.  This time Neptune is not quite engaging with Saturn, but at the end of January they are in harmonious sextile relationship with each other: yet another indication (as mentioned in earlier blogs) that January could be a very important month in the history of the world.

Meeting of Bush and Gorbachev

The progress in the year of 1989 continued right through to its end, when on 2nd and 3rd December President Bush met with Mikhail Gorbachev, in talks which were to become the ending of the Cold War.

Gorbachev said about this meeting: “I assured the President of the United States that the Soviet Union would never start a hot war against the United States of America. And we would like our relations to develop in such a way that they would open greater possibilities for cooperation…. This is just the beginning. We are just at the very beginning of our road, long road to a long-lasting, peaceful period.”

As well as the triple conjunction, which was just still operational at that point, Pluto was also trine Chiron, an indication of deep healing and change.  Bush’s transits were not easy, including an opposition between Saturn and his natal Pluto.  But the multitude of transits for Gorbachev certainly showed that it was a huge step for him.  These included:  Neptune sextile his Sun (a spiritual step), Uranus trine his Neptune (constructive complexity), and Mars trine his Pluto (boldness and courage).

Again, how did we get from there, to a situation now where we seem to have the beginnings of a new Cold War?  Various actions by Vladimir Putin have fostered mistrust, and specifically the poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury meant that the U.K. and her allies could not afford to turn a blind eye to interference from Russia abroad.

Mikhail Gorbachev presided over liberal and economic reforms at home (Glasnost and Perestroika) and friendlier relations abroad.  This led however to his political demise and the break up of the Soviet Union.  On 25 December 1991, Boris Yeltsin took over from Gorbachev.  Bush and Yeltsin continued to build a relationship, and created a strategic partnership.

The First Gulf War

On 2nd August 1990 Saddam Hussein invaded the rich oil fields of Kuwait.  By this time the Uranus-Neptune conjunction of change was still operational, but Saturn had moved on, towards the end of Capricorn.  The most constructive era had passed, and a more sinister relationship was to begin, the long term struggle between the Bushes (the 41st and 43rd Presidents) and Saddam Hussein.  A dangerous opposition of Mars and Pluto was at work at that moment.  The Nodal Axis was square to Saddam’s Sun at the time and Jupiter was on his Pluto, daring him on to do his worst.

There followed some attempts at negotiations, but Bush and his allies prepared for war.  Margaret Thatcher was most encouraging in this, but George Bush Senior was not without the warrior archetype, having Mars closely opposite the Ascendant in his chart, and Mars exactly conjunct South Node  (past life warriorship).

On 16th January 1991 the U.S. led a counter-invasion to push Iraq back from Kuwait.  This coincided with a Solar Eclipse in Capricorn.  The strategy was conducted by air for just over a month, until 24th February when they were joined by a ground force.  The war then concluded after 100 hours.  It was probably the most challenging thing Bush Senior had to do in his lifetime, and Pluto was transiting his I.C. in Scorpio in his 3rd House.

This was 1991, and it was not until George Bush Junior initiated war with Iraq in 2003, that the matter was concluded, and Saddam Hussein was removed.  I wrote in 2009:

“The well-known story of the First Gulf War started with Saddam’s annexation of Kuwait in August 1990, when Jupiter was exactly conjunct his natal Pluto and opposite his natal Jupiter, obviously shored up by the full hilt of Jupiterian energy to his natal opposition.  The world watched with bated breath through Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, when Mars was squaring George Bush Senior’s Nodal Axis (again, destined for war).  The U.S. (as part of a U.N. endorsed force) was in saviour role to Kuwait: the Jupiter in its chart sextile exactly the natal Kuwait Pluto.  Eventually, the situation simmered down, and was left simmering for years in the subconscious mind of his son George W. Bush Junior.  When he came to power, this karma was re-activated, setting the stage for the Second Gulf War of 2003.”

Bush Senior always seemed a proper, grown up president, and his son seemed in contrast to be immature.  But George Bush Junior now seems acceptable, next to the super-immature persona of the current president Donald Trump.

Economics

George Bush Senior struggled to find success in the economic field.  Continuing the policies of his predecessor Ronald Reagan led to a recession, and he received widespread criticism for that.

Death

George Bush was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but continued to be active in various ways, despite being wheelchair bound.  He did not recover, however, from the death of his wife Barbara.  They had been married for 73 years, and she died in April 2018.  Her Sun was exactly trine his Moon.  They were both Geminis, so must have been twins for each other.  Her Mars was sextile his Midheaven, an energetic support for his career, and her Jupiter was sextile his Uranus, a recipe for success.  He released the following statement when she died:

“We have faith she is in heaven, and we know life will go on – as she would have it. So cross the Bushes off your worry list.”

This week, Neptune was square to his Jupiter, and Pluto was trine his Midheaven.  His strength of character and profound contribution has been acknowledged in tributes from around the world.  When he left office, the letter he wrote to his successor Bill Clinton, which has been widely circulated this week, showed both graciousness and wisdom.

from Barack Obama:

“George HW Bush’s life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling.  And he did tremendous good along the journey” said former president Barack Obama, who had visited Bush in Houston earlier last week, for a final meeting in what had become a warm friendship.”

from Mikhail Gorbachev:

“We had a chance to work together during the years of tremendous changes.  It was a dramatic time that demanded great responsibility from everyone.  The result was an end to the cold war and the nuclear arms race”

Aspects

This afternoon, Venus enters Scorpio, where she stays until 7th January.  This is a time when deep feelings can be experienced and expressed.  There is a greater sense of intimacy in  your relationships and more profound understanding.

We also have Chiron trine the North Node, bringing the possibility of karmic healing.  We may bring up past life experiences of training as healers, in the various ancient modalities.  If focussed on the present, we may become aware of and notice the laws of cause and effect and consequences, and what heals and works in our lives.

Tomorrow (Monday, 3rd) the Sun squares Mars very early in the morning in the U.K. (so you may experience the aggro before you retire to bed if you are a night owl).  Aggro, irritation and conflict are all possible under this aspect, so an early night may be a good way of keeping out of mischief.  Your dreams (or nightmares) may be extra vivid, energetic or graphic, though.  But it may be easier dealing only with your own inner turmoil.

Mercury trines Chiron on Tuesday (4th), so more chance to avail yourself of the healing in the Universe.  This will be on more of a mental level (whereas Sunday’s opportunity is more holistic), so practising positive thinking and writing or speaking affirmations is an ideal approach that day.  Also, combining the approaches of conventional and alternative medicine is favoured.  Mercury trine Chiron also assists in problem-solving.

Mercury also trines the North Node that day, strengthening our mental equipment and also bringing insights around karma and past lives.  Sisterhood and brotherhood and camaraderie can also be experienced under this aspect, as well as enhanced teaching and learning.

On Wednesday (5th) we may experience a loss of clarity, with the Sun square Neptune, clouding issues and throwing up mysteries, and possibly making us aware of our illusions.  Dreams will need to be firmed up and become more realistic.  The aspect occurs at 22.22 Hrs in the U.K., so all the twos might be a clue to the mysteries.

If you felt indecisive on Wednesday, some things may become clearer on Thursday (6th) when Mercury is stationary, prior to turning direct.  You may feel some relief about certain delays resolving themselves.  For example, there may be a respite in the flow of correspondence before Christmas cards gum up the works.  There might be the right kind of leaves on the line, too.

We have a New Moon in Sagittarius on Friday (7th) at 15 degrees of Sagittarius.  New Moons tend to be upbeat, and Sagittarian New Moons more upbeat than most, focussing on expansion, the planning of holidays, deep study and learning, global issues, and matters of faith.  Re-play your affirmations, with more confidence.  You can have powerful inner conversations under this New Moon.

In the afternoon, Mars conjoins Neptune, which may empower the spirit, but for some it may serve to confuse, especially if they are dashing about trying to bag items on their Christmas shopping list.  More meditative activities such as Tai Chi, Yoga and Qijong will achieve a greater sense of balance and serenity.  It is difficult to have one foot in the material world and one foot in the spiritual world, but some can do it.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – deep feelings, and karmic healing
• Tomorrow – abrasive
• Tuesday – healing, helpful karma, and past life insights
• Wednesday – fogginess
• Thursday – improving communications
• Friday – optimistic new beginnings, balancing matter and spirit

 

Protests in France

“There is no place for violence in the [French] Republic.” ~ Emmanuel Macron

French citizens have had enough this week of footing the bill over fuel, and keeping Emmanuel Macron in the luxurious style of a would be Napoleon IV.  Even acknowledging the justification of their cause, and knowing the propensity of the French for revolution, it was still shocking to see the Champs Elysees ablaze last night.  It was also startling to see the water cannon employed for crowd control.  [A fun fact about water cannon is that Boris Johnson bought £85,022 worth of water cannon for London a few years ago, and it has just been sold off at £11,025 possibly to  be placed in a museum.]

Emmanuel Macron

I devoted a blog to Emmanuel Macron in April last year, and analyzed his birth chart to an extent:

“The Sun is conjunct exactly with Mercury, giving him the capacity for concentrated thought, at the end of Sagittarius in his 12th House of Inner Vision. He studied Philosophy (Sagittarius) at University, and in debate has a considerable mental agility.  The capacity for application and hard work is further accentuated by the Sun/Mercury trine Saturn.  His Ascendant is in Capricorn, the sign of Politics.”

This was at a time when he was seen as the most centrist candidate for the French election, and an acceptable swerve from the right wing Marine Le Pen.  Much has been made since of his presidential style and penchant for pomp, and he gave an interesting interview with Andrew Marr in January, describing himself as a Jupiterian (whatever he meant by it).  Certainly, his Sun is exactly conjunct Mercury in Jupiter’s sign of Sagittarius and opposes Jupiter closely.  That makes him Jupiterian by any astrological standards.  But his popularity ratings have been consistently low and plummeting during his “reign” (recently standing at 21% in September), and his public are not amused.

Current Protests

The “yellow vests” (gilets jaunes) protests have been raging for two weekends in a row in Paris, and other parts of France.  The name is descriptive of the yellow jackets which French motorists are required to keep in their cars, by law, in case of emergency.  The protesters are calling Macron a “thief”.  Last year, Macron introduced taxes on fuel (designed to encourage more environmental awareness and usage of transport).  It is interesting that this conflict is occurring during a period of Mercury (transport) retrograde, and the Full Moon at 0 degrees Gemini (transport issues).  The protests have a wide support throughout the population, at almost 80% approval.

Transits

Emmanuel Macron’s current transits are:-

Uranus trine his Sun/Mercury in Sagittarius in his 12th House – surprise, surprise!; Chiron square his Sun/Mercury – crisis; Neptune sextile his Moon in Taurus in 4th House – he serenely stands by his policies. Uranus square his Ascendant on 4th House cusp, close to natal Chiron – shock and awe, with more shock to come when Uranus transits Chiron next March (2019). The South Node is on his Ascendant, very karmically, as a direct consequences of his policies!  And Chiron sextiles his Ascendant on the 3rd House cusp, which I think points to his stated aim being ecological (however that doesn’t necessarily wash with the population who are cynical about that stated aim).

The transits for the chart of France shows Jupiter on its Moon, high emotion, even if not constructive – the fire and enthusiasm of Jupiter can sometimes manifest in anger; Uranus opposes the French natal Neptune, which is a chaotic mix.  Uranus, as in Macron’s chart, squares the Ascendant (bringing disruption and shock) and in the same position on the 4th House cusp (shock) because they both have 28 degrees rising (amazingly), with Uranus transiting the natal Saturn also next March, which seems to be an important time for Macron and France.

Last word

The last word goes to a Parisian student (Joel Mouillesceaux), quoted in the Observer this morning:

“We’re here because we’ve had enough.  It’s always the same people who have to pay for the madness of others.  We have to work to pay, work some more to pay some more and it’s been like that for years.  It’s been like it since I was born [Age: 24], president after president, and now we’re saying that’s enough”.

Aspects

In the early hours of this morning Neptune was stationary, prior to going direct, at 13 degrees 42 minutes Pisces.  Neptune stays at 13 degrees 42 until 1st December, so though you may feel some spiritual comfort immediately, after 1st December you may detect greater flow and movement on your spiritual path.

One of the highlights of the astrological year takes place tomorrow (Monday 26th), that bright conjunction of the Sun and Jupiter (in Sagittarius this year, which gives it extra oomph).  Hallelujahs may be heard ringing through the land, although as the conjunction takes place at 6.33 a.m. in the U.K. it may coincide with the dawn chorus.  Apparently, the dawn chorus is quieter in the winter and in recent years the birds have been adjusting their chorus to an earlier time because of human noise pollution, e.g. much earlier near airports.  I digress, but it is a good day to sing or express thanks and joy, and an extra helping of luck may come your way.  A good day to meditate on what makes you happy, and put your enthusiasms into practice.

A more fractious thread may run through the day (that of Mercury square Mars) although that should not diminish your enjoyment of the Sun conjunct Jupiter.  You may have to guard against minor cuts and bruises, so it would pay to go through health and safety features before the abseil, or whatever you chose as your fun activity courtesy of Sun/Jupiter.  Words may also be cutting under this square, and people may sound their criticisms more freely.  In terms of travel, long distance travel (Sun/Jupiter in Sagittarius) will fare better than short distance travel (Mercury/Mars), but of course in order to go the distance you have to take shorter forays in between…That’s a bit of a conundrum.

Tuesday (27th) brings another conjunction, that of the Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius, which is much more straightforward in terms of transport and clearer in ideas.  This favours travel plans, such as in the booking of foreign holidays, and philosophical conjectures, as well as sporting interests.  It also supports global vision and interests.

Tuesday is a supportive day altogether, as it brings two more helpful aspects: Mars sextile Saturn, and Mercury conjunct Jupiter.  Mars sextile Saturn occurs in the evening, and helps to stabilize and firm up any plans, foundations or active projects you are currently undertaking.

Even later in the day, Mercury conjoins Jupiter at 4 degrees Sagittarius, which is mentally stimulating, good for business, and good news for communications (though Mercury is still retrograde, which takes away some of the shine).  Nevertheless if your transport issues have taken a battering recently, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.  Hopefully that will translate into some gains for the people in their fuel crisis in France.

Wednesday (28th) brings a focus on relationship karma, in the shape of Venus squaring the Nodal Axis.  This may present itself especially in the search for harmony within groups of people, and that can include families.  You may be seeking answers to questions regarding ethical behaviour, and the consequences arising from past actions, and balancing the needs of various people.

Saturday (1st December) may be challenging on the social front, with Venus opposing Uranus.  Be clear from your heart, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, as cross currents and crossed purposes can occur.

Mercury Retrograde also enters Scorpio that day, from Sagittarius.  A lackadaisical attitude may give way to a more suspicious outlook, or a desire to get to the nitty gritty of an issue.  You may have left a stone unturned since 30th October, when Mercury was last in Scorpio, which a closer investigation can reveal.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – returning on your spiritual path
• Monday – luck and hope, but also minor incidents and irritations
• Tuesday – concentrate your mind, firm up your plans and sell your ideas
• Wednesday – relationship karma
• Saturday – relationship disruptions, the need to examine loopholes