David Attenborough

“If we save the sea, we save our world.”

~ David Attenborough, 2025

David Attenborough celebrated his 99^th birthday this week.  “National Treasure” is an accolade of a label reserved for the few, lest it be devalued.  But I don’t think anyone would dispute his right to be called that, though apparently he himself has not endorsed the term.  According to the Guinness World Records, he has had the longest career as a natural historian and television presenter.

Birth Chart

I last wrote a blog about David Attenborough in October 2020, when he set up an Instagram account, due to travel restrictions during Covid times.

Here was my description of his birth chart:

“His Sun is in Earth sign Taurus [The Conservationist Archetype], and he has done more to illuminate Life on Earth than anyone.  At the age of 94, he has made a huge contribution to its study, which is impossible to exaggerate.  Taurus also gives him a great deal of grounding.  His Sun is opposed by Saturn, so he feels a huge weight of responsibility, which he carries and conveys admirably.  His Sun is also square Neptune, showing great sensitivity… emphasizing the role of the oceans in his life and work.  With the Sun sextile Pluto, what he has to say is always profound, and this is given extra karmic weight with a conjunction between Pluto and the North Node, and a sextile between the North Node and the Sun.  His has been an extraordinary destiny.  His Moon conjuncts Venus, giving him great tenderness, and you can see that through some of his animal commentaries.  His Moon conjunct Uranus gives him imagination and the power to surprise through the expression of emotion, which, placed in Pisces, contains a great deal of compassion too.  Mercury is sextile Jupiter in his chart, showing breadth of mind and vastness of travel… Jupiter shows the scale of his life plan and contribution, and placed in Aquarius it hints at the extent of his futuristic vision, where he has always had his finger on the pulse of what would happen to our planet.  Mercury exactly trine Neptune gives him acute mental sensitivity, and the ability to channel higher frequencies of thought.  With Mercury conjunct Chiron, he’s a problem-solver…  With Saturn closely square Neptune he is very sensitive to the interface and relationship between the Earth and her Waters.”

Jupiter opposite Neptune

Jupiter opposite Neptune in his birth chart merits a close look, if only to look at where this legend is coming from spiritually.  Jupiter in a chart represents religion, and Neptune represents spirituality.  An opposition in the birth chart often represents an ambiguity, a not-knowing, or in David Attenborough’s case, an avowed agnosticism.  In some it can create confusion, but he exhibits the higher or highest manifestation of this combination: an ability to balance and possibly merge the two.

He has said:

“My view is: I don’t know one way or the other but I don’t think that evolution is against a belief in God.”

and

“It never really occurred to me to believe in God”.

plus

“If there is a supreme being then he chose organic evolution as a way of bringing into existence the natural world”.

I wrote in 2016:  “He describes himself as agnostic, and maybe he doesn’t need religion as he is well and truly ‘doing his bit’ for the planet.”

Life and Career

David Attenborough was born in Isleworth on 8^th May 1926.  His father was principal on the campus of Leicester University, which is where he grew up.  His older brother Richard (Attenborough) pursued the path of acting and directing in film.  As a child, David collected fossils, stones and natural specimens.  At the age of 10, the brothers attended a lecture at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, about conservation, and according to Richard, his brother was smitten with the subject, and the need for action to maintain ecological balance.  David won a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1945 and studied geology and zoology.  After obtaining a degree in natural sciences, two years later he was called up for national service and served in the Royal Navy for two years.

He then undertook a three-month training course with the BBC, and was taken on in the Talks department.  In 1954 he fronted a programme called “Zoo Quest”, around the time of his Saturn Return, a time when life patterns can be cemented.  In 1965 he became Controller of BBC 2.  He began to make occasional films abroad, and in 1971, he found himself in a first expedition to a remote part of New Guinea seeking out a lost tribe – a classic hallmark David Attenborough production.  This reflected his North Node in Cancer (karmic mission centring around indigenous populations). He was promoted in 1969 to be responsible as director for both BBC channels, but resigned in 1972 because that role was taking him away from what he really wanted to do, make natural history programmes: his progressed Sun at the time was trine his natal Mars (asserting his will in the direction of what he really wanted to do).  He began to work on “Life on Earth”, a project which came to fruition in 1979.

His transits at the time were very karmic: Pluto was square his natal Nodal Axis (a hard fought karmic fulfilment); Saturn was sextile his natal Pluto (a serious life work); and the North Node was sextile his natal North Node, very karmic (the world karma aligned with his own personal karma).

Documentaries

I enumerated some of his work in 2020:

“He has made legions of documentaries for the BBC over the decades.  Here is a timeline of a few of those, which you may remember fondly depending on your generation:

1979 – Life on Earth

1984 – The Living Planet

1995 – The Private Life of Plants

2001 – The Blue Planet

2017 – Blue Planet II

2020 – Extinction

In Blue Planet II, he brought us graphic evidence of the plastic pollution in our waters, and sparked a worldwide effort to reduce the impact of plastic.”

His Current work: Ocean

He is launching an important film, about the crucial role of the oceans in the healing of the Earth, in a cinema-length film.  He says:

“After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.”

In the film, he documents the changes in the world’s oceans which have been occurring over his lifetime.  He warns us that we are almost out of time.

He shows for example the contributory factor of some wasteful trawling for fish, in causing the release of carbon dioxide and global warming.

Yet he says the ocean has the capacity to recover faster than we had ever imagined.

Sir David says the story of the world’s whales has been a source of huge optimism for him.

He cites the heartening story of how worldwide action to save the whales succeeded.  He is hoping that his film will be a catalyst for countries to do more to help the oceans recover: they need to be left alone.  The ocean’s recovery would enable recovery from climate change, by protecting its ecosystems.

The film is currently available in some cinemas.

David has half his planets in the Water element, which is a high proportion, so he is extremely sensitized to the problem.  He also has his North Node (karmic mission) in the Water sign of Cancer.

I have worked without a birth time, but a rectified chart is in existence which gives him Jupiter on the Ascendant: that can be a World Saviour Archetype!

“This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. It is the greatest message he’s ever told”

~ Toby Nowlan, producer of “Ocean”

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 12^th) we have a Full Moon at 22 degrees Scorpio.  The atmosphere may become feverish as we approach the afternoon event.  This is the most emotionally intense Full Moon of the year.  A conversation could set you on a profound journey.  You will need to be in touch with your deepest emotions and be constructively authentic.  There may be a focus on shared finances and an attempt to balance material resources and needs between two people.  With the Moon opposite the Sun in Taurus, values and shared values may be the current issue on your mind.  Donald Trump may be making more statements about Tariffs and trade transactions.  You may pull off a deal, if you have been conducting yourself ethically.

Your arrow of truth needs to be utterly straight, because not long after the Full Moon Pluto squares Mercury, and mentally you need to be on top of your game.  It is a square which requires you, among other things, to rise above negative thinking, or to get to the root of it.  There may be a setback or a reversal (even if a fragile ceasefire was under way), so make sure your actions in the morning are solid if you have a conflict to resolve in your own life.  Perhaps there is a twist in the plot.  You may encounter awkward communications or travel.  You may need extra ‘me time’ in order to separate yourself from worried pronouncements about the state of the world.  If you do engage in chatter, choose a worthwhile subject.

The next planetary aspect does not occur until Saturday, so in the meantime let’s play among the Fixed Stars.  On Wednesday (14^th) our Sun aligns with Capulus, otherwise known as H & Chi Perseus, a double cluster star. Bernadette Brady characterizes this star thus: that “Capulus energy is clear, decisive, focussed, and possibly even ruthless”.

 “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld provides different information:

“This double star cluster assists individuals who seek to love God and understand just what that means – to recognize gratefulness, compassion, and praise.  A resonant phenomena may occur to make one aware of the deliberate separation that one has allowed in coming into incarnation… This can give some remembrance of past lives and some awareness of the time before birth in which contracts were made with individuals one is yet to meet.”

So on Saturday (17^th) we have the stunning, but possibly disruptive, conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, at 27 degrees Taurus.  The influence may occur gradually throughout the day, as it peaks in the evening.  On the other hand, Uranus is notorious for achieving a bolt from the blue.  So expect the unexpected, and that may include pleasant surprises.  It is a good day to demonstrate your originality and inventiveness, and in your leisure time begin a project which is highly creative or benefits society.  You may decide to join a group activity along those lines.  If you are feeling more contemplative in mood, new ideas can flash into your consciousness during meditation.  The evening’s television or film viewing (I do believe it’s Eurovision time!) could provide heightened interest.  The surprise may be that we don’t come last…?

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – emotional high tide; mental challenges
• Wednesday – decisiveness; spiritual contemplation
• Saturday – expect the unexpected

Taurus Archetypes

This is the fourth of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  We are now in the month of Taurus, and it is time to embrace the potential of that sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  The Sun entered Taurus on Saturday 19th April, and we are now experiencing some warmer weather: 1^st May was the hottest start to May on record, hitting 28 degrees centigrade at Kew Gardens.

Taureans are the salt of the earth, and often the rock upon which many people rely.  No wonder then, that they are adept at earth based and material pursuits, which are reflected in their Archetypes.

So, following, are the Archetypes I highlighted back in my 2016 blog, and then some chronological historic examples of Taureans and their Archetypes, from history:

“Artist

The Artist is one of the most basic of Taurean archetypes.  In my Past Life Archetypes, I go back to the cave paintings of bulls for my Taurean archetype.  That is in itself such a basic image and imbued with such meaning for this sign.

In previous centuries there was a prevalent Archetype of the talented artist starving in a garrett in his lifetime, and possibly gaining success posthumously.  The memory of this may unconsciously hold you back if you are an aspiring artist in this lifetime.

Caroline Myss brings the Archetype much more up to date in her book on the subject.  She observes: “In our society, art is generally regarded as a risky, if not altogether reckless, occupational choice, and any activity that isn’t financially rewarding is automatically classed as a hobby.”

She is very encouraging to the budding artist, and her final thought is: “The Artist/Creative archetype has an inborn calling to contribute to life creatively.  It is a privilege to possess artistic gifts and talents.  Cultivate yours.  To deny them is true suffering.”

Midas/The Moneylender

The Taurus/Scorpio polarity has a cluster of Archetypes around the theme of money.  Taurus generally represents one’s own earnings and possessions, and Scorpio (its opposite) represents dealing with other people’s money, e.g. through banking or insurance.  But of course money has to flow between these two ends of the polarity, and as has already been mentioned the current crisis over the Panama offshore tax havens [2016] highlights aspects of this relationship.  Is the rich man hoarding wealth the Midas?  The literary archetype of the moneylender is embodied in Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.  The moneylenders of the Bible have also coloured our perceptions of the profession.  More recently, the banking crisis of 2008 adversely altered the reputation of those who have monetary power.

Again, the last word goes to Caroline for the description of this Archetype: “Entrepreneurial or creative ability to turn anything to gold.  Delight in sharing life’s riches…look for a pattern of creating wealth and/or confronting how far you’re willing to go to create it; also for a pattern of difficulty sharing wealth”.

Chief Sitting Bull

I asked a close friend who is a Taurean if she identified with any particular archetype. Quick as a flash she came back with Chief Sitting Bull, and the more I thought about it, the more apt I found it. She herself had a past life as a Native American chief (not sitting bull), so the archetype is perfect for her personally. The historical figure must have had the qualities of the bull, as his totem animal. Taureans, as mentioned previously, are like a rock for their immediate friends and family. And Sitting Bull represented the oneness with the land (another Taurean feature) which gave rise to many deep sayings.  The theme of the long fuse of the bull comes up again, for Sitting Bull was a reluctant warrior, goaded by the unjust actions of the white man, into being a defender and protector of his people and his land.”

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” ~ Sitting Bull

The Artist

The two main artistic signs are Taurus and Libra, but the emphasis with Taurus is the form, and solidity, such as through pottery and sculpture, as well as of course painting.  For Air sign Libra the emphasis is on design, such as fashion and interior design.

Famous Examples: Potter Grayson Perry and Turner prize winner has his Ascendant at 3 degrees Taurus, so early in that sign that most of his 1^st House is expressed through that sign.

Salvador Dali, Sun in Taurus

The Musician

Venus ruled signs of Taurus and Libra are also musical – again the emphasis with Taurus is the form, and solidity, such as mastery of an instrument, and singing (there are outstanding voices for both signs).  For Air sign Libra the emphasis is on composition and the finer mental qualities required for musical talent.

Famous Examples: Barbra Streisand, Cher, Adele, Bing Crosby

The Gardener

The grounded sign of Taurus is also associated with plant husbandry, and the green fingers.  The connection with the Earth element makes this a natural affinity for horticulture.

Famous Example: Alan Titchmarsh (see below)

The Chef

From the garden to the table, many outstanding chefs are born under the sign of Taurus, or have a heightened Venus in their birth chart.  Taurus is the sign of sensuality, and has a heightened sense of smell and taste, both vital in the making of a good chef.

Famous Examples: Anthony Worrall Thompson, Phil Vickery

The Economist

The association with money in a birth chart is often shown by a strong Taurean showing, through Venus’ talent for finances and accumulation.  The opposite sign Scorpio, as mentioned above, is strongly involved with the finances of others, through its ruling planet Pluto.

Famous Example: Karl Marx (see below)

Other Archetypes: The Builder, The Boxer

Historical/more in-depth Examples

The Artist

J.M.W. Turner (23/4/1775 – 19/12/1851)

One of England’s best loved and most productive artists, he had Sun, Jupiter and Venus in Taurus.

In his biography of Turner, James Hamilton expresses the strong will and patience characteristic of the sign of Taurus, often a quality which results in their great productivity:

“…in his maturity he used assertion rather than aggression or swagger, how he worked through other, weaker personalities, using them as go- between a, and how he used pressure of time as a bargaining tool, fully knowing that if he insisted and refrained from giving his approval for long enough time would run out for the hanging committee and he would be bound to get his own way.”

The Musician

Ella Fitzgerald (25/4/1917 – 15/6/1996)

One of the most outstanding and purest vocalists in history, known as “First Lady of Song” and “Queen of Jazz”, like Turner she had Sun, Jupiter and Venus in Taurus, clustered around her Midheaven which was also in Taurus.  She was blessed with “absolute pitch” – Venus (responsible for voice) in Taurus exactly conjunct the Sun in Taurus surely had something to do with that.  A certain musical broadcaster I know has said he always plays Ella Fitzgerald at Christmas…

The Economist

Karl Marx (5/5/1818 – 14/3/1883)

Karl Marx was among other things a political theorist, an economist and revolutionary socialist.  He had the North Node (karmic mission), Moon/Sun (born on a New Moon), and Venus in Taurus.  He of course wrote “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital”, the latter explaining his theory of historic materialism, in an analysis of capitalism.  When out canvassing for the Labour Party, I have often been accused of being “a Marxist”, or “Commie” (could be my Taurus Ascendant)!  Uranus conjunct the Midheaven (Careerpoint) in his chart, combined with the New Moon, ensured that he would be bringing in something new and revolutionary.  That he was on the side of, and for, the people, is reflected in his Moon conjunct the North Node in Taurus.

More Modern Examples:

The Gardener

Alan Titchmarsh (b. 2/5/49)

Alan Titchmarsh, hardly ever off our screens, was born in Ilkley (with the accent to match), and I have a birth time of 21.00 Hrs for him.  He has Mars, and the Sun/Venus in the sign of Taurus, so is close to the Earth.  Venus is exactly opposite his Ascendant, which means that he strongly relates to all Venusian matters: he has, for instance, written romantic novels.  His garden path began when he moved to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew in 1969 to study for a Diploma in Horticulture.

He is an astrological twin (born the same day in the same year) as mandala Artist, Barry Stevens.  The plot thickens, however…

Chef

Ken Hom (b. 3/5/1949)

…The morning after Alan Titchmarsh was born in the same year, Chef Ken Hom was born, so he is also in effect an astrological twin.  Ken Hom was the earliest proponent of Chinese cuisine to appear on our television screens.  His “Chef Archetype” shows up in his Venus conjunct the Sun in Taurus. But also in Moon in Cancer (representing nourishment). His exact trine between Mercury and Jupiter took him across the world broadcasting.  He studied the History of Art in California.  His big breakthrough came in 1982, when after a 2-year global search, the BBC auditioned him for a Chinese cookery series.  He introduced us to “the Wok”!

He recently said in an interview, explaining why he doesn’t have a restaurant:

“You think it’s glamorous to have a restaurant?  When the dish washer doesn’t show up, guess who’s washing the dishes?  I have a stress-free life.  I play in other people’s restaurants.  I create concepts which allow me to be creative.  I train the chefs and then it’s their problem.”

You may notice that with your Taurean family, friends and acquaintances, some of them have more than one of these Archetypes (they’re a talented bunch!).  While the Sun is in Taurus (until 20^th May), you can connect with your own Taurean Archetypes, or Venusian qualities if you do not have any Taurean planets, and enable them to blossom.

Aspects

This afternoon, Pluto is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde.  This may be tricky.  Put your psychological house in order, e.g. with a spot of re-aligning meditation, ready for the challenges of this retrograde period.  There may be practical inconveniences, or contentious subjects arising.  The challenges may be more wearying than acute, but you need to keep up your vitality and reserves.  Alternatively, if you find yourself in overwhelm, surrender is equally effective as a spiritual strategy towards a sense of peace and acceptance, and new insight to inform your next steps.

Tomorrow (Monday, 5^th) Mercury sextiles Jupiter.  Sextiles ensure more ease and harmony and this one encourages mental development and learning (if you are on a course of study, for instance), and is helpful to businesses in need of a lift.  If you are learning a new language, you may experience a shift and take off with it!  It will also be favourable for the teaching profession.  If you are travelling, remember St. Christopher is with you.

Another sextile, on Tuesday (6^th) brings a more introverted set of qualities, from Venus with Pluto: it’s an aspect which encourages soul-searching and arriving at deeper concepts and perceptions.  You can add extra artistry and harmony to your current projects.  You can also experience profound connections between people, and it’s a good time for evaluating what people mean to you. You may experience a volcanic eruption of creativity!  A good day for philosophical and psychological enquiries.

Later in the day we are offered a conjunction, between Mercury and Chiron, at 24 degrees Aries.  It is possible that soul-searching earlier in the day uncovered an old wound that needed to be looked at, and Mercury/Chiron may provide the mental problem-solving assistance to profitably address issues.  For example, paranoia may be looked in the face, soothed and healed.

At the end of the week, on Saturday (10^th), Mercury enters Taurus, and the quality of the mental energy may become steadier and calmer than the fieriness of the last two weeks or so when Mercury has been in Aries.  This placing is better for negotiation, which is something much needed at the moment in war zones.  Practical ideas will be the order of the day.  Mercury will pass rapidly through this sign, and only stays here until 26^th May, so make this a productive time mentally.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – navel-gazing
• Tomorrow – mental development and learning;
• Tuesday – soul-searching; problem-solving
• Saturday – calmer mental shores

Pope Francis (1936 – 2025)

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”

~ Pope Francis

Pope Francis died last Monday at 7.35 a.m., Rome, aged 88, from double pneumonia and a stroke.  He had been ailing, and his health had been a significant cause for concern, since February, when Neptune was trine his natal Pluto in his 1^st House (deep seated changes), Saturn square his natal Chiron in the 12^th House (physical deterioration), and the North Node trine his natal Pluto 1^st House (a reorientation of the Soul).  His journey back to his maker was being prepared.

Birth Chart

I took a good look at his chart when he was elected in March 2013.  I wrote:

“Sun in Sagittarius is traditionally the sign for conventional religion, and pontification.  His Sun is close to the galactic centre, so he may be aligned with spiritual realities, and it is conjunct the North Node (karmic mission) which confirms that his path is a true one (for him at least).  He is comfortable with religious power.  There is a down-to-earth quality about him, and if he is of a certain evolutionary level it may be significant in his life and works that Earth is the esoteric ruler of Sagittarius.

His Moon is conjunct Venus (which gives him great gentleness).  ..The Moon sign is Aquarius, so giving him a social focus and an interest in a fair society, a championship of the underdog.  He has been reported as making statements which maintain the downtrodden status of women in the Papal view, and that may be because Uranus squares his Venus/Moon conjunction, so there is a sense of alienation in his mind towards women at the same time as the fairer qualities.  There is scope here that he may change his mind suddenly (Uranus).

He has a difficult T-square between Chiron in Gemini and Neptune opposing Saturn, and will have learned to balance that to a certain extent by his age of 76.  He does have a much warmer timbre of voice than his predecessor, and Chiron in Gemini could be considered to have healing qualities through the use of the voice.  Fortunately, an exact trine from Mars lifts the Chiron a little from its tension in the T-square, and confers some good healing energy too.

Jupiter is trine Uranus in his chart, so miracles may be ascribed to him; not necessarily high-flown miracles, but placed in earth signs they may be practical miracles, such as shifting some of the poverty in corners of the world.  He has an unusual relationship with money and materiality, as in addition to this aspect his Part of Fortune is in the 2^nd House of Money.  He thinks outside the box in this sphere.

He has been called “divisive” already for various reasons, such as his alienation from his fellow Jesuits.  But he may be able to bring people together, by virtue of his Mars in Libra (the “Peacemaker Archetype”) trine his Chiron (“Inner Healer”) which understands suffering through its position in his T-square.  His election may have been a mental shock (transiting Pluto conjunct his Mercury) but at the same time he understood his responsibility (transiting Saturn sextile his natal Mercury) and the dove of divinity definitely came to settle on his shoulders, with transiting Neptune sextile his natal Jupiter.  He has a huge task ahead of him, and I wish him all the luck of the Sagittarian ruler, Jupiter.”

At the time, I did not have a solid birth time for him, so now that it is accepted that he was born at 9 p.m. near Buenos Aires, I can expand on the above:

He has Cancer rising, cementing his reputation as a caring Pope.  His Midheaven at 0 degrees Taurus marks him out as a steady dependable persona in the world.  At the same time, Uranus conjuncts the Midheaven, giving him the urge to reform and modernise in his career, and some success within that aim.  Mercury opposite the Ascendant indicates the Teacher Archetype – he worked as a teacher earlier in life in a literal sense (lecturing in literature and psychology), and of course he was a teacher in a more archetypal sense.

Life and Career

He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Flores, a suburb of Buenos Aires.  His family was of Italian origin, and he was the eldest child with four siblings.  He attended a technical secondary school, graduating with a chemical technician’s diploma – his Mercury trine Uranus provides a scientific bent.

At the age of 21, he suffered life-threatening pneumonia, three cysts, and the excision of part of a lung.  With Mercury opposite the Ascendant (the physical), there seems to have been a life long weakness concerning the lungs.  After recovering, he subsequently experienced a life-changing (or sliding door) moment when passing a church on his way to celebrating the Spring Day, and after confession was inspired by a priest to study at an archdiocesan seminary.  On 11^th March 1958 he entered the Society of Jesus as a novice: Uranus was opposite his Venus and Chiron trine his natal Mars and Chiron.  Saturn was also on his natal Sun in his 6^th House of Service (a commitment), Jupiter was on his natal I.C. in 4^th House (making religion the foundation of his life) and Pluto trine his Midheaven (a serious direction in life) at 0 degrees Virgo, marking an important shift.

In such a long career, leading up to his papal role, there are many steps and markers, of which I will list a few:

1960: He officially became a Jesuit on 12^th March of that year: Neptune squared his natal Venus in Aquarius in 8^th House (a renunciation – the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience); Chiron was sextile his natal Midheaven in Taurus in the 20^th House (a step towards healing in his career);  Chiron sextile his natal Saturn in Pisces in 9^th House of Religion (cementing the seriousness of his new role); and the Nodal Axis squared his natal Nodal Axis, creating a Grand Cross – a fateful and karmic moment in time.

1969: He was ordained as a Catholic priest on 13^th December that year

1973: He became the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina

1992: He rose to the position of Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires

1998: He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires

2001: Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal, on 21^st February that year

2013: On the retirement of Pope Benedict, he was elected Pope (on 13^th March of that year) and took the name Francis after St Francis of Assisi, and he was the one and only Pope to take that name.  In taking the role, he achieved several firsts: the first pope to be a Jesuit, the first Latin American pope, the first from the southern hemisphere, and the first from outside Europe since 8^th Century Pope Gregory III.

Qualities, Beliefs and Achievements

Pope Francis came to be known for his compassion, simplicity, and humility, with which he imbued his ministry in various practical ways.  He lived in a small apartment, used public transport, and cooked his own meals.

He believed in inclusiveness, peacefulness, and charity for the poor and vulnerable, and many works were dedicated to this end.  He fostered relations between religions.

As Peter Stanford put it, in his Guardian obituary, Pope Francis saw that “climate change, migration and global poverty were interconnected.”

He spoke out where he considered that international relations were failing according to these standards of decency (such as on immigration), intervening to speak out about the Ukrainian/Russian and Gazan/Israeli wars.  It is said that he phoned his Gazan church every day since that war began in October 2023.  He spoke out about injustices in economic systems, and supported action against climate change where leaders were failing to acknowledge the importance of protecting the planet.  He pointed out the dangers of the trend towards right wing populism.

He admitted that he was not perfect, and indeed was criticized for not going far enough in women’s rights within the church, standing up enough for the LGBTQ community despite his sympathy, and not tackling the institutional sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic church thoroughly enough.  Some of these “failings” were partly due to opposition from within the church.

But there is no doubt that he dedicated every moment to service as he believed it to be required.  Andy Burnham on the Laura Kuenssberg Sunday show this morning reported that when he took a party to Rome, Pope Francis paid a personal and touching attention to each of his guests.

Death

Last Monday morning, profoundly symbolically on Easter Monday itself, he suffered a stroke, leading to a coma and cardiac arrest.  On announcing his death, the exact time (7.35 a.m., Rome) was given out.

Jupiter was trine his natal Mars in Libra in his 4^th House, he was “going home”.  The Nodal Axis was square his natal Sun in Sagittarius in his 6^th House (he had enacted his final service, speaking delicately and publicly on the previous day).

The chart of 7.35 a.m. shows Uranus on the Ascendant sextile a conjunction of Venus and the North Node in Pisces, a sudden and important event; Pluto was exactly conjunct the Moon and the Midheaven, very symbolic of the passing of an important global figure.

Much has been made about the visit the day before by Vice President of the U.S., J.D. Vance, parallels being drawn between that event and the Queen having met Liz Truss in her final days.  It is a striking symbol for the imagination, when you consider the values of the Vice President (despite his Catholicism) being so much at odds with those of the Pope himself.

For his funeral, Pope Francis opted for a plain coffin, a more lowly church than was the custom, and for a contingent of the poor and vulnerable to be allowed to pay the final respects.  Principled to the end.

To those world leaders who attended the Pope’s funeral, despite conducting policies antithetical to what he stood for, I pray that they may have been touched in some way.

Aspects

In the early hours of this morning a contentious opposition occurred, between Mars and Pluto.  You can’t get much more of a dynamic opposition.  Tempers may flare, unexpectedly, and words may cause upset.  Keep a low profile today if you wish to avoid conflict, and the watchword is tact.

This opposition can spark violence, and around that time in Vancouver according to the BBC News website at least “nine people were killed after a man drove an SUV into a crowd at an event put on by the city’s Filipino community.”

At the other end of this day, in the evening, there is an opportunity for a fresh start, with a New Moon at 7 degrees Taurus.  This can herald a new beginning for all Taurean-related interests, and a chance to focus your intent on these for the next month.  You may take inspiration from looking at artworks or gardens.  You are helping to build the New Earth, as they say in New Age circles.  It is a fresh start for cooking, gardening, art, music or money.  Make the most of this wishing Moon.

On Wednesday (30^th) Venus will enter Aries, waving goodbye to Pisces. Though Venus was sympathetic in Pisces, there is a warmer and more demonstrative feel while she is in Aries.  On the flip side, she is out of her comfort zone in the warrior sign, so there may be some uncomfortable wrestling with issues around whether to express true feelings or stay away from possible conflict.  Venus will stay in Aries until 6^th June.

Uranus sextiles the North Node on Thursday (1^st May).  This one is for those who want to step out of their comfort zone, think outside the box, and create something new (preferably something which advances society or the human race, due to its karmic flavour).  A number of iconoclasts have this sextile in their natal charts.

And lastly, on Friday (2^nd May), Venus conjoins with Neptune.  Inspired artistic and musical expression is assisted.  Idealized and spiritual love may also be on the menu.  You may find inspired ways to show love.  With Neptune being newly expressed in Aries there is a more expressive and idealized combination of the love impulse, e.g. there may be new ways of showing love.  This may combine honouring the self (Aries) with a more divine expression (Neptune) of love (Venus).  Perhaps, still falling within the nine days of mourning, people will be inspired by some of the Pope’s attitudes and beatitudes.  Heartwarming messages may be given and received.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – fierce clashing; new beginning
• Wednesday – demonstrative feelings
• Thursday – creating a new vibe
• Friday – a new kind of loving

Jean Marsh (1934 – 2025)

Actress and writer Jean Marsh passed away last Sunday at the age of 90.  She was in a way a pioneer of the dramatic genre concerning those upstairs and those downstairs, the haves and the have nots.  And the works she created with her co-writer Eileen Atkins had mileage, they endured, sequels were created, and the themes were copied (most notably in Downton Abbey).

Birth Chart

We are fortunate to have birth times for both Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins – a feast for the Astrologer!  Jean had the Sun in Cancer, the perfect sign for her genre, set in a “home”, involving domestication: the theme for her creation, “Upstairs, Downstairs”.  An interesting and very unusual feature of her chart is that she has so few aspects, or connections between her planets.  But she had four exact aspects, and they give some definition to the reading of her chart.  Her Sun was in the 10^th House of Career, its position defines her work in the world.  Her Sun was exactly trine with her Pisces Moon in the Water element – she knew exactly what she was doing, her conscious mind was in perfect concert with her subconscious.  Her Sun was closely sextile Neptune, opening her up to inspiration; while at the same time her Moon opposed Neptune, so she was very imaginative, sometimes overly so for her own comfort.  Her Sun squared by Jupiter gave her an adventurous, even cheeky, quality.  With Mercury exactly conjunct Pluto in Cancer, she was a deep thinker, her thoughts deeply linked to emotion, too.  Mars in her chart was unaspected, emphasizing the female bias of her chart, and her work.  Another strong theme was thrown up by her Ascendant, Virgo, which represents Service (the downstairs function of the “House”).  She had a loose conjunction of Mars however to her Midheaven (Careerpoint) which probably represents her promotion of a “cause” in her most famous work: that of portraying class war.  Jupiter was closely trine her North Node, opening up a fortunate karmic path, and opportunities in life to fulfil the karmic mission.  Her Saturn exactly trine Midheaven may represent a focus on status, i.e. Upstairs and Downstairs.

Life and Career

Jean grew up in Stoke Newington.  Her mother was a parlourmaid “in a big pub hotel” who lived to 102.  Her father was a chauffeur and under-butler in “a grand household”, so she had solid material to draw upon in her later writing.  Born in 1934, she experienced the constant sound of shelling during World War II London, and at the age of seven she went into nervous paralysis.  For therapy, her mother put her into dance classes.  Having also studied acting from a young age, she embarked on an acting career, earning her first big break in 1959, in a stage role.  During her life, she appeared in several episodes of Dr. Who, the first of which was in 1965, and in a variety of films.  With so few aspect-connections in her chart, it may have been a factor in her collaboration in life, most notably with her friend, Eileen Atkins.

Eileen Atkins

Eileen’s father Thomas was also a chauffeur.  The Bellamy’s chauffeur in Upstairs, Downstairs, named Thomas Watkins, will have been portrayed accurately from two life examples!  What did Eileen bring to the table in her expertise?  She had the Sun in Gemini, and Mercury sextile Venus, signs of the Writer Archetype.  Her Moon was in Performing Leo.  When Eileen was three years old, a Romany had told her mother that she would grow up to be a famous dancer.

Jean Marsh played parlourmaid Rose Buck in Upstairs, Downstairs, and though Eileen was originally scheduled to play the other parlourmaid they had written in, Eileen was replaced by Pauline Collins as she was unavailable due to another acting role. Eileen had the Moon at her South Node, bringing strong feminine impressions from a past life, and her Moon was trine her Midheaven, giving that flavour to her career themes.  Her North Node wasconjunct Ascendant, making her a karmic driver.  We know her more recently and affectionately as Aunt Ruth Ellingham in Doc Martin.

Upstairs Downstairs

Jean and Eileen were born within 16 days of each other in the same year, often indicating an inter-life contract to work together in life on a specific mission.  They met in their 30s, after the ripening of their Saturn Returns.  The synastry between Jean and Eileen is very close: Atkins’ Sun is conjunct Marsh’s Chiron (a healing relationship), and Atkins’ Moon is exactly sextile Marsh’s Chiron (supporting each other in feminine healing forms).  Their outer planets from Jupiter onwards are exactly conjunct.  They were perfectly in tune.

In 1967, there was a television production of The Forsyte Sage by John Galsworthy.  Apparently, Jean and Marsh were having Sunday lunch together one day, when Jean observed the fact that the focus was all on the upper-middle class in that programme.  She came up with the idea of portraying the other side of the coin, which is the life that her parents had lived.

Their creation, Upstairs, Downstairs, ran from 1971 to 1975, beginning on 10^th October 1971.  The newness of its theme is reflected in a conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, but there is also a healing purpose present, in the North Node exactly sextile Chiron.  As for the transits for the pair of writers and actresses: Uranus was on their Jupiters (sudden success) for both of them, and they both had a Nodal Return (karma being fulfilled on point, a karmic reward).  In addition, the North Node was transiting Eileen’s Ascendant.

Hubby reminded me this morning that this was another programme that we watched with my (Cancerian) mother, who had declared that it tackled social issues at the time, such as the moral dilemmas around hanging as a capital punishment (he then launched into the exact wording of a scene between parlourmaid Rose and Hudson the butler, cockney accent and all).  Jean Marsh won the 1975 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.  The programme itself was awarded two BAFTAs, two Royal Television Society awards, eight Emmys, and a Golden Globe.

The House of Eliott

Jean and Eileen came together to create another successful series in 1991, The House of Eliott.  Another House! This also carried Cancerian/feminist themes: the series involved a story of two sisters in 1920s London who create a dressmaking business and go on to forge a haute couture fashion house.  The series was broadcast from the 12^th July 1992, with the Sun present in Cancer.

Upstairs Downstairs had portrayed the time period of 1903 to 1930, which included the Edwardian period and the Roaring Twenties.  It makes me wonder if the immediate previous lives of these two actresses took place around the Roaring Twenties.  Atkins also wrote the screenplay for the film Mrs Dalloway, starring Vanessa Redgrave, which was set around the 1920s.

Jon Pertwee

Jean Marsh was married from 1955 to 1960, to the actor Jon Pertwee, who later played the third Dr Who.  Their synastry was also close: he was another Cancerian.  His Jupiter was conjunct her Mercury/Pluto conjunction in Cancer.  They had trined Water Moons.  Her Venus was conjunct his South Node, suggesting a love from past lives.

At their wedding on 2^nd April 1955 Uranus was on her Mercury/Pluto conjunction and on his Jupiter; Neptune was trine her Midheaven and Saturn, creating a Grand Trine in Air; Neptune was trine her Saturn, the North Node trine her Uranus, and Mars was sextile his Jupiter.  Although the marriage only lasted five years, astrologically by synastry and transit it was an important relationship, and she did not marry again.

Revivals

The BBC revived Upstairs Downstairs from 2010 – 2012.

It was filmed in the same house as the original series, at the fictional address of 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia.  Jean Marsh again played Rose Buck, returning to London to run an agency for domestic servants, after nursing her mother in Suffolk.  Eileen Atkins also starred in this production.

A second series began to be transmitted in February 2012, but Jean Marsh appeared less frequently, due to having suffered a stroke on 3^rd October 2011.  Ironically, the re-make was overshadowed by Downton Abbey, which was being shown on ITV in the years 2010 to 2015, some forty years after Upstairs, Downstairs debuted on our screens.

Farewell, Jean!  A fine actress and writer, and a contribution well made to our understanding of early 20^th Century history and the partial unravelling of the class system.

Aspects

At tea-time today, Venus sextiles Uranus, with Venus now Direct.  Venus in harmony with Uranus is very social and may produce some interesting outward manifestations.  Chance meetings are possible and can be strange or seem random.  Venus sextile Uranus is on the pleasantly uplifting side of the equation, and can bring reunions, even if just on your mobile phone or online.  The three S’s come to mind: spontaneity, synchronicity and serendipity.

In the evening we have another sextile, that of Mercury with Pluto, bringing a profound touch to your communications.  It is a harmonious aspect which can produce profound honouring of the gravity of a situation if necessary, and enabling meaningful debate to occur.  It is a good space for reading something profound.  Maybe there is something in your pile of pending books you have been putting off, if so, now’s the time to tackle it.  I am reading “A Better Tomorrow” by Mina Smallman at the moment, which fits that bill.

Tomorrow, Monday 21^st, Mars squares the Sun, so apply caution in your dealings.  It is a hot-headed aspect which can result in minor cuts and bruises through slapdash inattention.  Aggro, irritation and conflict are all possible under this aspect, so set out to have a peaceful day starting with a spot of your best meditational efforts.  Then radiate that calm to all who cross your path, while self-distancing.  You might find people sounding off, in anger, about things that are going on in the world, such as the conditions in war zones.  If so, some advance preparation may assist in defusing agitation.  The energy, fire and enthusiasm which the Sun with Mars generates can be positively harnessed if you are especially mindful.

Saturn also conjuncts the North Node on that day, a karmic conjunction.  It is a call to take responsibility, to own your actions (past and present), and perhaps to re-draw your karmic contract from this point.  For the nations struggling to deal with the consequences of the changes wrought from the U.S., it is an ongoing important focus for self-reliance and re-evaluation, looking at the lessons of past history and consequences.

Wednesday (23^rd) brings a square between the Sun and Pluto, more need for caution.  There may be drama.  The atmosphere becomes more thoughtful and serious.  This is a deep soul-searching aspect.  It is the sort of aspect which can be looked upon as a gamechanger, or watershed.  So if you are in integrity, you may be able to influence what side the coin lands on.

Venus Direct conjoins Saturn in the first minutes of Friday (25^th) which may may give rise to sobering reflections about relationship or money.  Feel your feelings (e.g. the nostalgia, or injustice), or deal with them philosophically, and let them go if you can.  The care of the elderly may be a particular preoccupation.  The optimum condition for this conjunction would be loyalty and commitment, and perhaps some songwriting incorporating a touch of melancholy.  Preoccupations may lead to a restless sleep.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – upbeat and dynamic; socially-stimulating and deep-thinking
• Tomorrow – caution needed; karmic responsibility
• Wednesday – more caution needed; drama
• Friday – sobering reflections on relationships and money

Zodiac Quotations

In an effort not to write about Donald Trump, I thought I would like to present some more edifying quotations this week, for the zodiac signs.  Not all quotations correlate with the Sunsign of the originator.  If the quote for your Sun sign does not speak to you, you may find that another one does!  Something may spark something…

Aries

“The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.”

~ Baba Ram Dass, Spiritual Leader. b. 6^th April 1931. Sun in Aries

 Taurus

“Karma is the beginning of knowledge. Next is patience. Patience is very important. The strong are the patient ones. Patience means holding back your inclination to the seven emotions: hate, adoration, joy, anxiety, anger, grief, fear. If you don’t; give way to the seven, you are patient, and then you will soon understand all manner of things, and you will be in harmony with eternity.”

~ James Clavell, from “Shogun”.  Venus exactly sextile Saturn.

Gemini

“So, colours in the auric fields are universal, they can be interpreted, they are not constricted to our cultural representation.  They have universal meanings because the length of a vibrational frequency is the cause of the colours.  We want to be able to allow someone to speak to us from the vibrational frequencies simply by placing our attention on them, by listening.”

~ Chris Griscom,  from “Ecstasy is a New Frequency”. b 3^rd June 1942, Sun in Gemini

Cancer

“Born with the Moon in Cancer
choose her a name she will answer to
call her green and the winters cannot fade her
call her green for the children who’ve made her
little green, be a gypsy dancer…”

~ Joni Mitchell, from the song “Little Green”.  Ascendant in Cancer

Leo

“The unconscious always tries to produce an impossible situation in order to force the individual to bring out his very best. Otherwise one stops short of one’s best, one is not complete, one does not realize oneself. What is needed is an impossible situation where one has to renounce one’s own will and one’s own wit and do nothing but wait and trust to the impersonal power of growth and development. When you are up against a wall, put down roots like a tree, until clarity comes from deeper sources to see over that wall.”

~ Carl Jung, Sun in Leo, b 26 July 1875. Sun in Leo

Virgo

“When others put you down in any way, realise their actions are direct projections of their own state of pain and confusion. Likewise, remember that opening your heart and having compassion for them in their pain (which does not at all mean condoning their behaviour) benefits you as well as them.”

~ Anita Moorjani, Spiritual Author

Libra

“This is a time to reflect on love and to seek out beauty.  Create memories.  Take time to enjoy your experiences, celebrations and special occasions.  The recollection of happy moments will support you.  Look not only in the world around you but also within.  Seek out the loving qualities that you appreciate about yourself.  Search for your own beauty.  Look at yourself and the world around you from a new perspective.”

~  Angela Hartfield, Spiritual Author

Scorpio

“Any child, anywhere in the world, can have a past life memory, regardless of the cultural or religious beliefs of the parents. Most of these memories don’t cause problems. They are benign and are useful to help explain a child’s talents, temperament, behavioural quirks. And … they can forever change the most fundamental beliefs of the parents about death and life. For, by sharing their memories with us, small children teach what we adults have forgotten: that life continues after death.”

~ Carol Bowman, from “Children’s Past Lives”

Sagittarius

“This week I’ve done brain surgery spinal surgery, elbow surgery, knee surgery and a fracture that took 14 hours to fix.  By the end, everything ached.  I empathise with my patients, for sure.  You feel connected to the universe, helping to prolong the lives of animals.”

~ Noel Fitzpatrick, TV Vet.  From “This Much I Know”,  Observer Interview, 9/3/25 

Capricorn

Soul: “The creating of future karma is what causes the universe to go on. Your future karma does not have to be bad karma. As you are working out past karma and do the best you can in your present life, the future karma that you are creating will be good karma and it will have good effects on your future life. And you will be able to continue and improve your future lives until you reach the ultimate.”

~ Dolores Cannon, from “Between Death and Life”.  Saturn in Capricorn

Aquarius

“If a majority in every civilised country so desired, we could, within 20 years, abolish all abject poverty, quite half the illness in the world, the whole economic slavery which binds down nine tenths of our population; we could fill the world with beauty and joy, and secure the reign of universal peace.”

~ Bertrand Russell, Philosopher. Uranus exactly sextile Sun/Mars.  

Pisces

“Sunrise doesn’t last all morning
A cloudburst doesn’t last all day
Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning
It’s not always gonna be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away…”

~ George Harrison, from the song “All things must Pass”.  b 25^th February 1943, Sun in Pisces

Aspects

In the first hour of this morning we experienced a Full Moon at 23 degrees of Libra.  The Libra Full Moon entails a balance between the needs of two people in partnership, and hopefully works towards harmony.  This is the most equable of the 12 Full Moons of the year, nevertheless a delicate balance operates, which may be resolved in common aims, e.g. in a united effort.  The emergency recalling of Parliament yesterday over the Scunthorpe steelworks, reflects the urgency that can arise coming up to a Full Moon.  Delicate negotiations are currently taking place.

A more soothing influence took place shortly afterwards, with Venus stationary prior to turning Direct.  In its retrograde period, you may have noticed a review of relationships and/or money taking place.  You can now act upon your conclusions, with more ease.  At last you may be able to resume normal relations, enhanced by the learning you gained.  You may have realized the true worth of some of your relationships.  You can pause, breathe and relax into that knowledge.

Tomorrow (Monday 14^th) Saturn conjoins the North Node at 26 degrees Pisces, a karmic conjunction.  It is a call to take responsibility, to own your actions (past and present), and perhaps to re-draw your karmic contract from this point.  For the nations struggling to deal with the consequences of the changes wrought from the U.S., it is an important focus for self-reliance and re-evaluation, looking at the lessons of past history and consequences.

Moving on to Wednesday (16^th), we find Mercury moving into Aries.  You might need to be prepared for plain speaking today, whether your own (perhaps without engaging the brain!), candid words from others, or unpalatable government announcements. You will need to get to the point much more directly in your communications, and there is more sense of urgency about paperwork.  So, more direct communication is on the cards.

By Thursday (17^th), Mercury has caught up with Neptune at 0 degrees Aries to form a conjunction.  This is not conducive to exacting and detailed mental work and documentation if that is what you planned; but it can favour dreams, mystical states and spirituality.  They in turn can affect creativity, art and music in an inspired way.  If you are feeling below par, you may experience added confusion or brain fog.  Channelling is favoured.

Good Friday (April 18^th) sees Mars entering Leo, which will bring energy to your self-expression, or you may observe displays of power.  Mars will stay in Leo until 17th June, so will especially energize the affairs of those born under the sign of Leo.  If you are making hay, you could feel Mars supporting you with extra oomph and bravery.  Drama and theatre also receive a boost.  And sporting interests generally will thrive.  Those who thrive on competition and holidaymaking will be having their season.

At the very end of the week, Saturday (19^th) the Sun will enter Taurus, the third ingress of the week, so more newness to be added, with a slightly different focus.  It betokens a time of the blossoming of the earth.  Gardeners will garden, artists will paint or sculpt, and dancers will dance.  So it is very much a cuspal and switchover day, embedding into a productive and possibly more grounding Taurean period.

At the very end of this last day of the week, we receive a resolution between the physical and the spiritual, in the shape of a trine between Mars and Neptune.  This ensures the sensitive use of energies, such as meditative activities.  Yoga, Tai Chi and Qijong all represent this vibe.  Mars represents the use of energy or anger directed (in a trine) in a constructive way, and Neptune represents empathy.  It is also worth noting that in this period our Sun aligns with the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades, so there is scope for a greater cosmic awareness.

Happy Easter, and Passover!  With Love

Richard Chamberlain (1934 – 2025)

“His mini-series were luxury liners and time machines, whisking audiences to other lands and ages in a way that workaday series couldn’t.”

~ James Poniewozik, The New York Times

It was announced last week that actor Richard Chamberlain, romantic lead par excellence, who embodied that role in a bygone age, passed away at the age of 90.  His was not the tall, dark and handsome stereotype, but as Adam Bernstein put it in The Washington Post “blue-eyed and porcelain-faced”.  The Guardian obituary by Ronald Bergan describes his “chiselled features, which made him ideal for romantic leads in soap operas”.  He struggled to keep his homosexuality secret for most of his life, in order to preserve the shelf-life of this career niche, like some of the Hollywood film greats of yesteryear.

Birth Chart

Richard Chamberlain’s birth chart is dominated by the sign of Aries and the planet Mars, in so many ways.  He has the fresh face of the Sun in Aries, and the Sun is conjunct Mars in his chart.  Mars was exactly on his Descendant, affecting his relationships, and his North Node also sextiled his natal Mars, informing his karmic mission.  That’s a whole lot of testosterone!  His fairness in looks may come in part from his mother who was of German stock, and not untypical of Aries appearance.  All this Aries would normally point to the Warrior Archetype, and he did serve for 16 months in the military in post-war Korea, rising to the rank of Sergeant.  But I think it describes his great energy, he was very hardworking and prolific in his professional life (Sun in the 6^th House), and in his youth he excelled in athletics (one of the Archetypes described for Aries in my recent blog).

You may be wondering how all that Mars squares with the gentleman of his many roles.  It’s because of the preponderance of the opposite sign, Libra.  He had his Ascendant in Libra, with a conjunction of Jupiter/Moon rising in Libra.  So he also has a great deal of Venus (the heart throb).  His Moon was also trine his Venus, indicating that he was capable of great tenderness, too.  He was an accomplished singer, also the province of Libra.  And he acquired a degree in art history and painting, again Libran and Venus-ruled territory.  The Ascendant, which shows a large proportion of one’s physical attributes, in the sign of Libra, was responsible for his “pretty boy” looks, which was both the basis of his popularity as a leading man, but also the bane of his life because the critics couldn’t believe he was capable of another type of role.  So when all the mini-series were over, he showed his could tread the boards with other Shakespearean actors.

His love life was difficult, with Venus exactly conjunct Saturn  (sorrow in love life), Venus closely sextile Uranus (unusual love life) and Venus square Chiron (emotional wounds) and that is encapsulated in the title of his 2003 autobiography “Shattered Love: A Memoir.”

Acting in his life is shown by an emphasis in his 5^th House of Acting, which is populated by the North Node trine his Ascendant on its cusp, his Saturn conjunct Venus, and Mercury.  He employed the Stanislavskian method of acting, which involved learning to tap into his own emotions and psyche.

Life and Career

Richard was born in Los Angeles, and was educated at Beverly Hills High School and Pomona College.  His career began with his co-founding of a theatre group in Los Angeles which was named the “Company of Angels”.  From there, he obtained guest roles in television.

His big breakthrough came in 1961, with his role as Dr Kildare in the mini-series of that name, the first of the genre he came to be associated with.  I can’t believe I sat through all these in my youth…!

Dr Kildare (1961)

He beat 35 other candidates in obtaining this role.  It was first offered to William Shatner. [imagine!].  It was this role that established Richard as a teen idol, and by 1962 his popularity in this role was high.

The first episode aired on 28^th September 1961, with a karmic transit of the South Node on his natal Venus in Aquarius in that all-important 5^th House.  The series lasted until 1966, and was one of the first “soap” we watched.  I remember watching it religiously, with my mother, during my teenage years!  He played a young intern, co-starring and sparring with the late great Raymond Massey at “Blair General Hospital”.  We have so many fictional medical programmes in this day and age, but it was a novelty then.  I do remember an English version running concurrently, Emergency Ward 10 (1957 – 1967).

The Slipper and the Rose (1976)

This was a film, not a mini-series: Richard Chamberlain made many films throughout his life, the last being Nightmare Cinema in 2018 (a horror film in which he played Dr Mirari). Of the several films he made before 1976, there was The Music Lovers, Lady Caroline Lamb, The Three Musketeers and The Towering Inferno.

The musical Slipper and the Rose took him back to his typecasting as Prince Charming.  Co-starring Gemma Craven as Cinderella, and directed by Bryan Forbes, Richard played Prince Edward of Euphrania.  It is memorable as being one of the films where he aired his singing voice, proving himself as a thoroughbred Libran Ascendant!  It aired close to his birthday, as would the later mini-series The Thorn Birds.  The Solar Return seems to have been a powerful feature for him.  I didn’t watch this film until years later, when it was broadcast on television.

Centennial (1978)

The novelist James A. Michener wrote the book “Centennial” upon which this mini-series was based, one of many long, meticulously-researched sagas.  I did read the book, and found it profoundly absorbing, but can’t remember if I read it before or after I watched the series.  The series traced the history of the plains of north-east Colorado from prehistory until the mid-1970s.  The name Centennial refers to a fictional town.  Richard Chamberlain played one of the first white men arrivals, Scottish trader Alexander McKeag, alongside Oliver Seccombe played by Timothy Dalton.

Shogun (1980)

Also based on a major novel, “Shogun” was written by James Clavell and published in 1975.  I do remember reading this book before I saw the mini-series, as I remember eagerly awaiting the chance to see it.  I must have read it in the year or two before the mini-series was broadcast, as it was lent to me by a friend I met in that period who had a lifetime in that warrior culture.  Shogun as it refers to the Japanese military ruler in feudal times, at least represented the Aries/Warrior Archetype nature of Richard’s birth chart, as distinct from his handsome Libran Ascendant side.  Chamberlain was playing an English adventurer John Blackthorne who travels to Japan in the 17^th Century, experiencing the political intrigues of the day.  Though John Blackthorne was a fictional character, it was based on a true story.

The Thorn Birds (1983)

This was the last of the big blockbuster mini-series, and for me encapsulated the swoon value of his screen persona: what’s not to like about the forbidden romance with a priest as experienced by Rachel Ward playing opposite?  Well, it was considered cheesy in the extreme, and disliked by the author of the book Colleen McCullough!  It’s another book I did read, and can’t remember whether before or after seeing the film version.  Richard Chamberlain played Father Ralph de Bricassart, and the series was a standout success, winning six Emmies.

Relationships

Richard did not marry or have children – his 5^th House planets were channelled through the acting profession rather than children – but there were two noted relationships in his life.  The first was with Days of our Lives actor Wesley Eure in 1975 and 1976.  The synastry between their charts is outstanding, but perhaps the mores of the day worked against their relationship, and the fact that Richard was not ready to come out as being gay.  Compatibility highlights included Wesley’s Sun sextile Richard’s Moon, and Wesley’s Jupiter on Richard’s Mars/Descendant.

A subsequent relationship which began in 1977 was more open, though its status still not fully acknowledged.  Martin Rabbett was also an actor, and they were together for 40 years, at some point having a private ceremony for their union. They lived together from 1986, and although they split in 2010, they remained friends, and resumed living together at the end of Richard’s life, in Hawaii.  Martin’s Venus was sextile Richard North Node (a karmic love), and his Jupiter was on Richard’s Chiron in 8^th (a healing relationship).  Rabbett is considered to be his immediate and sole survivor.

In December 1989 a French women’s magazine “outed” Richard: relevant transits were Pluto square his Nodal Axis (the truth will out), Chiron on his Midheaven (a wound revealed) and Saturn square to his natal Mars/Descendant (spotlight on his relationships).

As mentioned, in 2003 he wrote his autobiography Shattered Love: A Memoir.  For the first time, he confirmed that he was gay.  His Progressed Sun moved to trine his natal Jupiter (the publishing planet) in his 1^st House.

He died of a stroke, just as Neptune was changing signs and moving into Aries, and Chiron was squaring his natal Pluto in 10^th House.  He was unable to come to terms with as he put it “living a lie” between his public persona and his private life. But professionally, you could say he owned the Prince Charming Archetype, as described in his birth chart. I feel sure that he would like to be remembered for a much more versatile catalogue of roles…a catalogue I have not done justice to in this blog.

“How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul.  Love never dies.”

~ Martin Rebbett

Tariff Day

I can’t let this week pass by without a word about the day Donald Trump took on the world economy: Thursday 2^nd April.  He called it “Liberation Day”.  Other people have called it other things.  His transits were strong highlighting three sextiles:

Saturn (deliberate action) from his 7^th House of Relationships sextiled his natal Midheaven (career direction) in Taurus in his 9^th House of Global Influence.

Chiron (wounds and healing) from Aries in his 8^th House of Shared Resources sextiled his natal Sun (power and self-expression) in Gemini in 9^th House of Global Interference.

Mars in Cancer from his 12^th House of Unconscious (shooting from the hip) sextiled his natal Midheaven in his 9^th House of Global Interaction.

Natally, has the ultimate Entrepreneur Archetype (Jupiter exactly trine Uranus) “The Art of the Deal”.  Jupiter is about to activate this Archetype, so prepare for emboldenment on this theme from him this week` 9/10^th (Wednesday/Thursday) trine Jupiter in his 2^nd House of Finance and 12/13th (Saturday/Sunday) transiting Uranus in his 10^th House of Career, when this is highlighted.  It may represent the extreme end of his excesses, i.e. his behaviour may be extra exaggerated.  That doesn’t mean there cannot be a backlash and concerted action in the world against his actions; there already is.  He may already have hoisted himself on his own petard.

[as I keep using that phrase, hubby asked me this week what a petard was…I found out that the phrase comes from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet]

Aspects

At breakfast-time today, the Sun was sextile Jupiter. It can bring new hope and joy.  It is one of the brightest  aspects of the year.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.  It may bring the return of an enjoyable leisure pursuit.  Just an observation, that it can correlate with a peaceful protest or backlash in the population: there were protests all over America yesterday against various policies of their new President (the “Hands Off!” protests); when this aspect occurred last August, people came out in peaceful counter-protest against the rioters of Stockport, a humanitarian stance which at the time was seen as magical.

At lunch time today, Venus trined with Mars, bringing about extra chance of harmony, at least in the personal sphere.  The trine represents harmony between the sexes or within your own inner male and female.  It would be a good opportunity for sharing and balancing roles in a partnership, such as career and parenting.  Body awareness, whether it be through sprucing up your yoga routine, or experiencing a massage, could also bring a sense of wellbeing.

Tomorrow (Monday 7^th) starts with a more downbeat conjunction between Venus and Saturn at 25 degrees Pisces.  This is not an easy prospect in terms of relationships or economics.  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.  Finance too will be a cause for concern – more worldwide stock market slumps…?  The present preoccupations are whether we can avoid a recession, due to tariffgate.

But very soon after (the two features come at 11.01 a.m. and 11.08 a.m.) or almost simultaneously, there may be some rallying, for Mercury is Stationary prior to turning Direct.  You may feel that you can catch up on chores which had been put on the back burner.  If you have been struggling with computers, I.T. and broadband connections, or delays in communications you may feel a sense of relief.  You can certainly pick up momentum on some projects which involve paperwork and documentation, and make some more essential journeys.

More rallying on Tuesday (8^th) with Venus sextile Uranus.  There may be a social sparkle somewhere in your life, even if only on social media.  It’s a good day, for the most part, for socializing and meeting new people.  Meetings are significant with the combination of Venus and Uranus, and sometimes they can be strange and spooky with an air of serendipity.  And in the context of the new cabinet, it is a chance for females to innovate.  Interestingly, Richard Chamberlain had both Venus conjunct Saturn, and Venus sextile Uranus in his birth chart and make-up: so it might be a good time to re-read his story, or even look at his autobiography, to get more of a sense of those vibes.

From there we skip to Saturday (12^th) when the Sun conjuncts Chiron at 22 degrees Aries.  This may bring a focus on healing, and problem-solving in relation to crisis management.  Ingenious minds are often born with this conjunction, and so it is possible to reach out for solutions and obtain them under this influence.  Work with old wounds, in the direction of acceptance and integration.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – hope and harmony
• Tomorrow – a serious look at relationships and money
• Tuesday – social sparkle
• Saturday – focus on healing

Greenland

“We need Greenland.  And the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark.  Denmark has to have us have [sic] Greenland.”

~ Donald Trump

American Vice President J.D. Vance paid an unrequited and uninvited visit to Greenland this week.  Not content with bidding for Canada as a 51^st state, President Trump would like to annexe Greenland, presumably as his 52^nd state.  As with Ukraine, he is interested in its potential mineral wealth.  It seems contradictory that someone trying to keep immigrants out of his own country, feels able to justify taking over populations in other countries.

Greenland, with its capital at Nuuk, is the world’s largest island, and has its own culture (such as music) and identity, which owes nothing to America.  Writing in the Observer this morning, Sarah Ditum explains that it was originally inhabited by Norsemen hunting walruses and trading ivory.  Then the population vanished mysteriously, but its current population arrived about 800 years ago.  She describes the terrain: “hard black volcanic rocks rear up from the shallow turf”.  Most residents of Greenland are Inuit.

The solar eclipse at 9 degrees Aries this weekend apparently was viewable up to 90%, and the northern lights were spectacular, too, nature marking the importance of this time for the country.

Greenland’s Chart

Both the Greenland and the Denmark charts are problematic, due to their unusual history.  Denmark was granted final control of Greenland at the Treaty of Kiel in 1814.  In 1941 the US occupied Greenland defending it against possible invasion by Germany.  After the Second World War, the US developed a geopolitical interest in Greenland and offered to buy it from Denmark, but the offer was rejected.

The astrological resource “World Horoscopes” by Nicholas Campion omits a chart for Greenland altogether, and says of the chart for Denmark “It is not possible to establish a date for the beginning of the Danish Kingdom, which made an appearance upon the historical stage during the tenth century”.  But it does give a date for that country’s chart, for the Liberal constitution of 5 June 1849 Copenhagen 12.15 pm.

For Greenland’s more recent history, I have chosen to work with a chart dated 21^st June 2009, which was when home rule was replaced with self rule.  This gave Greenland a Sun at 0 degrees Cancer, which is very patriotic and has the desire to be autonomous.

It’s a particularly important time for Greenland imminently because its Sun at 0 degrees Cancer will be squared this year by Neptune’s transit into Aries, and Saturn’s transit into Aries.  The issue is not going to go away in a hurry.

JD Vance’s Visit

Marina Hyde wrote in the Observer this morning about the background to JD Vance’s visit, which is worth quoting:

“Originally it was announced that the second lady was going to take one of her sons, immerse herself in various local events – she’s apparently simply fascinated by Greenland’s culture – and attend the famous Avannaata Qimussersua dog sled race.  Instead, it became her husband instead of her son, and the Vances were only going to a military facility…Meanwhile the Vance kid had to stay at home and go to school, instead of skipping it to enjoy a taxpayer-funded trip to a country his dad and friends are openly trying to annex.”

After protests from the population of Greenland, the visit was scaled down, and JD Vance was left with a small audience for his speech.  As with his hectoring in the Oval Office at Zelensky, he sharply criticized the Danish government for neglecting its duties towards Greenland, saying they had “under-invested in Greenland’s security architecture”, while producing no evidence.  Physically, Vance has a Scorpionic appearance, possibly via his Pluto sextile the Ascendant in his natal chart, but his chart shows a double Leo (Ascendant and Sun in Leo) which has become twisted into the Bully Archetype, and is conjunct Trump’s own Ascendant in Leo.  So he is a strong representative for his President.

He has strong links to the Greenland chart… natally his Uranus sits on Greenland’s I.C. which is unsettling for Greenland’s security (the I.C. in a chart represents security).  He has a strange fascination for the place, and may even have lived there in a previous life.  Given his wife’s apparent fascination for the place also, they may both have lived together there!

Donald Trump’s powerful Mars at 26 Leo trine the Galactic Centre exactly opposes Greenland’s Neptune/Jupiter: his sense of brute strength versus (opposing) the optimism and spirituality inherent in their nation.

On the day of the visit Friday 28^th March, Chiron was square to Mars (a wounding for Greenland, an embarrassment for Vance).  For Vance, transiting Pluto is currently trine his natal North node, emboldening him, in his 10^th House of world perspective.  It’s a serious matter, when you contemplate that if Trump was removed from his post, Vance would take over as president.  Jupiter at this time was squaring Greenland’s natal Saturn (a foreign body trying to invade its boundary).

It was also an important day for Greenland in its internal politics, for they elected a new coalition government, headed by Jens-Frederik Nielsen.  Nielsen is perfect for the role, as he was born with the Sun in his chart exactly conjunct that of Greenland.  So as I said for Greenland also applies for Nielsen:

It’s an important time imminently [for him too] because his Sun at 0 degrees Cancer will be squared this year by Neptune’s transit into Aries, and Saturn’s transit into Aries.  The issue is not going to go away [he has much to work with this year].  For the visit and the election day Jupiter sextiled his natal Venus/Mars, which seems favourable for him, and hopefully for the country.  As with Mark Carney, there needs to be strong leadership for his country.

Denmark

Denmark has also been firm about holding on to Greenland, and their leadership will also need to be strong.  I have used the chart for the Liberal constitution 5 June 1849 Copenhagen 12.15 pm.

Denmark and Trump’s Mercuries are exactly conjunct with each other, at 8 degrees Cancer: Donald will feel confident that he can talk them round, and that there is an understanding between them.  Denmark’s Uranus is exactly square Trump’s Venus, possibly pointing to a significant estrangement, however.  Denmark’s Moon at 9 degrees Sagittarius and Vance’s  natal Uranus are conjunct, and directly influenced at this time by the solar eclipse, which could be significant long-term over the next six months, for both parties.

Putin

In Russia, Putin has seemingly endorsed Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland.  In Murmansk, he vowed to “strengthen Russia’s global leadership in the Arctic”.  He is quite comfortable with Trump’s ambitions for territorial aggrandisement – it chimes nicely with his attempted takeover of Ukraine and its mineral resources.  He said:

“These plans have deep historical roots. And it’s clear that the US will continue to systematically pursue its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Аrctic…As for Greenland this is a matter for two specific countries. It has nothing to do with us.”

Trump clothes his ambitions in his would-be Nobel Peace Prize-winning role:

“We need Greenland.  Very importantly, for international security, we have to have Greenland…[there are] Chinese and Russian ships all over the place.”

Are they carving up the Arctic in a new world order? They seem to be in competition with China, in that regard.  Climate change, which does not interest the President, renders the area more accessible at this time.

It seems, with America slapping tariffs on goods from all over the world, and wanting to control Canada, Mexico, Panama, Ukraine and Greenland, there is likely to be a concerted backlash, and the overall aim to “Make America Great Again” could result in the reverse of that.

“Greenland is part of the Danish kingdom.  That is not going to change…We in the kingdom would really like to work together with the Americans on defence and security.  We want that in Ukraine, we want that in Europe, and of course we also want that when it comes to the high north.  But Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.”

~ Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister

“The lesson the Vances should take from their ill-fated expedition is that Greenland doesn’t care about human ambition and desires”

~ Sarah Ditum, The Observer 31/3/25

Aspects

Forget whether I said last week was a profound week! This here week is a profound week!  There are two major features taking place, and one is a once-in-fourteen year’s event.

In the early hours of this morning (30^th March), Mercury Retrograde entered Pisces, from Aries.  As with Venus’ retreat to Pisces last week, there may be something you neglected to do when Mercury was in Pisces in the second half of February: you may need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, or close some loopholes, but in the detail of communication. That is an extra challenge when Mercury is in Pisces, the “woolly thinker”.  You can blame some brain fog on Mercury in Pisces!  This placement brings the mental focus on to compassion, as applied to the most vulnerable in our society.  The focus in the world right now is very much focussed on confusion in the world order, and on changing finances.  It is a good time to apply your mind to wider perspectives and solutions generally, and those that can turn compassion into practical action.  Mercury will remain in Pisces until the 16th April.

Following that ingress, and still in the early hours today, Mercury was conjunct with Neptune at 29 degrees Neptune.  In our dreams (in the U.K.), we were clocking the final hours of Neptune’s 14-year sojourn through Pisces.  This conjunction can link you mentally with your spiritual sources, and provide the inspiration much needed at this time. It is a good time to ask for guidance, though you may have to sift reality from illusion, even in the guidance you receive.

Neptune enters Aries

At exactly 12 Noon – did you notice? – Neptune entered Aries.  What were you doing at the time?  At the beginning of this unprecedented year of change, the North Node entered Pisces from Aries (it moves backwards), and a succession of major planetary changes was promised (by astrologers).  This is the first of the planetary changes, and will be followed by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and of course with Pluto newly entrenched in Aquarius. It’s a big deal.  With the Solar Eclipse yesterday, and world events seemingly spiralling chaotically, we are wondering what to expect next, and how we are to keep centring ourselves in the new realities.

Here at least is a chance to contemplate the complexity of today’s change of sign.  Neptune in Pisces was on home territory: confusion, complexity and illusion – it brought the rise of A.I.  That is something difficult to negotiate, but which seems bound for our attention and mastery, even those of us who are not technologically minded.

Neptune went into Pisces on 5^th April 2011, which ushered in a 14-year “Era of Collective Unconscious” – hopes that the compassion quotient would rise fell short of expectation.  Neptune in Aries is almost the antithesis of Neptune in Pisces in many ways: it represents the self-awareness leading to self-assertion rather than victimhood.  It represents the “enough is enough” attitude of the populace.  There are signs that the extreme right wing and authoritarian governments are starting to experience a backlash, e.g. in Turkey.  So Neptune in Aries is about divesting yourself from illusion and moving towards personal emancipation.  We are at the beginning of this particular journey.

There is, then, plenty to think about, in the middle of the week, so you will forgive perhaps the Universe for not providing aspects again until Friday.

But what an aspect it provides on the afternoon of Friday (4^th April): Saturn sextile Uranus.  You may have contemplated the changes of the early days of Neptune in Aries, and have a chance now to balance (sextile) the old (Saturn) with the new (Uranus).  It’s a major aspect and enables stabilization.  This is a time when you can do something for yourself which is constructive.  You may have a joint venture with someone which is new and innovative, but need a steadying force.

In the late evening, we have another sextile: that between Mars and Uranus.  This is more dynamic, as though you have started a re-centring process and are ready for action.  This aspect especially favours engineering related activities, but that also includes social engineering.  That may extend to science in general – there is an article in the Observer this morning about a row over CERN’s Hadron Collidor (ambitions for its enlargement), so there may be further developments around that.  The Journal Nature has warned “a battle is under way for the future of particle physics”.   This is potentially a major  issue coming up.  Electricity and Astrology are other areas which can be stimulated by the combination of these two planets.  Cars, mechanics, mechanical goods and household appliances may receive a boost or a renewal.

We finish, on Saturday (5^th), with a constructive trine between Mars and Saturn, so there is a lot of emphasis late in the week on trying to get things sorted.  This favours practical action, and works that are deliberately planned and executed.  Hard work can pay off.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – attend to detail; listen to guidance; from unconscious to consciousness
• Friday – balancing the old and the new; engineering advances
• Saturday – constructive action

Aries Archetypes

This is the third of my new series specifically on astrological Archetypes.  We are now in the month of Aries, and it is time to embrace the potential of that sign, turning the spotlight on its Archetypes.  The Sun entered Aries on Thursday 20th March, and we have here in the U.K. had a taste of spring since that equinoctial point.

Aries is one of the signs which most embodies individuality (“the one-off”), but paradoxically because its nature is very basic in a birth chart it can take on or be coloured by other signs or planets I find.  Energy and heat are often clues when guessing.  Paradoxically, too, there are many Archetypes linked with Aries, but few intrinsic to that sign, so you won’t find many here.

So, following, are the Archetypes I highlighted back in my 2016 blog, and then some chronological historic examples of Ariens and their Archetypes, from history:

“Inner Warrior

The Inner Warrior Archetype speaks for itself: bold, active and protective.  It comes up in many charts where there is a strong Mars.  We all need to be able to stand up for ourselves.  When linked with the North Node, it represents the fact that the person has trained in the warrior tradition in past lives.  The modern tradition emphasizes the way of the Peaceful Warrior, as expounded by Dan Millman.  Hopefully, we have all had enough of war by now.

Pioneer

The Pioneer refers to the fact that Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and likes to be first!  It also contains the courage of breaking new ground, going boldly where no one has gone before.

Athlete

Although other signs approach sport from different angles, e.g. the Leo through competition, the Sagittarian via horse riding and archery particularly, and the Aquarian through teamwork, Aries represents the building of the strength of the physical body.  So the modern craze for keep fit and membership of the gym suit the Arien very well.  You see women body building as enthusiastically as men in this 21st Century, although even fifty years ago it was a rarity.  One related Archetypal figure is Tarzan, that raw male, the He-Man, hero of early 20th Century film.

Athlete is one of the modern Archetypes identified by Caroline Myss.  She acknowledges that this archetype was born in the original Greek Olympics.  Her final thought for the athlete is: “this is your time to shine. Through your commitment to your own physical well being and self-care, you are helping to set a new standard of personal health and individual responsibility. In doing so, you are changing the world for the better. ”

The Activist

The Activist is certainly associated with Aries, but shows up more clearly in a chart when combined with Aquarius, e.g. where the urgent Mars energy associates with the reforming zeal of Uranus (ruling planet of Aquarius).  A supreme example of an Activist was Guy Fawkes, famed for his Gunpower plot.

The Hero

Here is another Archetype which Aries shares with another sign, in this case Leo.  Both have leadership qualities, but Aries has the courage and bravery which stand out in a Hero.  The Hero Archetype is quite complex, and open to various interpretations and journeyings.

The Engineer

Aries is associated with mechanics generally, but especially when combining Mars and Uranus, engineering is hallmarked in a birth chart.  An example of a supreme Aries engineer is Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was voted second in a 2001 public poll conducted by the BBC, selecting the 100 Greatest Britons.  Outstanding in his field!  In addition to the Sun, he had Mars, its ruling planet, in that sign.

Historical Ariens

The Warrior

Charlemagne (2/4/748 – 28/1/814)

King of the Franks, Charlemagne conquered and built a vast empire stretching across Europe.  Charlemagne had Mercury, Moon, Sun and Chiron in Aries, which is a good stock of Aries energy!  Napoleon Bonaparte considered himself a reincarnation of Charlemagne, and modelled his coronation on that of his “predecessor”.  Like Charlemagne, he built a vast empire, and fostered culture (the Carolingian Renaissance was a product of Charlemagne’s reign).  But most tellingly, there are undeniable similarities in their charts (although Napoleon was a Leo).

Here is an interesting quotation from “Understanding Karmic Complexes” by Patricia L. Walsh:

“I had noticed from many regressions with clients that past life soldiers and warriors have had an archetypal experience arise spontaneously. In the afterlife they wanted only to find a spot of greenness and lay down in the grass. Since it happened frequently with past life Roman soldiers in particular, I thought it was part of the past cultural belief system , a memory of the Elysian Fields – the Greco-Roman paradise of the afterlife. But other soldiers, after death, also longed for their place in the grass.”

The Athletes

The association of athleticism with Aries comes from their boundless energy.  I have here examples of five athletes, all born on what seems to be a potent day for this energy, at the beginning of Aries, 23^rd March (today’s date).  This is also the birthday of my own brother, who has all the energy in our family!  Football is the sport I most associate with Mars and Aries, but these examples are more varied.

Roger Bannister (23/3/1904 – 3/3/2018)

Roger Bannister, who ran the first four minute mile on 26^th July 1952, exemplifies the Aries ability to “break the mould”.  He had the Sun conjunct Uranus in Aries, Uranus adding the qualities of surprise and innovation.

Mo Farah (23/3/1983)

“I would have loved to play for Arsenal, but I was never good enough.  I played at school and for the local club until I was 14, but I was only good because I could cross the ball and run.  I didn’t have any other skills.  I joined a running club instead.”

Another hugely successful track athlete, Mo Farah has had an illustrious career.  He has the Sun and ruler Mars in Aries.  Growing up, he wanted to be a car mechanic or a footballer (both Aries careers), and his twin brother is an engineer (also an Aries archetype).  His choice of running within sport is consistent with his North Node (karmic mission) in Gemini (the runner’s sign) exactly square his natal Mercury (the runner’s planet).

Chris Hoy (23/3/1976)

The next two “Athletes” are record-beating cyclists.  The first is Chris Hoy, whose bravery and courage (Aries traits) match his athleticism.  He was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2024, but his positive state of mind has inspired everyone.  He has the Sun in Aries, together with a positive-healing conjunction of Jupiter-Chiron in that sign.

Jason Kenny (23/3/1988)

Jason Kenny is a record-breaking track cyclist.  Jason’s brilliance is shown by Uranus conjunct his Sun.  His Mercury (the bike) is well-aspected: it sextiles Neptune and trines Pluto, and he’s got a good head on his shoulders.

Steve Redgrave (23/3/1962)

Multi-Olympic gold wining rower has the Sun at the same point in Aries as the other four.  He also has Venus in Aries, but crucially, his ruler Mars is in the water sign Pisces.

The Escapologist

Here’s a new one!  Aries represents the newly emerging chick from its shell, and two of the most prominent escapologists were born under this sign: Harry Houdini and David Blaine.  They literally cannot be confined!

Harry Houdini (24/3/1874 – 31/10/1926

We have a birth time for Harry Houdini, which explains a lot about the finer structure of his escapology: Saturn on an Aquarian Ascendant opposing Uranus, squaring onto his Nodal Axis.  His Aries credentials are also impeccable: the Sun, Venus, Chiron and Neptune all in that sign.

David Blaine (4/4/1973)

David Blaine is also Aries, with the Sun, Venus, Chiron and possibly also the Moon in that sign.  His birth chart does not have the same structure as Houdini’s, but he does crucially share two talented aspects with Houdini.  They are Venus conjunct Chiron (some practical problem-solving ability) with their Chirons exactly conjunct in Aries; and ruler Mars trine Pluto (a powerhouse of energy – the huge mental and physical energy required to break out).

Apologies in this account for the omission of feminine examples (perhaps you can supply some).  Maybe in a future series, I can remedy this.  Aries is known as a male sign, with male energy, and also historically females have not been so well-documented.  Females who can strongly embody Aries Archetypes  include the Female Warrior such as Boudicea (who does not come with a birth date) and the Wild Woman (a counterpart to Tarzan).  While the Sun is in Aries (until 20^th April), you can connect with your own Aries Archetypes, or Mars energy if you do not have any Aries planets, and act them out (Aries is nothing if not an action woman or man!).

Aspects

This morning, in the very early hours, the Sun conjoined Venus at 2 degrees Aries.  This may bring harmony to the proceedings of the day.  If you are an artist or a musician, it is a day you when you can produce your best creative output or performance.  If neither, then love or money may be beneficiaries of this combination.

This evening, at the other end of the day, the Sun will be sextile Pluto.  This can bring powerful help.  If you dig deep, you can find the treasure you need.  It is a profound aspect which may help to show us the direction we need to solve our collective problems, and understanding the meaning behind our dilemmas.  This sextile can bring a profound air of quiet contemplation.  It is a valuable time of assessment.

Tomorrow, Monday 24^th, we are graced with another conjunction, this time between the Sun and Mercury, at 4 degrees Aries), which may bring an extra special quality to the day.  It is a good time to apply your mind with clarity, concentrate and focus, and make important statements.  Your perceptions may be heightened, both with regard to the microcosm (seeing the daisies) or the macrocosm (seeing things from a larger perspective than you are accustomed to seeing the issues).

Mercury sextiles Pluto on Tuesday (25^th).  You could make real progress under this aspect.  This aspect can produce profound thought and communication,  honouring the gravity of a situation if necessary, and enabling meaningful debate to occur.  If you have something important lined up, you may be successful in getting your point across.  There is a note of caution, however, with Mercury still retrograde, so pay extra attention to detail.

At breakfast-time on Thursday, Venus retrogrades back to Pisces, from Aries.  There may be something you neglected to do when Venus was in Pisces in January: you may need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, or close some loopholes.  Recall the gentleness and sensitivity of Pisces, a resource we may look back on with nostalgia after Saturn and Neptune move into Aries this year.  You can afford to be more “woke” for instance!  Venus in Pisces is unashamedly emotional and easily prone to tears, so don’t be surprised to release the tears which have been stoically been held back.  Just turn on the daily news forecast…This placing will enable charities to be more easily heard, and the Arts to acquire inspiration.  Venus will remain in Pisces until the end of April.

In the evening, at the other end of the day, Venus will conjoin with Neptune at the last degree (29) of Pisces, heralding Neptune’s farewell to that sign.  You could be feeling very nostalgic!  It could be a serene, highly spiritual and artistically inspired conjunction, full of unconditional love.  This conjunction can express the best of the divine feminine.

The Eclipsed New Moon occurs at 9 degrees Aries on Saturday (29^th).  This may bring cheer and vigour, and a renewed sense of purpose.  It is a time to look to the future, as much as is possible.  You may feel the urge to re-organize your lifestyle.  If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well…The New Moon in Aries is one of the brightest of the year in terms of its potential.  However, being an eclipse. it increases the sense of having to let go of something, in order to create the space for what is new to come forth.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Love and Understanding
• Tomorrow – Mental Application
• Tuesday – Profound Communication; a Softening
• Thursday – Nostalgia and Inspiration
• Saturday – New Beginning; Turning Point

 

Mark Carney  

Prime Minister of Canada

“Thank you, Canada, for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on Earth.”

~ Mark Carney

On Friday 14^th, the day of the Lunar Eclipse in Virgo, Mark Carney was sworn in as the new (the 24^th) Prime Minister of Canada, at what is thought to be a uniquely challenging time in its history, in his words: “The greatest crisis of our generation”.  It faces a double assault from its neighbour and erstwhile ally, the United States, over tariffs and the threat by Donald Trump of being assimilated as a “51^st state”.  We know Mark Carney here in the U.K. as a competent former governor of the Bank of England.  What is he made of, and is he up to the task of taking on the man who would rule the world?  It was a very timely inauguration, because at his birth the Moon was in Virgo and the Sun in Pisces, as at the Eclipse which occurred on the very day of his taking over the new role.

Birth Chart

I wrote about Mark Carney in 2019:

“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!”

The fact that he has such a difficult chart (more difficult than Donald Trump’s, and has worked through his triple opposition of planets in Pisces and Virgo shows great strength of character

Life and Career

Carney was born on in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada.  He attended High School  in Edmonton, and then went on to study economics at Harvard.  For his postgraduate studies, he moved to the University of Oxford.  His master’s thesis was “Competitive advantage and the advantage of competition: a theoretical analysis of national champions, learning-by-dong and spillovers”.  His DPhil thesis was titled “The dynamic advantage of competition”.  While at Oxford, he met his wife Diana Fox, also an economist, and they have raised four children.

Carney worked for Goldman Sachs for thirteen years, after which he worked for the Bank of Canada.  He took a role as a senior minister in the Department of Finance Canada on 15^th November 2004: at the time he had the progressive transits of Neptune sextile his natal Mercury in Aries (his brainpower), and Chiron trine his natal Jupiter (onwards and upwards).  He rose to become governor of the Bank of Canada in 2008, and saw his country’s finances through the financial crash of that era, where he earned a reputation for being a trustworthy and safe pair of hands, when it came to finance.

During the years of the Cameron government, Chancellor Osborne became very keen to have Mark Carney as governor of the Bank of England.  Eventually, Osborne succeeded in persuading him, and Mark Carney took on the role on 1^st July 2013.  Uranus was making a direct transit to his Mercury in Aries (note its role in his numeracy, and in the earlier transit of 2004).  The North Node was also sextile his natal Pluto in the 2^nd House of Finance.  It was another important step in his career and karmic mission.

He discharged his duties well here in the U.K., being a stabilizing and reassuring voice in the Brexit years, and at the inception of the Covid pandemic.  He warned against leaving the E.U. as it would impact the country’s finances adversely.  He and his wife moved back to Canada in 2020.  He did have a detractor in Liz Truss, however.  She stated this year:

“I strongly recommend not backing Mark Carney for his policies on net zero. It was disastrous for Britain. It would be disastrous for Canada.”

In March 2020 Carney became the U.N. special envoy for climate action and finance.  More recently, he has entered the world of politics, specifically in the Liberal Party of Canada.  He held a post as leader of a Task Force on Economic Growth in Trudeau’s government, and in January this year formally announced his candidacy for the top job when it became clear that Justin Trudeau would be leaving the post.

Justin Trudeau’s premiership was under increasing criticism and unpopularity, but when Donald Trump took over as President of the United State in January this year, and immediately made threats to raise tariffs against Canada and intimated that he held ambitions for Canada to become the 51^st state of America, Trudeau’s robust stand raised the Liberal Party’s standing in the polls.  Mark Carney was elected leader of the Liberal Party, and therefore Prime Minister, on March 9^th, with the expectation that he would hold an election this year.

Carney’s swearing in on Friday came under the transit of Jupiter trine his natal Saturn.  Incidentally, that is the same transit under which Boris Johnson became Prime Minister [a fun fact].

Canada

The chart of Canada in comparison with that of Mark Carney shows its Saturn trine his North Node.  That shows a karmic responsibility on his part, and he has a good record in the past with regard to fiscal responsibility.  Economics is a great part of the problem of the entanglement with Donald Trump’s regime. In terms of transits, the Nodal Axis is currently squaring Canada’s Neptune in Sagittarius in its 5^th House, showing up a sense of uncertainty and question of identity.  However, Canadians have rallied to the call, and apparently (according to Newsnight) are more united than ever.  And hopefully, Mark Carney will continue to be a safe pair of hands.

“We will never, in any shape or form, be part of the U.S.  We are very fundamentally a different country.”

~ Mark Carney

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 17^th) the aspects begin with a conjunction of the Sun with the North Node at 27 degrees Pisces.  this could bring a show of power by someone in your circle.  However, this show of power is firmly subject to the laws of karma. It could also heighten creativity if you are unattached to the power play of others.  It could also bring a show of power from Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin.  Less likely, but also possible, a show of power from Volodymyr Zelenskyy or the European Union.

Another conjunction occurs on Wednesday (19^th) at 29 degrees Pisces, between the Sun and Neptune.  Neptune combined with the Sun so intensely can bring high spiritual experiences and inspiration, especially if you are channelling or working with your creativity, in art or music for instance.  But for some, for example if you have a difficult aspect to Neptune in your natal chart, it may bring confusion.

We arrive at the Spring Equinox on Thursday (20^th), with the Sun entering Aries, marking the beginning of the astrological New Year.  It is the beginning of a generally more active, conscious, dynamic way of relating to the world (from the Sun’s more introspective time of its recent passage through Pisces).  For the population generally, if your energy has been a little low lately, you may feel revived.  You may be wandering lonely as a cloud and come across a host of golden daffodils.

Our last feature of the week is Venus sextile Pluto, which occurs on Friday (21^st).  This aspect has the capacity to get to the root of a problem, be it Love and/or Money, both of which are represented by aspects of Venus and Pluto.  It could be a time of difficult but rewarding soul searching with loved ones.  In finance, there could be hard won but satisfying bargaining and balancing – a suitable day for Mark Carney to operate.  If you are an artist or musician, you could take a step further in your art, and deepen the value and content of the material you are working with.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – karmic power play
• Wednesday – confusion
• Thursday – freshness
• Friday – difficult but rewarding

Jack Vettriano (1951 – 2025)

“I have what I want and that is the support of the public and that means far more to me than the approval of a bunch of well-educated art buffs”

~ Jack Vettriano

It was reported this week that the controversial and self-taught artist Jack Vettriano died at his home in Nice on Saturday 1st March, at the age of 73.  His most famous work was “The Singing Butler” of 1992, but his prolific work was popular, and sold well, despite being panned by the experts.

Birth Chart

Vettriano had the Sun in Scorpio in the 12^th House, which may have given him a secretive nature.  One of the controversies especially about his later work was that it was overtly sexual, and Scorpio is a sign that most needs to express sexuality.  The Sun being closely sextile with Mars accentuates this.  And the Sun square Pluto takes the trajectory of his life further along that path. He was driven, to where he had to go.  The Moon in Cancer in his chart was closely square to Venus (his two female planets at odds with each other), and this may be linked to another charge against him – that of misogyny.  Some of his later works, with scantily clad females, laid him open to that charge.  His reply was: “Take another look at it and you’ll see it’s the women who have the power”.  A T-square was formed comprising Venus opposite Jupiter (inappropriate social behaviours) with the Moon squaring on, in the Cardinal quadruplicity.  The aspects to the Moon generally indicate a complex attitude towards women, with the Moon also loosely conjunct Uranus providing a vivid imagination (useful for an artist) but also adding more controversy.  Add Moon square Saturn, closely square Jupiter and opposite Chiron, and you can see how complex his emotions were, and in relation to women, bordering on obsessionality.  The whole complex comes together in his karmic mission: the Moon exactly trine the North Node.  Again, that gives the impression that he was driven on his path.  Moon exactly trine North Node also points to another feature of his work, that it was popular and relatable to the general public.  With all that Scorpio and Moon emphasis, the emotion always ran deep, but Mercury sextile Saturn afforded great mental application to his work, with Mercury rising (in Sagittarius) ensuring that he did have a great faculty for mental analysis. Venus in Libra sextile his Ascendant emphasized the artistic direction of his talent.  Though what Venus gave (opposite Jupiter) it also took away (Venus conjunct Saturn), contributing to the breakdown of some relationships.  Saturn in his 11^th House of Friendship hints at loneliness.

Life and Career

Vettriano was born in St. Andrews, Fife, and was raised in poverty in a spartan miner’s cottage.  He hated technical college and left at 15.  At that point in his life his Progressed Sun had reached his restless Ascendant in Sagittarius, marking a change in life direction.  He took up an apprenticeship as a mining engineer (a Scorpio profession) for a short while.

A life-changing moment came on his 21^st birthday, when his girlfriend bought him a set of watercolours, and set him on a path to become an artist.  She told him: “If you don’t do something with your life you’re going to live and die in this town” [Fife].

The transits of that moment in time bear witness to its importance:-

Chiron trine his natal Mercury rising (he is offered a healing tool, one which could be a real trade in his life)

Uranus was on his Neptune in Libra (an increase in complexity and understanding, in an artistic mode), and most spectacularly

Neptune trine his natal Jupiter in Aries in his 4^th House (an entry into a level of inspiration and self-satisfaction, in an occupation which he could conduct from home)

He set about copying every style of painting (including Renaissance and Surrealism), on the road to finding his own style.  He was particularly fond of impressionism, and his first painting was a copy of Monet’s “Poppy Fields”.

In 1980 he married Gail Cormack, but they split up in 1987 (accounts vary as to who left whom).  However, the separation proved to be a turning point and a re-start to move his career on.  His Progressed Sun was entering Capricorn and reached his natal Chiron (a step towards finding his Inner Healer).  He relocated to Edinburgh and applied to study Fine Art at the University.  His portfolio was rejected, however.  Two years later he submitted two canvases for the Royal Scottish Academy annual show and both paintings sold on the first day, leading him to be approached by several galleries.

His most famous work came in 1992, “The Singing Butler”, a scene which can be described as “a couple dancing on a storm-swept beach accompanied by a butler and maid.” (Lanre Bakare, The Guardian).  At that point in his life, his Progressed Sun became sextile to his natal North Node in Pisces in 3^rd House, and trine his South Node in 9^th House – a career peak.

Peaks and Troughs

He found fame, prosperity and popularity, but was profoundly disturbed by the criticism from the artistic establishment, and that very much affected him psychologically.  Artistically, he descended into a period of erotica, which also did not endear him to the experts.  For research, he visited brothels and strip bars, a lifestyle which is somehow reminiscent of certain of the later 19^th Century Impressionists.  He himself described “a fascination that is like drugs”.

2010 marked another departure in his life.  He moved to Nice (partly to get away from all the criticism), his subject matter turned a darker shade, his paintings failing to sell as well as before.  In that year, the outer planets were contributing to the breaking down of his former success: Pluto was squaring his natal Jupiter, a bubble bursting (Jupiter had been an element of his success); Uranus was squaring his natal Chiron (which had also been an element of his success), and Saturn was squaring his natal Chiron and opposing his natal Jupiter (a three-pronged ambush).  Added to that, Pluto was opposite his natal Moon  in Cancer in 7th House – a drastic change in his relationship with the general public.  In 2011 he was caught speeding, with drugs.

Lynn Barber, in the Observer, during that period, identified that in her opinion there were two sides to Jack: A “nice” Jack Vettriano, and a “nasty” one.

A further blow came in 2015, when Jack Vettriano dislocated his shoulder, and pronounced that he could no longer paint.  Transits for his dislocated shoulder on 31^st May (the date of disclocation) of that year showed:

Mars opposite his natal Mercury (shoulder) in Sagittarius rising – an injury

Neptune on his 4th House cusp square his Ascendant – an uncertain path

He had cleaned up, drugwise, by 2022 – 2021, when progressed Sun was sextile that emphasized (by transit and progression) natal Jupiter in Aries in 4^th House.

Edward Hopper

The day before Jack Vettriano’s death was announced I was talking to a friend about how I liked his style, and that of the American painter Edward Hopper (1882 – 1967).  We were talking about modern art, realism and abstract art.  I like the romantic, perhaps chivalrous and even gallant atmosphere in Vettriano’s artistic world, at least that of his early work.  Others have described it as nostalgia.

In an article in the Guardian, Lanre Bakare reports one critic’s comparison of Vettriano’s work to Edward Hopper’s, stating that Vettriano was like “Hopper without the emotion, and sleazy to boot”.

But I maintain there is a similarity in their style, and that is a simplicity that I like.  Though Hopper was successful in American mainstream art, his subject matter was wider, often depicting urban and industrial scenes.  They were both strongly influenced by Impressionism.

But they were very different characters: Hopper was very religious, and introverted.  They were both water signs, but Hopper perhaps more restrained emotionally, despite the critic’s assessment above.

Eddy Frankel also wrote in the Guardian, in an artistic critique, saying that Vettriano lacked any postmodern self-awareness.  The article is not wholly critical, but takes the view of the art expert, and concludes: “We can learn a lot more from looking  for the aesthetic and cultural qualities in ‘lower’ artforms than from outright rejecting them.”

Comparing the charts of the two painters, intriguingly there is a karmic link: Edward Hopper’s North Node is conjunct Vettriano’s Sun – perhaps they are of the same Soul Group.

Among Vettriano’s fans are Jack Nicholson, Alex Ferguson, and John Coltrane.  Tim Rice appeared on the news, praising Vettriano’s realism.

Vettriano needed to pursue his own path in life, and a quote from Edward Hopper puts it nicely:

“Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist, and this inner life will result in his personal vision of the world. No amount of skilful invention can replace the essential element of imagination. One of the weaknesses of much abstract painting is the attempt to substitute the inventions of the human intellect for a private imaginative conception.”

“He was not only an extraordinary artist but also a deeply private and humble man who was endlessly grateful for the support and admiration of those who loved his work.  His paintings – capturing moments of intrigue, romance, and nostalgia – touched the hearts of so many around the world”

~ A tribute on Instagram

Aspects

The Aspects begin on Tuesday (11^th), with a conjunction at 8 degrees Aries of Mercury with Venus.  It may spark a sunburst of ideas to be communicated, discussed, and start the ball rolling towards making practical use of what comes to you.  This conjunction is ideal for socializing, conversation, artistic (get yourself a box of watercolours) or literary endeavours, or negotiations.  Your communications will have an artistic flair, so it’s a good time to get creative.  I associate this conjunction with Cafe culture thrives and conversation flows ~~~

A more subdued picture for Wednesday (12^th) with another conjunction, this time between the Sun and Saturn, at 22 degrees Pisces.  This conjunction bears a serious message.  Take note of the area/House it falls in, if you know it, as that will help you to ascertain the purpose of this event.  There is a great sense of concentration about this conjunction, focussed on practicalities  such as “what can we do about the situation?”  Caution is Saturn’s name.  Saturn demands responsibility, commitment, and common sense.

Friday (14^th) brings a Full Moon and a total Lunar Eclipse (a turning-point) at 23 degrees Virgo, which is likely to bring some emotional tension and a desire towards perfectionism and practicality, at the same time as honouring spiritual ideals represented by the opposing Sun in Pisces.  Work and service are also principles of this polarity of signs. That is your wake-up call.

At breakfast-time, the Sun will be sextile Uranus, and you may instinctively know what to do with the Full Moon/Eclipse energy and revelation.  This aspect supports us, and adds a sparkle of ingenuity and inventiveness. Make headway with your various projects, assisted with some telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group.  Look to the Future.

Saturday (15^th) brings everybody’s favourite Retrograde: that of Mercury. Do what you can to minimize communication slowness and glitches.  Postal and phone scams may arise.  Be clear in your communications for the next three weeks, in order to avoid misunderstandings and loopholes.  Although technology can go awry, it can be a good period to upgrade such devices.  You may have developed your own strategies, according to past experiences.  The stock market may take a tumble.  Mercury goes Direct again on 7^th April.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – the art of conversation
• Wednesday – a note of realism
• Friday – emotional high tide; turning point; signposts
• Saturday – communication glitches