Cabinet Changes

Following the week of Westminster sexual harassment scandals, this week’s domestic politics was dominated by two unrelated dramas: Boris Johnson’s gaffe in the affair of the Iranian detainee Nazanin Zhagari-Ratcliffe, and Priti Patel’s resignation over unauthorized meetings with Israeli officials.  Jeremy Corbyn has called for Boris Johnson to resign this morning, for “shaming the nation”.  Theresa May continues to preside as leader of the Conservative Party, but on shifting sands.

Michael Fallon

Rewinding back a week or two, the first major casualty of the sexual harassment crisis was Michael Fallon.  It seemed to me that for the period of his tenure as Secretary of State for Defence (2014 – 2017) he was always sitting opposite Andrew Marr in interviews stubbornly defending the indefensible.  His chart equipped him admirably for this, with 5 (half) of his planets in the Fixed signs, and the Sun, Venus and Jupiter in the tactile sign of Taurus.  He seemed like a dependable rock for Theresa May.

It was an allegation of persistent knee-touching by the journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer (a fellow Taurean) which began his undoing, although there were subsequent accusations by others.  Their charts are similar in many ways, but she has a much more flamboyant personality.  How she managed to trigger the scandal for him is a karmic matter:  In their synastry, her Neptune (in this case scandal-mongering) squares exactly his Nodal Axis (karma).

Timing-wise, at the end of October when the scandal surfaced, Jupiter was opposite Michael Fallon’s Jupiter (chickens coming home to roost) and Neptune (scandal) was making three exact aspects to his planets, albeit harmonious ones: he seemed almost relieved to resign.  Julia Hartley-Brewer’s transits were a little more challenging, e.g. Pluto squaring her Nodal Axis, and notably the transit of Opportunity (Uranus trine her Jupiter) enabled her to bring this allegation forward.

Gavin Williamson

The fresh faced Gavin Williamson (previously the Chief Whip) replaced Michael Fallon on 2nd November 2017 as Secretary of State for Defence.  In her up-to-the-minute satirical programme, Tracey Ullman (see last week’s blog) actually managed to include him in a sketch on Friday, making fun of his ignorance of the armed forces.  Williamson is a Cancerian, and keeps his tarantula totem (named Chronus) on his desk (the tarantula featured in the sketch).  I suspect some Scorpio in the mix of his chart on the grounds of his attachment to the creature, though I don’t have a birth time for him.  He is a bit of a maverick, with Sun exactly trine Uranus, which may account for his sudden rise.  Uranus in Scorpio is also conjunct his North Node, and this may be connected with his karmic mission.  He has a strong desire to change things, and enjoys taking people by surprise.  Rowena Mason, writing in the Guardian, said: “Gavin Williamson has often been likened to Francis Urquhart, the ruthless parliamentary enforcer in Westminster TV drama House of Cards”.  At the Conservative conference he stated: “I don’t very much believe in the stick, but it’s amazing what can be achieved with a sharpened carrot”.  He has a reputation for slipperiness, and that may be connected with his close natal Mercury-Neptune opposition.  He notably helped Theresa May in her campaign to become leader, and assisted the government’s deal with the DUP which enabled her to retain power after the election she called.  Interestingly, in his relationship with Theresa May, his Pluto (power) is exactly conjunct her Sun.  It is always interesting to look at the charts of replacements in relation to those they replace, and Williamson’s Pluto is also conjunct Michael Fallon’s Saturn, and his Mars square exactly Fallon’s Sun.  The power of his Pluto in those relationships also points to a heavy emphasis of Scorpio in his chart.

Priti Patel

Priti Patel is an individualistic, uncompromising Aries, who was the poster girl for the Brexit campaign.  For reasons which are as yet unknown, she met privately with Israeli officials over the last few months, without official endorsement, and Theresa May has had to lean on her to resign this week.  With 6 Cardinal planets, she likes to lead, but with 0 Water planets she can be unemotional.  She is a gambler by nature (Sun square Jupiter), but this was one gamble too many.  An interesting feature of her chart is Mercury exactly conjunct Chiron in Aries: a mind suited to problem-solving, but unusual in its processes.  Thus many this week regarded her jaw dropping actions with puzzlement: “What could she have been thinking?” was a question in many minds, as in the Brexit campaign when it was a question often in the minds of Remainers.  Nevertheless, she says she has received much support, and seems popular within her party, and has kept smiling.  Some have said she has ambitions for the top job.  Her chart has many aspects, and her Mercury also has a square to Jupiter (likes to travel) and an opposition with Uranus (not afraid to be controversial).

A transit which has dominated her chart over the last year, and which was exact when she took office as Secretary of State for International Development (14th July 2016) and again exact when she took her holiday in Israel in August, is Pluto square her Uranus, encouraging her Inner Rebel on a self-destructive path.  It was on this holiday that her most daring act occurred:  meeting Israeli armed forces at the Golan Heights (occupied territories) and offering them financial aid for their medical work with Syrian refugees.  In the relationship of her chart to Israel’s, we find a personal bond of her Venus conjunct its Sun.  Its Pluto trines exactly her Mercury/Chiron conjunction.  Though we can see an intensity of relationship here, we still do not know its motive or source.  This week Pluto was still exactly square her Uranus – it is a deep and lengthy process.  But Jupiter is also sextile her Jupiter, and shows that something is keeping her upbeat.

Penny Mordaunt

Her replacement, Penny Mordaunt, is a different kettle of fish, with Venus, the Sun, the Moon and Mercury in the sign of Pisces (having appeared in the TV programme Splash).  She also has a karmic mission as a political warrior, in her Mars exactly conjunct North Node in Capricorn.  This conjunction sextiles her Sun exactly, emphasizing its power and purpose.  There could be a great deal of subtlety and flexibility in the way she operates (6 planets in Mutable signs), but she can also be strident (with the strong Mars).  She certainly has a love of power (Pluto closely trine Jupiter).  Her Nodal Axis also squares her Chiron exactly, so is used to dealing with crisis.  She is definitely one to watch.  Like her predecessor, she is a Brexiteer.

Boris Johnson

In one of his most damaging and horrifying gaffes in a long history of gaffes, Boris Johnson has endangered the life of a British citizen Nazanin Zhagari-Ratcliffe, who is being held in Iran after visiting relatives there to introduce them to her child.  In a casual remark, he stated that the purpose of her visit was to train journalists, and this statement may double her sentence.  He then made a half-hearted retraction in parliament, which went nowhere near a restoration of the situation.  Her future currently hangs in the balance.  Is this the gaffe too far which will unseat Boris?  His erstwhile enemy Michael Gove appeared on the Andrew Marr sofa this morning defending him.  Neptune is opposing his Pluto at the moment, which is a chaotic mindset.  Jupiter was trine his natal Saturn when he made the gaffe (1st November), which would normally make a person more upbeat: in Boris’s case it made him more careless and arrogant.  At the time of the gaffe, Neptune was opposing Nazanin’s natal Mercury, entrenching her incarceration.  At the time she was originally detained in Iran, Jupiter was square her Neptune (idealogical confusion), Saturn was on her Neptune, and Neptune opposite her Mercury (incarceration).  When she was sentenced a few months later, Saturn squared her natal Mercury (depression) and Pluto was square her Pluto (disempowerment). In her synastry with Boris, his Pluto (drama) is on her Mercury (causing additional mental strain).  His Uranus is also conjunct her Saturn (shock, horror!).  They also have opposed Saturns.  There is also a lively energy between them, in her Mars trine his Sun and His Mars sextile her Jupiter, which might help.  Can this crisis be brought back from the brink, and can he save her and his career?  Boris is meeting her husband soon, and there is talk that they may travel to Iran together.

Aspects

There are two contrasting aspects tomorrow: One in the morning (Venus conjunct Jupiter) and one in the evening (Mercury square Neptune) in the U.K.

Venus conjunct Jupiter brings a jubilant atmosphere, and is one of the most celebratory aspects in the annual round.  Perhaps you are celebrating, or even just experiencing a feeling of well-being.

The evening’s Mercury-Neptune square brings less clarity and certainty.  You may feel you have lost your way, or come across someone who has lost their way.  It is a complicated aspect for travellers.  Confusion and fogginess may be the prevailing influence.  It is not a good aspect for making decisions, for instance.  Wait for a better moment, if a decision is pressing.

Wait, if possible, until Thursday (16th), for the aspects perk up greatly and the rest of the week seems much more plain sailing.  We have two trines on Thursday, and may be winning in more than one area of our lives.  First, Venus trines Neptune, so perfect love is the order of the day.  You can continue from the theme of unconditional love from Monday and add an even more spiritual dimension.  It is an inspired day for the Arts, and especially dance.

This is followed by a trine between the Sun and Chiron, excellent for healing initiatives.  Healing through creativity is especially favoured, as is Creativity through healing.  It is a good day to encourage your Inner Healer to show what it has to offer.  So often we are shy in allowing it to emerge and shine, unless we have an overzealous Inner Rescuer, in which case we may need to practise restraint and subtlety!

Friday (17th) continues the positive theme, with Mercury sextile Mars.  This is much more of a doing aspect than a being aspect.  You can get productive, increase your running and cycling speeds, sharpen your mind, and communicate with directness, under this aspect.  This aspect is busy, busy, busy!

We are working our way this week to a New Moon in Scorpio at 26 degrees of that sign on Saturday (18th).  Therefore we may be clearing out some clutter during the course of the week, to enable a clear space to honour our intentions and plans for the next month.  New Moon in Scorpio is one of the most intense New Moons of the year, and one of the most powerful, as the inner drive comes from the deepest emotions, sometimes those we are unaware of consciously. In cultivating our Inner Scorpion power, it is a good idea to ensure that in our thoughts and actions we are not harming anyone, including ourselves.  The Hindu concept of Ahimsa (harmlessness) is the bottom line for a karma carefree New Moon.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – a foundation of love, and mental confusion
• Thursday – artistic and musical inspiration, and healing initiatives
• Friday – productive and brisk
• Saturday – new beginning

Tracey Ullman

I watch the news as diligently as the next person, and only switch off from it as a last resort.  I feel the need to be informed, to a degree, and to know where to send healing thoughts.  This week, as the allegations of sexual harassment in Westminster piled up (and much as I applaud the outing of the perpetrators), I began to long for some good news, or even some laughter (I was on the verge of buying “Private Eye”).  This ability to laugh at the world of politics was provided on Friday evening by the outstandingly gifted Tracey Ullman whose impressions and inspired scripts had me nearly falling off the sofa.

The evening’s viewing (and I apologize for two television blogs in a row) started in a surreal way, watching Celebrity Gogglebox.  The actual Jeremy Corbyn, Liam Gallagher and Sharon and Ozzy Osborne were watching programmes I had seen this week (University Challenge and Strictly) or half seen (Nigella Lawson’s “At My Table”).  Then I turned over to watch Tracey impersonating Jeremy Corbyn on Gogglebox watching television.  Sheer genius.

I have been sold on her portrayals of Angela Merkel and Nicola Sturgeon in previous series, and can’t get enough of them.  This week Tracey’s Angela Merkel was beguiled into a trade treaty with Emmanuel Macron.  And Tracey is surrounded by talent, too: A John McDonnell watching television with Jeremy Corbyn was a convincing look and sound-a-like, as was the Mhairi Black she has as a sidekick to her Nicola Sturgeon.  Tracey’s super-capable Clare Balding was a revelation, completely out of the blue!

Birth Chart

What intimations of such comedy genius are shown in a birth chart?  Surely not Sun conjunct Saturn in Capricorn, with the Moon also in Capricorn?  But that is what she has in her chart.  It’s the ability to look grimly at political reality and extract the humour, presumably.  If she did not look at it so closely with such an eye for detail, she would not be able to create such exquisite observational humour.  Much more understandable in terms of what she does is her triple conjunction of Mercury, Jupiter and Mars in Sagittarius trine Uranus (quick humour and sharp wit with the capacity to surprise, topically produced in one week, in her programme titled “Tracey breaks the News”).  She says of her childhood “our defence against hardship was having a great sense of humour”.

History

I was heartbroken when she moved to America in 1985, having provided us with great entertainment with Lenny Henry and David Copperfield in “Three of a Kind” (and she had also found success in singing).  But the U.S.A. was where her destiny led her (her success there  was predicted by a clairvoyant when she was young).  She married producer Allan McKeown in 1983, and moved with him to the U.S. where she eventually created “The Tracey Ullman Show” which was highly successful. We did view it here in the U.K. for a while, and I remember the birth of The Simpsons, which started out as an interlude on that show. Neptune was on her Sun at the debut of that show and sextile her Neptune – among other things, Neptune represents impressions, which are one of her major talents.  Ruby Wax has said of her: “She’s just brilliant–a bloodsucker of personalities. You walk away, and she’s taken a little bit of your brain.”  Could it be that she channels (Neptune) live characters?

Marriage

Tracey found personal happiness with Allan in America, and they had two children together.  Her Mars and Jupiter were sextile his Jupiter, an upbeat combination.  They had married under a transit of excitement (Mars sextile her Uranus) and one of healing (Jupiter trine her Chiron).

Her father had died when she was 6 years old, and Allan too was to die at a relatively young age of 67. At Allan’s death Uranus was squaring Tracey’s conjunction of Sun and Saturn, and it proved to be a marked change (Uranus) in her life, as she moved back to the U.K.

Back to the U.K.

Her new show in the U.K. first aired on 9th January 2016, with Neptune sextile her natal Sun and trine her natal Neptune (again a triumph for Neptune and Impressions). We do not have her birth time, but in her natal chart her Sun/Saturn is exactly sextile Neptune.  So the inspirational planet Neptune is a key planet for her, and I wonder therefore if she has its sign Pisces rising. She has gone from strength to strength with the new format, and continues to delight, with regular impressions she has kept in the mix such as Camilla, and new ones she has created such as Clare Balding.

So thank you, Tracey, for being the answer to a prayer this week!

Aspects

It’s a sunny morning here in Norfolk, a fine start to the week, just as Mercury is preparing to leave Scorpio and enter Sagittarius this evening.  Mercury in Scorpio has provided a great deal of talk of sexual harassment since the exposure of Harvey Weinstein (no pun intended), which I wrote about on 15th October.  The mental focus from tonight and lasting until the second week in January will be wider, and where applied to sexual harassment will tend to look at the wider implications rather than just the initial revelations: impact on society, male-female relations going forward, philosophical considerations, and the law and lawsuits, all domains of Sagittarius.

In our own lives, we may be able to dream further, take the longer view, look forward more to a brighter future, despite the dire news.  It is a matter of hope that society will be much better off now that it has become easier to talk about the issues of sexual harassment, power abuse and male domination etc.  Mercury in Scorpio focuses on the secrets, and Mercury in Sagittarius makes it easier to talk more honestly and openly.  The Harvey Weinstein watershed came just as Jupiter was about to go into the sign of Scorpio (sexuality), when it was just at the end of working through Libra (relationships), so highlighted the need to heal a fundamental issue about relationships.  So Jupiter has only just started its work in Scorpio (it stays a year in one sign) and looks to have a healthy effect on our lives.  In November 2018 Jupiter will move into Sagittarius, and so in experiencing Mercury in Sagittarius at this time we will be having a foretaste of what Jupiter in Sagittarius will be able to do for us.  Mercury in Sagittarius is a good placing for our general morale.

There’s another change of planetary sign on Tuesday (7th) when Venus enters Scorpio. Whereas Mercury is about what we focus on mentally, Venus is about where our feelings are.  So in our feelings, and examination of relationships, we are going from Venus in Libra (which is about love and relationship) to a deeper examination, e.g. what experiences we have had in the realm of sexuality, psychology, and the more intimate aspects of relating.  What do we feel about it all, and where do we want to take our emotional lives now, especially now that there is an opportunity for change in our society?  Venus is only staying a short while in Scorpio, until 1st December, so this intensive investigation period of love and feelings is a window of opportunity, before Venus enters the more expansive sign of Sagittarius.

Thursday (9th) brings a meaty aspect we can really do something with, Sun sextile Pluto!  Important concerns can come to deep resolution around this time, especially if we have been consciously working on our psychology.  This is an important stepping stone towards Saturday’s major aspect.  Power is one of the issues we can work on profitably at this time, i.e. the correct use of power, and the correct balance of power in relation to others.  If you are in command of yourself, own your power and take responsibility, then all should flow well in relation to others.

The nub of the week comes right at the end, on Saturday (11th), with a trine between Saturn and Uranus, the co-operation between tradition and innovation.  This trine is as constructive as last week’s “big” aspect of Saturn square Chiron was difficult to negotiate.  It may not feel particularly joyful or carefree, but it may feel as though some hard work during the past few months has paid off.  The aspect last appeared in the middle of May this year, for your diary referencing.  Engineering and social projects are especially favoured.  This aspect could be especially significant for Capricorns and Aquarians.

On the same day the Nodal Axis squares the Sun, bringing power issues within groups to the fore.  This may be linked with the action of Saturn and Uranus which among other things represents wide scale initiatives in connection with administration and groups.  The positioning of the Nodal Axis will ensure karmic justice within the structure of projects and power balances, though there may be a few personality clashes (you can’t always please everyone).

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a wider view
• Tuesday – a deeper feeling
• Thursday – a more significant accomplishment
• Saturday – the most important day

Strictly Come Dancing – Part 3

It has been an electrifying season on the dance floor!  There are five remaining contestants I haven’t yet written about, so I will aim to cover them all.  This Halloween weekend Head Judge Shirley Ballas was more critical than ever, but crowned Debbie McGee for her amazing Charleston.  I predicted the three finalists last year, and have only just realized (read on…!)

Susan Calman

Comedian and presenter Susan Calman is a Sun in Scorpio, and there has been much written lately about how she overcame her demons to get to this point in her life.  I have to say she is one of my favourites, and it is something about the spirit with which she engages in the competition.  She is fascinating to watch.  There is a great deal of emotion in her make-up, with half her planets (5) in Water signs.  She may also struggle to be grounded, with 0 Earth planets.  However, she has such a strong energy that it seems to make up for any innate lack of grounding.  She also seems to be able to take up any challenge presented to her, which is another Scorpio trait.  In her chart, she does have the musicality required, in Venus exactly conjunct her Sun.  She can be hot headed (Moon square Mars, although we don’t know how close that is, because we do not have a birth time).  She has a quick and inventive brain, with Mercury conjunct Uranus, which serves her well as a comedian.  Her great energy comes from Mars trine closely Jupiter, which ensures that she approaches everything she does with great enthusiasm.  Jupiter square Neptune can produce religious or spiritual confusion, which may have been part of her past struggles.  Saturn square Chiron also may have caused some of her depression.  Neptune conjunct her North Node favours her prowess and progress in the medium of dance.  Her transits at the moment show Uranus opposite her Mercury (nervous energy), and Neptune square her Nodal Axis (dance karma), challenges which showed up in yesterday’s dance.  At the end of the series she will have Jupiter on her Sun/Venus, a great sense of triumph.  Neptune will still be square her Nodal Axis, plus Pluto will be opposite her Saturn (perhaps a sense of anti-climax or deflation).  My guess is that Kevin will truly take her to the heights of her potential.  It may inspire a memorable punchline, or some new comedy routines.  Sadly though, in spite of my own enthusiasm, she received one of her poorest scores this week (what do I know about dance?) and she landed quite low on the leaderboard…

Who can forget the moment she was partnered with Kevin Clifton, her long time idol?  He was in the final last year, and one wondered if she would do him justice.  I think she has proved worthy of this popular professional in her commitment.  I have written in the past that he has “great natural elegance with several planets in Libra”.    There is also great dexterity, with Mercury sextile Uranus”.  Kevin’s transits at the moment are the North Node sextile his Sun (good for performance), Saturn sextile his Saturn (strong and stable), Saturn on his Neptune (some struggle), Chiron square his Neptune (healing and complexity), and Uranus opposite his Pluto (challenges).  It is not an easy time for him, and perhaps there is a lot going on in his personal life.  At the end of the contest he has a Jupiter Return, which is a brilliant transit (his Jupiter in their synastry is conjunct her Sun/Venus exactly – a joyful liaison).  Uranus will be opposite his Saturn, so he may be feeling the strain physically, but Uranus trines his Neptune, which is more helpful.  Chiron is still square his Neptune, but I think he will end on a high, pleased with his hard work.

Jonnie Peacock

Jonnie Peacock is a light-on-his-feet Geminian, and the first amputee paralympian to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.  His sport is running, which is associated with the sign of Gemini.  In his chart, Mercury sextiles Venus and he may later develop writing or broadcasting talents.  Mercury is also sextile his Chiron, so he also has an ability for problem-solving.  Mars conjunct Chiron probably represents an injury (his amputation was as the result of meningitis as a child) and Pluto square his Chiron the seriousness of that injury.  He has the highly complex conjunction (exact) of Uranus-Neptune in Capricorn, common to those born in his year (1993).  In the competition, he has proved himself more than equal to the other competitors, with consistently good marks. He makes an elegant male lead in the ballroom dances. This week he has Mars on his Jupiter, lending extra energy and enthusiasm to his performance.  But like Susan, his performance dipped a little this week. At the end of the contest Saturn will be sextile his Saturn (strong and stable).  I think he will do well in the competition, but fall short of the final.

Jonnie is partnered by Oti Mabuse.  Last year, she partnered Danny Mac, and I wrote on October 23rd (2016):

“I think they will make the final, but may just be pipped to the post by Ore or Louise.”

I wrote about Oti:

“He [Danny, 2016] is partnered with newcomer Oti Mabuse, who so far has done a brilliant job of bringing out excellence.  She is very grounded (5 Earth planets) and instinctual (0 Air planets).  She’s a Sun in Leo performer, with a very driven Sun/Mars/Pluto T-square.  She has Mercury exactly trine Neptune (dance inspiration) which forms a Grand Trine with Mars.”

In her synastry with Jonnie, there may be quite a spark between them because her Sun is exactly conjunct his Mars – they will certainly connect well energetically.  There may be some communication problems, with her Mercury exactly square his North Node.  His Pluto trines her Venus, so he can inspire greater depth in her performance.  But there is a difficult conjunction of his Neptune on her Saturn, and an abrasive square between his Mars and her Pluto.  However, it highlights her own exact natal Sun/Pluto square, so the solution may lie within her.  At this time, Pluto is trine Oti’s Mars, giving her a superhuman energy, plus Neptune is sextile her Neptune, so she is sensitively and spiritually balanced right now.  At the end of the contest the Nodal Axis squares her natal Mars, so karmically it may not be her turn to win or she may have a physical problem.  Neptune still sextiles Neptune.  But Jupiter is on her Pluto, so she feels a sense of triumph: a psychological victory.

Gemma Atkinson

Hollyoaks actor Gemma seems to be improving week by week in the contest. With half (5) of her planets in the Fixed signs, Moon in Leo, and Sun conjunct Saturn in Scorpio, she is very strong willed.  Like Susan Calman, she has Mercury conjunct Uranus (a quick and inventive brain) – in Gemma’s chart this conjunction is exact.  She is graced with Venus conjunct Neptune, which is a refined musical sense and dance ability.  I much admired her cat performance of the Charleston to “Bare Necessities” from Jungle Book in Week 3.  Around this time she has Neptune sextile her Jupiter, so she will be confident and inspired, but the Nodal Axis squares her Saturn so there may be an awkward decision made on her behalf, or a wardrobe malfunction or something similar.  She won high praise from the judges, however, yesterday.  At the end of the contest, she still has that sextile from Neptune.  She will have lost that awkward snag of Nodal Axis square her Saturn, but Saturn will be on her Neptune, which may result in a disappointment, such as not quite making it to the final.

She is partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec, of whom I wrote in 2015: “Aljaz Skorjanec is an out and out Capricorn with several planets in that sign, but normally fairly lucky with Sun exactly trine Jupiter.”  In their synastry, they have a good attunement, especially for dance, with her Neptune sextile his Sun.  Personally, they would get on well with her Sun sextile his Venus, too. At this time,  Pluto  is sextile Aljaz’s Pluto, so he is empowered.  At the end of the competition, Saturn will be sextile his Sun (a job well done), and Jupiter will be sextile his Mars (he will be fired up with enthusiasm).  But the Nodal Axis will be square his Pluto, which suggests that the karma will not support a win, and that they may not quite make the final, as Gemma’s transits also suggest.

Aston Merrygold

Aston came to fame via X Factor and the successful boy band JLS, the same vintage as Alexandra Burke (2008).  He got off to an amazing start in week 1, and looks as though he was born to dance.  He has a predominance of Fire in his chart (6 planets), and that can be an asset in the Latin dances.  He has a strong physical energy (Mars exactly sextile his Sun), and tremendous enthusiasm (Sun closely sextile Jupiter), plus the combination of energy with enthusiasm (Jupiter trine closely Mars).  That’s great for being in a boy band, and quite an asset on the dance floor.  He also has Mars conjunct Uranus, which gives him an electrical quality to his energy.  Bruno summed it all up in week 1 as “raw power”.  The line up of his female planets (Moon and Venus) is more complex, but he is about to become a father, so he will soon garner experience in that field.  At this point in time Saturn is sextile his Sun, so he is a steady force.  Saturn is on his Mars, so he is not quite reaching his potential.  Uranus is on his Jupiter, so he is on fire, despite that!  Neptune is also trine his Pluto, so he knows what he is doing on a deep level – I feel he is not playing all his cards immediately, but if he stays in the competition we could see a lot more from him.  But his Paso Doble this week was absolutely stunning, danced to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, and he received two 10s – so maybe he is now showing his potential.  Bruno said he married tradition and innovation (an exact representation of his natal exact Uranus-Saturn conjunction).  At the end of the competition, Uranus is sextile his Sun and trine his Mars – if he is in the final, we could see some very exciting work from him.  He will also be experiencing his Saturn Return, so he is experiencing that watershed time of responsibility which comes from that part of the Saturn cycle around the age of 29.  That may be more to do with impending fatherhood.  Saturn will be on his Uranus, which is as natally, so it may be a time of upheaval.  Neptune will still be trine his Pluto, holding him to a deeper sense of purpose in his life.

He is paired with Janette Manrara, of whom I wrote in 2015: “She is a sultry Scorpio, with enthusiastic planets in Sagittarius.”  She and Aston actually have exactly squared Suns, which can create conflict on a lower level, but can work if both are raising their game spiritually.  Aston’s Neptune sextile’s Janette’s Saturn, so her practicality works well with his spirituality.  His Saturn sextiles her Pluto, moreover, so her deeper psychology works well with his practicality, too.  As his Uranus is exactly conjunct his Saturn, his Intuition combines with his practicality naturally, which can be complex, but I think in his case, and in their case, it works.  At this point in time, Mars is sextile her Mercury, so she is mildly excitable.  At the end of the contest Saturn squares her Mars (there is some sort of physical challenge), but Saturn is sextile her Pluto which is steadying.  Her transits at that time are not as strong as Aston’s, but he may still do well on his own merits (Janette may be preoccupied at that time).

Mollie King

Mollie is known for being a member of the girl band The Saturdays.  She has Sun in Gemini, but with Saturn in opposition to her Sun she may sometimes suffer a lack of confidence in her abilities.  Mercury conjuncts Mars in her chart, so she actually has good co-ordination, and quick mental reflexes.  That picture is complicated though by Neptune exactly opposing Mars (so she can be absent-minded at times), but strengthened by Pluto trine exactly her Mercury (giving her a very strong mind, and psychological perceptiom).  Mars is closely trine Pluto in her chart, so she is gifted with superhuman energy when she is totally engaged in a project.  With Jupiter trine her Saturn/Uranus she has a balanced judgement, and entrepreneurial skills capable of surprising people.  Jupiter sextile Chiron also gives her healing gifts.  She has three squares to her Nodal Axis, though, which means she may have some tricky karma to negotiate in this lifetime.  Right now Saturn is on her Uranus, so the planets are repressing her a little, and Chiron squares her Uranus, but there is still time for a shift in planetary patterns.  At the end of the series, the North Node will be trine her Saturn, rewarding her karmically for hard work.  Uranus will also be trine exactly her Uranus, giving her extra power to surprise.

She is partnered with A.J Pritchard  and they are rumoured to be close; they seemed to hit it off from the very beginning.  Last year was his debut and I wrote: “He has Venus, Sun, North Node, Jupiter and Pluto in Scorpio.  He also has the sensitive and complex conjunction of Neptune and Uranus which occurred in the early 1990s”.  Is their synastry as good as they say?  Well, her Mars is exactly trine his Venus, which does signify a romantic attraction.  Who knows where that may lead…Do his transits support their hopes in the competition?  At this time he has Saturn sextile his Mercury, so his own dancing is super precise.  At the end of the competition, Uranus is opposite his Mercury, which may unsettle him a little mentally.  Mars will be trine his Saturn, which is not unhelpful, but not enough for a win.

Aspects

The tone of most of the week, up to Friday, is quite unusually karmic, involving as it does aspects to the North Node and Chiron.  The clocks are going back this morning, but the blog will be posted early.

Tomorrow (Monday 30th) Mercury squares the Nodal Axis, which begins the karmic theme.  This aspect brings up karmic information, and the need to attend to detail in your work and communications.  A time of karmic recalibration, especially in relation to groups.

Tuesday (31st) presents another aspect to the North Node, Venus sextile the North Node, but one which is much smoother and easier.  If you are trying to resolve some relationship karma, this is a time you can succeed in that.  Happy Halloween!

Thursday (2nd November) brings a trine between Mercury and Chiron, and Chiron often has a bearing on karma, though it is more usually associated with healing.  Mercury trine Chiron brings the possibility of bringing more than one healing modality together in harmony with another, and is helpful for health matters generally, e.g. check ups.  It is also helpful for problem-solving.  There may be a past life element to any solutions you encounter today.  Something lost may be found.

Another, more powerful, aspect on Thursday could be more unsettling, a square between Saturn and Chiron.  It was last encountered on April 30th, if you are able to refer back to that date in your diary for guidance.  There may be an opportunity to confront a long standing problem head on, but be sensitive and protective in your approach.

Friday (3rd) may consolidate your progress, with Venus sextile Saturn.  Loyalty and commitment may bring healing in relationships.  You know where you stand.

In the evening the Sun trines Neptune,  the best aspect of the week.  This combines Power and Creativity with Spirituality and Sensitivity.  It is particularly good for dance rehearsals, for those remaining contestants aiming now to get to Blackpool week.  If you have a vision, the planets are supportive of holding that vision.

Saturday (4th) is a little more tricky, or possibly hair raising in places, with an opposition between Venus and Uranus, and a Full Moon.  The Venus-Uranus opposition takes place at 5.02 a.m., so you may sleep through it and feel a bit jolted on waking.  It represents the element of the unexpected in relationships, so later in the day you may bump into an awkward customer.

The Full Moon in Taurus takes place only 21 minutes later, so the two events may come as a package, all rolled into one.  As Full Moons go, although there is tension Moon in Taurus is calmer than most.  You may fall out of the wrong side of bed, for instance, but take  it entirely in your stride.  This Full Moon is sextile Neptune, so there may even be an inspirational idea which arises at that time, or a silver lining.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – karmic information
• Tuesday – smooth karma
• Thursday – difficulties, but you can use your head
• Friday – love with loyalty; creativity with spirituality
• Saturday – awkward surprises; some tension

Brexit Update

When we were in Paris recently, we got chatting to some Californians from Los Angeles.  They were apologizing about Donald Trump, and we were embarrassed about Brexit.  Brexit seems to have reached a virtual impasse, with Theresa May reporting slight progress having been made with the EU, but Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron unimpressed.  There will now be a break in negotiations until Christmas.  I thought it would be a good time to review the subject.

The March Trigger

Our referendum which decided 52% of the population were in favour of Brexit took place on 23rd June 2016.  This triggered a change of leadership in the Conservative Party, and Theresa May took over from David Cameron on 13th July 2016.  She intended to steer us through Brexit, but it was not until 29th March 2017 that article 50 was triggered, beginning the process, for completion on 29th March 2019. This took place under the Jupiter-Pluto square (power struggle). Since then, it appears that nothing has really happened.

The trigger was an important moment for the chart of the European Union, as the North Node (karma) was transiting its Pluto (deep transformations).  In addition, Saturn was on its Mercury (necessitating new contracts) and Chiron was square its Mercury (restructuring of communications).  The only glimmer of light was Jupiter sextile its Saturn.

EU Players

Jean-Claude Juncker

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, has shown himself to be less than friendly towards the U.K.   Despite having the Sun in Sagittarius, I would describe Jean-Claude Juncker’s chart as quite stark.  He has an individualistic unaspected Sun,  an irascible Mercury square Mars (the Critic Archetype), Venus conjunct Saturn (which can be hardline), a combative Mars opposite Pluto, Mars sextile North Node (leadership), North Node in Capricorn (karmic role as political authoritarian), Jupiter conjunct Uranus (Entrepreneur Archetype) and Jupiter square Neptune (confusion over religion and spirituality, though brought up Roman Catholic).  He has a powerful trine of Pluto to the Galactic Centre.

Michel Barnier

We have a birth time for Michel Barnier, I am delighted to say.  He was appointed European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union, on 6th December 2016.  Was this a good role for him?  He had a Mars Return at the time, suitable for the warriorship he needs, from his point of view.  Jupiter was square his Sun, which was a bit of a gamble.  Saturn trine his Pluto, giving him gravitas for his role.  Saturn was square his Midheaven, so a difficult path for him.  Uranus sextile his Mars provides energy in the role, however.  Does he have a more congenial chart than Juncker?  He is a Capricorn, so can be authoritarian.  But Neptune is exactly square his Sun natally, so he may be more swayed than Juncker.  He may also be more confused than his statements lead us to believe.  Like Juncker he has leadership (Sun sextile Midheaven and North Node).  His Career (Midheaven) and Karmic Mission (North Node)  are as one, conjunct, in the sign of Pisces.  With the heavy Neptune/Pisces emphasis, he would weigh things up finely.  He has Moon conjunct Mars, so emotionally he can react with swiftness.  Mercury sextiles Jupiter in his chart, so he has bargaining skills.  But Mercury is also caught up in a T-square with Uranus and Saturn, and that may cause hold ups, even with those bargaining skills.  Mercury is conjunct Chiron, so he has problem-solving skills, in a chart dominated by the Air element, so intellect is important to him.  His Venus trines Saturn, which is a little warmer than Juncker’s conjunction of those two planets.  Mars exactly opposite Pluto makes him even more combative potentially than Juncker!  They do have great similarities.  His Jupiter trine exactly Uranus mirrors Juncker’s conjunction of those two planets (The Entrepreneur).  They could work very well together.  On This Week however, Yanis Varoufakis, having learned a great deal through being the Greek Finance Minister at one time, advised that he would not negotiate with Michel Barnier!

UK Players

Divisions within our cabinet are not helping our image in Europe.  Theresa May is held in place by fear  of any alternative.  One of the contentious issues is whether No Deal is a good deal, and a great sticking point is how much we should pay the E.U. and when.  Also, should we or should we not have a transitional period?

David Davis

David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, another ambitious Capricorn, has seemed to have blustered his way through the process, attempting to persuade us he has been making progress, but looking constantly embarrassed behind podiums.  With 6 planets in the Cardinal signs, he likes to take a leadership role, though for many years he was on the fringes of power after an unsuccessful leadership bid.  He has 0 Water planets, so may be able to take a dispassionate role towards his own project.  His Sun conjunct Jupiter makes him quite optimistic, so he has a tendency to bounce back from adversity.  His maverick quality within his own party is shown by Uranus opposing his Capricorn Sun.  With Mercury exactly conjunct Jupiter, on paper, he ought to perform well in negotiation.    But maybe his cause is not an easy one, and his opponents stronger than himself.  Mercury also trines Saturn closely in his chart, so there is also some realism, in a chart dominated by Earth planets.  He just doesn’t seem to be getting there though.  At the time Brexit was triggered, the North Node was trine his Sun (he had campaigned for it for many years; his time had come, to show us what he could do).  But Saturn was also opposite his Uranus, so he has found boulders all along the way.

Liam Fox

Virgoan Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, if anything looks more embarrassed and uncomfortable than David Davis.  He looked like a rabbit in the headlights being interviewed about Brexit on the Andrew Marr show this morning.  He is responsible specifically for our trade negotiations, and has admitted in the last few months that he has not achieved anything (because he is not yet in a position to do so, reportedly, until there is further progress in the general negotiations).  Despite being ambitious, he has a very chequered political history, with some notable failures.  Does his astrological chart bear this out, or is there more promise to be found therein?  He has Sun closely trine Jupiter, so like David Davis can be optimistic. But his Jupiter is conjunct Saturn, so he can sometimes chase his own tail.  He has Mercury conjunct exactly Mars, so can have extremely quick mental reactions, which may be hasty at times.  Mercury sextiles his North Node exactly, so trade is a suitable area for him in a way.  He has Venus conjunct exactly Uranus in Leo, so privately may be more colourful than he seems outwardly.  Mars square Jupiter is extremely enthusiastic, in his chosen ventures, and he has been an advocate for Brexit for some time.  But he is also very cautious, with Mars exactly square Saturn, a combination which can leave him stuck at times.  When Brexit was triggered, Uranus was opposite Mercury, causing some mental strain, and also square his Saturn, emphasizing that although he had been waiting for this it was at the same time a shock to his system.  But Saturn was trine his Uranus, and he took up the new role.

Boris Johnson

As Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson has given new meaning to the role, that of agent provocateur.  Aside from the jokes about his look-a-like across the pond who is also abrasive, he has lived up to his reputation of upsetting apple carts around the world.  He has also intervened with sniping comments at his fellow Conservatives’ handling of Brexit, but when challenged as to whether he wants to replace Theresa May, he soft pedals.  He has generally kept the Conservative Party and the Brexit process on its toes, without contributing anything of substance.  With Sun exactly conjunct Venus in Gemini in his birth chart, the lovable rogue persona is beginning to wear a little thin, within the Conservative Party as well as with the general public.

Kier Starmer

Keir Starmer, the Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, has been a solid presence by Jeremy Corbyn’s side since 6 October 2016, having previously established his integrity in the role as Director of Public Prosecutions.  With Sun exactly conjunct Pluto in Virgo, he has great depth of character.  He does have the potentially irritable Mercury-Mars square shared by Jean-Claude Juncker, and the leadership of Mars sextile Sun, so is not a pushover.  It has been widely suspected that Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, was pro-Brexit, but he recently revealed that he voted remain.  However, the Labour Party is trying to build a constructive Brexit policy, through Keir Starmer, in case they have to take up the reins, which would not be an easy task.  Keir Starmer has a quiet but determined air about him which conveys confidence.  One of the greatest assets he has in his chart is Mars exactly trine Jupiter, action combined with confidence and enthusiasm.  If you recall, Liam Fox has these two planets in square aspect to each other, which does not so easily get results, and can overreach the mark.  Starmer also has a Grand Trine in the Water element, of Mars, Neptune and Jupiter/Chiron, which can bring healing to situations.  Pluto on the Sun is not easy, however, and Saturn on the South Node means he has brought some difficult karma in with this incarnation, but so far in his career he has performed well and overcome obstacles (e.g. he joined Corbyn’s force at an unpromising time, before the more recent rise in elective popularity).

Christmas

The next phase of Brexit negotiations is due to take place around Christmas.  What sort of Christmas is in store for Theresa May?  It does seem very mixed, with the North Node sextile her Mercury (good for negotiation), but Chiron opposite her Mercury (a bit of a headache), Neptune on her Mars (some confusion), Chiron trine her Saturn (some issue settled), Uranus opposite her Neptune (more complexity revealed), and Uranus trine Pluto (perhaps a breakthrough).  Saturn opposes the United Kingdom Pluto, which is not too happy a picture.  Jupiter trines the European Union Uranus, which is a success for the E.U. – because of or despite the Brexit issue?

March 2019

The culmination of the process is due to take place on 29th March 2019.  Whether these players still be in their places, or whether the picture will look very different, remains to be seen.  The day itself has two murky conjunctions: Mercury conjunct Neptune in Pisces (mental confusion) and Moon conjunct Pluto in Capricorn (difficult emotions).  Juncker will have Neptune square his Sun (confusion); Saturn will square Barnier’s Neptune (depressive), but Pluto will be sextile his North Node (maybe he will succeed in his aims); David Davis will have Saturn on his Mars (frustration, if not a sense of defeat), and Uranus will be on his North Node (a change in his destiny);  Mars will be square Liam Fox’s Uranus (a little hazardous), but Jupiter will be sextile his Mars/Mercury (so if he is still in this role, he will feel some sense of triumph).  Pluto will be also square his Mars and on his Saturn though, so he may feel a bit burnt out.  Keir Starmer has few transits at that time, so he may not be in the same role.  But the transit he does have is Uranus trine exactly his Uranus, which brings welcome big change into his life, perhaps pastures new.

Next Week: Strictly Come Dancing – Part 3

Aspects

This evening Mars enters Libra, so the God of War is leaving the hardworking sign of Virgo where the work ethos will have been stimulated, and entering the Sign of Peace, which is always an interesting scenario.  It means that Peace and War have to interract, and negotiate, and can no longer ignore each other.  Either one can prevail, but they do have to try and acknowledge each other and if possible make progress.  Whether you have an ongoing tussle in your circle, or are interested in the wider world picture, this movement of Mars could be crucial, especially if you have experienced an impasse.  The Middle East peace processes seem as stuck as ever at this time, but the long-running outer war with ISIS seems to have reached a watershed this week, with the regaining of Raqqa.  Of course we have not yet solved the war within our own countries, the terrorism inspired by ISIS.  And the process of negotiation with ISIS seems near impossible, but Mars entering Libra gives fresh incentive and new peace energy.  Mars stays in Libra until 9th December.

Tomorrow (23rd) there is another ingress, this time Sun entering Scorpio.  So in some ways, the tone is going from that of peacemaking to the “driving a hard bargain” which is much more characteristic of Scorpio.  Brexit of course is shelved until Christmas, but there are other battles to fight, and Mars in Libra and Sun in Scorpio will be engaging us both in negotiations and battles, even those of us who profess not to have an Inner Warrior Archetype.  In matters where we have a deep inner resolve and conviction, we will keep our determination going for the next month.

The aspect which occurs on Tuesday (24th) is a harmonious union of mental and spiritual energy (Mercury trine Neptune).  It is a good day for chilling out and connecting with your inner spiritual sources, especially for Geminis and Virgos.  Pisceans will be able to firm up their mental processes, and focus more easily.  A good day for chanting your favourite mantra, and staying on that wavelength.

Hope springs eternal that Thursday’s (26th) conjunction of Sun conjunct Jupiter in Scorpio comes up with the goods to match its reputation as one of the luckiest days of the year.  It will be an especially happy influence for Sagittarians, Leos and Scorpios, with a feel good factor generally.  Success can be yours, whether it be an interview, an audition, or a £2 lottery flutter.  Even if you are naturally cautious, you may venture slightly more boldly on Thursday.

Saturday (28th) advises us, through Venus square Pluto, to rein in our expectations a little more.  This square takes place at 3.21 a.m. in the U.K., so may invade your dream life.  Relationships could be challenging, and demand truth and depth of response.  If a heart to heart is long overdue with a loved one, you may need to face it with honesty and courage.  There may be more revelations about sexual harrassment, e.g. more allegations against Harvey Weinstein, or another wave of people posting “Me Too” on Facebook.

Another aspect only 4 minutes later, Mercury sextile Pluto, could help the coming to terms of the Venus square Pluto, in rationalizing (but not superficially) your feelings.  So you may wake up with a nightmare, and be able to re-set your dream life with more positivity.  If you sleep through the two aspects, you may wake with an insight about your relationships or a close relationship.  The combination may be very helpful in showing you how you need to proceed.

Carrying on into the day on Saturday you will be aware of emotional issues and psychological solutions and hopefully be able to bring the two together, perhaps in dialogue with loved ones.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – war and peace
• Tomorrow – increased resolve
• Tuesday – mind and soul unite
• Thursday – luck and hope
• Saturday – psychological explorations

Harvey Weinstein

“I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different”

~ Harvey Weinstein

There’s no birth time for Film Producer Harvey Weinstein, but there is still much of interest to discover about this man who managed for years to conceal evidence of his sexual harassment of women, a story which has dominated the media this week.

Birth Chart

Disclaimer: If you have any of the features in his birth chart described here, that does not mean that you have the same proclivities.  The truth lies in the combined factors of a chart, and the Soul’s choices.

Weinstein has a commanding 6 planets in the Cardinal signs.  His Sun sign Pisces is traditionally that of the genius, but has also been known as the “sign of self-undoing”.

The Moon sextile Venus in his chart indicates a love of massage – apparently one of his ploys in trying to seduce young actresses!  The Moon may also have been opposite Uranus, making him emotionally abrasive if so.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter in his chart was the successful Entrepreneur.  Film is specifically a province of Pisces (“All my life I served one master: the film. I love movies”), but he was hugely successful in the production of many films, such as Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, Pulp Fiction and The King’s Speech. He acquired 300 Oscar nominations.

His conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter in Aries was involved in a complex double opposition with Saturn and Neptune in Libra.  While Mercury/Jupiter was upbeat mentally, Saturn/Neptune would drag down his moods, a pattern difficult to resolve.

Mercury trine Pluto bestows a powerful mind, which can be very persuasive, especially on the casting couch (Pluto).

His sexuality (Mars in Scorpio square Pluto) could be quite brutal, and commanding in getting others to do his bidding, very indicative of the predator.   But there was a search for love going on, with Venus in Pisces trine Uranus – a search for ideal love through a zest for excitement.  Venus also conjunct the North Node in Aquarius urges a karmic quest for ideal love and beauty, in addition.  Many of his films had love as a central theme.

In a New York interview with Edward Helmore, published in the Observer this morning, Weinstein’s brother Bob analyzes his malaise:

“I know him on a personal level better than anyone.  It’s hard to describe how I feel that he took out the emptiness inside of him in so many sick and depraved ways.”

With Jupiter in Aries loosely opposite Saturn, he might be found chasing his own tail at times, especially in combination with Sun in Pisces.  Jupiter exactly opposite Neptune would find him very confused about religion and spirituality, and morality is a part of that theme.

Jupiter exactly trine Pluto is very personally powerful and persuasive.  He was able to achieve a great deal through positive thinking. But as for asking for a second chance?  For all his indiscretions over so many years?  That is a big ask, even he is not likely to be able to pull off.

His Inner Healer (Chiron) is very poor, with a square between Chiron and Saturn (exact) and an opposition with Uranus, forming with Uranus a Cardinal T-square – personal earthquakes, with rocky circumstances whenever the T-square is triggered.  He has been skating on thin ice for a long, long time.

His Current Transits

The aspects on the day of his exposure were more sensational than average: Venus was exactly conjunct Mars, and the Full Moon in Aries was opposite the Sun in Libra.  That Venus-Mars conjunction was exactly sextile his natal Mars.  Jupiter was exactly trine his North Node, which just goes to show the truth will out, even if you think you are untouchable (the exacting nature of Karma).  Neptune was sextile his natal Chiron, and he realized he had a problem:  off to rehab.  And Pluto was square his natal Mercury – exposure through a newspaper, and mental strain.

Victims

It seems almost unnecessary to look at the charts of his “victims”, as in the words of his brother he was “philandering with every woman he could meet”.  There are so many, and more stories coming out every day, that he could not have had a “type”.

However, one of the most vociferous actresses, Rose McGowan, who tried to be heard, but came to a settlement with Harvey Weinstein, does have an interesting link with his chart worth noting.  She has an exact conjunction of Venus and Uranus (mirroring his Venus/Uranus trine) in her 5th House of Creativity (we do have her birthtime), and in their synastry Weinstein’s Neptune (his ruling planet and in this matter his ability to deceive) is exactly conjunct her Venus-Uranus in 5th House.  When the story broke on 5th October, Pluto was trine her Mercury (cathartic information coming to light for her), and by 12th when she came right out in saying that he had raped her, Uranus by transit was exactly (to the day) trine her natal Moon in Sagittarius at the Galactic Centre in her 7th House.  This week Karma supports her with the North Node exactly sextile her Venus/Uranus conjunction.

A Victor

The expose which triggered the current crisis for Weinstein is an article that appeared in the New York Times, an investigation by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.  We do not have a birth date for the latter, but the chart for Jodi Kantor reveals her Saturn to be exactly square Weinstein’s Saturn.  After all the decades and the rumours, and the women who tried to speak out and couldn’t achieve a breakthrough, these ladies did.  When Saturn appears in the 10th House or close to the Midheaven in a chart, you often find there is a fall from grace at some point.  We do not know if Harvey has Saturn in his 10th House, but Saturn represents a fall of some kind, and Jodi’s Saturn squaring up to his, seems to represent symbolically that she was instrumental  in bringing him down.  Her major transit at the publication of the article is also deeply symbolic, Neptune square her Neptune, which could be interpreted as her engineering of a major denouement in the film world.

The One who Walked Away

In the midst of all the emerging tales and expressions of shock, his English wife Georgina Chapman left him, on 10th October.  She is a successful fashion designer and businesswoman in her own right, with Mercury conjunct Jupiter (like Harvey), and Moon in Libra (fashion).  Her relationship synastry with Harvey is actually quite difficult, and not a comfortable match astrologically (her Mars square his Saturn, her Mars opposite his Chiron and her Pluto square his Uranus).  Her transits this week reveal Uranus square her natal Saturn (an earthquake in her world), Uranus conjunct her natal Chiron (a severe and sudden healing crisis) but Neptune trine her natal Mars (taking action for her own sense of peace).

Emma Thompson

Many words have been spoken by many women and men this week on the subject of Harvey Weinstein, and in our collective consciousness we may finally be on the brink of change.  Emma Thompson was one of the first to give an interview, on Newsnight.  What she says is not startling or new, but is very sensible and solid, so she makes a good summary of Weinstein’s behaviour and the impact of the revelations in our society.  She calls a spade a spade in stating “He’s an actual Predator”, as opposed to a mere sex addict.  She describes his behaviour as “endemic to the system”, that Weinstein had an “appalling aura” and she “never wanted to work with him ever.”

“So what we need to start talking about is the crisis in masculinity, the crisis of extreme masculinity which is this sort of behaviour and the fact that it is not only OK, but it also is represented by the most powerful man in the world at the moment”.

~ Emma Thompson

Aspects

This morning, before the blog was a twinkle in my eye, Mercury opposed Uranus, an aspect which puts the nervous system on alert and prepares for the possibility of controversial truths to be told.  Well, I usually try to shy away from writing about sexual predators…

You may still feel some sense of having your antennae on alert, and needing to state what you feel is true, but this will be fading throughout the day.

However, there is another opposition later in the form of Mars opposite Chiron, which highlights wounds, mainly of the psychological kind.  Something may be flagged up for you to heal.  Perhaps a longstanding misunderstanding in the family, especially concerning the male of the species.  Come to think of it, it may be the “crisis in masculinity” that Emma Thompson speaks of…We can only start to address something which has emerged in consciousness and awareness, so can thank Chiron for that process.

There may be a healing of sorts later still, as the Sun sextiles North Node, and Karma smiles on our power and creativity issues.  Father issues especially may be successfully be put under the spotlight.

Tomorrow (Monday 16th) brings a sextile between the Sun and Saturn, and if you found the weekend emotionally exhausting now’s the time to settle your office furniture and stabilize your mood, and plan seriously for the week.  You can lay foundations under this aspect.

Mercury enters Scorpio on Tuesday (17th) and time for a little more turbulence again, at least on the mental front, as maybe Mercury in Libra wasn’t rigorous enough to get to the heart of the mysteries in your life.  You can go forensic now.  The research will pay off.

Business acumen is to the fore on Wednesday (18th) with a conjunction between Mercury and Jupiter.  You can be confident that you can grow your business empire under this influence.  You might recall that both Harvey Weinstein and his newly divorcing wife Georgina Chapman both have this conjunction in their natal charts, which is a part of their business success.  It is also good day for education and learning, and travel should be enjoyable.

On Thursday (19th) Uranus opposes the Sun, so that could be a day which brings the element of the unexpected to the fore.  Try not to be too ambitious in what you undertake, as there could be twists and turns along the way which you hadn’t planned for.

In the evening (19.12 Hrs in the U.K.) there is a New Moon at 26 degrees Libra, which may help to smooth things over and bring about peace.  But the Uranus-Sun opposition may overshadow it to some extent.  Newness is a feature of the day though, as the New Moon brings a new beginning, and Uranus favours the new (while sometimes harshly discarding the old, beware of that).  Preserve what needs to be preserved, as you move on.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – highly-strung; highlighting wounds that need healing; some karmic resolution
• Tomorrow – solid foundations
• Tuesday – penetrating thought
• Wednesday – business acumen
• Thursday – the spanner in the works; new beginning

Jupiter into Scorpio

Jupiter moves into Scorpio on Tuesday (10th) at 13.20 Hrs in the U.K., a giant leap for mankind.

Jupiter will uplift and support whichever House (sphere of life activity) it occupies in your chart, bringing luck and expansion to those affairs.  Collectively, it will support and enhance a deepening of relationships and a sharing of resources, in the nature of the sign of Scorpio.  If your birthday falls within the sign of Scorpio, then at some point or points you will reap some sort of bonanza, the like of which comes round once every twelve years.  If you have several planets in this sign (a satellitium), it could be the gift that keeps on giving.  If your Ascendant is in Scorpio, it will also be your year, beginning from when Jupiter transits the degree of your Ascendant.  For all of us it will be an intense ride, as Scorpio may bring out the best and the worst of this sign, and this sign is known for its excesses.

Jupiter last entered Scorpio in November 2005, and left the sign in November 2006.  How was that year for you?  You may expect some similar experiences, though you have grown and moved on, and the world has changed, so you will need to make a translation accordingly.

A Review of Jupiter in Libra

But how was Jupiter in Libra, the sign it is about to leave?

I wrote, last September:

“Jupiter’s year long transit through Libra will in general improve relationships, romance and marriage, negotiations and the prospect of peace treaties.  It will bring a boost to the Arts, including the world of music.”

That was the hope.  The year has brought worsening weather conditions, stagnation in British politics, and the reversal of Obama’s gains by Donald Trump in the U.S.  Far from bringing peace in our time, we have heard the rattlings of war between Donald Trump, President of the U.S.A., and Kim Jong Un of North Korea.  It does not feel as though much progress has been made, or that the power of Jupiter in Libra emerged to its full potential.  Of course many other astrological events were going on at the same time, blowing Jupiter off course, notably the disruptive square between Jupiter and Pluto and the opposition between Jupiter and Uranus.

Here are a few examples I noted where Jupiter in Libra may have been at work:

Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize for Literature (long overdue), in April a report that people are returning to books (Libra) since kindle came into fashion, in May Centrist Emmanuel Macron was elected President in France, in June 2017 Theresa May was re-elected Prime Minister in the U.K., in July the BBC’s gender pay inequality came to light (hopefully a turning point) and in September we learned that Wind Power (Air Element) is now cheaper than Nuclear (good news in my book).

Jupiter in Scorpio

Scorpio among other things rules the world of finance, and various factions around the world, including our own Labour Party, are hoping to overturn the neo-liberal regime as promoted from the time of Margaret Thatcher, as an outdated system which does not work.  Jupiter in Scorpio may address this.

Scorpio also rules Psychiatry, and so there may be the long-awaited improvements in mental health services, the poor relation of the poor National Health Services.  Politicians in recent years have paid lip service to the need to put more resources into this area, so there is a possibility that they may put their money where their mouth is while Jupiter is in Scorpio.

We saw communities coming together in the face of adversity during Jupiter’s sojourn in Libra, and this process may intensify under Jupiter in Scorpio.

We are also likely to see more justice taking place in the increasing sexual scandals that are coming to light sometimes decades later.  This may bring in new legislations designed to protect people from abuse.

If you felt that Jupiter in Libra was dramatic enough (which it was), Jupiter in Scorpio is likely to bring more drama, rather than less.  But some of the drama may be cathartic in nature, and bringing to light what needs to be faced and dealt with.  There will be more honesty and less glossing over unpalatable facts.

Brave New World, Jupiter in Scorpio!

Aspects

Did you feel any sense of empowerment last week, with the trines to Pluto?  I was striding round the streets of Paris on holiday (17,000 steps on the Tuesday) and climbing 37 sets of steps in Montmartre on Wednesday, so physically I can say yes to that.  Those of you who know me, know I am the slowest walker, and have always been so. So this was unusual, to say the least.

In contrast, we have a week of more challenge, this week.  Today’s challenge is Venus square Saturn, which may bring disappointment or flatness of mood, and the need to let go in relationships.  It is a day of facing reality.

This evening, the Sun conjuncts Mercury at 15 degrees Libra, concentrating the mind further on relationships and the arts.  The conjunction may help you focus your conclusions on these matters, if you have been feeling deflated earlier in the day.  You may be able to unite the mind and heart, and see your way clearer.

Tomorrow (Monday 9th), you may feel a sense of acceptance, with Saturn trine the North Node.  You may understand what it is that karmically you are meant to do at this time, which satisfies you and those around you.  It may not be a thrilling realization, but it feels sound and solid.

At lunchtime, Mercury squares Pluto, and that’s the next big challenge of the week.  There may be more drama on the news, and more nervous tension in the air.  Hard choices may be required, especially around communication and travel.

The early hours of Tuesday (10th) in the U.K. bring another dramatic square, between the Sun and Pluto.  You may be sleeping fitfully, with some heart-searching, and vivid dreams.

You may also be aware of the impending shift of Jupiter from peaceful Libra to passionate Scorpio, which occurs at lunchtime.  You may feel you have been too complacent of late, and need to engage more actively with matters which concern social conditions and human relations.

Venus also opposes Chiron, again underlining the need for healing in relationships.  Minor health conditions may be caused by stress, and reducing stress may help to ease the conditions.  Music and meditation may be the way forward.

Mars squares Saturn on Wednesday (11th), thus posing another difficulty, perhaps a practical one, such as an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force.  If you are the unstoppable force, just consider the immovable object.  If you are the immovable object, consider your reasons. Try to forge a mutual understanding.

Some slightly more soothing vibes come on Thursday (12th), and an upturn in the fortunes of the week, with Mercury sextile the North Node.  This can bring information which helps understanding, especially in karmic matters.  It is a good day for teaching and teachers, and as we all have something to teach and something to learn, there may be something in it for everyone (but especially for Geminis and Virgos).

Friday 13th (lucky for some) has another steadying force, in the shape of Mercury sextile Saturn.  It is a good day for shaping plans, at least on the mental plane, drawing up documents, filing, and office work generally.  It may be productive, in a non-dramatic, getting back to basics, way.

The week ends much more calmly, with Venus entering Libra on Saturday 14th.  You may be able to let go of some of your social anxieties arising out of Venus in Virgo, and immerse yourself in pleasant and less demanding interactions, especially centred around the Arts.  It would be a good time to begin a new meditation course, if greater equilibrium is what you seek.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – facing reality; clear realization
• Tomorrow – karmic acceptance; drama around communication
• Tuesday – drama and intensity; need for healing in relationships
• Wednesday – impasse or blockage
• Thursday – progress in communications
• Friday – steadying and productive
• Saturday – more prospect of peace

Lord Lucan

Richard John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan

This week one of the greatest mysteries of modern times came to some sort of closure, with the death of Lady Lucan.  It wasn’t exactly a whodunnit, even though there was a murder involved, the perpetrator being fairly conclusively identified.  No, it was more of a where-is-he, a mystery that was never solved.  In 2016, Lord Lucan was officially presumed to be dead.

The Murder

On the night of 7th November 1974, the nanny Sandra Rivett was killed in the basement of the family home, at approximately 8.55 pm.  Lady Lucan was injured, and identified her attacker as her husband.  A piece of lead pipe was later found, linked to the crime scene. The suspect vanished. It all would sound like a round of the board game Cluedo, if it was not so horrifying.

Birth Chart

Lord Lucan had the Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius, and was a notorious gambler (a traditional Sagittarian trait), horse racing being one of his interests.  It’s a very Sagittarian phenomenon, too, that he was (subsequent to the murder) spotted in various places all over the world, even if it wasn’t him!  A curious fact about Lord Lucan was that he was considered for the role of James Bond, so there is another Archetype associated with him.

There was a strong streak of rebelliousness in his nature, with his Saturn in Aquarius and his Sun closely trine Uranus.  His North Node (karmic mission) was also in Aquarius, and he certainly had a unique and bizarre destiny.  Mars was exactly trine this North Node, and he was forever linked with this act of bloodshed.

His chart indicates that he very likely had a problem around being wounded by women (Moon conjunct Chiron if he was born from Noon onwards; and Moon conjunct Chiron trine Mars; Mars trine Chiron) and may have been the perpetrator of wounds.  His wife certainly reported that he had hit her in the past.  This aspect pattern links in with his karma, as the North Node in Aquarius creates a Grand Trine with these planets, so the wounding may have occurred in childhood (his mother was ill and that in itself was a wound, so he was looked after by a nurserymaid) or, as is often the case where the North Node and Chiron are involved, the pattern has been repeated from past lives.

His natal Mercury was square Neptune, indicating a confused mind at times, particularly when under stress.  He also had Venus square exactly Mars, which can bring impulsiveness in matters of the heart.

A square between Uranus and Pluto, that chaotic energy we lived with for a few years recently (2012 – 5), is also important in the dynamics of his chart.  Not everyone of course, reacts like that to having that square natally!  We do not know his Ascendant, and it may be linked directly with the angles in his chart.

Marriage

Lord Lucan married Veronica Duncan around the time of his Saturn Return (which would have been in Aquarius).  They had met through aristocratic connections, and under some significant Neptune transits, a phase of glamour and illusion.  Although they had three children, the marriage only lasted 9 years, breaking up in 1972 after she had suffered depression, including post-natal depression, and they had attempted to seek help.  He had himself undergone psychotherapy in his youth for nightmares.

He had to leave the family home (with Pluto transiting his natal Mars in Libra), but fought for custody of the children, and became obsessed with this struggle.  He left notes at his disappearance, saying he only cared about the welfare of the children.  He had worked as a banker, but gave it up on the premise he could earn more gambling, and incurred a great deal of debt.

State of Mind

At the time the murder took place, there is a distinct lack of transits for Lord Lucan himself, suggesting that the planetary trigger for the event and his state of mind is linked with his Ascendant and the angles on his chart.  The Ascendant at 8.55 pm activated his natal Uranus-Pluto square, but there would be such an event at a different time on any day.  The most significant transit in my view is  his Uranus Opposition, one of the prominent life cycles that occurs around the age of 40 for an individual.  It represents the mid-life crisis and rebellion.

Lady Lucan

(nee Veronica Duncan)

Her Birth Chart

Lady Lucan’s birth chart can perhaps be seen as more revealing than her husband’s.  She was a talented artist and had been an art student (Sun in Taurus) and they had furnished their home at 46 Lower Belgrave Street in London to her taste.  Lady Lucan had Moon in Aquarius, with the Moon square Uranus (emotional estrangements in her life, notably later with her children). Her Mercury was trine Jupiter and sextile Pluto, describing her mind.  The family said about her: “She had a sharp mind, and when she spoke it, she did so eloquently.  She was courageous, and, at times, outrageous, with a mischievous sense of humour”, which is a good description of her Mercury aspects.  She had Venus square Pluto, which can indicate a volatile love life.  Her Jupiter was exactly opposite Pluto, which means power struggles, and points to the power struggle in their marriage and over the children.  Her Chiron was on the South Node in her chart, so she had brought through karmic wounds, and maybe the current circumstances were a replicated pattern from previous lives.  Her Neptune was exactly square her Nodal Axis – “karmically associated with a great mystery” (remember that phrase).

Synastry with Lord Lucan

In their astrological relationship, their Marses were sextile (an attraction), and his Uranus squared her Jupiter (the power of surprise).  Their main karmic link was her North Node in Sagittarius closely conjunct his Mercury, which suggests that he thought of his role as being a teacher to her.  Moreover, his Saturn was square to her Mercury, so he may have tried to discipline her mind or control it.  He attempted to teach her a string of subjects, among them hunting, shooting and fishing.

Lady Lucan’s Death

Again, the transits for the time of her injury were sparse.  This would make the birth time, Ascendant and angles a crucial piece of information.  It also makes me think of the phrase “nature abhors a vacuum”.  In contrast, the transits for the death of Sandra Rivett the nanny are very evidential.  The transits for Lady Lucan’s death this week are also prolific, among them Chiron trine Pluto (a healing through death).

At her death, Lady Lucan was estranged from her three children, one of whom (Frances) was a witness to some of the proceedings of the night in question:” Frances had heard a scream, and a few minutes later had watched as her mother (blood on her face) and father had entered the room.”  Mars was on Frances’ Mercury on the night.  Their son George was determined to inherit the family title, and after the Presumption of Death Act had come into force, petitioned to have Lord Lucan legally declared deceased, which came about on 3rd February 2016, whereupon he became George Bingham, 8th Earl of Lucan.  Their youngest child Camilla, four years old at the time of the murder, has Pluto square Veronica’s Jupiter (highlighting a power struggle), but with her father his Pluto squares her Sun (the father lost to her).

Sandra Rivett

Sandra Rivett, who lost her life that night, and who was probably mistaken in the dimly lit basement for Lady Lucan as she was usually out on a Thursday evening, was the unfortunate victim of this whole event.  She had North Node in Cancer (nannying) conjunct Mars (known for an incident of bloodshed), with that conjunction square a complex triple conjunction of Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron in Libra.  I would hasten to add that North Node conjunct Mars normally only implies that the Warrior Archetype is important within the karmic mission.  Another very interesting feature of her birthchart is that Neptune was exactly square her Nodal Axis, exactly as in Lady Lucan’s chart (“karmically associated with a great mystery”). They occur in different signs (Cancer North Node-Libra, and Sagittarius North Node-Virgo) as they were born 8 years apart.  We do not know what Houses they occupied in their charts, without birth times.

Sandra had herself given birth to a boy (Stephen) the same year as Veronica’s son George, but she had him adopted.  They were both 7 years old at the time of the murder, but Stephen was not told about his mother until years later.

What was her relationship like with the Lucans?  Apparently, Sandra’s parents reported that she got on well with Lady Lucan and the children.  Their Venuses were exactly in trine with each other.  Sandra had Uranus on Lady Lucan’s South Node, showing some bizarre past life karma.  On the surface of things, her relationship with Lord Lucan did not seem troubled: Her Jupiter/Neptune conjunction was trine his Chiron.

At her death, the North Node (karma) was trine her Pluto (death), which although one would not expect a murder to have taken place from such a transit, it certainly shows dramatic karma.

Conclusion

Lady Lucan has taken her story to the grave.  There are those who believe she was not telling the truth in her account of that night (and her account was supported by forensic evidence). So, mysteries remain…where was Lord Lucan all those years before he was officially presumed dead?  He had left his passport in a drawer, but had friends who may have helped his safe passage abroad.  What was the motive for the murder (most think he intended to kill his wife, and not the nanny)?  And what are their birth times and Ascendants?

Aspects

The theme for this week is Self-Empowerment…  It rings the changes, doesn’t it, from last week’s challenges?

And you can start from today, as we have the most powerful aspect forming today, a trine between Mars and Pluto.  Not only that, but if you are late to the table today, you won’t have missed it because it occurs at 23.36 Hrs in the U.K.  So everyone’s a winner (providing you look in to the blog today!)

What can you hope for from this combination?  Firstly, dynamic energy.  If you have been feeling jaded recently, you could experience a re-birth in your motivation and in the ability to tap into the sources of your energy, be they nutritional, gymnastic or cosmic.  So if you are catching this blog reasonably early in the proceedings of your day, make a list of everything you wish to accomplish today, and just get on with it, and zip through it.  This aspect may also be useful in dealing with aggressive behaviours constructively, and possibly solving disputes using determination equalling the opposing forces.

Tuesday (3rd) brings the empowerment to the heart.  Venus trines Pluto, favouring Love, Money, and their intertwining.  The energy that powered the beginning of the week can be brought to bear to inject life and depth into your relationships.  Other beneficiaries are projects in connection with the Arts, including of course Music.  It is a good day to put all these connections into context and perspective at a deeper psychological level.  For example, if you have recently made a new friendship, that can progress in mutual awareness.  If ecology is your passion, Venus in Virgo trine Pluto in Capricorn can help you help the planet.

A sweet conjunction follows on from that on Thursday (5th), that of Venus and Mars.  If you married (metaphorically) on Tuesday, you can honeymoon (metaphorically) on Thursday with this sensuous combination.  Men may be from Mars and Women from Venus and this conjunction can bring them together, but in these days of LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) any combination is acceptable.  No one needs to feel left out, but there is still a need to respect boundaries and personal space (!)

…Of course, we can’t have a week which is all plain sailing, and a little rain or a few tears may fall on the Full Moon which takes place early evening in the U.K. the same day.  The Full Moon occurs at 12 degrees Aries, opposing the Sun at the same degree of Libra.  This Full Moon is about Selfhood and Relationship, and bringing the two into balance.  After the intensity of relating this week, you may so feel emotionally identified with the significant other that you need to stand back and reclaim your own individuality.  If there is Full Moon drama going on, it may not be your own, and you may need to remind yourself of that.  So it is about taking stock of yourself, taking stock of your relationship, and understanding the difference between the two.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Empowerment
• Tuesday – Deepening Relationships
• Thursday – Merging and Unmerging

Strictly Come Dancing 2018 – Part 2

No apologies for another Strictly blog so hard on the heels of the last one!  Last night’s first display of dance was a feast of talent, with some outstanding performances which I think surprised the judges.

Here are the next four contestants under the astrological spotlight:

Alexandra Burke

In a shimmering gold, green and white dress, Alexandra Burke made her dancing debut last night to the song “A Natural Woman”, and scored well for her waltz in the first round.  Craig said she had a feel for the music, Darcy praised her expression, Shirley said she could be a front runner, and Bruno highlighted her natural artistry.  She’s a perfectionistic Sun in virgo squaring Jupiter, so can be up for anything.  Her Venus trines Pluto, which injects feeling into her singing, and with the North Node in Pisces (the sign of dance) forms a Grand Trine in Water.  With Saturn closely conjunct Uranus (personal earthquakes) she had a difficult childhood.  Her parents split up when she was four, and her mother Melissa Bell (from the band Soul to Soul) toured a lot and Alexandra had to look after her younger brother.  She tried to make her mark in the 2005 series of X Factor, but Louis Walsh halted her advance saying she was too young.  She worked hard and in 2008 re-entered the competition and won, memorably singing Hallelujah in the finale.  So she has the musicality and determination to succeed in Strictly.  She was very emotional, and has just lost her mother (28th August).  At the moment she has Jupiter sextile her Saturn/Uranus, keeping her buoyant in some ways, but at the same time she has the sadness of Saturn square her Mercury.  She has Saturn square Mercury natally, so is approaching her Saturn Return.  However, she also has Uranus trine her Uranus, which is the ability to surprise and pull the rabbit out of the hat when needed.  Pluto also opposes her Venus, which reminds us of her recent loss.  So, emotions pulled in different directions at the moment, but that may express well in dance.  At the end of the contest Mars will be trine her Chiron, lending energy and healing.  Jupiter will be trine her North Node (karma may decide she deserves the crown).

She was paired with Gorka Marquez, who was new to the contest last year.  I wrote: ” With the Sun exactly trine his Neptune, he is born to dance.  The Moon square Mars means he could be quick to temper.  But Mercury trine exactly Saturn at the same time gives him good concentration – he could be a hard taskmaster”.  In their synastry, his Venus trines Alexandra’s Saturn/Uranus, so he will be able to bring out her discipline and inventiveness.  His Mars squares her Sun, so there could be a few sparks between them!  His Uranus opposes her Chiron, which could lead to some awkwardness between them.  His Neptune squares her Mars, so she will feel extra sensitive and emotional around him.  Finally, his Pluto trines her North Node, so the relationship, though not easy, could be transformative for both of them.  At this point in time, Mars is on his Sun, which has his adrenaline working overtime.  Neptune opposes his Sun, so he has some confusion.  Jupiter sextiles his Venus, heightening his artistry.  Mars sextiles his Neptune, energizing his dance, and Neptune sextiles his Neptune so he is spiritually centred, despite Neptune’s opposition to his Sun.  At the end of the competition Neptune is exactly opposite his Sun, to the day.  Normally, one might look upon that as difficult, but because he is a dancer, and because Alexandra has a trine to her North Node (karma) from Jupiter (luck), it could be a defining moment for him.

Davood Ghadami

Rather self-indulgently, I am going to focus on soap stars for the rest of the blog.  Iranian Davood Ghadami, otherwise known as Kush from Eastenders, looks every inch the part of a romantic dance partner, and his debut was promising.  He’s a performing Leo, and seems to know exactly what is required.  His cha cha cha went down well with the judges, and scored well.  Craig did criticize a lack of hip action, but Darcy said he had the attack and the energy required, while Shirley praised his partnering skills, and Bruno declared him a sex bomb.  The attack and the energy come from an exact conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in sexy Scorpio, emphasized by a loose conjunction of Mars and Pluto.  At this point in time, Uranus is trine his natal Mercury, making him mentally on the ball and capable of innovation.  Pluto is square to Saturn, which can be a depressing transit if it were not for the fact that he has these two planets conjunct in his natal chart, so he may be used to that serious vibe.  At the end of the tournament, Jupiter squares his Sun so he’ll be feeling upbeat, but that may be the general jollity of the season and the Strictly atmosphere.  The North Node will be sextile his natal Saturn, so he will feel he’s done a good job.  Uranus will be trine his Neptune, which will enhance his dance skills with a touch of genius, but Chiron will square his Neptune (he may overdo it physically) and Uranus opposes his Pluto, so he may not make the final.

He is paired with Nadiya Bychkova, who, like Dianne Buswell (paired with Richard Coles, who dazzled last night), another newbie, is also aged 28, therefore undergoing her Saturn Return, probably in Sagittarius. No birth date is available for her.

Joe McFadden

Now to my favourite programme Holby City, and we have two stars from Holby this series, not forgetting that Tom Chambers from Holby won the series in 2008 (the year Alexandra Burke won X Factor!)  Joe plays Scottish doctor Raf di Lucca in Holby, but he threw himself into the Jive in the first round on the Strictly dance floor last night, and inspired  a score of 8 from one of the Judges.  His character in Holby is described as “A dedicated, driven and passionate doctor” and Joe describes himself as “over-enthusiastic”.  But what does his birthchart tell us?  He has an exact conjunction of the Sun and Mercury in Libra, so he is musical and eager to please, with an intelligent way of going about things.  The extra enthusiasm, and the smile which won praise, may be a product of his Moon in Sagittarius and Jupiter opposite the Sun.  He does have some Scorpio intensity, with Pluto loosely conjunct his Sun/Mercury, and his North Node in Scorpio.  Mars trine his Uranus gives his energy an electrical quality.  Jupiter conjunct Chiron in Aries gives an infectious positivity which can be healing for those around him.  At this moment in time, Uranus is sextile his Mars, so he’s on fire!  But Chiron is also square his Mars, so he needs to take care to avoid burnout.  At the end of the series, there is a distinct lack of transits, so despite his brilliant start, circumstances may see him out of the competition before the final.

He is paired with Katya Jones, who was responsible for the sensational dance act of last year together with Ed Balls, so without looking at her chart I can say she has tremendous ingenuity and flair!  She is a solid dependable Taurean, with the nimbleness of a few planets sprinkled in Gemini.  She has a very positive mindset from Mercury conjunct Jupiter, which together with Joe’s positivity can move mountains.  She seems to manage very well a complex opposition in her chart of Mars/Chiron to Uranus/Neptune/Saturn – her experience of life may have endowed her with problem-solving skills.  She also has healing qualities, with Chiron trine her North Node.  In their relationship, there is a karmic tie with her Sun on his South Node.  His Saturn sextiles her Venus, which is similar to an interaspect between Alexandra and Gorka, but in this case Katya can bring out Joe’s discipline.  At the start of the competition, Katya has the Nodal Axis square her Sun, an important but possibly challenging time for her.  Mars squares her Jupiter, again a little challenging energetically, but judging by their performance last night not very troublesome.  Ditto Neptune square her Jupiter, some spiritual confusion, which may be unrelated to what is happening on the dance floor.  Mars trines her Neptune, which is encouraging, and Neptune sextiles her Neptune (she is spiritually centred, like Gorka).  At the end of the competition, she still has Neptune squaring her Jupiter, but Jupiter sextiles her Saturn (an uplifting and steadying factor), Mars sextile her Uranus (electrifying moments), Neptune still sextile her Neptune, but the added bonus of Jupiter conjunct Pluto, so if the planets don’t come forward for Joe maybe her planets might pull them both through.

Chizzy Akudolu

Now to one of my favourite Holby characters of all time, Chizzy Akudolu, aka Mo from Holby City, a complex and contrary doctor.  She has currently left the programme, but I am not sure whether or not they have left the door open for a return some time in the future.  I miss her already.  It’s lovely to find that she is really effervescent in real life, and determined to be life and soul of the party.  I love her smile, and Bruno last night praised her personality and sparkle.  Craig’s criticism was that she was “all disco” but conceded she has rhythm and a feel for music.  Darcy pointed out balance and timing issues, and Shirley (who as new Head Judge was positive throughout for her debut) said she had great body rhythm.  Chizzy’s partner Pasha said she is focussed on detail in rehearsal.  She had the presence of mind to include John Michie in our thoughts last night, a Holby actor who has just lost his daughter.  Chizzy is another Libran who is eager to please, with good musicality.  Her Mercury is exactly opposite her Mars, so she could be quite fiery in speech, and make occasional mistakes on the dance floor, though Mercury trine closely Saturn gives her some discipline.  Venus loosely conjunct Neptune may give her touches of inspiration.  Mars square Jupiter is over the top enthusiasm!  Again this is tempered by Mars sextile Saturn.  Jupiter sextiles Neptune in her chart, so she can be quite lyrical on and off stage.  She has Saturn exactly square Pluto, which can be responsible for a depressive streak, which is not visible on Strictly but which her Holby persona occasionally hints at.  Saturn also conjuncts her South Node, so she may sometimes rail at the unfairness of life, or at least understand suffering.  Pluto also presents challenges to her in life with a square to her Nodal Axis. At the beginning of the tournament, Chiron is trine her Venus, which helps her physical stability, and North Node sextiles her Uranus, which helps bring out her talent and innovation, a karmic blessing.  At the end of the tournament, Mars trines her Saturn, so she is not likely to win, but will be positive nevertheless.

She was delighted to be paired up with the lovely Pasha Kovalev, of whom I wrote in 2015: “He has an intelligent Sun/Mercury conjunction in late Capricorn, which can be calculating and cool, but balanced by a warm and energetic conjunction of Mars with Jupiter.”  Their synastry shows a personal warmth with her Venus sextile his Sun, good communication with her Venus sextile his Mercury, plus loyalty and commitment with her Saturn trine his Venus.  What are Pasha’s prospects throughout the tournament?  At the beginning, the current Jupiter/Uranus opposition will square his Mercury, so his mind will be working overtime.  He may find it hard to sleep!  Chiron sextile his Mercury may help to balance this, but Chiron opposes his Saturn bringing some difficult issues in his life, not necessarily related to dance (possibly connected with health).  Saturn reinforces the latter transit as it sits on his Neptune, but the North Node trines his Neptune and sextiles his Pluto so there is some karmic support in with the challenges.  Saturn also sextiles his Pluto, so he will probably find the season tough but rewarding.  At the end of the tournament, Jupiter sextiles his Mercury, so he will feel easier in his mind, Chiron will be trine his Uranus, so he will also feel easier in his body.  But these do not look like winning transits, so maybe the pair will go out half way through the tournament.

I will be back with another Strictly blog in a few weeks’ time!

Aspects

I have to confess there is not a friendly aspect in sight this week, and I don’t think you’ll find an Astrologer who will tell you otherwise!  Mars opposes Neptune this evening, so a sense of tiredness may overcome you after the weekend revelries.  You might not know what to do with yourself, and your fate may be that of a couch potato.  If you are confused about the way ahead, your best option is literally to rest and reflect.  Also, conserve your energies for the challenges of the week, as there may be some twists and turns to your best laid plans.  The planets are just plain awkward.  They may be trying to bamboozle you into making changes.  Be adaptable.

Tomorrow, Mercury squares Saturn, and the start of the working week may be beset with obstacles, such as the wrong trains on the wrong lines.  You may find communications obscure and difficult to deal with, or minor errors in written work which need correcting.  You may experience delays and frustrations, which if you have meditated beforehand may be less irksome.  I would advise regular meditations throughout the week, at least at the start of each morning.

Wednesday (27th) finds Chiron opposing Mercury, and that is related to health challenges and check ups.  This may bring up some ingenuity in problem-solving, too.  Again, don’t expect a smooth ride, and keep your eyes and ears open for information which may be helpful or even crucial to your understanding of today’s vibe.

The most important aspect this week, Jupiter opposite Uranus, occurs in the early hours of Thursday (28th).  This occurred last Boxing Day, and again in March.  It brings out the element of the unexpected (even more than the rest of the week!) and for some the prankster could also emerge.  Something one person finds funny may not necessarily amuse another.  Try to harness the power of the unexpected by thinking of various outcomes in advance and deciding how you would deal with them all.  This is not a superficial aspect, so treat it with respect (d’you hear that, Kim and Donald?).

The evening brings what should be the highlight of the week: Pluto Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  But the benefits of this turnaround, psychological clarification, may take a while to find expression, while Pluto makes that turn.  However, if you are sensitive to planetary turnarounds, or if you are a Pluto-ruled Scorpio, you may register it early.

Saturday (30th) in the early hours, or late on Friday, brings social confusion with Venus opposite Neptune.  Not a good time to get sozzled and oblivious.  You may mistake social cues, and misunderstandings may occur.  Both parties could be over-sensitive. You may sense a slight paranoia, or be treading on eggshells. Strictly Come Dancers could be very nervous about their forthcoming performances.  But if you, and they, have a well-developed Neptune, inspiration could shine through.

Continuing in the early hours of Saturday, Mercury enters Libra, and the mental outlook, which has been very exacting under Virgo, establishing Autumn schedules, starts to relax and become more open to artistic and musical creativity.  Mercury stays in this sign until 17th October, so you can take advantage of this influence if you are working in the Arts or have a creative project in mind.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Ennui
• Tomorrow – Frustration
• Wednesday – Health challenges
• Thursday – the Element of the Unexpected; some Psychological progress
• Saturday – Confusing Social Signals; Green Light for the Arts

Aung San Suu Kyi Revisited

I have written about Aung San Suu Kyi before, particularly at the time of her release from house arrest and visit to the U.K.  Her current standing is very different:  there is a worldwide clamour for her to denounce the actions of the military in her native Myanmar (formerly Burma), and thousands of Muslim refugees (Rohingyas) are fleeing to Bangladesh, with horrific tales which many say amount to ethnic cleansing or genocide.  This week she cancelled a trip to the U.N. General Assembly in New York for 20th September, a Myanmar government spokesman saying she had more pressing matters to attend to.

Birth Chart

Aung San Suu Kyi was born on 19th June 1945, and it is rumoured that she was born at Noon.  Her Sun is in Gemini conjunct Mercury in Cancer, and this conjunction is square to Chiron in Virgo and Neptune in Libra, which is a stressful and complex double square.  The square between the Sun and Chiron is exact, giving rise to a great deal of crisis in her life.  Venus is exactly sextile Saturn in her chart, signifying loyalty (to her country notably) and Saturn is conjunct the North Node in Cancer, the sign of patriotism (suffering for her country).  Venus is square Pluto, showing the pain of separation from her loved ones.  Mars square Pluto indicates the aura of implied violence she has lived under.

If she was born at Noon, the Sun, symbol of power, is at the top of her chart.  Jupiter and Chiron would be close to a Virgo Ascendant (Jupiter representing the role of philosophy in her life, and Chiron emphasizing crisis).  Neptune would also be rising (representing house arrest).  The Saturn/North Node conjunction would be in her 10th House of world status (representing a possible fall from grace at some point).

Biography

Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Yangon (then known as Rangoon), and educated at the Methodist English High School in what was then Burma.  Both her parents were involved with the politics of her native country.   She obtained a degree in philosophy, politics and economics at St. Hugh’s College Oxford in 1967.  On 1st January 1972 she married Tibetan scholar Michael Aris.  Their first son Alexander was born on 12th April 1973.  Another son, Kim, followed in 1977.  While living in Oxford in 1988 she was summoned to Burma (now Myanmar) due to the illness of her mother, who died on 28th December 1988.

This was to prove a life changing moment for Aung San Suu Kyi, and a point of decision in her life.  Uranus was opposite her ruling planet Mercury at the time, causing a disruption to her life.  Neptune was on her South Node, a possible karmic obligation throwing her life into confusion.  That transit does describe an act of self-sacrifice, which was the consequence of her decision to honour the political lineage of her family and her patriotism.

Her relationship chart with Burma/Myanmar has a very warm personal aspect, in that the love of her country is shown by her Venus exactly trine its Sun/Mercury.  But it is also problematic, with her Saturn opposite its Sun/Mercury.  Its Neptune square her Saturn describes her house arrest, effectively an incarceration.  Her Moon is trine with its Moon, describing an emotional empathy with its people.

She made the decision to stay in Burma/Myanmar and formed a political party, but was placed under house arrest for 15 years.  During this time, she meditated (practising her Theravada Buddhist principles) and made powerful speeches on human rights, for which she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.  David Mathieson, a researcher for Human Rights Watch said of the speeches she made in that period: “She was electric.  She was funny.  She was informative.  She was principled.”

There is no doubt that Buddhism was at the forefront of her philosophy and strength, especially in this period.  She was once asked by Alan Clements, an American Buddhist, what her greatest struggle was, and she replied:  “It’s always a matter of developing more and more awareness, not only day to day but moment to moment.  It’s a battle which will go on the whole of my life.”  Her greatest aim was “purity of mind”.

On the subject of non-violence (she was often compared to Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela) she stated very pragmatically that “I do not hold to non-violence for moral reasons, but for political and practical reasons.”

Husband’s Illness

She was repeatedly told by the ruling party that she was free leave to be with her family, but on the understanding that she would not be allowed to return, and she made a conscious decision to stay under house arrest.  Meanwhile, in 1997 her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  The last time she saw him was in 1995. He died in 1999, and her children carried on alone after this loss.

Release

She was released in October 2010, accompanied by mixed aspects, perhaps a foretaste of the difficulties to come.  Uranus, planet of freedom, was exactly square her natal Sun (freedom at a price, perhaps?).  Chiron was exactly trine her Sun (a healing for her; support from an asteroid which was at odds from her birth). The North Node (karma) was exactly trine her natal Mars (a reward for her Inner Warrior); and  Saturn square her natal Saturn (a new order of struggle begins).

In 2012 she was able to leave Myanmar legitimately, and undertook a tour around the world, meeting various politicians and statesmen.  She met David Cameron in the U.K., and John Bercow introduced her as “the conscience of a country and the heroine of humanity”.

After the 2015 elections, she was made State Counsellor, effectively the head of state.  In the same year, her party began to prevent Muslims standing for parliament.

Fall from Grace

The worsening situation for the Rohingya tribe in March this year, and her unwillingness to speak up about their suffering or to give interviews, saw her “crown slip” as the Guardian put it.  Saturn was opposite her natal Sun, and square her natal Chiron, triggering her very difficult natal square.  By May, Chiron was opposing her natal Chiron and squaring her natal Sun.  Now Chiron is retrograde but next March it will again be in that position of acute crisis.

Of her recent reticence on the matter of the plight of the Rohingya, even Archbishop Desmond Tutu has spoken:

“It is incongruous for a symbol of righteousness to lead such a country

“I am now elderly, decrepit and formally retired, but breaking my vow to remain silent on public affairs out of profound sadness,”

“For years I had a photograph of you on my desk to remind me of the injustice and sacrifice you endured out of your love and commitment for Myanmar’s people. You symbolised righteousness.

“Your emergence into public life allayed our concerns about violence being perpetrated against members of the Rohingya. But what some have called ‘ethnic cleansing’ and others ‘a slow genocide’ has persisted – and recently accelerated.

“It is incongruous for a symbol of righteousness to lead such a country,” said the anti-apartheid activist. “If the political price of your ascension to the highest office in Myanmar is your silence, the price is surely too steep.”

What is her Mindset?

She has the world (well, at least the U.N.)  trying to fathom what she is thinking right now.  For someone who used peaceful Buddhist arguments formerly to plead for freedom for prisoners on the grounds of love and compassion, it is perplexing.  She always had the interests of her country at heart, gave up much for it, but the problem of the Rohingya Muslims was known to her before she took power.  She will have known it could become a problem, and must have formulated in her own mind an intellectual framework of how she would deal with it.

Poppy McPherson, writing in the Guardian in March said: “Some defend her, saying it takes time to right the wrongs of decades; others see a misunderstanding of the woman herself. ‘Many who led the campaign [to free her] …were on the liberal side,’ one diplomat put it. ‘I think she’s closer to a Margaret Thatcher.’ ”

Is her reticence purely fear of the army?  In the same article, McPherson writes: “A peace process analyst said she had one strategy: ‘to have good relationships with the [army]’ “.  The article goes on to say: “Few people who know her believe Aung San Suu Kyi is prejudiced, though they do say she is afraid of being painted as cosy with Muslims by powerful, radical Buddhist influencers.”  Her own life may indeed be more in danger than ever.

In last week’s Observer, in an article entitled “Damned by her Silence”, Emma Graham-Harrison touches on what is probably the heart of the matter: “ ‘It is not power that corrupts but fear,’ she wrote in Freedom From Fear, perhaps her most famous work. ‘Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it.’ ” Right now, she seems paralysed.

It is one thing to be a theorist and a freedom fighter.  Some do not live to put their theory into practice, and are assassinated.  It takes a different set of skills to actually wield the power wisely, once it has been attained.  Has she run out of steam, become tired, or is she suffering from post traumatic stress?  She has made statements along the lines of the Rohingya did not properly belong to the nation, and that stories of their villages being burned by the military are fake news, but does she really believe that?

She passed a major test in her life, that of her very long seclusion in house arrest, but now her life is handing her a more excruciating test.  Planetarywise, that test is coming through Chiron (“the wounded healer”).  Astrologically, that test is yet due to intensify.

Astro Twin

Here is a curious thing.  Aung San Suu Kyi has an Astro Twin, Radovan Karadzic, born the same day, in Yugoslavia.  She is now being accused of ethnic cleansing and genocide, and he was convicted in 2016 of genocide and war crimes.  No one is suggesting the same level of involvement and depravity in Aung San Suu Kyi, but it is nevertheless quite a coincidence, as it is rare for anyone to be accused of this.  In a further coincidence, he was born at 11.51 a.m., and if she was born at Noon they would both have Virgo rising in their charts.

Going back to what I wrote in 2012, describing her character:

“What is it in her chart which points to the strength of character she has come to be known for?  Her North Node (karmic mission) is conjunct Saturn in Cancer, giving her resilience, forbearance and patience and a deep commitment and sense of responsibility towards her native land.  This conjunction is sextile Venus which adds love and grace to the way she has conducted herself in a personal history which mirrors to some extent Nelson Mandela’s.”

Will the real Aung San Suu Kyi stand up?

Aspects

Tomorrow the working week begins with an aspect of sociability and innovation, or any combination of the two, with Venus trine Uranus.  People may surprise you, and reveal the real person behind the public persona.  Artistic and musical creativity will show originality. In the office,  it is a good time for Human Resources to implement changes in office routine, to satisfy the workers, such as free gluten-free sandwiches all round at lunchtime.

Tuesday (19th) may pose a problem, with possible minor health irritations, as Chiron opposes the Sun. It is good to cultivate a good relationship with your Inner Healer, and thus find more intuitive answers to any problems.  Look more deeply into the source of the symptom or problem.

With Venus entering Virgo on Wednesday (20th) the last of the minor planets leaves Leo, and the holiday season is officially over; the working season is officially under way.  Put some love into your work now, and it will reward you.  Cultivate working relationships.  Find artistic angles to enhance your work.  What working practices are beginning to look stale, and need an injection of warmth and feeling?

Another aspect that day, Mercury opposite Neptune, may be preventing you from seeing as clearly as you would like, and from working as efficiently as you would like.  There may be mental illusions getting in the way of productivity.  In business for instance, someone may be putting a gloss on their wares, and you may need to sense the true picture.  Messages may get garbled, so be ready to decode them.  Travel may also be complicated.

You can also start afresh, with a New Moon at 27 degrees Virgo, on the same day.  This is about getting practical matters right, to a high standard, and pertains very much to the working environment, and service.  It is about ensuring that your best practices are aligned with your highest ideals.  So it is a good time to start a new regime according to lines that have suggested themselves to you lately.  It could also be a good day for the working Unions and their purposes.

Mercury trines Pluto on Friday (22nd) which is helpful mentally, psychologically and in our working lives.  There may be solutions to some technical problems which have been in the air.  Discussion should be satisfying, and may bear long term fruit.  State your truth.

In the evening, the Sun enters Libra, and it is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness already: The Autumn Equinox.  There is still time to reap the rewards of Jupiter in Libra, before it goes into Scorpio, so brush up your negotiation skills, and help bring peace or artistic works into the world.  Bring the best out in your relationships – maybe you need to love yourself more (or not?).  Review the meaning of love in your life, and you may reach a new conclusion.  Libra is the sign of design, and maybe you need to re-design an area of your life or living space.  Libra is also the sign of balance, and the sense of well being that flows from that.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sociable and innovative
• Tuesday – health niggles
• Wednesday – love your work; confused minds; start afresh
• Friday – deep thought and communication; peace and balance

Strictly Come Dancing 2017

We so very recently said goodbye to the iconic Bruce Forsyth (for his obituary read Aspects for the week beginning 20 August 2017), the host for many years of Strictly Come Dancing.  The programme returned to our screens last night, with a special tribute to him.  I found the programme an enjoyable start to the new season, and thought the group dance looked very promising.  As in previous years, I will look at 4 contestants at a time, starting this week and following up in a few weeks’ time, and hope to get through them all by Christmas!  But first, a look at the new Head Judge…

Shirley Ballas

Shirley Ballas (I keep wanting to type Bassey) is the new Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, replacing the very popular Len Goodman, who seems to have sidestepped onto a quiz show. She has the Sun in Virgo, a perfectionistic and  a good sign for a critic, with an exacting Mercury/Venus square to Saturn.  This Sun is entangled in a T-square with Mars and Jupiter, so she is more fiery than the average Virgo, and has plenty of enthusiasm.  Her Moon is in Leo, the showbiz performance sign.  She has Saturn trine her North Node (fitting for a Head Judge) and Jupiter trine Uranus (The Entrepreneur Archetype).  She promises to be fun, firm, feisty and fair in that role.  Her chart ingredients for this are:

Fun (Jupiter in Sagittarius), firm (Saturn in Capricorn), feisty (Mars opposite Jupiter) and fair (Mercury and Venus in Libra)

When she was young, she actually trained with Len Goodman, so knows him well.  Her reputation is high in the world of Latin dancing, which fits well with her chart: Mars opposite Jupiter could be the signature for a Latin dancer.  Len was always strict on ballroom, so she may have a different emphasis.  Her new appointment was announced on 9th May 2017, when Uranus was exactly trine her Jupiter, activating her entrepreneurial natal Jupiter-Uranus trine.  Then yesterday on her debut on Strictly Come Dancing, Jupiter was exactly sextile her natal Uranus, again activating her trine of Opportunity, very much a theme of this year for her.  She also has a scintillating sextile of Uranus to her natal Mars at the moment, bringing on the glitter and sparkles to her life in a big way.

Debbie McGee

“The lovely Debbie McGee” as her late husband Paul Daniels used to introduce her in their double magic act, is a Scorpio, born on Halloween, and she is aiming to at least make the Halloween show this year.  She does have a stunning birth chart for magic and dancing (which are ruled by the same planet, Neptune), as she has an amazing quadruple conjunction (a satellitium) in Scorpio, composed of Venus-Neptune exact (itself an indicator of dancing prowess) plus the Sun and Jupiter.  Although Scorpio is a deep thinking sign, the Sun and Jupiter add a great deal of lightness or bubbliness to her make up.  Neptune’s prominence may bestow great gracefulness.  She also has Mercury in Scorpio, giving her a very Scorpionic chart, and her Sun/Venus/Neptune are all sextile Scorpio’s ruling planet Pluto. But there is another spot of lightness in her chart, in that her Moon is in Gemini.  She is very emotional, with half (5) of her planets in Water signs.  She is also very strong willed, with 7 of her 10 planets in the Fixed Signs.  She may be slightly accident or incident prone, with Mars opposite her Mercury and Mars square her Pluto.

On her debut yesterday (9/9/17) the Nodal Axis was square her Mercury,  and her North Node was trine her Saturn, so she will find it testing but meant to be (it may change her life).  At the end of this season of Strictly Mars will be on her Venus/Neptune, and Neptune will be trine her Jupiter.  She should do well.

Last night, she was paired with Giovanni Pernice, and joked that she would teach him some humour, while he would teach the dancing.  Interestingly, this may be mirrored in her Jupiter (humour) square his Neptune (dance) in their synastry.  She also has Uranus sextile his Venus, so could surprise him a great deal (and I think she alluded to that too).  Her Neptune sextiles his Jupiter, which helps their attunement (the Jupiter-Neptune square could be more dissonant).  Her Pluto squaring his Uranus could even shock him.  On the debut last night, Giovanni had Neptune opposite his Sun (he may be confused), Uranus trine his Venus, reinforcing the surprise nature of the new match, Mars square his Mars (he may find control difficult), but Neptune sweetly sextile his Neptune (the foundation of his confidence is firmly in dance).  When Strictly ends, Pluto will be trine his Mercury (good mental functioning) but conjunct his Saturn (a little dispiriting), but underneath it all he will still have the serenity of Neptune sextile his Neptune.

Richard Coles

The media have been whinging that this year’s batch are dull.  Well you can’t accuse the Reverend Richard Coles of being dull!  Richard has the energy from his Aries Sun Sign, plus the dance potential of Pisces (where he has Jupiter/Chiron and Mars/Mercury: “I have extensive dance experience from Ibiza in 1989”, he is quoted as saying!  He first came to prominence in the 1980s in the band known as the “Communards”, then became a Church of England priest.  What a combination!  He is a regular on our screens in various capacities, such as talk shows, and has a marked sense of humour and wit.  His Mercury is conjunct Mars, so he could be quite sprightly, as well as a master of the one liner in response to criticism from Craig Revel Horwood.  Mars trine closely his Neptune is very useful in co-ordinating dance moves, marrying the physical with the spiritual inspiration.

At yesterday’s debut, Pluto was sextile his Mercury, so he will derive plenty of mental stimulation and deep insights through the process.  Neptune, the astrological god of dance, is trine his natal Neptune, so he will be in the groove.  At Christmas, Neptune will be on his Mars, a little overwelming, but Saturn sextile his Jupiter, helping to steady him.  I don’t see him winning, but he’ll be deeply moved by the experience.

Richard was paired with Dianne Buswell last night.  We do not have a birth date for her, but her age is 28 which is around the time of the first Saturn Return, which she probably has in Sagittarius.  She may find her initiation into the responsibilities of Strictly quite testing, but I am sure will laugh a lot as Richard’s partner.

Ruth Langsford

Ruth Langsford, co-presenter of this morning with her husband Eamonn Holmes, and one of the anchors of Loose Women, comes from the dance sign of Pisces, and parents who were good dancers: “My dad is no longer with us, but I’m sure he will be looking down.  He might have even passed on some of his dancing moves.”  That seems promising.  She is another contestant with a strong Water element like Richard Coles.  So she has Venus Mercury and the Sun spread out in Pisces, and water planets Moon and Neptune in water sign Scorpio in harmonious relationship with her Pisces planets.  She has the Sun conjunct her South Node in Pisces, so may have known power in past lives, but in this life is prepared to use her power in a more subtle way.  Jupiter trine Pluto also hints at power, but is constructive in its use.  Like Richard Coles, she has Mercury trine Neptune, which gives the ability to receive inspiration through the mind.  She’s very sociable, with Venus exactly conjunct Jupiter, and will get along well with her fellow celebs in the class of 2017.

On her dance floor debut, Chiron is on her Sun (very much a healing crisis and learning), Mars trine her natal Jupiter (plenty of energy and enthusiasm), but Pluto is on her Saturn (she is finding some element of the experience very challenging).  This is a real learning curve for Ruth.  Perhaps she is feeling overstretched.  Jupiter trines her Mercury at the end of the tournament, which spells happiness or relief; the South Node sits on her Mars (the adrenaline will be pumping) and also on her Uranus (she may have surprised herself, or sustained a minor injury).  But Mars will also sextile her Pluto, so she will be energized by that.  Not particularly winning transits, but she will be wholeheartedly throwing herself into the project and enjoying the experience.

Ruth was paired with Anton du Beke last night, who she said was her hoped for choice (they all say that!).  Anton of course is a popular veteran of the programme, and he was tipped as possible Head Judge, but has never won the tournament.  In his personal life, he recently had twins!  Pluto was exactly sextile his Neptune at the time, deepening his experience of life.  Anton and Ruth have their Suns exactly trine in Water (hers in Pisces and his in Cancer) so it is a divine match in some ways, but not necessarily on the dance floor.  Her Chiron trines and brings healing to his Venus, but her Saturn opposes, inhibits and blocks his Jupiter (humour and philosophy) – perhaps he will think too much about what she thinks before he speaks.  He’ll be quite mindful around her.  But it will be a firm friendship, with her Saturn also trine his Uranus and Pluto, giving him strength and helping to shape his character further.  On the debut last night, Chiron was trine Anton’s Sun, reinforcing the healing message of this pairing, Uranus sextile his Venus (so he is almost as taken by surprise as Giovanni Pernice by the new pairing and its effect on his life).  Chiron squares his Venus, so this relationship is going to change him (she’s a strong woman, Ruth!).  Pluto opposes his Jupiter (more change), Pluto trines his Uranus (yet more change), and finally Pluto trines his Pluto (earth shattering change but empoweringly so).  By the end of the year expect to see a new Anton du Beke!  So what are his prospects at the end of the tournament?  Saturn squares his Saturn, a very disappointing result.  Taken together with Ruth’s final transits, it does not look as though they will go the whole way.

Simon Rimmer

Simon Rimmer, chef and co-host of Sunday Brunch, is born under the suitably foodie sign of Taurus.  Natally, he has an exact opposition between his Sun and Neptune, so he may be intrigued by the dancing world and glamour.  This opposition makes a T-square with Mars, and Mars itself opposes Saturn, so he may sometimes make some awkward gestures, which the picky new Head Judge may correct him on.  But Venus conjunct Jupiter means he is a sociable chap, and should be popular with his fellow contestants.  Sun trine Pluto in his chart gives him great strength and endurance, so he’ll have the stamina for the dance floor.  Sun sextile exactly Chiron gives him healing abilities he may or may not be aware of.  This is reinforced by Neptune exactly trine his Chiron, a gift for spiritual healing. He has Mercury square exactly Uranus, so he is not afraid to be controversial, and may revel in some outlandish costumes.

At the debut of the series, Jupiter squares his Nodal Axis, so he will throw himself into the project enthusiastically, and may forge lifelong friends during the process.  At the end of the series Jupiter will exactly oppose his Sun and conjunct his natal Neptune.  There may be some mystery in his life around that time.  Jupiter will also be trine his Chiron, and healing will also be important in his life.  Uranus will be squaring his Nodal Axis, and he’ll feel that it has been a life changing experience, plus it may also bring out the Inner Rebel, so he may have a vision of a new project.  This experience is going to make him dizzy!

Simon was partnered with Karen Clifton.  I wrote about Karen in 2015: ” She has a dreamy Moon/Venus conjunction in Pisces, gliding with a trine to her North Node, so she will always do well in ballroom dancing!  With three planets in Libra, she also connects well in partnership, and is married to another professional, Kevin Clifton.”  Her Mercury trines his Pluto, so there may be some thoughtful and deep mental interaction between them.  His Neptune trines her Venus, so they are well matched from the point of view of dance empathy and attunement.  His Chiron conjuncts her Venus, so there is a strong emotional tie, too.  For last night’s denouement Chiron was square her Neptune, so that may have thrown her into confusion at some level.  At the end of the tournament, Saturn is trine her Sun, so she will feel she has achieved something (she was unlucky last year as her partner Will Young pulled out soon after the start of the contest).  Jupiter will be trine her Venus, so she will end on a high in some respects, but then Pluto will be square her Saturn so there will also be something deflating her mood at the same time.  Uranus will also be opposing he Pluto, so there will be a great deal of change in the air for her.  It is possible that the pair may get to the final and be pipped to the post by the winners.  At any rate, she is likely to be experiencing extremes of emotion at that time.

Next instalment in two or three weeks’ time!

Aspects

Early this morning, while you were hopefully sleeping, Mercury entered Virgo for the second time this year, as it is re-establishing its path after the three weeks of retrograde motion.  Mentally, we are preparing to knuckle down again to our working lives and schedules, from enjoying summer activities.  We have to earn a crust, and our work and service needs to be taken seriously in the scheme of our lives.  Today you may find yourself attending to some out of hours work, possibly unpaid!  If your work is your chosen work, that is all to the good.  If you feel resentment, it may be time to consider a change in your jobbing habits.

Tuesday (11th) brings a jolly sextile between Jupiter and the North Node.  If you feel it’s time your ship came in karmically, you could indeed reap some rewards.  Unless you have really stretched  the rules of the Universe, you should experience the positive end of karma.  There may even be some good news on the international scene (for a change).

Wednesday (12th) is about holding steady, for Venus trines Saturn.  In relationships especially, there will be displays of loyalty and commitment.  Friendships will be supportive.  Chats over coffee may be sober, but peaceful.

Thursday (14th) may be a more difficult day, with the Sun square Saturn.  Recent news may have been too sobering, and positive thinking may appear as a hill to climb.  When you have connected with the real reasons for your feelings, the hard slog will become a slow jog, and you’ll get there in the end.  “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it” said Moliere.

Fortunately, there is a more subtle influence that day which may assist you, and that is Venus conjunct the North Node.  The action of this conjunction may be summed up as “Perfect love casteth out fear” (Bible: 1 John 4:18), and you may come to re-experience the truth of this.  For example, you may feel a situation is lost, then someone may remind you of the power of love.  With this conjunction occurring in Leo, then it may even be time for some entertainment or distraction.

A glorious sextile between Venus and Jupiter warms us on Friday (15th), a day of social interaction, humour and fun, generally gathering rosebuds.  The Universe has ways to make you enjoy life today!  A good day for stag dos and hen nights!

Saturday (16th) is not quite so straightforward, but it will be fast-moving with Mercury conjunct Mars.  As you recall, this aspect last occurred on Sunday 3rd September while Mercury was still retrograde.  With this aspect, you can be riding along your path zippily and suddenly be prey to minor cuts and bruises, which then provide distractions or delays.  With this aspect too, words will fly rapidly back and forth, occasionally wounding through bluntness or the harsh angle of truth.  However, the results from this aspect may be as superficial or short lived as the nature of their wounding.  Hopefully the irritation may be minor.  If you are skilful, however, you can accomplish a great deal: it is a question of being mindful at the same time as being brisk.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – conscientious
• Tuesday – upbeat
• Wednesday – holding steady
• Thursday – fear and love
• Friday – glorious
• Saturday – brisk and risk