Rene Descartes

“His psychology is obscure, but I incline to think that he was a sincere Catholic, and wished to persuade the Church – in its own interests as well as in his – to be less hostile to modern science than it showed itself in the case of Galileo.”

~ Bertrand Russell, from “A History of Western Philosophy”

This is the first of a new  series of occasional philosophy blogs.  The subject may seem a bit random, but regular readers will know I am studying for a certificate in the subject this year.  Rene Descartes is known as the father of modern philosophy, very much the originator of the rationalist tradition.  He was born on 31st March 1596, a true Aries in every sense of the word, an individual and an initiator.

Birth Chart

Rene Descartes had 6 of his 10 planets in the Fire signs, which is unusual, and 0 planets in Water (so he was able to cut out the emotion enough to concentrate on the rationality, though he was not without emotion).  Half his planets (5) were in the Cardinal signs, marking him out as a leader in his field.  He had a Satellitium (cluster of planets) in Aries, the sign of “I AM”.  With his ruling planet Mars in the sign of Gemini, The Thinker, we get his famous philosophical calling card “I Think Therefore I Am” (Cogito Ergo Sum).

His Sun was conjunct the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction of The Entrepreneur, making him both an Innovator and an Optimist.  The North Node in his chart was also exactly conjunct his natal Uranus in Aries, so his karmic mission was to bring in a new way of being for his times.  He was caught between the old scholastic and religious traditions of thinking, and the desire to cast that off.  He was also aware that Galileo had been censured by the Pope for daring to think about the universe in ways which contravened Christian thought, and so took himself to countries such as the Netherlands where he would be safer to try out his new theories (he was born in France).  The satellitium also included Pluto, giving his thought some depth, and the North Node in Aries gave him a compulsion to be himself. He was a prolific writer, as befits his Mercury conjunction with Venus.  There are some who feel that he was not religious, and only pretended to be in order that his philosophical work might be more accepted.  I feel that he seems sincere in his statements about God’s existence, and certainly his Jupiter trine with Neptune would support that.

His Life

Descartes started out life intending to become a professional military officer, as befits a true Aries warrior, and joined the Protestant Dutch States Army in 1618 as a mercenary.  While travelling, in the same year, a chance meeting on 10th November in Breda changed his life.  He met a young doctor and teacher named Isaac Beeckman, eight years older than himself.  Both were interested in linking mathematics and Physics, and they corresponded and shared research and insights.  The transits for this date for Descartes included Jupiter square his natal Chiron in Scorpio: an awkward or challenging healing.  For Beeckman too it was fated, for Saturn was squaring his Nodal Axis and sextile his natal Chiron.  Their synastry was karmic: with Beeckman’s Pluto on Descarte’s Sun, Beeckman’s North Node trine Descartes’ Venus, and Descartes’ Pluto trine Beeckman’s Sun.

Exactly one year later, on 10th November 1619, Descartes had a strange experience in a small town, Newburgh-on-Danube.  He found himself in a stove-heated room, a blizzard outside, and experienced a sequence of meaningful and vivid dreams, which became the basis of much of his life’s message.  His transits for these visions included Saturn on his natal Mars in Gemini (pinning him down for “I think therefore I am”), Uranus trine his Chiron – spectacular and sudden and unusual healing, and Neptune opposite his natal Sun – Dreams and mystical Visions.

He spent over twenty years living and writing in the Netherlands, his most fundamental work being his “Meditations” (1641).  Galileo had been censured by the Italian Inquisition in 1633, which made Descartes extra cautious about protecting his work.  All this time, however, he was in touch with various academics who were interested in his theories.

Heart and Mind

In his reflections, Descartes concentrated on a very narrow landscape or definition of the mind.  Two centuries later, Sigmund Freud would develop the study of psychology, which offered a much more expansive and in-depth picture of the mind.  Descartes managed to incorporate the existence of God into his mind view, but an area which Descartes did not consider as being the seat of residence for the concept of God was the heart.  Philosopher Gary Hatfield explains that In an effort to remove himself as far as he could from scholasticism, Descartes followed Galen (who was born in 130 A.D. in Turkey).  Galen switched the focus of mental function from the heart to the brain.  In recent years, however, scientists have come up with a theory that the heart has a mind.

Philosopher Nigel Warburton says that few philosophers would approve Descartes’ split between mind and body (dualism), as it fails to take into account or explain the interaction between an immaterial mind and a physical body.  Although Descartes’ philosophy was controversial for his time and he had many critics, his thoughts were a catalyst for modern philosophy and the accompany Age of Enlightenment which was to come (1715 – 1789).

Pineal Gland

Hatfield also mentions Descartes’ concept of the pineal gland in the brain being a link with the soul.  In 1640, around the time he was writing the Meditations, Descartes mentioned this concept in letters, so he was aware of it while writing this work, which was published in 1641.  In fact, it is an old concept, especially in esoteric writing, and this gland is currently known to release melatonin, a derivative of the hormone serotonin, therefore associated with mood-enhancing.  The gland is pine-cone shaped, resembling an eye, and its spiritual role goes back to ancient Egypt and India (and was mentioned by Galen).  Descartes did not consider that it was the reason for the idea of God being lodged in his mind, but his dalliance with the soul’s link to the pineal gland was roundly rejected by subsequent philosophers.  It was only in 1958 that its true function was discovered scientifically.

Health

Descartes suffered from fragile health all his life.  He was brought up by his grandparents, as his mother died soon after his birth.  His natal square between Saturn and Chiron may hold the key to this pattern of ill-health, but we do not have his birth time, so cannot fully determine how that square sat in his chart.  One of the ways in which he managed his health was that he never rose from his bed until after 12 noon.

In 1649, he was invited by the academic Queen Christina of Sweden to tutor her, and he travelled to Sweden in the middle of winter in order to do so.  This proved a less than successful arrangement.  She insisted that he provide lessons at 5 a.m. in a very droughty castle, and the early mornings and the cold proved fateful to him.  He contracted pneumonia and died on 11th February 1650, at the age of 53.

Bibliography:

1. Descartes. Meditations on First Philosophy. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge; 2017.
2. The Cambridge Companion to Descartes. Ed. John Cottingham. 10th printing, Cambridge; 2005.

Chapter 11: Descartes’ Physiology and its Relation to his Psychology, by Gary Hatfield

3. Gary Hatfield. Descartes and the Meditations. Routledge. 2003; Reprinted 2010.
4. Nigel Warburton. Philosophy: The Classics. Routledge. 1998; 4th ed, 2014.
5. Bertrand Russell.  A History of Western Philosophy. 1945; Routledge 2004.
6. Dave Robinson and Chris Garrett. Descartes a Graphic Guide 2013.
7. Tom Sorell. Descartes – A Very Short Introduction 2000.

Aspects

Tomorrow morning (Monday 27th) kicks off with a slightly challenging square between Venus and Mars.  This is the battle of the sexes, but of course it can be an adjustment or agreement which needs to be made within your own inner male and female.  You may be undecided between two courses of action, for instance: e.g. to bake a cake, or go to the gym (though of course that is too gender specific – we are all gender fluid now).  The aspect takes place in the middle of the night, so it may bring forth a dream which helps you understand what the issue is for you.  My new granddaughter is four weeks old now, and her parents are using gender neutral colours for her clothes and furnishings, so I am pondering this issue!  The colour purple, being a blend of red and blue, may be helpful to use for resolving and uniting the issues of the day.  Use lilac if  you find purple too confrontational.

At the other end of the day, we have a leaning towards the feminine side of the argument, with a conjunction of Venus and Neptune at 16 degrees Pisces.  Normally, this could be a serene, highly spiritual and artistically inspired conjunction, full of unconditional love.  However, the square to Mars is still skulking, and demanding equality and parity.  No matter that we still live in a male dominated society, they still demand to be heard!  The Harvey Weinstein trial is still going on, and that is very much an issue of Venus (women) and Neptune (blurred lines) square Mars (men).  So however strongly this conjunction can express the best of the divine feminine, the divine masculine needs to be considered.  At least, by the end of the day, you may get some clarity on the feminine issues, ready for the next phase of this series of aspects.

Tuesday (28th) completes the series, with Neptune square Mars, and focusses on the male side of the dilemma.  Mars likes to act unimpeded, but Neptune forces it to be more sensitive, and possibly also more spiritualized.  There may be some confusion, as the transition to understanding takes place.  Energies may be frittered, and water currents could be flowing in unhelpful directions, e.g. leaks.  On the last such square, a pot fell over on our pond and knocked over the pipe, and the pond drained leaving the fish without water (Neptune).  Fortunately, it was discovered in time to remedy the situation.  Generally under such an aspect, meditation can be helpful, and particularly those which combine physical movement with a stilling of the mind, such as Tai Chi.

There are no further aspects this week, but I will just mention the picture for Brexit day, Friday 31st (exit hour 11 pm).  Those celebrating will be listening out for possible bongs by Big Ben.  Those in mourning will be trying to avoid listening to the speech by Boris Johnson.  In the chart of the exit moment, of course the Saturn-Pluto conjunction is still operational (and now responsible also for the coronavirus outbreak), in the 4th House of the Home (country).  It is a fateful chart, with the Nodal Axis at 9 degrees Cancer/Capricorn square the Ascendant/Descendant at 7 degrees Libra/Aries: a precarious balance.  Whatever your feelings, I wish you well.

If you want to work in advance on the aspect of Sunday (2nd February), here’s a short preview:

Venus sextiles Pluto,  bringing profound connections between people.  Both planets rule money, so it is a good day to align yourself with the highest meaning in relation to money and abundance.  These planets do not represent poring over accounts in detail (that would be Mercury and Saturn), but rather attending to the energy of money, and values, and what they represent in  your life.  Just for fun if you are at a loose end, you could try and sense  how early you feel the pull of that.  More next week…

The week in bullet points:

• Monday – battle of the sexes, divine feminine
• Tuesday – divine masculine
• Friday – keep calm and carry on

Labour Leadership Contest

The contenders for the Labour leadership have been announced, and will be further shortlisted on 14th February, before a leader is finally chosen on 4th April.  This will not be an easy job, to take the party to unity, successful opposition and hopes for a win in the future which now looks like stretching out for at least five years.  I take a brief look at the five (four of whom are women!), and their prospects.

Keir Starmer

I wrote in 2017:

“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 …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…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.”

Transits for 14 February

After a good start in the race, Keir has been overtaken by Momentum’s choice, Rebecca Long-Bailey.  His transits for 14th February are: the Nodal Axis square his natal Mercury, an aspect which becomes exact on 2nd March (Mean North Node) and 26/7th  March (True North Node).  This very week (Friday/Saturday 24th5th) the Mean North Node transits his natal Mars in Cancer.  The True North Node transits his natal Mars on 22nd/23rd February.  So this whole period is a fateful time for him, and not necessarily easy.  He will be having to watch his words, and stand up for himself, for the Nodal Axis will be very exacting in terms of his words (Mercury) and actions (Mars), testing his natal Mercury-Mars square.  I believe he has the character and maturity to negotiate these hurdles, but around 14th February he also has Saturn square his natal Venus, which may be deflating on a personal level, though it may be symbolic of him taking on extra responsibilities.  He seems a likely steady tiller on the wheel, but some say he is not flamboyant enough.  The odds are at the moment that he will get through this round.

Transits for 4 April

His transits for the final count are quite daunting, and involve three squares!  Jupiter squares his natal Venus (out of his comfort zone socially), Uranus square his natal Saturn (out of his comfort zone controlwise) and Pluto square his natal Venus (deep changes in his personal circumstances).  This may mean he does not win, or it may mean that he wins and is faced with enormous hurdles.

Rebecca Long-Bailey

Like Keir, Rebecca Long-Bailey has the Sun in Virgo, and on Newsnight this week a former adviser to Jeremy Corbyn described her as having a good eye for detail.  Much has been said about her being groomed for the future leadership role by Corbyn and McDonnell, but of course she is a different personality altogether.  I must confess I am not sure what to make of her chart, as it is very sparse on aspects.  That makes her even more enigmatic than her political profile, which sees her as a mere mouthpiece for Corbynism.  It will win her votes, but may keep the Labour party out of power for longer.  She has the Moon exactly conjunct Venus in Libra, and in the future could have a writing career.  The Sun exactly sextile Mars gives her the Warrior Archetype, and she has been capable of fighting talk.  She may also have a healing role in the future, with the North Node trine Chiron.  But her birthchart does not emphasize leadership, as much as scholarship.  Like Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips, she is relying on her Northern credentials to win support, in a country in need of unity.  There is a current battle too, between some of the contenders, to prove their working class roots, and her father was a Salford docker and a trade union representative.  She has also come under fire for her strict views on abortion, which may stem from her Roman Catholic faith.

Transits for 14 February

Her transits for this round are not a lot better than Keir’s, with Mars square her natal Sun, and the Nodal Axis (like Keir) squaring her natal Mercury.  But she has Mars exactly trine her Jupiter to the day, very helpful to her in moving on her ambitions, and Neptune trine her Uranus.  She is probably guaranteed a pass to the final round, but Neptune square her natal Neptune at that point may mean she feels unsure of herself deep down (a bit thrown in the deep end).

Transits for 4 April

While Keir has three squares at the final denouement, Rebecca has two oppositions, which are easier, but not easy by any means: Chiron opposes her Mercury/Venus at that point, and Neptune opposes her Saturn.  She may feel conflicted.

Lisa Nandy

Of all the charts, Lisa Nandy’s inspires me the most.  She is a strong willed Leo, a sign known for leadership.  She was born a month before Rebecca Long-Bailey in the same year. Whenever I have watched her, say on Question Time, she has seemed eminently sensible, and just nice (and that’s her Sun conjunct Venus).  I hadn’t thought of her as leadership material, until looking at her chart. With the Sun conjunct Jupiter, she could get lucky.  She has certainly surprised many with her success in impressing MPs in the initial weeks of her campaign.  Another surprise is that she has the Sun square exactly Uranus – The Rebel Archetype.  Lisa resigned in the wake of the 2016 referendum, in protest of Jeremy Corbyn’s ineffective campaign: she felt that Labour should have united around a softer Brexit at that point.   With the Sun trine closely Neptune, she has good spiritual attunement and instincts.  With an unaspected Mercury in Leo, she is an independent thinker.  She has Jupiter square Uranus, so is someone willing to take risks; and her Jupiter is trine closely with Neptune, giving her a good relationship between religion and spirituality.  Jupiter also has a very positive sextile with Pluto, indicating a good attitude to power.  Saturn conjunct her North Node means she is willing to take responsibility, and takes her karmic mission seriously, a karmic mission linked with politics.

Transits for 14 February

Very mixed transits for this phase: on the positive side, Chiron trine her natal Mercury, Jupiter sextile her natal Uranus (usually associated with success) and Neptune trine her natal Uranus.  More difficult, Uranus square her natal Mercury, Jupiter square her natal Pluto, and Neptune square her Neptune (like Rebecca Long-Bailey).  It might be enough for her to scrape through that round…

Transits for 4 April

But with Mars opposite her natal Mercury at the final, this does not seem momentous or  helpful enough to indicate a win.

Jess Phillips

“The fear I cannot control, that eats me up with every passing day, is the fear of appeasement.  The fear that people can be controlled by those who are more powerful, more aggressive and with a bigger voice.”

~ from “Truth to Power” 2019

Jess Phillips, born in 1981, is the youngest of the five contenders.   With Sun in Libra, she has a strong drive for justice.  She has great energy allied with enthusiasm (Mars sextile Jupiter), the sign of a Motivator Archetype.  Her second book, from which the quotation is taken, is very much a motivational, self-help book.  The Moon in Aquarius gives her future vision, especially about society matters, caring about the underdog.  Mercury in Scorpio adds a forensic mind.  Venus conjunct Uranus makes for a social reformer, and her Uranus trines her North Node exactly, giving her a karmic mission as a Reformer.  Her Mars sextiles exactly Pluto, giving her a storehouse of energy which can move mountains, but her Mars is quite complex, as it squares Uranus and Chiron!  Her verbal clash with Diane Abbott on 14th September 2015 reveals that her Mars complexity was activated, as she had an exact Mars return at the time.  She is a bit of a firebrand, but she does call a spade a spade, which as she points out is very refreshing in politics, and in many ways is what people want.  She has spoken up against anti-semitism in the Labour party.

Transits for 14 February

The transits for the next phase do not look hopeful for Jess:  though Jupiter squares her Sun (which may not be too detrimental), at the same time Uranus opposes her natal Mercury (controversy) and Pluto squares her natal Pluto, which can spell disempowerment.  But her childhood dream was to be Prime Minister, and she is young yet…

Transits for 4 April

The planetary positions continue to make life difficult by the end of the game: Pluto still squares her Pluto (which may spell conflict), and Jupiter also squares her natal Pluto, which is unhelpful in seeking power.

Emily Thornberry

Emily Thornberry, the eldest candidate, styles herself as the one with experience.  With 0 planets in Air signs, she operates very much instinctively.  Like Lisa, she is a Leo and loves to lead.  But her Sun closely squares Neptune, so she can unwittingly get into hot water, or even self-deception.  With Mercury sextile the North Node, she may regard herself as a Teacher, and like Jess Phillips she has Venus conjunct Uranus (the Reformer).   She  has a beneficial Jupiter trine Uranus (the Entrepreneur Archetype), and karmic mission within politics (Saturn trine North Node).  One of her most controversial moments, and one which led her to resign from her shadow cabinet post on 20th November 2014, was when she inferred the inferiority of the “white van man”.  At the time, Saturn was opposite her natal Mars in Taurus exact to the day (a damaging action), with the added complications of Uranus square her natal Saturn and Neptune opposite her natal Pluto exact  to the day.  But even to this day, her reputation for looking down at people is letting her down.  She has served under Jeremy Corbyn in his shadow cabinet, but spoke up against his policies on Brexit and in favour of a second referendum.  She is right in saying she has more experience than the other candidates, and also has performed well when standing in for Jeremy Corbyn in PMs Questions in parliament.  However, she remains the least likely candidate to succeed.

Transits for 14 February

Her transits at this stage seem unremarkable: a trine from Saturn to her natal Mars (constructive) and Neptune on her South Node in Pisces (having to show sensitivity and humility).

Transits for 4 April

Here’s a surprise.  Having looked at four unpromising sets of final outcomes, Emily has the best of the five.  So when the winner is called, Uranus will be trine her natal Pluto in Virgo (a positive change in her life), and Neptune will be trine her natal Mercury in Cancer (also on the U.K. Moon) – she may make a higher mental shift.  My guess is that she will be out on 14th February, but may land a plum role in the newly formed Shadow Cabinet.

Being a card-carrying Labour member, I do have a vote, and Keir Starmer would be my choice, as I like the sensible option.  However, we are split in our household because hubby would like Jess Phillips, someone he feels could make a feisty counterargument to Boris Johnson at PMs Questions.  All the front runners have difficult final transits, and I am not going to predict the winner, but the way ahead looks difficult for whoever wins, at least initially.  Whoever wins will need to make a mark quickly, put their own stamp on the party, and bring unity.

Aspects

A fresh start tomorrow (Monday 20th), with the Sun entering Aquarius.  We become more aware of the needs of the collective, and more inclined to act on behalf of the underdog.  We are open to more futuristic avenues of expression.

Venus trines the North Node on the same day, and karmic links may warm the cockles of the heart.  Make love your goal.  Harmonious karma rules.

Wednesday (22nd) brings a sextile between the Sun and Chiron.  This continues the harmony and the healing, and the beneficial input from other worlds and planes.

Thursday (23rd) is more challenging, with Uranus squaring the Sun.  Be prepared for the element of the unexpected, or the Trickster Archetype.  In the outcomes of the day, you may find that the least likely option wins.

But the same day brings a sextile between Venus and Jupiter, so there may be swings and roundabouts to the day’s proceedings.  Venus sextile Jupiter is one of the best aspects of the year, combining luck and love.  Romance could be in the air.

Another new beginning arrives on Friday (24th) in the shape of the New Moon in Aquarius, the newest of the new.   Any forward looking projects you are engaged with receive the blessing of the Universe.  Science, technology, invention and future vision may also be a significant part of the way forward.  Set your intentions with confidence and hope.  If the Uranian spanner in the works is still operating from the day before, be confident that you can invent new strategies to deal with loopholes.

The last aspect of the week, on Saturday (25th), is Mercury sextile Mars, a nice straightforward aspect under which you can get things done (we are approaching the Brexit deadline…).  Accomplish some outstanding tasks, with a whizz. You may find shortcuts to your usual way of doing things.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – a fresh start; the power of love
• Wednesday – healing
• Thursday – surprise/shock; love/luck
• Friday – new beginning
• Saturday – brisk and breezy

Saturn conjunct Pluto

As you may know by now, the two great planets Saturn and Pluto make a grand conjunction today, a conjunction which heavily impact our lives, and the world in general.  For ourselves, the conjunction may highlight a challenge which we may already be aware of.  In the world, there are current challenges connected with international relations, climate change (witness the Australian bush fires), and particularly in the U.K. Brexit challenges, and a crisis for the monarchy.

It is a rare conjunction, having occurred in 1914 (the start of the First World War), 1947, and 1982.  People born with this conjunction in their natal charts may have faced huge challenges, and overcome great hurdles, but have great character, and are also immensely strong and resilient.  And strength and resilience is what to aim for as we navigate these times, whatever we may be struggling with. Transformation will always be part of the outcome, if Pluto has anything to do with it; and Saturn helps us face reality.

The effects vary according to what House the conjunction occupies in your chart, if you know your Ascendant.  Better still, if you know the degree of your Ascendant, you can fine tune its effect (bearing in mind that different House systems produce slightly different results).  The conjunction takes place at 22 degrees Capricorn, so if you have planets at 22 degrees they may be affected.

Here are some possibilities:

Saturn/Pluto in your 1st House (likely if you have a Capricorn Ascendant) –

The Challenge: Some physical discomfort, such as tiredness

The Potential Resolution: Action leading to better health and fitness; paradoxically, that may mean more surrender and rest.

Saturn/Pluto in your 2nd House (likely if you have a Sagittarian Ascendant) –

The Challenge: A large but necessary expense

The Potential Resolution: Realizing the value and worth of your financial transaction

Saturn/Pluto in your 3rd House (likely if you have a Scorpio Ascendant)

The Challenge: Fear of the consequences of speaking out

The Potential Resolution: A calm and measured written or verbal expression

Saturn/Pluto in your 4th House (likely if you have a Libran Ascendant)

The Challenge: Family disagreements

The Potential Resolution: Getting to the root of family issues

Saturn/Pluto in your 5th House (likely if you have a Virgo Ascendant)

The Challenge: A creative block

The Potential Resolution: Clearing and decluttering to make for a more creative space

Saturn/Pluto in your 6th House (likely if you have a Leo Ascendant)

The Challenge: A health issue, or problem in  your work space

The Potential Resolution: Seeking your Inner Healer, or rearranging office furniture

Saturn/Pluto in your 7th House (likely if you have a Cancerian Ascendant)

The Challenge: Difficult interpersonal issues

The Potential Resolution: Honest communication leading to more understanding

Saturn/Pluto in your 8th House (likely if you have a Gemini Ascendant)

The Challenge: Financial entanglements, or difficult spiritual initiations

The Potential Resolution: Releasing or separating financial obligations, or breaking through to a higher spiritual level

Saturn/Pluto in your 9th House (likely if you have a Taurus Ascendant)

The Challenge: Philosophy of life not working properly

The Potential Resolution: Finding the higher perspective and making changes to your philosophy

Saturn/Pluto in your 10th House (likely if you have an Aries Ascendant)

The Challenge: A desired career path blocked

The Potential Resolution: A sidestep which proves better for you

Saturn/Pluto in your 11th House (likely if you have a Pisces Ascendant)

The Challenge: Fear or intimidation in a group

The Potential Resolution: Finding your way to being able to stand as an individual within the group

Saturn/Pluto in your 12th House (likely if you have an Aquarian Ascendant)

The Challenge: An unconscious block makes itself known

The Potential Resolution: Understanding the message from your unconscious, and acting upon it to make your conscious life better

Some examples of famous people or places who have been in the news this week:

Prince Harry has certainly dropped a bombshell this week, with the Saturn-Pluto directly in his 1st House.  The two planets have been working in his 1st House over a period of time, and the tensions have resulted in the attempt to break away from the institutions and lifestyles associated with the royal family.  Moreover, his Sun at 22 degrees Virgo is trined exactly by the conjunction, and so he would see this as an act of empowerment.

The Queen has her Ascendant at 21 degrees Capricorn, trine Harry’s Sun, and the Saturn-Pluto conjunction has been around this point recently.  She has had her fair share of angst recently with the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew, so is having to deal with this conjunction in a very personal way.  She has Jupiter and Neptune in Fire signs at 22 degrees, so is also buffeted by the conjunction transiting them.

Boris Johnson has an Ascendant of 11degrees Libra, and the conjunction falls in his 4th House of Home and Family.  It may also relate to his relationship with his country.  He does not have any planets at 22 degrees of the signs. He now has to negotiate a viable trade deal with the E.U. within a year, something the experts say is difficult.

Donald Trump has an Ascendant of 29 degrees Leo (so almost all of his1st House is in Virgo).  The Saturn-Pluto conjunction occurs in his 5th House, but it quincunxes his natal Sun in Gemini (so directly influences his mood) and forms a close opposition to his Saturn in Cancer in 11th House of Friendship, so he may be disappointed in his allies.  Occurring in his 5th House, the conjunction may have an effect on his self-image.

Meghan Markle’s Ascendant is 24 degrees Cancer, and therefore the conjunction falls at the very end of her 6th House of Service: she is certainly wanting to modify the forms under which she gives service.  It is also close to an opposition with her Ascendant, so the coming year will be difficult for her, and put some strain on her relationships (Descendant). With her natal Pluto at 21 degrees Libra, there is also a continuation of a great deal of inner psychological and soul searching from last year.

Iran: The Saturn-Pluto conjunction occurs in Iran’s 6th House, and directly impacts the chart, with the North Node of Karma exactly sextile the Iranian Saturn, and Mars exactly opposite the Iranian Moon. The country has certainly had a turbulent run up to this conjunction: Following the U.S. assassination of the military leader Qasem Soleimani, Iran has been forced to admit it accidentally shot down a plane bound for Ukraine, and there have been calls for the resignation of Iran’s supreme leader the Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei to resign.

Ireland: A breakthrough which has occurred at this time is the new Stormont deal, enabling Northern Ireland to form a government again, after three years of inability to move forward.  The Saturn-Pluto conjunction occurs in the 8th House of Transformations in the Northern Ireland chart, and its timing indicates that new births can arise now.  However, the transits to the Northern Ireland chart show that other supportive transits have helped to engineer this breakthrough:  transiting Jupiter (at the beginning of its 8th House)  exactly sextiles its natal Jupiter (in its 6th House of working relations)  and natal Uranus (sudden breakthroughs, in its 10th House of potential and reputation).

The causes of current situations can to a great extent be seen, as they have been building for some time, whether in a personal or wider situation.  That provides some understanding, looking at the past.  For dealing with the present, a friend  of mine drew attention to the work of Astrologer Melanie Reinhard on the asteroid centaur Chariklo, which she says has been conjunct Saturn and Pluto in the last year.  Melanie’s groundbreaking original work on Chiron was crucial to understanding of that asteroid, and she says Chariklo was the wife of Chiron, and represents holding sacred space and bearing witness.  Something we are having to do now, especially  in our relationship with the world.  As for making sense of current crises and looking to the future, the question is why are these things happening, what is intended by the Universe (assuming there is a reason or end product), and how will that look like when we all come through it, which we must.  In working with this, you may want to do a spot of future life progression, and envision what you would like the future to look like.

Aspects

The main event (Saturn conjunct Pluto) occurs at 16.59 Hrs in the U.K. today.  Meanwhile, it is preceded by two other conjunctions.  At 9.51 a.m. Mercury was conjunct Saturn at 22 degrees Capricorn (it is all happening at that degree), prompting communications of a serious nature.  You may have found yourself attending to minute detail, or scrutinizing something, perhaps with a view to solving a problem.

At 10.14 a.m. Mercury was conjunct Pluto, again at 22 degrees Capricorn, continuing the scrutiny and concentration, but going deeper psychologically.  Conversations and communications deepen in nature, and causes of situations and circumstances may be uncovered, such as motives.  We all become detectives.

The main event of Saturn conjunct Pluto, as mentioned, will be at 16.59 Hrs (also at 22 degrees Capricorn), for those who may be reading the blog today.  This constitutes a challenge, likely to have been coming on for some time, with complex causes, which may need a new approach in your life, or a deeper understanding.  Ultimately, a breakthrough may be won through as a consequence.

Two more conjunctions occur tomorrow (Monday 13th), and the first is the Sun conjunct Pluto at 13.21 Hrs (again at 22 degrees Capricorn).  It is an intense couple of days!  But a word to those whose birthday is 13th January (or either side of that date) who have their natal Sun at 22 degrees Capricorn.  The events of the Saturn-Pluto conjunction will be especially relevant to you, or you may find yourself the centre of attention (not necessarily for the reason that it’s your birthday!).  You may also hold the keys to understanding the times, for others.

Sun conjunct Pluto deepens the quality of our experience, whatever we happen to be working on.   The royal family are reported to be holding a summit at Sandringham tomorrow on the future role of Meghan and Prince Harry.  They will aim to get to the deeper issues and causes, and try to find solutions going forward.  There is no evading the deeper issues under this aspect.  Get down to the nitty gritty.

At 15.16 Hrs the Sun conjuncts Saturn, so it is more concentration, but focussed on the practicalities  such as “what can we do about the situation?”,  having thrashed out the deeper causes to the best of our ability.  The Saturn part of the equation demands responsibility, commitment, and common sense.  With all these conjunctions at 22 degrees Capricorn, we have faced reality, and are now making decisions based on our researches, soul-searching and advice.

There is a different focus, should you need one, in the evening, for Venus enters Pisces, bringing in a greater component of compassion.  You may have been looking at things in a mental or practical way, and may be able to relax a little and allow the heart greater expression.  The trend towards tenderness lasts until her entry into Aries on 7th February.  Charities can be honoured and prioritized, and the Arts can be especially inspired during that period.

Exciting waters on Wednesday (15th) when Venus sextiles Uranus, a good day for socializing and meeting new people.  The Universe may arrange for you to bump into an old friend, and you can look at life and people in a new light.

There is also some newness about on Thursday (16th) when Mercury enters Aquarius, and this is in our collective mental outlook.  We have wrestled with the realities of Mercury in Capricorn, and can now look ahead embrace some new ideas about the future.  Perhaps there are ideas we have not quite been ready to accept before this point.  Mercury will be in Aquarius until 3rd February, so get ready for a progressive time in terms of your thought processes.

Saturday (18th) may seem a bit too progressive mentally, bordering on the bizarre, when Mercury makes a square to Uranus.  Back up your computer files, and consider I.T. loopholes, as this is a time when you may experience glitches in this area.  Disrupted travel, such as train services, may also be in the air – I have already had to reschedule a Saturday meeting in London because our local line will not be running into King’s Cross for eight weekends.  Again,  consider why these things are happening, and what is intended by the Universe – I once, under this aspect, downloaded a whole lot of new philosophy whilst sitting on a train!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Intense day 1
• Tomorrow – Intense day 2; compassion
• Wednesday – Exciting
• Thursday – New Ideas
• Saturday – Disruption

2020

Welcome to the year 2020: Again New Hopes, New Dreams and a Fresh Start.  This time it’s a New Decade, and as many have pointed out, 20:20 Vision.  It seems to be a year of extremes, but also a year of achievement.  A most significant year both personally and globally.  My impression of the shape of the year is that it will begin in great difficulty (Saturn conjunct Pluto), there will be an attempt at higher balancing during the course of the year (three sextiles between Jupiter and Neptune), then a moment of hope at the end (Jupiter conjunct Saturn at 0 degrees Aquarius).

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

2020 Dates for your Diary if planning ahead:

January

This January will be very important for everyone, very much about facing reality.

Friday 3rd: (last Friday) Mars entered Sagittarius – A bright, adventurous note.  Stays in Sagittarius until 16th February.

10th: Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon at 20 degrees Cancer) – turning point and high tide of emotion.

Saturday 11th: Uranus Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Change and progress, re-igniting the more positive facets of the element of the unexpected.

Sunday 12th:  Saturn conjunct Pluto at 22 degrees Capricorn – Huge challenges, both personal and worldwide, e.g. repercussions from Brexit and Climate Change.  Also the Nuclear issue (Kim Jong Un rejects his pact with Trump; Iran retaliates against the killing of its military leader).

February

Sunday 16th: Mars enters Capricorn – A sense of purpose, determination and ambition. Stays in Capricorn until 30th March.

Monday 17th: Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 10th March.

Thursday 20th: Jupiter sextile Neptune – Religion and Spirituality in Harmony.

March

Tuesday 10th:  Mercury goes Direct [end of Retrograde period].  Communications smoother.

Friday 20th: Spring Equinox.  The Sun enters Aries – the beginning of the Astrological New Year.  Day and Night of equal length.

Sunday 22nd: Saturn enters Aquarius – a significant shift of effort to the mental plane.

Monday 30th: Mars enters Aquarius – more social co-operation for the good of all.  Stays in Aquarius until 13th May.

April

Sunday 5th: Jupiter conjunct Pluto at 24 degrees Capricorn – empowering for some.  Otherwise the surge of power needs to be controlled.

Saturday 25th: Pluto stationary, prior to turning Retrograde  – A level of setback, necessitating psychological understanding and awareness of reality.

May

Monday 11th: Saturn is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde  – The need to secure foundations, and go over previous ground.  Retrograde period ends 29th September.

Wednesday 13th: **Mars enters Pisces – A more compassionate motivation.  Stays in Pisces  until 28th June.

Same day: Venus is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Relationships need work.  Retrograde period ends 25th June.

Thursday 14th: Jupiter is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde  – Revising your Philosophy.  Retrograde period ends 13th September.

June

Friday 5th: Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon at 15 degrees Sagittarius) – turning point, and mentally adventurous.

Thursday18th: Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 12th July.

Saturday 20th: Summer Solstice.  The Sun enters Cancer.  The peak of the Light.

Sunday 21st: Solar Eclipse (New Moon at 0 degrees Cancer) – A new beginning, emotionally.

Tuesday 23rd: Neptune Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Some retrospection on the Spiritual path.  Retrograde period ends 29th November.

Thursday 25th: Venus Direct – Relationships more straightforward.

28th: Mars enters its own sign of Aries – Energy much more direct.  Stays in Aries the rest of the year, and until January 2021 (a very long stay!).

30th: Jupiter conjunct Pluto (2nd pass) – As 5th April, empowering for some.  Otherwise the surge of power needs to be controlled.

July

Wednesday 1st:  Saturn, in Retrograde motion, re-enters Capricorn – tying up old loose ends.  Stays in Capricorn until 17th December.

Sunday 5th:  Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon at 13 degrees Capricorn) – turning point, and practical emotion.

Sunday12th: Mercury goes Direct [end of Retrograde period].  Communications smoother.

Monday 27th: Jupiter sextile Neptune (2nd pass). As Thursday 20th February: Religion and Spirituality in Harmony.

August

Saturday 15th: Uranus Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Rebellion, and bids for freedom.  Retrograde period ends 14th January 2021.

September

Wednesday 9th: Mars Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – energies out of sync.  Retrograde period ends 14th November.

Sunday 13th: Jupiter Direct – straightening out your Philosophy.

Tuesday 22nd: Autumn Equinox.  The Sun enters Libra – A time of balance.  Day and Night of equal length.

Tuesday 29th: Saturn Direct – Less struggle.

October

Sunday 4th: Pluto Direct – Psychological progress.

Monday 12th: Jupiter sextile Neptune (2rd pass). As Thursday 20th February and 27th July: Religion and Spirituality in Harmony, perfecting.

Wednesday 14th: Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 3rd November.

November

Tuesday 3rd: Mercury goes Direct [end of Retrograde period].  Communications smoother.

Thursday 12th: Jupiter conjunct Pluto (3rd pass) – As 5th April and 30th June, empowering for some.  Otherwise the surge of power needs to be controlled.  Some facets of this combination being mastered.

Saturday 14th: Mars Direct.  Energies more straightforward.

29th: Neptune Direct. Spiritual path clearing.

30th: Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon at 8 degrees Gemini) – turning point, and intellectual challenge.

December

Monday 14th: Solar Eclipse (New Moon at 23 degrees Sagittarius) – turning point, a bold new beginning.

Thursday 17th: Saturn re-enters Aquarius – establishing the significant shift of effort to the mental plane.

Saturday 19th: Jupiter enters Aquarius – Brave New World!

Monday 21st: **Winter Solstice.  The Sun enters Capricorn.  The beginning of the Return of the Light.

Same day: Jupiter conjunct Saturn at 0 degrees Aquarius – one of the significators of an Aquarian New Age.  The need to achieve balance, but a real moving forward. 20:20 vision.

 ** Days when there are two significant shifts occurring

Aspects

As we reel at the worldwide implications of Donald Trump’s assassination of Qasem Soleimani, not least the impact on Nazanin Zhagari Ratfliffe in the Iranian jail, there is some spiritual balm arriving on Tuesday 7th (the calm before the storm, perhaps?).

Soleimani has the violent Mars-Pluto square in his natal chart, and his death could be predestined, with transiting Uranus squaring his natal Uranus (shock) and Pluto sextile his natal North Node (the sense of an ending, karmically).

But let’s enjoy the astrological fruits of the middle of the week.  Sun sextile Neptune brings inspiration and spiritual harmony.  It can be immensely creative.  If these are some of your goals and aspirations for the start of the year, you can safely cultivate them on Tuesday.

Wednesday (8th) continues the benefits of Tuesday, with Neptune this time sextile Mercury.  It will do for Geminis and Virgos what Tuesday did for Leos: heighten their spirituality.  For us generally, our minds will be able to receive higher guidance more easily.  We will be able to make more sense of the subtleties of our reality, or of facts put before us.

The first astrological feature of Friday (10th) is the Sun conjunct Mercury at 19 degrees Capricorn.  Mentally, things can be seen as crystal clear under this conjunction.  Exceptional mental focus can achieve a great deal in the morning and in the afternoon.  This conjunction in Capricorn is supremely organizational.

But as the mood builds throughout the day, by early evening we register the emotional tension of a Lunar Eclipse (a Full Moon at 20 degrees Cancer), a turning point and high tide of emotion.  There may be an escalation of passion in the war of words between heads of nations, for instance.  In your own life, you may be torn between personal and professional loyalties.

A helpful turn of events may come in the very early hours of Saturday (11th), as Uranus will be Stationary, prior to turning Direct.   Change and progress are possible, re-igniting the more positive facets of the element of the unexpected.  It is just possible that a head of state may have a U-turn, in the right direction, but with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction due the very next day, it may be too late to avert difficulties which have been a long time brewing.

In your own life, early on Saturday morning (or very late on Friday), it is a good time to do all  you can to alleviate any collective, tribal, or social difficulties which you can see.  Having done all you can, you have to relax, as we all need a break!  For example, a friend of mine has been tweeting heads of state to try to avert some of the global problems we are facing.  But closer to home, you may see what could be done in the family setting, or in the community.   Intuition will flow better, and future vision come into view.

Preview for Sunday 12th: Possibly the most important day of the year. Saturn conjunct Pluto at 22 degrees Capricorn – Huge challenges, both personal and worldwide, e.g. repercussions from Brexit and Climate Change.  Also the Nuclear issue (Kim Jong Un rejects his pact with Trump; Iran retaliates against the killing of its military leader). More next week.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – Spiritual harmony
• Wednesday – Mental inspiration
• Friday – Mental clarity; emotional high tide
• Saturday – Unexpected progress; stay steady

 

Baba Ram Dass (1931 – 2019)

“Be Here Now” ~ Baba Ram Dass

Spiritual teacher Baba Ram Dass (Richard Alpert) died this week.  He was part of the consciousness-raising movement of the 1960s, together with Timothy Leary, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Birth Chart

Ram Dass had 0 planets in the Air signs, relying on instinct.  The Sun was exactly conjunct Uranus in his chart, bringing up the Pioneer and Rebel Archetypes.  This conjunction, making a close triple conjunction with his North Node (karmic mission) is placed in his 9th House of higher philosophy, making him an innovator in this field.  This conjunction was not easy, being part of a T-square with Jupiter/Saturn opposite Pluto: he steered himself through the minefield that was 1960s consciousness exploded with LSD, to become a beloved teacher.  His philosophy was very much informed by Hinduism.  We have an accurate birth time for him, which gives him Pluto on a Cancerian Ascendant (psychological and emotional trials), and his Moon squaring  Neptune describes both drug taking and mysticism.  Mercury sextile Venus describes his ability to put into words his mystical experiences.

Religion and Consciousness

He was born Jewish, but did not relate to the religion in his youth, and became an atheist.  He recalled: “I didn’t have one whiff of God until I took psychedelics”.  He gained a doctorate in psychology (Pluto on the Ascendant natally) at Stanford University.  His doctoral thesis was on the subject of “achievement anxiety”.

In 1958 he became an assistant clinical psychology professor at Cambridge, Massachussetts.  His specialism was human motivation and personality development. It was at Cambridge that he met Timothy Leary, who became famous for his experimentation with psychedelic drugs under controlled conditions.

In 1961 Alpert (Ram Dass) began to work with Leary.  He also worked with Walter Pahnke with theology students, exploring the effects of drugs on mystical experience.  Their work proved controversial, and Alpert and Leary moved to New York in 1963.  There they founded a group with the purpose of  raising consciousness and the divinity within, through drugs.

In 1967 Alpert travelled to India, where he encountered the guru Maharaj-ji, and found spiritual love; Maharaj-ji re-named him Baba Ram Dass.  He returned to the U.S. and in 1971 published a book of his teachings, entitled  “Be Here Now”, under his new name.  In the book, he recounted his spiritual journey.  He subsequently began to teach and work with groups for the betterment of society.  One of his students was Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, whose valuable work with the dying is legendary.  Ram Dass gave all his profits from his books and teachings to charities.

He re-examined his original religion Judaism at the age of 60, with the explanation “My belief is that I wasn’t born into Judaism by accident, and so I needed to find ways to honor that. From a Hindu perspective, you are born as what you need to deal with, and if you just try and push it away, whatever it is, it’s got you.”

In later life he worked with other new age teachers such as Jack Kornfield (author of The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace”)  and Wayne Dyer.

Health

In February 1997 he suffered a stroke, which left him with expressive aphasia, making it more difficult for him to speak.  The way he saw this was “The stroke was giving me lessons, and I realized that was grace—fierce grace … Death is the biggest change we’ll face, so we need to practice change.”  This attitude was entirely consistent with his main transit of the time, Neptune sextile his Midheaven in Pisces in the 9th House (a spiritual surrender and orientation).

“The heart surrenders everything to the moment. The mind judges and holds back.”

~ Baba Ram Dass

“Home is not somewhere else.

It is here, in life and death, in the eternal dance of consciousness, weaving together form and the formless mystery from which it all comes.

Ram Dass is the vastness reminding us that in the end, there is only love.” ~

eulogy by Jack Kornfield

Aspects

Mercury left Sagittarius and entered Capricorn early this morning, almost declaring an end to the party season.  Now we have the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, plus two of the asteroids, Ceres and Pholus.  We are well and truly in the mental mode of Capricorn, which is practicality, and systematic and methodical thinking. Mercury in Capricorn favours planning (so helps with planning the forthcoming year), and if you had bright ideas over the festive season while Mercury was in Sagittarius you may start to put them into action, or shape them into a practical plan to precede action.  Official documentation may need to be worked on, forms to fill, authorities to interview, etc.

There is uplift for the mind tomorrow evening (Monday 30th) when Uranus trines Mercury, adding innovation and originality to the mix.  If you lacked inspiration as you worked on Sunday, Uranus will add extra spice to your mind, ideas, plans, and documentation. You will be more able to think outside the box.  Mental brilliance, technological upgrades, lightbulb moments, and futuristic inspiration can be yours.  You can upgrade technological appliances more easily under this aspect.  You may receive new ideas about your path for 2019, embellishing your hopes and wishes ready for the start of the year.

2020

Even better news arrives on Thursday (2nd January), with a conjunction between Mercury and Jupiter.  This favours learning and education, communication and good news, sales and transport.  It’s an optimistic mindset, so good for the start of the year.  If your transport issues have taken a battering recently, there may be light at the end of the tunnel, though this is usually the time of year rail networks announce price rises (so it’s good news for the providers).  And it will be good for business and the high street sales.  Aside from that, there should be plenty of enjoyment and philosophical awareness around on that day.

Mars enters Sagittarius on Friday (3rd), which is another bright note.  Mars tends to be intense and combative in Scorpio, so in Sagittarius it can use its energy differently; it has permission to be an Adventurer!  If you haven’t gone back to work yet, and you want to re-kindle your inner pirate, you could watch old swashbuckling Errol Flynn films, or the Pirates of the Caribbean series.  Whether to channel your inner Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp, you decide.  A new fitness regime would have added gusto at this time, or the mental gymnastics of a new philosophical study.

Whatever you choose to go for, Happy New Year to you!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – knuckling down to mental work
• Tomorrow – mental brilliance
• Thursday – good news
• Friday – new energy

Review of the Year 2019

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

January

13th:

Andy Murray

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

~ Billie Jean King

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

Hip Injury

The thought that he has been playing, for years, in such pain with his hip, is eye-watering in itself, quite apart from the emotional agony of having to curtail his career.  He is considering having another hip operation, just so as to improve his quality of life (even putting shoes and socks on in the morning is a trial).

February

24th:

The Independence Group

Last Monday we were driving to Leicester and it was suddenly announced that a group of Labour MPs were lining up for a Press Conference, which helped to while away the journey.  We were riveted as we listened to each one and their reasons for leaving the Labour Party and their hopes for their small group.  I was dismayed at the damage to the Labour Party, but understood where they were coming from, and then two days later the “three Amigos”, female MPs from the Tory Party, made a similar attack on the Tory Party and Theresa May’s effort to keep her Party together, and joined the seven (who had by then become eight).  The aspects for last Monday were full on, and the Sun sextile Uranus particularly conducive to seizing the day

March

17th:

Greta Thunberg

“Skolstrejk for Klimatet”

School Strike for the Climate

Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this week, a week which saw the second day of school strikes on behalf of the climate (a month after the first) in the U.K, with similar action around the world.  She began this action last August in Sweden, with the powerful words:

“We kids most often don’t do what you tell us to do. We do as you do. And since you grown-ups don’t give a shit about my future, I won’t either. My name is Greta and I’m in ninth grade. And I refuse school for the climate until the Swedish general election.”

At the age of 16, she is a similar age to that of Malala Yousafzai at the time she won the Peace Prize, but it is quite rare for one so young to make such an impact.

Birth Chart

Greta has a concentration of planets in Earth sign Capricorn, the sign of seriousness and responsibility.  Her Sun in Capricorn exactly conjunct Chiron, so she is a healer and problem-solver.  Both her Sun and Moon are in this sign, and they may be conjunct, i.e. she may have been born on  a New Moon, or at least close to one.  That would confer the ability to  bring a freshness of outlook, energy and thought to bear on a longstanding problem.

April

21st:

Notre-Dame

One of the greatest and most beautiful Cathedrals in the world, Notre-Dame in Paris, was shockingly partially destroyed by fire on Monday evening.  The next day, as the damage was assessed, new hope arose and its rebuilding was pledged.

It is an incomprehensible marvel to contemplate how such an edifice was created over its 170 years of building, using medieval methods, the finest artistry, with the devotion of its workers, some of whom may have spent nearly their whole lifetimes on the project.

I am not well travelled, but I have been to Paris several times in this lifetime (as well as in past lives) and have a huge fondness and sentimentality for the city.  And Notre-Dame is undoubtedly the soul of the city.

May

12th:

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Welcome to the world, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor!  He is already creating controversy over his first name Archie, so could be an exciting addition to our royal family.  He was born apparently at the Portland Clinic in London, and not at home in Windsor as planned, so could be full of surprises!  But his mother Meghan has already pronounced him to be calm, with “the sweetest temperament”, both adjectives which can be applied to his Sun sign Taurus. The royal couple, Harry and Meghan decided to include the name Mountbatten in the mix, and there is a link with Lord Louis Mountbatten in that his Mars is conjunct with Archie’s Part of Fortune, so perhaps Archie has this ancestor watching over him.  His chart also has very positive ties to that of his grandmother Diana Princess of Wales, so again she will be cheering him on from the other side (this includes a telepathic link of her Mercury to his Uranus).

June

9th:

Conservative Party Leadership – Part 3

I cannot believe that I find myself writing again about the Conservative Party leadership contest.  Switch off now, if you find the topic agonizing.  The contest formally begins tomorrow, Monday 10th.  Some candidates pulled out last week, but there are still a couple of candidates I haven’t covered, and they are both outsiders.

The Drug Issue

The top runners have set out their past drug habits: Michael Gove has just admitted to taking cocaine 20 years ago, Boris took some while at University, and Jeremy Hunt once took a cannabis lassi.  Rory Stewart smoked some opium in Afghanistan.  In a late flurry yesterday, not to be outdone, Andrea Leadsom, Matt Hancock and Dominic Raab all admitted to taking cannabis at University. Presumably this is something we need to know…For me, it is the quality of their consciousness right now which is more worthy of scrutiny, as well as their innate character.  The drugs of course may have had a permanent effect on some of them.  There is an outcry in Michael Gove’s case that he is a hypocrite, in relation to the drugs admission.  Politics of course is full of hypocrisy, and very few of the candidates can be seen as blameless in that respect.  I am not an admirer of Gove, but am in the “Anything but Boris” camp.

July

14th:

Anniversary of the Moon Landing

“One small step for Man.  One giant leap for Mankind”

~ Neil Armstrong

The 50th anniversary of the manned Moon landing coincides with the Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday 16th July.  I heard this week that someone dubbed the Moon landing as the most significant event of the 20th Century. Maddeningly, I can’t remember who it was or who they were quoting! And Google is not helping, and Alexa doesn’t live here.  I have a vague recollection it might have been Gyles Brandreth on Gogglebox (which was hilarious) quoting someone while watching the Moon landing with Sheila Hancock.  If anyone can confirm that, I would be grateful.

August

25th:

Jair Bolsonaro

For me the most important event of the week was the burning of the Amazon rainforest and its implications for the planet.

The president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, bears a huge responsibility for this  catastrophic event, and the destabilization of the earth’s ecosystem.

Just this lunchtime at the G7 Summit, £18m was pledged to help put out the fires, mainly for aircraft and technical support.  US President Donald Trump, who refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of climate change, was notably absent from the discussion.  Bolsinaro is an admirer of Trump and seems to model himself on him.

September

1st:

Ruth Davidson

On Wednesday last week, Boris Johnson announced the drastic step that he would prorogue parliament, and we were told to expect Ruth Davidson’s resignation the next morning.  Ruth Davidson, who has been Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party for the past 8 years, is a unique and capable politician, once hailed as a future leader of the Tory Party.  Such was her influence that the Conservative presence of MPs in Scotland went from only one (herself) to 13, a factor that helped to retain the balance of power for the Tories.  A feat that Caroline Lucas in England has not been able to pull off for the Green Party, sadly.

Resignation Speech

So it was, that she resigned first thing on Thursday morning.  As a Remainer, she has been struggling over Brexit, and there had been no secret about her having a difficult relationship with Boris Johnson (in their synastry, his Pluto is on her Saturn), but her speech was diplomatic and spared Johnson too much embarrassment.  She focussed on other reasons for stepping down, such as the toll electioneering would take on her new family life, after the birth of her son Finn.  In her speech she told how she had looked Boris in the eye, and he had assured her he was trying to get a Brexit deal.

October

13th:

Ginger Baker

“When the city of Atlantis stood serene above the sea,
Long time before our time when the world was free,
Those were the days.”

~ Those Were The Days, co-written by Ginger Baker and Mike Taylor, from “Wheels of Fire” 1968

Outstanding drummer Ginger Baker died last Sunday.  He didn’t like the term “rock drummer” preferring to be known as a “jazz drummer”.  He was 80 years old, but had survived a lifetime of poor health.  His working life encompassed the membership of several bands, but he is most known for his time in the legendary band Cream during the heady late ’60s.

Birth Chart

We do not have a birth time for the flame-haired Ginger, but his well-known fieriness comes from having half his planets in Fire signs.  It’s a volatile, dry heat of fire, and not an emotional passion, for he had no Water planets.  He did though have 6 (over half) his planets in the Fixed signs, so was very headstrong.

His Sun in Leo denotes the showmanship and natural leadership that he is reputed to have, and its conjunction with Venus inclined him to music.  He was also known for his unpredictability and eccentricity, and that shows up with Sun/Venus square Uranus.

November

30th:

General Election 2019

So… we have a pre-Christmas election date, of 12th December.  Will this election be fought on the sole issue of Brexit?  I thought I would take a brief look at the chart for that date, and the transits for the leaders of the various political parties.

Notice how often Neptune (confusion) comes up in the transits…

Transits for the Prime Minister

Is Boris going to “get Brexit done”?   He needs more Conservative MPs on his deck in order to secure his deal, and so we find ourselves in the throes of a December election (a phenomenon not seen since 1923).  He has refused an alliance with Nigel Farage and the Brexit Party (as recommended by their mutual friend Donald Trump) so he risks the Brexit vote being split.

Boris’ transits at the time of the December election are quite reasonable: Chiron from Aries in his 6th House sextiles his natal Mars in Gemini in 8th House, he’ll be feeling strong.  Mars from Scorpio in his 2nd House will oppose his natal Jupiter in Taurus in 8th House, he’ll be feeling optimistic.  Neptune from Pisces in his 6th House will be sextile his natal Jupiter in Taurus in 8th House, a magic wand is not out of the question for him.  Mars will be on his natal Neptune in Scorpio in 2nd House, inflaming his spiritual will, and also his desire to spend, spend, spend.  Neptune from Pisces in his 6th House will be trine his natal Neptune in  his 2nd House, he will be at peace with himself.  Luck may be on his side.

… But if the question is which leader has the better transits, that would most likely to be Boris Johnson.  Peace and certainty seem still to be distant, and January will bring new challenges, so the election will not bring instant solutions.

December

29th:

Baba Ram Dass (1931 – 2019)

“Be Here Now” ~ Baba Ram Dass

Spiritual teacher Baba Ram Dass (Richard Alpert) died this week.  He was part of the consciousness-raising movement of the 1960s, together with Timothy Leary, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Birth Chart

Ram Dass had 0 planets in the Air signs, relying on instinct.  The Sun was exactly conjunct Uranus in his chart, bringing up the Pioneer and Rebel Archetypes.  This conjunction, making a close triple conjunction with his North Node (karmic mission) is placed in his 9th House of higher philosophy, making him an innovator in this field.  This conjunction was not easy, being part of a T-square with Jupiter/Saturn opposite Pluto: he steered himself through the minefield that was 1960s consciousness exploded with LSD, to become a beloved teacher.  His philosophy was very much informed by Hinduism.  We have an accurate birth time for him, which gives him Pluto on a Cancerian Ascendant (psychological and emotional trials), and his Moon squaring  Neptune describes both drug taking and mysticism.  Mercury sextile Venus describes his ability to put into words his mystical experiences.

 

That Was the Decade That Was

Selections from the blogs over the last decade, for those who like to look back, and with the benefit of hindsight…

2010

April

25th:

One effect of the Mercury retrograde last week was the panic of the British newspaper presses (Mercury) after the surge in popularity of Nick Clegg.  Having vested interests one way or the other (Conservative or Labour) it was unthinkable to them that the Lib Dems might be in the running, or that there might be a hung parliament.  They then set out to discredit the Lib Dems and their leader Nick Clegg with outraged headlines easily obtained from the smear campaigns of the Labour and Conservative factions.  They must redress the imbalance!  Meanwhile it is clear that the British public are not at all worried by the idea of a hung parliament, and may even be warming to the idea.  However, Nick Clegg was not able to uphold the huge surge and his popularity has slid back a little, so much so that the leaders are now running almost neck and neck.  This is the state of play as the 4^th Saturn-Uranus opposition kicks in tomorrow (Monday 26^th), the most important astrological feature of this week.

2011

March

13th:

Within hours of Uranus entering Aries, a large scale disaster unfolded on our screens coming from Japan: earthquake, followed by tsunami and then nuclear plant meltdown.  The national chart of Japan shows the sword of Damocles which has been present in the form of a Grand Cross between the natal Mercury, Saturn, Uranus and Chiron.  I associate Saturn/Uranus with earthquakes, and Japan has a square between them natally, thus predisposing them to earthquakes.  This earthquake, long expected, occurred as Jupiter activated the Grand Cross by transiting the natal Mercury.  Jupiter comes to that position every 12 years, so what distinguishes this time from other such moments?  …The Head of Disaster Management for the Red Cross was saying on Radio 5 Live this morning that in terms of unmet humanitarian need the situation in Libya and Tunisia is still more demanding, partly because of the sophisticated level of organization which the Japanese have in place.  The scenes in Japan (brought from mobile phones to satellites to our TVs) have been incredibly graphic and nightmarishly surreal, with especially poignant reports about children being snatched from water or being checked for radiation, and all hearts are with them.

2012

March

4th:

Later today Vladimir Putin is likely to cement his position at the helm of Russia. He was President for two terms, 8 years between 2000 and 2008. For constitutional reasons he was not allowed a third consecutive term. His protege Medvedev took over as President for 4 years and Putin became Prime Minister.   A reversal of roles is now the expected outcome of today’s election.  In his natal chart Putin has the power-hungry aspect of Jupiter square Pluto.  His natal Mars (Inner Warrior) is at the galactic centre, magnifying his power and emphasizing warriorship.  His South Node is in Leo, indicating that he would be accustomed to power in past lives.  Jupiter trine Pluto this month may benefit his efforts to acquire power. Currently, transiting Neptune is squaring his natal Moon, bringing emotional illusion e.g. about the level of support he has from people.  Putin is often referred to as Medvedev’s mentor. Medvedev is a Virgoan, and that is the sign of service,  though we do not know how willing he is to serve Putin at this time. He may have other plans…Pluto is currently trine his Mercury, heightening his mental power at this time, and he would have a psychological grasp of his current situation. There is very interesting synastry (astrological comparison) between them, based on a pattern of Putin’s planets leading Medvedev’s by one sign, showing a symbiotic teacher-pupil relationship, and the capacity for close collaboration. The ability to collaborate is borne out by a trine between Putin’s Uranus and Medvedev’s Neptune, but although they have collaborated in the past there has to be the continued will to do so.  They may have drawn up a Soul Contract before incarnation, but may renegotiate it in their next lifetime, and reverse their power roles.  Venus opposing Saturn today will produce a sense of flatness or even disappointment for politicians trying to win hearts.

2013

May

5th:

Nigel Farage and the conundrum of UKIP

The face of British politics is said to have changed dramatically this week, with one in four voters plumping for UKIP.  David Cameron has been forced to retract his earlier impression of the party as “fruitcakes and closet racists” modifying his tune to “We need to show respect for people who have taken the choice to support this party”.

What is the demographic of the voting section?  A few 80 year old women I know have found themselves voting for or sympathetic to what the party stands for, and some women find Nigel Farage personally fascinating.  There is no doubt in my mind that UKIP inherits some strands of the National Front, British National Party and EDL philosophies, and targets immigrants as being the source of our society’s ills.

The Observer leader this morning describes its voters:

“The Ukip surge is a warning.  Immediate analysis indicates that two groups, in the main, have been swayed by Farage.  They are the less qualified, working-class, older male and the lower middle class”.

2014

June

15th:

Iraq (Update)

 Iraq is arguably at its worst low ever, having been taken over by the extremist Islamist group i.S.I.S.  Next door, Syria too is also arguably at its worst low ever, with Assad newly “elected” while continuing to slaughter his own subjects.

The Guardian reported: “The UN has warned that the Isis fighters have committed  summary executions and rape on their irresistible advance”.  So they have not been listening, then, to the anti-rape in war conference this week hosted by Angelina Jolie and William Hague.

I.S.I.S.

 I.S.I.S. (The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) whose army are marching steadily towards Baghdad, are apparently even more extreme in their outlook and methods than Alkaida.  Last week they “took” Mosul and Tikrit.

The chart for Isis shows a successful use of force (Mars sextile Pluto) while current transits show Isis being dealt a free will hand currently with Jupiter exactly trine its North Node.

2015

November

15th:

Paris Shootings – Part 2

Just when you thought it was safe to hop on the Eurostar and spend a weekend in Paris, things got a whole lot worse, and the prospect seems further away.  There can’t be many people who didn’t spend the weekend thinking about the people of Paris, and racking their brains for the solution to the worldwide problem of ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State.

For myself, I cannot imagine that this is what Mohammed had in mind as the founder of Islam. Islam, in common with Christianity and Judaism, has at its heart the Ten Commandments, notably among which lies the injunction “Thou Shalt Not Kill”.

What attracts young people to such an existence of incessently fighting?  Is it the glorification of violence in film?  Or is it because we have created such an unpalatable society which has alienated them?

And poor Paris, why them, twice in one year?  Is it because the French have banned the burka, and been proactive in the war in Syria?  In January, the magazine which was targeted had been actively provoking a reaction with their anti-Islamic cartoons.  But this latest spree of brutality does not have such a direct cause.

2016

July

17th:

Theresa May

Another tumultuous week: On Monday, Andrea Leadsom pulled out of the Conservative leadership contest, disrupting Angela Eagle’s Labour leadership bid (Mercury square Uranus), David Cameron stepped down as Prime Minister and Theresa May prepared to take on that mantle.  Theresa May met the Queen and was asked to form a cabinet on Wednesday, and surprised us with some of her appointments: it was portrayed as a brutal culling of the existing order (the Notting Hill set) by the media.  On Thursday evening, a lorry driver ploughed through crowds in Nice (Mars quincunx Uranus), killing at least 84 people; and on Friday evening, there was an attempted coup in Turkey (Sun square Uranus), killing at least 265.  It is all too much for the head, heart and soul.  I intend to concentrate today on Theresa May, our new Prime Minister, and though there is much I could write about her new cabinet, I will keep that to a bare minimum.

2017

March

26th:

Westminster Terror

On Wednesday, Westminster Bridge was the scene of a terrorist incident and Parliament and its surrounding buildings were in lockdown. A British born man, Khalid Masood, drove into passersby then tried to enter the gates of Parliament, and stabbed a policeman to death.  Five people died in total, including the perpetrator, and fifty people were injured.  Though many potential attacks have been foiled since, this was the first attack of its scale in London since 7/7/05.  There are many questions yet to be answered and issues raised, such as whether he was acting alone, what were his motives, and how far he was influenced by radicalization by ISIS, whether police in the City should be armed, and how far the police can keep tabs on all suspects. I will have a brief look at the charts of some of those involved, though crucially some important dates are currently missing, such as the birth date of the brave and heroic policeman who lost his life, Keith Palmer.

2018

March

11th:

Russia

(A tale of two Russian fathers and daughters)

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

2019

March

17th:

Greta Thunberg

“Skolstrejk for Klimatet”

School Strike for the Climate

Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this week, a week which saw the second day of school strikes on behalf of the climate (a month after the first) in the U.K, with similar action around the world.  She began this action last August in Sweden, with the powerful words:

“We kids most often don’t do what you tell us to do. We do as you do. And since you grown-ups don’t give a shit about my future, I won’t either. My name is Greta and I’m in ninth grade. And I refuse school for the climate until the Swedish general election.”

At the age of 16, she is a similar age to that of Malala Yousafzai at the time she won the Peace Prize, but it is quite rare for one so young to make such an impact.

Birth Chart

Greta has a concentration of planets in Earth sign Capricorn, the sign of seriousness and responsibility.  Her Sun in Capricorn exactly conjunct Chiron, so she is a healer and problem-solver.  Both her Sun and Moon are in this sign, and they may be conjunct, i.e. she may have been born on  a New Moon, or at least close to one.  That would confer the ability to  bring a freshness of outlook, energy and thought to bear on a longstanding problem.

 

Governor of the Bank of England

Andrew Bailey is replacing Mark Carney as the Governor of the Bank of England, a role which had been crucial since the latter took it up in 2013, and will be every bit as crucial during the Brexit years.

Mark Carney

Canadian Mark Carney has an interesting chart. The highlights include: Sun in Pisces, Venus conjunct Chiron, at 18 deg Pisces, and Uranus/Moon/Mars/Pluto conjunct in Virgo.  He has 0 planets in Air, so relies on instinct; 5 planets in Earth, so is grounded and sensible; and with 7 planets in the Mutable signs, is very adaptable.  His Sun in the genius sign of Pisces is well aspected, being sextile Jupiter and trine Neptune.  He has Mercury unaspected, which can show a very independent mind.  Mercury is in Aries, a placement I associate with great numeracy.  With Mars closely conjunct Pluto in his chart, he’s had to fight some tough battles in his life.  He also has a high number of oppositions in his chart, another sign of having to balance difficult situations as a pattern in his life.  He also has difficult karma, with no less than 6 planetary squares to his Nodal Axis!

He took over as Governor on 1st July 2013, when Pluto was exactly opposite the Sun (a dramatic change in Banking).  Uranus was exactly conjunct his Mercury in Aries (a new mental challenge for him).  Pluto was sextile his natal Saturn (a huge responsibility).  They say the post is one of the most powerful in Britain, and currently carries a global influence.  Interestingly, the Ascendant at the time he took over was conjunct the Sun in the Bank of England’s chart.  He was destined to steer us through those years, and he seemed a steady hand on the tiller.

He is due to relinquish the role on 16th March 2020, and astrologically it seems a time of freedom and relief for him, with Jupiter trine his Jupiter.  There may be new challenges in his personal life at the time, with Neptune on his Venus, square his Nodal Axis, and conjunct his Chiron.

Andrew Bailey

It is not clear at the moment whether the new Governor will be more under the thumb of the new Conservative government under Boris Johnson.  Bailey is a very different character, a Fire Sign, born with the Sun in Aries.  Like Mark Carney, he has the accounting, economics and numeracy aptitude of Mercury in Aries.  He has an exact square between Jupiter and Pluto, indicating a love of power, and of course it all depends how that power is used: history will reveal that.  Saturn trine Pluto is a very practical aspect, so he will be diligent.  He may  hold some karmic surprises, with Uranus sextile exactly his North Node.

The post he currently holds is that of the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority.  He had two powerful trines this week, with the announcement of his appointment: Jupiter closely trine his natal Pluto, which is about taking power; and Uranus trine his natal Pluto exactly, which is about huge change.  It is a good time for him to prepare for the changes in his life.  When he takes up his new role on 17th March next year, it’s a time he may be feeling jangled, with Uranus closely opposite his natal Neptune, but that is hardly surprising given the complexity and responsibility of the job.

Sajid Javid

Bailey was recommended for the position by our current Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid.  From their synastry, they would have a good working partnership, with Javid’s Sun sextile Bailey’s North Node (the choice may have had a karmic connotation).  Javid’s Mercury sextiles Bailey’s Chiron, which favours problem-solving; Javid’s Venus is conjunct Bailey’s Jupiter (favourable socially) but plays into Bailey’s Jupiter-Pluto power-hungry square, with Bailey’s Pluto square Javid’s Venus.  We might wonder, at times, who is playing who.  Their Marses are exactly trine, so another indication of vigorous work between them.  Bailey’s Saturn is exactly trine Javid’s Pluto, reinforcing Bailey’s own practical and diligent natal trine.  Interestingly, Bailey’s Uranus exactly opposes Javid’s Sun, so there may be times when they are distant, or even fall out (though we may not know about it).

Bank of England

By and large, Bailey has excellent links with the chart of the Bank of England: Bailey’s North Node is exactly sextile the Bank’s Sun (exactly the same link as with Javid);  The Bank’s Venus (money) is sextile Bailey’s Pluto (financial power);  the Bank’s Pluto trines Bailey’s Jupiter (success in power; and supplying Bailey’s natal desire for power).  One fly in the ointment is the Bank’s Neptune squaring Bailey’s Mars, so there may be hidden factors sapping Bailey’s will, or encouraging secrets.

U.K. Chart

Bailey has tenuous links with the 1922 U.K. chart, which include a square from Bailey’s Chiron to the U.K. Venus, not a happy combination.  However, he has very strong links to the 1801 Union chart, such as an exact trine between their Jupiters, and an exact opposition between their Plutos.  This may have significance in terms of Scotland’s struggle for Independence in the wake of Brexit, and Bailey may have strong personal views about that.

We may have hardly heard of him now, but he is likely to become a household name in the new Johnson era.

Aspects

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun (doo doo doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right”

~ George Harrison

Early this morning, the Sun entered Capricorn, and the light of the Sun was reborn in the Winter Solstice.  For many this will be a relief, and a sense of a new dawn, especially for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.).  The Sun’s entry into Capricorn is a return to practicality, after the aspirational month of Sagittarius.  It is a time to look at the general structure and order of things, and your relationship with authority and the institutions which govern our society (so looking at the new Governor of the Bank of England in my blog is not so random!).

But the picture today is not quite so simple, as there are two aspects to consider, and the first is Uranus square Venus, which may throw plans or relationships into disarray.  It is not an easy day for meetings.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.  If you are going into a conversation, avoid those issues you know are contentious, for instance.

We have a strong aspect later in the day, though, which may counter some of the earlier difficulties, or run alongside them.  Mars sextiles Pluto, which is a dynamic and energetic active aspect.  So it is a day when you can get something done (that has a ring of a slogan about it).  If you want to push something through, then today is the day.  But bear in mind the Uranus-Venus square if you are mindful of offending someone in the process.

Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24th) is more straightforward, with the Sun trine Uranus.  It is a good day to forge ahead with innovative plans and original creativity.  Late Christmas shopping could be blessed with some surprise finds (especially on electrical and tech goods).  And there’s a tremendous sense of anticipation (the journey to Christmas is the goal!).  Excitement rules on Christmas Eve.

There isn’t a major aspect on Christmas Day, so some of the Uranus/Sun trine may still be applicable and characterize the day.  There is a minor Mercury/Mars semi-sextile, which could be a little irritable, but we can ignore that, in the spirit of peace and goodwill.

Boxing Day ( Thursday 26th) brings a New Moon and Eclipse at 4 degrees Capricorn, so that may be the most significant day of the entire week.  Reflect on the past year, put away the toys, and plan a constructive year ahead.  It may be a turning point, in some way.  It is a good time to focus your intentions on new beginnings related to the structures and organization of your life, relations with authority and the institutions of society.

But the most fun day of the week, and one of the luckiest in the year, presents itself on Friday (27th): the Sun conjunct Jupiter at 5 degrees Capricorn.  That’s the day for a party, if you are so inclined.  Or a grand leisure outing.  A good day to meditate on what makes you happy, and put your enthusiasms into practice.  Above all, it is time for Hope.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Sober up and lighten up; avoid fall-outs; get something done
• Tuesday – Enlightenment and surprise
• Thursday – New beginnings
• Friday – Fun, fun, fun

Glenda Jackson

Glenda Jackson made a significant appearance on our television screens last Sunday, at the tender age of 83, in a drama production called “Elizabeth is Missing” about an elderly woman gradually suffering from increasing dementia.  This comes towards the end of a lifetime of achievement, starting with a dazzling film career in her youth (think back to “Women in Love” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday”), then as a Labour MP with integrity in her middle years.

Birth Chart

Glenda has half her planets in Earth signs, and that fits with her earthy image, reinforced by a gritty close sextile from Saturn to her Sun.  But the Sun also trines Neptune, ensuring that there is a higher focus to her nature as well.  She has an extreme emotional range: Moon conjunct Jupiter, so emotionally is able to focus positively, and Moon closely square Saturn, so she is able to portray the more negative states of emotion such as depression.  Moon also square Neptune is ideal for being able to portray the emotionally confused state of descending dementia.  And there is an added emotional sensitivity to trauma, from the Moon opposite Chiron.  She will have had a lifetime’s effort to alleviate the wounds of human emotion and suffering in society.  I believe she was an exceptionally sincere politician.  Mercury/Chiron squaring Neptune would show that she can see the nuances of arguments and points of view, sometimes to her own detriment.  Her Venus (ruling planet) conjuncts Uranus so she has a sparkling social side (despite being fundamentally introverted through Sun in Taurus/Ascendant in Cancer), which takes delight in provocation or shocking the established order.  This Venus/Uranus conjunction is sextile her natal Ascendant and trine her North Node, which gives her the charisma and sense of destiny of film star status.  Her Mars sextiles closely Pluto, which provides power and strength, and more grittiness.

Career

Glenda played the character Gudrun in the film Women in Love (adapted from the novel by D.H. Lawrence), released in September 1969.  She was noted by Brian McFarlane for “Her blazing intelligence, sexual challenge and abrasiveness”.  The transits show a sextile of Pluto to her natal Pluto (self-empowerment) as a broad shift in her career, but looking at the detail of her transits we also see Uranus square her Ascendant (the ability to shock), Neptune opposite her Mars and square her natal Midheaven (sensationalism).  Twenty years later she played Gudrun’s mother in the adaptation of a sequel novel by D.H. Lawrence, the film of the Rainbow, also a Ken Russell film.  Other notable films were “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “The Music Lovers”, both films of 1971.

In 1992, she completely changed course in her life, opting to become Labour M.P. for Hampstead and Highgate.  Jupiter was trine her natal Venus/Uranus conjunction in Taurus in 11th House, an auspicious start to a political career which lasted 23 years.  Jupiter was also trine her natal North Node, meaning that she was in true alignment with her karmic path.  Thus a Grand Trine was formed, and it often is when there are such good Jupiter transits that a person embarks on something new.  Another indication of a new path was the Uranus/Neptune conjunction of 1992 in Capricorn trine her natal Sun: that conjunction brought the winds of change through many peoples’ lives.  She felt that Thatcherism had destroyed society and she wanted to do all she could to alleviate that.

She served under Tony Blair for two years, but then became a critic of his, most notably over the issue of the Iraq war.  In June 2011 she announced that she would retire at the 2015 election.  She had a decisive transit of Mars sextile her natal Pluto at that point.  Saturn was trine her Mercury, which is more of a calculated type of decision making.  Uranus was square her Ascendant  and Pluto trine her natal Uranus (time for another complete change).  Pluto was transiting her natal North Node in Capricorn in the 7th House (she sensed the necessity of change).  She actually retired around the time of the 2015 election, with a Mars Return (a renewal of her energy), Mars squaring her Midheaven (in charge of her career path), Jupiter sextile her Chiron (new healing space for her), Uranus trine her natal Moon in Sagittarius in her 6th House of Working Conditions,  and Neptune square her natal Mercury (a relaxation of mental work, a new creative and spiritual mental space).

She returned to acting, and as an actress, in the third act of her extraordinary life, she has lost no power.  She took on the extraordinary and demanding role of King Lear, for example.  In her new role in the television drama, the transits show Saturn trine her natal Sun (a serious portrayal of the problems of being elderly).  The Guardian gave the drama five stars for its first episode.  It has been conjectured that in her portrayal of an elderly woman with dementia, she has drawn on her experiences as an MP in her community as well as researching the illness.  Social problems and deprivations were of great concern to her in her time as a politician (and she has criticized the  failings of  recent Tory governments to tackle problems such as poverty and homelessness).  She says dealing with dementia is still down the political ladder of priorities.

Aspects

I won’t comment on the result of the General Election, except to say that from the time the date was announced, I predicted that Boris Johnson would win on the grounds that his transits were very lucky for this period, and the others (including those of Jeremy Corbyn and Jo Swinson) were not helpful.

We have a very helpful transit today: that of  Jupiter trine Uranus.  This is a wonderful transit for springing surprises, entering into entrepreneurial arrangements, even for taking risks (and this from a risk-averse astrologer!).  It’s a trine which Richard Branson has in his natal chart, and he has taken risks a good many risks in his time.  Donald Trump also has this trine exact in his chart, and he of course is an entrepreneur and takes risks.  If you want a more respectable role model for Jupiter trine Uranus, you could take Frank Lampard, who has done well at Chelsea as football manager.  Anyway, this account of Jupiter trine Uranus is mainly to show you that you can bring out your Inner Entrepreneur successfully today.  I hope it proves to be a good day, as it is my 70th birthday!

Savour the trine between Jupiter and Uranus throughout the first half of the week, because our next aspect does not appear until Thursday (19th).  This aspect is Mars sextile Saturn, and it is useful on a practical level.  It is good for both beginning and finishing practical and active projects, e.g. for putting that final piece in a jigsaw.  The early part of the week should go with a swing because of the Jupiter/Uranus connection, but if you are struggling, some solid ground could be regained with the added boost of Mars sextile Saturn.

More caution is needed on Friday (20th) however, when we encounter a square between the Mercury and Neptune.  We may find that we have been subject to illusion, for example about what someone or something can do for us.  We may have been caught up in the sensationalism of an event,  a product or a personality.  Illusion and confusion are provinces of the difficult face of Neptune, and need patience and spirituality to wade through to clarity.  This square can see us still in thrall, or waking up to reality and realizing that we have been in thrall.  This aspect may contribute to misunderstandings, so keep your communications clear.

Also early on Friday morning, Venus leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius.  This may lighten the social mood, though you will still need to be aware of the illusory Neptunian vibes, but you may have some extra mental energy to deal with its effects, such as the telepathic superpowers of Aquarius.  You will feel more connected to people, but not in a clingy way, more in the mode of a higher evolutionary consciousness.  We might, in the immortal words of David Cameron, feel “we’re all in it together”.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Fabulous
• Thursday – Achievement
• Friday – Illusion and Social Connection

NATO’s 70th Anniversary

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization celebrated its 70th anniversary this week in Watford.  The Organization had its origins in the aftermath of the second World War, and in April 1949 the North Atlantic Treaty was signed by twelve countries, prior to the formation of NATO in August 1949, as an alliance for the purposes of defence and peacekeeping.  The original twelve nations has now been expanded to 29.  In their meeting this week, we took an unexpected peek behind the scenes.

Transits for the gathering

A chart for the original Treaty reveals a transit of Jupiter trine its Saturn, indicative of some lighter moments occurring.

The transits for the chart of the Organization itself has some more conflicting undercurrents, with Mars sextile its natal Saturn, emphasizing conflict; Mars  square its natal Midheaven, more conflict; Saturn square its Nodal Axis, some group karma going on; Uranus sextile its natal Uranus – surprises; Uranus on the Descendant, disrupted relationships; and Pluto opposite its Mars in Cancer in 9th House of International Relations, more conflict.

Justin Trudeau

We’ve all been at that office party, where a group have been making fun of someone, only to be caught out, or have we?  Only this wasn’t an office party.  It was a serious meeting about world defences.  Who would have thought it?  A small circle of dignitaries were filmed having a lighthearted moment, and at the centre of them was Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada.  The group was making fun of Donald Trump’s penchant for lengthy press conferences.  They were unaware that they were being filmed, and that their words were discernable.  Justin Trudeau did have a suitable transit that day for over the top humour, or being caught out inappropriately, and that was Jupiter squaring his natal Mars.  When it was brought to his attention, Trump accused him of being two-faced.

Donald Trump

After a bad day at the office, Donald decided to leave the party early and cancel his last press conference.  He put Justin Trudeau’s remark down to being annoyed at being called to account over not paying up his 2% share of dues to NATO.  Otherwise, Trump was found to be much more favourable to NATO than hitherto (having called it obsolete in 2016), criticizing Emmanuel Macron of France as “very, very nasty” for his comment that  NATO was “brain dead”.  He and Melania looked very serious on their arrival in England, and throughout their visit, with possibly his impeachment proceedings on their minds.  The North Node (karma – he had kept them waiting) was on his natal Mercury in his 11th House of Organizations;  Mars was square his Pluto (he was the victim); and Saturn was square to his Jupiter (he was not in a position to enjoy the joke).

Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron of France was directly opposite Trudeau, and fully participating in the hilarity.  He too had trouble at home, for a large scale strike was scheduled the next day.  He also was involved with disagreement with Donald Trump over NATO, when he criticized its inability to deal with the behaviour of member Turkey in its aggression in Syria, the actions of Turkey being counter to the policy of NATO, and allied to Russia.  Macron has Jupiter on his natal Sun/Mercury in Sagittarius, so feeling confident; he has Jupiter trine his natal Saturn (up for a laugh); but the utter chaos at home is shown by Neptune square his natal Neptune; spiritually at the moment he is not so sure as he seems.

Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson, standing to the right of Macron in the small group, was not overheard to remark or respond, but he was definitely there.  Later in the day he was asked about it and he denied it ever happened: “That’s complete nonsense. I don’t know where that’s come from.”  But Boris is on a lucky streak at the moment, with Chiron sextile his natal Mars, Neptune sextile his natal Jupiter and Neptune trine his Neptune.  That lucky streak may see him through the election next Thursday 12th December.  On Friday night’s head to head with Jeremy Corbyn, neither of them were seen to land a knockout punch.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne was caught up in two comic moments at that meeting.  She was stood between Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron, and opposite Boris Johnson, but in that group incident we could not properly see her reaction to the merriment.  The other incident was when the Queen gestured to her to ask why she wasn’t standing with her to greet the guests, and Princess Anne gestured “search me!” as if to say she did not know what was going on.  Princess Anne’s transits were mixed: Uranus opposed her Mars (an unpredictable day), but Uranus was sextile her Jupiter (the comic moments) and Saturn was trine her Saturn (there for duty).  I can imagine she enjoyed the humour.

Recep Erdogan

Recep Erdogan of Turkey is at the moment a fly in the ointment for NATO, courting the Russians (e.g. purchasing their military hardware), hounding the Kurds, and flouting NATO’s official line.  Macron especially expressed his concern about it on Tuesday, and the fact that NATO was unable to deal with he situation.  Before the summit, Macron had said: “When I look at Turkey, they are now fighting against those who fought with us shoulder to shoulder against ISIS”.   Erdogan has Mars on his Saturn (tense) and the North Node trine his Saturn, and has agreed not to undermine NATO’s efforts to crush Islamic State in Syria.

Going Forward

NATO leaders have agreed to review their policies over the next year on this, and in relation to threats from Russia, China and worldwide terrorism.  The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this week: “We are 29 different counties, from both sides of the Atlantic, with different history, different geography, and different political parties in power. So of course there are differences. Anything else would be very strange.”

So it’s a happy birthday to the well-meaning peacekeeping organization!  But it was interesting to see the human side behind the stiff protocol.

Aspects

Neptune squared the Sun this morning, so you may have felt a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy first thing.  It’s a mood of “Where am I?  What am I doing?”.  There are various routes to take from there, a strong breakfast coffee, a prolonged meditation, some grounding and tree-hugging in nature, for instance.  By the evening, Neptune is in a more mellow mood, so the fog may  fade gradually over the day.

In the evening, Venus sextiles Neptune, making way for a beautiful expression of spirituality and the arts.  There is a great deal more harmony in relationships, as people are much more in tune with each other.  Love and clarity may start to replace paranoia and illusion.

Tomorrow, Monday (9th) Mercury leaves the intensity of Scorpio and enters Sagittarius, and mentally that brings more lightheartedness and expansion.  There’s room for humour, but spare a thought for the one who has to leave early for a flight home…There’s time to hone your sense of humour, sarcasm-free, because Mercury is in Sagittarius until 29th December (so right through Christmas), and Mercury is travelling fast this month, so those quick-fire wisecracks could bring a laugh a minute – it’s a great time for the comedy profession!

Despite Mercury in Sagittarius, Wednesday (11th) may be altogether more sober, because there is a conjunction between Venus and Saturn, and you will be looking more seriously at your close relationships, and evaluating what is important to you.  The care of the elderly may be a particular preoccupation.  The optimum condition for this conjunction would be loyalty and commitment, but there may need to be some letting go before that can be arrived at.

Election Day (Thursday 12th) is dominated by the emotional and mental tension of a Full Moon at 19 degrees Gemini.  The spiritual civil war over Brexit comes to a climax, and the two sides can do no more to convince each other of their view of what is best for  Britain.  The tussle of Moon in Gemini and Sun in Sagittarius is a tussle over communication, and that is the principle which can also bring them to a whole.  The Full Moon peaks early in the morning, so you may find the tension starting to dissipate from that point.  Once you have cast your vote, you can relax, at least until the first results late in the evening.

On Friday (13th), the post-Election day, we have two contrasting aspects.  One is Mars trine Neptune, under which the spiritual warrior flourishes.  You can combine your passions with your spiritual path.  Meditation with movement is favoured, e.g. yoga, tai chi and qijong.  Peaceful demonstrations, such as the school strike, also chime well with this aspect.

In the mid-afternoon, there is a much deeper mood, brought by a conjunction between Venus and Pluto.  There is much more reflection about the enormity of changes, and the impact on humanity.  You may need to do some soul-searching in order to have a handle on your feelings.  In your interactions, deep honesty may be required. A strong dose of chamomile tea and lavender may be needed all round.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – confusion, clarifying, and beauty
• Tomorrow – mental lightheartedness
• Wednesday – sober
• Thursday – emotional and mental tension, dissipating
• Friday – spiritual and physical harmony; depth of feelings