Fauja Singh (1911 – 2025)

“The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for last six miles, I run while talking to God.”

~ Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh, a British Indian marathon runner, died last Monday aged 114.  I was interested to investigate his birth chart.  The problem is, he did not have a birth certificate, though he claimed to have been born on 1^st April 1911.  So it was a challenge to authenticate this birth date, using important events in his life.  He was assumed to be the ninth oldest person on Earth.

I had an aunt who did not have a birth certificate.  She ended up choosing a birth date (strangely enough, mine), but knew her year of birth.  So all her life I had to work on the chosen date…I wonder if there is a resonance in a chosen birth date, even if it is not exact.

And what clues to longevity can we draw from Fauja’s life?  There is another Indian long lived runner (still alive) who also does not have a birth certificate.  I will take a brief look at his chart, too.  It’s a subject that caught my attention this week.

Birth Chart

With the Sun in Aries, straight away we have a high energy, high vitality chart.  On top of this, the chart has the Sun sextile Mars, bringing even more high energy.  If we have the exact day, Moon in Taurus provides stamina, then the Moon squaring Mars provides quick emotional reactions, also high energy.  All that may have been enough to show the record making marathon runs he undertook.

The Moon opposite Jupiter (if the day is exact) would have provided a positive emotional outlook:

“I go to bed early taking the name of my Rabba (God) as I don’t want all those negative thoughts crossing my mind.”

This chart has Mars exactly square Jupiter – over-the-top energy combined with enthusiasm (if so, it did him proud).  Mars was also square the Nodal Axis – a tremendous karmic drive, in this case for running.  Jupiter trine Neptune provided tremendous faith (in his case, Sikhism).  Jupiter was conjunct the South Node in this natal chart – good karma brought forward from past lives.  Saturn was sextile Chiron – strong for healing, e.g. for bones.

In terms of character and lifestyle, the chart is quite compelling for a long lived marathon runner.

Life

Fauja was born at Beas Pind, in Jalandhar, Punjab, at a time when birth certificates were not issued.  He did not walk until he was five years old, and his legs were thin and weak.  But as a young man he took up running.  This came to an end at the time of the Partition of India, in August 1947.

The character and talent of a marathon runner is consistent with his birth chart, but now through the events in his life, we can see if the transits and progressions match up as well.  The main transit to the chart in question at the time of Partition, was very telling:

Pluto, the life-changing (dwarf!) planet exactly opposed his natal ruling planet Mars (representing his energy) and squared his optimistic Jupiter, forming a T-square.  Pluto can also can point to a nationwide cause for the trauma.  So this event passes the test.

The next event that we know of that shaped his life was the death of his fifth son, Kuldip, in a construction accident in August 1994.  At the time, Uranus was square to his natal Mercury, if we are using the April 1911 chart: this would comprise a tremendous mental shock.  It apparently led to him taking up running again the following year, 1995, at the age of 84, which is extraordinary.  His progressed Sun would have trined his natal Chiron in Pisces at the time.

Other tragedies that fuelled his determination in that period were the deaths of his wife and his eldest daughter.  He came to live in England in the 1990s, living with one of his sons in Ilford.

He began to take up running seriously, and turned up for training at Redbridge dressed in a three-piece suit.  He ran his first marathon on 16^th April 2000, to very high energy transits.  Jupiter was sextile his natal Jupiter (great enthusiasm), Mars (his ruling planet) was sextile his natal Neptune (spiritual fire), and the South Node was on his Uranus (an unexpected development, karmically driven).  It seemed that this is what he was meant to do.

2003 was his personal best year, in two world events, the London Marathon and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In 2004 he appeared in an Adidas advertisement with David Beckham and Muhammed Ali.  He broke many established records, especially in UK events, and especially for his age group.

His biography “Turbaned Tornado” was published on 7^th July 2011, to several positive transits, including Jupiter sextile his natal Chiron in Pisces, and the North Node (karmic reward) trine his natal Mercury (publication).

He was a torch bearer of the Olympic flame at the 2012 London Olympics, with Jupiter sextile his natal Sun (an honour).

He formally announced his retirement on 24^th February 2013, an event you would expect definitive transits.  The transits were amazingly fitting: Pluto trine his North Node, very consistent with the event; Uranus trine his Saturn, seeking a new direction; and Saturn exactly conjunct his South Node, very much consistent with the event.  Very much a sense of an ending.  He did, however, occasionally take part in events after this retirement, as people so often do!

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2015 New Year Honours list for services to sport and charity.  Again, the transits come up trumps: Pluto sextile his natal Jupiter (a profound award); Neptune on his natal Chiron in Pisces (service to charity); Chiron trine his natal Jupiter (a healing award); Jupiter trine his natal Mercury (a recognition for running); and the North Node (karmic reward) trine his natal Mars (his ruling planet, representing the use of his energy).

I am very convinced that his birth date is accurate, or very close to being so, from the evidence.

His recipe for health and longevity:

“I am very careful about different foods. My diet is simple phulka, dal, green vegetables, yogurt and milk. I do not touch parathas, pakoras, rice or any other fried food. I take lots of water and tea with ginger….”

Dharampal Gudha

Dharampal Gudha is another Indian runner who claims to be the world’s oldest marathon runner at the age of 120. His claim to have been born on 6 October 1897 is disputed (more controversially than Fauja’s.  His chart doesn’t seem as “authentic” as Fauja’s for character and energy.  He ran his first marathon in 1970, and routinely rises at 4 a.m. and runs 4 kilometres daily.  He’s been the subject of a National Geographic documentary about his extraordinary running career.  That is not under dispute, but his birth date is, and I do not have any evidence that it is correct from the description of his lifestyle from his chart, and events in his life are not available to test the other set of evidence.  The only similarity between his chart and Fauja’s is that they both have Mars square to the Nodal Axis, their karmic mission being related to the expenditure of energy.

We can learn something from both men, from their recipes for health and longevity.  Apparently, he controls his diet, and has had a strict healthy lifestyle since childhood.  He credits his self-prepared chutney, mineral water and lemon juice.

“I eat a strict and balanced diet and have no illness. I stopped eating ghee and other fatty items almost 40 years ago, neither do I drink or smoke,” he has stated.  He has been a strict vegetarian since birth.

Death of Fauja Singh

Sadly Fauja Singh lost his life when visiting his birth place of Beas Pind, whilst crossing the road.  He was the victim of a hit and run by an SUV driver.  Strangely, of all the transits for his lifetime events, this was the least convincing.  My conclusion is that it would show up with a birth time, as a significant transit to one of the angles to the chart, or to the exact position of the Moon.  I do hope you found his life as enthralling as I have (as someone who only took up running at the age of 71)!

Longevity checklist derived from these two gentlemen:

[Especially for lovers of Indian food]

Do’s

Early bedtime

Connect with God

Think positively

Eat vegetarian!

Phulka [Phulkas also known as Roti or Chapati in some regions are a whole wheat soft and thin puffed flat bread]

Dal

Green vegetables

Yoghurt

Milk

Water

Mineral water with lemon juice

Ginger tea

Self-prepared chutney!

Don’ts

No alcohol

No smoking

Parathas

Pakoras

Rice

Fried food

Ghee

Fatty items

Aspects

Today, Mars conjuncts the South Node, a symbol of old karmic battles being fought.  Review the state of your Inner Warrior: it depends where you are with your own Inner Warrior…you may be in denial that you have one at all, you may be working on being a peaceful warrior or a warrior on behalf of women’s rights.    This may highlight one of the wars being fought on the globe, focussing on the karmic origins.  In personal lives, try to take the heat out of events, and choose the more peaceful option, I would say.

Tomorrow (Monday 21^st) it’s the turn of Venus to interact with the Moon’s Nodes, squaring them.  This aspect challenges us to take note of the karma of personal relationships, and group dynamics.  You may work with past life patterns, or present life practicalities.

The Sun bursts into its own sign of Leo on Tuesday (22^nd).  For many schoolchildren and workers, it is the start of holiday season, so have a good time.  Sun in Leo is about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.   For those of you on holiday by the sea, you may be able to enjoy a dip, alternating with lazing on a deckchair under a parasol sipping a pina colada, if the weather is fine (the spate of heatwaves has left us for the time being). For those staying at home, it is about enjoying aspects of life and being, generally.  The weather forecast for the coming week is mixed:  possible thunderstorms, a lot of cloud, but Sun on Friday.  A lot of people complained about the heatwaves (time to press on with Net Zero), but even if you did, there may be some aspect you enjoyed and can keep within your heart, such as an outdoor activity or sunlit photographs.

The Sun sextiles Uranus on Wednesday (23^rd).  You can make this day count, in a spectacular way.  Spontaneity and innovation characterize the proceedings of the day.  Telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group, are also favoured.  Mindblowing conversations can take place, and it’s a good day for reading out-of-this-world literature.

There is also a square, on that day, between Venus and Mars.  You may find that you feel inclined to let your hair down a little, inhibitions loosened.  This square may also have a bearing on the battle of the sexes (within, or interpersonal).  If you are creative on an artistic or musical vibe, you may introduce a little cheekiness into your work.

A stabilizing note is provided on Thursday (24^th) with a trine between the Sun and Saturn.  This enables the re-establishment of a foothold on reality, if that is what you might need.  It is a solid and productive aspect.  If you are engaged in creativity, it can help ensure that it works on a practical level.  It is also a good aspect for making plans and laying foundations, and counting your chickens.

Another trine occurring on the same day is that between the Sun and Neptune.  This is a more sparkling time, especially good for receiving creative inspiration, providing the champagne bubbles to the practicality of the previous trine.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.  Hope springs eternal.

This combination of trines highlights the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which for some people are constituting a bring-down a lot of the time.  Today’s combination provides the possibility of deriving something of benefit from the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction, and inspiration for how to handle it.  The conjunction becomes exact early next February.  People born under this conjunction (e.g. those born in 1953) have a heads-up, both for its more debilitating influences, and for knowing how to handle it.  Make the most of this opportunity.

A New Moon at 2 degrees Leo also greets us on that day, enabling us to make a fresh start.  The New Moon in Leo is about the soul quality of Joy.  This emphasizes the holiday making, creative and performing qualities of the sign and the season. It is some kind of a new beginning, so if you have experienced some testing times recently, you can press the re-set button.

It’s important that you make the most of the tremendous resources of Thursday (24^th), because Friday (25^th) holds a profound challenge, in the shape of an opposition between Pluto and the Sun.  Something to grapple with, and put your new-found wisdom into practice with.  The day suits sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Of course, there is a lot going on in our lives, both personally and globally, and our minds may go to issues which affect us more immediately.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – old battles
• Tomorrow – karmic relationships
• Tuesday – holiday mood
• Wednesday – mindblowing conversations; battle of the sexes
• Thursday – *Best day of the week: establishing foundations, incorporating inspiration, and new beginning(s)
• Friday – psychological challenges

Norman Tebbit (1931 – 2025)

“I grew up in the 1930s with an unemployed father.  He didn’t riot.  He got on his bike and looked for work and he kept looking until he found it.”

~ Norman Tebbit

Norman Tebbit, the often unpopular right hand man of Margaret Thatcher died this week, aged 94.  He was possibly headed for the top job, until the bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton changed the course of his life.

Birth Chart

Tebbit had the Sun in Aries, a sign which has no difficulty in promoting the “me first” political policies of his Prime Minister. Every sign has its strengths and weaknesses, and its negative and positive poles. But Aries doesn’t let anything stand in the way of getting things done.  Thatcher’s Britain came to embody selfishness and greed (for example, selling off council homes, a policy which still has repercussions to this day).  Margaret herself, however, was the opposite sign, Libra, which presents a conundrum.

I wrote about her in 2013:

“Looking at her chart, you would expect to see the Warrior Archetype featuring strongly.  This is not what I see (other Astrologers may).  What I see is the strength of the woman: She had Saturn (Discipline) almost exactly conjunct her Ascendant in Scorpio (she meant business), with the power hungry opposition of Jupiter and Pluto almost strategically placed on the 3^rd/9th House cusps supporting the Ascendant/Saturn.”

She was surrounded, however, by Aries henchmen, and that may have been a strong influence and source of strength.   But this blog is about Norman…

Norman’s Sun in Aries was part of a triple conjunction with Uranus and the North Node.  This denotes a powerful karmic mission.  His Warrior Archetype is reinforced in a big way with a close conjunction between his Moon and Mars – he was an Emotional Warrior!  That was the vehicle and tool for his rage.  His Moon was in Leo, emphasizing a love of power.  His Ascendant was in Capricorn (yes, we have his birth time), denoting a strong political ambition, squared by his Sun.  He also had Jupiter square Uranus (the Chancer Archetype), and Jupiter loosely conjunct Pluto (power hungry).  The trine between Jupiter and his Midheaven (Careerpoint) ensured a successful career. Uranus square Pluto, gave him the ability to absorb change and shock.  He also had Neptune closely trine his Ascendant, on the 9^th House cusp – showing that on the religious spectrum he was an agnostic.  When asked if God existed, he replied “I’m not sure. He ought to.  Things would work better.”

Life and Career

Tebbit was born in Ponder’s End, Middlesex into a working class family.  He attended Edmonton County Grammar School, then left school early and, hoping to become a journalist, found a job at 16 with the Financial Times.  He had joined the Young Conservatives at the age of 15.

In 1949 he embarked on national service with the Royal Air Force. In 1954 at Waterbeach he had to escape from a burning Meteor 8 which had crashed off the end of a runway.  The drama in his life may be connected with a square between Pluto and his Nodal Axis, in his natal chart.  Many years later it was discovered he had had long term cardiac arrhythmia, and he associated it with that incident: “The suspicion I had a heart problem caused me to puzzle over earlier incidents in my life…I suspect that, that morning, stressed from the previous day and having had little sleep, I lost consciousness on that take-off run.”  The cardiac arrhythmia may be a feature of his Sun squaring his Ascendant in his natal chart, or some of the aspects to his Sun.

He continued to work within publishing and advertising, and sought a career in politics, eventually being elected as MP for Epping in 1970, and then to Chingford in February 1974, where he remained until 1992.

He became involved with various disputes about unions, and clashed a great deal with Michael Foot.

Back to Thatcher: She became Leader of the Opposition on 11^th February 1975, to the surprise of many, with Jupiter (success) transiting her Uranus (surprise) in her 5^th House of Self-Expression, and she became the first female Prime Minister on 4^th May 1979.

Norman Tebbit served in her Cabinet from 1981 to 1987, initially at Employment, then Trade and Industry.  Later (1987), he became Chairman of the Conservative Party.

What of their synastry?  His Moon and Mars were exactly conjunct her North Node, a very karmic relationship, speaking of two from the same soul group, coming into incarnation with an agenda.  Her Venus was also exactly trine his Moon: an affectionate bond.

The Brighton Bombing

There were two Margarets in Norman Tebbit’s life.  His 7^th House of Marriage and Close Relationships was one of two heavily populated areas of his birth chart.  In this 7^th House he had Jupiter, Pluto, and Mars in Cancer, and the Moon in Leo, so he was both powerful in relationship, but also in the company of strong women (Moon conjunct Mars).  Mars and Pluto were 11 degrees apart in the same sign, which is not strictly a conjunction, but clearly shows strong arm tactics.

The synastry between himself and the long, strong and loyal bond with his wife included: her Pluto opposite his Saturn (life-changing); her Mercury exactly sextile his North Node/Uranus (a bright mental companionship); her Venus exactly conjunct his Mercury (good communication); her North Node exactly sextile his natal Uranus (the ability to surprise each other); and her Uranus square his natal Mars (a considerable spark).  They had three children together.

On 12^th October 1984 the Conservative Party Conference was being held in Brighton, and at 2.54 a.m. the IRA detonated a bomb at the Grand Hotel where the delegates were staying.  Norman himself fell through four floors.

His transits at the time included: Pluto squared his natal Moon in 7^th House (his wife being seriously injured), Chiron sextiled his natal Sun in Aries (he was saved from a crisis), Saturn was opposite his natal Chiron (a serious crisis), and the North Node sextile his natal Mars (bravery).  When asked if he was allergic to anything as he was being rescued, he replied “Only bombs”.

For his wife Margaret, who sustained life-changing injuries, Uranus was square to her natal Neptune, and Chiron was also square to her Neptune, forming a T-square.

For PM Margaret, the Nodal Axis was square to her natal Moon (a crisis of wider implications), and Neptune was trine her natal Moon – being saved caused her to exclaim the next day “…It just occurred to me that this was the day I was not meant to see!”.

Later years

Although he stayed in government for a few years after the bombing, when it became clear that Margaret Thatcher was about to leave the top job, he had to make a decision, whether or not to enter the competition for that position.  With strong Cardinal signs (Aries and Capricorn) and a strongly aspected Sun, he certainly had a strong chart for leadership. But he had promised his wife Margaret he would look after her, and needed to earn money to pay for his wife’s long-term care, and curtailed his ambition for these reasons.  This he was able to do by accepting directorships, but it remained a long term regret that he did not fulfil his potential in the political domain.  It is worth noting that although he had made her a promise, she too gave him the freedom to change his mind.  However, in making the choice he did, he was probably fulfilling his karmic obligations and possibly also softening his character, and I suspect he was honouring a pre-birth contract.

“Tough, articulate and trustworthy”

~ Margaret Thatcher

Aspects

Were you awake at 4 o’clock this morning?  I was.  Perhaps you were reacting to Stationary Saturn prior to turning Retrograde.  I just had to go downstairs and have a cup of tea to re-set.  Turning inward for contemplation is one of the requirements of a retrograde period.  That entails going through a period of revision: often with Saturn, it is a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.

There is space for two Fixed Stars in the middle of the week:

For Tuesday 15^th, Pollux (one of the Gemini twins).  According to “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“When we refer to thought, it is very difficult to define these terms in ways in which individuals can separate this from what you would call mind chatter or even thought addiction.  We are referring to the energies that precede the actual process of electrical activity.  These are often energies of magnificent and beautiful inspiration.  These are generally lost to most individuals.  Pollux can enhance the process of absorbing a little more of this, making it a little more practical, and accepting that this is all right for yourself.”

Bernadette Brady, in “Fixed Stars” writes:

“Castor and Pollux are probably not about writing itself, or the urge to write, but, rather, successful storytelling by one who has a knowledge of mixing good and evil, overlapping them until both are changed and whole.  Writers who can do this will be successful.”

On, to Thursday 17^th, when our Sun is aligned with the star Procyon in Canis Minoris.  Again from “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“Procyon provides a greater acuity of mental functioning that can enhance concentration.  This may result in an ability to strengthen the physical body.  There is some stimulation of the intuitive understanding of reflex points in the physical body.  Individuals involved in reflexology would do well to utilize the starlight elixir.  Procyon can also enhance the ability to absorb energy directly from plants, the Earth, and the Sun.  In a healing process, the person receiving the healing energy will find the reception of such energy enhanced.”

Mercury goes Retrograde on Friday 18^th, in the early hours of the morning (should you wake, you’ll know why!).  Most people will see this as an alert to take good care of their communications for the three-week period.  A cheerier picture is provided by Yasmin Boland and Kim Farnell in “The Mercury Retrograde Book” for Mercury Retrograde in Leo:

“This is a time for playful creativity; let your ideas take their course, wherever they lead you.  You can’t control what’s going on around you, so there’s no point trying.  This time can be quite restful and will allow you to fully focus on your creativity (instead of the applause!).  For this reason, the retrograde can also be a very good time to go back to a creative project you worked on a while back but abandoned.”

But in the early afternoon, we have a very pleasurable sextile between Mercury and Venus, to round off the week’s aspects.  It is a harmonious and social vibe; a moment to savour, in the now, a combination that aims to please.  This favours conversation, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and affinity and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe or soiree (extending to the evening) culture.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – turning inward for contemplation
• Tuesday – aligning thought
• Thursday – absorbing healing energy
• Friday – communication glitches; social harmony

Wimbledon 2025 – Week 2

Well we lost a lot of top seeds last week: …Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev among them!  The top seeds, Alyna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner look unassailable. Aryna got through the hostility of the crowd towards her by imagining they were cheering for her instead of Emma Raducanu.  Sinner has not dropped a set.

Here are the next four Women’s and Men’s Seeds:

Women’s Seeds

No. 7 – Mirra Andreeva

Russian, born in 2007, she is one of the youngest players.  She has the Sun in Taurus and the Moon in Libra, so is very Venusian. We do not have her birth time, and it seems her Moon may possibly be unaspected, which could mean she can detach her emotions.  But her Mercury trine Pluto indicates a deep thinker.  Her ruling planet Venus is heavily aspected and accented, and exactly trines Neptune, which means she is artistically gifted and could make for some artistic tennis shots.  She has Mars closely square Jupiter (energy allied with enthusiasm), Mars exactly conjunct Uranus (electrical energy with the power of surprise) and Mars conjunct the North Node (Warrior karmic mission, with Uranus – showing up the Activist Archetype).  In addition, she has Jupiter exactly trine Saturn – excellent judgement: her cup is neither too full nor empty – a sense of realism, good for decision-making and weighing things up.  Jupiter closely square Uranus equals The Chancer Archetype, so she doesn’t mind taking a risk.

Her transits Mid-Wimbledon are lacklustre, but something has got her through to here.  If she manages to slip through the radar, her transits for the end of Wimbledon show Jupiter in sextile with her natal Sun, an excellent sign.

No. 8 – Iga Swiatek

I wrote in 2021:

“Swiatek hails from Poland, and has an unusual Element pattern in her chart: 7 planets in Air (Intellect), 0 in Earth and 0 in Water.  With Sun in the adaptable sign of Gemini, she also has 6 planets in Mutable (adaptable) signs – and by all accounts she likes to bring variety into her game.  Her Sun is conjunct Saturn, and so she also has an element of caution and planning in her game; apparently she “constructs points carefully”.

Since I wrote that, her birth time has come to light.  This reveals: an Ascendant of Gemini clothed by a conjunction of the Sun and Saturn.  This means her personality is focussed by her carefully constructed planning.

She says “the ball listens to her”, which is an intriguing phrase.  She also revealed in her interview after the last match that she “has a busy mind”: plenty of evidence for that in her chart with double Gemini (Sun and Ascendant), Mercury in Gemini (monkey mind) plus Saturn and Jupiter also in Gemini.

Her transits Mid- Wimbledon show:

Pluto is on her Midheaven in Aquarius in her 8^th House and has been in the first week.  Pluto is powerful, if it is on your side, or if you have mastery of it.  Chiron trines her exact natal Chiron/Mars conjunction in her 7^th House, so she has her healing act together, for her own personal wounds.  Jupiter is close to her North Node in 1^st House.  Remarkable transits!

End of Wimbledon transits for her:

She still has Chiron trine her exact natal Chiron/Mars conjunction in her 7^th House; Pluto is still on her Midheaven in Aquarius in her 8^th House, though on the wane as it is Retrograde; Jupiter extremely close to exactly conjunct her North Node in 1^st House; but Mars squares her Pluto: a danger point around 11/12^th  (the Friday/Saturday) July mark, around the semi-finals perhaps, or even at the final itself.  Maybe that means getting to the final but not quite achieving the win.  But she has the best transits so far, that I have seen.  Maybe she can beat Sabalenko, if anyone can.

No. 9 – Emma Navarro

Emma was born 13 days before Iga Swiatek in the same year, but we have no birth time.

Like Swiatek, she has the Sun conjunct Saturn (caution and planning).  Like Swiatek, she has Mars conjunct Chiron (a core wound that needs to be healed).  With the Sun square Uranus, she’s a bit of a rebel.  She has Mercury conjunct Jupiter, a fine wide-ranging mind which may be an asset in evaluating the geography of the court.  She has Mercury trine Uranus, a brilliant mind at times, with the ability to think outside the box.  Venus exactly trine Pluto means that she is not shallow in relationship.  And Jupiter opposing Pluto indicates she has a “thing” with power.

Middle of Wimbledon Transits:

Pluto is trine her natal Saturn (good, steady, powerful work); and Chiron trine her natal Chiron (like Swiatek, she has her healing act together).  Although born only nearly two weeks apart from Swiatek, her transits at the moment, while good, are not as spectacular as Swiatek’s.

End of Wimbledon Transits:

Chiron will still be trine her natal Chiron, and Jupiter will be close to her natal North Node, but not as close as for Swiatek.

All in all, a reasonable set of transits, but not as compelling as Swiatek’s.

No.13 – Amanda Anisimova

Amanda is scheduled to play this afternoon, against Noskova at 16.20 Hrs.

I wrote in 2022:

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

For Mid-Wimbledon her transits are: 

Neptune and Saturn squaring her Nodal Axis (difficulty; but something she played through in the last week); Chiron trine her natal Mars (again, this has seen her through from the beginning of Wimbledon, but this is a supportive influence); Mars dangerously squaring her natal Pluto, which peaks on Wednesday 9^th, so may get knocked out around then; Uranus trine her natal Mercury, operable from the beginning of Wimbledon, has got her thus far, gifting her an exceptionally bright mind.

At the end of Wimbledon:

Neptune and Saturn will still be square her Nodal Axis; Uranus still trines her natal Mercury; Mars squares her natal Saturn, becoming exact on 11/12^th, which may indicate being knocked out at the semi-finals, or getting to the final and losing.

On the other hand, she has Jupiter approaching 2 Planets: it Sextiles her Sun on 15 July, just after Wimbledon, and she has a Jupiter Return on 23^rd July, so there is personal happiness or good times following Wimbledon for her to look forward to.

So I am not putting her forward as the eventual winner: my money is on Swiatek, in the event that Sabalenka falters.

Men’s Seeds

The men’s seeds have not been decimated as badly as the women’s!

No.5 – Taylor Fritz

I wrote in 2022:

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

His Mid Wimbledon Transits show:

Taylor has Chiron square his natal Neptune (a confusing time); the Nodal Axis is square his natal conjunction of Mars and Venus, a condition earlier in the tournament which doesn’t seem to have done him any harm); Jupiter will be trine his natal Chiron around 11^th July (semi-finals), so that may be his peak.

At the End of Wimbledon:

Chiron will still be squaring his Neptune; the Nodal Axis will be exactly squaring his natal Mars (possibility of injury).

I would rule Taylor out of the final, but he might make the semi-final.

No.6 – Novak Djokovic

“…For all that his tennis can seem brilliantly mechanical and his words can sound scripted, he is a genuinely emotional man.  He loves what he does, and he wants to be loved.”

~ Kevin Mitchell, in the Guardian

I wrote last week under comments:

“It is true that Djokovic has a great deal going for him transitwise. Here are his starting transits:-

Neptune sextile his natal Sun (feeling quite spiritual)
Saturn sextile his natal Sun (feeling quite controlled)
Saturn square his natal Mars (a bit hazardous, injurywise)
Jupiter square his natal Moon (emotionally quite upbeat)
Mars sextile his natal Pluto (supercharged energy)
Mars trine his natal Venus (enjoying what he is doing)
Uranus on his Sun (capable of stunning success)

I don’t think he needs much more!

At the end of Wimbledon:

Neptune still sextile his Sun
Uranus still on his Sun, but closer (bodes well)
Saturn still sextile Sun
Saturn still square his Mars
Jupiter trine his natal Pluto (successful and powerful)
Nodal Axis square his natal Chiron (the outcome depends on his karma and on healing any physical issues)

So, yes, he is a real contender! At least for reaching the final.”

No.10 – Ben Shelton

In January 2025 I wrote:

“Ben is a Libran, with a focussed and perfectionistic conjunction of Mercury and Mars in Virgo.  Jupiter is currently on his natal North Node, bringing him karmic reward for past efforts.”

Mid Wimbledon he has:

Mars squaring his Nodal Axis (possibility of injury)

At the End of Wimbledon:

Mars square his natal Venus (a comparatively minor transit, but supportive of elegant moves);

And Mars square his natal Pluto (dangerous!), becoming exact at the final, if he gets there.

That’s a very meagre set of transits, so I don’t think he is going to nail it.

No.11 – Alex de Minaur

For Alex, I first wrote in 2020:

“De Minaur is an Aquarian, with the speed and agility of a close trine between Mercury and Mars, and the unpredictability of Mars square Uranus.  He has no Earth planets, which may make him ungrounded at times”.

He is engaged to Katie Boulter.  As Aquarius and Leo, they are opposite signs and can complement each other.  They both have Moon in Pisces, a common sympathy. His Mercury is sextile with her Jupiter, so they have good communication.  His Pluto is trine her Sun, so not a superficial relationship.  Good luck to them!

Meanwhile…at Mid-Wimbledon Alex has:

Pluto sextile his natal Chiron (a deep sense of certainty)

Uranus is sextile his natal Jupiter (a sign of Success)

Saturn/Neptune sextile his natal Neptune; Saturn/Neptune trine his natal Chiron – it’s looking good!  The current Saturn/Neptune conjunction is giving some people grief, but is actually benefitting  Alex de Minaur.

In addition, Jupiter is applying to a trine to his natal Mars, which perfects on Finals Day!

Mars was square his natal Pluto yesterday, a point of danger, but he got through.

At the End of Wimbledon:

Pluto will still be sextile his natal Chiron; Saturn/Neptune will still be sextile his natal Neptune and trine his natal Chiron; Uranus will still be sextile his natal Jupiter; and as mentioned, Jupiter will be trine his natal Mars, to the day.

You couldn’t wish for better transits, but does the astrology tell you everything you need to know…?

Therefore, my two tips from these eight are Swiantek and De Minaur.  Not necessarily the most obvious choices, but what is the point of going for the obvious?

There are still some exciting players left in the draw that I haven’t yet looked at, and I may get the chance to do so during the course of the week.  Keep the comments coming!

Aspects

At breakfast-time this morning Venus was sextile Saturn, which is a constructive aspect, a re-affirmation of where you are going, especially in terms of relationship, or art.  In the realm of human relations, it is about steadiness and loyalty: cementing commitment.

That is followed this afternoon by Venus sextile Neptune, which can bring soothing waves of serenity, which hopefully you may build on from the earlier aspect.  People may become more into tune with each other.  New artistic avenues may flourish.

Tomorrow (Monday 7^th) is the main event of the week: the entry of Uranus into Gemini.  It’s a new era (step 5 in this year’s changes), bringing innovation in thought, which can be initially perplexing.  Uranus spends 7 years in one sign.  Science and technology are going to advance exponentially…we are of course seeing it in the explosion of Artificial Intelligence.  If you have planets at the beginning of Gemini you will be especially affected over the course of the next year, but it can bring some surprise revelations and talents to the fore in your life and personality.  You’ll need to be on your mettle if you are a cautious type, but roll with the punches if you are a person that embraces change.

There is a trine between Venus and Pluto as well on that day. It is a profound but likely successful trine between Venus and Pluto.  This aspect can settle your deepest feelings into a more comfortable psychological context.  It helps us through changes and transformations on a human level.  Venus in harmony with Pluto benefits both love and money.

Thursday (10^th) brings a Full Moon at 18 degrees Capricorn.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  If you feel that part of your frustration is coming from the power wielded by authorities, then this may be your Full Moon issue.  Many people are feeling angry and frustrated by the current political climate, and may need to focus on what they can do for themselves at this point in time.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – loyalty and serenity
• Monday – a new era, very sparky! And deep feelings
• Thursday – emotional high tide

Wimbledon 2025 – Week 1

Here we are again, favourite season for some!  Last year was my best ever for Wimbledon predictions, I surprised myself.  At the same time, I have to own the fact that my results for predicting other tournaments are average – I think that’s down to involvement.

I’ve always loved tennis, and this season reminds me so much of our one and only jaunt to the place (that’s Hubby and me).  We went in 1975 and saw many of the greats of that time.  It was a heatwave, like it is now, and as we recall we consumed several ice lollies!  It must be very different nowadays, and people have already been queuing overnight for tickets to Centre Court.  We were content with our No. 2 Court at the time!  Then there were the many years I worked in offices, unable to watch Wimbledon…until retirement.

As usual, I will start by analysing the first four women’s and men’s seeds, and be commentating as we go along the first week depending on what I manage to watch.

Women’s Seeds

No. 1 – Aryna Sabalenka

We do not have a birth time for her.  I wrote in 2021:

“Six foot tall, and born in Belarus, she has Sun/Mars in Taurus, which could provide stamina, drive and strong will (apparently she has an aggressive style of play).  The high powered conjunction is square to Uranus, an erratic and electrical energy which could catch out her opponents in its unpredictability, and interrupt their flow.  With Venus exactly sextile Neptune she may be very artistic or musical.  Mars sextile Jupiter brings energy allied with enthusiasm.  Mars exactly opposite Chiron forming a square with Uranus may make her prone to injury.  Pluto exactly square the Nodal Axis could bring drama in her life from time to time.  She has chosen the Tiger as her animal totem, sporting a tattoo of the animal on her left arm.”

At the start of Wimbledon, her transits are:-

Neptune sextile her natal Neptune (spiritually in tune); Chiron on her natal Saturn (a health challenge); Mars on her natal North Node (in fighting spirit)

At the end of Wimbledon, her transits will be:-

Pluto on her natal Neptune (a psychological challenge); Neptune still sextile her Neptune, but exact to the day (tip top spiritually); Saturn on her natal Venus, her ruling planet (perhaps some disappointment); Jupiter sextile her North Node (often a winning transit, especially if a karmic reward; Mars trine her natal Sun/Mars conjunction (energy and warrior spirit).

From this I gather she could be in the final.  However, I feel she has some hairy moments along the way, some personal difficulties to surmount.

No. 2 – Coco Gauff

“I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself ‘stay calm’.”

~ Coco Gauff

We also do not have a birth time for this American player.  She won the French Open this year, and seeks to maintain a strong presence for Wimbledon.

Coco is Sun Pisces, sextile dynamic Mars (the Warrior Archetype). Sun in Pisces is the sign traditionally associated with genius or progidy, and she made her mark when very young.  She also has a dramatic streak (Sun exactly square Pluto).  Her karma is complex, or variable, with Jupiter trine closely North Node (favourable karma) and Neptune exactly square the Nodal Axis (confused karma).

At the start of Wimbledon, her transits are:-

Neptune on her Mercury (mentally confused); Jupiter sextile her natal Uranus (success but with the transit on the wane); Nodal Axis squaring her Pluto

At the end of Wimbledon, her transits will be:-

Retrograde Pluto sextile her Mercury (mental resilience); Neptune still on her Mercury (mentally confused plus the resilience); Saturn on her natal Mercury (mentally focussed and/or downcast); Jupiter on her natal Saturn (some encouragement)

This doesn’t look like an overall encouraging picture for Coco.  At the end of Wimbledon especially she is likely to have too much on her mind.  Monday 7^th with Jupiter actually transiting her natal Saturn looks like her best day, if she makes it until then, that may be the peak of her performance or thereabouts.

No. 3 – Jessica Pegula

We also do not have a birth time for this player, who, like Coco Gauff the No. 2, is American.

In 2022, I wrote:

“The emphasis in Jessica’s chart is on the signs Aquarius and Pisces, so she could appear otherworldly.  She would be fiercely competitive, with the Moon in Leo in an emotional way (with half her planets in Water signs, too).  She has a serious nature, with the Sun conjunct Saturn.  She is strong willed and stubborn, with half her planets in Fixed Signs.  With the Sun exactly opposite Chiron, she may at times have healing crises, but may also be good at problem-solving.  Mercury conjunct Mars gives her very quick mental reactions.  She can handle complexity, with Uranus conjunct Neptune (a feature of her birth year, 1994).  And last but not least, she has a profound karmic mission, with Pluto exactly conjunct her North Node in Scorpio.”

At the start of Wimbledon, her transits are:-

Chiron sextile her natal Mercury (could pull off some stunning problem-solving)

At the end of Wimbledon, her transits will be:-

Chiron still sextiles her natal Mercury (could still pull off some stunning problem-solving).  This transit peaks 9/10^th July (Chiron ephemerides vary) so she will be super-focussed at that time;

Jupiter will be sextile her natal Chiron, but on the wane.  That healing benefit will peak on 6/7^th July.  So 6^th to 10^th July may see her at her peak in the tournament.  12/13^th July (around the time of the women’s final) Mars opposes her natal Venus, so she may not be doing so well if she is still playing at that stage.

Overall, I don’t see Jessica’s transits as being a winning bunch (actually, they are quite thin on the ground).  But she could last until the later stages.

No. 4 – Jasmine Paolini

At last, a player with a birth time!  Jessica was born in Italy, and has a Libran Ascendant (a fitting sign for a tennis player).  She also has the Moon conjunct her Midheaven in Cancer at the top of her chart, also very fitting for a tennis player.  Libra and Cancer are both sensitive in response.

I wrote last year:

“She is a real Capricorn, ambitious and persevering, with Jupiter, the Sun, Neptune/Mars and Uranus all in that sign.”

At the start of Wimbledon, her transits are:-

Uranus trine her natal Uranus in 4^th (sudden success; Jupiter on her natal Moon in 10^th House (of Career), but just leaving;

So far so good, but then we have Pluto on her Mercury in her 5^th House (of Sport) – a testing; Chiron square her natal Mars in 4^th House (the danger of injury); and Saturn square her natal Midheaven in 10^th House (a career struggle).

A mixed bag, and it depends if she can play on if she does have an injury of sorts.

At the end of Wimbledon, her transits will be:-

Pluto still on her Mercury, which will be exact on 5^th July, possibly her most intense time; Neptune square her Moon/Midheaven, creating uncertainty; Neptune sextile her natal Mercury in 5^th House, some creativity and inspiration; Chiron still square her natal Mars, but turning retrograde before it becomes exact.

These are not winning transits, but even if she does incur an injury it may still allow her to play – just not to shine at her best, I feel.

Of these four, I think Aryna has the best chance of reaching the final, and Jessica may reach the semi-final.  I will be looking at other players as we go along.

Men’s Seeds

No. 1 – Jannik Sinner

We do have a birth time for Italian Sinner, giving him a Gemini Ascendant.

I wrote in 2022:

“With Mars trine his Sun in Leo, Uranus opposing his Sun and Uranus sextile his Mars, he could be a bit of a maverick and is certainly a ball of energy who can surprise an opponent.  His Chiron also exactly trines his Sun and forms a conjunction with his Mars, so he is a problem-solver too.  Moon conjunct Venus in Cancer suggests he can also play those surprise soft strokes such as drop shots, which sometimes take other players by surprise.  Jupiter conjunct his North Node in Cancer brings him some luck and success down to good karma.”

He has, of course, been the subject of scandal and censure this year.  On 20 August 2024, he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol.  Chiron was trine his natal Sun in 3^rd House at the time; a correction.  Saturn was also trine his natal Venus; a serious personal note. Jupiter was trine his Midheaven (Careerpoint), usually also favourable.  He had Mars opposite his natal Mars (conflict), however.  And the Nodal Axis (karma) squared his natal Moon in 1^st House.  Eventually, he was cleared, so perhaps the event was not so damaging, but it did not boost his popularity.

At the start of Wimbledon, his transits are:-

Jupiter just leaving his natal North Node and a sextile with his Mercury (a recent boost);

Mars sextile his natal Jupiter in 1^st House (he’ll be enthusiastic); and the Nodal Axis will be square to his Chiron (there may be an area of discomfort, or strange karma, perhaps the residue of his sanctions).

At the end of Wimbledon, his transits will be:-

Jupiter just leaving its Return.  This is spot on around 10^th/11^th July, which may be his highest point (the semi-finals?).

He may be tipped to win, but astrologically there is not a lot of evidence for that.

No. 2 – Carlos Alcaraz

We are also blessed with Spaniard Alcaraz’ birth time, giving him an Ascendant of Aquarius.  Like Sinner, I first wrote about him in 2022:

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

They have both done extremely well in the last three years, and Alcaraz has just won the French Open (beating Sinner in the final) and Queens.  He is definitely on a winning streak! Carlos will be playing with Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles – a delightful prospect!

At the start of Wimbledon, his transits are:-

Uranus will be heading for his North Node, building excitement towards surprise and success.

Chiron will be sextile his natal Saturn (great resilience); the Nodal Axis will be square his natal Moon in 5^th House (of Sport) – he may feel slightly out of sorts, maybe with the heat.

At the end of Wimbledon, his transits will be:-

Uranus will be on his North Node.  Nodal ephemeris positions vary, but this is exact around 17/18^th July, which is just after Wimbledon.

These are hardly convincing transits, so looking at his triumphs at Roland Garros and Queens:

For Roland Garros, he had Uranus on his I.C. in the 4^th House (he pulled out a massive surprise at the end); Saturn was sextile his natal North Node (he was karmically on point), Chiron was already sextile his natal Saturn; and the Nodal Axis was square his Moon (a popular win).

For his success at Queens:

Transits as for the beginning of Wimbledon

So Carlos’ transits are not marginally better for Wimbledon than they were for his recent two wins, nor worse.  We cannot count him out, and certainly he will have the crowd rooting for him, which counts for something.

No. 3 – Alexander Zverev

German Alexander Zverev also has a birth time provided, although I wrote back in 2017 before I had a birthtime for him:

“His Sun is right at the beginning of Taurus, and he has 0 Water planets (so may not be so emotional) and half his planets in Earth so is practical.  He is sensitive, though, with Neptune exactly square his Sun, and Chiron exactly opposite his Sun.  He has Mercury conjunct Venus, which may give him writing or diplomatic abilities.  With Mercury exactly square Uranus, he is not afraid to be controversial…. Neptune trines his North Node, so he has a spiritual side.  With Neptune square his Chiron he may be impossibly idealistic (as well as practical).  An intriguing young man.”

His birth time reveals a Scorpio Ascendant with Pluto rising (a formidable combination!).  Though older than the other three top seeds, he obviously has staying power.  Mars is conjunct his Midheaven, giving him a great deal of drive when it comes to his career, too.

At the start of Wimbledon, his transits are:-

Uranus trine his natal Neptune (skill at handling complexity); and Mars trine his natal Mercury (quickness of reflexes).

Chiron also squares his Nodal Axis (health and safety need to be looked at).  Jupiter will be sextile his Part of Fortune, giving him extra zest.

At the end of Wimbledon, his transits will be:-

Jupiter sextile his natal Mercury (a mental success).  This comes on 14/15^th July, the immediate two days after Wimbledon.  Could he be basking in a recent win?  Or a sense of freedom?

He is also close to a Mars Return (a little later, the 16/17^th July).  Could he just be enjoying the break?  Or would that Return have given him extra oomph?

Chiron will be on his 6^th House cusp; again he will be needing to attend to health matters.

Generally, providing health concerns are minor, the Jupiter transit could spell success, surprisingly as he is the “oldie” among the four (though the Women’s 3^rd and 4^th Seeds are both older than him).

No. 4 – Jack Draper

Our very own…[pause for a warm sigh].  It’s been a while since we had a British player in the top four.

I am tempted to just say “the home crowd will see him through to the end”!  But I mustn’t let my hear overrule the astrological picture…

I first wrote about him in March this year:

“His Sun is in the first degree of Capricorn, so he is quite dogged and persevering.  His Sun is exactly conjunct Chiron, so he has healing capacity and problem-solving ability.  Both his parents are tennis players.”

To which I would add his exact sextile between Mercury and Mars would be useful in conferring excellent speed and co-ordination in any sport.  Also, he has extraordinary energy, which he has had to learn to harness, from Mars square Pluto.  Casper Ruud has said of him:

“You’re scared of his forehand because he rips it cross, rips it down the line.  You’re also, in a way, scared of his backhand because he can rip and counter from that side as well.  So there aren’t many holes in his game that I see or that I feel.”

He has never got past the second round at Wimbledon, possibly through nerves.  But he did well at Queens, and was beaten in the semi-finals, after which he revealed he had been battling tonsillitis the last few days.

What was going on in his chart at that time?  Chiron was trine his natal Venus (throat), but it also may explain why he was able to perform well despite the tonsillitis.  We do not have a birth time for Jack, so can’t put it into the context of his life area.  But natally Chiron is an important asteroid for him, being exactly conjunct his natal Sun, so by transit it also counts highly.  Neptune was squaring his natal Chiron, too, which may have been the infection itself.

At the start of Wimbledon, his transits are:-

Chiron sextile his natal North Node in Gemini (supportive/supported).  This, favourable, transit will probably peak around 4^th July.  It is difficult to pinpoint because Chiron ephemerides vary.

Saturn square his natal Chiron, but this is waning (it was strongly affecting, adversely, during Roland Garros, which may explain why he didn’t do so well there)

At the end of Wimbledon, his transits will be:-

Chiron will still be sextile his North Node, but waning.

Mars will be squaring his natal Pluto, which is explosive!  It peaks the day after Wimbledon, which, as for Zverev in his transit line-up, is close enough to the final to speak of.  Normally, I would caution against injury for Mars squaring natal Pluto, but considering he has Mars square Pluto natally, and it is part of his toolkit (hard-earned) – see the above quote from Casper Ruud – it may be that it is the making of him at the final, rather than the breaking of him.  It’s an intriguing thought.  If so, he will have us on the edge of our seats.

So, surprisingly, at this stage, I would favour Zverev and Draper for the final, though that may be a risky choice on my part!

Look out for more updates under comments, and next week I will comment specifically on the next four Women’s and Men’s Seeds, from whoever are left!

Aspects 

At breakfast-time this morning, Pluto opposed Mercury, which can bring mental storm clouds.  Watch your mental processes carefully, and be mindful in conversation.  Travel too could be problematic.  Something could appear to be a minor snag on the surface, but may give you pause for deeper thought, leading to more psychological awareness.  Don’t skirt over it.  Examine the issue carefully, and the resulting insight could be a gift.  It would probably describe Keir Starmer’s state of mind this morning, with the papers full of his three U-turns and hostility from all quarters (even Glastonbury).

We can slip in a Fixed Star for Tuesday (1^st July), as the aspects don’t re-appear until Friday.

The Fixed Star Alhena at 8 degrees Cancer will be aligned with our Sun on that day.

Taking a reading from “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“This star appears to offer individuals the ability to rapidly change modes of thought and to shift context.  This will give them the ability to see things in a whole new way and to utilize the information from a new perspective or to change their minds in a way that is appropriate for their own development.  This may mean seeing several sides of an issue in a genuinely touching way that really brings consciousness to the situation, which makes it helpful in the decision-making process.  Use of this star …will stimulate the chakras in the feet.”

Eric Morse in “The Living Stars” writes: “This star should show up our artistic skills, especially with the written or spoken word, and our ability to negotiate a peaceful solution to disputes among people”.

And on to Friday (4^th July), we have a timetable:

12.45 Hrs – Venus conjunct Uranus

It is a vibrant social aspect, which may carry an element of serendipity.  People may question your sanity, however, or you theirs.  And it is not a good time for taking financial risks.  It occurs at 29 degrees Taurus, and also aligns with the Pleiades, if you inclined to work with the Seven Sisters out there.

15.31 Hrs – Venus enters Gemini

While Venus may have loved being in the comfort zone of her own sign, she is being required to take on the role of social butterfly while in Gemini.  Keeping communication going, and adding the warmth of companionship, will be her job here.  Venus in Gemini can do the small talk, any chit chat will do, it doesn’t have to be profound.

21.35 Hrs – Neptune Stationary prior to turning Retrograde

Don’t procrastinate or even leave things till later in the day, for in the evening Neptune is Stationary prior to turning Retrograde, representing some retracing of steps on our spiritual path.  It has been direct since December last year, so you may have been inspired at that time by a new spiritual area opening up. Now is the time to consolidate on what you have learned, put it into practice, and walk your talk.  Neptune goes direct again this December.  This retrograde turn may re-emphasize issues related to the ocean, and ongoing mysteries.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – tricky communications
• Tuesday – shifting context
• Friday – social vibrancy; social butterflies; spiritual re-evaluation

Cancerian Archetypes

I am writing about the Cancerian Archetypes today, even though we have only just experienced the crossing of the Sun into Cancer in the Summer Solstice, because the next two weeks will be taken up by writing about Wimbledon.  This is the sixth of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  It is time to embrace the potential of this sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  It’s the peak of the light and we have had a heatwave these last few days, record-breaking temperatures!  A reminder that we need to work on net zero, on behalf of Mother Earth.

A few words about Cancerians: they are associated with tides and rhythms, together with their ruler the Moon.  That also links them with nocturnal life and creatures.  Above all, they resonate with the divine feminine.

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

“Inner Child

According to Caroline Myss, she sees four core Archetypes which are with each person, and one of these four is the Inner Child.  The Inner Child is a force which is very much a part of new age work, witness the popularity of the books by John Bradshaw on the subject.

Another new age leader who makes the Inner Child central to her work and vision is Chris Griscom of the Light Institute in Galisteo, New Mexico.  I could quote her all day, and frequently do, but will make do with one quote for now:

“A child is naturally a being of wonderment, a being that experiences lightness, who does not hold pain.  The child’s frequency is too high to hold those darker, heavier emotions, even when the external world begins to impinge upon the child with adult imprints that the child records as anxiety, fear, anger.  The natural state is to let go, to constantly let go, because the child lives in the brain patterning of the hologram.  The child does not have that left-brain imprint in glue.”

Caroline Myss details several varieties of Inner Child:

The Eternal Child

The Orphan

The Wounded Child

The Divine Child

The Nature Child

The Magical Child

She hints of many more, but says that “you can only have one in your support team”!

I have also spotted one, and that is the “Performing Child”, as encouraged by pushy parents, and that is a combination of a Cancerian and Leo Archetype.

Whatever your own Inner Child Archetype, it is essential to stay in touch with it.

The Mother

The Mother Goddess is central to the sign of Cancer.  Of all the Goddesses, Mother Mary is the most intrinsic.  But in her virginal side, she has joint rulership with the sign of Virgo.

The Caregiver

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

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

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

Vishnu the Preserver

Caroline Myss points out that “Although the caregiver Archetype seems to be more prevalent in women…Many men who become teachers or coaches, or who enter rescuing professions such as firefighting and emergency medicine, have a genuine need to serve and care for others through their career choices.”

Cancerians have a special talent for cherishing the artifacts of antiquity, re-upholstering and upcycling, important in this throw-away age.  The male Hindu God, Vishnu the Preserver expresses this cherishing quality very well…In an early incarnation apparently, he appeared as a Turtle. [one of the animal totems of Cancer]”

The Parent

The signs/planetary associations of Cancer and Leo correspond to The Mother (the Moon) and The Father (the Sun).  Capricorn also has resonance with The Father, with its ruler Saturn.

However, parenting in general comes under the sign of Cancer, and particularly for a Cancerian male fatherhood is a key human experience.

The Antiquarian

Cancerians are often to be found restoring and preserving antiquities, in a cherishing manner.  Think “The Repair Shop” – a Cancerian institution if there was one, but also with Chironic associations.  So, antiques experts, furniture restorers, come under this sign.

The Genealogist

The ancestors are of enormous importance to the Cancerian, and those who look into their family tree are responding to the Moon and its sign.  The new advances in DNA research enable new professions to explore the benefits of “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Long Lost Relatives”, let along “Born Without Trace” and “DNA Journey” – all current television programmes benefitting from this study and expertise.

The Paediatrician

Specialisms within medicine include The Paediatrician, the Obstetrician, and The Midwife.

The Wise Woman

The sign of Cancer does not have a monopoly on wisdom, but relates strongly to this Archetype through its main animal totem The Owl.  The Crone is also a related archetype.  It has the depth of the divine feminine, and wisdom obtained through maturity.

Historical/more in-depth Examples:

The Feminist

Malalai Yusafzai (b 12/7/97)

Even before she was shot, she was standing up for the right of girls to attend school in her native Pakistan.  But On 9 October 2012, a Taliban gunman shot Yousafzai as she rode home on a bus.

I wrote in 2013:

“On 9^th October 2012 she was shot in head and neck by the Taliban, sustaining life-threatening injuries, and transported to hospital in Birmingham.  The North Node sextile her Neptune at the end of Capricorn at the time, highlighting the refined political idealism in her chart.”

At that time, I did not have her birth time, but now I have the transits are revealed to be even more significant: Mars square to her Ascendant, close to her Pluto, Neptune opposite her Ascendant, Saturn on the cusp of her 3^rd House of short-distance travel (a bus journey).

My blog was written around her 16^th birthday, when she addressed the U.N. and received two awards, including one for International Development for her work for female rights.  At the age of 17 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

On her birthchart I wrote:

“Malala is a Cancerian, and though many Cancerians shun the limelight, others become ambassadors for women’s rights, deliberately or unwittingly.

The Sun sextiles the North Node in her chart, giving a karmic mission of the theme of Leadership.  Mercury trines Pluto, making her a deep thinker who looks the truth in the face. Mercury also opposes Uranus exactly, which is controversy in communication, not being afraid to tell the truth no matter what it costs …  Jupiter also sextiles Saturn exactly – good balanced judgement: the combination of optimism and realism.”

To which I would add that her ruler the Moon is exactly conjunct her Mars with her available birth time, depicting her wounding but also her fighting spirit, the Warrior Archetype, the female warrior (not a specific archetype for Cancer).  Neptune closely trine her Midheaven indicates her role in the world as a spiritual leader of inspiration.  It is worth noting that she achieved this status while still a child, the portion of life attributed to the sign of Cancer, though through traumatic means.

The Novelist

Hilary Mantel (6/7/52 – 22/9/22)

Rich in imagination, Cancerians are often drawn to writing, specifically the novel form.  I often find that for people with its ruler, the Moon, rising, a person has a talent for writing novels (whatever their rising sign or Sun sign).

Hilary Mantel is probably one of our greatest novelists, and a rare double-Booker-prizewinner (for “Wolf Hall” and “Bring Up The Bodies”.  She therefore wins my prize for Cancerian Novelist Archetype!  I have, of course, written about her before.

I wrote, back in 2013:

“What has interested me about Hilary Mantel since I first set eyes on her is her astrology, and her past lives!  As soon as I saw her on television, I was hooked.  With her round face and big blue eyes, she looked like the textbook Cancerian which she is.  Moreover, she had Cancerian health issues, centring around the female reproductive system (endemetriosis)…

…From the beginning, I had thought her level of interest and the detail plus the imagination of her original book “Wolf Hall” must have been written with some level of past-life recall, with an interplay between her conscious and unconscious mind. She may well have observed the material she writes about at close quarters, at the time it was played out.  And that is how I feel about several writers of the historical genre (fiction or non-fiction) who tend to write about and specialize in a particular era.

Hilary Mantel and Regression

Hilary wrote about her “brush” with regression in a Guardian article of January 2010.  She was not comfortable with her practitioner (you do need to choose a practitioner you are comfortable with), but did experience enough to grasp the issues involved and own her feelings about it.  She writes about being aware of her own current life at the same time as experiencing the past life (which is what I aim for when working).

In her own words:

“…I was aware of everything around me…yet I was on board ship, I was in a railway car, I was in an alien land.  I was still inside Sara, or she inside me, when she reached her 70s and her heart failed”.

Hilary had three planets in Cancer, Uranus exactly conjunct with the Sun, plus Venus.  Her Mercury exactly sextile Saturn illustrates her intensive historical research and application.  Her Jupiter exactly sextile Uranus gives her the Entrepreneur Archetype (not a specific province of Cancer).  And with Pluto conjunct the South Node, she was able to somehow project far into her memory banks and that of the collective history to produce her outstanding work.

The Patriots

Nelson Mandela (18/7/1918 – 5/12/2013

Dalai Lama (b 6/7/1935)

The sign of Cancer is intensely loyal to its ancestors, family, tribe and country, and in this respect The Patriot is a fitting Archetype for the sign.  Both these two men have represented their country and their race in a profound sense.

A few years ago, I wrote:

“…The first analogy that comes to mind astrologically is that Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama are both inextricably linked in their work and lives with their love of their own country.  They are both Cancerians, and have the common touch which the sign of Cancer often has (witness another kind of Icon, Lady Diana).  The Dalai Lama’s link with his homeland of Tibet is made more poignant of course by virtue of the fact that he left it while still a boy king.  Nelson Mandela had to leave his in a different way, through incarceration on an island, but lived to see his beloved South Africa again and triumph in its healing.”

Nelson Mandela had Jupiter, Pluto and the Sun in Cancer.  Here’s a very Cancerian description from his autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”:

“I enjoyed domesticity, even though I had little time for it.  I delighted in playing with Thembi, bathing him and feeding him, and putting him to bed with a little story. In fact, I love playing with children and chatting with them; it has always been one of the things that make me feel most at peace. I enjoyed relaxing at home, reading quietly, taking in the sweet and savoury smells emanating from pots boiling in the kitchen.”

The Dalai Lama has his Ascendant and Sun (double Cancer), South Node, Pluto in Cancer.  Like Hilary Mantel, he has the South Node conjunct Pluto: his appointment as the 14^th Dalai Lama depended upon an age old tradition of tuning into a child that remembered certain objects relating to that office from past lives.

He has the Moon conjunct Neptune, a sign of extreme sensitivity, and with the Moon being his ruling planet, Neptune brings the Piscean element of Compassion, a key tenet of his Buddhist faith.  His Sun is exactly trine Jupiter, a planet taking him into the realm of Religion, and the exactitude of the trine elevating his status and power of achievement.  It also depicts his joyfulness (by Jove!).  Where the exquisiteness of his current incarnation is also highlighted is a close sextile between Jupiter (Religion) and Neptune (Spirituality), giving him the ability to combine and balance the two wisely.  He also has the wisdom, balance and judgement of Jupiter trine Saturn.  His Saturn, on the cusp of the 9^th House of Foreign Lands may be symbolic of his exile from his homeland, Tibet.  Both he and Nelson Mandela have favourable links between Pluto and the Midheaven (Persona in the World) – the Dalai Lama has the trine, while Mandela has the sextile.  I think that speaks volumes about the nature of their profound service to mankind.

The Drummer

Ringo Starr (b 7/7/1940)

Mick Fleetwood (b 24/6/1942)

The drummer is the establisher of rhythm, say within a group, just as the Moon and the tides establish a rhythm in the background of our lives.  Ringo Starr of course was the drummer for the iconic Beatles, while Mick Fleetwood as drummer, held his “family” Fleetwood Mac through many changes.

Ringo has the Sun conjunct Chiron in Cancer.  His Sun is exactly square his Nodal Axis, often seen as a group based aspect: in this case as the most low key Beatle, he ceded his power (the Sun) to the group karmically.  His Mercury conjunct Mars meant that he had quick mental reactions and delivery, essential in drumming..  Mars in his chart is also exactly conjunct Pluto, a huge powerhouse of energy.  Venus on his I.C. in his 4^th House indicated a life based on music and with a profound love for his home city of Liverpool.

Mick Fleetwood

Like Ringo, Mick has a vigorous connection between his Mercury and Mars, in this case a sextile.  That may be a useful adjunct to the Sun in Cancer for a drummer.  In his autobiography “Play On”, he gives a good description of this dyslexia, his sideways (the crab) Cancerian mindset (showing his Mercury in Cancer) and its route to drumming:

“I’m quite convinced that the brain I have comes from my mum’s side, because my mother and her kin have a very different, very wonderful way if thinking – one that’s not suited to stereotypical ‘straight thought. My sister Susan had the same issue that I do, and like me, she found a way to turn it into something positive and creative. She became an actress and made it a part of her art .

…What I didn’t know was that my dyslexia would later serve me well once I turned to playing drums. It wasn’t clear to me until years later, when I really began to think (I) about drumming, which was something I found myself doing quite naturally. After I’d become known for drumming, and had a ‘style’ that people talked about, I began to ponder, wonder what exactly that style was. By nature what we drummers do is manage a series of spinning plates, but I realised quite quickly when I found myself talking shop with other plate-spinners that my methods of keeping my plates spinning are entirely my own. When I tried to explain it, they thought I was having a laugh at their expense or entirely mad.

That made it all crystal clear to me – my drumming was an extension of the blackboard syndrome. I really had no idea, nor the ability to explain in musical terms, what I was ever doing in a particular song. Upon further reflection, I’ve realised that all of this stems from my learning disability, and now that I’ve made something out of my irregular way of processing information, I’m damn glad. Dyslexia has absolutely tempered the way I think about rhythm and the way I’ve played my instrument, or any other for that matter, and that’s the long and short of it”

In the context of the “Drummer Archetype”, it was worth quoting at length!

Notice that three of my specific examples were born around 6^th/7^th July, which gives them a connection of the very special Fixed Star Sirius, sacred to the ancient Egyptians, and our brightest nearest star.

So, in summary, in contemplating your own link to the sign of Cancer and for those you know, you can explore for the next month, this segment of the zodiac, while the Sun is in Cancer (until 22nd July).  You may notice that with your Cancerian family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes.

“As we touch the child inside ourselves, we begin to access that bridge.  Maybe it shut down in you when you were two; maybe it shut down in you when you were seven.  It’s not dead. It’s just disconnected from you.  It’s just encased in a butterfly within a cocoon, and as all the great teachers have said, ‘Become the child, and you will know God.’ “

~ Chris Griscom

Next Week: Wimbledon – Week 1

Aspects

There are 11 Aspects this week, so let’s crack on!

This morning Mars was sextile Jupiter, a gung-ho aspect, which may have inspired Donald Trump to bomb nuclear sites in Iran, and then wax lyrical about it.  I hasten to say this is normally a positive aspect, not an incitement to war and aggression.

This aspect brings expansive activities, such as running in the park, or strenuous gardening, or the pursuit of any sport or leisure activity with gusto.  Hubby is tidying up the garden, with the edge slightly taken off the heatwave.  You’ll be able to find that extra drive, for what you are wanting to achieve.  Pursue your enthusiasms!  But whatever you do, think carefully, before pursuing a trigger for uncontrolled repercussions.  Normally I would not need to add that, but even a positive aspect can be put to mis-use.

You’ll be slowing down in the evening, with a square between the Sun and Saturn.  Even the international rhetoric may be more subdued, as the realization of the repercussions sink in.  There may be disappointing or deflating news, delay or frustration, such as criticisms about hasty actions. The Sun-Saturn square is an opportunity to think through what you are doing, and your strategies.  If you are making economies, are they the right ones, based on your optimum values?  A more reflective evening.

Tomorrow (Monday 23^rd), you may feel confused by opposing ideas and thoughts, as Neptune squares the Sun.  The issue of taking out Iran’s nuclear capacity for instance, may be a polarising one.  You might be becoming wise to the smoke and mirrors of this type of aspect. There may be new considerations and issues arising, more sensitivity to consider, in your own life.  How much energy can you give to the consideration of events abroad, while attending to your own healing and those of other around you? You may be feeling a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy.  If you are on a journey, take a moment to stop and reflect, over coffee at a service station on the motorway for instance.  It’s a good moment to surrender to the divine, and ask what you are supposed to be learning from the experience, seeking out where the illusion lies.

More conundrums for Tuesday (24^th) with a square between Chiron and Mercury.  Mini-crises may feature in the earlier part of the day, needing problem-solving skills, and solutions which may be to hand, like dock leaves near nettles, or may require soul consultation, digging deep.  Cut yourself some slack, and do what you can.

Fortunately, things may pick up and perk up in the afternoon, with the Sun conjunct Jupiter, one of the most favourable aspects of the year.  It takes place at 3 degrees Cancer.  It is an aspect of hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.  It coincides with Mick Fleetwood’s birthday: play your “Rumours” vinyl!

Midweek, on Wednesday (25^th), we have a New Moon at 4 degrees Cancer.  It’s a pure and simple chance to get back to basics with our home, family, roots, locality, emotions and ancestry.  Where it falls in your chart can give you extra clues about placing your intentionality, your hopes and wishes. Develop any Cancerian Archetypes you find worthwhile, from the list above!  A good day to bake a cake.

Mercury sextiles Uranus on Thursday (26^th), a bright aspect for the mind.  Connect your lower, logical, mind favourably, with your higher, intuitive, mind.  This is a is a sparky way of thinking, and  may feel like a breath of fresh air, if it is not your default position. Telepathy, intuition and the power of surprise are benefits of this aspect.  This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor, or unusual ways of articulating your message.

By early afternoon, you may benefit from another sextile, that of the Sun with Mars.  You may feel you can get things moving physically, if they had been slow or stalled.  The energy and fuel is in supply, and the will is there.  This aspect favours the masculine elements of life, e.g. men, cars and dogs.  There may also be an aspect of competitiveness about it.  However, a word of warning to warmongers: don’t.

In the evening, Mercury enters Leo.  This placement favours applying the mind to ways of finding leisure and enjoyment in this summery, holiday season.   Find novel ways to do so. For example, take up a new hobby!

Last but not least, Saturday (28^th) brings a constructive trine between Mercury and Saturn.  A government leader somewhere may consider their actions carefully…(!).  This aspect combines mental work with practicality, and brings focus and realism to the activities of the  mental plane.  So, it is a good day for making plans.  Serious conversations can also safely take place under this aspect.

Mercury also trines Neptune on that day, and things may fall into place spiritually, with some higher insight. This may result in an increased readiness to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys.  It’s a kind astrological note to end on.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – gung-ho, then slowing down
• Tomorrow – confusion
• Tuesday – conundrums; later, luck
• Wednesday – new beginning
• Thursday – bright minds; bushy tails;
• Saturday – practical thought; spiritual insight

Brian Wilson (1942 – 2025)

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

~ Brian Wilson, 2019

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

Birth Chart

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

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

In 2022 I wrote:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neptune closely square the Sun

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

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

~ Richard Williams, Guardian Obituary

On film:

2011 interview:

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

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

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

Life and Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eugene Landy

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

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

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

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

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

Melinda Ledbetter

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

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

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

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

Resurgence

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

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

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

Brian Wilson, thank you for the music.

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

~ Simon Neil

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

~ Sean Lennon

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

No frills this week…just the Aspects!

Aspects

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

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

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

10.48 a.m. – Mercury square Saturn

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

17.20 Hrs – Venus square Pluto

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

*21.02 Hrs – Jupiter enters Cancer

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

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

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

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

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

22.54 Hrs – Mercury square Neptune

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Gemini Archetypes

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

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

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

“Archetypes

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

Communicator

Communication is the most basic principle for this sign.

Teacher, Scientist, Scribe, Intellectual, Merchant

These Archetypes feature heavily in Geminian careers, and potential.

Combinations

Gemini in combination with Aries: The Engineer

Gemini in combination with Virgo or Aries: The Critic

Gemini in combination with Virgo: The Gossip

Caroline Myss writes of this Archetype:

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

Famous Example: Gossipy style of Joan Rivers’ humour”

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

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

The Teacher

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

The Scientist

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

The Journalist

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

Other Archetypes

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

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

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

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

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

Historical/more in-depth Examples

The Scientist

Francis Crick (8/6/1916 – 28/7/2004)

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

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

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

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

The Journalist

Simon Hoggart (26/5/1946 – 5/1/2014)

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

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

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

The Wordsmith

Bob Dylan (b. 24/5/1941)

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

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

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

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

Joan Baez has said:

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

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

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

Then give me another word for it

You were so good with words

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

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

The Meteorologist

Carol Kirkwood (b. 29/5/1962)

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

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

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

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

 

Voltaire (1694 – 1778)

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

~ Voltaire

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

Birth Chart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life and Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relationship

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

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

Religion

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

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

Candide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death

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

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

~ Nicholas Cronk

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Pope Leo XIV

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

~ Pope Leo XIV

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

Birth Chart

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

Life and Career

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

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

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

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

Conclave

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ Vlodomyrr Zelenskyy

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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