Blogging on a Sunday morning ensures that I stay in the now at least once in the week now I am retired and often don’t know what day it is.  When I started this four years ago, I was just writing about the aspects for the week ahead.  But now it has become an exercise in putting the aspects in the wider context of the news and how the aspects from the previous week are playing out.  So I may have to change the title to something like “That was the week that was plus aspects for the week ahead”.  There is so much going on this week that I have a split-screen in my mind of Libya on one side and Japan on the other, and though Libya has overtaken Japan on the news at this moment, there is really a lot more going on in Japan.  However, if you look at Libya as part of what is going on in the Middle East, that scenario has uprising in the Yemen, talks between the government and opposition in Bahrain, and democratic roots starting to be established in Egypt – a lot going on.  Where to start?  A reporter mentioned last night that the new intervention in Libya of a no-fly zone (we now have more idea of what it entails) is happening on the anniversary of the Iraq War of 20/3/11 – there must be some astrological significance in that, even if only a Solar Return!  The United Nations Organization was founded in 1945, the same year that Japan was in such dire straits it is said.  Jupiter is currently trining the Pluto of the UN chart (the wielding of power), but Pluto is squaring its Neptune (the unknown consequences).  As I write, they are still debating the morality of intervention on Sunday morning television, one Professor of Politics advocating the diplomatic intervention of getting both sides together to talk.  Much as I love peacemaking it is difficult now to imagine talking to Colonel Gaddafi.  Jack Straw was speaking this week about how the British Government had to speak to him in order to persuade him to abandon his nuclear weapons, but it would be difficult to imagine that anyone could talk to him now.  I am going to leave the current news scene now, but my heart and thoughts are equally with the Japanese people now for all they have to contend with, opened up to us this week by news reporting of images of the flotsam and jetsam left behind by the tsunami, the heroic attempts to shower the nuclear plants with sea water, and vignettes of personal stories of survivors trying to trace their loved ones.  My brief this week is very brief, as we have few aspects.  Today there is a minor semi-sextile between the Sun and Neptune – a sense of where are we now?  But later in the day we will know exactly where we are – at the beginning of the Astrological New Year with the Sun entering Aries!  It is Spring, and this should register with you on some level; maybe you’ve been planting in the garden, or starting a new project (some of us feel we have new lives, since Jupiter and Uranus entered Aries, and this sense will be reinforced).  Today will have a sense of finishing something and then starting something else.  As if to rubber stamp the new regime, the Sun will conjunct Uranus tomorrow (Monday 21^st) and new growth and new projects may see visible results.  In international affairs, there may be surprises (though we are assured we are not going to have a repeat of shock and awe 2003-style).  There may be some new ideas of hope and assistance for stricken countries.  Where individuals have established new projects, they may be able to join with others in group initiatives.  And that is a new beginning, a fresh start, with no other aspects for the rest of the week, which means just consolidating what you have started.  Just a couple of practical notes for your diary:  Wednesday 23^rd: Post your Census Form…Saturday 26^th: 8.30 pm (international event) Earth Hour, switch off your lights for an hour.  Happy Astrological New Year to you!

Radical Virgo (aka) Joyce Mason caught my eye two years ago with the zany humour and upbeat pics on her website.   I like her style of presenting profound material in a lighthearted way.

She welcomed me into the astrological blogging community, and for that I am eternally grateful.  Reading other blogs is a vital part of learning on the job!

As well as being an expert on Chiron, she has a huge heart and has opened her blog to guests while she works on various projects, including a new book on Chiron based on her research findings.

And if that was not enough, she has now hosted something I’ve recently written:

Astrology and Past Lives

The Nodal Axis: The South Node and Where we Come from

If you want to know more about how my Astrological work intertwines with my Past Life work, click on the following link which will take you to her website.

http://radicalvirgo.blogspot.com/2011/03/astrology-and-past-lives.html#more

She writes:

“Guests broaden the horizons of my blog. They give readers so much more when I can invite other favorite writers to share their passions and posts.”

Thank you, Joyce!

Within hours of Uranus entering Aries, a large scale disaster unfolded on our screens coming from Japan: earthquake, followed by tsunami and then nuclear plant meltdown.  The national chart of Japan shows the sword of Damocles which has been present in the form of a Grand Cross between the natal Mercury, Saturn, Uranus and Chiron.  I associate Saturn/Uranus with earthquakes, and Japan has a square between them natally, thus predisposing them to earthquakes.  This earthquake, long expected, occurred as Jupiter activated the Grand Cross by transiting the natal Mercury.  Jupiter comes to that position every 12 years, so what distinguishes this time from other such moments?  The answer may lie in the timings of the eclipses, according to Marjorie Orr on her website.  The Head of Disaster Management for the Red Cross was saying on Radio 5 Live this morning that in terms of unmet humanitarian need the situation in Libya and Tunisia is still more demanding, partly because of the sophisticated level of organization which the Japanese have in place.  The scenes in Japan (brought from mobile phones to satellites to our TVs) have been incredibly graphic and nightmarishly surreal, with especially poignant reports about children being snatched from water or being checked for radiation, and all hearts are with them.  Crossing over to the Libyan situation, we have blotted our copy books with our interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and while the world is agreed that something must be done, we are not morally equipped to save the Libyans from being slaughtered by the man who thinks they love him.   The Arab League however are now declaring the need for a no fly zone, and they certainly have more authority to do so.  Looking at the transits to the chart of the Arab League for this point in time, they may need a little more time to firm up their organization, confidence and thought before significant action can be galvanized, but this week Mars (action) is trine their North Node (karmic mission) and in two weeks time the North Node is sextile their Mars, indicating a theme of karma tied to action.  However the period in between looks tough with Saturn square to their Nodal Axis, and they cannot afford to make things worse.  In the meantime, all power and donations to the Red Cross.  Provided you have got over the shock of Uranus entering Aries yesterday, you can prepare your strategy for Pluto’s square to Mercury today.  Take extra super duper care of your communication equipment today, e.g. don’t put your iphone in the dishwasher.  Communications going haywire today could take a day or so to put right.  On Tuesday (15^th) Venus trines Saturn and loyalty and commitment in relationships is the theme.  Tender loving care is the requirement, though not necessarily what can be given, e.g. because of absence.  If the iphone is still drying out, communication may still be difficult, and you will have to fall back on heart telepathy.  Wednesday (16^th) may restore communications with a conjunction between Mercury and Jupiter at 11 degrees Aries, a special day for people who have their birthdays around 1^st April and who are sick of April Fool’s jokes.  They will be listened to, and their message will be broadcast loud and clear.  Venus will also be semi-sextile with Mars that day, so there is the possibility of mild flirtatiousness mixed in with the improved communication signals, which could be an interesting combination.  But don’t rest on your laurels with caring for your communication equipment, whether it be your ears or something more hi-tech, because on Friday (18^th) we are at the mercy of another Mercury wobble in the shape of an opposition with Saturn.  Communications may reach an impasse on that date, and rail travel might be difficult or delayed.  By Saturday (19^th) we might be nicely primed for the fever pitch of a Full Moon in Virgo which will see us throwing a Virgoan strop if things are not to our liking.  It requires all the laid back signs (Libra, Taurus and Pisces for starters) to throw their weight into the ring and remind us to get our priorities right.  Think about times gone by when we didn’t have mobile phones – however did we get by?

The week starts with three semi-sextiles, a minor aspect which has recently caught my attention as being worthy of depicting the nuances of the week.  Today’s is Mars semi-sextile Jupiter, so people may be getting into a hot lather or overboard with enthusiasm about things which may not in the long term prove too significant.  I’m still shaking my head with disbelief at walking into a restaurant last Wednesday, which I had suggested was Magenta Day, only to find everybody round the table wearing magenta.  You’d have thought it was a set-up, but it was just another entry of Venus into Aquarius, something that happens every year…On Tuesday (8^th) Venus will be semi-sextile Pluto and love, feelings and the affections will be under the microscope for authenticity.  The Ladies Detective Agency will be out in full force, looking for the truth of the heart.  The third semi-sextile of the week is Mercury semi-sextile Neptune occurring on Wednesday (9^th) when small paranoias may reign in your mind and niggle at you until you solve or dissolve them.  Something may distract you later and you might even just forget your paranoia, for there are bigger aspects afoot.  Mercury conjuncts Uranus and this favours original, inventive ideas and flashes of inspiration.  The paranoia can really be put in its place by such bold thoughts.  Mercury then enters Aries, and the mind literally has a fresh start, or starts to notice new growth which is already taking place.  This would be a good time for drawing up new documents or constitutions, or tendering new business initiatives.  If you have been afraid or timid about speaking up while Mercury has been in Pisces, your Inner Orator could surface now.  On Thursday (10^th) Venus sextiles Jupiter and this is the best social day of your calendar this week.  Engagements and partnerships thrive under this aspect, and a celebration may not be out of place.  On the world stage, Saturday (12^th) is the most important day, as Uranus re-enters Aries, joining Jupiter who has been holding up the success of the revolutionaries singlehandedly.  Revolution 21^st Century-style is due to ratchet up its pace.  A television commentator this morning mentioned that what we have seen so far were revolts, not revolutions.  Uranus will be saying: “You ain’t seen nothing yet”.   Last week continued to be dominated by the Libyan uprising.  I took a brief look last week at Gaddafi’s son Saif and found him to be very different from his father, but having a strong element of warriorship and tribal instinct.  This week he seems to have become an interface between his father’s regime and the world media, and so I returned to his chart for a closer look.  His intellectual and social leanings seem to be a reflection of the light and airy Venus placed in Gemini in his natal chart.  A comparison with his father’s chart hints that the relationship is not an easy one, with the father’s Jupiter squaring Saif’s Pluto (a power struggle).  Currently, Uranus is opposing Saif’s Pluto (indicating the need to reform his own psychological outlook, rapidly, to keep up with events).  He has an exact Sun-Jupiter opposition in his natal chart revealing over-optimism or possible arrogance.  When Uranus reaches 3 degrees of Aries in May, it will create a T-square with his Sun-Jupiter opposition, and events may be taken out of his control, certainly an unexpected change in his personal life.  He may not be the main player in the Libyan situation, his birthchart is not central to the fate of his country, and therefore Libyan events may take power from him earlier.  The heartwarming themes arising from the Middle East revolutions are the assistance being given to the Libyans by other regimes such as Tunisia, and the gradual emergence of some re-organization in Egypt and Tunisia.  Henry Porter in the Observer reports from Tunisia that “In Kasbah Square, there are representative groups from all over the country huddling round charcoal fires in tents and it was striking how often those who possessed the clearest political ideas and did the talking for a particular group were the women”…then from Egypt: “I saw a demonstration last Friday where the new prime minister, Essam Sharaf, promised meaningful liberal reforms and the rebuilding of Egypt” but reminds us there is still a long way to go.  Uranus first entered Aries last summer, and you may have noticed an impact on your life then.  With revolution now under way in the Middle East, there may be an area of your own life which is currently being revolutionized, and a huge new injection of energy is on its way to you this coming week for that purpose.  Will you know what to do with it?

Three weeks ago I wrote: “The big question of the week seems to have been whether or not the President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak would stay or go, and if he would go, when. “  Now substitute Libya for Egypt and Gaddafi for Mubarak, and I have another set of charts to consider.  Libya though is a different matter altogether than Egypt, and Gaddafi very different from Mubarak.  The Observer this morning calls Gaddafi psychotic (Andrew Rawnsley, Pg. 35) and his son Saif also earns this epithet ( Pg.8 in an article by Jamie Doward, quoting someone else).  I am not a Psychiatrist, but I will take a look at what their charts might say.  Muammar al Gaddafi has Mercury conjunct Jupiter which gives a wide-ranging mind and nothing  sinister about that, though judgement is blown out of all proportion by a square from Neptune (planet of psychosis).  The Observer could be right on that one.  His son Saif has 3 planets in the loyal family sign of Cancer,  and has his Mercury (mind) conjunct Mars, which indicates that he can talk war, but there is no sign of the psychotic flavour of his father’s chart.  His Mars is exactly conjunct his South Node, which indicates past-life warrior patterns.  Unless a birth time and Ascendant revealed more, I wouldn’t say he is psychotic, just merely protecting his tribe.  Gaddafi has good links and firm ties with the original chart of Libya, and the chart of his coup in 1969 shows Libya Republic Neptune trine his Mars (A spiritual opportunity for him to sieze power, what he did with it after was a matter of his own free will).  But an ominous feature of the comparison of his chart with the Republic chart is Libya Republic Pluto square exactly Gaddafi natal Mercury (Power came to him, to be exercised, but mentally it overwhelmed him and may have been a significant time in the process of his becoming unhinged.  If all power corrupts, he became corrupted at that immediate moment).  His 41-year reign hints at a Uranus opposition being his downfall, or the downfall of the regime.  The Libyan Republican Uranus is at 2 degrees 53 minutes of Aries, and Uranus reaches the opposition to that on 3^rd-4^th May, which may be when the regime changes to its next format, though Gaddafi himself may be away soon if his support dwindles.  At the time of the Unrest Chart (15/2/11) the South Node was resting on Gaddafi’s South Node (the end of karmic grace, perhaps).  Now looking at this week’s aspects, tomorrow Uranus squares the Mean Nodal Axis, so that puts revolutions still squarely on the agenda worldwise.  In our own lives, we may be rebelling too, though the rebellion may be from one part of our psyche to another which may have held sway for too long in a dictatorial fashion, e.g. we might take a break from a housework regime (N.B. This does not apply to Sagittarians, who don’t like housework, per se). There are two sextiles this week, looking pretty yummy, and the first occurs on Tuesday (1^st March).  Venus sextiles Uranus, and it’s a great day for socializing or bumping into someone you haven’t seen for a while.  Luncheon reunions are blessed, and so are more altruistic endeavours as it is quite a humanitarian aspect.  Venus enters Aquarius the next day (Wednesday 2^nd) and the social scene looks bright and new.  You might notice everyone wearing the Aquarian colours of Electric Blue and Magenta that day, hopefully not together.  If you have any projects which benefit society, you can take on new recruits that day.  On Thursday 3^rd, the True North Node enters Sagittarius, and we are set on a different compass karmically, one which is slightly more upbeat.  We feel the wind beneath our wings.  On Friday (4^th) is the second sextile of the week, Mars sextile Pluto.  This brings an opportunity to settle issues through action, and may bring more conflict between states and despots, even though it is a positive aspect.  In your own life, is there something you need to physically shift, like a rockery in the garden?  You’d have the energy to do that, but you still need to mind your back with that heavy lifting – you need to take into account your physical condition and limitations.  Better still have a partner for those odd jobs, one on each end of the plank: On the Mars end, a fresh-faced Aries youngster, in good physical shape;  and on the other Plutonian end, a more mature but wise Scorpio who knows a thing or two about how to lift things, from previous mishaps.  Draft them in!  Have the physical changes to your environment completed earlier in the day, because at the end of the day (UK time) is a New Moon in Pisces, time to raise a toast to any accomplishments of the week or month, and anticipate your new regime.

We are in the middle of a phase of Neptunian transition at the moment, so you may be feeling a little at sea.  This emphasis on Neptune started last Thursday, when the Sun was conjunct Neptune, and indeed we did experience some mist and fog in our weather conditions, typical of Neptune.  Some people may have felt a bit lost or in hibernation that day. On Saturday the Sun entered Pisces, Neptune’s sign, perpetuating that mood.  Tomorrow there are two aspects to Neptune, and Mercury enters Neptune-ruled Pisces.  Later in the week, on Wednesday, Mars also enters Pisces.  So expect a feeling of being at sea at least until Wednesday, after which you may feel re-orientated, and incorporating a wider and deeper range of sensations into your experience.  So it was that in my inbox this morning I found a video of an “internet friend” O’Douce swimming with dolphins, and felt it appropriate to share this in a separate blog.  Really I was playing for time, as I felt at sea about writing the usual blog about the Middle East confusion, another manifestation of a Neptunian phase.  That is a story which will run and run, and is primarily about the release of the human spirit under Jupiter in Aries, and soon to be Uranus in Aries too.  However, there is a sense of “What will happen?”, “What will replace Mubarak’s regime in Egypt?”  and “Which regime will go next?” which reflects this feeling of transition.  And, of course, there won’t be resolution by next Wednesday, but there may be a difference in mood.  This evening (UK time) there is a conjunction between Mercury and Mars, and indeed there may be a critical or analytical quality to your interactions today.  There may also be mental irritation and minor skirmishes.  Let us hope that the regimes in the Middle East who are under attack from people power, refrain from major violence.  The sooner that the Egyptians are able to form a new regime, the clearer the whole outlook will be.  After Wednesday, there is more chance of a clear new step.  In the early hours of tomorrow, first Mercury conjuncts Neptune – mental confusion, but also the possibility of spirituality and channelled information coming through.  Channelled information could mean any quality, depending on whether the Neptunian rays are of illusion or clarity.  By their fruits ye shall know them, or the proof of the pudding is in the eating.  This is followed by Mars conjunct Neptune, which if you like is channelled action, so therefore that can be anything from spiritually-inspired movement such as Tai Chi, to the movement of a crowd in mass consciousness, and again this can be positive or negative.  Certainly if you are working on your own careful personal evolution programme, some sensitive growth can occur now.  When it is combined in a group or a large crowd, the outcome is more unpredictable.  On the same day, Mercury enters Pisces, and issues that seemed clear while Mercury was in Aquarius, may need to be re-evaluated, to take in for instance the needs of all of a group, or a society, or a country.  On Tuesday (22^nd) Mercury forms a conjunction with Chiron, and it is time to focus on healing.  This may be precipitated by a healing crisis, but there is the potential to accept the influx of healing energy.  Mars enters Pisces on Wednesday (23^rd) and the ocean that is Pisces will be full of sea creatures, or dolphins, or planets (symbolically speaking, of course!).  For those who like numbers Mars will be at 0 degrees Pisces, Chiron at 1 degree, Mercury at 3, the Sun at 4, and Uranus at 29.  So Mars/Chiron/Mercury/Sun are in close proximity, producing an intense whirlpool of energy, which you might think twice about entering if you are unsure of what you are getting into and whether you have a handle on it.  Just stand by in compassion, if in doubt.  The intense Neptune phase now starts to wane, and the first aspect which now comes up is Mars conjunct Chiron on Thursday 24^th.  This is about healing wounds, and there may be a focus on the results of some of the violence which is going on in the world, such as the governments firing on crowds.  It is about healing the causes and the results of violence, and becoming clear on these issues.  Again, healing energy will be available, but of a more physical and practical nature than when Mercury was conjunct Chiron on Tuesday, which will have been a cooler mental type of healing energy and conjecture.  The energy on Thursday will be more impassioned.  Beware though of energy which comes in a healing guise and is just projected anger.  On Friday (25^th) the Sun conjuncts Mercury in Pisces and there is an opportunity for reasoned discussion, but taking into account the plight and feelings of victims of financial cuts in the NHS or oppressed populations.  Those who have the skills to understand can make a difference in sharing their ideas.  Later, Mercury is semi-sextile Jupiter, so small groups can report back their findings and feedback to larger groups, so that information can be applied to circumstances which need attention.  Mercury then sextiles Pluto on the same day, and really deep thought and discussion is possible.  Friday therefore becomes a day where people can make a difference, starting with their own thoughts and then communicating with the wider world and then sitting down to discuss harsh realities and how new ideas can be applied.  It is the sort of day that an idea can take hold on Facebook (sadly I do not have a Facebook page though).  For finally on that day Jupiter squares Pluto again, which is quite a crescendo.  My blog on this aspect focuses on the schism between religion and atheism in our society, and the relationship of dark and light.  And certainly one man’s meat is a vegetarian man’s poison, so differences have to be confronted.  But a lot of thought will have been provoked in advance, and a lot of discussion taken place.  And a lot of good will that the will of the people will prevail.  Friday will really be the important day this week, but there are a couple of aspects on Saturday (26^th) when you might be eating leftovers symbolically from the feast the day before, or you may be hungover if you prefer liquids over solids.  The Sun sextiles Pluto, so the light of consciousness enables us to understand the contrasts of light and shade in the issues we are dealing with, not so dramatically as the day before, but nevertheless usefully, and there may be a cold light of day or anti-climactic climate with which to examine issues.  This is followed by another semi-sextile, which is a minor aspect, in the form of Sun semi-sextile Jupiter.  Saturday therefore may act as a light perceived at the end of a tunnel, but certainly the opportunity to get to grips with some of the major issues which occurred at the end of the week, and which followed the transitionary period up to the middle of the week.

In a complete departure this week I bring you a video of swimming with Dolphins.  I “met” O’Douce on the networking site ipeace a couple of years ago, and she agreed to do the eighth in my interview series, on her subject of the Mayan calendar.  I hadn’t heard from her since, but this morning she sent me the following film of herself swimming and singing with dolphins.  I therefore present you with her words, and the link to her dolphin video.  The Mayan Calendar interview has therefore morphed into an interview with O’Douce underwater with dolphins.  Read my blog later to see why we are in a most Neptunian phase!

Lana

Over to O’Douce:

Aloha Dear Universal Family

Here is a Dream coming true for me

to share with You

Magical  Dance with our Dolphins Family!

As We are in a most auspicious Time

to explore New Space with Wakefulness

I invite you to come and float in the beautiful Water of the Pacific.

I have  kept the editing of theses images at the minimum so you can live  the full experience.

You will hear my voice also

as I sing for the Dolphins and for Water Healing.

Notice that I swim in full respect as I swim far from the shore, starts singing  and wait for the Dolphins to come to me. .

Please share Magical Dance of the Dolphins with your friends and also to  Children!

Dolphins song  is for You!

Dauphins Famille Universelle /  Dolphins, Universal Family

Un rêve?  /  A dream ?

“Viens nager avec Nous  /  Come swim with Us

dans la Nature en Harmonie   /  in Nature’s Harmony

afin de remémorer notre Unité.  /  to remember our Unity

En nage libre,  /  Swim freely

libère tes peurs   /  Release your fears

et flotte dans cette Eau Cristal du Pacifique.  /  And float in this Crystal Water of the Pacific

Accueille la Gairison  /  Embrace Healing

Enfant Intérieur  /  Inner Child

spirale  /  Spiral

en toute liberté!”  /  In full Freedom

DAUPHINS – DOLPHINS 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cI0q63DO3Q

No prizes for guessing that I will be writing about Egypt again this week.  I ought to be looking at the charts for Algeria, Jordan, and the Yemen by now, but I can’t keep up…!  Before we sign off Mubarak, I will take a last look at his chart.  He came to power on 14^th October 1981, when Mars was transiting his Neptune (we don’t know what house that is in).  This may describe how he came to power, which was as a result of the assassination of Anwar Sadat eight days before.  Uranus was square to Sadat’s Saturn at the time, but you may not be interested in going back that far in Egypt’s history.  However, Mubarak was the beneficiary at that time because transiting Neptune was trine Mubarak’s Jupiter, and Pluto also opposed his Jupiter giving him the opportunity to exercise his love of power.  The chart of Mubarak’s leavetaking, which is the beginning of Egypt’s future, shows decisive links with the chart of Egypt:  Mars is trine its Saturn (decisive action), Mars is trine its Neptune (a new spiritual impetus), Mars is opposite its Pluto (the military force to take over) and Saturn squares its Uranus (the challenge to rebuild from the aftermath of revolution).  Let us hope that their way ahead is as promising as their method of revolution, and can serve as a constructive model for other dictatorships in the region.  It is also worth mentioning that his regime is ending within 3 degrees of its Saturn Return.  Meanwhile we have other more frivolous matters to attend to, such as St. Valentine’s Day tomorrow.  How is it looking?  Will you receive the Valentine’s card you crave for?  Mercury trines Saturn tomorrow (14^th) and while that is not going to light your candle significantly, it won’t quite disappoint either.  It isn’t very romantic, but it is very practical, e.g. you might receive a gift token for B & Q as a hint to DIY.  Any documents you need to deal with you can do so practically and efficiently, in office mode.  The Mean North Node also changes sign tomorrow, so a karmic shift is on the cards, and that may also impinge on your romantic life.  It moves from Capricorn to Sagittarius (always retrograde) so your view of karma itself may soften.  The last 18 months has had a tough karmic flavour, and the next 18 months our view of karma might be slightly rosier or more philosophical.  Certainly many will be buoyed up by the Egyptian example of people power triumphing, and what might be possible to achieve.  The True North Node will move into Sagittarius in early March, when there will be the same sort of effect, but possibly on a more spiritual level.  On Thursday (17^th) the Sun conjuncts Neptune, and this is where doubt or disillusionment could kick in.  The people want results, and they want them now, and they cannot see how to get from here to there.  Kenneth Clarke’s warning yesterday that the Middle Classes don’t know what they are in for regarding the cuts, is the type of fog swathing us on Thursday. “Where are we really?” is the question we’ll be asking ourselves.  Are we on an idealistic path on the way to Utopia, or are we being heavily fooled by those with temporal and fiscal power?  But truth, as we see from all the exposures lately about MP expenses, and leaks, and Julian Assange, will out – and that is an inexorable path as much for outer life as inner psyche.  Uranus also semi-sextiles the Sun that day, so there’s a possibility of more surprise information coming out.  It’s a minor aspect, but may tip the balance in our understanding of where we are.  Friday 18^th brings a Full Moon in Leo, or rather we bring it on ourselves, with our emotions laid bare and the resulting consequences.  You can’t or won’t hide under a Moon in Leo, so more truth being revealed.  Venus also squares Saturn, so you won’t be faking it in relationships either.  Either your feelings will be real, or flattened to the point that you can’t be bothered.  It is a good thing that this aspect didn’t turn up on Monday, to ruin our St. Valentine’s dreams.  On Saturday (19^th) the Sun enters Pisces, leaving behind idealistic Aquarius and taking on the dreaminess of Pisces.  On that cusp, there is a fine line between idealism and dreaminess, so on that day you can co-ordinate your mental ideals (Aquarius) with your heart’s desires (Pisces) to formulate your intent for the next month.  Take advantage of the blur of that cusp.  Finally, the Sun conjuncts Chiron, so health may be very much on your mind, and mental health in particular, so working on healing, your own and other’s, is an optimum project on that day.  (Hmm…that last apostrophe looks a bit dodgy – Lynne, help me out here!).

The big question of the week seems to have been whether or not the President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak would stay or go, and if he would go, when.  Wider than the personal fortune of a dictator, there is also the nail-biting question of whether Egypt can do what no other country in the Middle East has so far done – created a democracy out of the ashes of a dictatorship.  These questions, and more, will not be answered in this blog.  But Mubarak’s natal chart is very strong, particularly in the condition of his Pluto (power).  His Pluto is sextile his Sun/Mercury, so he is able to utilize power to the hilt and express his personality through power.  Pluto is also trine his Mars, so he is able to use force and aggression, and that includes the military forces of his country.  Egypt’s military is a highly respected institution, and there was a moment this last week when I caught my breath because there had been no violence, and I wondered was this the perfect handling of such a situation by such an institution (I am always on the lookout for displays of non-violence).  Unfortunately, the situation did get a little out of hand after that, but by and large their restraint was exemplary.  It is also being pointed out that the Egyptian population is (also by and large) well-educated and well-informed, and this may make a difference in their being able to make the transition required to a land of democracy.  Hosni Mubarak’s chart makes two aspects from his Mars (his Self-Assertion) to the chart of Egypt.  His Mars is opposite Egypt’s Moon (People Power) and therefore the interests of his will oppose that of the people.  His Mars trines the Mercury of Egypt (supporting the development of an educated people). This year Pluto is square to his Uranus (sudden change in fortunes) but trine with his Chiron (bringing about an opportunity for him to learn about healing).  Back to the week in hand:  Today the Sun/Mars conjunction (high energy) trines Saturn (discipline) so deliberate action and planned creativity can forge ahead.  Venus also squares Jupiter so people may go all out to socialize, even where it is inappropriate, e.g. a dejeuner sur l’herbe in a cold blustery woodland area in an effort to draw attention to the government’s proposal to sell off our forests.  All harmless fun though, because by and large (my favourite phrase this week) Venus squaring Jupiter cannot do a lot of harm (Venus and Jupiter being known as the lesser and greater benefics).  Hearts may be slightly broken, but only on the surface…On Tuesday (8^th) Mercury is semi-sextile Pluto, a minor aspect, but I seem to be getting into semi-sextiles these days.  The fine print is under discussion, and should not be ignored because you never know what will become significant.  People skirt around serious issues, possibly finding it difficult to confront them directly, but just seeing how much they can take in, and mull over.  We do not want to overtax the mind and the emotions, but will dip our toes in just a little further because we need to keep going and growing.  Chiron also re-enters Pisces, so mental health issues are re-opened and the importance of this field begins to be recognized.  On Thursday (10^th) Venus conjuncts Pluto and we possibly realize why we needed to know what we needed to know earlier in the week.  Because in seeking to open our hearts, and recognizing the power of love,  we also need to know what  information and experiences can be discarded through being outworn, to leave our hearts clearer, to exercise the intelligence of the heart (the heart having a brain of course) and to feel more deeply than before.  What is left in terms of priorities at the end of the week, therefore, is truer than your previous truth.

And the event of the week goes to – Egypt.   But the unravelling started in Tunisia when Mars moved into Aquarius, and just before Jupiter moved into Aries.  How did Tunisia come to occupy that ignitory role?  In its natal chart, its birth being during the year of the Suez crisis, there is a powerful exact conjunction between Jupiter and Pluto in Leo, trine the Galactic Centre.  At the time of its recent uprising, Uranus (revolution) was trine its Saturn (the existing order) which indicates that there is a controlled element to the revolution at some level, but Neptune at the same time was exactly square to its Saturn, creating confusion and chaos to the existing order.  Moving on to Egypt, on the day of its uprising just after Jupiter entered Aries, Uranus (revolution) was exactly square to its Sun, and Saturn was exactly square to its Uranus.  Neptune was also trine its Sun, and (karmically) the Sun was exactly conjunct its North Node.  A nation karmically ripe for change, and pushing to recapture its spirituality (Neptune’s trine).  How does all this momentous activity, a potentially huge geopolitical event,  express Jupiter’s entry into Aries?  I have noticed that in its transiting mode Jupiter can bring up unexpressed anger, but largely Jupiter in Aries is about the full expression of the human spirit, and this spirit of the people could no longer be repressed.  The day to watch this week is Wednesday, 2^nd February, Big Wednesday if you will.  It’s a big fish in a little pond this week, unlike some of the bigger fish we have had recently.  Venus will be sextile Neptune enabling something sublime to happen in human relations, if we allow it in.  Mercury will be semi-sextile Neptune, so there will be mental confusion (“How can this be? Something so sublime…”).  Venus then squares Uranus (“Was it all a Neptunian illusion?  Relationships cannot remain the same…”) and there may be a wrench of parting after experiencing the merging.  Finally, Mercury sextiles Uranus, a new order of thinking, the mind re-sets itself to incorporate a new reality, one based not merely on facts but equally on human relationship and feelings, taking into account the role of Venus and Neptune in the proceedings.  Newness re-establishes itself on Thursday (3^rd) with a New Moon in Aquarius, another mini-dawn in brother and sisterhood.  It feels like it did when Labour won the 1997 election (!), or when the Berlin Wall came down – what happens afterwards, and as a result, is what matters…Mercury then enters Aquarius, to reinforce this.  New thinking, leaving behind the old regimes.  But again, I emphasize these aspects are in themselves small fry against the back drop of Jupiter in Aries which is the real deal.  They merely announce that some things are falling into place, as a result of the bigger picture.  As a reminder not to get too carried away, Venus enters Capricorn on Friday (4^th) reminding us that people and their feelings are important and ideas or facts can sometimes sweep this truth aside.  Don’t for instance, sweep aside the effects on individual people, O Governments, when you are making your economic cuts.  Or on a more mundane level, don’t ignore that elderly neighbour and the chance to chat, as you hurtle along the pavements to get to the supermarket, and get your shopping done, and go about your business.  Venus entering Capricorn is a chance to re-examine your values and priorities, before you give your all to the revolutions taking place inside and outside our psyches.  The Sun conjuncts Mars, too, on that day, so you could really be hurtling along the pavements or in your cars, possibly unthinkingly.  A huge amount of energy could be raised that day, so you might want to consider how you are going to expend it in a useful way.  Without that consideration, it may erupt in angry exchanges or burnout to no constructive end.  Demonstrations, whether about cuts or student fees closer to home, or about despotic  and undemocratic regimes  abroad, are not likely to die down or be quelled under such an aspect.  Where is it all going?  It is too early to tell, or to do any reconstruction work, but in March the True North Node (which always retrogrades) moves from Capricorn to Sagittarius, and that is an important karmic shift in our own lives and on the world stage, hopefully in the spirit of progress.  Events now may be making way for those changes.  We end the week on a nice note, for on Saturday (5^th) we have Mercury sextile Jupiter, a gift for international negotiators, a gift for shifting your personal correspondence or filing (pay attention to the filing, and it’s easier to deal with the bigger documentation).  It’s good for communication and sales, too.  I need to renew my passport, and I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment for weeks.  What perfectly timed moment have you been waiting for?