I came out of a 3-day spiritual retreat last night to watch the final of X-Factor (UK) and listen to Alexandra Burke’s heartfelt and triumphant rendition of  “Hallelujah”…One of the extraordinary things about her story is that she was written off 3 years ago and embodies the “never give up” frame of mind, so I couldn’t resist a peek at her chart.  I think this twist in her life is down to her natal Saturn-Uranus conjunction common to all those born in her year (1988).  We have all collectively been through the Grand Cross of last Friday, and conducting a straw poll, about 8 out of 10 of us did find it heavy going, but Alexandra is one of those who came through able to manifest her potential.  In fact the Grand Cross directly connected with her Mercury in Virgo, and I think it is her intelligence and focus which (from an astrological point of view) has brought her to this success.  Before perusing the week ahead, take a pause to sense what you learned from last week, especially Friday’s planetary shenanigans.  Don’t worry if, like me after my retreat, you are completely blank about the lessons, it’s the willingness to learn that counts.  For many, it all seems a bit overwhelming and bewildering, and almost impossible to make sense of the complexity, and rummaging in my postbag descriptions range from “purifying” to “twinkly” so that is roughly the range of experience.  What can we do?  Sometimes if there is not a lot you can do physically, accessing your own inner peace is a start.  Because from there, you will ensure that any actions you take will come from the vibration of harmlessness, and any thoughts you direct will assist care and protection, whether towards babies in a vulnerable setting, homeless on the streets, or the suffering in the third world (remember to get the cheques out too to back up your kind thoughts).  This leads directly but ramblingly to tomorrow’s (Monday 15th) square of Mars to Saturn, which takes place in the evening in the UK, but in the afternoon in the US.  Mars and Saturn together can result in harsh action, and this may be reflected in the headlines of the day, but in oneself it is a call to harmonize thought and be aware of our actions.  It’s a reminder that every thought and action has a consequence, and is about creating right action ( to some extent through awareness of its opposite).  So kindness is its antidote.  Hopefully these lessons will be learned because there is a very kind sextile the next day (Tuesday 16th) in the shape of Mars sextile Neptune, this being a very direct compassionate “Crisis at Christmas” type of intervention.  Action and compassion are working together in this aspect, and thoughts and prayers may see results, too.  Time to focus on the innocent babe, the struggle of the homeless, the unspeakable suffering in the third world, but with a little muscle and less defeatism.  The sextile though speaks of balance, and subtlety, and small victories will speak volumes.  This aspect will have to carry the week, as there are no major aspects for the rest of the week, but it’s a fitting one for the run up to Christmas.  So there I have to leave you…right on the brink of next Sunday’s Winter Solstice…like any soap opera.

Early in the hours of this morning, while you were sleeping, Mercury was sextile Neptune.  Hopefully you were given dream guidance, but even if you were not, your higher mind would have been communing with other planes of reality and gathering information for you to bring into consciousness to help you today or throughout this week.  Something today may remind you of a snatch of a dream you might have forgotten, or suddenly connect you with the symbolic signficance of something which has been puzzling you.  Today is the last day that Venus is in Capricorn and traditional loyalties such as care of the elderly need attention.  But late tonight (in terms of UK timing) Venus enters Aquarius, and social forces become more dynamic, networking is stimulated, and the Christmas social round gets into gear: drinks and nibbles with the neighbours etc.  The calendar for December becomes choc full.  Wednesday 10th at midday brings up a square of the Sun to Uranus, part of ongoing patterns created by the planets currently applying to the Uranus-Saturn opposition.  All part of the continued dismantling and rebuilding on this construction site which is our current reality.  Sun square Uranus is a disruptive element, a spanner in the works.  If you are earnestly constructing something (e.g. a relationship), leave a whole day to deal with this loophole or process its implications.  It’s the sort of day you wait all day for the gas man and then two arrive.  Catch up with yourself on Thursday (11th), do what you intended to do on Wednesday.  Friday (12th) on the other hand, seems exciting enough if that is what you want, but could also be chaotic.  The building site could become like Picadilly Circus.  First of all Mars squares Uranus, and you may want to do something one way, but someone else will want to do it another way, and the Universe may override you both.  Then Mercury leaves “always look on the bright side” Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, so you could get a handle mentally on what is really going on, even if you are not mastering the energetics of the situation.  The afternoon brings a Full Moon in Gemini, which is opposing the Sun and squaring the Saturn-Uranus opposition, showing up a Grand Cross.  Not for faint hearts, I feel.  But many Astrologers are looking at it more brightly, and a positive outlook is to be encouraged and fostered.  It will be a long day, Friday, for in the evening Mercury conjuncts Pluto, and you could probably write a book about what you have learned that day.  Certainly, there’ll’ve’been much food for thought.  The early hours of Saturday (13th), having been kept up all night with insomnia, brings Saturn square the Sun (tiredness and sluggishness).  Don’t plan a full programme for Saturday unless you can guarantee you will have the stamina for it without artificial stimulants.  You may want to sleepalot.  The main benificent aspect of the day (Sun sextile Neptune) favours a midday meditation or you may even feel like going back to bed in the afternoon for a siesta.  If you are committed to a social engagement, it could have a dreamlike quality about it: for instance you may be meeting with kindred spirits and slip into a world of your own.  Something creative could emerge from this meeting of minds, e.g. a script for a new play or musical, or an advance idea for next year’s panto.  Otherwise, it’s a good moment to put the Star or Angel on top of the Christmas tree and make a wish.  Focus on your highest aspirations for the planet now, while Neptune at the end of the week, as at the start of the week, is wielding its magic.

Of course the dust has not begun to settle on Pluto’s entry into Capricorn, but the aspects of ordinary life must go on…Venus trines Saturn today, which gives us a chance to re-establish relations, take stock of loyalties and also to look at our material values.  The love that underlies our soul connections (we are one) is more real than the divisions that separate, and that is something we can feel under this trine.  A note on trines: every time one comes up, and I say something nice about it, my Customer Service desk gets at least one query.  Almost always, someone pipes up that they didn’t get their money’s worth from it.  We are looking into ways to ensure heightened customer satisfaction, but aspects which occur in relation to your own personal birthchart will always take precedence over the aspects which apply to the general population, and may even counteract a trine.  Moving slowly on…there are two conjunctions applying this week, which we are working our way towards.  The first occurs tomorrow (Monday 1st December), and it’s that goodwill ambassador Venus conjunct Jupiter, which takes place at 22 degrees Capricorn.  This is the aspect under which celebrations, marriages and mergers take place.  A modest social gathering can also benefit from this aspect, but if you are breakfasting alone (in the UK) you may experience a heartswell of love for all humanity.  If elsewhere in the globe, it may be lunch or evening meal when this happens.  The goodness ripples out from this aspect, and peace and humanitarian efforts may therefore benefit.  Mantra for tomorrow: “Good will to all beings”.  If you are on your way to work, commuters turn out in full force, not one sickie among them, and nobody complaining of Monday morning blues.  Hopefully, that will set the tone for the week and the month, but by Friday sticking points emerge.  The international diplomacy may encounter hard lines, the loyalties of the beginning of the week will start to show cracks.  Do all you can to move harmonic processes along early in the week, but be aware of any developing fault lines of resentment.  Remember the motto, and add “Love conquers all” and “Everything is occurring in accordance with Divine Will”.  Friday (5th) brings first of all a square between Mercury and Uranus: the first thing you need to do is to establish a common language, because otherwise misunderstandings will follow upon misunderstandings.  If you are working abroad for instance, then make sure you have the basics of the local lingo, and speak simply and clearly.  Travel could be disrupted, e.g. you may misread the time table or receive conflicting travel information – check them out.  The evening (UK time) could bring inflamed passions with Sun conjunct Mars (13 degrees Sagittarius).  After your morning journey, you would be advised to meditate before the evening’s exertions.  Someone may get overheated, and it may even affect their health, and hopefully it’s not you.  So you need to have an air of cool calm collectedness in order to assist the atmosphere and avert a crisis.  Remember you read this.  It’s no good coming to my Customer Service desk, and complaining, and then I will ask you if you meditated, if you didn’t.  Saturday (6th) could be under a bit of a cloud (possibly from the previous evening’s storm), and again if you are travelling there may be problems, but not so much disruption as delay, with Mercury square Saturn.  That aspect occurs in the evening in the UK, so if you are returning home after a jaunt of Christmas shopping in the City, allow plenty of time if you want to get back in time to see your favourite reality TV show, or to switch it off if you are one of those who avoid them.

You’ll need your Ascendant for this! To recap: Pluto goes into Capricorn tomorrow, for a 15-year stint. It’s a new phase of life for many of us, and a deeper focus in the house which Pluto has been occupying in your chart, and may occupy for a few years yet.

Ascendant in ARIES: To the extent to which you see yourself as a Philosopher you must now walk your talk. You may have been playing a joyrider, and need to become a legitimate driver.

Ascendant in TAURUS: The shift in your life concerns the use of your life force and the resources which have been attached to your relationships. In your desire to be supportive, try not to allow yourself to be manipulated.

Ascendant in GEMINI: As a twin, relationship will become a serious focus for you. If unattached, you could become involved in a major commitment.

Ascendant in CANCER: The change occurs within your area of health and working conditions, and takes you from a more casual attitude to that of more assiduous attention.

Ascendant in LEO: Whereas your creativity has been fuelled by your joy, added to that will be a seriousness of purpose. Give up the day job to pursue your creativity, letting it support you though that may seem risky in the economic climate.

Ascendant in VIRGO: In matters of home and family, you may have been complacent or too cosy. Now’s the time to make the important long-term move you’ve known for some time is on the cards and in your destiny.

Ascendant in LIBRA: Looking back your communications may seem semi-serious, tongue-in-cheek, hedging your bets. But now your communication will be for real, and your words reflect a deeper knowing.

Ascendant in SCORPIO: Finance, always crucial to a Scorpio Ascendant, will become a more gargantuan preoccupation. You will see more graphically how you manifest and demanifest, how you control money or it controls you.

Ascendant in SAGITTARIUS: Pluto in Capricorn taking place in your 1st House may literally see you growing up overnight. This is not to lose the fun-loving side of your personality, but to add qualities and responsibilities.

Ascendant in CAPRICORN: If it seems you’ve been battling to understand your own psyche in recent years, this process will come to maturity. You’ll find new landscapes within yourself, not instead of but complementary to those you’ve been accustomed to.

Ascendant in AQUARIUS: This is literally the time of your life. Pluto enters Capricorn in your natural house, that of the wider group. Your role in society now mushrooms, reflecting a major life purpose in Networking. Some have leadership thrust upon them.

Ascendant in PISCES: You have been clearing the ground for yourself, some of you for years, to free yourself for a role in what you instinctively sensed would be a New World Order. Your role may be simply one of exuding silent wisdom, but your impact nevertheless becomes more profound.

Mercury emters Sagittarius today, and if you have felt stuck recently, this move may help to shift your mental patterns. Wider horizons may beckon: you may fancy a weekend in Paris, or may be thinking of booking a winter ski-ing holiday. New philosophical territories too may open up: the chance of an online Zen cafe encounter, or looking at a different strand of Buddhism than you are accustomed to. Tuesday (25th) brings a conjunction between Mercury and the Sun, so this may be the actual day to venture forth into your new mental or physical territories. There will be enthusiasm, and anticipation, and a burst of mental activity. The light from the ski slopes may be very intense, so make sure you are wearing your sun shades. The inner light from the Buddhist temple may also bring up some of your inner shadows, so give yourself spaces on your journey to attend to your process. Thursday 27th is a date that by now I hope you will have etched in your diary as the entry of Pluto into Capricorn (semi-permanently it might seem). There are plenty of blogs (as well as mine) out there on the blogosphere, so there’s no excuse for ignorance! It is a watershed, and on the world stage Pluto in Capricorn is part of the astrological dynamic behind the new Presidency in the U.S. and what will ensue, plus the worldwide economic collapse (together with the ongoing opposition between Saturn and Uranus), and not forgetting the climate problems of planet Earth. Pluto in Capricorn will need a new attitude from you – you will need to seem more grown up, while nurturing your inner child like never before. A whole new you. It’s a gargantuan opportunity, Thursday. For the entry of Pluto into Capricorn is followed by a timely step from Uranus (eat your heart out John Sargeant). Actually, it won’t be moving, it will perform a statuesque pause (stationary position) before turning direct. This will enable us to contamplate the amazing role Uranus in its retrograde motion played in the opposition with Saturn on November 4th in dismantling the long Bush Presidency, and thence to ponder on what else Uranus could achieve. Take a long deep breath, then pause, before the exhale (Uranus turning direct) which takes place on Friday. Meanwhile, as you reach that pause, make your New Moon wish – yes, Thursday also waves the magic wand of the Sagittarian New Moon. This is the global wishing season, where what you wish for yourself you also wish for everyone. What you wish for Earth you also wish for all planets: peace and harmony are possible suggestions. Friday (28th) brings a good follow-up aspect to those of Thursday: Venus sextile Uranus around commuter-time in the UK could bring lively conversations on the train – if you thought you knew your fellow-commuters already, they might surprise you with revelations this morning, or their absence might spark speculation. The early hours of Saturday (29th) could bring a wide-awake early start and more travelling possibly as Mercury conjuncts Mars. Incisive, decisive activity could take place in and out of the home. Get the mundane chores out of the way early and you’ll be free to engage in the witty repartee with a clear mind over lunch. With Mars representing the meat eaters, and Mercury representing the Vegetarians, there will be fun, but you will need a sense of humour to get it.

Pluto the long-stay planet is parking itself in Capricorn from Thursday 27 November. Here’s a guide to the psychological slant for each sign:

Aries – The pace of Pluto in Capricorn won’t suit the energies of Aries, which likes a quick fix. Try to keep your creative fire flowing in ideas and new projects, and hope others will pick them up. If you are a Life Coach for an Aries, advise them they will need to develop patience over the next 15 years. Gradually they will learn to follow through.

Taurus – You’ll be in tune and sometimes supported by the energies of Pluto in Capricorn, and have the long fuse which Aries lacks. If people have seen you as their rock in the past, you will be seen as a mountain in the future. This may cause inner conflict if you are not fond of the limelight, but you need to acclimatise to the prospect of your 15 years of fame.

Gemini – The heavy landscape of Pluto in Capricorn is not a natural climate for the Gemini butterfly. Keep your lightness of being – we need you to stay on the mental plane as a communicator of information (the old style oral tradition). We also need the charms of your other animal totem to provide the monkey-mind mischief humour you’re so good at. You will keep us on our toes.

Cancer – Your instincts and understanding of Pluto in Capricorn energy put you in a pole position with any dramas that are going on. You are used to life being an emotional roller-coaster, and process it in your own unique way. But make sure that you are not the fall guy, because at the end of the day you are your own person, and it’s not necessarily your drama. Just lend what assistance you can.

Leo – Pluto in Capricorn is not a hedonist’s paradise, but you may take pride in your natural leadership being sought out as well as your opinions, wisdom and warmth being acknowledged. No one will take away your crown as King of the Jungle, but you will perform your role with more Shakespearean gravitas.

Virgo – The sojourn of Saturn through your sign is helping you prepare for Pluto through Capricorn, and if you wonder if it’s possible for you to be even more organized, you’ll see that you can be (without tipping over into obsessive compulsive disorder). But it will be with a deeper sense of knowing what belongs where.

Libra – The soft glow of harmony that you like to create in your life will be challenged by the harsher lighting of Pluto in Capricorn, but that may serve to sharpen and refine your diplomatic skills further. If you are an interior designer rather than (or as well as) a diplomat, it will develop your colour palette range beyond your current spectrum.

Scorpio – As Pluto is your ruling planet, your perceptions may become even more acute to the realities of life – in some respects you may regard yourself as being on the coal face, but it will enable you to understand and make sense of your life to a greater extent, and also to live out your life purpose.

Sagittarius – Dear Sag, can it be time to abandon the rose-tinted specs, for say purple? Recent events have highlighted the bizarre, almost macabre threads of life you have hitherto ignored. But if there’s a colour between purple and pink, hey you’ll find it!

Capricorn – With much of the action taking place in your sign, you may be tempted to take the egocentric view of life (everyone’s line of least resistance) as you pioneer your way into the New World Order. You’ll gradually notice the other populace however, and ease into the leadership role you were born for. Keep the vision!

Aquarius – Aquarius may just leap-frog over the whole Pluto in Capricorn thing, so attuned are they to the Golden Age of Aquarius. Most likely sign to rise above it, and Jupiter in their sign next year brings lift-off.

Pisces – Your deep sensitivity will feel each seismic shift of the human race during this period, but at the same time you’ll be strengthened by your awareness of the developing interconnectivity, and inspired by the emerging qualities of the human heart. If you feel you are losing the plot, move to the ocean, and adopt a whale.

Next week: The Ascendants and Life Focus

It’s a dynamic day for Mercurial types, Geminis and Virgoans. The day started with Mercury trine Uranus, information flying fast and furiously across the globe, the internet alight with information. Make sure you get the full story, the full truth: there is a window today for truth to emerge before the webs of illusion start to re-group. Mars also entered Sagittarius this morning, galvanizing Sagittarians in particular into action, and just pressing the refresh button generally. Intensity and secrecy are no longer the focus of our energies, and getting things out into the open takes priority. The change may bring a sense of relief. If all this has passed you by because of a Sunday lie-in, then there are more Mercury goodies to come, so you don’t need to feel you have missed out on the day’s possibilities. Mid-afternoon (UK time) brings Mercury sextile Jupiter, which is very good for doing business as I said last week, or expanding your geographical horizons, perhaps visiting a jungle on the other side of the world…Any sort of communication is favoured, and channelling (a fast-growing New Age leisure activity) may bring uplift and optimism. In a similar pattern to last week, you may be setting up important projects for later in the week, but past the ideas stage and into the finer detail stage. Confidence in your plans and consolidation come at midnight or in the early hours of tomorrow (Monday 17th) morning, when you can realize that your belief in your product or business plan was not unfounded and indeed is progressing safely, with Mercury sextile Saturn. Recognize this pattern from last week? If so, you might know what is coming: on Monday evening Mercury squares Neptune, and the flaws and loopholes come into view, the illusions and cover-ups are exposed. But hopefully, as last week, all is not lost, because the main dish of the week (Jupiter trine Saturn) is a wholesome fare (see my September blog “Jupiter trine Saturn – finding balance”). In fact, you may be able to laugh about it, as I did about my loophole last week…Friday’s Jupiter trine Saturn is the last of 5 passes of this aspect, and may be the fruition of months of preparation. It is about finding balance, balancing opposites, finalizing plans, maybe making the best compromises and finding the optimal paths. The aspect occurs at lunchtime in the UK on Friday (21st), and early evening in the US, so plan accordingly, and adjust for other parts of the globe. Before you sit back in your armchair, perhaps catch sight of the Celebs in the Jungle, and breathe a sigh of relief at a job well done this week, there’s just one more thing: before you retire on Friday night the Sun goes into Sagittarius brightening the mood and allowing some optimism to steal into even the most cynical of minds. Pluto enters Capricorn soon, and hope needs to be nurtured. Maybe you’ll see a result for a candle that you lit while the Sun was in Scorpio.

Pluto re-enters Capricorn and takes residence there on Thursday 27 November for 15 years. For historical background and perspective please revisit my January blog (I shall say this only once). But for now, it is time to look at how it is affecting us. The transit of Pluto affects us globally, but collectively is made up of our own individual experiences, and we need to pay attention to our own Pluto principle and function, which is basically our whole psyche! Look at your whole psychology and lifestyle now, and get a sense of what might need to be released or revamped. For one of the mantras of Pluto in Capricorn is “Let it go”. Anything which is not sitting right in your life has to be let go of, now. Look back over your year, and many of you will realize that events (from the initial foray of Pluto into Capricorn in January and then back to Sagittarius) have brought out of you inner resources you never knew you had, bringing you closer to expressing your authentic voice. Marianne Williamson’s words (often wrongly attributed to Nelson Mandela) are very relevant now: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…” Don’t hide your light under a bushel, it is very much needed. Another mantra for Pluto in Capricorn is “Less is more”, and so I am going to keep this brief (have lost a lot of this on the cutting room floor). If you are a conscious Light Worker, then read no further. If not, then consider that you may be. If you are looking within, and building the antahkarana, the bridge to your Soul, the entry of Pluto to Capricorn is calling to your Inner Light Worker to come forth. It is time to let go of negative emotions in preparation, so clear yourself of these. Fear is the most prevalent of these. Allow yourself to feel the fear, and feel it, until eventually you will come to the root of the truth about it, and may even experience landing in a golden net of spiritual protection, or coming face to face with your own Diamond Self. For fear, allow yourself to feel the perfect love that casteth out fear. For guilt, allow yourself to feel compassion for the self. For jealousy, allow yourself to feel gratitude for all you have. For anger, allow yourself to feel the inner peace that is at the core of your being. And for worry, allow yourself to send healing instead to the source of worry or the person you are thinking about. Align your heart and mind, your Earth Star below your feet (earthly purpose) and Soul Star above your head (divine influx). Above all, be honest with yourself and look after your own well-being. That’s my Pluto in Capricorn manifesto! 😉

Next Week: The Sun Sign approach to Pluto in Capricorn

You may have a day of rest today, to ponder over what you achieved last week during the reconstructional opposition between Saturn and Uranus. Maybe you made headway on home improvements, or maybe your vote counted in an election. Whatever it was, it could have major implications for the future. You don’t need any preparation for tomorrow’s aspects (Monday 10th) for you will sail through Sun sextile Jupiter and Sun trine Uranus. These aspects in turn help to set up the Jupiter-Uranus sextile later in the week. So make hay while the Sun shines. Sun sextile Jupiter helps you to count your blessings and stay positive, and Sun trine Uranus stimulates and initiates original, inventive creative projects. You could plan their inauguration for Thursday, if that’s not too soon for you. Just get onto the Uranian wave, which can produce instant results. So to sum up, Monday is a day of possibilities. On Tuesday (11th) the Sun sextiles Saturn, consolidating your plans and grounding them. You’ll begin to think “Yes, they might work”. From dawn in the UK on Wednesday (12th) things begin to get a little more complicated and unfathomable. It’s not that your aims are not achievable, it’s just that you need to take into account the subtleties involved and the sensitivities of others. The energies from Wednesday morning increase in power and intensity with Venus forming a conjunction with Pluto. A relationship may challenge your existing awareness of your own psychology, just when you thought you had a workable model. At the same time, if the challenges are met there can be a sense of renewal for both parties and both psyches. The eternal motto “Keep your heart open” always works, even though the mind may doubt! Later, in the afternoon (UK time) Venus leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn and the Sagittarian openness of heart will be more difficult to sustain. You have to get real on relationships, but compassion all round is still the only way through. The biggest day astrologically is Thursday (13th) and the biggest aspect of the week Jupiter sextile Uranus. This is the third and final pass of the sextile which occurred in March and May this year. Now searching my own blogsite in vanity, I am shocked to find that I didn’t do a separate blog on this aspect at the time, being very preoccupied with conjunctions in Aquarius at the time. What an omission! It’s a beautifully dynamic aspect, favouring exploration of the higher mind and positive philosophies, expansion of I.T. services and networking, and refreshing friendships and groups. This and the Full Moon occur at dawn in the UK, so dreamtime would be a useful time to work with their possibilities: perhaps meditate on Wednesday evening before you retire, so that you can work on maximizing potential overnight. It might be counterproductive though and keep you awake (especially with the Full Moon), so it’s a fine balance to tread especially if you are a light sleeper trying to avoid the cats on the way to the fridge. The Full Moon is in Taurus, opposing the Sun in Scorpio, and that in itself is an intense polarity but will help steady your will and determination in the aims you have set for yourself. Lunchtime on Thursday is not so easy, as it brings a square between the Sun and Neptune. The dynamism of Jupiter-Uranus still prevails, but you need to look at flaws, loopholes, slip-ups and illusions within the overall plan. On Friday (14th) Mercury squares Chiron, more headaches in the fine detail and fine print and not a good day to sign on the dotted line. Health too may be below par, so try not to do too much. Bide your time until Sunday, if you and your business partners can accommodate celestial rhythms. If on religious or other grounds you have to wait until first thing on Monday morning so be it, but no later or the moment will pass and you will be in another scenario. And another blog…

A new US President necessitates a new blog. I haven’t written any analyses of his chart yet, because I have been hedging my bets. So please forgive and excuse anything you may have read ad nauseum in other astrological blogs about the man. Sun in Leo in his chart represents his power and charisma and the influence of the dreams of his father. Different birthtimes were mooted over the last year for him, and Astrologers settled eventually for 7.24 pm (4/8/61, Honolulu). This gives him an Ascendant of 18 degrees Aquarius, the focus of much of the triple conjunction earlier this year between North Node, Neptune and Chiron. He managed to spin those particular plates with aplomb, while they were on his Ascendant. With that placing, the Sun appears in his 6th house of Service. If you read his autobiography, there is a lot of emphasis from a young age on service in the Community, very much a 6th house emphasis. The change-driven Aquarian influence is reinforced by Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) conjunct his North Node (karmic mission) in his 7th house of personal relationships. This is how he comes to embody the phrase “Be the change you want to see in the World”, a baton handed from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King and taken up by Barack Obama. The appearance of this conjunction in his 7th house shows that he strives in every relationship to embody this and bring the other person to that understanding. Look at his easy way with the reporters at his first Press Conference yesterday. The Nodal conjunction and axis form a Grand Cross with his Midheaven (Career Point) and I.C. (Roots), which in Esoteric Astrology may show that the emphasis in his spiritual development may be on the Fixed Cross of Discipleship. This is only intended to be a very basic introduction to his chart, so the other aspect of note I want to bring out is his Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in 12th house. It can be a mature and steadying aspect, in the right hands. Operating from the 12th house, it shows how he is bringing forth strong and primal energies from his higher consciousness linked with his subconscious, almost indefatigably it would seem. This conjunction also receives a trine from his Mars adding physical energy and showing steady application. He works out regularly at the gym, and applies his energies with great determination in his life and work. The date of his inauguration shows the highlighting of his Jupiter (philosophy, good will and hope) by the Sun and Mercury in conjunction with that planet, but at the same time Pluto opposes his Venus (showing the cost in terms of the expense to his personal life – the move to the White House is not likely to be easy for his family). He is under pressure to accomplish a great deal in a short time, some of which he may be able to do with Chiron in his first house natally, showing the Healer Archetype to be strong in his personality. He may be able to achieve some small but surprising and inspired short cuts to the problems of the world initially, which will keep the flame of hope flickering enough while all the other problems and issues clamour for attention. At the same time physically, he is not superhuman (Chiron is the “wounded healer”) and needs to address or be aware of his own frailties, and not to allow the strains of office to get out of hand (Chiron squaring his Moon). The job of a Uranus/North Node karmic mission is to break the mould, and he has already achieved something which represents a reorientation for the American mind, and the human race. This achievement was helped by the personal warmth and connectedness to his female lineage shown by his Grand Trine between Neptune, Venus and Chiron, plus the Moon in his 4th House. Future aspects of his work will require different dimensions of his character to be brought into being – words will not be enough – and he needs worldwide good will to achieve the next stage. His election was the manifestation of Saturn opposing Uranus. The rest will be his and humanity’s initiation of Pluto into Capricorn.