Strictly Come Dancing 2014 – Part 1

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts tonight at 8.00 pm on BBC1. Tonight’s programme focuses on the pairing of contestants with their professional dance partners, so I cannot yet look at that chemistry, but am taking a brief initial look at some of the more high profile competitors whose names and faces I do recognize.  The others I hope to get to know as the series progresses, and I intend to update this topic in the coming weeks.

Claudia Winkleman, new Co-Presenter

No one can replace the unique contribution of long time main presenter Bruce Forsyth who has now retired from the post.  But Claudia Winkleman is a presenter of some talent, and is the daughter of Eve Pollard, the journalist and fashion writer.  Claudia has been a regular presenter on this show, sometimes filling in for Bruce,  usually co-hosting the Sunday show with Tess Daly.  She is a Capricorn and favours wearing black, but I think the penchant for severe black sleeves is a fashion faux pas, possibly down to her Venus exactly square Saturn natally.  With transiting Neptune sextile her natal Mercury at the launch of the new series, she will be looking to refine further her broadcasting skills in her upgraded status.

Judy Murray

Andy Murray has apparently told his mother Judy that she will be “terrible” at this competition…I am not so sure.  I am sure that she will have plenty of backing from the British public.  Her fitness levels must be high.  She has Mars square Saturn in her natal chart, which is presumably the grit with which she encouraged and cajoled her sons as they grew up  in a life of tennis.  She also has as her karmic mission North Node conjunct Mars in Libra, symbolic of  her raising sons to be tennis champions, with the drive needed to do that.  It’s nice that the launch is close to her birthday tomorrow.  Even nicer that Mars is transiting her Jupiter/Moon, giving her a boost of energy and enthusiasm for the new endeavour in her own right.  She may initially have a feeling of uncertainty, with Neptune currently opposite her Mercury.  By the end of the series Mercury will be trine her natal Mercury and Neptune will be trine her natal Neptune, so she will have resolved a lot of issues for herself.

Gregg Wallace

As co-presenter of Masterchef with John Torode, Gregg is famous for the phrase “Cooking doesn’t get any tougher than this!”  His role as food judge is shown in his chart by Venus in Virgo (literal arbiter of taste) conjunct Uranus and Pluto.  The involvement of Uranus and Pluto in his love life (Venus) has produced turbulence and failed marriages, but Masterchef has gone from strength to strength since he took up his role there.  He has Sun/Mercury in Libra, so should show some level of musicality.  Sadly, Saturn squares his natal Mars at the beginning of this process, so he may feel a little awkward or face a minor injury while rehearsing in the next week or so.  He will be happy and harmonious by the end of the process, with Venus trine his Venus, Pluto trine his Venus and Pluto trine his Uranus.  Maybe he will find love with a costume designer.

Sunetra Sarker

I have long been a fan of Sunetra Sarker (Dr. Zoe Hanna from Casualty) ever since she was the steamy nurse in Brookside (the steam arising from a T-square between her Sun, Mars and Pluto).  I would imagine she would make a great contestant in this dance tournament, looking elegant and having the consummate skill of walking in very high heels on a hospital emergency ward.  The astrology however tells of a challenging journey this autumn, with Mercury squaring her Nodal Axis at the start of the process (she may have other things on her mind, or she may view this as a mental and karmic journey).  Jupiter also opposes her Jupiter, so she may feel pulled in two directions in her life.  And even more unsettlingly, Neptune squares her Neptune, so she may find it hard to commit to this project. The latter  transit continues right through to the end, and she may be scattering her energies on and off the dance floor.  When the date of the first competition is announced and the final programme schedules are made known, I will take another look at her astrological progress as I would really like her to do well.  As with all the contestants featured in today’s blog, birth times were not available, and that too could make  a difference.

Jake Wood

You may know Jake Wood more recognizably as the unsavoury Max Branning in the soap opera Eastenders.  Hubby said to me the other day “How come all the villains in Eastenders are bald headed?”.  This bald-header has an aura of ginger about him, and is characterized by a screen history  of ill advised relationships.  So here is a chance to get to know that really the man behind the role is a completely different sort.  His chart shows less monosyllabism, more of a way with words (Venus sextile Mercury), more self-discipline (Mercury sextile Saturn, and Saturn trine Uranus) and a strong sense of competition through the power hungry square between Jupiter and Pluto.  His Mercury/Moon/Mars in Leo may enhance his talent for performing, but Venus conjunct Saturn in Gemini may reduce his artistry and make for a rather too cerebral approach.  However, he should get off to a good start, or certainly be pleased with his new squeeze, as currently Mars sextiles his North Node, Uranus trines his natal Mercury and Uranus sextiles his Saturn.  By the end of the series Saturn sextiles his Pluto, which should give him a real sense of achievement.

Aspects

Today poses a healing conundrum, with the Sun opposing Chiron.  In what promises to be a roller coaster or snakes and ladders week, we start with a dip.  The puzzle of the week is set, and may be resolved by the end of the day, or may be something to engage your healing energies throughout the week.

Tuesday (9^th) brings a Full Moon in Pisces, although occurring in the early hours of the morning, the focus is really on tomorrow night. The full moon in Pisces is the most spiritual of all the full moons, representing as it does the fullness of the lunar experience. The female energy holds sway. The emotions in this full moon placed in the sign of Pisces are in the ocean of the collective unconscious. At their fullest the energies represent world service or global service, and surrender to the universe. This is to be balanced with the sun in Virgo which represents conscious service and conscientious work, the perfecting of which is an earlier stage in human evolution.  Be sure to release any negative emotions.

On Tuesday evening Mercury squares Pluto, and you may be forced to re-think a line of enquiry.  You may make a U-turn if you want to, or something may hit your thinking forcibly which you had previously not entertained.  A Yes vote may turn into a No vote, or vice versa.

On Wednesday (10^th) morning Venus opposes Neptune, and relationship issues may be confusing or deceptive.  Someone may try to pull the wool over your eyes, or the rug from under your feet (hopefully not both).  Reserve your judgement, I would say, until you are more certain of your ground.

In the late afternoon or early evening, Mercury sextiles Jupiter, and judgement generally is more sound.  Sales and business thrive.  Wool may look like a good prospect for investment, and oriental carpets attractive in the soukhs, bazaars  and markets of holiday destinations around the Mediterranean or northern Africa.  As this is the best aspect of the week, you might like to make a bid on EBay, or make some such adventurous transaction on or off line.  Make the most of it.

On Thursday (11^th) the Sun sextiles Saturn, also favourable but much more sober than Mercury sextile Jupiter.  You may make a calculated investment, or soberly assess your purchase of midweek, and find it to be sound.  It is also a good day for planning, and making serious decisions.

Saturday (13^th) morning’s aspect is Mercury opposite Uranus, which is risky and controversial.  You might wake up bright and breezy, but then trip on your new oriental carpet, and be forced to re-think your plans (maybe for the second time this week).  Knowing you might have to be flexible might prove to be an advantage, as your unconscious may come up with a new and better idea for your morning schedule.

After a morning or a day re-jigging you may be feeling a little frazzled as Mars completes its sojourn through the tricky waters of Scorpio, and may be glad of a change of tune for the evening’s events in the shape of Mars entering Sagittarius.  You may feel you are no longer stagnant in an enterprise or swimming against the tide.  You may feel that your energy is flowing unhindered.  Mars in Sagittarius, like any position of any planet in any sign, I am sure will have its challenges (e.g. blind enthusiasm) but for the time being it may seem like a relief that there is some measure of communal and global unity.

Next Week: The Scottish Referendum

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Healing moves
• Tuesday – heightened emotion; a change in mental focus
• Wednesday – relationship confusion, then mental expansion
• Thursday –  lay foundations
• Saturday – frazzled start, smoother evening journey

Sun trine Pluto

We have two planets changing signs this week, and one aspect to play with.

The Aspect we have is Sun trine Pluto, which is all about the force being with you, and as it occurs in the middle of the week, it has enough clout to extend its influence throughout the week; it is aspect enough for one week.

What sort of things can you accomplish in a week with that aspect?  Creative endeavours can be imbued with psychological meaning. Dark areas of the psyche can have a light shine on them.  It is not a minor aspect, but neither is it a hugely prominent one.  So big enough to work with to gain something worthwhile, but not to be too much of a challenge.  It is worth deciding at the beginning of the week what you would be working for along those lines for the middle of the week, have something set up for the middle of the week, and spend the rest of the week refining and finalizing, and monitoring the aftermath.  It is a good aspect to master.

Power

The word Power means different things to people, depending partly on the plane or level they are working on currently or their lifetime theme.  To some it means worldly or material power, to others it may be a career step up the ladder or a shift in spiritual power.  To others it may mean truth, authenticity or freedom.  This week is a good opportunity to define what you mean by power in order to work with it more clearly.  Many people are afraid of their own power, or afraid they have misused power in past lives, and do not want to incur negative karma.  Our power needs to be balanced with the power in the lives of others, but we do need to work with  our own power.  Though some are called to leadership, ultimately, the only true power is about handling our own energies.  For you, personally, this week’s experience may be about uncovering a new corner of your psyche.

Personal Power

The Sun represents personal power, and Pluto represents a deeper psychological power, and also the responsibility of balancing power with others.  The Sun trine Pluto is about using your personal power.  A good book to read this week would be “Personal Power Through Awareness” by Sanaya Roman.  Order it now for your kindle!

Here is a quotation:

“If in any way you fear people in a position of authority or power over you, send them love.  It will help stop any power struggles and attune you to a higher part of their being,  where miracles and love are available.”

If you possess this aspect in your natal chart

The chances are if you are reading this that you don’t have this aspect natally, as it only occurs twice a year.  But this week is your chance to adopt it and try it out, and sometimes when you do this you can keep the skills you learn.

If this is one of the aspects in your natal chart, I would in an analysis be saying something like this to you:

SUN trine Pluto – There is a good understanding of human psychology with this aspect.  Anything you do has to have authenticity and meaning, and you may deliberately test yourself at times for endurance.  There is great psychological strength and the ability to work through testing times.

A Traditional Interpretation

 Here is an interpretation from Margaret Hone’s  Modern Textbook of Astrology, published in 1951:

“Tendency to free the self from bounds or ties.  Easy elimination of the unwanted.”

Archetype: The Alchemist

Caroline Myss says of this Archetype, which very much describes Sun trine Pluto:

“In its highest manifestation seeks complete spiritual transformation…converting matter into some form of altered and enhanced expression.”

Famous  Examples

People who have this aspect natally:

Angelina Jolie

Angelina has never been afraid to pursue her own path, from building a tribe of children, to working with William Hague against sexual abuse towards women in war situations.  Her relationship with Brad Pitt was controversial at its outset, as he was married to Jennifer Aniston, but after many years together and being supported  by him, she married him about a week ago.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand was born the same day as Angelina, though with different birth times and Ascendants.  He too is not afraid to speak his mind, and to do his own thing, regardless of what the world thinks.

Jeffrey Wolf Green

Jeffrey Wolf Green was an Astrologer who founded a branch of Astrology called “Evolutionary Astrology” and wrote books about the in-depth planet Pluto.  So he absorbed the lessons of Pluto at a deep level, and shared them in his writings.  He obtained much of his information through a guru, via his dreams.  His legacy endures.

Judy Hall

Judy Hall is a new age writer on many subjects, including crystals.  But she was one of the pioneers of Karmic Astrology, and as such had a great influence on my work.  One of the abilities she has is to be able to read the Akashic Records, of a person’s past lives, which in-depth work  can cut straight to the root of current problems.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner has Sun trine Pluto within one degree.   She has Saturn on the South Node of past life karma, and her Sun also squares Mars.  Ike Turner’s Mars connected with her Mars and its square to her Sun directly (their Mars’ in square to each other) which brought out the worst karma between them, and violence towards her from Ike.  Her Baptist faith sustained her, and then was added to by a later addition of Buddhism.  She espouses a mixture of both faiths.  I happened to catch an interview with her the other day on the Oprah Winfrey show, where she revealed she had turned her life around completely, and was happily married as well.  She was asked about the philosophy that brought her there, and replied that she arrived at a point of desiring nothing.  This echoes the philosophy of St. John of the Cross: “In order to arrive at possessing everything, desire to possess nothing.”  This was facilitated by her Venus being exactly trine Saturn and exactly square Neptune, not the Sun-Pluto trine.  The qualities shown by the working out of Sun trine Pluto in her life are endurance and regeneration.

Quote from Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?”

Aspect

On Tuesday (2^nd Septemebr) Mercury enters Libra (not an aspect) and you should be prepared for the new academic term by the time Mercury leaves Virgo, and preparing to enter a time when you can share information and negotiate through communication.

Wednesday (3^rd) is the day carrying the aspect of the week, and the potential for making a difference in your life and psyche (see above).  May the force be with you, but remember it is also with everyone else, so there will be a need for sensitivity to another’s path.  If you are being authentic, the Universe may automatically make and facilitate adjustments with others.

If you know the two  areas (House placements) occupied currently by the Sun and Pluto, you will find the trine benefits both, but the more enduring changes will be occurring in the House occupied by Pluto in Capricorn, as a result of long processes and psychological work.

On Friday (5^th) Venus enters Virgo, leaving the limelight in Leo, and possibly relieved to be in the more sedate territory of Virgo, quietly at her desk writing her new novel and paying more attention to the detail of her artistry.  If you were able to make a genuine shift in your personal power mid-week, some of that energy can be incorporated into your new work initiatives.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – negotiation
• Wednesday – personal power
• Friday – connecting up the dots and painting by numbers

David Cameron and the United Kingdom

With David Cameron returning from a long holiday, and the Scottish Referendum a dead cert for a blog in three weeks’ time, and the possibility that we might not be a United Kingdom any more, I thought I would take a look at home affairs as they are now.

David Cameron

Eyebrows have been raised these last few weeks while various crises have come and gone (or stayed) and David and Samantha have been holidaying at home and abroad (in the same outfits as last year) wondering what it would take for David Cameron to  return to his role as leader of the government.  The issue of the beheading of James Foley, a U.S. journalist, by a British jihadist in Iraq seems to have galvanized him, and the issue of preventing jihadists from returning to Britain, though critics still feel he is not fully engaged mentally.

David Cameron is Libran through and through, with Sun, Ascendant and ruling planet all in that sign.  So if he appears to dither or be indecisive at times, it may be due to the classic description of this Libran trait.  His lucky, or privileged streak, is shown by Jupiter exactly sextile his Ascendant.

What do his current transits reveal about his personal and political affairs at this time?  A conjunction of Mars and Saturn on his South Node (past karma) indicates that he is coming back and having to face the music, both personally and in his career role.  Uranus, the planet of shocks and surprises, is opposite his natal Sun for most of this year.  The Islamic State or Isis is a thorny headache for the world powers, but also has implications in our society, in preventing their indoctrination here, and then their possible return if they go overseas to engage with and spread the fighting should they expect to return.  Theresa May is leaping into action over some of these tasks, but in the meantime there are other pressing issues such as the Scottish Referendum.

United Kingdom

The new Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond has called the beheading of James Foley “an utter betrayal of everything the British public stand for”, and indeed it is very Un-British!  If the Scottish people vote Yes on 18^th September, will I be looking at a completely different chart for the United Kingdom, or the Dis-United Kingdom?  And would it change our national sense of identity?

The current chart for the U.K., based on 7^th December 1922, has as its astrological signatures Sun/Mercury in Sagittarius (an upbeat sign, and the Sun sign of Winston Churchill), Ascendant in Gemini (mentally lively) exactly square Uranus at the top of the chart (forward looking and humanitarian on the plus side) and Moon in Cancer (patriotic).  That may change if our Scottish brothers and sisters leave the equation.  The current turmoil shows in the transits as Pluto opposite the United Kingdom Pluto, and economic and social hardship is depicted by Saturn squaring the U.K. Neptune.  But there are some livelier transits showing openness to change:  Jupiter squaring the natal Jupiter (a sense of adventure) and Uranus trine the national Mercury (openness to new ideas), which may yield some favourable changes. I have yet to spot their manifestation, but if you hear any such good news in the coming days, you will know which transits are responsible.  Unless of course you believe the announcements that we are in economic recovery.

James Foley

James Foley, the U.S. Journalist whose beheading has injected a new sense of  end-of-summer responsibility into our Prime Minister, had a dynamic chart of Sun/Uranus conjunct in Libra (negotiating skills), half his planets in Cardinal signs (leadership) and Mars exactly square Jupiter (high energy and enthusiasm).  His effect on David Cameron’s path is shown by his Saturn (responsibility) exactly trine David Cameron’s Mercury (information to take note of).

Neptune currently squares James Foley’s (posthumous) chart, so there is a great deal of mystery surrounding his circumstances at the moment.  Foley’s chart impinges significantly on the United Kingdom’s reputation (Midheaven) with his Neptune exactly sextile the U.K. Midheaven and his Pluto exactly trine with it.  These deep connections imply that the overall longterm outcome of the crisis will work out better than expected for Britain (e.g. in eliciting useful  ways of addressing difficult issues).  But with James Foley’s Uranus exactly square the U.K. Moon the crisis has thrown the government into disarray and caught them on the hop.

Scottish Referendum

There will be more anon on this topic as we move nearer to its time, but I wrote in my New Year blog:

September 18^th: Scottish Referendum: A solid day for Alex Salmond, with a shock for David Cameron.  Favourable change in some ways for the UK with Uranus trine its natal Sun/Mercury, but also schism and trauma in that Pluto opposes its natal Pluto.

[Hopefully, I will find some counteracting evidence when I do the Scottish Referendum blog].

On Monday the second debate takes place between Alex Salmond (for the Yes vote) and Alistair Darling who impressed in the first debate for the No vote.  Alex Salmond will have Mercury opposite his Mars (may have difficulty controlling his nerves or temper) and Mars transiting his Saturn (ruffling his feathers) so may not perform any better than the first round.  Alistair Darling will have some supportive and harmonious transits, which may enable him to charm some of the voters to his side, but has Neptune square his Sun, so he may be wrestling with some personal or public confusion at this time.  I think he will do well, overall, though some of those bright transits will have dissolved by 18^th September.

[Amendment Monday 25th:

The debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling is today, not tomorrow, and I have amended it in the blog. It is being televised at 8.30 pm on BBC2. The difference that a day makes astrologically in this case still finds Alistair in a strong position, but an improvement for Alex, in that he may perform better than last time.]

N.H.S

There are mixed transits for the N.H.S. at the moment, with the North Node sextile its Jupiter (some divine intervention perhaps – benefactors please come forward) and Pluto squaring its Neptune (the most dire aspect it could face!).  There is more evidence for the latter, but the N.H.S. has been so dismantled and messed around, that it is difficult to know exactly what is going on.

Education

I doubt that our Educational system will ever fully recover from Michael Gove’s tinkering in recent years, but in the meantime we have a new figurehead from David Cameron’s recent reshuffle.   Nicky Morgan as another Libran might be expected to be a Yes Minister and just cruise along trying to establish Michael Gove’s policies.  Yet her chart has potential for her future political career: Mars conjunct Pluto would give her political grit, Mercury conjunct Uranus some forward thinking Mars square Jupiter (high energy and enthusiasm) and Jupiter square Pluto (a hunger for power).  She may be hamstrung in this coming parliament, but could do well after some cabinet experience.

So that is the United Kingdom today, or my take on it…

Aspects

Today we have an opposition between Mercury and Chiron.  Mental conundrums will feature heavily. Solutions may come to you easily, but if they don’t, and you wear yourself out mentally, put the problem on the back burner if you can, and allow your unconscious or the universe to come up with a solution. Travel could be problematic. If you can’t solve something along the way, stop at a service station and have a power nap!

Big Monday

Tomorrow (bank holiday Monday) you will need a timetable for all the aspects, whether to ascertain the tone of each appointment in your diary, or if you have a free day, to meditate with each one.  I will be catching up with astrological work, so will incorporate the timetable into what I do.  It could be an eventful day, and certainly weatherwise there has been a severe weather warning for the U.K.
8.46 a.m.: The first aspect is the brisk Mercury sextile Mars. The chances are you won’t be working, but if you are, you can make an efficient start.

If you have a free day, you might want to start with the gym, or some energetic Bikram or Ashtanga yoga.

If meditating, start the day with a physical meditation, e.g. perusing all the parts of the body for their nature and current health and vigour.

At any rate, start your day with your most strenuous task, be it clutter clearing, walking the dog(s), or filing.

9.38 a.m.: Venus trines Uranus – good for planned or unplanned meetings and dynamic social interactions.

Workwise, good for artistic originality.  Meditationwise, helpful for lifting your perception and experience of relationships.

12.29 p.m.:  Mercury sextile Saturn brings more focus, concentration and planning to any work efforts.  Meditation may bring an insight with a practical application.

14.13 Hrs.: The New Moon at 2 degrees Virgo favours thinking about coming work schedules and how they can be revamped or spiced up, especially for efficiency.  If you are just leaving the music festival, you may have had some ideas for new beginnings for work, or for health regimes.For those meditating, take those issues into your meditation, and hopefully your higher consciousness will feed back in a very positive way.
19.30 Hrs.:  Mars conjunct Saturn may mark a downturn of energy.  Many Astrologers feel this is a very difficult conjunction (traditionally they are the lesser and greater malefic, respectively).  I don’t regard it as being as problematic as say Mars paired with Uranus or Pluto, but if can be very frustrating, and can temporarily put an end to progress.  Astrologer Alan Oken describes its effect in the natal chart as “driving with the brakes on”, and that is very true, and may even be literally true.

On Tuesday (26^th), Saturn presents more difficulties, in squaring Venus, so that feelings are bruised to add to the frustrated actions of the previous evening.

Wednesday (27^th)  sees a square between Venus and Mars, so there may be inappropriate social moves or examples of male-female inequality to exercise your emotions.

We end the week with an opposition between the Sun and Neptune on Friday (29^th) making us feel at sixes and sevens in some way.  Maybe it is last minute jitters or uncertainty related to going back to school, or the prospect of one’s little grandson starting school with a sensitivity to school uniform fabrics, and only just being able to put on his socks and shoes…Or maybe there is a challenge looming for you, and you are trying to find your poise with it.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mental conundrums
• Tomorrow – intense and mixed (see timetable)
• Tuesday – bruised feelings
• Wednesday – social gaffes
• Friday – at sea, temporarily

Robin Williams

Robin Williams, of the kindly twinkly  eyes, the warm emotions of Mrs Doubtfire, and the quick fire mind and communication of an alien,  was a unique comedian and actor. His suicide, after long battles with addiction and mental health issues including (a diagnosis of) bi-polar disorder (often accompanied by creative genius) has re-energized awareness of depression in our society.

Astrological Chart

Robin Williams was a sensitive Sunsign Cancerian, which showed in his emotionality, and was exemplified in his parental role of Mrs Doubtfire.

His zany electrical energy is represented by a conjunction of Mars and Uranus, and his Moon was trine his Mars/Uranus  (lightning  emotional responses) – Carpe Diem in action.  The Moon also conjuncts his North Node (karmic mission) so as the Moon is his ruling planet, he would have been very driven in his actions.  The Mars/Uranus trines with the Moon/North Node and they trine his Scorpio Ascendant, keying into his physicality, producing a high wired nervous system.

Mars/Uranus squaring Jupiter points to another unique quality of his:  an exceptionally high energy.    This torrent of unusual energy made him well-cast in the role of Mork from Ork, a convincing alien with lunar features  at least (I do not have an ephemeris for Ork).

Mercury conjuncts Pluto in his chart, so he was a deep and brooding thinker.  This Mercury/Pluto conjunction straddles the Midheaven (Careerpoint) so he could express his verbal angst through his career.

He had good aspects to his Venus, making him lovable, but Venus was at the South Node, and perhaps there was something from past lives that emotionally he could not resolve in this one.

He led an isolated childhood, which gave rise to his phrase “Love Me Syndrome”.  His chart connection with his mother’s is very intensely locked.  Her powerful exact Uranus-Pluto trine is exactly on his Mars/Uranus and Moon/North Node trine, locking into his Ascendant and his physicality.

Death

At his death he had 6 Mars transits and 6 Pluto transits, so his energetic turmoil was overwhelming.  Uranus opposite his natal Neptune will have added to that turmoil.

I have a feeling he was needed elsewhere in the Universe.

Nanu-Nanu

Aspects

A cheery aspect to start the week!  This aspect occurs tomorrow morning, so it starts the working week.  It’s an aspect of fun, joy, socializing (around the watercooler?) and celebration.  Perhaps the  office joker has just returned from his or her best holiday ever, showing the holiday photos on the I phone…or has returned from the Edinburgh Festival with a host of new comedy material.

On  Tuesday (19^th)  Mercury opposes Neptune, which is an aspect of mental confusion  The Class Clown has started to scramble his punch lines.  Travel and weather could prove complicated.

Thursday (21^st) brings more psychological stability, with Mercury trine Pluto.  The scrambled thoughts may have been gradually coming into a more coherent focus, accompanied by depth of meaning.

On Saturday (23^rd) the Sun enters Virgo which helps to re-introduce you into a work mood after the holiday season.  Many will be on a bank holiday break or at a Music Festival, but ideas may present themselves about how to proceed in the Autumn term and apply talents to working conditions.

Mars also trines Chiron that day which supports healing actions such as intervention by Chiropractors and Osteopaths, or Physiotherapy.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – Love and Laughter
• Tuesday – Mental Confusion
• Thursday – Psychological Stability
• Saturday – Work Mode, and Healing Action

Lauren Bacall

I can’t let the week pass without honouring Lauren Bacall, one of the lights of the golden age of Hollywood.

Her 1978 autobiography “By Myself” is one of the most emotionally honest autobiographies I have ever read.  She wrote movingly about her emotional wounds (she had a conjunction of the Moon and Chiron at the top of her chart).

Birth Chart

Lauren Bacall had the finely chiselled features which I associate with her Sun sign placing of Virgo, and which constituted a great part of her outstanding beauty.

Her trademark sidelong glance, however, is a classic feature of her Ascendant sign, Cancer.  It was said that this was initially evoked by her nervousness (often a Virgoan trait), but became part of the mystique which formed part of her allure.  Very tellingly her North Node (karmic mission) conjuncts exactly her Neptune, and she became a poster girl for the Hollywood penchant for mystique in her day.

Love

There is no doubt that destiny played a great part in her life, in meeting and marrying Humphrey Bogart, twenty five years her senior, and together they made one of the golden couples of the Golden Age of Hollywood (notably with Spencer Tracy and Kathryn Hepburn).  Humphrey’s Venus was exactly opposite Lauren’s Ascendant, on her marriage point, and there was no doubt he was the love of her life.  She had Midheaven (Careerpoint) exactly trine her natal Jupiter, which symbolizes the double lucky break of entering a Hollywood film career and meeting the love of her life at the same time, on the film set of To Have and Have Not.

Career

The shelf life of her career was enduring, as she took on many character roles successfully even towards the end of her life.  This may be due to a trine between her Neptune/North Node conjunction, and her Chiron, keeping her spiritually aligned and on a healing pathway.

She was a great beauty, but in her autobiography her integrity also shines through.

I will be on holiday on Sunday morning and away from blogland, but here are the basic essentials for next week:

Sunday 10^th August at 18.09 Hrs – Full Moon in Aquaarius at 18 degrees

Emotional tension, leading to a conflict of interest between the individual and the group. If you need to strengthen your individuality, try creative avenues. If you need to integrate within a group, expand your consciousness. The tension should lift by the evening.

Tuesday 12^th August at 7.24 a.m.- Venus enters Leo

Creative ideas could be bubbling under the surface and blossom on Tuesday when Venus enters Leo.  Artistic, musical and thespian creativity will shine while Venus is in Leo (until 6th September).

Friday 15^th August at 9.29 a.m. – Mars sextile Pluto

On Friday (15th) Mars sextiles Pluto and energetic initiatives could work, if the energy doesn’t get out of hand. Warlike types may be straining at the leash.

16.44 Hrs – Mercury enters Virgo

Mid-afternoon sees the entry of Mercury into Virgo and the energy may change, or be added to the energetic project. Many may prefer to dis-engage from activity and sit at the desk or computer, to knuckle down to some detailed work, e.g. planning autumn schedules. But if you were combining the day’s aspects, there is a possibility of planning and organizing large scale campaigns.

Have a good week!

Fixed Stars of the Week

I haven’t written about the Fixed Stars for some time, but they can enrich our experience of the week, when we look at their input as the steady backdrop to the ever revolving influence of the planets of our Solar System.

When I first came to Norfolk, I did some intensive star mapping, and later ran a meditation group for two years based on the Fixed Stars, so they have a special place in my heart.  As the stars from the constellations, they appear to be fixed, but their positions move very slightly over the centuries.  Some Astrologers use a 13-sign zodiac, incorporating one of these constellations, Ophiuchus, but in truth you could if you used all the constellations, have an almost infinite zodiac backdrop, which would take a long time to interpret every week.

Sources

Bernadette Brady’s ”Book of Fixed Stars” gives the traditional meanings for the Fixed Stars, and “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld gives channelled information, of a more positive nature than the traditional interpretations..

This week’s Fixed Stars:

Our Sun aligns with each Fixed Star on the same day every year, so if it is your birthday on one of the following dates, you have a special affinity with that Fixed Star.

Tomorrow –

Kochab, the beta star from Ursa Minor

Bernadette Brady does not give an interpretation for this fairly minor star, though it was one of the pole stars from 1500 BC to 500 AD.

“Starlight Elixirs” tells us that this star is useful in processing past life information, and also future destiny:

“This star can assist people in grounding information from their past lives.  This is a way in which one becomes more comfortable with one’s past lives, as if these lives are running concurrently or parallel to one’s present life and can affect the person in positive ways.  The ability to accept this easily, feel good about the information, and take it in by actually owning it and really knowing it, this is far beyond a verbal or intellectual process.  This can generate a deeper sense of power within the individual.”

Acubens, the alpha star of the sign Cancer

Bernadette Brady informs us that:

“Ptolemy states that the stars of the claws of Cancer are of the nature of Saturn and Mercury.  Robson indicates that the star is connected to liars and criminals.”

Starlight Elixirs emphasizes the Cancerian values of home and family:

“In this star you see some of the more generalized tendencies of Cancer that have a symbolic effect on people such as a willingness to express and work out family issues, to understand the nature of the home, and to create this more clearly.“

Wednesday –

Dubhe, the alpha star from Ursa Major

Bernadette Brady informs us that:

“Ptolemy states that Dubhe is martial in nature.  Ebertin refers to this star as “nasty” and very much like a destructive Mars.  Rigor is a little more positive, indicating that gives a certain psychic ability or at least the power to overcome one’s enemies.”

Starlight Elixirs indicates that this star is about the use of heart energy:

“These stars can strengthen the ability to project energy from the heart that can be healing, warming, and regenerating.  This energy can be directed with greater consciousness into the person themselves, another person, the world at large, animals, gems or plants.“

Friday –

El Tarf – the beta star of the sign Cancer

Bernadette Brady does not document El Tarf individually.

Starlight Elixirs gives its application as better communication within a family, and especially in relation to children in their teenage years.

Mercury

As well as the Sun’s alignments with the Fixed Stars above, Mercury (which is close to the Sun this week) is also aligning with these stars,  These contacts will increase the mental application of their influence:

7^th: Thursday, Mercury aligned with Kochab and Acubens

8^th: Friday, Mercury aligned with Dubhe

9^th: Saturday, Mercury aligned with El Tarf

So in my portrayal of the week’s aspects, I will bear these in mind.

Aspects

Mercury squared Mars this morning, only a minute after midnight, so you may have still been up when it took place.  You may be feeling a little fractious, irritable or wonder if you got out the wrong side of bed today.  Your dreams may have been restless, or you may have had too much preying upon your mind to sleep properly.  Consider re-programming yourself at some point today, with a siesta or a meditation, or a little gentle yoga.

On Tuesday (5^th) Saturn trines Chiron, an important aspect.  Healing avenues may be very constructive, both conventional and non-conventional forms of healing, and both working together.

Venus also squares the Nodal Axis on Tuesday: relationships will be under the karmic microscope, and groups can work towards harmony if they bear in mind the karmic element of their dilemmas.

Thursday (7^th) brings a fine trine between Mars and Neptune.  This supports sensitive action, e.g. peace movements, ceasefires, and in your personal life handling anyone or anything with care.

Friday (8^th) brings a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury in Leo, so that intelligent forms of creativity can be produced.

Communication within the family may be fostered, and especially with those in their teenage years.  If family relationships are being re-kindled in holiday activities, there may be breakthroughs.

Mercury also trines Uranus, which is helpful for solving communication problems, such as with computers or rail links.  This aspect gives the ability to think outside the box.

Saturday (9^th) starts out fine astrologically, with a trine between the Sun and Uranus.  Creativity is added to the previous day’s ideas.

Then uh oh!  Mercury squares Saturn and then the Sun squares Saturn.  Plans may fall flat or the day’s plans may be washed out.  Plan for potential problems diligently if you have a big day on.  If it is a wedding, for instance, address the objector in advance, and tackle lawful impediments in advance.  There is usually a hitch, in every good wedding, but it usually works out all right on the night, with all the good will of the crowd – someone will have a solution.

If you don’t have plans for that day, don’t be too ambitious.  Take the day as it comes, and feel your way through any obstacles as they arise.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – nervy
• Tomorrow – past life information, home and family emphasis
• Tuesday – healing and karma
• Wednesday – transmitting heart energy
• Thursday – positive sensitivity
• Friday – excellent communication
• Saturday – mixed; calculate for obstacles

POSITIONALITY – “That which orchestrates our perception.  What we perceive through the filter of our positionality is our repertoire, which is limited to what we allow in, according to the responses of the emotional body.”

~ Chris Griscom: “Ecstasy is a New Frequency”

Israel and Gaza

In any conflict, karma will not be eradicated by trying to obliterate the other party, it will only create further karma.  And any solution will have to satisfy both sides, or karma will be perpetuated, the karma of broken hearts.  Today, after a short truce, Israel and Hamas have decided to continue fighting, and the world watches helplessly by.

Daniel Barenboim

The Guardian published an article this week by the conductor Daniel Barenboim, who holds both an Israeli and a Palestinian passport, and brings together the two worlds in his Peace orchestra.  He has a unique ability to stand in the middle of the two, and have both their interests at heart.

He writes: “After decades of devastation and loss on both sides the conflict has today reached a previously unimaginable level of gruesomeness and despair.”

His Chart

What can we learn from Daniel Barenboim’s chart about working to unify two sides of a conflict?  Is it easier for people detached from a conflict to mediate, such as the U.N., or is someone deeply immersed in both cultures more qualified to pass an opinion?

Daniel has Chiron conjunct the North Node – his karmic mission (North Node) is to achieve healing through wholeness (Chiron).  He has this conjunction in Leo, the sign of Creativity and Conducting, the Performing Arts and Leadership.

The Moon rises in humanitarian Aquarius in his chart, so he has the empathy for people (Moon) whilst having some detachment in his position (Aquarius).

His Sun  is exactly conjunct Venus in Scorpio, and to do such work, you need to come absolutely from a deep place (Scorpio) of Love (Venus) for all.

Another feature of his chart which places him in the middle is Mercury right at the top of his chart, squaring his Ascendant/Descendant axis.  He is a Messenger, for both sides.

We cannot all be in the middle.  Sometimes powerful personal interests may put us on one side or the other.  But the more we look at the whole, the truer our vision will be.

Daniel concludes by saying:

“In this conflict, we are all losers.  We can only overcome this sad state if we finally begin to accept the other side’s suffering and their rights.  Only from this understanding can we attempt to build a future together.”

Aspects

Tomorrow begins with a karmic theme, that of Mercury squaring the Nodal Axis.  This is about communication karma: maybe both sides of a conflict talking.  Where a planet sqaures the Nodal Axis, I find, this speaks of a group situation and need.

This follows on with Venus opposing Pluto, a painful exploration of love and loss, and part of a T-square occurring this week, involving Uranus.  There is no side-stepping a personal issue, and if you dodge this one, it will catch up with you from another angle later this week.  Do the deep personal work required, and try to reach a state of inner peace.

On Thursday (31^st) Mercury enters Leo, and there is scope for drying your tears on issues of mental focus, and focussing on the joy of existence, being thankful for small mercies, and enjoying life in the moment.  We have a window to accommodate this mindset until mid-August when Mercury enters Virgo, so put your mental searchlight to attuning to that happy and creative mental vibe (if necessary listen to or watch Pharrell Williams’ “Happiness”).  Mercury is working for us on this, so don’t let it pass you by.

Friday (1^st August) starts with the other leg of the T-square, Venus squaring Uranus.  This highlights divisions, schisms and estrangements, but take heart because other aspects later in the day counteract some of the harshness of that aspect.

Next, Venus trines Saturn, so something may be salvaged in relationships, a rapprochement may be brokered.  Perhaps not as full as hoped for, but it is at least a start.

If both sides come to the table, they can partake of the next aspect: Venus trine Chiron, which is healing and has the potential for wholeness.  Of course, if they do not come to the table, they cannot partake of the next stage of healing.

A Grand Trine is also created between Venus in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio and Chiron in Pisces, so on the heart level (Venus) much can be achieved.

Finally, Mars squares Jupiter, which can bring about a celebration, high jinks, exuberance, fireworks, and emotions going over the top.  If celebrating, pay attention to health and safety factors, such as avoiding the use of fireworks altogether.

Mercury conjuncts Jupiter on Saturday (2^nd) which is a sane way to end the week!  It speaks of healthy sales and business, expanded consciousness, broadened horizons, and buoyant mentality.  It is a good news aspect, which it is good to be receptive to in this day and age.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – dialogue, and soul-searching
• Thursday – lifting the mental mood
• Friday – mixed feelings, but the potential for working together; celebrate cautiously
• Saturday – holiday atmosphere, productivity, achievement, and sharing

Another Malaysian Airline Tragedy

In March, a Boeing 777 from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia disappeared on its way to Beijing.  The airplane and its passengers were never recovered.  This week, a Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur flew over war-torn Ukrainian airspace and was shot down, much of the debris scattered over a wide area, while some have been removed, possibly with the black boxes.

Chart of Malaysia

The chart of Malaysia has Chiron exactly on its Midheaven with Pluto exactly on the opposite point, the I.C., which is a difficult balancing act.  Pluto at this point in time is exactly sextile the natal Midheaven/Chiron and trine the Pluto/I.C., denoting an event of great import.  The search for the first flight became a global issue and concerted search, with China hard hit in terms of casualties, and Australia for a long time the subject of nearby ocean searches.  In the current tragedy, the tussle between Russia and the U.S. over the Ukrainian war has intensified, and there are casualties from all over the globe, but it is especially the Netherlands who are mourning the dead.

Chart of the Tragedy

The chart of the airplane being shot down by a missile shows a karmic war situation is involved, with Mars and the North Node conjunct the Ascendant.

Some of the long term transits to the Malaysian chart are still operative.  I wrote in March:

“Yet the transits for Malaysia look strong at the moment, with even Pluto trine its natal Pluto (self-empowerment).  The most suspect transit for Malaysia at the moment is Neptune opposing its natal Uranus, a transit which has a sense of the bizarre about it.”

All of that still applies.  In addition a trine from Saturn to the North Node of the Malaysian chart implies there is a sense of responsibility, which Malaysia is yet to work out.  In the weeks after the first tragedy, they were blamed for mismanagement by the relatives of the passengers.  In this situation, there may be responsibility over the issue of the flying space.  Apparently, the plane was flying there because it was diverted due to thunderstorms.

Ukraine

There was Ukraine, just getting on with its civil war and tussle between Russia and Europe, with the U.S. heavily involved, when suddenly someone hits a plane flying overhead killing 283 passengers, in one fell swoop the same number as the current total of casualties in Gaza from the current conflict there.  Suddenly the conflict in the Ukraine has taken on an even more macabre tone, and an even wider implication globally.  Australia and the U.K. have issued strong statements to Vladimir Putin of Russia suggesting that he pull back his ambitions there.  Chiron trines the Ukrainian Pluto, a strong message for change and the need for healing, and Mars squares its Ascendant (blood on its hands). Uranus is currently square the Nodal Axis of Ukraine, bringing anarchic karmic conditions.

Putin

Whatever Putin envisaged as his aim for this conflict, it surely didn’t include an aircraft full of passengers tragically killed in the field of battle.  Putin currently has Chiron trine his Uranus (his Uranus trines the Ukrainian Pluto). So there is a shock element here for him, but will he do the right thing?

Netherlands

The Netherlands are shocked, horrified and upset not only at the loss of its people, but the way the bodies have been so casually treated on the field.  The right approach to satisfy all parties is still to be decided, but some clearing has been started.  The most relevant transits to Holland’s chart at the moment seem to be Uranus squaring its natal Neptune (a bizarre shock) and the Nodal Axis across its Ascendant/Descendant axis, implying a karmic element to this event.  Who or what would the karma be with?  Its Neptune is conjunct the Ukrainian South Node (past karma, but when?), and its Uranus is square the Ukrainian Pluto (an anarchic relationship). With Malaysia, Holland has unhappy chart relations, with its Mars conjunct exactly the Malaysian Uranus (the capacity of shocks from Malaysia), and a karmic conjunction between the North Node of Malaysia and the Neptune of Holland.  There is therefore an exact karmic link between Malaysia and the Ukraine in that their Nodes are exactly reversed.  This reversal of axes pulls the chart of Holland into the fray through its Neptune (bizarreness, mystery and illusion).  There is karma of countries, but without delving into their histories, I can only point out that it is pertinent here.

Philip Hammond

Our own cabinet reshuffle this week is worthy of mention in this context, with the departure of William Hague as Foreign Secretary, and his replacement with Philip Hammond.  Sun in Sagittarius gives him the globetrotting air that this post requires, so that is a good start astrologically.  Philip Hammond has made strong utterances already to Vladimir Putin, warning that “the world’s eyes are on Russia”.  As well as an exact conjunction of the Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius (a lot of globe trotting!) he has a conjunction of his ruling planet Jupiter to Pluto (an interest in power play) which is ideal for the job.  Whether he has the gravitas or statesmanship for a job of such responsibility remains to be seen.  But something exciting is occurring for him when Jupiter transits his Uranus on 25^th July (this coming Friday), which may be an international situation, or a personal event.

Another Perspective

Award winning Financial Astrologer Raymond Merriman observed that when the Ukrainian conflict first started, whoever appeared to be the aggressor would end up the loser, based on the position of Mars at 27 degrees of Libra.  Now with Mars back at that position, having spent a great deal of time in Libra, it appears his observation may be very true.

Aspects

Today, Saturn is stationary prior to turning direct, which is welcome news.  Foundations you have tried to build which may have been rocky can now be relied on…

…Or can they?  For on Tuesday (22^nd) Uranus will be stationary prior to turning retrograde, and could throw a spanner in the very cement that seemed so solid.  That is not to say it will, but it may.  So check your cement for spanner imprints before proceeding cautiously.

You’ll know immediately if Uranus is going to cause you problems, because soon afterwards Mercury opposes Pluto, and there may be a mental conundrum to unravel.  Communications could go awry, too.  So if your cement holds through all of that, your project may prove to be workable.  It may be that you are spinning a few plates at one time, and may have to reduce the number of plates in order to keep track.

The Sun goes into Leo later that day, and it shines warmly in its own sign.  It may have been dampened in the sign of Cancer, but Leos will certain be winning this month, and this year.  Spiritually, it supports the process of individuation, so it is good for Jungians and creative artists such as mandala experts.  We have had positively tropical hot temperatures, and thunderstorms, this last week in the U.K. and that pattern may continue throughout the coming week.

Thursday (24^th) brings two welcome aspects: first Venus trines Neptune, which is inspired for the Arts, such as music and dancing, and also for spiritual love.  The second aspect is a conjunction between Jupiter and the Sun in early Leo, which favours travel, playfulness, sun-seeking, holday-making and creativity.  Any leisure activity would be blessed by their combined rays in Leo.

Friday (25^th) may see Philip Hammond blossom in his new role of Foreign Secretary, so it is lucky for some.  For others (especially Mercury-ruled Geminians and Virgoans) it may be a day of mixed fortunes, with Mercury first squaring Uranus (surprises or shocks) then trine Saturn and Chiron (mental plans and foundations favoured, and healing outcomes).  Mercury in Cancer forms a Grand Trine in water with Saturn in Scorpio and Chiron in Pisces, so it is a good day for water sports and walks on the beach, or the resolution of emotional issues.

Meanwhile, Mars is leaving Libra, so hopefully you resolved some relationship issues or conflicts over the last six months.  On Saturday (26^th) it moves into Scorpio, and in some ways gets tougher.  The gloves are off the Inner Warrior, and we all need to stand our ground and draw our boundaries, and resist external dictators.  Mars stays in Scorpio until mid-September.

But the week ends on a high, if you find New Moons to be a positive force in your life.  The New Moon takes place in Leo at 3 degrees, close to the Sun/Jupiter conjunction, and should be a wholly positive experience.  It takes place at 22.42 Hrs in the U.K.  Enjoy!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – the best laid plans…
• Tuesday – the spanner in the works, and communication headaches.  Later sunniness…
• Thursday – sublime
• Friday – mixed messages but some headway in emotional issues
• Saturday – intensification of warriorship; later joyful new beginnings

World Cup 2014

I haven’t watched one football match during the world cup, but I think my husband has watched them all.  Nevertheless, some of the stories of this year’s tournament have piqued my astrological curiosity, and I thought I would look at some of them today.  I wrote about Luiz Suarez a couple of weeks ago, in case you missed it and would like to catch up.

England

Where did it all go wrong for our team?  At the very start of the tournament, the United Kingdom (I do not have a separate chart for England) had Jupiter on the Moon, high hopes.  Saturn was however squaring the U.K. Neptune (a set up for disillusionment).

Much of the pressure rested on Wayne Rooney, who had a reasonable transit of Uranus trine his Uranus at the outset.   That should have brought the capacity to surprise, but it seems he neither distinguished or disgraced himself.

Disappointment followed disappointment, and by 20^th June England had been finally knocked out of the competition.  By then the brilliance that had failed to show its promise for Wayne Rooney (Uranus trine his natal Uranus) had faded.  And for the U.K. chart, a deep wound was showing  (Pluto square the U.K. natal Chiron).  The transits to the national chart seem to have been more relevant than the transits to that of Rooney the player.

Perhaps a look at Roy Hodgson’s chart may elucidate matters, I thought.  At the start of the tournament he too had glowing transits: Uranus exactly trine his natal Sun (brilliance) and Chiron trine his natal Jupiter (excellent prospects for success!)  By the time England were knocked out, he was still holding those wonderful transits, plus the North Node exactly trine his natal Uranus (a karmic surprise).  A sorry tale for football, and astrology.  It seems again that the chart of the nation was more relevant to the individual.  Hopefully, the astrology will hold up elsewhere in the tournament.

Brazil

A heartrending passage through the World Cup story, that of Brazil.   They took an economic risk in the project to host the tournament, and found it difficult to complete the work in time.  Again, a country full of hope, but initial hopes fulfilled by getting a good way through the tournament.  Their best player  (Neymar) honoured by his success, but then badly injured, and knocked out of the contest.  Then at their very next game, an unprecedented 7 – 1 defeat, at the hands of Germany, meant not only hope destroyed, but a sense of humiliation.

At the beginning of the tournament Saturn was squaring the Brazil chart Venus (was this a portent of the sadness to come?)  At the 7 – 1 defeat in the semi-finals, Uranus was exactly conjunct Brazil’s natal Chiron (a shock wound).  Neptune was exactly square their natal Moon, too (seeing themselves as humiliated, and also some disillusionment).

Neymar

Does Neymar’s chart show his brilliance as a footballer?  He has Mercury exactly conjunct Saturn (precision and application) and Mars sextile Pluto (great strength and energy), and his skill and complex dexterity may be depicted by his Mars close to  a conjunction of Uranus and Neptune.  At the beginning of the World Cup he had Jupiter trine his Pluto and Pluto trine his natal Jupiter (a peak of power), plus and minus some mixed aspects.  At the time of his injury, Mars was exactly square his Mars, which would indicate an injury, but I would not have expected it to be as severe or far reaching in its implications.

Argentina

At the beginning of the World Cup Argentina had Saturn exactly trine its Sun (a steady climb).  Now at the final of the tournament, Saturn squares its Mars and Uranus trines its Mars, which could indicate a tough struggle but the possibility of a sudden breakthrough for them.

Messi

Lionel Messi Is being hailed as Argentina’s finest hope now.  His footballing brilliance chartwise is shown by Jupiter (success) exactly sextile Mars (football).  At the beginning of the tournament, his transits were glowing: Jupiter trine his natal Jupiter and Uranus sextile his Chiron, and this has been a great tournament for him.  His personal final transits do not look remarkable.

Germany

Germany have done exceedingly well in this tournament, memorably beating Brazil 7 – 1 in the semi-finals.  Their closest transit at the beginning of the tournament was Mars trine exactly their natal Mars (good transits for football!)  At the time they defeated Brazil, Pluto was exactly on their natal Neptune and Saturn exactly on their natal Pluto (a heavy cosmic test triumphantly won – they had trained to perfection!).  For tonight’s final, the same two transits apply, so provided they have kept up the overtraining, there is no reason why they should not win.

Aspects

Early this morning, Mercury entered the sign of Cancer, bringing a new mental tempo: from strictly factual to incorporating emotion into mental evaluations.

This morning too, Venus trined Mars, so it could be an indulgent, sensual day.    It is a good day for exercise, body awareness and body psychotherapy.  It can be a day of pleasure-seeking, and balancing the male-female relationships in your life, as well as  balance between your own Inner male and female.  The aspect could also bode well for tonight’s final of the World Cup, as Mars rules football and Venus could add elegance to the game which has been too full of injury and foul play at times.

Mars is also conjunct the North Node today, which fits well with having such a crucial football match, but if your interests do not lie there, activity and warriorship will be strongly highlighted generally, and may apply to your own karma in some way.

Wednesday (16^th) is the most important day astrologically this week.  It starts with the Sun squaring the Nodal Axis, which is generally about karmic power play.  You may find yourself in a group situation where people are jostling for power, but the aim should be the fair sharing of power.

Jupiter in Leo

The most important aspect of the week, by a mile, is the entry of Jupiter into Leo, which takes place at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday.  Hopefully, you have processed some of  your home and family issues while Jupiter has been in Cancer for the last year.  Pat yourself on the back for any successes in this sphere  Jupiter as a planet is in great harmony with the sign of Leo, as its natural sign Sagittarius is a fire sign.  Leo allows a full expression of the exuberance of Sagittarius.  It also allows an expansion for Leos and Aries of their personalities and lifestyles, including increased foreign travel.  All signs may experience an influx of energy when Jupiter crosses the threshold into Leo.  Jupiter’s year in Leo will benefit the pursuit of the enjoyment of life, the leisure industry, creativity and new interests.  So mid week could bring a taste of the high life.

Friday (18^th) sees the entry of Venus into Cancer.  Though we have lost a big player from Cancer, we have gained two everyday planets (Mercury and Venus) and so continue to monitor family issues this month.  Venus in Cancer brings warmth and love to family relationships.

There is a complex pair of aspects early on Saturday (19^th) which may have relevance to you in planning the week.  First, Mercury trines Neptune, an aspect of spiritual inspiration.  But shortly afterwards, the Sun squares Mars, which is super fiery, and Health and Safety issues may need to be addressed quickly:  check smoke alarms and have the fire extinguisher ready.  The aspect which precedes it may mean you might suddenly have to go from meditation mode to high alert, but if you can combine the two you’ll be well equipped.

Overall, this week you should be buoyed up by Jupiter’s entry into Leo.  If you have a lot of activities planned for the rest of the summer, you should be super-charged in anticipation.  Jupiter in Leo is the ultimate in feel-good factor.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mind and emotion combine, sensuality heightened, football or warriorship on the agenda
• Wednesday – power karma and super-enjoyment
• Friday – More emotion
• Saturday – meditation, followed by a leap into action