David Cameron and the United Kingdom

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

David Cameron

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

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

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

United Kingdom

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

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

James Foley

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

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

Scottish Referendum

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

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

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

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

[Amendment Monday 25th:

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

N.H.S

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

Education

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

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

Aspects

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

Big Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Robin Williams

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

Astrological Chart

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death

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

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

Nanu-Nanu

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Lauren Bacall

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

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

Birth Chart

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

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

Love

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

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16.44 Hrs – Mercury enters Virgo

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

Have a good week!

Fixed Stars of the Week

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

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

Sources

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

This week’s Fixed Stars:

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

Tomorrow –

Kochab, the beta star from Ursa Minor

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

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

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

Acubens, the alpha star of the sign Cancer

Bernadette Brady informs us that:

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

Starlight Elixirs emphasizes the Cancerian values of home and family:

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

Wednesday –

Dubhe, the alpha star from Ursa Major

Bernadette Brady informs us that:

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

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

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

Friday –

El Tarf – the beta star of the sign Cancer

Bernadette Brady does not document El Tarf individually.

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

Mercury

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

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

8^th: Friday, Mercury aligned with Dubhe

9^th: Saturday, Mercury aligned with El Tarf

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

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

~ Chris Griscom: “Ecstasy is a New Frequency”

Israel and Gaza

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

Daniel Barenboim

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

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

His Chart

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel concludes by saying:

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Another Malaysian Airline Tragedy

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

Chart of Malaysia

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

Chart of the Tragedy

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

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

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

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

Ukraine

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

Putin

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

Netherlands

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

Philip Hammond

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

Another Perspective

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

World Cup 2014

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

England

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

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

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

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

Brazil

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

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

Neymar

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

Argentina

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

Messi

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

Germany

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

Aspects

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

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

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

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

Jupiter in Leo

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

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

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

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

The week in bullet points:

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

Dalai Lama

Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama

I am not ready yet to write a eulogy to the Dalai Lama, and as a man of great simplicity he would not want much razzmatazz on his birthday, but I simply want to wish him a happy birthday, and to thank him for being such an inspiration in my life.  He is one of the great icons for me of peaceful resolutions, together with Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela.  I like to spend my birthday in spiritual retreat, which is something he does a lot of, throughout his daily life.  So I am sure that will form part of his birthday.  Someone may thrust a birthday cake and candles at him, given the chance.  But he keeps his level of consciousness high at all times, which requires a certain amount of solitude.

He is a Cancerian, like Nelson Mandela, both of whose life struggles were intimately bound up with the fate of their countries.  With Mercury rising in Gemini (his Ascendant sign) he is also a great teacher and a  man of great intellect, having studied very deeply the ancient treasury of Tibetan scriptures in his youth in Lhasa, and then ever more widely as he left Tibet exploring the world teachings, and became a global figure and produced a prolific body of writing, with a vastly Universal consciousness and outlook, but could  explain compassion and forgiveness to anyone.  Would that the whole world would listen… But the sense of joy that pervades him, and that tinkly laugh always ready to bubble, those are qualities of the Soul embodied in the personality, and very infectious when you are in his presence.

He has the full package of religion (Jupiter exactly trine his Sun) and Spirituality (Neptune exactly sextile his Sun), which equals Jupiter sextile Neptune (perfect balance between Religion and Spirituality).  Born to be Dalai Lama, but then the Tibetans believe in reincarnation, and he chose the symbols and objects of his predecessor when he was a tiny child, recognizing them.

He will be 80 next year, and physically he is not beyond human frailty (with a T-square between Chiron, Saturn and Neptune in his natal chart).  How are his birthday transits?  Some believe these are symbolic of the year ahead (Solar Return).  The Sun trines his natal Jupiter (some laughter), he has an exact Mercury Return in Gemini (his mind will be sharp as a razor) and Pluto is exactly trine his Neptune (one of the most consciousness-expanding transits possible).  It’s a great recipe for his birthday, and suggests that if he is writing a new book at this time, it could go beyond all he has written before.

Happy Birthday, Dalai Lama!

Aspects

Tomorrow there is a sextile between Venus and Uranus, producing a pleasant social spark.  It is a good day for artistic originality, and for good conversation in cafes or  at soirees.  You might bump into someone you haven’t seen for some time!

On Tuesday (8^th) Venus squares Chiron, so you may regret something you said in your chance encounter the day before, or feel you revealed too much of yourself.  Spend a little time on self- healing, and achieving wholeness.

In the afternoon, a fresh incident may set you off again, with the Sun squaring Uranus.  It may be the same issue, or a different angle.  More self-healing required for equilibrium.  It is no good second guessing this one, because Uranus is the planet of surprise.  Trust that the Universe will send you what you need.

Just after midnight on Wednesday morning (9^th) the Sun trines Saturn, so you can achieve a more grounded perspective, perhaps before sleep.  A short period of insomnia should do the trick, and things may fall into place in your mind, so that you know how to proceed.  When you turn out the light shortly after 00.28 Hrs (UK time) you may sleep through.

Thursday 10^th brings another gift, in the form of Sun trine Chiron.  You may then be able to look at the whole of the events of the week, not only with equanimity, but also with the perspective of how they have conspired to first reveal your issues or wounds, and then helped you to resolve them.  You should feel more of a sense of wholeness than at the very beginning of the week.

Give yourself a day or two basking in this beautiful energy, and prepare yourself for the Full Moon in Capricorn (20 degrees) which comes late morning (UK time) on Saturday.  This is likely to affect you according to your history with Full Moons.  If you are Cancerian or Capricorn the Universe is highlighting issues relating to home and work (e.g. your home life and work balance).  Consider a job share, if appropriate.  Even if your own emotions are not a serious object of attention, someone else’s may be.  It is a time for processing, rather than charging around trying to fix things through action.  Achieve contemplation effectively, and you will clear the ground for next week, so that you will more easily be able to enjoy its gifts, which include Jupiter’s rip-roaring entry into Leo!  Some of your Cancerian issues (such as old hurts), dealt with during the Full Moon, can be laid aside permanently.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sparkling social scene, with a little backlash
• Tuesday – licking wounds, then more “surprises”
• Wednesday – settling down and stabilizing
• Thursday – healing
• Saturday – heightened emotion and processing required

Federer vs Djokovic

General

The chart for this match is a similar shape to that of the women’s final, with Mars (now exactly on the Ascendant)/North Node rising in Libra, except that the Moon has joined the conjunction.  This may mean that the match is a little more balanced than that of Petra Kvitova against Eugenie Bouchard.  I don’t think it likely that it will be as one-sided.  Jupiter in the chart of the event is exactly on the Midheaven, so I think the quality of play will enhance the reputation of tennis and Wimbledon!

Their playing history would show more wins for Roger, as would his playing history with all the tennis players!  But it is still worth looking at their charts in relationship:  they have a karmic tie, being Roger’s North Node exactly sextile Novak’s Sun.  They came into incarnation to be part of the big four, competing against each other, and had interacted before.  But one gets the sense that Roger and Rafael Nadal have more issues between them, cast aside for now.  Roger’s Jupiter also squares exactly Novak’s natal Neptune, so there is a fundamental difference in approach to life and faith between them.  All part of life’s rich tapestry.

What can be written that is new about these two opponents today?  The fascinating thing is that both appointed old champions as their coaches at the same time, at the beginning of this year.  So I will find myself writing about their huge support from Stefan Edberg (weighing in on the side of Roger) and Boris Becker (weighing in on the side of Novak).  This magnifies the power on both sides, and certainly explains some of Roger’s astonishing return to tip top condition.  It also provides more polarization of styles: the coolness of Edberg plus Roger’s unflappability, and the more passionate style of Boris and Djokovic.  Could this be a set up from the Universe for the greatest men’s single final of all time?  Six months into their coaching relationship, they have had time to really get their acts together.

Roger Federer

At the beginning of this Wimbledon tournament, Roger was seeded 4^th and I wrote:

“Mars sextiles his Sun at the beginning of Wimbledon, so he will start out with plenty of energy and resolve.  At the end of Wimbledon there are a couple of minor personal congenial transits, but nothing indicating that this will be a special Wimbledon for him.”

I have been reviewing the situation since, especially with Roger Federer doing so well throughout the tournament, and through the encouragement of Tri, a commentator to this blog, who kept me on my toes!

So at the semi-finals I added:

“I still feel Raonic has a fair chance of getting through, but Roger does not have any real adverse aspects, so if he wins it will be “all in a day’s work”, because of the calibre of man that he is and where his consciousness is.  If Roger gets to the final, he will be strong in heart and mind at that time, with the Sun on his Mars and Venus sextile his Sun. Those are not major transits, but he will be equinanimous at that time.”

Fine-tuning for the actual time of today’s match, 2 pm, I cannot add more, other than a sextile by Saturn to his Venus has caught my eye as being a very solid and satisfactory aspect.  Could it be that Roger Federer, who has overcome many players and many astrological aspects over so many years, actually transcends astrological forces?

Coach: Stefan Edberg

Stefan Edberg has an outstanding chart, and Federer has chosen well in this respect.  Between them, they would bring a great deal of finesse and sensitive skill to a game already at the top level.  Highlights of his chart include: Mars trine exactly Jupiter (Energy, Enthusiasm and Luck); Mercury trine Uranus (quick thinking and telepathy – maybe he is able to transmit his advice to Roger from the sidelines); Mercury exactly trine Pluto (psychological perception, so his comments to Roger about his opponents could be very incisive) and Uranus closely conjunct Pluto (a powerful wild energy, which can knock opponents off their stride).  At the time he became coach, Uranus sextiled exactly Roger’s natal Sun (a significant change in his life).  Jupiter was transiting his natal Mars (new luck in his physical path)  and Pluto was exactly trine his natal  Ascendant (very profound changes physically).  There are good aspects between them, most notably Stefan Edberg’s Mars (energy) exactly trine (supporting) Roger’s Pluto (power).

Novak Djokovic

At the beginning of this Wimbledon tournament I wrote:

“…At the start of Wimbledon, he has some of those scintillating aspects: Neptune sextile his Neptune (spiritual centredness) and Neptune trine his Pluto (a deep sense of truth), so he should be starting on good form.  By the end of Wimbledon, only one of those prevails (Neptune trine Neptune) so it is possible that he may not make the final, but he will be philosophical at the end of the day.”

But then I picked him to have the best bunch of aspects of the top four!

For the semi-final with Dimitrov I added:

“Though Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are only born a week apart, the fine difference is that at the moment Neptune is closer to a trine with Djokovic’s Pluto, which is helping him, and likely to see Djokovic into the final.”

Coach: Boris Becker

I would think  that Boris Becker is a towering figure to have standing behind you.  He symbolizes strength and force (he has Mars exactly trine Pluto in his chart).  His Sun is exactly sextile Uranus, so he has brilliance and originality.  His Moon (females) is exactly square his Nodal Axis (karma) which is why he has had such a difficult relationship history with women.  There are a lot of strong connections between their charts: In his relationship with Novak Djokovic their suns are opposite, so he would be able to complete Djokovic’s thinking, complete the circle for him.  Mars was sextile Novak’s Mercury when Boris became his coach (the appearance in his life of a male who completes and stimulates his thinking).  Jupiter sextiles exactly Boris’s natal Uranus by transit at the final, which supports a win.  It depends how important to him in his life, whether such a win would show up.

Conclusion

I don’t know!  My heart goes with Roger Federer, partly because his playing in this tournament has made my heart sing.  But my head goes with Novak Djokovic.  May the best man win.