Zodiac Book Reviews

I’ve been keeping a list of the books I’ve read since 19 July 2015, and I have selected one for each sign.  How many of these have you read?  And have you any recommendations for your sign?

Aries 

Dolores Cannon (2001) The Convoluted Universe – Book One. Ozark Mountain Publishing

This is the first book in a set of five, all enthralling in their breadth of vision and experience.  Dolores Cannon was a regression therapist, who developed a system of Quantum Healing (the Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique).  She was a no-nonsense, pioneering and fearless Arien, who died in 2014 but left behind a wealth of writing on her life’s work.  As well as Sun in Aries, she had the Moon, North Node and Uranus in that sign.  Her karmic mission of exploration of human consciousness is shown by the close conjunction of the Uranus and the North Node in her 8th House of Spirituality.

”In ‘Keepers of the Garden’ Phil said many souls that had never known Earth lives had volunteered to come to help the Earth at his time in its history. They were the infusion or transfusion of new blood, the ones who have never known violence. Because they do not have this in their soul’s history they can help to change the vibration of the Earth and raise it to a higher dimension where such things as violence are impossible.”

Taurus

Judy Collins (2011) Sweet Judy Blue Eyes – My Life in Music. Three Rivers Press.  New York 

A high proportion of my reading matter is autobiographical/biographical works, and this is the first of several  in this selection.  Taurus is the main sign for singers (Libra being the other).  This selection has three other singers, from other signs, but don’t let that confuse you, Taurus is still the main sign for singers with extraordinary voices (Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald also hailing from that part of the zodiac).  Judy has her Sun in Taurus close to her Midheaven (Careerpoint).  I always felt that the smoothness of Judy’s voice, in say “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”, betokened a life of serenity and harmony.  I was surprised to find, reading her autobiography, a much more turbulent life picture with more love and loss than I expected.  This was a well-written and absorbing account of her life up to 2009, which found me even more appreciative of her work and talent.  She is also a songwriter:

“My father always promised us
That we would live in France
We’d go boating on the Seine
And I would learn to dance

We lived in Ohio then
He worked in the mines
On his dreams like boats
We knew we would sail in time”

Gemini

Chris Griscom (1987) Ecstasy is a New Frequency – Teachings of the Light Institute. Bear & Co.

I first read Chris Griscom’s book in 1988, but include it here because I read it every so often to renew myself.  I can honestly say it is one of the books that changed my life.  Here we have another regression therapist (the first being Aries Dolores Cannon), so another theme in my reading.  The book represents trainings and talks from her Light Institute in Galisteo New Mexico, delineating Structures of Consciousness, and spin points to higher consciousness such as the Inner Child and the Higher Self.  One of her important concepts is the power of the emotional/astral body and the need to raise its quality by feeding it with spiritual content.  Chris Griscom has 5 planets and the Ascendant in Gemini, as evidenced in the well-thought-through structures she gives to consciousness.

“You are all multidimensional beings.  You are brilliant light-souls who have a frame of reference for being out of body, for being in light body, for knowing all things.  In fact, you have the capacity within your very being to heal yourselves, to heal each other, to perform miracles.”

Cancer 

Debbie Harry (2019) Face It: A Memoir.  HarperCollins

I often find that, for me at least, the best autobiographies are those with a high quotient of emotional honesty, and women tend to do this better (sorry, guys).  As a Cancerian of course Debbie Harry is very much in touch with her emotions, and that may be one of the qualities which makes her such a compelling singer.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from her account, but it was far more raw and raunchy than I imagined.  I should have realized from her raw and raunchy image, and her self-confessed emulation of Marilyn Monroe, that would be the case.  It was an enjoyable read, and would be recommended reading of a madcap life, for fans of Debbie: it includes her drug-taking, her relationship with bandmate guitarist Chris Stein, and some scary moments. Debbie was born to perform, and to represent a strong femininity, with the Sun exactly conjunct the North Node in her 10th House of Career.

“I was saying things in songs that female singers didn t really say back then. I wasn t submissive or begging him to come back, I was kicking his ass, kicking him out, kicking my own ass too. My Blondie character was an inflatable doll but with a dark, provocative, aggressive side. I was playing it up, yet I was very serious.”

Leo  

Anne Jirsch (2020) Future Vision Your Working Life.  Watkins

Anne is a leading light in the U.K. of the futurist movement.  She also was a past-life regressionist, whose work suddenly evolved into the future when she started to work with a group of soldiers, and they were surprised to see in advance the destruction of the twin towers in New York of 2001.  Her first book on the subject “The Future is Yours” was published in 2007.  Since then she has trained thousands of people in Future Life Progression (including myself), and she has led explorations far into the future of the planet.  Anne is a Leo, and as such has the leadership qualities of that sign.  One of the qualities of Leo is that holistic sense of vision – a high proportion of Film Directors are born in that zodiac sign.  The 2020 book emerged as covid changed the pattern of our working lives, and so was spot on for timing.  Anne’s techniques bring the ability to spot emerging patterns in society and work with them to help our own evolution and those of humanity.  The book details ten strategies to help you get ahead.

“Just imagine if you had tools to give you the edge, to steer you in the right direction and filter out erroneous information, leaving you to focus full on exactly what you need to know.  Imagine being able to anticipate the future and know here you are heading, what you need to be doing, ad even creating your own innovations”.

Virgo

Clive Myrie (2023) Everything is Everything – A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope.  Hodder & Stoughton

Popular journalist, newsreader and presenter Clive Myrie has written his life story, but also given an account of the history of the Windrush generation and the difficulties of the black community over the decades.  He has his individual interesting story to tell, particularly about his exploits reporting on war torn areas he travelled to.  But his Windrush story is very much echoed in two other books I read around the same time, “Why we kneel and how we rise” by Michael Holding (reviewed under Aquarius, and the “Life and rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah”, providing a consistent story of society’s failure to deal with racism.  Clive has the Sun, Uranus, Pluto and Mercury in Virgo, and his book has the hallmarks of that sign, attention to detail and integrity.  He’s not just a pretty face: with Mercury conjunct Pluto in Virgo, he’s a deep thinker.  With 5 planets in Earth, 5 in Water, 0 in Fire, 0 in Air and 6 in Mutable, he’s Grounded, Emotional, Instinctual, Calm, and Adaptable.  There’s a lovely quote from Martin Luther King in his book:

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

Libra

Marianne Williamson (1992) A Return to Love – Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles. HarperCollins

I have chosen this book for Libra, as its guiding principle is Love.  I read it many years ago, before I started my list.  But Nelson Mandela shared the quote from the book below in his inaugural speech, and it is often wrongly attributed to him.  Marianne Williamson was born to a Jewish family, but her work has been based on elucidating the difficult work “A Course in Miracles” which was transcribed by Helen Schucman, with an emphasis on it teachings on love.  Marianne is not a Libran (she is Cancerian), but her universal message speaks to the heart of human life: “Divine love is the core and essence of every human mind”.  In the course of my life time of New Age searching, my husband has only ever twice accompanied me to a workshop. The first was to a feng shui day, and the second was to a Marianne Williamson workshop in London in 2008, after he had read her book.  In recent years, she has entered the realm of politics, with the aim of bringing the principle of love into the forefront of that arena.  In this current climate, where there is much evidence of hatred bubbling over, her message is more needed than ever.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

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

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

Actually, who are you not to be?”

Scorpio

Sohom Das (2022) In Two Minds [Shocking true stories of murder, justice and recovery from a forensic psychiatrist]. Sphere

I chased up this book after seeing Psychiatrist Sohom Das being interviewed on daytime television, and I am glad I did as it was a complete eye-opener.  I have often wondered how those who work in this sphere do what they do, and this book answers it in graphic detail, but told with humour.  He recounts his training years, and his responses to each new challenge he encountered.  Sohom Das was born in November, so could be Scorpio or Sagittarius, but Scorpio rules Psychiatry, and the even more specialized Forensic Psychiatry (the treatment of people with mental health problems who are in prison, a secure hospital or the wider community).

“Remember, psychiatry shouldn’t be over-complicated. Unnecessarily diagnosing always labels but rarely helps the individual. Simplicity is key.”

Sagittarius

Britney Spears (2023) The woman in Me. Simon & Schuster

Britney Spears’ birth chart is dominated by the sign of Sagittarius, with Uranus, the Part of Fortune, Mercury, the Sun and Neptune all in that sign. We heard over the years the painful story of how she was challenged by the conservatorship of her father as guardian, but reading her story in her own words (after her liberation) takes your sympathy and compassion to another level – the experience of incarceration and disempowerment was far worse than your could imagine.  And on top of that, the exploitation of her talent and money-making is unbelievably cruel.  That she survived all that is remarkable.  She has been praised, in writing the book, for her “candour and humour”, both qualities associated with Sagittarius.  It’s not just “another tale” of the perils of starting as a child star. Britney’s response to the film “Framing Britney” prepared us for this memoir:

“Remember, no matter what we think we know about a person’s life it is nothing compared to the actual person living behind the lens”.

Capricorn 

Mike Houghton ( 2015) I’ve always kept a Unicorn. Faber & Faber

Singer Sandy Denny did not live long enough to write her own autobiography, but Mike Houghton has produced a good account of her life here.  She is one of my all-time favourite singer-songwriters.  My favourite album of hers, “Solo”, was on constant replay at one point in my life, and the title of the book comes from the title track:

“Do you play solo?
Ain’t life a solo?
I’ve always lived in a mansion
On the other side of the moon.

I’ve always kept a unicorn
And I never sing out of tune.”

The unicorn is a mythological animal which can be associated with Sagittarius and Capricorn.  Though Sandy produced a prolific musical output, before going solo notably with Fairport Convention, there always feels to be a sense of what was missed from her early death precipitated by a fall on the stairs (not to mention drink and drugs).  I feel wistful when I think of this, but am grateful of the clarity and subtlety of her voice on such classics as “Fotheringay”.  Capricorn figures strongly in her chart, with Mercury, the Part of Fortune, her Descendant, the Sun and Mars all in that sign.  There’s a faint hint of melancholy in her life and work, and the search for a meaningful relationship.  The strife around her relationships is shown by the exact conjunction of the Sun and Mars in Capricorn in her 7th House of Close Relationships.  The book is a beautiful insight into her life and what made her tick. 

“She talks about being ‘zombie-esque’  and ‘sheepish’, ‘easily led’ and ‘easily persuaded’ but ‘without any deep conviction’. ‘Capricorn,’ her birth sign, she scrawls, ‘epitomises this quality, hence the adjective capricious’ – the last word is underlined.”

Aquarius 

Michael Holding (2021) Why we Kneel and How we Rise. Simon & Schuster

This set of choices, for some reason (and I may return to the subject in a later blog) seems to have some running themes!  Regression therapists, female singers, and black history.  Alluded to under Virgo (for Clive Myrie) this book carries many of the same themes (together with Benjamin Zephaniah’s autobiography also read recently).  As an Aquarian, social justice is vital to Michael Holding, a well-respected and esteemed former cricketer (in fact, I borrowed the book from hubby’s bookshelf).  Written in 2021, it elucidates well the reasons behind the Black Lives Matter movement.  The movement itself was founded in 2013, but it was the shocking murder by a policeman of George Floyd that awoke people to the injustice of the treatment of the black population by the police force, as applicable here in the U.K. as in the U.S.  Though social justice and activism are the raison d’etre of the Aquarian personality, Michael regrets to some extent that as a successful cricketer he did not notice or act earlier in life on behalf of this cause, but this was due to the fear and vulnerability of their place in society.  With this thoughtful book, he emphatically puts this right.

“And what is wrong with being ‘woke’? It seems people don’t quite understand what woke means the Oxford English Dictionary defines is as being ‘alert to injustice in society, especially racism’. Please call me woke for ever.”

Pisces

Lorna Byrne (2008) Angels in my Hair. Arrow Books, Random House

Lorna Byrne, Angelologist, has written a few books, but by far the most valuable is her own original telling of her life story, of someone with a unique talent: the ability to see angels.  She is not a Piscean, she is actually an Aries (which is associated with the eyes and vision), but the subject matter of Angels is very much a Piscean area.  She does have Mercury in the neighbouring sign of Pisces, which points to a mind that may communicate with other worlds.  My friend June and I did once take a trip to a workshop of hers in London, and found her to be a gentle soul of great sincerity.  The book tells how it was clear from a tiny child that her mind worked differently to others, and she was thought to be retarded.  Her gift however could not be suppressed, and as time went on she found it to be an asset rather than a hindrance in her life.  What is astonishing is the frequency and detail in which she sees Angels.  I have often thought an illustrated book would be wonderful, as her descriptions are riveting.  Many Angels have designated areas of expertise, such as working with the environment, or cheering sad souls.  But she calls a section of them “unemployed angels”, who she recommends calling on for any need.

“As a baby, my mother noticed that I always seemed to be in a world of my own.  I can even remember lying in a cot – a big basket – and seeing my mother bending over me.  Surrounding my mother I saw wonderful bright, shiny beings in all the colours of the rainbow…

Hosus looked – and looks – like an old fashioned school teacher.  He wears a swirling robe which is blue most of the time (but can change colour), and a funny-shaped hat and he carries a scroll in his hand.  His eyes are radiant and sparkle like stars and he looks like a young professor: a man full of energy and with great authority and wisdom.”

Aspects

We have 10 Aspects this week, including 5 squares!  Today’s offering is the first square, Uranus square Mercury.  Be prepared for glitches as you open up your devices first thing.  Back up your computer files (mental note to take my own advice!), and consider I.T. loopholes.  Speech may be controversial.  Use your intuition to be one step ahead – the Universe may be trying to show you new pathways, and possible new perspectives.  Here’s hoping this blog makes it through!

Tomorrow (Monday, 19th) is a monumental day, featuring 6 aspects.  It’s an occasion to roll out the timetable, in order to facilitate your pathway.  Please forgive my idiosyncratic method of  delineating times.

1.58 a.m. – Sun conjunct Retrograde Mercury at 26 degrees Leo trine the Galactic Centre

It is a good day generally to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements.  The focus may be on your own growth and potential and physical wellbeing.  Mentally you may see things clearly, if egocentrically.  Creatively, this is a very helpful conjunction: If you are writing a play, for instance, the perfect line could come to you.  Coming in the early hours of the morning, ideas may keep you awake, or your dreams may be crystal clear.  The connection with the Galactic Centre may make the effect extra powerful, in what is already lined up to be an eventful and powerful day.

5.53 a.m. – Jupiter square Venus

You may be confronted with an awkward social situation.  Behaviour may be gauche or a little inappropriate, and that may have consequences.  You may be socializing when you don’t feel like it, or feel that you have to force jollity.  There will be a meaning to it – there always is!  Even if it is one remark which makes you think deeply, or helps you to realize what you don’t need.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.

8.30 a.m. – Saturn opposite Venus

This means having to let go in relationships or having to make economies in finance.  The message of the power of love may be more difficult to sustain in the face of testing under this aspect.  But the cure for the situation is even more love.  The message in finance is having to examine your values, needs and necessities.  Social media over breakfast may make awkward reading.  “Return to Love” by Marianne Williamson would be a preferable read!

16.45 Hrs – Uranus square the Sun

You may have a breather over lunchtime to digest the first three aspects!  This mid-afternoon aspect may make you aware of possible loopholes through which the element of the unexpected can enter.  Disruption can occur, but unexpected twists and turns may give you new ideas for future reference.

18.26 Hrs – Full Moon at 27 degrees Aquarius

You may find some tension building towards this Full Moon, not least from the complexity of the day.  We might be torn by looking at an issue emotionally, then from a detached perspective, then back and forth.  This may produce heightened tension, or a stand off  between the individual and a group.

21.46 Hrs – Saturn square Jupiter

This is the main event, no matter how you may view the others!  It doesn’t come round very often, and represents an important dilemma, e.g. whether or not to have a Ceasefire in the Middle East, or in the local neighbourhood.  It represents difficult decisions, such as the fiscal ones so often talked of by Rachel Reeves (or in your own balancing of finances).  If it is not about your own internal wrangling, you and others need to bring good will to the table of negotiation.  You may use all the lessons of the previous five aspects of the day as a summing up of the situation, before making your mind up.

On to Thursday (22nd) which brings the entry of the Sun into Virgo.  It may seem too early (and you don’t have to completely let go of the holiday season!) but the need for knuckling down conscientiously to work and study schedules is reinforced with this ingress  The Sun in Virgo will underline the need for a sense of focus and purpose, and bring people together in common objectives.  Efficiency and Economy will be watchwords for how we organize the second half of our year.  There may be a new resolve to institute health and fitness regimes, and work rotas and practices.  Perhaps think about enrolling for training in new skills, in  September courses.  It may also be helpful for decluttering attempts.

Last square of the week is Mars square Venus, on Friday (23rd), which is hot (whatever the weather or climatic condition).  You may find during the day that you feel inclined to let your hair down a little, inhibitions loosened.  This square may also have a bearing on the battle of the sexes (within, or interpersonal).  If you are creative on an artistic or musical vibe, you may introduce a little cheekiness into your work.

We end the week on a constructive note, for on Saturday (24th) Mercury sextiles Mars.  Physical and mental energies can co-ordinate well.  If you are cycling a great deal to keep fit, you may find the wind behind your sails.  You may be able to cycle just that bit faster or longer, and your fitbit may register record stats.  You may also find shortcuts to your usual way of doing things.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – I.T. glitches
• Tomorrow – mental clarity; social awkwardness; letting go; the unexpected; emotional high tide; big decisions
• Thursday – setting up schedules
• Friday – sensuality
• Saturday – brisk action

Tim Walz

A major poll has shown Kamala Harris now pulling ahead of Donald Trump in three key swing states.  Only two weeks ago, I was writing about Kamala Harris, now she has picked a running mate as prospective Vice President.  So I am looking at this new arrival on the scene, and updating the picture a little.

Birth Chart

Tim Walz’s Sun is unaspected in Aries, a free spirit, a breath of fresh air, undaunted by the challenge.  With Mercury exactly trine Uranus, he has a brilliant mind.  Added to that, a trine to Mercury from Pluto, making him a deep thinker.  There are two Archetypes that stand out in his chart:

1. The Teacher Archetype: Mercury sextiles the North Node (karmic mission). He and his wife were teachers for many years, and education has been a priority in his policy making.
2. The Warrior Archetype: Mars in Aries exactly squares the Nodal Axis. He is a retired army officer.  Mars and Aries also rule football, and he has been a football coach.

He has Jupiter sextile Saturn, which can mean balanced judgement.

Life and Career

Walz was born in Nebraska.  His father, who died when he was in High School, was both a teacher and an army veteran, and Tim was to follow in his footsteps.  Tim moved to Texas and studied at the University there, also joining the Texas Army National Guard.  He gained a BSc in Social Science in 1989 from Chadron State College.  He became a high school social studies teacher and a football coach.  He met his wife while teaching, and they married in 1994, when Jupiter was trine his North Node.  He continued his role in the Army National Guard, and during that time he worked in various locations, and covered disaster response postings where there had been floods and tornadoes.

In 2004 he became involved in John Kerry’s presidential campaign.  On 10th February 2005 he applied to run for Congress to represent Minnesota.  This was a major turning point in his life, fashioned by exact Uranian transits:

His Uranian Opposition, transiting Uranus opposing its natal position, a major life cycle often seen as a Mid-Life Rebellion or U-Turn in life;

Uranus sextile his natal Mercury – an urge and opportunity to fulfil the potential of his natal exact trine of Mercury and Uranus representing mental brilliance;

And Uranus trine his natal North Node, a sudden orientation to his karmic mission.

In 2006 he gave up his teaching post to concentrate on his political path, and was elected congressman, having campaigned strongly against the Iraq war and the government’s continued entanglement in that region.

He was re-elected five times, and then in 2018 became governor of Minnesota, in which post he was re-elected in 2022.  His record there was impressive: tax modifications, free school meals, gun background checks,  and free college tuition for low-income families.

Out of the Ordinary

Tim Walz has been hailed as the ordinary guy, as part of his appeal.  But in many ways, he is a free spirit, and free from some of the baggage of typical politicians.

An interesting fact about him is that he owns no businesses, stocks or securities.  In 2013, there was a federal government shutdown, and at the time he chose to donate his congressional pay to charitable organizations connected with the relief of hunger, rather than keep it.  Where it is seen that some politicians are “in it for the money” he has demonstrated it is not the case for him.

Interestingly, he has met the Dalai Lama and supported Tibetan rights in relation to China.

Transits

Kamala picked him for her running mate last week, on Tuesday 6th August.  His policies are progressive, e.g. regulated gun laws, and forward climate change policies (where Donald Trump ignored the issue and Climate summits) and abortion rights.  Astrology is admittedly not clear over the next few months, but at the time he was picked it was quite an inflammatory moment for him (maybe it translated into enthusiasm), with Mars square his natal Pluto, and Jupiter square his natal Chiron.  The choice was a surprise, as Joe Shapiro was widely expected to be picked.

Walz was born six months before Kamala Harris in the same year, so they have an underlying understanding based on the positions of their outer planets. In their Synastry, his Jupiter is opposite her Sun, “keep smiling!”; his Saturn trines her Mercury, a helpful working combination; his Neptune sextiles her Venus, a high regard for each other; and his Jupiter sextiles her Saturn, good balanced judgements.

J.D. Vance

Double Leo (Sun and Ascendant) J.D. Vance was Donald Trump’s own choice as prospective Vice President.  He will have looked at this as a win at the time (with Jupiter sextile his natal Sun), but in the second half of this year he has Neptune square his Neptune (confusion) and Pluto square his Pluto (stagnation).  In his natal chart, he has a pugnacious placement of Mars on his I.C., which may make him react without thinking.  There are rumours that Trump may be regretting his choice, following the highlighting of various unwise pronouncements by Vance, such as his comment from 2021: “We are effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too.”  With Walz’ catchphrase describing this dreamteam as “weird”,  the public perception of them has been, at least temporarily, skewed.

The Debate

A debate has been scheduled between Harris and Trump for 10th September, which may change public opinion.  Kamala Harris will have Saturn opposite her Pluto, so it won’t be an easy gig for her, she will need to be super-focussed.  But she will be realistic. Trump will have two bad-tempered squares (Uranus/Mars, and Chiron/Saturn) but in his favour Chiron will sextile his natal Sun.  However, if he is not flowing in a healing direction, he may not be able to make use of that influence, and it could produce a crisis.

Election

As treated in my earlier blog two weeks ago, the election transits are similar for the prominent players as it is the slower-moving planets which dictate the more important events, with Donald Trump experiencing a boost from Jupiter to his (karmic) North Node. This pre-election year has been a roller-coaster, but there seems to be hope building that Kamala may grow through the campaign as her strength is tested, and people are responding to  her positive energy.

Aspects 

Just three aspects this week, and they begin on Wednesday (14th).

Wednesday brings an enthusiastic conjunction between Mars and Jupiter at 16 degrees Gemini.  There’s a lot that can be achieved by this high energy conjunction.  It is worth planning something special to begin on this date.  Whatever you decide to do, do it with gusto!

The following day, Thursday (15th) sees an ingress: that of Mercury into Leo, as it retrogrades from Virgo.  If you are wanting to revive or renew holiday atmosphere, spirits can be recovered.  Perhaps you have drawn up some autumn working schedules, and can reward yourself with another break.  This placing enlivens communication and debate and applies the mind to summer enjoyment.  Enjoy this trend, which lasts until 9th September.

And the last aspect of the week, occurring on Friday (16th), will be the most challenging: that of Mars square Saturn.  This may involve conflict, for example brinkmanship between two countries.  I think of this aspect as a square peg in a round hole, and a square peg which  you shouldn’t try to push through the round hole.  Energies clash, and there may be an impasse of some sort.  You may feel tired and a little discouraged, and unproductive.  Ride it out gently.  And observe others carefully, who may not be astrologically mindful.

The week in bullet points:

• Wednesday – energy allied with enthusiasm
• Thursday – holiday atmosphere
• Friday – the greater the obstacle, the greater the achievement

Edna O’Brien (1930 – 2024)

“I rebelled against the coercive and stifling religion into which I was born and bred. It was very frightening and all-pervasive. I’m glad it has gone.”

~ Edna O’Brien

Prominent Irish novelist Edna O’Brien died recently at the age of 93. Much of her often explicit work exposed the repression in Irish society in the post-war years, and shocked her family and her native readership, so much so that she found it necessary to work from outside the country.  She created a new and unique genre, and her work was especially popular in the U.S. and in France.

Birth Chart

We have the luxury of a birth time for Edna, and can therefore give the signature of her chart as Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Scorpio and Ascendant in Virgo.  With 0 planets in Air signs, she very much operated on instinct.  Her birth chart tells us she was a leader and trailblazer of sorts (i.e. in her field) with 5 Cardinal planets and the Sun trine the North Node.  She also had the Warrior Archetype (Sun trine Mars, and Mars trine North Node), her anger directed at the treatment of women by men in society, writing about unhealthy relationships and “women who love too much” and become victims in relationships.  Her Moon (emotional make-up) was in Scorpio, dictating the depth of intimacy she wrote about, and its sextile with Neptune adding an enormous sensitivity.  She wrote seriously, as befits Mercury exactly conjunct Saturn, with  mental precision.

There is plenty of evidence for her close square between Mercury and Uranus (unafraid to be controversial): her first book was banned and denounced by the clergy.  She was accused of subversion, and later in life her intervention in Irish politics was deemed offensive by some.  Venus square Mars and Venus trine Pluto further describe the sensuousness of her writing, and ability to shock.  But Venus trine Jupiter shows her very social side: in her prime she was known as a party girl, and in her glamorous and flamboyant lifestyle hobnobbed with the top echelons of American society, such as Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, Jackie Kennedy, Mick Jagger, Princess Margaret and Harold Pinter.

Her I.C. (foundations of life, and security) is interesting, conjunct with Venus in Scorpio, showing that many of her themes spring from her experience of childhood, centring around love and intimacy.  She described her childhood as “fervid”.  Pluto exactly square Nodal Axis (karmic mission), found her writing about difficult themes, e.g. sexuality and the abuse of women.

Life and Career

Edna was born in Tuamgraney in County Clare.  Her father was a farmer and the family had known wealthier times.  Traditionally in Astrology, the father is represented in the birth chart by the Sun, and the mother by the Moon.  In Edna’s chart, this is very much the case.  Her father represented by Sun in Sagittarius was a horse-breeder, a drinker, a profligate and a gambler.  Her mother as represented by Moon in Scorpio was emotionally obsessive, strong and controlling.

Edna attended a boarding school run by the Sisters of Mercy, where she excelled in science (Mars trine Uranus natally) and worked part-time in a chemist shop in Dublin while at college.  Neptune rising close to her Ascendant represents pharmacy, as well as the sensationality of her writing.  She was awarded a licence as a pharmacist at the age of 20.

She was very much inspired in her reading by authors such as Tolstoy and F. Scott Fitzgerald, but predominantly by James Joyce.  His influence was seen in her writing and use of language in its attention to detail (her Ascendant in Virgo) and lyrical prose (Neptune rising).

She later wrote the definitive biography of James Joyce.  Their synastry was interesting, with his Uranus sextile her Jupiter (a dynamic energy), his Neptune on her Chiron (touching her deeply) and his Ascendant conjunct her Mercury (informing her writing).

Marriage and Publishing

It was while she worked at the pharmacy that she met her husband Ernest Gebler, an established novelist in his own right. Her family were opposed to the match, and the rebel within her became steadfast.  He wanted to see London, and they moved there in 1959, making it a permanent home.

Ernest introduced her to the publishers Hutchinson, and she began work as a reader there.  Impressed by her work, they gave her £50 as a commission to write a novel herself.  She wrote that first novel “The Country Girls” (Volume I of a trilogy), published in 1960, in three weeks.  “The Country Girls” was about two Irish girls educated together, and then making their way into the world of relationships, and was later made into a film. And so an illlustrious career began, which soon eclipsed that of her husband, and began to sow tension between them. By that time the couple had two boys.

The novel, in its harsh depiction of Irish society, was badly received by her family and harshly criticised in Ireland.  She needed that distance between London and  Dublin.  But her books (including Volumes II and III of the trilogy) were very much accepted outside Ireland, especially in America and France.  She described the reaction to her first book, and this period of her life:

“I felt no fame. I was married. I had young children. All I could hear out of Ireland from my mother and anonymous letters was bile and odium and outrage”.

The marriage broke down, and Edna faced a three year custody battle for the children.  In the synastry of the couple, Ernest’s Mercury trine her Neptune meant that he was able to help her concentrate and apply her imagination.  But when they divorced, he claimed to have written her books.

R.D. Laing

It is interesting to note that during the 1960s Edna was treated by the famous Scottish Psychiatrist R.D. Laing, author of “Sanity, Madness and The Family”.  During her treatment, he introduced her to LSD, which apparently unhinged her mind for a year.

“I thought he might be able to help me. He couldn’t do that – he was too mad himself – but he opened doors”

Her work evolved over time, becoming more experimental in the 1970s and 1980s, and involving media appearances, and scriptwriting.

She wrote  biographies, of James Joyce in 1999, and Lord Byron in 2009, and became more political (and thereby more controversial).  She interviewed Gerry Adams and called on Tony Blair in 1995 to begin talks with Republicans.

Admirers included Kingsley Amis, and Philip Roth, a close friend.  Her synastry with Philip Roth showed a closeness, and the possibility that they were from the same Soul Group, come to shake up the literary world:  there was a double whammy in that his Venus was trine her Pluto, and her Venus was trine his Pluto.  There Moons were exactly sextile (a mutual empathy) and his Pluto was exactly square her Nodal Axis (a strong karma between them).

Philip Roth interviewing her in 1984, describes her physically:

“Because everything she’s wearing for the interview is black, you cannot, of course, miss the white skin, the green eyes and the auburn hair; the colouring is dramatically Irish – as is the mellifluous fluency.”

She certainly had a striking presence, the gentility and dignity of her Virgoan outward appearance containing the cauldrons of her internal passions.  She described her writing:

“I have depicted women in lonely, desperate and often humiliated situations, very often the butt of men and almost always searching for an emotional catharsis that does not come.”

~ Edna O’Brien

The last summing up of her work goes to an Irish politician and poet:

“Through that deeply insightful work, rich in humanity, Edna O’Brien was one of the first writers to provide a true voice to the experiences of women in Ireland in their different generations and played an important role in transforming the status of women across Irish society”

~ Michael D. Higgins

Aspects

We were gifted this morning with a New Moon at 12 degrees Leo.  This emphasizes the holiday making, creative and performing qualities of the sign and the season. In fulfilling the spirit of holidaymaking.  But it is some kind of a new beginning, so if you have experienced some testing times recently, you can press the re-set button.  If you know the House in your chart that this falls in, you can set your intentions accordingly.

Tomorrow (Monday 5th), there is a distinctively different theme, brought by Venus’ entry into Virgo.  This makes us tend to be more selective and discriminating in our tastes.  We become more aware of the issues around the environment.  Venus stays in Virgo until 29th August, so for this month refining our tastes and perfecting our contribution to the ecosystem, e.g. recycling procedures.  We may also be specializing in our work and studies, and maybe bringing artistry to a work project.

Also tomorrow there is a small matter of  Stationary Mercury turning Retrograde.  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.  Mercury goes Direct again on 28th August, so the end of the month will see distinct changes.

Brighter prospects for the rest of the week: Wednesday (7th) gives us a sextile between the Sun and Jupiter (one of the best aspects in a year).  Time to embrace hope, or even celebration.  It will certainly be lucky for some.  Focus on what makes you happy, and make more of that.

And the final offering of the week is a conjunction of Mercury and Venus at 4 degrees Virgo on Thursday (8th).  This may soften some of the effects of Mercury Retrograde, and bring some happy socializing, with great conversations. It is good for cafe culture, is ideal for artistic or literary endeavours, or negotiations.  Your communications will have an artistic flair, so it’s a good time to get creative.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – new beginning
• Tomorrow – earth considerations; communication glitches
• Wednesday – bright horizons
• Thursday – satisfying social and cultural exchanges

 

Kamala Harris

“There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos, of fear, of hate…We choose freedom”

~ Kamala Harris

Last Sunday, Joe Biden finally resigned from the candidacy for the Democrat leadership, but vowed to stay on as President until after the election.  In regard to the Full Moon at 29 degrees Capricorn last Sunday, Capricorn represents politics and the 29th degree of a sign represents outgoings, so that was fitting. In doing so, he endorsed Kamala Harris as his nomination to succeed him.  It was felt that she may not receive enough support among the Democrats, but it soon became clear that support was wholehearted.  Barack Obama stated a preference for an open contest, but Kamala is now confidently taking her place as the official opposition to the threat of a second term for Donald Trump.  He, predictably, has hurled insults at her, but she is starting strongly as she means to go on.  I wrote a blog about her in 2020, describing her birth chart:

Birth Chart

“Kamala has the Sun in Libra, the sign of the lawyer.  With half her planets (5) in the Fixed signs, she is strong willed.  She was born exactly on a full moon, and people have strong reactions to fullmooners (hence, she has her detractors, mainly based on her work in the past as a prosecutor).  The Sun conjoins Mercury across the Libra/Scorpio cusp, and  Mercury in Scorpio confers a forensic mind.  The Sun trines Saturn exactly, bringing great seriousness, inclining to politics.  The Sun also trines the Ascendant and Midheaven, creating a Grand Trine, very solid for the structure of her life.  The Sun also trines the North Node/Gemini Ascendant, making her an agent of karma, destined to be a leader.  With Saturn also at the Midheaven, this portrays one of her sayings, “Leadership isn’t about being perfect. Leadership means taking responsibility.”  The Moon in Aries trine Mars provides the cut and thrust she needed as a prosecutor, and will need in her future role.  Mercury trine Saturn shows an aptitude for mental application for exacting work and an eye for detail, which Donald Trump lacks (he has a foggy Mercury-Neptune square).  Add the social graces of Venus trine Jupiter, Venus closely sextile Neptune and Venus conjunct Uranus, and this rounds out her character.  Venus is also conjunct Pluto, giving her depth of feeling.  Mars in Leo square Jupiter,  provides fiery energy allied with enthusiasm.  In matters of religion she was brought up with Baptist and Hindu practices, and has married into the Jewish faith, a reflection of the Jupiter (religion) opposition to Neptune (spirituality) mixture in her natal chart.”

To which I would now add, and emphasize:

With the North Node on her Ascendant, she is a karmic driver.  And along with one version of the pronunciation of her name, she therefore could easily be called “Karmala Harris”.  Some pronounce is as in “Camel” but Americans often pronounce it as in “Karma”.  She was aptly named.

She has a leadership triangle in her chart, composed of the Midheaven (conventional career), the North Node (the karmic mission) and the Sun (her innate expression).

She also has a powerful triple conjunction between Uranus/Pluto/Venus in Virgo – capable of being forensic in interrogation, which she showed as an Attorney General.  Comparable to ex-barrister Keir Starmer’s natal Sun/Pluto in Virgo.

This Week

Looking at this week’s events in terms of transits to the figures most affected:

For Kamala: Jupiter square her natal Uranus (a stretch, suddenly presented)

Pluto square her natal Mercury (a huge mental challenge)

Both of these transits present a huge weight thrust upon her, but she appears to have taken up the opportunity cheerfully.

For Joe: his own personal transits:

Pluto square his natal Moon, a difficult emotional year for him
North Node sextile his natal Saturn, karmic necessity
Mars trine his natal Neptune, a sensitive action taken
Pluto trine his natal Neptune, having to face deep and delicate realities

which are plenty enough reasons to move on.

For Trump:

Recent assassination attempt:

Uranus was square his natal Mars, signalling danger – incidentally, the same transit as Alec Baldwin shooting his cinematographer.  There was a fatality involved for Trump, due to his shooting, for a bystander to the event.

Chiron square his natal Saturn exact to the day, a severe crisis

Jupiter sextile his natal Pluto – that he survived, he was given the power of survival

North Node trine his natal Pluto – ditto, his life enhanced, and his interpretation of being saved by God

Then this week’s reorientation for his campaign:

He still has: Uranus square his natal Mars, Chiron square his natal Saturn and North Node trine his natal Pluto

Mars is square his natal Ascendant.  There is still a great deal of danger surrounding him, and another peak time for this is in October (on 6th) with Uranus from Taurus square his natal Mars in Leo in 12th House – another assassination attempt?  The first one was Uranus/Mars/Algol on his Midheaven, and the Head of the Secret Service has now resigned.

He now needs to reorientate his verbal attacks (he has Mars sextile Mercury natally, so likes to wound with words).  He certainly succeeded against Hillary Clinton.  But his vocabulary becomes increasingly limited, using three letter words, such as “bad”.

For her husband Douglas Emhoff:

Jupiter squares his natal Uranus (a stretch, suddenly presented): notice this is a transit which Kamala also has.  This is because she and her husband were born close to each other in time.  This registers the considerable adjustment he must make for their lifestyle.

U.S. Chart: Chiron square the US natal Moon (a shock reorientation, ultimately for healing)

Jupiter exactly opposite the US natal Ascendant (a new, and fortuitous, relationship)

Relationships

Kamala’s relationship with Trump: I wrote in 2020: “Her Synastry with Trump reveals his Saturn sextile her Jupiter, and his Uranus square her Venus, which is not easy for her.”

I would add:

Trump’s Moon trines Kamala Mars

Kamala Mars trines Trump Moon (this is known as a double whammy!)

i.e. they can certainly trigger each other

He is capable of causing her surprise and upset, and certainly he has the upper hand in the relationship, but that doesn’t mean she cannot prevail.

Kamala’s relationship with her husband Douglas Emhoff: How strong and supportive is his role in her life?

I wrote in 2020:

Marriage

Kamala married Douglas Emhoff (a fellow Libran lawyer) on 22nd August 2014.  This looks to be a very solid relationship, from several angles, one of which is that they were born in the same year, within 8 days of each other (they know each other inside out).  In their synastry, her Sun is trine his Saturn (stability), and their Jupiters and Saturns are exactly conjunct with each other, as are all the outer planets.  Where there are a few weaknesses in their relationship, these are mirrors of their own weaknesses.  Emhoff has children from a previous marriage, so Kamala has step-children, but they do not have children together.

Her relationship with the U.S. Chart:

She has Uranus sextile the U.S. Uranus – she brings something fresh to the table

Her Jupiter sextiles the U.S. Mercury – good for communication and optimism

Her Mars sextiles the U.S. Mars – she has the energy, synchronized with the energy of the U.S. chart

The U.S. Pluto squares her natal Sun – the link with the U.S. is impactful upon her

Election Time

The day itself: November 5th has a Mars/Pluto opposition, which peaks the day before the election.  Fervour, if not violence, just preceding the election.

There is also a sextile between Chiron and Jupiter, with a prospect of healing.

For January, the karmic North Node changes signs, from Aries to Pisces, indicating a new karmic regime, together with a new administration in the inauguration month.

For Kamala: Saturn will oppose her natal Uranus, so she will have a mountain to climb.  If she wins, she will have to take a role of gravitas, and her own personal sense of freedom will be compromised.

For Joe Biden: Joe has a time of relief and comparative ease at that point in time: Mars square his natal Moon (which is emotional, however); Jupiter square his natal MC/Midheaven/Careerpoint, letting go to a more carefree state; Saturn trine his natal Mars (he still has a guiding role to play) and Neptune trine his natal Sun (he is free to pursue his spiritual path towards his advancing age).

For Trump: Chiron will be trine his natal Moon (emotional healing; will Melania stick by him?);  Uranus will be sextile his natal Venus, exact to the day (again beneficial, especially for unexpected support from females; Jupiter on his North Node in Gemini in 10th House (would be karmic rewards, but lawlessness – the negative form of Jupiter – may actually produce karmic comeuppance, especially for convicted felons); and finally, the South Node close to his Neptune in 2nd House – dodgy financial dealings may be a focus.  Generally upbeat transits, but if his character weaknesses are exposed, they may count against him.

For her husband Douglas Emhoff: the impact of this date on his chart are surprisingly good.  We may be looking at him becoming first husband… Jupiter will be exactly trine his natal Sun exact to the day, signifying a success (or maybe a liberation!); Chiron will be exactly opposite his natal Sun (a sacrifice may be involved); Uranus will be exactly transiting his natal Jupiter (exciting change); and Saturn exactly opposite his natal Uranus (as for Kamala, close in age).  This mirrors her transits, but stronger and more powerful in nature and effect on his life.

U.S. Chart: the Sun trines the natal Sun of the U.S. implying that the result is good for the U.S.  Saturn also trines the natal Sun of the U.S., implying a steadying, more stabilizing result.  Chiron sextiles the natal Mars of the U.S., healing some aspect of energy, such as the violence of its internal rifts (perhaps an opportunity to address gun laws); Neptune sextiles the natal Pluto of the U.S. chart (a deepening of self-reflection in the nation), and Saturn will be squaring the Ascendant of the U.S. chart on the 4th House cusp – perhaps ushering in a new foundation.

Trump has a dangerous moment in October, which may involve him taking a turn which does not endear himself to the general public.  It seems that he can do no wrong (witnessing his rallies) but with a basically hostile mindset (recently disguised), he could yet reveal his nature in a less popular way.  The truth will out.

As for Kamala, she is popular with some sections of society: with some women (who do not admire Trump, and who wish to turn back the overthrow of the Roe vs Wade abortion legislation); also some sections of the black vote, the youth vote, and the elderly vote.  She will be informed by the wisdom and experience of Joe Biden (who is still more sane than his erstwhile rival), and though her transits are not easy, she may grow through the campaign as her strength is tested.  She certainly has a positive energy.  And there are already signs that she is closing the gap in the polls with her Republican rival.

 “I was raised to take action. My mother knew she was raising two black daughters who would be treated differently because of how they looked.  Growing up, whenever I got upset about something, my mother would look me in the eye and ask: ‘So, what are you gonna do about it?’ “

~ Kamala Harris

Aspects

The aspects begin on Tuesday (30th), and there are only three in all to consider.

Tuesday’s aspect is Venus trine Chiron, which has just turned Retrograde.  The healing power of Love may come to the fore.  Try to keep the heart open, and keep the faith.  There may be a real opportunity to re-group your healing energies and feel harmony within your being.

The second aspect occurs on Wednesday (31st), and that is the Sun trine the North Node, another kind influence.  It links karma with harmony and love, and reminds us that love is a force underlying a great deal of human interaction, e.g. standing up for one’s country, and protecting loved ones.  It also reminds us of the Hindu law of ahimsa, or harmlessness, required to neutralize and promote good karma (and Kamala).

The third aspect is more tricky, and occurs on Friday (2nd August).  This is Uranus square to Venus, and it might bring twists and turn in relationships. There may be a quirky end to a relationship or money saga, slightly out of your comfort zone.  Your plans may have to be modified at the last minute.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – healing power of Love
• Wednesday – right action, karmically
• Friday – relationship disruption

Farewell Gareth Southgate

“We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be…I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can…Thank you, England – for everything.”

~ Gareth Southgate

The sad departure of Gareth Southgate as England manager in the world of football may be the best thing for him, to quit while he is ahead.  He faced criticism throughout the Euro 2024 tournament, despite being the best thing that had happened to English football since sliced bread (or Alf Ramsey).  You never miss a good thing, ’til it’s gone.

I did write a blog about Gareth in 2021, when the extent of his talent and success was clear to see.  My analysis of his birth chart:

Birth Chart

“We do not have a birth time for Gareth, but will make do with what we can glean from a Noon chart.  Half his planets (5) are in Earth signs, so he is very grounded.  He has 0 planets in Fire signs, hence his reputation for being calm, and not too excitable (except when his team wins).  He has the Sun in Virgo, and fashion-wise waistcoats and spotted ties are very much the Virgo style.  He has an immense attention to detail (Virgo), checking on the well-being of each individual player, and studying the form of the opponents carefully before selecting his team.  His Sun in Virgo is unaspected, so he is very individualistic and able to think outside the box.  With the Moon in Libra, again he is equable in mood, and has diplomatic skills – he says he adopts a listening approach. However, his Moon is conjunct Uranus, so he mixes that cool emotion with a high intuition, and is responsive to people.  Mercury (his mindset) is also in Virgo, conferring an analytical way of thinking.  It trines Saturn, so he is methodical and systematic in thought, and a good planner.  Mercury is his ruling planet, for his Sun sign, and has further qualities: a close sextile with Neptune means he is capable of receiving inspiration, and an exact conjunction with Pluto adds depth of thought and perception.  His Venus too, representing his ability to relate, is well connected: it is in Libra, the sign of diplomacy, exactly sextile the Galactic Centre, which may give him added power.  Venus sextiles Mars, providing some passion; it is conjunct Jupiter, giving him a love for humanity in general; and it is trine his North Node, making relationship and negotiation part of his karmic mission.  Mars is in Virgo, representing the economic use of  energy, and sextiles Jupiter (a sporting aspect).  In addition, Mars on the South Node shows he has built up the skills teamwork in past lives (e.g. on the battlefield).  Saturn trines Pluto in his chart, revealing great strength, an aspect I associate with good managers generally.”

Focus Now

From reading the sports pages of The Guardian and The Observer (something I don’t tend to do outside of Wimbledon season) the emphasis now seems to be on preserving his legacy, and ensuring that what he brought to the managing of players is honoured, and built upon.  Going forward, a successor is going to have to have the same skills of empathy and skill, and more, in order to advance Gareth’s record of two international semi-finals and one quarter-final, and raise it to the final level which would satisfy the experts, pundits and supporters: an actual win, which has eluded us since 1966.  Obviously a tall order, and I am not proposing to look at the various names which have been put forward so far (maybe in a later blog).

Looking at his qualities from my previous blog:

Walking his Talk

“Gareth has been clear about his ethics, and tried to adopt a positive philosophy.  His autobiography (“Anything is Possible”) notes:

“When working with the England football team, we focus on what we might achieve instead of worrying about what might go wrong. I honestly believe that with the right mindset, a willingness to learn from our mistakes, and the ability to cope with the highs and lows, every one of us can make the most of our lives.”

It has been noted that the current stock of players in the top team has been transformed.  In the Guardian, Simon Hattenstone has written this week:

“But there is something even more impressive about this group. After decades of seeing players get rich quick and keeping stumm in the face of social injustice, here is a generation of footballers with values. Many struggled in their childhoods, experienced first-hand what the years of Tory austerity stripped from society, and stood up to racism. Now they are determined to use their clout and wealth to support today’s disadvantaged kids.”

He has honourably kept the practice of players taking the knee before matches, on behalf of the Black Lives Matter movement (despite criticism).  And during the coronavirus outbreak, Southgate agreed to take a 30% cut in salary.”

Euros 2024

Even a die-hard fan would admit that England made a lack-lustre start at the beginning of the tournament.  Though they muddled and struggled through, they were not playing at their best.  At the start of the Euros, Gareth Southgate had no encouraging transits.

When they really showed progress, and possibly at their peak, England won at the semi-final against Switzerland on 7th July.  After drawing 1-1, they banished their long-standing phobia of penalties, to triumphantly score all five.  Though the manager’s transits are not the full picture, Gareth Southgate’s own transits were more encouraging, with a sextile from Jupiter to his natal Chiron.

In the final, England did not quite play to their full potential, whilst their rivals Spain played to theirs.  Gareth could hold his head up high, from an astrological perspective, with Jupiter exactly square his natal Sun, Uranus exactly trine his natal Mercury, and Uranus exactly trine his natal Pluto. This was last Sunday, 14th July, the day of the aftermath of Donald Trump’s attempted assassination and the Mars/Uranus conjunction.  Harry Kane did not live up to expectations in this tournament, and I wrote:

“At the time of the final, Kane will have Mars square his natal Chiron, Saturn still trine his natal Mercury and Saturn sextile his natal Uranus/Neptune conjunction.  These are transits necessitating care.”  The final was probably Harry Kane’s lowest point.

By the time Gareth decided to quit on Tuesday 16th, Mars had joined Uranus in transiting Gareth’s chart, to trine his natal Mercury and Pluto, a decisive trigger for him to quit while he was ahead.  This represents a fortunate  venture for him.  Recognizing the right time to leave a situation is an art!

Recognizing his Achievements

England Managers come and go, and many were pushed out after just a few failures.

Gareth wasn’t pushed out, but can claim several successes, and a long period of stability.

Here are some stats:

Gareth Southgate managed England 102 times, earning 61 victories at a win percentage of 59.8%. Of the remaining 41 matches, England drew 24 of them and 17 ended in defeat.

Jonathan Freedland wrote in the Guardian on 13th July:

“But if Southgate’s England have modelled a more enlightened stance on race, they have offered a different version of maleness, too. The Graham play focuses on how Southgate worked to fix the fear that haunted previous England teams: fear of penalties, fear of failure, fear of disappointing fans, fear of not matching up to England’s much-mythologised past. Part of the remedy was to bring in psychological help, to get the players to talk about their feelings, to encourage them to be kinder to themselves and each other.”

Freedland highlights the virtues of Gareth Southgate’s “woke” approach, and hints at the possibility of carrying his approach to new styles of government.

“A force for good that comes from the heart, kindness changes lives. It opens up opportunities and can be our greatest strength.”

~ Gareth Southgate

Aspects

Today’s Full Moon at 29 degrees Capricorn occurred late morning, which may have been marked for you by a benchmark of achievement or an emotional peak (or trough!).  Full Moons can be a revelation.  Even if you were making an important start on your plans for the day, you may still be feeling some tension.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  There are questions about society, such as how far can authority be accountable for an individual’s fate, and how much can the individual expect from authorities – where does the balance of responsibility lie?

We have two aspects this evening.  The first is easy to work with: Venus sextile Jupiter, one of the brightest aspects of the year.  It’s a highlight, conducive to socializing, celebrating partying, and romancing.  This sextile combines luck and love.  Enjoy!

Still later in the evening, you may encounter some sort of glitch or gremlin, especially on the tech front, with Mercury square Uranus.  Back up your computer files (mental note to take my own advice!), and consider I.T. loopholes.  Speech may be controversial.  Use your intuition to be one step ahead – the Universe may be trying to show you new pathways, and possible new perspectives.  This influence may pick up on features and experiences arising from last week’s big Outage by CrowdStrike, or the Mars/Uranus conjunction which triggered an upswing in the affairs of Donald Trump.

Tomorrow (Monday 22nd) bestows upon us two trines and an ingress, which could be an opportunity to make some progress.  In the early hours of the morning, it first brings a trine between the Sun and Neptune: this is a sparkling time, especially good for receiving creative inspiration.  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.  Hope springs eternal.

Soon afterwards, Mars trines Pluto, so a double trine effect almost occurs.  This aspect speaks of self-empowerment, but you have to remember that everyone also has this force!  This is a great aspect for tasks which need great energy.  There may be some upheaval involved, as when you are decluttering in earnest, but you should have the energy to start afresh once you have cleared some old ground.  Although this aspect occurs in the middle of the night, it may galvanize you into action come the daytime.

At breakfast time, the Sun enters Leo.  For many schoolchildren and workers, it is the start of holiday season, so have a good time.  Sun in Leo is about the expression of the human spirit, and that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.   For those of you on holiday by the sea, you may be able to enjoy a dip, alternating with lazing on a deckchair under a parasol sipping a pina colada, if the weather is fine  (the weather forecast is mixed).  For those staying at home, it is about enjoying aspects of life and being, generally.

A sharp dose of reality could occur on Tuesday (23rd), for Pluto opposes the Sun, posing challenges.  Perhaps you have a great deal of catching up to do, or some psychological processing you have put on the back burner.  There is an opportunity to look at deeper issues in your life, and re-assess what you need and don’t need.  It could be a day for sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.  A good question to ask on this day is: what needs to be transformed, or transcended?

Moving now to Friday (26th), there is more opportunity for resolution, especially in issues of force or even violence – this is courtesy of the Sun sextile Mars.  It is another early-hours-of-the-morning arrival, so may keep you awake or enliven your dreams.  Energy is injected into our affairs for the day.  It should hopefully allow you to press on with active projects, and dynamically get your jobs done.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – emotional high tide; then social harmony; then technical hitches
• Tomorrow – spiritual inspiration; full steam ahead; holiday atmosphere
• Tuesday – psychological challenges
• Friday – getting things done

James Timpson

“Thanks to everyone for their kind words about my appointment as the new government’s Prisons, Probation and Parole Minister. It’s a real privilege and I’m looking forward to improving the system for hard-working staff, turning more lives around and cutting crime.”

~ James Timpson

This is my first blog in the new era of the 2024 Labour Government, outside writing about Wimbledon for two weeks (my most successful set of predictions to date) it was inevitable for me to turn to a political subject…

Today I am looking at the surprise appointment of the key-cutting entrepreneur James Timpson to the role of Prisons, Probation and Parole Minister.  It is not too soon to try to do something different with our Prison system, as it is reported that this very week prison overcrowding has reached emergency proportions. There are only 700 adult male prison places left in England and Wales.  The government are having to think about releasing some “softer” criminals to accommodate some “harder” newcomers.

Timpson’s appointment has had a mainly favourable reaction.  The broadcaster James O’Brien has recorded a You Tube video interview with him.  Timpson’s genius is evidenced by a proven record of rehabilitating prisoners through finding them work and supporting them.

Birth Chart

Fittingly for someone who has played an outstanding role in the rehabilitation of ex-prisoners, James Timpson has an outstandingly interesting birth chart (even without the luxury of a birth time).

James has the Sun in Virgo (like Keir Starmer), that hardworking sign.  His Sun is in a triple conjunction with Venus and Pluto, suggesting love and depth are at the heart of what he does.  Keir himself has the Sun in Virgo conjunct Pluto, indicating a forensic depth to his approach.  Mercury in Virgo in James’ chart squares onto a conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune, which shows his great aspiration and faith in humanity.  Mercury closely squares Saturn, so his mind works in methodical ways.  There are several aspects to his Venus: it closely sextiles Jupiter/Neptune, another indication of his love for humanity, and a depth of compassion.  Venus trines Saturn in his chart, which makes him tremendously loyal.  Venus is exactly conjunct Pluto, adding a depth of love to his nature, possibly unconditional in nature.  Mars trine Saturn means that he gets things done, on a practical level.  Mars also trines Uranus, but exactly, so he is an expert engineer.  Mars/North Node with Uranus and Saturn make up a Grand Trine in Air signs, which is a great strength.  The Mars/North Node conjunction is also exact, and in Aquarius, so his karmic mission is in the area of technology and innovation, and also comprises the Warrior Archetype – that conjunction also indicates leadership.  As if Mars wasn’t placed strongly enough, it is also exactly sextile Chiron, which means he can use his energy in healing ways, and that can apply to his support for ex-prisoners.  The Jupiter-Neptune conjunction is also exact (notice how many exact aspects he has) and intensifies his faith and positivity.  That conjunction is placed at 0 degrees Sagittarius, which makes it super-positive.  Jupiter closely sextiles his natal Pluto, giving him the ability to handle power and wisely: something he must have used in his career, and will be used in his new role.  He has three more exact aspects, which I have to mention: Uranus exactly trine the North Node in Aquarius (a supreme innovator) and exactly opposite Chiron (healing in surprising ways, but confronting hard realities) and lastly but not least Chiron exactly sextile Chiron (The Healer Archetype).

Life and Career

James Timpson was born in Knutsford, Cheshire, to John and Alex Timpson, his father building the family business in key-cutting, a high street name as long as I can remember.

His parents had three children, adopted two, and fostered 90.  This life experience must have shaped his character, and attitudes about society and humanity.

James studied geography at Durham University, then joined the family firm.

His work in helping former prisoners into work led him to take the Chair of the Employers Forum for Reducing Re-Offending, and Chair of the Prison Reform Trust, as well as founding the Employment Advisory Board network.

During the Covid period, in 2021, Timpson wrote a column for The Sunday Times which subsequently led to him publishing a book in February 2024 titled “The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management”.  He suggested that only a third of prisoners should be in prison.

Current Transits

Looking at the transits for James’ appointment as Prisons, Probation and Parole Minister is a supreme example of how a transit fulfils the potential of a natal chart.  He was appointed on 5th July 2024, and Neptune was opposing his natal Venus.  Neptune was trine his natal Jupiter/Neptune (Neptune rules prisons!); Neptune opposed his natal Pluto (his life about to become more complicated); and Pluto was sextile his natal Jupiter/Neptune, the taking power and an opportunity to utilize his extraordinary faith and compassion (the exact Jupiter/Neptune conjunction at 0 degrees Sagittarius) towards its full potential.  That is not just coincidence, it is part of the plan of his life.

Keir Starmer

As has been mentioned, like Keir he has the Sun conjunct Pluto in Virgo, but it is further elevated by the fact that it is joined in a triple conjunction with Venus, so his forensic work is imbued with unconditional love.

The partnership with Keir Starmer is a natural one, if you look at the Synastry between them:

Keir’s Mars exactly sextile James Timpson, Keir setting him to work and picking his brains!

Keir’s Jupiter opposite Timpson’s Mercury, Keir giving him a wider platform for his mental talents

Keir’s Jupiter square Timpson’s natal Saturn, Keir urging Timpson to expand

Saturns exactly trine: excellent for serious projects together

Keir Uranus square Timpson’s Jupiter/Neptune conjunction, again Keir maybe taking James out of his comfort zone

Shabana Mahmood

Into the mix comes the new Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, also appointed just after the General Election, with North Node trine her natal Venus (the opportunity to put into practice her higher values), and two Neptunian (prison) transits: Neptune opposite her natal Saturn, and Saturn square her natal Neptune (illustrating the enormity of her challenge).

What is fascinating is that her birthday is the same as James Timpson’s (17th September), therefore their Suns are conjunct (they will understand each other) and that creates a Virgoan triangle of force to work together!

She has undertaken to strengthen probation by recruiting 1,000 trainee officers, something which is vital if offenders are to be released.

Other Initiatives

The Observer this morning carries a story about an Oxford brewery company, formed by Amy Taylor and Paul Humpherson which illustrates how this approach to offender rehabilitation works.  The Co-op, Greggs and Pret-a-Manger also have such initiatives.  And who can forget, years ago now,  Jamie Oliver’s innovative scheme in his restaurants.

We certainly need a miracle turn-around in this (as well as many other) areas of society, and I for one cheer on that hope.

 “If you are leaving prison and you have a stable job with employers that genuinely care about your wellbeing, you immediately have the framework that enables you to rebuild your life. That means less crime, less victims and less money spent on prosecuting and punishing people. There are no losers. It’s a no-brainer.”

~ Paul Humpherson

Aspects

The dramatic attempted assassination today of Donald Trump expresses the approach of the upcoming conjunction of Mars and Uranus tomorrow lunchtime, so be aware that this energy may yet reach its peak.

Tomorrow morning (Monday 15th) the Sun squares Chiron, which in its own way is also challenging, so you may notice crisis situations to be solved, even before Mars’s tangle with Uranus reaches its peak.  Perhaps healing modalities were tried in the past with limited success, and now is the time to take a fresh look at what may be required.  What needs healing will be uncovered, and the answer may lie in the problem, or deep in the soul.  Time for self-mastery.  Look after yourselves, physically and mentally! This square may highlight current government attempts to solve aspects of the NHS need for healing, such as the Junior Doctors’ strike.

At lunchtime, Mars conjoins with Uranus, which is an explosive conjunction in itself, but which also aligns with the Fixed Star Algol which many Astrologers regard as malefic  Pent-up energy, tension, anger and enthusiasm are likely to erupt, so peacemakers will be much needed.  This morning rescuers came quickly to the aid of Donald Trump, who was injured in the ear.  Could Republicans re-think gun laws?  Engineering projects could benefit under this conjunction, but sparks are likely to fly both electronically and etherically.  This conjunction comes round every two years, but can make quite an impact.

More constructive outcomes can come about on Thursday (18th) with the Sun in a harmonious sextile to Uranus.  You can make this day count, in a spectacular way.  Spontaneity and innovation characterize the proceedings of the day.  Telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group, are also favoured.

The week ends with two features on Saturday (20th), the first being Mars sextile Neptune.  This can be a soothing influence on Mars types (Ariens), or enlivening on Neptune types (Pisceans).  For the rest of us, it is conducive to refined and spiritual actions, meditations and exercises.  Yoga and Tai Chi are recommended under this influence.

In the evening Mars enters Gemini.  We go from the more sluggish energy of Mars in Taurus to a brighter, more expressive energy.  It’s a high action placing, with a spike in mental and physical energy, and the urge to get things done.  Certain sports, such as running and cycling, are highlighted.

There may be a lot of nervous energy about (Mars in Gemini) plus emotional energy building towards the Full Moon in Capricorn next Sunday.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – healing crises; explosiveness
• Thursday – innovative and sparkling
• Saturday – spiritually soothing but also invigorating; heightened mental energy

 

Wimbledon 2024 – Week 2

 Wimbledon coverage was vying with Election Coverage and Euros coverage for most of last week, but hoping we can settle down to some serious tennis viewing this week!  We said an emotional farewell to Andy Murray after his doubles match with his brother Jamie.  As promised, I am looking at the next four Seeds for the Women and Men.

Women’s Seeds

No. 7 Jasmine Paolini

The next Women’s Seed on the list is Jasmine Paolini.  She is due to play at 1 pm today.

.I wrote earlier this year: 

“She is a real Capricorn, ambitious and persevering, with Jupiter, the Sun, Neptune/Mars and Uranus all in that sign.”

Her current transits involve a Saturn Return (a decisive time), Uranus trine her natal Mars (the power of surprise and speed), Neptune square natal Jupiter (some self-delusion),

Neptune sextile natal Uranus (grasping complexity) and Pluto sextile natal (self-empowerment).  Generally good transits.

Transits for the Final: Saturn Return still operating but waning, Uranus still trine natal Mars but getting closer, Neptune still square natal Jupiter, Neptune sextile natal Uranus getting closer and Mars  trine natal Neptune (spiritual fire).

She could do very well…

No. 12 Madison Keys

Paolini plays Madison Keys today, at 1 p.m.  Way back in 2016, I wrote of her:

“Venus from Capricorn sextiles Saturn in her chart, so she keeps her cards close to her chest, which may make it difficult for her opponents to read her game.  She has a difficult exact square between Jupiter and Saturn, which could make her game patchy or swing to extremes, e.g. between caution and abandon.”

Today, she has Mars square her natal Mars (dangerous!), Chiron square her natal Neptune (spiritually painful), Neptune trine her natal Pluto  (that is more helpful, in terms of overcoming challenges) and Pluto sextile her natal Pluto (self-empowerment). I think Paolini will win this match.

Transits for Final should she go through: Chiron still square her natal Neptune,  Neptune still trine her natal Pluto, and Pluto sextile her natal Pluto closer; but I don’t thin enough to see her at the final.

No. 13 Jelena Ostapenko

Jelena will play Putinseva, who memorably knocked out the No. 1 Seed Swiatek yesterday.

In 2018, I wrote:

“With Sun exactly sextile Saturn, Jelena can be very precise.  Mercury trine Mars gives her good co-ordination, and quick reflexes.  Mars trine her Neptune means she is capable of inspired strokes.  She also has a very spiritual mind, with Mercury exactly trine Neptune.”

She currently has:  Neptune sextile her natal Mercury (bringing out her spiritual side, and inspiration), Uranus trine her natal Mars (the power of surprise and speed), Mars square her natal Jupiter (slight tendency to unforced errors just now), and Neptune sextile her natal Neptune (spiritually at peace with herself).

Not bad transits, she stands a chance of going through in the next round.

At the final: she would still have Neptune sextile her natal Mercury, Mars trine her natal Mars exact to the day (speed and energy), Uranus trine her natal Mars (able to surprise with her speed) and Neptune will still be sextile her natal Neptune.  Though still good, I don’t think these are winning transits.

No. 17 Anna Kalinskaya 

This is the first time I have looked at her chart.  She is an outright Sagittarian, sporty and expansive, with Neptune, Mercury, the Sun and Venus in that sign.

Her transits now include: Jupiter opposite her natal Sun, Saturn on her natal Jupiter (damping down some enthusiasm but bringing more self-discipline) and  Jupiter trine her natal Uranus (the power of surprise and enterprise).  She will be playing at her best.

At the end of Wimbledon: she will have the North Node trine natal Sun in addition (a karmic boost),  Saturn square her natal Venus (some personal disappointment), Saturn still on her natal Jupiter getting closer, the North Node sextile natal her Uranus (ability to cope with complexity; a second karmic transit), Neptune sextile natal Neptune (spiritually at peace with herself) and Pluto on natal Neptune (perhaps out of her depth).  If she gets to the final, which she might, it will be a momentous time for her, but she would not be likely to win).

Of these four, the woman with the best transits is Paolini, but I still pick Rybakina (last week’s tip as the overall winner.

 Men’s Seeds

No. 5 Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Plays at 16.15 today versus No. 10 Seed Dimitrov, which should be an interesting match.

I wrote in 2019:

“What makes him an absolute high flyer?  He is a leader (Sun conjunct Mars trine his North Node).  Mercury conjunct Uranus gives him a brilliant brain, and Mercury exactly conjunct Neptune gives him the ability to channel inspiration.”

His transits Now: Uranus trine his natal Mercury exact to the day (an excellent transit which could alone get him through, but he has Uranus square his natal Mars (a touch injury-prone) and Pluto on his natal Uranus (painful!).  Uranus trine his natal Neptune adds the ability to cope well with complexity.

For the end of Wimbledon, he has Mars trine his natal Mercury (quick mental reactions and good co-ordination), Mars trine his natal Neptune (spiritual fire), Uranus still exactly trine his natal Mercury but waning, Uranus still square his natal Mars but closer, Pluto still on his natal Uranus but waning, and Uranus still trine his natal Neptune but closer.

A reasonable mix of transits.

No. 9 Alex de Minaur

Tomorrow he plays Arthur Fils.  I have written about Alex de Minaur:

“De Minaur is an Aquarian, with the speed and agility of a close trine between Mercury and Mars, and the unpredictability of Mars square Uranus.  He has no Earth planets, which may make him ungrounded at times.”

Tomorrow he has Jupiter square his natal Mercury (mental enthusiasm but may sometimes overreach himself; this can produce unforced errors), Pluto sextile his natal Jupiter (that is powerful, and good for self-belief), but with Jupiter opposite his natal Pluto again he could over-reach himself, and produce drama; finally the North Node trine his natal Pluto gives him a strong karmic brief to stand or fall by.

Transits for the End of Wimbledon: Mars will be sextile his natal Venus (personally heartwarming, but that may be in another aspect of his life), Pluto still sextile his natal Jupiter but closer and more powerful; Jupiter still opposite his natal Pluto but waning, and the North Node trine his natal Pluto but closer.

There is a lot of intensity in his Wimbledon journey, but room for pitfalls.  Therefore I would not think he will be at the final.

No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov

As mentioned, Dimitrov will be playing Medvedev.  Way back, I wrote of him:

“He has …interesting conjunctions in his chart: one is the Uranus-Neptune conjunction in Capricorn of the early 1990s, which at the time I dubbed “the winds of change”. It enables him to deal with complexity and strong energies.”

His transits now show: Chiron square his natal Mars (prone to injury), and Saturn trine his natal Pluto (at the same time, great strength!).  Not a remarkable set of transits.

His transits for the end of Wimbledon: Mars on his natal Sun (fresh energy), Chiron still square his natal Mars but closer and Saturn trine his natal Pluto also closer.

Not an impressive array of transits, therefore I think Medvedev will win today.

No. 12 Tommy Paul

Tommy Paul is another player whose chart I haven’t looked at before. A Taurean, he has half his planets in Earth signs (so is very grounded) and 0 planets in Air signs, so plays more instinctively than mentally.  He plays Bautista today.

He currently has: Uranus on his natal Sun (he’s having the time of his life), and Neptune sextile his natal Neptune exact to the day (spiritually at peace with himself).  But he has two tricky transits to deal with: Saturn opposite his natal Mars (heavy going at times) and Mars square his natal Jupiter (a tendency to unforced errors).  Not the best line up of transits.  But I think he will beat Bautista today.

The end of Wimbledon finds him with: Uranus still on his natal Sun even closer (he could still pull off a surprise), Saturn still opposite his natal Mars even closer, and Neptune still sextile his natal.  I wouldn’t completely rule him out.

Of these four, I think Medvedev has the best prospects to win, but again will go with last week’s suggestion that Alcaraz will win.

Aspects

Friday’s election results truly did constitute a new beginning.  With the New Moon in Cancer (the sign of the divine feminine) – we were presented with a new cabinet dominated by women, the chance for women to have a voice.

Tomorrow (Monday 8th) we have a sextile between Venus and 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.

Two more aspects to go, for tomorrow: Mercury sextiles Jupiter, indicating a high note!  Some good news may be possible. This aspect favours communication, sales and travel.  Higher learning is also a benefit –  this may be encouraging to students anticipating upcoming exam results.  It’s a good time to practice any new language skills, too.  In the context of the new government, it is a time to forge good connections with business.  It will also benefit small businesses.

A more karmic aspect also takes place tomorrow: that of Mercury trine the North Node.  This ensures that information and communication are accurate and karmically relevant.  If you have something important to say, do it.

Skipping to Wednesday (9th) we are greeted with another sextile, that between Jupiter and the North Node.  If you feel it’s time your ship came in karmically, you could indeed reap some rewards.  Unless you have really stretched  the rules of the Universe, you should experience the positive end of karma.  There may even be some good news on the international scene (for a change).

Thursday (11th) brings us a trine between the Sun and Saturn.  This enables the re-establishment of a foothold on reality, if that is what you might need.  It is a solid and productive aspect.  If you are engaged in creativity, it can help ensure that it works on a practical level.  It is also a good aspect for making plans and laying foundations, and counting your chickens.

By late lunchtime, Venus trines Neptune, which is a beautiful aspect from a social point of view, enabling spiritual links with people.  Artistically or musically, you can achieve inspirational heights.

Early tea time Venus enters Leo), which is a summery vibe.   You can afford to be bold in seeking entertainment today, e.g. in a summer break.  Alternatively express some rich creativity, dine out, or polish up your performance skills…just a few suggestions!

Friday (12th) has an altogether more sober aspect: that of Pluto opposing Venus.  You’ll have to be patient if you are holidaying, for that summery vibe to fully manifest.  All Venusian matters (love, relationships, art, music, gardening and money) are put under a thorough psychological searchlight.  You could hear (or utter) phrases such as “Are you absolutely sure?”, “Is it Art?”, “Can we go on like this?”, “Climate change is playing havoc with my gardening” and “Money’s too tight to mention”.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – social sparkle; good for business; good information karma
• Wednesday – good karma
• Thursday – establishing foundations; artistic inspiration; here comes summer!
• Friday – where has summer gone?; dig deep psychologically (to find your inner summer)

 

Wimbledon 2024

Here we are again, Wimbledon season!  I am looking at the top four women’s and men’s Seeds, while fully aware that my attempts to cover Roland Garros were unsuccessful.  I tended to pick the underdog players, but that tournament went with the top Seeds.  However, I learned a lot from that, and am getting back on the horse so to speak.  In contrast, at Queens, later in the month, Seeds were capable of being ousted, as often happens at Wimbledon.

Women’s Seeds

No 1. Iga Swiatek

Geminian Iga Swiatek beat Jasmine Paolini in the final at Roland Garros earlier this month.  With less than convincing final transits, and with Paolini’s sparkling transits, that illustrated to me that a seasoned winner has more astrological muscle to overcome difficult aspects. Uranus was square to Swiatek’s Uranus, while Neptune squared her natal Mercury. For Paolini, her transits were sparkling because it was a career high for her.  I will bear this lesson in mind, going forward.

A fun fact: after winning at Roland Garros in the intervening time, Swiatek attended a Taylor Swift concert.  She reported that afterwards “Three days after [the concert] I was so excited I couldn’t sleep”.  A warning note for insomniacs.

At the beginning of Wimbledon, Swiatek has Jupiter trine her natal Neptune (faith in herself), Saturn square her natal Jupiter (slightly muted enthusiasm) and still has Uranus square her natal Uranus (which, though unpredictable, is a transit under which she won a major tournament).

By the end of Wimbledon, she will have Mars square her natal Uranus exact on the day (a possibility of injury) and Neptune square her natal Mercury.  Not a wonderful set of transits, but she is having a good year so far.

No 2. Coco Gauff

Piscean Coco Gauff was one of those eliminated in the first round of Wimbledon last year.  She seems to have a particular problem in regard to Swiatek, in that Swiatek has beaten her in 11 out of 12 matches.  This is because in their synastry, Swiatek pulls rank (literally) in astrological terms: Swiatek’s Neptune squares Gauff’s Venus, Swiatek’s Uranus squares Gauff’s Mars, and Swiatek’s Pluto sextiles Gauff’s Neptune.

At the beginning of Wimbledon, Gauff has Pluto sextile her natal Mercury (powerful mind) and Uranus on her Mars (electrifying, or prone to injury).  She plays Virgoan Caroline Dolehide, and I think she will have an easy win.

However, by the end of Wimbledon, her main transit is a Mars Return, which, although energizing, does not look like a cup winning transit.

No 3. Aryna Sabalenka

I wrote about Taurean Sabalenka (born 5 May 1998) back in 2021: “Mars exactly opposite Chiron forming a square with Uranus may make her prone to injury.”  She has declared that this Wimbledon she is not 100% match fit, and in the Observer this morning Simon Camber has written:

“What might help Swiatek is that her two biggest rivals over the past year, Aryna Sabalenka and Rybakina, have serious doubts regarding their health and fitness.  Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, pulled out of the warm-up event in Berlin with a “teres major” shoulder injury that she says is causing her pain when serving.”

She has two major transits from Pluto at the beginning of Wimbledon: Pluto sextile her natal Venus (deep personal meaning) and Pluto on her natal Neptune (deep psychological challenges).  These can be triumphant if overcome, but the tennis court may not be the best arena to work through them.  That said, her astrological showing at the end of Wimbledon is even less impactful tenniswise (Venus trine Venus – some satisfaction in her private life).

No. 4.  Elena Rybakina

Another Geminian, Rybakina has in her birth chart a triple conjunction opposed to Uranus, so there tends to be a great deal of disruption in her life.  Simon Camber reports:

“Rybakina has pulled out of several events in the past few months because of illness and goes into the event cold, having withdrawn from Eastbourne last week”, and this does not sound promising.

Her transits at the beginning of Wimbledon show North Node trine natal Venus (some gentle karma) but Mars square natal Uranus (at the same time a possibly injury prone start.  However, should she overcome the Mars transit, she has a splendid transit at the end of Wimbledon in the shape of Jupiter exactly sextile Venus to the day, with that supportive North Node transit still in place.  That could be a clincher.  She could be one to watch if she survives the first week.

Of these four women, I think Iga Swiatek will do well, but the astrology favours Rybakina if she has the stamina.

Men’s Seeds

No. 1 Jannik Sinner

The highest-ranked Italian singles player in history, Leonian Jannik Sinner follows a healthy diet, lives in Monaco, and is a Formula 1 fan.

He did not make the final of Roland Garros, despite reasonable transits from Chiron and Pluto.  However, his astrological support at the Wimbledon tournament is sparse: Saturn square his Mars both at the beginning and at the end, which could be disappointing.  But I have just found his birth time which gives a little more information.  He has a Gemini Ascendant, with Mars/Pluto opposite his Ascendant, giving rise to his red hair colour.  For the beginning, he has a Venus Return, which is more encouraging, plus two transits to his Ascendant (a square from Jupiter, which may not be a bad thing) and Neptune trine his Ascendant exact to the day (spiritually encouraging).  However, by the end there is just the square from Saturn left.  On this information, I would say he probably would not make the final.

No. 2 Novak Djokovic

As I noted during Roland Garros, Djokovic injured his knee, with a transit of Saturn forming a T-square to his natal opposition of Saturn and Chiron, tearing his medial meniscus.  Knees are represented by Saturn, and Chiron represents injury or wounding.  The astrology was clear on that!

Andy Murray was born within a week of Djokovic in the same year (1987),  either side of the Taurus/Gemini cusp (Andy/Novak).  Saturn has been squaring that opposition they have between Chiron and Saturn, giving injuries necessitating recent operations.  The positions of the planets occur in different House positions in their charts, and they have different injuries.  But though they have both had recent surgery, as I go to press they are both willing to risk another throw of the Wimbledon dice.

At the beginning of Wimbledon, Djokovic has: Neptune sextile his natal Sun (being more sensitive to his own needs),  Pluto trine natal Sun (making a renaissance) and Saturn square his Saturn (still having a weakness there in the knees).

At the end of Wimbledon, he has Mercury sextile his natal Mercury (mental acuity).  But he will still have Neptune sextile his natal Sun and  Pluto trine natal Sun; Saturn still squares his Saturn (strain still on his knee) and Neptune squares his Mars.  This suggests his knee may prevent him from winning Wimbledon, even if he makes it to the final.

No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz

Taurean Carlos Alcaraz (born 5 May 2003) notably won Roland Garros, so is on good form this summer.  His winning transits were:- Jupiter square his natal Uranus, Saturn square his natal Pluto, Saturn sextile his natal Chiron and  Neptune sextile his North Node – a respectable set of transits.

Lookin at his transits now, at the beginning of Wimbledon, he has Jupiter trine his natal Mars (an enthusiastic beginning), but Saturn is still square his natal Pluto and although he won under that transit, it is closer or tighter than it was.

By the end of Wimbledon, Mercury will be square his Mercury (he may be slightly mentaly rattled by something), Jupiter will be close to a sextile with natal Jupiter (that is favourable to success), the North Node will be closely trine Jupiter (karma will be helpful), and Saturn will still be square Pluto, but waning.  So he could finish Wimbledon stronger than at the beginning or in the middle (in other words, there may be some notable challenges and challengers along the way).

No. 4 Alexander Zverev

Taurean Alexander Zverev came second at Roland Garros, so should be a contender for the Wimbledon title.  I did think he might win there.  At the final, he had Mars on his natal Sun and square his Neptune, and mars opposite his natal Chiron, with Neptune sextile his Neptune (in tune with himself spiritually)..

How have the planets moved on for him for the start of Wimbledon?  Pluto squares his natal  Sun (a huge challenge),  Mars trine his Mars (good energy), Jupiter trine his Uranus (luck and surprise on his side) and Neptune still exactly sextile his Neptune, and exact to the day.  He loses some of that get up and go by the end of Wimbledon, but still retains Pluto square his Sun (even closer and tighter for the enormity of challenge) and Neptune still exactly sextile his Neptune.

I wouldn’t rule him out as a winner on this basis, and think he could at least reach the semi-finals.

So of the four men, the strongest seems likely to be Alcaraz.

My two picks therefore at this time, are Rybakina and Alcaraz.

Fun fact: of these 8 top seeds, three are Gemini and three Taurus (of which two were born on 5th May).

I will try and post material under comments during the week, and write about the next eight Seeds next Sunday.

Those of you who enjoy Wimbledon, have a good time.  Remember strawberries are a recommended fruit for diabetics!

Aspects

In the early hours of this morning, Mercury was sextile with Uranus.  This is a is a sparky way to begin the week, and  may feel like a breath of fresh air. Telepathy, intuition and the power of surprise are benefits of this aspect.  This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor, or unusual ways of articulating your message.

On to Tuesday (2nd July already), where we have Neptune Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde,  and representing some retracing of steps on our spiritual path.  It has been direct since December last year, so you may have been inspired at that time by a new spiritual area opening up. Now is the time to consolidate on what you have learned, put it into practice, and walk your talk.  Neptune goes direct again this December.  This retrograde turn may re-emphasize issues related to the ocean, and ongoing mysteries.

Also on Tuesday, and just before Noon, Mercury will be trine Neptune, and things may fall into place spiritually, with some higher insight. This may result in an increased readiness to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys.  A kind astrological note.

At lunchtime, Mercury will enter Leo.  This placement favours applying the mind to ways of finding leisure and enjoyment in this holiday season.   Find novel ways to do so.  Take up a new hobby!

As if that was not enough for one day,  the Sun also squares the Nodal Axis on Tuesday, which may bring power issues within groups to the fore.  The positioning of the Nodal Axis will ensure karmic justice within the structure of projects and power balances, though there may be a few personality clashes.  You may need to glimpse a more multi-dimensional picture than just the here and now.

Mid-week Wednesday gives us an early hours of the morning trine between Venus and Saturn.  This brings hope, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty, on the brink of the UK General Election.  Venus can provide a softening role to a hard line stance.  It is conciliatory, which may be just what is needed.  Relationships may need serious resolving, and this aspect can help, whether on a personal level, or between nations.

But at breakfast-time jitters re-surface, represented by Pluto opposing Mercury.  This means there may be a real danger involved in travelling if you don’t have to.  Watch your mental processes carefully, and be mindful in conversation.  Something could appear to be a minor snag on the surface, but may give you pause for deeper thought, leading to more psychological awareness.  Don’t skirt over it.  Examine the issue carefully, and the resulting insight could be a gift.

Friday (5th) of course brings the result of the election, and Mars sextile Saturn would be wholly fitting for the need of careful change.  This aspect enables us to harness energy constructively, and feel our way with any new energy that arises.  Mars sextile Saturn is a useful aspect on a practical level, and you may feel you have achieved something by the end of the day.  It helps to stabilize and firm up any plans, foundations or active projects you are currently undertaking.

Late evening affords us a New Moon at 14 degrees Cancer.  Could that be the new beginning we are looking for?  Do remember your New Moon intentions.  It’s a pure and simple chance to get back to basics with our home, family, roots, locality, emotions and ancestry.  Where it falls in your chart can give you extra clues about placing your intentionality, your hopes and wishes.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – mental sparks
• Tuesday – spiritual reorientation; higher insight; mental delight; karmic power issues
• Wednesday – loyalty; mental strain
• Friday – careful change; new beginning

Euros 2024

I thought I would take a look at the Captains of the top four team favorites in the Euros football contest.  France is first, with the odds of 4/1; England is second, also with the odds of 4/1; Germany is third, with the odds of 5/1; and Portugal is 4th, with the odds of 13/2.

France. 4/1

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe is the Captain for the French team, and currently one of the most admired players in the world.  We have his birth time, because on the continent these things are recorded at birth.

He has the Sun in Sagittarius  (a sporty sign) loosely square Jupiter (a sporty planet).  He also has the Sun closely trine Saturn, so he has a good measure of control, to counteract the Jupiterian over-enthusiasm.  His Sun trines the North Node, which is one sign of a Leader, especially in terms of  a karmic mission.  The North Node is in Leo, another sporty sign.  Mars (football) is rising, only three degrees away from his Ascendant.  Mars, the planet of football, also squares his natal Midheaven (Careerpoint) emphasizing the nature of his career.  So all that is a sound basis for a successful sportsman of itself.

Sadly, on Monday 17th, he suffered a broken nose in the match against Austria.  At time of writing, it is uncertain whether he will return to the tournament immediately or at all, but he is hopeful that a mask is being built for him, so that he can return to the fray.  The transit which indicated that injury was Uranus (the planet of accidents) exactly squaring his Nodal Axis, showing disruption and possible karmic implications.

At the time of the final on 14th July, there are mixed transits for him: Mars square his Nodal Axis (possible repercussions from injury),  Jupiter trine his natal Uranus (he could surprise everyone), Neptune sextile his Neptune (at one with himself spiritually), Neptune trine his Chiron (healing on a spiritual level) and Pluto on his natal Neptune (deep growth, but not easy in nature).

England. 4/1

Harry Kane

Harry Kane is our Captain, but I will also look at the transits for our Manager, Gareth Southgate.  I wrote a blog about Harry Kane when he moved to Bayern Munich:

“Harry has the Sun in Leo, a good placing for a star sportsman, with the limelight of being a striker.  His Sun sextiles Jupiter, a sporting planet which may at times have brought him luck.  He would certainly be regarded as a lucky mascot.  The Sun trines the North Node, which gives him a karmic mission of leadership.  He has Mercury sextile Mars, acute co-ordination and quick reflexes.  This is beginning to sound like a textbook sportsman!  The early 1990s conjunction of Uranus and Neptune in Capricorn, which gives a capacity to work with complexity, is exact in his chart, at 19 degrees.  This conjunction opposes his Mercury, so he would always have a lot going on mentally, and will have learned to process complex scenarios.  His Mercury also has a powerful trine with Pluto, making him a master psychologist and a deep thinker.  Venus trines Saturn in his chart, a sign of great loyalty – well he has stayed with Spurs for 14 years.  Venus also sextiles Chiron, which gives a special skill in handling people wounded physically or emotionally.  Mars is closely trine Uranus, showing an electrical quality to his energy.  Mars also closely trines Neptune (sensitive action) and sextiles Pluto (a powerhouse of energy).  Jupiter sextile his North Node is a favourable sign of karmic rewards.  If this sounds like the absolute perfect chart for a human, let alone a footballer, he does have a problematic Fixed T-square between Pluto and an opposition of Saturn and Chiron.  Negotiating that in his life, may have helped him negotiate the high pressure life of premier league football, but when the larger planets transit those points he may get caught up in wider controversies.”

He currently has Jupiter sextile his natal Sun (having a good tournament), with Saturn  trine his natal Mercury and Uranus/Neptune. So far so good.

At the time of the final, Kane will have Mars square his natal Chiron, Saturn still trine his natal Mercury and Saturn sextile his natal Uranus/Neptune conjunction.  These are transits necessitating care.

Are Gareth Southgate’s transits more definitive?  He will have Jupiter exactly square his natal Sun (joyful), and Uranus trine his natal Mercury and Pluto (upbeat).

Germany. 5/1  

Ilkay Gündogan

The Captain for Germany, Ilkay Gundogan, has the Sun in Scorpio. with an amiable triple conjunction of the Sun with Mercury and Venus.  He would make a good negotiator.  He has Mars sextile Jupiter (energy harmoniously aligned with enthusiasm) and Jupiter square Pluto (a love of power, so happy in a commanding role).  He is known for his vision, athleticism and leadership.

Germany, of course, have got off to a flying start.  His current transits include Pluto squaring his natal Sun (enormous pressure), the Nodal Axis trine his natal Jupiter (karmic rewards), Saturn sextile his Saturn (steadiness) and the Nodal Axis square his Neptune (some confusion).

For the Final, he will have the South Node on his Venus (karmic relationships), Jupiter sextile his natal Jupiter (continued good luck), Saturn still sextile his Saturn (steadiness), Uranus sextile his natal Chiron (surprising resilience), but Pluto still square his natal Sun.  That looks pretty good for him and his team.

Portugal. 13/2

Cristiano Ronaldo

I have also written a blog about Ronaldo in the past, so can say about his birth chart:

“Ronaldo was born on a Full Moon, and characters born under this placing tend to elicit strong feelings from others.  He has the Sun in Aquarius exactly sextile Uranus, giving him mental brilliance and a strong essence of Aquarius.  With the Moon in Leo, he has flair, but wants to dominate emotionally.  In his chart Mercury is conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius, giving him mental success and a very positive mental attitude.  He also has a problem-solving Mercury trine Chiron.  Venus squares the Ascendant exactly, which can demonstrate vanity.  Mars in Aries sextiles Jupiter, which is a driven energy combined with enthusiasm: his special talent is goal scoring.  The Mars trine Saturn he has is useful for precision in activity.  His Jupiter square Pluto loves (and sometimes misuses) power.  There is a strong generally evasive streak, with Neptune exactly conjunct the Ascendant, plus Venus/Mars exactly square to Neptune.  Venus exactly square Neptune would exactly describe tax evasion, although he has denied evading tax.”

His current astrological form shows: Jupiter trine his Mercury (good co-ordination), Pluto sextile his natal Mars (has a powerhouse of energy at his disposal) and Neptune sextile his natal Jupiter (keeping up the faith).  These are very favourable transits.

At the final, he still has two of those excellent transits: Neptune sextile his natal Jupiter, and Pluto sextile his natal Mars.  He should do well.

Of the four, Ronaldo for Portugal has the most unequivocably favourable transits, for both now and the Final.  But there is a limited amount which can be told from just the  Captains (so many other factors to consider), so I may return to look at more later in the contest.

Aspects

Slim pickings this week in terms of aspects, with only three features (two aspects and a retrograde), so savour each one…!

Both the aspects are favourable ones, however, so you may be able to gain ground this week.    The first occurs on Wednesday 26th, in the shape of Mercury trine Saturn, which combines mental work with practicality, and brings focus and realism to the mental activities.  So it is a good day for making plans.  Serious conversations can also safely take place under this aspect.  Be clear and methodical.  Apply your mind to exacting tasks and documentation which may be outstanding.  It favours list-making, planning, and productivity.

The second aspect takes place on Saturday (29th), and it is a sextile between Venus and Mars.  This aspect is given over to pleasure and  indulgence, and maybe romance is also on the cards.  Art will have vigour, and movement will have artistry or elegance under this influence.  Social plans should flourish. This is an altogether relaxing and indulgent prospect.

Saturday evening sees Saturn Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde, so the planet will be grinding to a halt, before reorienting itself.  Turning inward for contemplation is one of the requirements of a retrograde period.  That entails going through a period of revision: often with Saturn, it is a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.  Saturn is the Lord of Time, who reminds us that All Things Must Pass.

The week in bullet points:

• Wednesday – mental practicality
• Saturday – sensuality; introspection

Wes Streeting

“One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up” – Hodder & Stoughton 2023

This is a blog about the Shadow Health Secretary, who in a few weeks’ time may become the actual Health Secretary.  I was given his autobiography for Christmas, and recently got round to reading it.  It impressed me in various ways, so this is also a book review.

Birth Chart

Wes’ book is an astrologer’s dream, because he gives all the birth dates of his family, and intimates one or two birth times as well.  On his birth, he wrote:

“Just before lunchtime, the nurses came in en masse like an SAS squad mounting a rescue with the same bedside manner.”

From that, I have given him a Gemini Ascendant to his Aquarian Sun and Aries Moon.

Wes has the Sun square Saturn/Pluto, which can indicate a difficult childhood.  It would certainly indicate significant struggles in life, of which he has had plenty.  People may wonder why he has written an autobiography so early in life, but he was persuaded to by Tom Perrin, an Editor at Hodder & Stoughton, and encouraged by Jess Phillips (one of my favourite politicians) and it seems he did have much to relate.

His Moon in Aries has emotional directness, but is trine Neptune, adding sensitivity.  Looking at his childhood experiences, this sensitivity laid him open to suffering but at the same time helped him understand and accommodate some of his harsh experiences.

Venus conjunct his Midheaven in Aquarius in 8th House means that he puts a lot of love into his career choices, but a square between Venus and Chiron may be the source of his kidney health weakness, as Venus represents the kidneys.  He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2021, a story he begins with in his book.

Mars closely square Jupiter/Uranus gives a keen enthusiasm allied with electrical energy, which he is able to direct through his trine between Mars and Saturn.  Mars trine Pluto provides a powerhouse of energy.  Two Archetypes pop up: The Warrior (Mars trine the North Node), which goes well with the Sun in Aquarius rabble-rouser; and Jupiter conjunct Uranus, The Entrepreneur.  His exceptionally difficult childhood (on a par with Alan Johnson’s in his book “This Boy”) can be seen in the conjunction of Saturn and Pluto, as alluded to earlier.

Life and Career

Wes was born and brought up in Stepney, to two teenagers, who separated early in his life.  Decoding the title of his autobiography “One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up” the two Bils were his grandfathers (as different as chalk and cheese).  It should be said that the female members of the family were strong characters, although they are omitted from the title.  The Fry Up describes a story which meant the difference between being born, or not.  I don’t want this blog/book review to be too much of a spoiler, in case you should choose to read the book!

On reviewing the book, Rachel Cooke of the Guardian commented that it was: “both a little bit boring and unexpectedly fascinating…But on the other hand, it’s also transfixing, albeit in a way I struggle fully to explain.”  I know exactly what she means.  The first half of the book details every family member going back at least two generations.  If you are not interested in people, you might find it boring (Anyone who has tackled my first two novels, will realize I enjoy a bit of boredom).  But if you skipped all the family stuff, you wouldn’t realize just how excruciating his experiences in a life of poverty were, and how he reacted with love for his family every step of the way: admiration for his single mum, and fondness for his mother’s father who spent much time in jail, for instance.  In addition, you were able to see that however dire and disrupted his childhood, there were guardian angel figures who appeared along the way, often in the guise of schoolteachers, who looked out for him and tried to guide him into his best future.  Perhaps these are evidence for pre-natal contracts (I write as a past life therapist).  His closest ally was his father’s father, one of the Bills, who was a staunch Christian, a Virgoan, and who informed many of Wes’ values growing up: “For me, and for dad, he was the rock upon which our family was built and the single biggest influence on my life to this day”.  It was a sad day, when he passed away.  That Wes had the ability to negotiate his way through such a start is, astrologically I feel, down to a Water Grand Trine between Saturn/Pluto, Mars and the North Node.

He went to the Westminster City School for his secondary education, followed by Selwyn College Cambridge in his further education, in a miraculous path from his deprivation (helped along by the right teacher at the right time).  He studied History at University, but got involved with politics and became President of the National Union of  Students.  He worked for Stonewall on leaving University, but took his time to come out of the closet with his parents (having thought his sexuality was at odds with his religion).  That story was one of the most moving in the book.

He became a Labour councillor in Redbridge in July 2010, and became elected Member of Parliament for Ilford North in 2015.  In 2016 he campaigned for remaining in the EU, and later for a People’s Vote.  He was a critic of Jeremy Corbyn, and works on anti-semitism and also against Islamophobia.  In an interview last year, he stated:

“One of the great things about my job as the MP for Ilford North on the London–Essex border is, I’ve got such a diverse constituency in terms of not just ethnicity, but religion. I’ve got a really big Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh community. We’ve got – not so much in my constituency – but in Redbridge as a whole, we’ve got a Zoroastrian community.”

When Keir Starmer became Leader of the Labour Party, Wes was appointed to various positions in the shadow cabinet, including Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Schools.  In November 2021 he was promoted to Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

It seems to be an area close to his heart, especially as he was diagnosed early that year with kidney cancer, and underwent surgery for this.  The cancer was caught early, and on 27th July 2021 he announced that he had been declared cancer-free.  Mars was trine his natal Neptune in Sagittarius in the 7th House (recovery), Jupiter was trine his natal Pluto in Libra in 5th House (another chance at life), and Neptune sextile his natal Chiron (a health correction).

Health Policies

In an interview with the Guardian in April, Wes defended Labour plans to use the private sector to help cut the waiting lists in the NHS, and emphasized that the NHS would not be privatised.

The Labour manifesto, which was issued this week, follows this line, pledging to cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments every week, and “use spare capacity in the independent sector to ensure patients are diagnosed and treated more quickly”, among many other features.

Election Date

How does 4th July look for Wes Streeting?  His partner Joe Dancey is, incidentally, also standing, for Stockton West, but we have no birth date for him.

Wes’ transits show:

Jupiter square his natal Mars in Pisces in 9th House (high energy; it is a square he has natally)

Saturn sextile his natal Mercury in Capricorn (Politics) in 8th House (serious intent)

Saturn square his natal Ascendant in Pisces on 10th House cusp (serious political responsibility, Pisces rules hospitals)

Pluto exactly on his Sun in Libra in his 5th House, as serious as it gets.

If he gets to be Health Secretary, he will hit the ground running, from these transits.

Another reviewer of the book, Jason Cowley of The Sunday Times, credits Wes with “emotional intelligence”.  For me, the value of reading his story is to know what makes him tick, what shaped him, and to see the sincerity of his political aspirations.  But for all his earnestness, he does have a good sense of humour, which often emerges in his interviews.  I will leave you to guess which parts of the book had me in tears.

“And for me, the sorts of things that really motivate me, are a deep commitment to tackling inequality and injustice in our society.”

~ Wes Streeting

Aspects

There are three squares to Neptune this week, so the week may carry an air of surrealism or illusion.  Be alert to that.

Tomorrow (Monday 17th) brings us five features of note, and therefore I am resorting to a timetable, to help you navigate these:

3.46 a.m. – Venus square Neptune, the first of the Neptunian aspects, so a time when you may become aware of this feature of the week.  As it is sleep time in the U.K. you may receive impressions through your dreams which point to its meaning for you.  It could be could be socially confusing.  You may get paranoid about how other people are voting, for instance!  There may be a a sense of intrigue, involving relationship or money.  Maybe another political scandal…You need to look behind the illusion.  There could be uncertainty in the Arts or the world of Music.  You could experience frustrating flaws in creative works. Tread softly.

6.20 a.m. – Venus enters Cancer – We place our love on the home and family, and appreciate our locality.  We need to be conscious about our emotional boundaries during this period (to 11th July).  Find novel ways of cherishing the home and family.

7.41 a.m. – Mercury square Neptune – the second in this Neptunian wave: a challenging aspect to deal with. Perhaps you are grappling with a mystery in your life, such as why you have a leak somewhere.  Some undefinable snag may be nagging at you.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it, move on and let it go.  There may be an emphasis in the news on the issue of boat people trying to cross the channel, or blustery weather.

9.07 a.m. – Mercury enters Cancer – The collective mind will be more able to encompass emotion when considering an argument.  Mercury will be staying in Cancer until 2nd July (it’s a short and quickfire stay), so we have to get with the programme.  Family matters are under the mental microscope throughout Mercury in Cancer, and examining our emotions about our roots.  Under this transit, you have to take emotions into account when making a rational judgement.

12.43 Hrs – Mercury conjunct Venus – this takes place at 0 degrees Cancer.  It may enable some of that sunburst of ideas to be communicated, discussed, and start the ball rolling towards making practical use of what has come to you.  This conjunction is ideal for socializing, conversation, artistic 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, but it has come to my notice that some people prefer pubs, so a pint may be more suitable in that case.  Conversation will flow just as easily…

Thursday (20th) brings the third of the Neptunian squares, the Sun involved this time.  By now, you might be becoming wise to the smoke and mirrors of this process.  “.  There are new considerations and issues arising, more sensitivity to consider.  You may be feeling a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy.  If you are on a journey, take a moment to stop and reflect, over coffee at a service station on the motorway for instance.  It’s a good moment to surrender to the divine, and ask what you are supposed to be learning from the experience, seeking out where the illusion lies.

In the political arena, there is a Question Time special in the evening, featuring party leaders.  We have hustings, locally.  Politicians lying is very much a Sun square Neptune province, and so is seeing through that.

In the evening, the Sun enters Cancer (the third ingress of the week): this is the Summer Solstice, the entry of the Sun into the sign of Cancer.  Smell the roses, and celebrate the moment of maximum light.  Many people will enjoy the benefits of nature, and hopefully the weather will allow us to make the most of it.  I run down the same road every day, but there are always changes to observe in the gardens and grass verges!  On long drives now, it is heartening to observe the wilding that is being allowed everywhere, flowers blossoming freely.

Mercury sextiles Mars on Friday (21st) which may bring about brisk action.  You may receive ideas to implement into your day.  Your mental reactions may be heightened, and this can lead to enhanced productivity.

The week ends with the crescendo of a Full Moon at 1 degree Capricorn, on Saturday (22nd), although you may feel the crescendo build on Friday evening.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  If you feel that part of your frustration is coming from the power wielded by authorities, then this may be your Full Moon issue.  Many people are feeling angry and frustrated by the current political climate, and may need to focus on what they can do for themselves at this point in time, especially with government being in a state of flux.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – most eventful day: much illusion; love of home and family; conversation and negotiation
• Thursday – illusion; the peak of the light
• Friday – brisk action
• Saturday – emotional high tide