Alan Turing

Voted Greatest Icon of 20th Century

“There should be no question in anyone’s mind that Turing’s work was the biggest factor in Hut 8’s success. In the early days, he was the only cryptographer who thought the problem worth tackling”

~ Hugh Alexander

This week cryptanalyst Alan Turing was voted Greatest Icon in 20th Century.  In 2002 Winston Churchill was voted Greatest Briton, from a list of 100 on which Alan Turing featured as number 21.  Alan Turing’s profile has since risen, with a detailed biography by Andrew Hodges and a film “The Imitation Game” made from the book, “Enigma”.  Both men were inextricably linked in the task of saving our country and the fate of others in World War II.  With the Sun in Cancer, it seems fitting that Alan Turing’s greatest service was to his home country.

Birth Chart

Alan Turing’s vital statistics (astrologically) were Sun in Cancer, Ascendant in Gemini and Moon in Libra. His Sun was conjunct Pluto, depicting one who was psychologically deep and faced huge inner challenges.

His Moon was sextile Mars and square Neptune, increasing the emotional content of his birth chart.  It was also closely conjunct the South Node in Libra in 5th House.  Mercury was conjunct the Sun, and more tellingly, trine his Chiron, a problem-solving, code-cracking trine.  His Venus was exactly conjunct Pluto, so his feelings could sometimes be volcanic.  Saturn was trine Uranus in his chart, enabling him to bring together the old and the new.  Another key factor in his chart was Uranus conjunct exactly with the Midheaven, showing brilliance in a scientific and technological career.

Early Life

Alan was born in Maida Vale at a time when his father Julius Turing was back in England temporarily from his post in the Indian Civil Service. On his mother’s side her grandfather’s second cousin had been George Johnstone Stoney, a famous Irish scientist.  His Pluto was sextile Alan’s Midheaven, so there may have been an astrological legacy there for his scientific future.

He was educated at Sherborne in Dorset at a school which was at odds with his natural talent, favouring the classics over science, to an extent that he was discouraged from pursuing his chosen subject.  However, he went on to win a place at King’s College Cambridge.

Christopher Morcrom

While still at Sherborne he developed a strong bond with a fellow student, Christopher Morcrom, who helped bring through his talent and passion for science.  Their relationship was a key component in Alan’s emotional history.  They were both Cancerian; Christopher had Mars sextile Alan’s Venus, an attraction, and there was also a powerful magnetism of Christopher’s Mars sextile Alan’s Pluto.

Sadly, Morcron died suddenly from complications from bovine tuberculosis (on 13th February 1930), and this was a great shock and loss to Alan.

Some of the effects on Alan show up in his transits at the time:  Saturn opposed his natal Mercury (sadness), Uranus squared his Mercury (shock), and Pluto exactly squared his natal Nodal Axis (karmically affected by a death).

The biography quotes from a letter he wrote to his mother at the time, feeling that destiny was calling him to continue their work together on his own: “I feel sure that I shall meet Morcom again somewhere and that there will be some work for us to do together, and as I believed there was for us to do here”.

Christopher’s mother recorded in her diary how Mrs Turing had called in on her: “We talked nearly all the time about Chris and she told me how much he had influenced Alan and how Alan thought he was still working with him and helping him”.

Career

At Cambridge, Alan gained a first-class honours degree in mathematics.  He then continued to pursue an academic path at Princeton University in the U.S.  At the approach to World War II from September 1938 he began working part time at Bletchley Park, the codebreaking centre working on analysing German codes.  The day after the outbreak of war, he joined them full time, working and for a time leading the effort at Hut 8 to crack the codes for the Enigma machine, which had been invented in Germany at the end of the first World War by Arthur Scherbius.  At the time, Saturn was sextile his natal Sun (responsibility) and Pluto on his I.C. (founding a profound life’s work).  The efforts of the group at Bletchley Park contributed greatly to the prediction of the movements of the German navy in particular.

Joan Clarke

On 17th June 1940 another Cancerian arrived in his life, Joan Clarke, another mathematician and cryptanalyst, whose intellect won her a position in the team. In their synastry, Their Suns were conjunct, his Nodal Axis was square her Venus (romantic karma), and his Saturn was on her Jupiter (she was able to give him encouragement). Their friendship grew, enjoying chess and bike rides together, and in 1941 Alan proposed marriage and she accepted.  Eventually, he broke off the engagement deciding he could not go through with the marriage, despite her knowledge and acceptance of his homosexuality.

Winston Churchill

Just after the end of 1940 the efforts of the cryptanalysts began to pay off.  Appreciating the potential of their work, Winston Churchill paid a visit to Bletchley Park in the summer of 1941.  He gave the workers there a pep talk, and was introduced to Alan Turing [thus the greatest Briton of the 20th Century was introduced to the greatest Icon!].  The work had been lacking recognition and resources, and it was hoped that the visit from Churchill would make a difference to their working conditions.  But time dragged on without that hoped for change, and on 21st October 1941, Alan wrote to Winston about the work being held up.  Because of the secrecy of the work, there was no direct acknowledgement, but the help came through and the work was expedited.

The transits for Alan at this important moment of time were: Mars sextile his Midheaven (seizing the initiative); Saturn trine his Neptune (bringing reality to an ideal); Pluto trine his Sun (a deeply felt truth) and Pluto square his natal Neptune – sensing peril in the world.

The transits for Winston at the time were also galvanizing: Uranus was square his Moon (electrifying his emotions); the North Node was trine his Pluto  (a karmic urging) and Uranus trine his Ascendant (again, electrifying).

Bearing in mind their unique collaboration in history, what was the synastry between the two men?  Turing’s Jupiter is exactly conjunct Winston Sun, bringing him luck, Turing’s Moon was exactly conjunct Winston Mars (a shared motivation), Turing’s Neptune was exactly square Winston’s Jupiter (a spiritual challenge), and Turing’s Mars was on Winston’s Uranus (an encouragement to action).

By 1943, Turing’s role at Bletchley had been completed, but the work curtailed the war by more than two years and saved over 14 million lives.

After Bletchley

Alan’s secret mission was completed, but as a scientist and mathematician he extended his work to include more groundbreaking invention which further sealed his place in history.  Drawing on others who came before him in his field, such as Charles Babbage and Countess Ada Lovelace, he in effect invented the modern computer, computer programming and artificial intelligence, which are so much a part of our modern age.  He was awarded an O.B.E. by King George VI in 1946, even though his work had been in secret.

Trial

Turing made no secret of his homosexuality, even though in his time it was illegal.  However, he was targeted by the British government when in late 1951 and early 1952 he began a relationship with Arnold Murray and was subsequently prosecuted for “gross indecency”.  His case was heard on 31st March 1952.  Jupiter was square his Neptune at the time, which might have contributed some spiritual angst.  He was advised to plead guilty, and opted for chemical castration instead of prison, which disastrous effects.  It seems inhuman that he was given that choice and it was coldheartedly implemented.

Death

Alan Turing was found dead on 8th June 1954, the cause thought to be suicide by cyanide poisoning, but some room was left for the possibility that it was accidental.  The transits at the time were:- Mars opp Pluto (possible violence against the self); Saturn square his natal Uranus/Midheaven (desperate measures), and Neptune square his Neptune (extreme confusion and poisoning).

Reputation Restored

Partly because he work during the Second World War was so low profile, Alan did not get due recognition for it until much later.  Certainly he did not become a household name until this century.  In 2009 Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a public apology on behalf of the British government, and in 2013 Queen Elizabeth granted him a posthumous pardon.  The book “Alan Turing: The Enigma” by Andrew Hodges was published in 2014, and the film “The Imitation Game” was released on 28th November 2014.  His posthumous transits for this week included Jupiter (recognition) trine his natal North Node (a karmic reward finally coming through).

“There was always a sense of this immense power and of his ability to tackle every problem, and always from first principles”

~ Peter Hilton

Bibliography: “Alan Turing: The Enigma” by Andrew Hodges

Aspect

There is just the one aspect this week, accompanied by two ingresses.

The first ingress occurs today, with Mercury entering Pisces.  Mercury stays in Pisces until 17th April, a longer than usual stay in a sign by his standards, because there is a retrograde period occurring during that time.  One of the features of this placement is mental confusion, and of course we have the Brexit transition due to occur in this period.  Strange to tell, Mercury goes Direct on the purported day of Brexit itself, 29th March.  Countries, businesses, and ordinary folk do not know where they stand at the moment, with no firm plan in sight.  Every astrological feature of course has its positive as well as negative side, so the upside of Mercury in Pisces is more imaginative thinking (hopefully by politicians) but also in private lives.  There is also more creativity and inspiration, so it is not all confusion.  There may be times it is hard to focus, and you may feel your mind is “elsewhere” (which may be on other planes of light, sorting through possibilities).  So bring that inspiration down, and attempt to do something practical with it.

Wednesday features the only actual aspect of the week, a conjunction between Mars and Uranus, at 29 degrees Aries.  That is very focussed action, sometimes conducted at lightning speed.  It favours engineering, mechanics and science, and could be explosive if the energy is not harnessed with some sense of control.  The energies could be very galvanizing.   This conjunction makes a statement, and even more so by virtue of its position at the very end of Aries – a parting gesture, perhaps.  It is very dynamic, and with Mars about to enter Taurus there is a feeling of action needed now or there will be delay, or significantly slower progress. Uranus enters Taurus next month, which will also create more change, and enforce more contemplation.  It is currently opposite Theresa May’s Neptune.  However, next week Chiron will enter Aries (more of that later) which brings a new and different urgency to solving problems.  At the end of March, Chiron will be trine Theresa May’s North Node, a karmic reckoning.

The slowing down of Mars entering Taurus then occurs on Thursday (14th), Valentine’s Day, at 10.51 a.m. in the U.K.  If you are going to do any rushing around, complete it by that time!  Then take the day slowly, and savour the difference in energy.  Martian types (for example Ariens) may feel that they are straining on the leash, frustrated or impatient.  Venusian types (for example Taureans and Librans) may feel an influx of energy and a sense of purpose.   John Gray’s  adage “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” may get a little mixed up, as some people may be acting out of their gender roles.  On the romantic side, it could be a day of  fluctuating feelings, but it is certainly a demonstrative day with a mix of perplexity and sensuality.   Gentleness wins the day though, not the bull in a china shop approach.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – soft-focus, mentally
• Wednesday – impulsive
• Thursday – a gentler approach

Richard E. Grant

Richard E. Grant has had an emotional fortnight.  On 23rd January he found out he was nominated for his first Oscar, at the age of 61.  Then a week later, he shed tears over a tweet by Barbra Streisand.  The sense of anticipation in his life will be building up to the Oscars ceremony, which will take place on 24th February.

Birth Chart

Grant has the Sun exactly conjunct Mercury in Taurus, in a triple conjunction with Venus.  Taurus is a sign of deep feeling, and appreciation of the Arts.  Venus is exactly on his South Node, indicating that his past lives were very much involved in cultivating the Arts.  His Moon and Mars are in Cancer, and together with the Taurean planets, show that he is very much in tune with the female side of life.  Mars sextile Pluto in his chart gives him the potential of great stamina, and the resource of a powerhouse of energy.  His Mars and Jupiter receive all sextiles and trines, which is a very positive energy.  Saturn in his chart is unaspected, so he may have issues around rules, discipline and authority, and will express these himself in a very individualistic way.

Life and Career

Richard was born and brought up in Swaziland, and has an exotic mixed ancestry composed of English, Dutch/Afrikaner and German heritage. He obtained a degree in English and Drama from Cape Town University, and moved to London in 1982.

He made his name with the title role in the film “Withnail and I” in 1987.  Mark Kermode in the Observer this morning describes the characterization of this role as “emotionally unguarded” and contrasts it with his current role in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

In between that first success and his current success (a time span of  31 or so years) Richard has taken a variety of roles.  He hit it off particularly with the comedy actor Steve Martin in 1991 during the filming of L.A. Story, communicating through fax.  Steve Martin’s funnybone is represented in his chart by a conjunction of Jupiter and Chiron, but he has a sparky conjunction of Mars and Uranus in his chart, which is trine Richard E. Grant’s Chiron.  Richard E. Grant would find this exchange particularly healing, because his natal Chiron has four squares to it.

Chiron seems to be an important planet for Richard by transit (we do not know its exact placement within his Houses because we do not have a birth time for him).  On 1st Deember 2006, he exposed a scam selling a bogus cure for AIDS on the television programme Newsnight.  At that time, Neptune (exposing a scandal) was transiting his natal Chiron in Aquarius (healing for society).  The character Jack, who he plays in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” falls victim to AIDS.  This may reflect part of Grant’s Inner Healer mission.

Oscar nomination

On 23rd January, Grant posted a video of himself outside a building where he lived in London, starting out as an actor, with enormous glee:  “I’m absolutely overwhelmed! 36 years ago I rented this bedsit here which is one room in Notting Hill Gate for £30 a week… I cannot believe that 36 years later I’m standing here as an almost 62-year-old man and having an Oscar nomination, ha!”

He had by way of transits Saturn trine his Sun, a long overdue plaudit, Uranus trine his Pluto – a profound surprise, and Neptune sextile exactly his Sun to the day – a sublime experience, connected with film and acting.  Pluto was also trine his natal Jupiter, indicating a profound success.

Melissa McCarthy

In the film, Melissa McCarthy co-stars (and has also received nominations).  She plays real life author Lee Israel, who fell on hard times and became a professional forger, with the help of Richard’s character Jack, a flamboyant drug dealer.  Mark Kermode describes this partnership as a “perfect pairing”, and that seems to be one of the secrets of the film’s success.

Richard’s Neptune is exactly conjunct Melissa’s Jupiter, showing great inspiration.  There is also a high-intensity conjunction between her Mars and his Pluto.  At the time of the nomination, the North Node (karmic reward) was sextile her natal Pluto (great meaning in her life).

Lee Israel

Lee Israel, the woman on whom the film is based (stemming from her own autobiography), deserves a mention here.  She had Mercury in Scorpio (a forensic mind) exactly trine Jupiter, making her an expert forger.  She had Jupiter trine exactly Melissa’s Neptune, which is an inspired rapport.  Lee’s posthumous transits include Chiron trine her natal Mercury, a healing of the mind.  Kermode describes the film as a “gently forgiving account” of Lee’s life.

Letter to Barbra Streisand

Richard popped up again on our newsfeed on 30th January, because of a letter he had written when he was 14 years old, and a huge fan of Barbra Streisand (a fellow Taurean).  At the time, he was still living in Swaziland, and because she was under stress at the time, he wrote to her offering her a refuge at his family home where there was “no chance of being mobbed”.  He shared the letter on Twitter on 30th, and she replied “What a wonderful letter … and look at you now! You’re terrific in your latest movie with Melissa, congratulations and love Barbra”.  He was apparently in tears.  What was the synastry between this star and superfan?  Her Sun was exactly square his Uranus, their Marses were closely conjunct in Cancer, her Mars was trine his Pluto (connecting in with his powerhouse of energy), Her Pluto was exactly conjunct his Uranus (a big impact).

On 30th, Richard had Jupiter exactly sextile his natal Chiron in Aquarius (again, I feel that Chiron is important in his chart), Saturn still trine his natal Sun, Uranus trine his Pluto, and Neptune sextile his Sun (but easing away from its position at his nomination).  But Pluto is growing ever closer to the trine with his Jupiter, which perfects or peaks on 16/17th February, closer to the time of the awards.  Barbra at the time had Uranus sextile her Mars, Mars sextile her Jupiter, and Chiron sextile her Uranus, which produce an air of excitement (probably in her life unconnected with the incident).

The Oscars: 91st Academy Awards

These take place on Sunday, 24th February, and the transits are:-

For Richard, Jupiter square exactly his natal Jupiter – high energy, super excitement.  Uranus sextile his natal Mars (more excitement).  Neptune sextile his Mercury (a sensitive nervous system, registering emotion); and Pluto still very close to the trine with his Jupiter (just a week after its peak).

For Melissa, Pluto trine exactly her natal Saturn (profound acknowledgement of hard work), and Uranus trine her Sun by 3 degrees (some success).

When the dust has settled on the Oscars, Grant has another project to look forward to, his forthcoming appearance in Star Wars: Episode IX.  But he will surely look back on this period as one of the highlights of his life.

Aspects

We started this morning with a square between Venus and Chiron, a possible emotional wrangle in an otherwise unblemished week astrologically.  You may have had to examine your emotional or financial history in the early hours, for clues to any current dilemmas or overdue issues.  The question “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” might have come up…If you didn’t manage to come up with a resolution or conclusion, then it might be best to let the subconscious mind work on it for the time being, and enjoy the rest of the week.

A very forgiving, upbeat aspect occurs this evening, in the form of Mercury sextile Jupiter.  It’s a good week generally, but particularly for Geminis and Virgos, as their ruling planet Mercury makes favourable connections with some of the other planets.  So this evening favours business deals, travel and travel plans, and learning of all kinds.  New and upbeat ways of looking at things can start the week as you mean to go on, and on a favourable footing.

:Later still, Venus enters Capricorn, bringing a slightly more sober take on relationships.  But the upside of Venus in Capricorn is more commitment, loyalty and realism.  Thoughts may turn to the care of the elderly within the family circle.

A fresh New Moon at 15 degrees Aquarius awaits us tomorrow (4th February), and the chance of a new start and new vision.  Aquarius is community minded, sees the injustices in society and wants to bring about beneficial change.  So any projects you have in your mind or are involved with along such lines receive a boost at this time.  It’s a good time to look to the future.

A nod to the Chinese New Year on Tuesday (5th), which will be the Year of the Earth Pig.  Wishing you all a Happy Year of the Pig, whatever your Chinese animal sign, and the hope that people will take to heart the advice that eating less meat  will help the planet.  Any experts on the Year of the Pig would be welcome to add their comments below.

The continued conviviality between the planets bestows a superb sextile between the Sun and Jupiter on Friday (8th).  Whatever your enterprise, good fortune may smile on it.  It brings a cheery, if not laughter-filled vibration to the day.  It favours international relations (there may be handshakes with Michel Barnier and Donald Tusk in Brussels if we’re very lucky).  Boundless optimism will win the day.

The same day provides us with yet another sextile, that between Mercury and Mars.  That helps our minds and bodies work in sync and makes communication more sprightly.  It also adds excitement to the previous sextile, making the whole day quite dynamic.  It’s not a day for sitting with your feet up – make the most of opportunities which present themselves.

And the excitement doesn’t abate on Saturday, it just goes on, with another sextile, between Mercury and Uranus, representing great mental activity and intuition combining with the rational mind to good effect.  This is helpful for repairing or upgrading technology, and for receiving and implementing new and futuristic ideas.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – emotional need for healing, enterprising communication, and more settling in relationships
• Tomorrow – new beginnings
• Tuesday – Chinese New Year
• Friday – luck and success, brisk and efficient activity
• Saturday – brilliant minds

 

 

Prince Philip Revisited

“I reckon I’ve done my bit.  It’s better to get out before you reach your sell-by date.”

~ The Duke of Edinburgh

It has emerged this morning that Prince Philip has sent a written apology to the victims of the car crash he was involved in at Sandringham on 17th January.  People differ in their views as to whether at the age of 97 he should still be driving, but he was breathalysed (negative result) and his eyes were tested and found to be acceptable.  The passenger in the other car, who broke her wrist, was aggrieved that she had not had a personal apology from him (and that he got straight back in the saddle so to speak), and now she has received one.  So I thought it was time to review/update his chart, his current transits, and recent events.  I last wrote about him on his birthday in June 2012:

Birth Chart

“There are a couple of breathtaking features in common between the Duke of Edinburgh’s chart and his wife’s binding them despite being opposites in many ways.  He has the Sun in Gemini, and so all that he processes is through his intellect and the mental plane.  He is known for his witty, acerbic comments, which sometimes hit the mark (Sagittarius Archer ascending) and sometimes emerge as gaffes (Sagittarius rising again).  Sagittarius is very different from Elizabeth’s Capricorn rising.  But he knows his own mind (Moon closely sextile to the Sun), and he undoubtedly came into this world to play a specific role.  One of his main roles is as a spiritual bodyguard to the Queen.  He has a warrior’s chart (Sun conjunct Mars trine his North Node) and karmic mission.  Mars conjunct the Sun in Gemini indicate a more verbal than physical style of warriorship.  The stunning similarities with the Queen’s chart are his Moon in Leo (born to rule) and his Saturn exactly conjunct the Midheaven just as she has (defining his Career Path as one of duty and discipline, and showing just how close his path has been to hers).”

Retirement

Prince Philip retired in 2017, with Neptune trine his natal ruler Mercury (giving himself a mental rest) and Pluto trine his natal Saturn/Midheaven in Virgo in 10th House (a final ending to a dutiful career).

Hip Op

He has had various health problems over the years, and in April 2018 he underwent a hip operation.  At the time, Mars (surgery) was sextile his natal Uranus, Saturn was sextile his natal Uranus, and the North Node (karmic factor) was on his Neptune (a planet connected with post-operative confinement).

The Accident

The accident occurred as Prince Philip was moving out into a busy main road at Sandringham, at 3.30 pm on 17th January.  At that moment, Pluto was exactly opposite the Ascendant, a moment of potential danger (which occurs once in every day).  His range rover careered across the road and overturned, and a passerby helped him out.  He was unhurt, and enquired about the passengers in the other car (which included a baby).

The police have yet to publish a report on the incident, but Prince Philip says the sun was low and in his eyes at the time.  The passenger in the other car contends that it was cloudy at the time.  But our own reporter (chief commenter on this blog) Sarah, who takes her dog walking in Sandringham every day, confirms that it was sunny.  That being so, if he was not sure, maybe he should not have moved out at that moment.

His transits were:-

Saturn opposite his natal Mercury in 8th House – the potential for poor judgment, Venus square his Jupiter in Virgo in 10th House (ensuing criticism of his behaviour), and Mars trine his Neptune (his lucky escape).

The Apology

“I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident.  I have been across that crossing any number of times and I know very well the amount of traffic that uses that main road.  The sun was shining low over the main road. In normal conditions I would have no difficult in seeing traffic coming from the Dersingham direction, but I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences.”

It will be interesting to see if there are any further consequences to this story.  Already there are moves to reduce the driving speed along that main road.  Will the police be able to establish what actually happened?  The Duke of Edinburgh has not experienced any diminishing of his desire to drive as a result, but should he?  There are many unresolved questions.  Let me know what you think!

Aspects

The Sun is conjunct Mercury on Wednesday (30th) in Aquarius, so it is a good day to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  make important statements and look to the future.

The most heavyweight aspect of the week comes on Thursday (31st), in the shape of a sextile between Saturn and Neptune.  This may bring possible advances in the use of chemicals and drugs, e.g. a more ethical use and awareness.  Ecological enterprises may receive a boost, such as ventures which tackle the rising tide of plastic.  It is a good day to think about and tackle such issues.  There is an opportunity to bring together sensitivity and spirituality, with practicality and plans.  So it is a major aspect, heavy but constructive.

In contrast, Mars square Pluto on Saturday (2nd February) is a more common aspect but very destructive.  If you are a peaceful type, stand back and try to stay out of the fray.  If you are a warrior, you may be able to courageously intervene, but it is not always wise to “have a go!”  If you are driving and uttering expletives about other drivers, don’t let an incident escalate into road rage, for example.  There may be political stand-offs  in the U.K. and the U.S. which may induce anger.  We all react differently to events according to our make up, but try to be restrained on Saturday.  And, above all, don’t beat yourself up.

“It takes a great deal of courage to live the plans you made before you were born.  My desire, my most fervent wish, is that you recognize the tremendous courage you show in every moment of every day, when, with each breath, you reaffirm your decision to embrace and learn from your own challenges.  Within that recognition, you will find your soul”

– Robert Schwartz, from “Your Soul’s Plan”.

Very late on Saturday (coming up to midnight in the U.K.)  there may be some mitigating influences, with a trine between Venus and Uranus.  This will bring a lighter atmosphere to social occasions and functions, and interactions.  The higher human instincts and the intuition may bring some resolving of issues, surprises and a welcome meeting of minds and hearts.  These feelings can bring out ideas for assisting the problems in our society.

The week in bullet points:

• Wednesday – bright mental  focus
• Thursday – serious but meaningful progress
• Saturday – on the edge, but later some restored harmony

 

Mary Queen of Scots

The new film released in the U.K. this week on Friday 18th January about Mary Queen of Scots looks intriguing, and stars two modern stars of the screen.  The film is based on a biography of Mary Queen of Scots by John Guy, “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart”.  Mark Kermode describes the film in the Observer this morning as “a full-blooded tale of personal and pollitical rivalries told with wit, flair and passion”.  As often happens, I am writing about the film before seeing it, but it is always enjoyable to look at my blogs in hindsight when I do see the film and comment later.

Saoirse Ronan

The leading ladies in this film are Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, both of whom I wrote about last March in a blog about the Oscars. Saoirse was signed up to play Mary Queen of Scots for this film six years ago, which gave this Irish actress plenty of time to practise her Scottish accent.  I wrote last March:

“Saoirse Ronan, the daughter of Irish American parents, is a fresh faced Aries Sun, with 0 planets in Air signs making her very instinctual.  In this film she expertly portrays a youth in Sacramento, and Aries represents a time of youth.  She has in her chart a square between the Sun and Uranus/Neptune, and so she would be a non-conformist, capable of creating an illusion, and would not shy away from a challenge.  She has Mercury conjunct Mars – quick mental reactions (which displayed in a recent chat show as a party piece in a speedy recital of mnemonic poem to describe how to pronounce her name). Mars also trine exactly Pluto gives her a powerhouse of energy, and Mars also trines her North Node so warriorship is part of her karmic mission. Uranus also sextiles exactly her North Node so the Rebel Archetype is also a strong element in her karmic mission.”

At this time, Saturn is trine Saoirse’s Venus, which suggests it is a serious role for her, and important to her personally.  The film portrays the strength of the woman.  When asked if she is inclined to play fiercely independent women she has said: “I don’t necessarily make it my mission to do that though, but I guess it’s what I’m attracted to, you know.”

In the synastry between her and the historical Mary, her Venus squares Mary’s Mars and her Neptune squares Mary’s Jupiter, so there is not a great deal of personal connection, though Saoirse has the fighting qualities in her chart to portray the Queen trying to keep her throne.

Mary Queen of Scots

The historical Mary was born in 1542, and was cousin to Queen Elizabeth I.  The action of the film begins around 1561.  She had three husbands during the course of her life, and gave birth to a son James who was the natural heir to the Scottish throne and later became James I of England.  Elizabeth I felt threatened by the existence of her cousin’s son as a possible heir, as she was not able to produce an heir of her own.  The film itself has been criticized for some historical inaccuracies.

The transits to Mary’s chart of the U.K. opening of the film are amazing: Jupiter is exactly on her Sun; Jupiter sextile her Pluto exactly; Neptune trine her Saturn, and Pluto sextile her Venus. That should be a favourable portrayal, in her posthumous book.

Mary spent the last months of her life imprisoned in Fotheringay Castle, where she was beheaded on 8th February 1687.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie, who plays Queen Elizabeth I, was also in line for best actress last year, for her portrayal of the ice skater Tonya Harding.

I wrote at the time:

“Originally from Australia, Margot is the third Cancerian actress in the category, and deserves triple praise for acting in the film, producing the film, and actually skating in the film which concerns the drama of ice skater Tonya Harding’s real life.  Margot has an enterprising 7 out of her 10 planets in Cardinal signs.  She has the Moon (depicting important women in her life) in Scorpio, of which Tonya is one (certainly one she has decided to champion on her creative path).  Margot also has a useful Mars-Jupiter square, providing huge energy and enthusiasm (though also tempered by a square between Mars and Saturn).  Jupiter powerfully trines Pluto in her chart, too.”

Queen Elizabeth I of course has had many films made about her, and many prominent actresses have played her.  In the current film, Margot looks stunningly austere with a chalk white face and bright auburn topknot.  The transits for Margot at this time are Saturn on her Neptune, and Neptune trine her Pluto, portraying a time of sensitivity and complexity for her.  Margot’s connection with the real Elizabeth I is much stronger than Saoirse’s with Mary:

Interaspects include the Queen’s Sun exactly sextile Margot’s Pluto, a posthumous representation!  The Queen’s Venus trines Margot’s Saturn.  Their Saturns are exactly opposite.  Karmically, the Queen has her Mars trine Margot’s North Node, so the role may have a karmic significance for Margot (e.g. she may have known Elizabeth, for example in a minor court role).

Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth ruled England from 1558 to 1603, one of the greatest monarchs of British history.  Her relationship with her cousin Mary was complex, and by all accounts she hesitated to sign Mary’s death warrant, as she did not want the stain of blood on her hands.  In the end, however, Mary’s son James did inherit Elizabeth’s throne, and that may have been a direct piece of karma.

The posthumous transits this week for Elizabeth are Neptune opposing her Sun and squaring her Ascendant (a further complication of her image), Chiron opposite her Mercury (portrayal of a headache she could not solve), and Pluto trine her Venus (a deeply affecting relationship).

Meeting

In the film, towards the end, there is a clandestine meeting between Mary and Elizabeth.  According to Saoirse, the two actresses chose for that one meeting to be postponed to the end as that would give them a greater drama and tension for them as actresses.

In real life, Mary and Elizabeth had their Suns in square relationship to each other (so plenty of tension there).  But they also had their Venuses in sextile relationship, so underlying it was a personal love and kinship, too.

A Song for Mary

Songstress Sandy Denny was so moved by the life of Mary Queen of Scots that she wrote the song “Fotheringay” about her incarceration in the Castle, and it is one of her best and most heartfelt songs:

“How often she has gazed from castle windows o’er,
And watched the daylight passing within her captive wall,
With no-one to heed her call.

The evening hour is fading within the dwindling sun,
And in a lonely moment those embers will be gone
And the last of all the young birds flown.

Her days of precious freedom, forfeited long before,
To live such fruitless years behind a guarded door,
But those days will last no more.”

~ Sandy Denny

Aspects

It’s an action-packed week if you like to work with your aspects!  The Sun entered Aquarius this morning, and we move to a more collective and socially-minded expression.  We take more notice of the underdog, and the things that need changing in society, rather than accepting the status quo as represented by Sun in Capricorn.  We are more open to embracing change,  as we emerge from the stiffness of winter, like snowdrops from the ground.  We still have a way to go before Spring, but are ready to look at different ways of being.

Tomorrow (Monday 21st), our relationships come under some scrutiny with Venus squaring Neptune.  We need to look below the surface illusion and determine what is really going on there.  Perhaps we are too timid to do anything about any problems, but it is time to be honest at least with ourselves, and look more objectively, and beyond the levels of need and addiction.  In the news, scandal and deception may be highlighted, such as political dishonesty and hypocrisy.

A Full Moon also occurs tomorrow, a Lunar Eclipse, also billed as a Supermoon, a Blood Moon and a Wolf Moon – these days, Moons seem to come with a lot more labels (than in my day…).  Its position is 0 degrees Leo, which is quite a powerful position in itself, even without all the other attributes given to it by the names.  Moon in Leo can be dramatic, and bring about power struggles.  And the effects of an eclipse can be world-turning and long-lasting.  But Leo is creative, and can write its own screenplay, and if working in a balanced way within a group (the Moon opposes the Sun in Aquarius), can lead to award-winning performances.  It is to a great extent, up to you what you create.

There is extra tension tomorrow also created by a square between Mars and Saturn, so the Moon in Leo may lead to a play for dominance, and a battle of wills.  You will need to bring out your Inner Peacemaker, and also ensure that one person is not made a scapegoat in a group.  In Question Time this week, Diane Abbot was set upon by the other panellists, and unsupported by chairperson Fiona Bruce (despite her designated role of impartiality) who even joined in the “bullying” and humiliation. Some intelligent forethought may bear dividends in avoiding that type of scenario.

With a sigh of relief we can enjoy a conjunction between Venus and Jupiter on Tuesday (22nd), one of the best aspects of the year.  It is a romantic and celebratory conjunction of the two traditional “benefics”.  It is a good day to get out and socialize, if you have been closeting yourself lately.  Joy and laughter is the order of the day.

Wednesday (23rd) brings us mental challenges (very possibly of the technological kind) with a square between Mercury and Uranus.  Be prepared for disrupted trains and computers needing attention.  Use your intuition to be one step ahead.

Mercury entering Aquarius the next day (Thursday 24th) may assist a more tech savvy vibe, e.g. you might find the right people to help you with your computer glitches, if you can’t solve them yourself.  Or you might be in a better frame of mind to tackle such matters.

The week ends on a high note, with Mars trine Jupiter on Friday (25th).  This is a go ahead, spirited aspect which makes us feel we can achieve anything.  If you felt held back earlier in the week, then Friday is the antidote.  It might help to schedule your active projects for Friday.  Enthusiasm and energy abound.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a collective mindset
• Tomorrow – seeing through the fog in relationships; high emotion; and obstacles
• Tuesday – shiny happy people
• Wednesday – disrupted communications
• Thursday – mentally clearer
• Friday – energy allied with enthusiasm

 

Jupiter square Neptune

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world…”

~ W.B. Yeats

Today Jupiter is square Neptune, which deserves a full blog on its own.  It is a major aspect, and occurs three times this year, returning in June and September.  So essentially, it does dominate the year, and the principle of this aspect is Uncertainty.

Today

The world today seems on the brink of uncertainty, at least either side of the Atlantic.  We have a Brexit vote in parliament in the U.K. on Tuesday, which could bring the government down.  And in the U.S. President Trump is staking all on building a wall against Mexico, shutting down the government while he tries to fulfill his pledge to those that voted for him.

Boundaries

Jupiter and Neptune are both planets which deal with boundaries, or more correctly, the lack of them.  Jupiter wants to be limitless, and Neptune dissolves boundaries.  How ironic, or fitting, then that Trump is trying to build a wall, and that the sticking point for Brexit centres around the Irish border.  It is difficult to draw lines when Jupiter and Neptune are involved singly, let alone when they are interacting, let alone when they are interacting in disharmony.

Religion and Morals

I most habitually think of Jupiter-Neptune combinations in terms of religion (Jupiter) and spirituality (Neptune) interacting.  So in this case, there is a loss of spiritual compass. There can be extra lawlessness.  We seem to be on the edge of a precipice (Brexit or No Deal), but Jupiter-Neptune is more like a cloud of unknowing.

Public Lives

Some people will have a direct connection  in their chart with the transit of Jupiter and Neptune; but for those who have not, they will at least feel the effect in two areas of their lives which may not be gelling as they’d like, or may seem more chaotic.  If  you have a planet between 13 and 14 degrees of a mutable sign, then this transit will take on more importance for you.  Neptune is currently at 14 degrees 22 minutes of Pisces, and Jupiter reaches 14 degrees 22 minutes of Sagittarius at 18.58 Hrs today.

Looking at some of the people who have been in the news this week:

Theresa May

Theresa May does have the square in exact contact with one of her planets, in her case Neptune is currently on her Mars. As Neptune is slow-moving and goes back and forth on a particular degree over the course of a couple of years, it is now on her Mars again, as when she called the last election in April 2017.  Neptune was at that time at 13 degrees 22 minutes Pisces when she made that decision (which did not prove the right thing for her interests); her Mars is at 13 degrees 39 minutes Pisces.  Jupiter is therefore also square her Mars.  To say she is in a pickle at the moment is an understatement.

She also has Mars opposite her Sun in Libra, Chiron opposite her Mercury (a mental conundrum) in Virgo, Saturn sextile her Mars, Chiron trine her Saturn, Uranus opposite her Neptune, and Uranus trine her Pluto – so, a lot going on.

For the U.K. Chart: (1922 version) Jupiter is on the Sun/Mercury of the chart, with Neptune squaring the natal Sun/Mercury, so a direct hit, blowing up the situation.  The 1801 Union chart is not so affected.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump currently has Mercury square his Mars, the liability to dangerous talk (but that is not out of the ordinary for him).  Mars is applying to a potentially more explosive transit for him around 15/16th January (Tuesday and Wednesday of this week) when it trines his natal Pluto.  For the average person, that can bring extra strength and energy, but for Donald it may bring extra volatility.

Jupiter and Neptune are not directly contacting a planet in his chart, but as we know his birth time, we can see that Neptune is placed in his 7th House of Close Relationships (which may include his marriage and colleagues), and Jupiter is placed in his 4th House of Home and Family.

For the U.S. Chart, Saturn currently opposes its Sun, which is a major blockage to progress, presumably describing the present impasse.  The South Node (past karma) is also conjunct its Pluto, which is a heavy situation.  But there are a couple of mitigating influences, in Jupiter sextile its Saturn, and Mars sextile its Uranus – it is difficult at the moment to see what they are.

Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn has one of the protagonists (Neptune) working against him, squaring his Venus, which may be his current image, ambivalence about his attitudes to Brexit and losing some support in his own party; but Jupiter is working for him, trine his Pluto – an opportunity to wrestle power from Theresa May.  He also has Uranus sextile his Uranus (the power of surprise), Chiron square his Uranus (some discomfort) and Saturn square his Neptune (suspicion surrounding him).  Some of you may have one of the two planets working for you in their contact with your chart, in this way.

John Bercow

The Speaker of the House has been accused by the right wing press of putting up  a block against Brexit this week, in engineering a vote to stop Theresa May backing out of Europe without a deal.  He allowed a vote such that if Theresa May’s Brexit plan is voted out on Tuesday, she would have to come up with a Plan B within three days after that (which is almost an impossibility).  His chart is not directly hit by Jupiter and Neptune, but he has Uranus square his Sun (taking risks), Chiron sextile his Sun (trying to achieve healing) and Saturn sextile his Jupiter (standing firm and applying his rules) this week.

Andy Murray

As written in my earlier blog today, on his announcement of retiring:

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

Jeff Bezos

The richest man in the world, indeed “in modern history” announced his divorce this week from his authoress wife.  This would make the settlement one of intense interest to money-watchers, if not relationship-watchers.  He does have an exact hit to his chart from the Jupiter-Neptune square, as Jupiter squares his Pluto (his intense wealth) and Neptune opposes his Pluto.  He also has Pluto on his Sun (extreme transformation of circumstances), Chiron sextile his Mars (an attempt to heal), and Saturn square his Jupiter (deflating).

His wife, MacKenzie, has Uranus sextile her Venus (an advantageous relationship split), Chiron trine her Venus (an emotional healing for her), and Mars trine Pluto (a show of strength).

Nazanin Zhagari-Radcliffe

Nazanin, languishing in an Iranian jail, is about to go on hunger strike this week, with no sign of clemency from the government there.  The Nodal Axis is square to her Mars, a desperate  karmic action.  Saturn is sextile her Uranus, some strength if she decides to go through with it, though her health is in a parlous state.  Neptune trine her Uranus – it is something she feels she has to do, from her spirit.  A very sad situation, she’s in.

So as you can see, we have a range of influences on charts, which may provoke thought when pondering your own reaction to the Jupiter-Neptune square.

“Nowhere has it been proven that a rich, joyous, abundant life cannot exist in the presence of uncertainty”

~ Susan Jeffers, from “Embracing Uncertainty”

Aspects

Mercury was conjunct Saturn at 12 degrees Capricorn at lunchtime today, prompting serious communications.  Someone may be laying down the law verbally, or setting new rules.  Travel may be difficult or delayed.

Early evening is the more astrologically significant aspect of the day: Jupiter square Neptune.  This aspect is not just for today, it will dominate most of the year, so there is something to try to grasp or come to terms with, probably uncertainty itself.  But you may be more acutely aware of it today, and how it may be affecting your life (which will very much vary from person to person, but the repercussions in our society affect us all).  Just as we are in a state of flux about Brexit, you may be in a state of flux about a facet (or two) of your life.  To a great extent, you may not be able to solve it as a mental conundrum, and may have to bypass the mind and the mental analysis, for a higher plane of spiritual meaning and resolution. Dreams may be overblown, and grounding and practicality will be essential, however.  It is difficult, though not impossible, to draw lines during this influence.  Though Mercury conjunct Saturn today paradoxically can think, analyse, plan and draw lines more clearly than usual.

Tomorrow (Monday 14th) is helpful, especially if you are having any difficulty with the Jupiter-Neptune square, because Mercury (the rational mind) is sextile with Neptune (inspiration).  It is a day that you can start to clarify certain issues within uncertainty or confusion.  The left brain will be able to connect with the right brain, and higher guidance.

The Sun conjoins the South Node on Wednesday (16th), bringing light and insight into past actions and memories, and fostering existing talents.  The consequences of past actions will be more easily seen, such as Brexit negotiations and plans, and parliamentary wranglings and jostlings for power.

Friday (18th) brings a congenial trine between Venus and Mars.  If there are other wars going on, the relations between the sexes will be harmonious, or the connectivity between your own inner male and female.  You can find common ground, and shared activities.

The evening that day holds a conjunction of Mercury and Pluto at 21 degrees Capricorn, which is a deeper experience than this morning’s Mercury-Saturn conjunction.  Truth needs to be told, and words will have more effect.

Then even later, the Sun sextiles Chiron, which may bring a healing balm to the verbal or auditory wounds.  There will be an attempt to bring everything to a wholeness.

On Saturday (19th) the Sun squares Uranus, so be prepared for the element of the unexpected.  Someone may break with tradition, or break ranks, and those around may have to think on their feet in order to keep the enterprise going.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Factual thought, followed by irrationality
• Tomorrow – Rational thought and imagination work together more easily
• Wednesday – Karmic consequences
• Friday – Harmony in relationships, then challenging speech, then healing measures
• Saturday – Element of the unexpected

 

Andy Murray

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

~ Billie Jean King

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

Hip Injury

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

Current Transits

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

Dublane Massacre

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

National Treasure

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

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

Feminist

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

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

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

~ Nick Kyrgios

 

New Year’s Resolutions

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

Aries

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

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

Taurus

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

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

Gemini

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

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

Cancer

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

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

Leo

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

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

Virgo

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

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

Libra

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

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

Scorpio

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

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

Sagittarius

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

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

From Book I:

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

Capricorn

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

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

Aquarius

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

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

Pisces

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

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

2019

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

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

2019 Dates for your Diary if planning ahead:

January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February

Saturday 2nd: Mars square Pluto – Divisive

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

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

March

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

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

Wednesday 20th: Mars trine Pluto – Dynamic

same day: Spring Equinox – Rebirth and Hope

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

Just in time for:

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

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

April

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

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

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

May

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

June

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

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

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

Thursday 20th: Mars opposite Pluto – Divisive

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

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

July

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

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

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

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

August

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

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

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

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

September

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

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

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

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

October

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

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

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

November

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

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

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

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

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

December

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

Sunday 15th: Jupiter trine Uranus – Golden Opportunities

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

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

 

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

January

7th:

Karma Chameleon No. 1

Emily Bronte/Kate Bush

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

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

February

25th:

Billy Graham (1918 – 2018)

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

~ Billy Graham

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

Birth Chart

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

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

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

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

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

March

11th:

Russia

(A tale of two Russian fathers and daughters)

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

Sergei Skripal

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

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

April

15th:

Mark Zuckerberg

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

Mark’s Birth Chart

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

May

13th:

Uranus Enters Taurus

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

~ Sam Cooke [Sun in Aquarius]

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

Nature of Uranus in Taurus

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

Historic Considerations – Finance

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

June

10th:

G7

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

The Group of Seven

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

Heads of State

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

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

…

July

1st:

Wimbledon 2018 – Week 1

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

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

Women’s

Simona Halep – No. 1 Seed

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

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

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

…

August

5th:

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

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

from “Don’t Stop” by Christine McVie

Christine McVie

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

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

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

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

…

September

2nd:

U.K. Politics – Autumn Term 2018

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

U.K. Chart

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

Theresa May

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

October

14th:

Jamal Khashoggi

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

Family

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

Birth Chart

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

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

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

November

25th:

Protests in France

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

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

Emmanuel Macron

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

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

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

December

2nd:

George H.W. Bush (1924 – 2018)

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

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

Birth Chart

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

 

Jose Mourinho

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

Birth Chart

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

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

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others

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

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

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

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

Aspects

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

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

But, apart from that, Merry Christmas!

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

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

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

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