Obama and Putin

It is easy to be cynical about the current engagement of the U.S. and Russia over the Syrian dilemma, but I welcome it as a change of energy in the situation, a diplomatic effort rather than a military one.  So I thought I would just look at the current situation with regard to Obama, Putin and Syria to see if there is even the slightest hint that the current proposal to deal with Syria’s chemical weapons could be a helpful way through.  The deal, brokered in Geneva, is to give Syria one week to comply with conditions which would enable the accounting of its chemical weapons.  Bashar Al-Assad, allied to Russia,  has agreed to this plan.  This period coincides with this week’s aspects (below) which are fairly up and down, but end well and significantly.

Obama and U.S.

Current prevailing transits for President Obama are Neptune squaring his Moon (apparent indecision caused by confused emotions), Saturn transiting his Neptune (the Universe attempting to pin down his spirituality and idealism) and Pluto sextile his Neptune (a complex and deep awareness of the wider issues and ramifications of current personal, political and global issues).  That is a lot on his plate, and note that all three aspects involve Neptune, so he is taking a crash course in compassion and the complexities of carrying out his spirituality in this material world.  Neptune is a lifelong theme for him, as he has the Sun square Neptune in his chart natally.

Looking at the transits to the U.S. chart at the moment, there is Neptune trine the U.S. Venus (a possible indication of acting as the compassionate parent in the world or towards Syria).

Putin and Russia

In suggesting this course of action, it is the first time in the two years of the conflict that Russia has acknowledged that there is sufficiently a problem which needs to be acted on, and that its friendship with Syria can be used to start some bargaining.

In the synastry (natal comparison) between Putin and Obama, there is a double whammy (an exact aspect which occurs mutually).  Putin’s Saturn trines exactly Obama’s Ascendant, and Ohama’s Saturn trines  exactly Putin’s Ascendant.  Thus, on a higher level at least, there is a recognition of needing to act responsibly in relation to each other – a recognition that in their political roles there is a need to act as a check and balance towards each other, according to their international roles.

Mars is currently squaring Putin’s Venus – he might see this diplomatic role as an interesting diversion, like a romantic role in a film.  It is not a heavyweight transit, so he may not be taking it all that seriously at the moment.  But Uranus quincunx his natal Venus  at the same time may be prompting him to try something new, again perhaps in a detached manner and not necessarily in an involved way.  As his Libra Sun ruler, Venus is an important part of his psychological anatomy – vanity and image are important to him in many ways.

Neptune currently sextiles the Russia Chart Sun, suggesting that it does the right thing on a spiritual or idealistic level.  Mars trines its natal Mercury, which is the taking of an initiative, though a relatively minor transit.  Uranus also trining the natal Mercury lends weight to this initiative, and may have some humanitarian motive.  Jupiter opposes its natal Neptune, suggesting there may be some possibility of deception, or inflation of its secret motives, but there may be some genuine motives in there.

Assad and Syria

No one is pretending that even if Assad carries out his part of the bargain, the consequences and his subsequent actions (e.g. probable continued killing of his populace) are going to be peacable, but this may be a step in the right direction.

The relationship between Putin and Assad has a sextile from Putin’s Uranus to Assad’s Sun, suggesting that Putin may be in some respects a guru or an older brother in their interaction.  There would be some personal warmth, in another sextile, that of Putin’s Mars (warmth) to Assad’s Venus (personal feelings).  There are more heavyweight aspects between them, notably Putin’s Uranus trine Assad’s Neptune, a complex interaction which favours large scale work together.  Bashar’s Neptune also squares Putin’s Nodal Axis, which makes one wonder that there is also an element of who is fooling who in their relationship, and an awareness that they are each playing karmic roles in a dicey game.  This relationship was forged in past life schemes it seems.

Jupiter is currently sextile Assad’s Uranus, so here is an opportunity for him, to be sure, whether or not he has untrustworthy motives: it is a chance for him to do something good.  More chance to redeem himself (slightly) is shown by Jupiter also currently forming a sextile with his Pluto.  God is trying to speak to him.

Meanwhile, Pluto continues its long term transit of Syria’s own Sun, a time of turmoil for its people and unbelievable suffering.  Saturn also squares its Pluto, crushing more suffering upon its people.

Conclusion

I am not offering a conclusion as such, but this week’s observation of this interlude and possible change in direction will be interesting.  Our week ends with a heavyweight sextile between Saturn and Pluto, which is important for international efforts (and indeed our own personal efforts) to solve difficult problems.

Aspects

A Sunday lie-in is definitely allowed after the exertions of yesterday’s 3 aspects. The next challenge which awaits is tomorrow’s Mercury opposite Uranus, an aspect of controversy. Maybe you or someone you are dealing with makes a slip of the tongue or sends an email to the wrong person! It happens, and often there’s a Freudian reason lurking in the background. Computer glitches are also on the cards.

Tuesday (17th) has a conjunction between Saturn and the North Node. There’s a sense of duty or  almost compulsion about this one, being a collision of karma (north node) and its lord, Saturn.

“Free will is the ability to do gladly that which I must do”  ~ Carl Jung.

This operates early Tuesday a.m. So it may almost be your waking thought. But another early aspect is easier to negotiate, Mercury sextile Mars. Though Saturn conjunct the North Node gives you a steady firmness of purpose, Mercury sextile Mars can see you zipping through tasks at a rapid rate, in a productive day’s work. Here’s a sample:

Have breakfast
Load the dishwasher
Answer emails
Attend to business appointments
Close a sales deal
Write a short blog
Go for a bike ride
Watch Holby City

Mercury sextile Mars is good for those activities which come in bite sized short sharp bursts, and involve physical and mental activity.

On Wednesday (18th) Venus conjuncts the North Node, and the karmic considerations involve relationships. There will be an element of  love (Venus) and karma (North Node) in the day’s proceedings. Perhaps you have a past life or future life vision of a loved one. In the evening Venus conjuncts Saturn so you may realize that this relationship involves commitment, or conversely resolution may have to wait until later in this incarnation or future lives.

Your understanding may be further refined on Thursday (19th) when Venus sextiles Pluto. The feelings deepen to soul level and you may see that shared resources (such as finances) are part of the entanglement. You can’t take it with you as “it” will dissolve at the end of this life, but issues about what lies between you will continue to be worked on in the next life.

It’s an emotional day, as we also have a Full Moon in Pisces at 26 degrees that day, the most emotional of emotional full moons that day. You are likely to have an experience of pure emotion, without necessarily knowing what it is all about.  Give yourself plenty of emotional space to process.

The next morning (Friday 20th) Mercury squares Jupiter and your mind may be racing – insomnia beckons in the early hours. Find a soothing mandala to get you through (Barry Stevens’ mandala tours could help)  http://www.mandalas.co.uk/Mandala_Gallery/Mandala_Tour.html

Or a Camomile tea pig could be another route. Your mind may be bursting with ideas, you may even be on a high if you’ve managed to clear yesterday’s emotional overload. It feels like a roller coaster, this week, though Mercury squaring Jupiter of itself is not difficult, just over-active.

There’s a good chance of stabilization the same day, as Venus trines Chiron, and you can heal and balance your feelings. Art and music may help.

In the afternoon Pluto goes stationary prior to moving direct, and you may have a sense of your psychology starting to move forward again – your subterranean mythical rivers flowing as they should.

On Saturday (21st) after a full week of aspect-work, Saturn sextiles Pluto, which is the most important aspect of the week. I hope you have the oomph left to honour its gravitas, seriousness, stability and depth. Two areas of your life are working in harmony and new structures may begin to be put into place. The roller coaster week ends the right way up.

The  week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – controversial communications
• Tuesday – recognizing what you need to do, then doing (busy busy)
• Wednesday – recognizing what love has to do with it
• Thursday – money, love and supportiveness, then tears as a release of emotion
• Friday – busy busy again, but some healing today and a psychological shift
• Saturday – major diplomatic efforts at problem solving, both personally and globally

Future Lives

It is nearly two years since I wrote my introduction to this subject, “Future Lives – A Literary Trail” (link below).  Time now to update my journey, in which I share a few personal stories and look at some of life’s themes, which I hope you will find thought-provoking, may resonate with some, and realize may be commonplace for others.  I have been a Future Life Therapist for two years, and the work has been a true joy.  On one occasion, the future life energy was the most positive space I have ever experienced, and I sat and basked and marvelled at its vibration as long as I could allow myself to linger!

Future Vision

 I am not a clairvoyant, and my dominant senses are clairaudience and clairsentience.  In my astrological work, I deduce from the astrological facts allied with intuition.  Although I have had many past life flashbacks over the years, originating tentatively from the early 1980s, in 2010 I did begin to receive some much clearer visual messages (astrological note: coinciding with my progressed Sun being trine my natal Moon).

The Stresses of Life

One of the top 10 or at least 20 stressful life events (depending on what lists you read) is pregnancy, bringing as it does anxieties about the health and safety of the mother, and the prospect of childbirth, and the concern over the  well being of the baby. It is one of those rites of passage, which especially the first time round, seem laced with uncertainty.

Visions related to Pregnancy

One of my daughters went through a stressful pregnancy in 2010, and after ascertaining that she was carrying a boy, I began to receive a series of visions.  These would come at the end  of a meditation, or sometimes on waking in the morning.  They carried on until my grandson was born, and in his early months.  When my daughter was undergoing a crisis during the  pregnancy therefore, I was able to make reassuring noises.

One particular vision stands out: I saw him at 6 months sitting on the floor playing with a chemical model.  I had never seen such a toy, and  as some of the visions were symbolic, I assumed that either my  Chemist husband had given him an actual chemical model in the future, or it meant he was scientifically inclined (which he most certainly is).

When he was a few months old, a family member actually sent him a toy resembling a chemical model.  So when he was 6 months old I was able to take a snapshot of the vision, while he was sitting on the floor playing.

I have no idea where these visions came from: whether from my guides, or from the incoming Soul who was to be my grandson, or from the Akashic Records (it is possible to receive information from the future through that source). I knew  Light beings from the future have been known to send messages, as evinced by the books of Bruce Goldberg.  John Lilly, the pioneer of work with dolphins was guided by light beings from far into his future.  I do know that the visions were sent for my reassurance and information.  And when he was born, his personality and features and energy were exactly as they appeared in the visions.  Over the years I had heard stories of an incoming soul making contact with parents or grandparents, but I had not experienced it before.

Future Life Progression

At the end of May 2011 I went to a workshop led by Anne Jirsch at the Festival of Mind-Body-Spirit in London.  I have long been interested in the subject of Future Life Progression (having  years before attended workshops of Chet Snow), and was not disappointed.  Anne took us through a series of journeys to the future, including 1000 years hence

Vision of a House

One of our journeys took us 5 years hence (to 2016) and I saw myself standing in a house in Leicester.  The daughter I mentioned earlier lived in Leicester, and my husband and I journeyed there frequently.  I would look for this house when we drove through – but it was not to be located on our regular route.

Future Life Progression Training

So impressed was I by Anne’s workshop, that I wanted to sign up there and then for the Practitioner Training.  But the training was scheduled for my mother’s birthday, and at that time there were no more planned.  So I wrote and asked to be informed should there be another workshop, and in October 2011 Anne did hold another one, and I went to Maidenhead Kent for a weekend of training.  One of the early exercises was again the look at 5 years ahead.  Again I saw myself in this house, and subsequently continued to look out for the house on our travels.

The Practitioner Training was excellent, and enabled me to add this work in my practice.  As I said at the time, I felt my life had been divided up into 20-year segments: Astrology had been given to me at 20, Past-life Regression at 40, and now Future Life Progression at 60.  Anne is one of the most positive people I have ever met, and I felt strongly at the time that she has been given the gift of this work to present to the world, and further it, because she is so positive.  She is also an extremely generous teacher, in the way that she shares her work.

Fast Forward Two Years

Earlier this year, my (aforementioned) daughter decided to put her house up for sale.  House moving is also on the top 20 list of most stressful life events, often fraught with uncertainty and twists and turns.  Early on, she sent me a list of properties she was viewing and I immediately recognized the house.  “That one!” I pointed out excitedly.  When she hit the first problem with the purchase, and was despairing, I decided to tell her I had seen the house in a future vision.  “What, that house?”  she replied (she is a sceptic).  “The very one” I replied, with almost 100% certainty. “That’s the one we are most interested in” she commented. The house sale  and purchase was not a completely straightforward process and again, the Universe was helping me to be a reassuring mother.

Houses are often easy to work with intuitively.  I remember first hearing of someone having a vision of a future home in the early 1970s from a workmate.  And Anne Jirsch reports that buying property does lend itself successfully to future life work.

So this story has been simmering, but yesterday I was standing in the front room of the house in my future life progression.  The karmic grace of this vision had helped me negotiate the uncertainly of this rite of passage.  The grandson was a little disorientated, but hopefully he will get used to it!

Mothering and Grandmothering

As a mother and a grandmother, therefore, you can be helped by future reassurances.  Mothers are often prone to worry, that is what they tend to do.   I asked a friend who has 5 grandchildren who she worries about most, the grandchildren or her children.  She replied: “My children.  If the children are all right, I don’t need to worry about the grandchildren.

Felicity Cook and her daughter Kimberley Shaver

Felicity, or Flick, is well known to this blog, as a commenter and supporter.  She also has a huge following on Facebook, which as an Aquarian is a medium that comes easily to her.  Though we tend to worry about offspring, we are not all in Felicity’s position in having a daughter across the pond, in the U.S.   Mothering is hard to do across the pond, and now her daughter is facing brain surgery because of a condition called “Arnold Chiari Malformation”, which requires urgent surgery.  Chronic Illness is another condition in the top 20 Stresses.  Well this is truly stress overload, as in addition Flick’s daughter has two very young children.  This has to be one of the most stressful situations anyone can face.  Medicine is advancing all the time, and you can look at possible indications and try to address the issues that come up through Future Life Progression, but  in the face of non-surgical options running out Flick’s mother love has led her to set up a fund for the family in crisis. Please read her story via this link, and help if you feel you can:

https://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/kim-s-helping-to-health-fund/82707

Fear, Worry and Superstition.

I am as much a prey to fear as the next person, and haven’t yet found a cure for worry!  But I believe that when you decide to undertake Future Life Progression, you suspend fear and  take the signpost to hope.  One of the session types is three possible future lifetimes (a good book about this is “Same Soul, Many Bodies” by Brian Weiss.)  In the first lifetime, you carry on as you are and see what the likely outcome would be.  In the second path, you make a few tweaks which can be suggested by your Future Life Self, and see an enhanced lifetime.  The third possible lifetime is your optimal lifetime based on the best choices.

Thus it is that you can co-create your future life.  It is a more malleable process than past life work, which is still a valuable resource.  Where there is an intractable problem, or where you really would not welcome the outcome, Anne Jirsch urges you to go to optimal lifetime possibilities until you are happy with the outcome.  As we work with the future, we help to evolve it.  Thus if you have had Future Life Progression, and it was a while ago, I would say have another session now to see how it has evolved.  Apparently working with the future brings it closer, as the process accelerates and also helps you evolve.  Certainly I stepped into the house of my vision three years before the due date, though  I may still have a “moment” in three years time, of feeling more exactly aligned with it.

Going back to fear, I feel I should mention that in this lifetime I have made major strides in clearing one area: Superstition.  I have always tried to challenge superstitions.  When I studied History at University, I realized that many fears and blocks resided in ancient and even more so Medieval  times, or from the Dark Ages.  I am not a great risk taker, neither do I believe in tempting fate, but I have cleared superstitions largely from my psychological baggage, which is very freeing.

In conclusion, why not explore the benefits of Future Life Therapy. There is nothing like trying something for yourself.

Find your nearest therapist:

http://www.pflsociety.org/therapist-directory/

Related Reading – “Future Lives – A Literary Trail”

http://www.lanawooster.co.uk/blog/2011/09/future-lives-a-literary-trail/

Past Lives

I was asked last week if I had written any books on Past Lives.  I replied that the reason I had not was because I never wanted to break client confidentiality.  It then occurred to me that a few people might actually want their stories to be told.  Therefore if you have had regression with me over the last 23 years, and you feel you don’t mind sharing your stories, either in your own name or under an assumed name, or even would positively like to do so, please email me from my Contact page.  You have to agree, it is a positive turn-around in my thinking!

Aspects

You could start the week with a fresh mental outlook tomorrow, with the entry of Mercury into Libra.  While Mercury was in Virgo you may have established your Autumn work routines – now you can relax a little more, make quality time with your nearest and dearest, and begin mental projects which focus around art or music, e.g. composition and design.  Begin first thing tomorrow, when you spring out of bed full of  the joys of the week ahead.  For later in the morning Mars squares Saturn and you may hit a block, or something needs urgent attention which disrupts that lovely flow, or early qijong session.

More urgent attention is called for on Tuesday (10^th) when Mars squares the Nodal Axis.  This may centre around warriorship, groups, and tribalism or rivalry, related to ancestry or past lives.  Maybe you are rehearsing an amateur dramatic production of West Side Story or Romeo and Juliet, or a stage version of Band of Brothers.

On Wednesday (11^th) Venus enters Scorpio, so there is another change of focus.  A harmonious thread which has been developed recently weaves into a deeper sense of connection and intimacy.  Transiting Venus represents the prevailing feeling tone, or if you like the background ring tone.  The tune might change from “All you need is Love” to “How deep is your Love?”.

Three aspects come up on Saturday (14^th) lending the day some import.  The first is a trine between Venus and Neptune  Artistic, musical and relationship projects, especially if begun earlier in the week, will benefit from new inspiration.  This may occur mystically during a meditative state, or in the act of painting or making music.  This aspect takes place early in the day, so seize the day.  In a lively evening two more aspects arrive, the next being Mercury square Pluto.  Don’t party too hard, it could be stressful, and keep an eye out for Health and Safety issues, such as the timetable for the exact time of the last train home.

Shortly afterwards, at 20.57 Hrs Mars trine Uranus, which is testosterone or adrenaline-fuelled.  It’s good for the Band of  Brothers and their interests, but not so good for Juliet, or allowing in feminine energies which might find it hard to get a look in.  It favours deals made at the Rugby or Golf Club, concerning business interests.  Girls, you might need to bring out your inner Deborah Meaden!

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – fresh mental outlook, then interruption to the flow
• Tuesday – urgent attention needed
• Wednesday – another change of focus, a deeper experience
• Saturday – important day; Inspiration, mental stress, then electric energy

“I envision a world of peace and plenty.  I feel harmony and unity between nations, and ccontribute to that harmony.”

Louise L. Hay “Affirmations”

Syria

The chart for Syria’s inception in 1944 has two exact conjunctions which make for difficulties: Mars exactly conjunct Uranus in Gemini, which can promote violence (in this case inflicted from within), and Pluto exactly conjunct the North Node in Leo (a leadership which has a negative view of fate).

We are currently in the middle of a crucial process in relation to Syria!  Until Thursday night, it all seemed like History repeating itself, U.S. and U.K. preparing to interviene, UN Inspectors looking for weapons of mass destruction… Then the U.K. Parliament refused to endorse Prime Minister Cameron’s plans.

It is true that the use of chemical weapons in Syria is utterly sickening on the scale of man’s inhumanity to man.  But the long term massacre of its citizens by its own rulership has been unacceptable and sickening from the beginning, and progressively more so.

To find a clean and effective way of intervening is everyone’s prayer, but a short sharp strike would not achieve anything, just more loss of life.  Would Al-Assad be cowed by such an act of aggressive force?  It is not likely.  There has to be another way, even if you are not a pacifist.  We need the psycho-spiritual key to his heart.

We do not know what the possible strike in the mind of President Obama would entail.  Would he be attempting to strike at Assad himself, as was the mission in the Iraq war (in relation to Saddam Hussain).  If successful that would remove the source of the conflict, but is even that morally acceptable?  And Syria itself and its people are in such a mess now, that it would take decades of peace, stabliity and wise rulership to heal the country.  It is 10 years since the Iraq war, and bombing is still frequent there.  They have taken a few steps towards stability, but still have far to go.

The story so far:

Syrian Spring

The Syrian Spring began with the entry of Uranus into Aries, a symbol of the Inner Rebel made manifest.  The Syrian Spring itself, which  occurred after the Tunisian, Egyptian and Libyan dramas had been well under way, occurred with Uranus at 0 degrees Aries.  This degree of 0 Aries was such a crucial one for the Arab Spring in general (in the inception of the Egyptian Spring Jupiter was at 0 degrees Aries, and hope sprung eternal).  The chart of the Syrian Spring would also be the chart of the Syrian Rebels or Opposition.

Chemical Attack

On Wednesday 21^st a chemical attack in Ghouta, close to Damascus, crossed the red line of unacceptability which had been laid down by President Obama.  There was a major aspect that week, that very day: Jupiter exactly square Uranus, which can make a chaotic situation shockingly worse.  But chemicals are ruled by Neptune, so what was Neptune doing that day?  It was conjunct the Moon in its own sign of Pisces, so chemicals were accentuated in the chart of that day.

This was not good news for anyone: not the Syrian people (Pluto was on the Syrian Sun), it didn’t help Assad’s cause (Neptune was opposite his Mercury and it is most likely that the attack originated in his mind), not for the rebels (with Mars on their natal Moon, a red line had been crossed, but is there any truth in the rumours that they were the perpetrators?), not for Obama (for whom with Neptune squaring his Moon it is a moral headache) and not for the world watching horrified (I don’t have the chart for the world – Alice Bailey alludes to it in her work, but doesn’t explain how to get to it).

Raymond Merriman, the astrological financial guru, makes a great point in his blog this week about Neptune, which rules oil, as well as chemicals:

“Once again, everyone knows that the real reason for becoming involved in Syria is the same real reason for involvement in Iraq 10 years ago, oil.  Why else is Russia there?  Why else is the USA there? Yes, human rights, of course.  It is the two sides of Neptune in Pisces.  Pisces and Neptune both rule crude oil, as well as compassion for those who suffer.  However, as Mundane Astrologers clearly understand, it is furthermore the battle of the world powers for control of natural resources, which is symbolized by Uranus in Aries, square Pluto in Capricorn.”

David Cameron

David Cameron suffered a major defeat on Thursday night (Saturn squaring his Moon) in Parliament over trying to obtain permission to go to war (Mars was transiting his Jupiter signifying overzealousness in a warlike context).

Ed Milliband had his moment, in challenging this action, but Mars was squaring his Jupiter so he was probably in some inner conflict himself, other than making the point that we should not go to war without finding out the results of the weapons inspections first, but fate handed him a little lifeline with the North Node trine his Moon.  It is a minor triumph at the moment, as he is struggling with Pluto squaring his Uranus, not really knowing where to turn with his leadership of the Opposition (I think he should just go back to plain Old Labour).

Special Relationship

On 18^th March 2012, I wrote about the special relationship between the U.K. and the U.S:

“Is there a Special Relationship between the U.S. and the U.K.?  The historical link is undeniably unique, and the Astrological link between their charts is quite compellingly in favour of its existence.  The U.S. Uranus is exactly conjunct the U.K. Ascendant, which is symbolic of the breakaway nature of their original relationship history, as is the exact square between their Uranuses.  There are a couple of good sextiles in their synastry (astrological comparison), plus the U.K. Mars is conjunct exactly the U.S. Moon, so there is an emotional connection.”

I think it is to the credit of both Cameron and Obama that they decided to go to Parliament/Congress for their view, after the mistakes of the 2003 fiasco in Iraq.

Current Dilemma

The Observer leader comments today:

“Practically, then, the continuing debate lacks reality, and therefore substance.  It won’t stop the killing.  It is gesture politics.”

It is understandable that we want to do something, but the right thing to do would have to be right, certain of success, and above all humane.

Aspects

The Sun trines Pluto today, and it’s a good day to acknowledge and exercise your power and creativity, and combine them in harmony. With Sun in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn the natural arenas for this co-operation would be work and career , but other areas may be highlighted in your personal birthchart.

On Tuesday (3rd) the Sun opposes Chiron and the creativity may be subject to a healing crisis, or generally there may be a crisis of identity/identities, particularly for Leos (such as Barack Obama) and Virgos (such as Assad). Capricorns and Scorpios may be pushing your (or their) buttons.  It may be a critical day in the search to find right action.

Wednesday to Friday you can process this dilemma or look forward to Saturday’s uplifting aspect of Sun sextile Jupiter, in which some may strike it lucky. Last weekend’s Mercury sextile Jupiter brought a pause to war.  At the very least at the coming weekend, there will be a lot more flow in your affairs. You might perceive a bright new order emerging, even if your life is still fraught with complexity.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – weighty issues, sensibly approached
• Tuesday – crisis exposed, solutions may be found
• Saturday – uplift

“I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.

…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character.”

Martin Luther King

Yesterday Americans celebrated 50 years since the “I Have a Dream Speech” by Martin Luther King, which was actually spoken on 28^th August 1963.

Oratory is shown in Martin Luther King’s natal chart by Ascendant in Gemini, Mercury its ruler on the Midheaven, and Mars (warriorship) in Gemini (through oratory).

North Node close to the Ascendant often indicates one who is a leader, bringing a group of people into incarnation for a specific work.  His karmic leadership role is also emphasized by a trine of the Sun to his North Node.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks may have been one of his Soul group, as she played a crucial role in the history of the civil rights movement.  In 1955 she helped spark the movement which would become his cause, by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person.  Rosa’s act is symbolized in her chart by Mercury (bus) exactly conjunct Uranus (unusual action) in Aquarius (the sign of the Rebel).  On the day she changed history, Pluto was exactly sextile her natal Pluto, encouraging her to exercise her personal power.

I Had a Dream Chart

In the chart of the speech, Mercury is exactly trine Pluto, showing a speech which is fundamentally deep in its expression and impact.  This trine is bisected by the North Node, also lending karmic impact.  The Sun conjuncts Mercury in Virgo, indicating clarity of thought. There is also a grand trine in this chart between North Node, Jupiter and Chiron, showing the potential for karmic healing in this speech  Venus square Pluto contains the pain of acknowledging what is not right, having the power to move hearts.

It is tempting to think that the foundation of his vision on a dream is symbolized in Martin Luther King’s own chart by Neptune at the foot of his chart, on the cusp of the 3^rd and 4^th House. The truth and absolute faith of his vision (as well as his deeply religious conviction) is shown in his natal chart by an exact trine between Jupiter and Neptune: astrologically there is no denying he was a man of truth.

Transits to Martin Luther King’s Chart

That the power and genius of his oratory on the day is unleashed is shown by transitting Uranus exactly sextile his natal Mercury.  There is a tide in men’s affairs, and that too is shown by the Nodal Axis (karma) squaring his natal Mercury (his verbal skill).  At the same time, his ability to move and win over hearts is given a helping hand by the transitting North Node exactly trine his natal Venus.

Nobel Peace Prize

On 14^th October 1964 Martin Luther King received the Nobel Peace Prize, for upholding non-violent means in his struggle on behalf of racial equality.  At that time, Jupiter was exactly trine his Sun (plaudits), and Neptune was exactly trine his Pluto (profound psycho-spiritual achievement).

Assassination

Natally, Martin Luther King had the Sun in 8^th House, which in traditional astrology textbooks indicates honour in death.  He had at that time classic assassination transits: Pluto square his Mars and opposing his Sun exactly, highlighting the inflammatory natal Moon-Mars square.

Yesterday’s Rally

The Rally yesterday to commemorate 50 years since Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, prompted a review of “how far we have come”.  It was observed that the U.S. now has a black president, but the Observer reports this morning that “Marian Williams, 75, brought up in Georgia, said the lack of white participants was disappointing. ‘There were a lot of white folks who were standing in solidarity with us in the 60s.  You don’t have that now.’ “

Aspects

There’s an aspect for every day this week, so you will have a lot to work with and won’t be twiddling your thumbs.

Mercury is opposing Neptune today, so you might be asking “what is going on?”.  An aura of mystery may surround the day.  All may be revealed by the middle of the week.

Tomorrow there are twists in relationships, and strange feelings may be stirred up, with Venus opposing Uranus.

A third opposition occurs on Tuesday (27^th), in the shape of Sun opposite Neptune, so the early part of the week may have a theme of balancing opposing viewpoints, and possibly having to agree to differ.  Sun opposite Neptune compounds the mystery and strangeness, so the plot thickens rather than thins.

The murkiness is slightly relieved later in the day by a no-nonsense sextile between Mercury and Saturn, when some facts can be established, and some initiatory groundwork achieved…

Then the moral compass goes wonky again with Venus square Jupiter.  If you are recruiting staff and wondering exactly who you might be taking on, why not hire an Astrologer to check out the potential recruits?  This could be very useful to you, and the Astrologers could do with the work.

This aspect was operating on the day Martin Luther King made his speech, so it carries the idea that something is not quite right in society.

On Wednesday (28^th) Mars enters Leo, and the show must begin.  The curtain will go up and reveal who is claiming the limelight and wearing the sequins.

Around lunchtime (in the U.K.) Mercury trines Pluto, and the truth is revealed and expressed.  This aspect was also exact in the “I Have a Dream” speech and promotes the utter unveiling of the truth.  Not all may be ready to hear it, and some may hear portions of it.

On Thursday (29^th) Mercury then goes on to oppose Chiron, so in mulling over the truth some may react to the truth with a healing crisis, but ultimately the truth heals and sets free.

Friday (30^th) brings a stabilizing sextile between the Sun and Saturn, and you may be able to make a creative endeavour out of the week’s complex lessons.

We are on the up, because on Saturday (31st) we finish the week with another sextile, an upbeat interaction between Mercury and Jupiter.  Good news may be forthcoming, at last, reward for your efforts, and brisk sales if you are trying to get a business off the ground.  Travel is also well-starred for the weekend.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – foggy thinking
• Tomorrow – strange interactions
• Tuesday – more confusion, leading to some clarity, then  social issues highlighted
• Wednesday – someone shows their hand, and truth is revealed
• Thursday – trying to get your head round the facts
• Friday – stability
• Saturday – the green light

Egypt

Egypt natal chart

I have to use the traditional chart which dates from 1953, because the new regime was not established.  Idealistic and unworldly Pisces on the Ascendant opposed by Moon in Virgo (the possibility of civil war perhaps) and Sun conjunct Mars in 4^th House (local unrest), though under dictatorships for most of these years some of these traits were underground and have only surfaced since the 2011 uprising.  Saturn conjuncts Neptune in 8^th House, giving a mixture of the spiritual and practical, ancient and modern ideas sitting awkwardly.  With Chiron and the North Node in the 11^th House, its strength is in its band of brothers, i.e. the Arab League.  There’s also an innate joyful/exuberant note in the national character with Jupiter exactly conjunct the Part of Fortune in Gemini in the 3^rd House, which may display itself in cultural expression.

Astrologer Marjorie Orr uses a 1922 chart which she said revealed a while ago: “the explosive and insecure Solar Arc Mars conjunct Uranus in effect now clearly and coming to exact in a few weeks time and hanging around for another few months”

Egypt Uprising Chart

Egypt followed Tunisia into the new wave of the Arab Spring in 2011.  At that time, Uranus in Aries (Revolution and the overthrow of tyranny) exactly squared Egypt’s Sun, the stirrings of its Soul .  At the same time Saturn squared its Uranus, showing the counter resistance put up at the time by Mubarak, the reigning dictator.  Events were held together by a spiritual exact trine from Neptune to the nation’s Sun.

Morsi Chart

Mohammed Morsi came to the fore during that maelstrom, and led the country for a year.   He has Sun, Pluto  and Mars  in Leo and Moon in Aries, so keen to take on power and leadership. His link with the Egypt chart had warm support of its cause of revolution (his Venus sextile exactly Egypt’s Uranus) and the capacity to effect deep change (his Pluto exactly trine the Egypt Saturn) but his Neptune squared the Egypt Uranus, so some misunderstanding of what was truly required.  When Morsi was desposed on 3 July 2013, transiting Uranus was squaring his natal Uranus, constituting a kind of counter coup, which would have been a shock to him.

Egypt Head of Army

General Abdel Al-Sisi head of the Egyptian army has strong personal links with the Egypt chart, Moon conjunct its Moon, Neptune exactly trine its Sun, Pluto exactly sextile its Sun – he knows the country intimately, he knows the territory.  He is very strong minded (4 planets in Scorpio) and emotional (Jupiter conjunct Uranus in Cancer), with a fortunate (for him) sense of enterprise (Jupiter/Uranus trine Sun in Scorpio.  Plus he has Mars in Aquarius (good for mobilizing the troops!). It is easy to see the challenges between him and Morsi, with their Suns exactly square, Al-Sisi’s Pluto exactly conjunct Morsi’s Sun, and Al-Sisi’s Mars and Venus adversely aspected by Morsi’s Pluto.  At the time of the original uprising Al-Sisi had Uranus exactly trine his Uranus, Jupiter exactly trine his Jupiter, and Neptune trine his Neptune, so would have felt in charge to a great extent.  In his mind, he may have been biding his time, because when Morsi was deposed the North Node (karma) was exactly transiting his Saturn, and he was able to take a calculated step towards power.

Egypt’s  worst violence on Wednesday

Nancy Sommers of Nancy’s Blog predicted in early July that “In addition, transiting Mars will cross the interim government’s Sun/Uranus square on August 12 to August 13.”

On Wednesday the worst violence was seen in Cairo, with over 500 people killed by the armed forces, and a state of emergency declared.  The country seemed to be tearing itself apart in a civil war, composed of anti-Morsi  and pro-Morsi factions.  Mars (inflammation) was exactly transiting the Egyptian Mercury and squaring its Neptune.  The timing of the violence may be directly related to Al-Sisi’s own personal triggering, with Mars (aggression) sextile his Moon (emotion).

This is the story so far, although I am going to wordpress two days early this week, and by Sunday there may have been further developments, so I may include an update next week.

Aspects

We’re working our way up to a Full Moon in the early hours of Wednesday (21st). This Full Moon is in Aquarius which is a group energy, and may challenge the expression of your individuality. Make an effort to encompass both ends of the spectrum. It would be good to master that before you wake (U.K. time) perhaps asking for a clarifying dream. The waking hour is dominated by a forceful square between Jupiter and Uranus –  a major aspect and one which might be out of control for some, yet dynamic for others: it’s rebellious, exuberant, forward thinking, adventurous and above all enthusiastic.  It does not work well where a situation is already chaotic however, such as in the context of the political situation in Egypt, which could worsen at that time.

Jupiter also trines Chiron so healing ventures could receive a boost. It would be a good aspect under which to have a spontaneous mind-body-spirit exhibition; gather, gather.

Thursday (22nd) sees the Sun enter Virgo. That’s it, folks! Gone are the hedonistic days of summer, if you remembered to grab them. It’s knuckle-down time. Serious planning for Autumn schedules, such as investigation of health and safety matters. Advance filing, as opposed to ad hoc or panic filing.

Mercury enters Virgo on Friday (23rd), continues to emphasize work mode, and adds concentration to the task. Plans are inspected at the level of the minutiae.

You really need to do the math, for different challenges beckon on Saturday (24th) with Venus square Pluto (emotional depth level challenges). What can you tolerate in a close relationship and where must you set your boundaries?

At the same time, you still have all that serious mental work to deliver, with Sun conjunct Mercury (0 degrees) in Virgo, so you may feel split between the emotional demands of the heart and the excitement of mental achievement.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday –bringing emotions to consciousness
• Wednesday – group challenges; exuberance; flamboyant healing
• Thursday – knuckle down
• Friday – continued work mode
• Saturday – emotional challenges; intense mental focus

Fixed Stars of the Week

The ancient interpretations of the Fixed Stars are mostly negative, based on fear and superstition (admittedly built up from observations of the timings of earthquakes and other disasters).  The stars deserve a certain respect and awe, but there is enough negativity in astrological interpretation (my own included) without adding to it from ancient sources of angst.  So I choose to work with the “Starlight Elixirs” book by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, seeing that body of interpretations as a refreshing and uplifting source of inspiration. I feel that their work takes the contribution of the Fixed Stars to the next level, and they catalogue many more stars (and indeed deep space objects) than the traditional sources.  Bernadette Brady’s “Book of Fixed Stars” is very comprehensive and scholarly, but does not contain any detail about the two stars of this week, so I cannot cross reference her work on this occasion.

This week our Sun is aligned with the following Fixed Stars:

Today – Mirak, or Merak from Ursa Major

Tomorrow – Algenubi or Epsilon Leonis from Leo

I will weave their themes into this week’s portrayal of the aspects in order to provide a vision of the backdrop that the Fixed Stars provide in our lives.  Try working with this extra dimension, and see if it enhances your experience.  Quotations are from “Starlight Elixirs”.

Mirak picks up the theme of last week (Power) and focuses on its transformation into social and personally useful forms:

“…You have a society where there must be domination in order for there to be forward progress.  This has been accepted as a natural tenet in your civilization for many thousands of years, and yet it is completely unimportant in the grander scheme of things.  Motivation from fear is not the only way to create the energy to get things done in the world.  Where there is an awareness of the necessity for shared awakening, this can actually be a more powerful motivator for forward progress.”

Algenubi also picks up themes of empowerment and leadership, so these two stars assist the contemplation of some of the lessons which may have provoked thought last week on the nature of these themes and how they are played out in the world.

“At a higher spiritual level, this star can attune individuals to a sense of empowerment that can be shared amongst all people using the energy of the heart.  This is not so much an energy of unconditional love as it is an energy of communication that recognizes the common bond that all people share.  This bond is an energy of contact, telepathic communication, and emotional awareness which can allow individuals to lead others in effortless ways, do this in a way in which such leadership is easily accepted, and in which other people are empowered by the work itself.  This star is therefore recommended for individuals who seek such higher capacity in leadership and assisting others.”

Aspects

Geminis and Virgos be aware, it’s all about you this week! Your ruling planet Mercury makes three aspects this week, starting at tea time this evening ( U.K. time) with a square to Saturn. We may feel blocked in our communications and may need to convey something of a difficult nature in conversation. You may need to prepare well and make notes and bullet points to make your case.  Geminis and Virgos may find they don’t have their usual flow or stream of consciousness and may get caught up on a detail.

Today’s Fixed Star Mirak holds the possibility of transforming power:

“This star can encourage the transformation of the context of power within an individual.  If the context is shifted from one of power to dominate into power to create, power to invite, and power to free, then this deeper awareness in a person of who they are and their connection to God and other people is enhanced.  Such contextual shifts can be very powerful and can shift tremendous things within a person and liberate all kinds of energies.”

It is a day to communicate your truth, though you may be unwilling or feel unable to do so.  You need to come from a deeper place in you, which recognizes that you have every right to do this.

Tomorrow’s Fixed Star Algenubi is about leadership.  There are also themes of how we connect with others, but also non-attachment:

“…This business of non-attachment can be enhanced somewhat by the use of this star.  Non-attachment is an interesting term, it belies what is really going on, which is the empowerment of processes within the physical being that go far beyond that individual’s usual capacities.  This star will enhance the sense of such empowerment, deeper communication with higher self energies, the awareness of the true self, and the interaction with others, all of which are usually required for the development of true non-attachment.”

In perhaps having communicated your truth on Sunday, you may find a new part of yourself comes to life, where the Inner Tyrant no longer rules.  The Inner Tyrant may have been a figment of your imagination or a temporary construct to enable you to stand free psychologically.  Allow this healing to emerge tomorrow.

On Wednesday (14th) Mercury runs into more challenges (don’t worry, it does get better!) with a square to the Nodal Axis. Both Saturn and the Nodes represent aspects of karma and this period may find you thoughtful about your blocks and their origins, whether lack of self confidence in this life, or group interactions from past lives.  More reclaiming of parts of yourself needed today, therefore.  Education and teaching roles may be strong themes today.

The breakthrough comes on Thursday (15th) with Mercury trine Uranus in the early hours of the morning. Perhaps a vivid and numinous dream wakes you with its import. Your mind may be alive with insights, thoughts from outside the box and future possibilities. If you are of a scientific bent, then there may be new discoveries along those lines. What sort of life would you like to be living in the future?  Perhaps the Now seems more appealing than any of the conjectures, but if so it is a Now pregnant with possibilities and the empowerment of choice.

On Friday (16th) Venus enters Libra and art, beauty and grace return to your life, if they ever left. You may tempoarily leave behind  a prosaic world of work and worry for a cultural holiday  break. Librans and Taureans will be able to charm the birds from the trees.  The star Mirak, whose energy is still available to you, can assist working in the artistic endeavour:

“…Expressing tendencies from music, art, writing, or awareness of movement, or even through scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, touch deep places within yourself.  These are connected to the collective unconscious, to your reason for being here in the first place, to your awareness of God, and many other innately human capacities.  Merak can encourage this potential to motivate society based on spiritual unfoldment, deeper communion, the awareness of God as a rallying force, and the willingness of people to make love an important part of their lives and of their Earth.”

The closing stages of the week offer the opportunity to get in touch with both sides of the brain, the scientific rational left brain, and the artistic imaginative right brain.  If you can do both and then connect them, you will be living holographically.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – careful steps in communication; lessons in power
• Tomorrow – connectivity and non-attachment
• Wednesday – balancing mental karma
• Thursday – breakthrough and science
• Friday – rediscovering your artistic vein

Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe declared himself the winner in last week’s election in Zimbabwe, in a turn of events which seems to have slid back from the more even-handed result of 2008 rather than progressed.  His opponent Morgan Tsvangirai has pointed to corruption and vote-rigging on a huge scale.  Astrologically, it is not surprising, for the theme of the week is Power, and the aspect of the week is Jupiter opposite Pluto, which can make power fall into undesirable hands

Zimbabwe Chart

The Zimbabwe nation chart has a striking exact conjunction between the North Node and Mars squaring Uranus, violence and instability being part of its karmic make-up and path.  The North Node/Mars conjunction is also trine the nation’s Sun, increasing the fieriness but heightening its self-expression and the will of its leadership.

Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe, in power since 1980 in Zimbabwe, unsurprisingly has power issues brought in from past lives, with his natal Sun conjunct the South Node (past lives), though maybe in other scenarios, such as Egypt.  His Sun exactly trines Saturn, making politics and ambition major themes of his personality and life. What makes a man of 89 years cling on to power, I wonder?

Another interesting feature of his chart is his Mars conjunct Jupiter (indefatigable energy and enthusiasm combined) squaring his Uranus (changeable, unpredictable and incident-prone).  Note that he and Zimbabwe share the Mars square Uranus instability.

Look away now, all decent and compassionate Pisceans:

There are different kinds of Pisceans, of which Robert Mugabe is one.  One is the mushy type, another is the hard as nails type which is a clamping up response to the sensitivity, and another is the combined Saint and Sinner, and there is the World Saviour (to name but four).  Robert Mugabe at the outset of his political career was not seen as a villain, the reputation for violence came later.  Therefore he may be in the hard-as-nails category

He also has Venus exactly square his Pluto, which Judy Hall describes as an emotional black hole.

The chart of Zimbabwe is also the chart of Mugabe’s coming to power in 1980.  This is clearly shown by Pluto (Power) exactly sextile his natal Mars (Self-Will) signifying that it has been a vehicle for his drives and ambitions.

In 2008 it looked like his power might be on the wane, with Morgan Tsvangirai the opposition leader having a better share in the election vote, and the compromise of his power being shown by Uranus squaring his own Mars (enforced compromise) in the chart of the power share.

This week, on the Mars-Uranus square (note the recurring theme), and with Jupiter’s looming opposition with Pluto, he seems to have seized power again, and this week’s and last week’s themes of power falling into the “wrong” hands (to many eyes) having become manifest.

Morgan Tsvangirai

The life battle between the two men is shown by Tsvangirai’s Sun in Pisces (which type is he?) conjunct Mugabe’s Uranus and thus squaring Mugabe’s Mars (again the importance of Mars squaring Uranus).  Tsvangirai’s Sun trines his Mars, so he is a warrior, and he has fought hard and long for the right to lead Zimbabwe, with much adversity and heartache in his life (such as the death of his wife in a car accident in 2009 when Saturn was exactly opposite his Sun).  One suspects the two of them have been battling it out for several incarnations.  He is a much younger man than Mugabe, so is it possible that he might inherit the kingdom when Mugabe departs this incarnation?  He has come out with fighting talk, but will he be able to last out the whole match?

He has Venus trine Neptune, so may well be more compassionate than his opponent.  But in terms of longevity Mugabe has Sun trine Saturn, and Tsvangirai has the shorter fuse of Sun trine Mars.  He does however have Jupiter trine Pluto, his best hope of power and integrity in the long run.  His natal Pluto sextiles the Zimbabwe Pluto, which is also a promising indication of power.  The astrology would suggest he shouldn’t give up.

Zimbabwe and the Jupiter-Pluto Opposition

Zimbabwe seems to be one place where the spirit of the  Arab Spring did not reach…The Jupiter-Pluto Opposition this week suggests crises on the world’s stage in relation to power sharing, and where power has fallen into the “wrong” hands there is a slight possibility that there may be a dramatic karmic reversal overturning what seems to be a lost cause, and that tyrants will receive a come-uppance after reaching the limit of their power.

Aspects

A bright start to the week today with Sun trine Uranus mid-afternoon (U.K. time). Be bold and creative, try something new, network on or off the web.

At the same time, you need to bear in mind the karmic consequences of whatever you choose to occupy your day, as later the Nodal Axis squares the Sun. If you are in a group situation, the karmic conditions of the group needs to be considered, allowing as far as possible the potential and individual viewpoint of each member.

On Tuesday (6th) there’s a New Moon in mid-Leo (14th) in the evening. Again the emphasis is on creativity, individuality and self-expression, so this is certainly the theme early in the week. It’s important to explore individual forms of power, because of the main aspect coming up this week.

The next evening (Wednesday 7th) you may need to take that personal expression of power and engage with the collective in a healthy and constructive way. Wednesday’s aspect of Jupiter opposite Pluto is a major one and would deserve blog on its own had I but world enough and time. This aspect is about power, power-mongering and power struggles, on a global, social and personal basis. Thus on a world scale you might see attempts at coups or the take-over of power. Maybe locally you have a company or even an individual trying to take a share of power, people may need to stand up for their rights. Any preparation you can do in terms of thinking about the fairness of the balance of power, and where the power should lie would ,at least be helpful in making a decision under pressure.  In your personal life, you may witness an extraordinary tussle for power, or even experience it within your own psyche.

In March 2012 I wrote:

“Since I started this blog in January 2007, I have covered the conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto, the sextile between them, and the square, prior to this endeavour [Jupiter trine Pluto].  And in August 2013 God(dess) willing, I would like to blog the next Jupiter-Pluto contact, which is the opposition.”

Well I have blogged Jupiter opposite Pluto, though not to the extent I would have liked!  Better luck with the trine in October 2015.

Finally , on Thursday (8th) Mercury enters Leo, and your thoughts may become clearer and brighter, less emotional and full of the joys of summer. It’s an attitude of “let’s just get on with life”, in contrast with Mercury’s previous position in Cancer (“Let’s take into account the emotional impact”) and the next sign Mercury in Virgo which will be “Let’s analyse every little detail.”  Assuming there is still some sunshine around, let’s get on with enjoying the summer.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – scintillating; join with others constructvely
• Tuesday – a creative new beginning
• Wednesday – questions of power
• Thursday – looking at implementing personal power

Justin Welby

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby narrowly missed out on having his own blog when he was enthroned because new Pope Francis was being elected at the same time.

They are both controversial new brooms, and I think will team up well, being an expression of the Uranus in Aries revolutionary energy.

Birthchart

Justin Welby has a very strong and determined chart, with Sun in Capricorn and 8 out of his 10 planets in Fixed signs (very rare!).

Coming from a background working in oil, he has interesting aspects to his Neptune (oil).  His Neptune squares exactly his Mercury, his Uranus squares exactly his Neptune, but his Jupiter (expansion and luck) sextiles his Neptune exactly.

He has some quirky ways of thinking.  Firstly he has Mercury square the Moon, which is a conflict between the rational mind and the imagination.  Secondly he has Mercury conjunct Chiron, which can produce mental stress but if handled well can be good at problem-solving.

Jupiter squares Saturn in his chart which again is not easy, especially when coming to judgements or conclusions, he could be torn.  Though he does claim he learned to be decisive when working in the oil industry. With Jupiter conjunct Pluto, he likes power, especially of a religious nature.  He would probably feel he had a hotline to God.  Mercury opposes Uranus, controversy in speech.  He certainly has the Rebel Archetype.

Uranus closely trines Saturn his natal planet so he is able to temper his rebelliousness with caution and responsible conduct.  Uranus squares exactly Neptune, giving him a complex understanding of social problems.  Saturn squares Pluto, and he is able to confront difficult problems.

One of his best aspects is Jupiter (Religion) exactly sextile Neptune (Spirituality) – an aspect I would pick if I was choosing a chart for an Archbishop!  Harmony of understanding between the religious and spiritual parts of his psyche.  He has explored Benedictine spirituality.

He was selected as Archbishop on 9 November 2012, when Neptune was exactly trine his Neptune (a state of spiritual centredness and grace) but with Neptune opposing his Jupiter (spiritual testing of his religion).

Although we have no birth time, we also know that he has an exact sextile between his Venus and his North Node in Sagittarius and his Venus in Aquarius, signifying a karmic mission of a religious path allied with impersonal Love.

Andrew White was quoted in the Guardian as saying about Justin Welby: “Most people cannot make things happen, but Justin was someone who could bring about change” referring to an aspect of his life before becoming Archbishop.

Rebel with a Cause

Of course this rebel isn’t without a cause, and he hasn’t wasted much time before trying a solution to the misery caused by pay day loans.  With a financial background and banking experience, he is confident in this arena.  He proposes to go into competition with the Wonga company, a major culprit in this field, and set up credit unions in the church.  His initiatives have been well received by some politicians and journalists.

It is a radical move and perhaps a bolder approach than previous Archbishops would have taken, but very consistent with his chart.  He made the announcement on Thursday, and by Friday was having to answer embarrassing questions regarding past investments in Wonga by the Church.

In interview he answered with fairness and without defensiveness.  I like his style, and believe that he and Pope Francis will get some changes on the way.  I see his current challenge as part of the approach of a square from Uranus to his natal Sun, which peaks in May next year, the honing of his “Inner Rebel”.

Aspects

Sunday morning starts with Sun square Saturn in the early hours.  It is the morning after syndrome, picking up the pieces from last night’s revelries or dramas.  Perhaps the demo you were on was the wrong one (should have gone to Specsavers…) or you saw too much action.  There is a great deal to think about and digest.  Provided your hangover only lasts until lunchtime, you can look forward to a lovely convivial Sunday lunch hour in the company of a sextile between Venus and Jupiter.  It’s a welcome balm after recent stress.  It’s also good for socializing, catching up with a dear friend, or even taking in a celebration.

There is news of a Grand Sextile on the internet for Monday, formed with a Black Lilith Moon and Pallas Athene (an asteroid).  I was asked about this on Facebook, and this was my reply after much deliberation:

“If you work with Black Moon Lilith and Pallas Athena you will probably have more of a handle on this construct and feel it energetically.

Without this experience, the energies may be hard to manage, including as they do Mars opposite Pluto, Moon opposite Saturn and Venus opposite Neptune.

The Grand Trine is not exact, and we are at that time in the middle of at least one T-square.  The Grand sextile is not exact either, except for the moment that the Moon triggers it by opposing Saturn, I believe.

Jupiter also opposes Pluto which is power-mongering.  The impression I get is that power could fall into the wrong hands.

In summary I would say those who seek power should be aware of their motives.

I like sextiles and a Grand Sextile looks beautiful, but there may be trouble ahead…you can face the music and dance, or keep a low profile.  It depends how much you choose to take on”.

I would add that there is no other exact aspect on Monday apart from the Moon opposite Saturn and the Grand Sextile configuration, so you may be able to evaluate it clearly.

On Tuesday (30^th) the valuable social or financial progress continues the work of Sunday’s sextile between Venus and Jupiter, expressing the principles at a deeper level in a trine between Venus and Pluto..  For example, you may recognize a good social connection on Sunday, but on Tuesday you may understand why it’s a good connection on Sunday (perhaps a past-life flashback or insight).  By Tuesday you may understand more about why it’s a good connection and can explore the experience.  The positive Venus aspects may give the Grand Sextile a safe passage.

Thursday (1^st August) brings back the shock factors: Mars has moved on from its opposition to Pluto to complete the T-square with Uranus.  This component is not quite as harsh as the Mars opposite Pluto of Saturday evening, but can set you on the back foot.  Check electrical wiring and appliances for instance.  It could be an incident-packed day, or certainly morning.

Later in the day Mars trines Chiron and energies begin to smooth out again, e.g. cars have been serviced and are more reliable.

Friday (2^nd) unsettles feelings which may have been stable earlier in the week, with Venus opposing Chiron. Healing may be required, especially around the neck area.  Beware if you are sitting outside a restaurant with a trusted long-term partner who may be interested in massaging your neck.  Not making light of Nigella’s experience, but maybe it is the trauma of something which happened a while back that needs to be released.

Luckily things may turn out well relationship-wise for in the evening Mars sextiles Venus, which is harmonious for male and female interaction, romance (or bromance), neck massages and cars. It could be an evening of rebalancing.

The week in bullet points:

• Sunday – Sadness, then an opportunity for cheer
• Monday – Look out for complex interactions
• Tuesday – Money and relationships can prosper
• Thursday – incident-prone, then ironing out the wrinkles
• Friday – unsettled feelings, then personal warmth

A boy, born 4.24 pm 22^nd June 2013

The main three points on the new Royal baby’s charts are all cuspal: the Sun is at 29 degrees 59 minutes of Cancer (1 minute away from Leo), the Ascendant is at 27 minutes Scorpio (3 minutes away from Sagittarius) and the Moon is at 28 degrees Capricorn (2 minutes away from Aquarius) and all on the same side of the cusp.  This baby planned his birth chart with precision!  I remember thinking when Kate was forced to reveal her pregnancy early on that this baby might have a forceful nature.  Certainly it is an energetic chart, and has the fine Grand Water Trine which peaked last week.

I tried to make the Sun in Leo the regal sign, but it wouldn’t quite stretch.  Instead, the baby has his Sun right at the end of Cancer, a Sun Sign inherited from his father and his father’s mother, Lady Diana.   The sense of family, and a caring, sympathetic nature is therefore carried through.  The Cancerian qualities and the high emotion are emphasized with the birth occurring exactly at the Full Moon, which adds a sense of drama to the personality too. The Ascendant in Scorpio comes from the paternal side, with Prince Charles the grandfather having Sun in Scorpio.  This reinforces the emotional nature and the personal guardedness of in the character.  The Moon is in the sign of Capricorn, and as mother Kate Middleton has Sun in Capricorn that is very fitting, the Moon representing and symbolizing the mother in the chart.  His chart has 6 water planets (emotion) and 0 air signs (mental approach) so he will mainly sense his world and his life through instinct and emotion.

Mars is exactly  conjunct Jupiter, providing a fount of energy and enthusiasm.  This is linked in with the Grand Water Trine which is completed by Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces.  There will be a certain thread of luck running through life, starting with that silver spoon.  This luck may be karmic, for there is also a Grand Trine between the North Node (karma), Chiron (the Inner Healer) and Mercury (communication and health), so there is a great deal of protection for this child.  He will be interested in health and healing (and probably Homeopathy, like his grandfather).  Karmically, his trine between the North Node and Mercury is exact, so his Soul lineage is as a teacher.  The trine between Mercury and Chiron is also exact, emphasizing the connection between teaching and healing.  Could he forgo the world of air combat of his father, uncle and great uncle before him for a more sensitive role (before becoming enmeshed in the possibility of succession)?  With Sun in Cancer and Midheaven in Virgo, he may not relish the idea of the  top job.

The family, heredity and synastry links are very interesting:

Kate Middleton

Kate’s Moon conjuncts the baby’s Mercury exactly, so she will have an instinct for what interests him and can help to nurture those pathways.  The baby’s Pluto squares her Mars, so she will feel acutely that she needs to protect him, and that her protection is also his protection.

Prince William

There are more exact links with Prince William’s chart, so there is a great deal of personal closeness shown for his relationship with his father.  The baby’s Venus sextiles exactly Prince William’s Sun (heartwarming love).  The baby’s Saturn and Neptune trine exactly Prince William’s Moon (loyalty, respect and sensitivity for William’s emotions and William’s maternal line).  Prince William’s Mercury is exactly opposite the baby’s Ascendant, so many a night he will cradle him with a monologue of his thoughts – communication is key in their relationship.  Prince William’s Mars is also squared by the baby’s Pluto, so he will also be a very protective parent and mindful of the times we are living in, the baby having been born in the second year of this chaotic Uranus-Pluto square.  Prince William’s Jupiter squares exactly the baby’s Sun, so he will be keen to share the joys and advantages of being royal with the baby, such as the silver spoon collection.  And last but not least, the baby’s Venus receives a beaming sextile from his father’s Jupiter.  This baby is received by his Cancerian father with great love, joy and pride.

Lady Diana

The baby’s Pluto opposes exactly Lady Diana’s Sun, a bittersweet reminder that her relationship with her grandson is across the veils.  However, he will have known her in the spirit world before he entered incarnation.  His Saturn conjuncts her Moon and squares her Jupiter, again making it difficult for him to know her on a practical basis.  His Mars/Jupiter sextiles her Pluto, so there is a deep emotional knowing, a current which locks into the more universal experience of the Grand Water Trine and knowing her through culture and history as well as personal ancestry.

Prince Charles

The baby has four exact aspects to Prince Charles’ Saturn, so fitting Prince Charles’ new role as Elder.  He will try to inculcate his firm views and tradition in his relationship with his new grandson.  There will be lively banter between them too, with the baby’s Mars exactly trine Prince Charles’ Mercury.

Carole Middleton

Carole will undoubtedly have an important role in bringing up the baby, but we do not have a birth date let alone time for her.  If one subsequently emerges, I will fill in the gap.

Queen Elizabeth

Great Granny is pleased that the baby has arrived in time, before her holiday in Balmoral.  There may be some clash of personality, with their Suns exactly in square to each other (the Queen having her Sun in early Taurus, and the baby having his Sun in late Cancer).  However the baby will also charm the socks off the lady, who seems to be thawing that icy reputation these days, as the baby’s Venus is exactly trine her Sun.  The baby’s Uranus also exactly trines her Moon, so he will be stretching her further into the modern world and stimulating her imagination.  His Mercury trines her Venus, which is very personally companionable. But her Pluto also conjuncts his Mercury, so her authority will be stamped on him – she may have the last word on certain features of his life.  This would be a role he willingly takes on (being under the royal thumb) for his North Node (karma) is exactly trine her Pluto.

Prince Philip

Last and intriguingly, the key to his relationship with Prince Philip is that their Mercuries are exactly conjunct (Mercury being Prince Philip’s ruling planet)!  Prince Phillip’s Mercury is his most prominent feature, the tongue that gets him into trouble, and he has handed it down directly.  Look out for the same wit (but hopefully not the blunders) in the great grandson.  Prince Phillip’s mental quirkiness comes from Mercury squaring Chiron in his chart, and his great grandson has Mercury square Uranus (controversial in speech).  Not only that but he has many close astrological links with the baby, including four warm and exact planetary links to his Venus.  He may not have many years to interact, but they know each other well as Souls and their relationship will continue telepathically afterwards.

Mel Smith

Comedian Mel Smith died on Friday morning, it was announced last night.  He was born under the comedy sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius.  Readers of a certain age may not remember mirth filled evenings watching Not the Nine O’Clock News, Alas Smith and Jones, and Colin’s Sandwich.  We do not have his birth time.

Mel had a distinctive face, sometimes likened to that of Les Dawson (whose available birth dates are too varied to research) but he does look Cancerian, and with Moon in Cancer he might well have made it a double with Ascendant on his Moon.  Mars squares Jupiter in his chart, magnifying the humour quotient in his chart.

His Jupiter (planet of mirth) squares his Nodal Axis, and with North Node in Aquarius he certainly would have liked to think of his humour as avant garde (as the satirical Not the Nine O’Clock  News undoubtedly was).  So he certainly achieved a karmic mission of high mirth.

He had a hugely successful comedy partnership with Griff Rhys Jones, whose birth time we do have.  Mel had the Part of Fortune (Joy) in his own 7^th House of Partnerships.  The pair are reported not to have had a cross word in the years they had known each other.  With their Marses (or Mars’) in exact trine they would have been good mates or lads together from the start.  Rhys Jones’ Chiron sparked off an opposition with Mel’s Uranus.  Rhys Jones has said of their 35 year friendship that he had lost “a gentleman and a scholar, a gambler and a wit”.  I don’t know what he means by the gambler allusion, but the Gambler Archetype belongs to Sagittarius.

In such a humour-dominated chart, he could play serious roles too such as his recent appearance in Dancing on the Edge.  Pathos was also part of his repertoire, with Venus squaring his Saturn/Neptune.  The hapless eponymous figure of Colin’s Sandwich used to have me in stitches in the late 1980’s.  It was  a time when we were getting our heads round home computers, and as an aspiring writer  “Colin” once accidentally deleted a novel he had written, which hit a raw nerve in my funnybone.  I have never forgotten it, as it played into a deep fear of mine!

The last astrological word belongs to Chiron, for his Chiron was (by one degree) trine his Jupiter, which is healing through comedy.

Aspects:

Tomorrow is eventful enough to warrant a timetable (U.K. time):

7.35 a.m. Mars conjunct Jupiter at 5 deg Cancer:  Time to spring out of bed and implement all the ideas which came to you during the Grand Ttine last week. You have 5 hours to do this creatively and artistically while Venus is still in Leo. Don’t miss Monday morning’s once in 2 year’s burst of energy + enthusiasm.

12.41 p.m.: Venus enters Virgo and you have to knuckle down to the detail and paperwork, which takes the edge off the creativity and maybe also some of the enthusiasm , unless you ‘re a Virgo in which case your studies and presentations will start to accumulate elegance. So it’s action in the morning, then recording your work at lunchtime (no time for a lunch break today).

15.56 Hrs Sun enters Leo. So Leo just lost Venus but gains its own planet or star, the Sun 3 hours later. That may result in a short cloudy interlude in an otherwise halcyon summer’s day… If you have knuckled down to the chores in that time, you’ll feel no guilt basking in the sunshine again from mid afternoon. Time for a little hedonism. Do what you enjoy. This is for two and a half hours only, and though you may not feel guilt you may feel some upcoming tension from the upcoming full moon in Aquarius. Develop your individuality in preparation.

18.16 Hrs:  The Full Moon in Aquarius will remind you of your group participation and roles. Any leonine preparation you have done will help you stand firm in your individuality.

On now to Friday (26th) and Venus opposes Neptune which confuses relationships, dissipates money and messes with our artistic sensibilities and projects. The offending issue may be illusion.

This is followed by a sextile to Venus from Saturn which may save or salvage the situation wholly or partly and bring a dose of realism to compare with the illusion. If your toddler grandson has defaced your latest masterpiece you may stand back and conclude that the Jackson Pollock effect has some merit…in relationships you may see that loyalty can win out over romanticism.

On Saturday (27th) a palpable physical tension may build up through the day and culminate in a sticky situation in the evening with Mars opposing Pluto. It’s not a good day for instance to take part in a demo, an Occupy or an Arab spring, or the evening may bring attendance at a crowded accident and emergency department run by a stressed and sleep deprived hospital short staff (and I don’t mean under 5 foot). It’s a bit of a cliff hanger at the end of the week, and not alleviated by a sun square Saturn in the early hours of Sunday morning which indicates the consequences of Saturday night/ Sunday morning could be quite serious, so don’t take risks.

Heat is another hazard of Pluto/Mars, and if the U.K. heatwave is still around we may have more of the warnings we had this week.  Among the warnings issued this week were drowning, dehydration, spontaneous forest fires, sunburn, barbecues and even a warning to be careful if you are handling Scotch bonnet chillies, “or you could land up in A & E” from T.V. chef Gino di Campo.

The Week in Bullet Points:

• Monday – complex and hectic
• Friday – deception then stabilization in relationships
• Saturday – apply caution