Liam Payne (1993 – 2024)

“You know I’ve been takin’ some time

and I’ve been keepin’ to myself

I had my eyes up on the prize

ain’t watching anybody else…

You know I used to be in 1D (Now I’m out, free)

People want me for one thing (that’s not me)”

~ Liam Payne, from “Strip That Down”*

Pop singer Liam Payne tragically died this week, at the tender age of 31,  falling off a balcony in Buenos Aires, mourned by legions of fans around the world.  He was formerly from the successful band One Direction, which had been put together by Simon Cowell from hopefuls on X-Factor.  He was linked with Cheryl Tweedy/Cole/Fernandez-Versini, and they had a son together, named Bear.

Birth Chart

Liam had some significant conjunctions in his birthchart, two of them exact.  Firstly, the Sun in Virgo exactly conjunct Mercury.  A perfectionist with an eye for detail, perhaps he may have had a tendency to overthink things.  Secondly, the Uranus/Neptune conjunction of his birth year 1993 was exact too, a very complex potion of astrological energies.  Next, Mars conjunct Jupiter, a mix of energy and enthusiasm.  And the last was a loose conjunction, but nonetheless potent, of Pluto (the ruler of Scorpio) rising on a Scorpio Ascendant (that’s a potent and intense concentration of Scorpionic energy).  His Moon was in Aquarius, which like Virgo, finds it hard to let people close.  At the same time, Scorpio has a need for intimacy, so that is a struggle within the dynamics of this birth chart.  In addition, his Sun (and Mercury and Chiron) were conjunct his Midheaven (Careerpoint) in his 10th House of Career, amounting to the Performer Archetype, explaining why he was so focussed on such a career from such an early age.  Other features of his chart include Mars loosely square Uranus (electrical energy) and  Jupiter square Uranus (the Chancer Archetype, willing to take a risk) plus Jupiter square Neptune  (not always sure what to believe in) and a not-easy-to-manage T-square between Saturn, Chiron and Pluto.  In the early years of One Direction, Liam was seen as the “sensible” and “responsible” one, adhering to the Virgoan side of his blueprint, but later he threw off these shackles and accessed his more Scorpionic side.

Life and Career

Payne was born in Wolverhampton.  He excelled at cross country running at school.  A schoolmate who trained with him has quipped that he gave up because he beat Payne, and that set him on the road to music.  A teacher praised Liam for karaoke, which encouraged him, and at the tender age of 14 he applied for X-Factor.  The video of him singing “Fly Me To The Moon” is so poignant, in front of his future wife Cheryl, beaming.  But Simon Cowell advised him to finish his GCSEs and return in two years (he gained 11 GCSEs).   The rest is history: he returned, sang “Cry Me a River”, and was put together by Simon Cowell with four other boys to create the band One Direction (suggested by judge Nicole Scherzinger).  The newly formed band sang the song “Torn”, with Liam delivering the opening line.  Simon’s dramatic effect on Liam’s life is shown in their synastry – for example Simon’s Pluto is conjunct Liam’s Sun/Mercury.  The band came third in that year’s contest, but soon developed a solid fan base.  At the time, Liam’s life was changing in a profound way, as evinced by his Progressed Sun from his 11th House of Boy Bands exactly sextile his natal Pluto rising.

From 2010 to 2016 One Direction achieved global success and had a string of hits, beginning with “What Makes You Beautiful”.  The boys were heartthrobs for their teenage fans, many of those fans now in mourning for Liam, their songs a backdrop to their early lives. Liam later reflected, “When we finished [the TV talent show The X Factor], we thought something might happen, but never anything like this.”

There is a strong karmic element, and even a soul group element, when a successful band comes together in the way they did.  And the decline of a band is also karmic, as when one member (Robbie Williams for Take That), Geri Halliwell (for the Spice Girls) and in the case of One Direction Zayn Malik for One Direction breaks away, a decision he made in 2015.  It is quite an undertaking and responsibility for one member of the group to disrupt the band, and often begin its demise.  Their fortunes had been tied together for so long, and three members of the group were all born in the same year, 1993: Liam, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.  Liam’s connection with Zayn was strong: his Pluto was exactly sextile Zayn’s Sun, their Jupiters and Uranuses were exactly conjunct, and they had a double whammy of their Neptunes and Uranuses being conjunct.

Liam has spoken about the strain of touring, boredom and loneliness, with just a mini-bar and the temptation to drink in his room.  Zayn has described suffering from an eating disorder and anxiety during those years, due to stress.  They were all so young.

Around the time that Liam was setting out on a solo career, and intending to just focus on songwriting,  he became romantically involved with Cheryl, and she encouraged him in the creation of his first hit “Strip That Down”*inspired by Justin Timberlake and co-written with Ed Sheeran, which did well in the charts (it was released around his Jupiter Return, 19th May 1917).  Cheryl’s Sun in the first decanate of Cancer was sextile with Liam’s in the first decanate of Virgo.

On 22nd March 2017, Cheryl gave birth to their son, Bear, but sadly the relationship broke down the following year.  Though there was compatibility there, there were also planetary forces tearing them apart in their synastry, with Cheryl’s Uranus squaring Liam’s Sun and Liam’s Pluto squaring Cheryl’s Venus.   Bear is now seven years old, and Cheryl has said:

“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”

Liam participated in many musical collaborations as a solo artist, but music journalist Jordan Paramor has said “he didn’t ever discover who he really was” and “I don’t think he ever felt quite good enough”.  No one knows why his life came to such a tragic end, but we do know he struggled with mental health issues.  He managed to come clean from drink and drugs after attending 100 days in a Louisiana clinic in 2023: “I just kind of feel like I’ve got more of a grip on life and everything that was getting away from me.”  But his hotel room in Argentina was littered with medications (he was taking clonazepam) and a bottle of whiskey was found beside his dead body.  His health was often a weakness in his life, and who knows how that affected him: he was born with issues connected with his kidneys. He told how before the age of four “I was always in hospital having tests done but they couldn’t find out what was wrong. They discovered that one of my kidneys wasn’t working properly and it had scarred. I had to have 32 injections in my arm in the morning and evening to try and make me better.”  In August 2023 he was hospitalized with a kidney infection.

What astrological influences were operating at the time of his death?  Uranus squared his natal Saturn, but of possible more significance, Mars was trine his natal Pluto.  Normally, I would interpret this transit as a surge or powerhouse of energy, but it seems the energy overpowered him.  Perhaps in combination with drink and drugs it was uncontrollable, as he trashed his hotel room just prior to his fall.

Payne was one of the principal songwriters for One Direction especially in melodies, and consequently one of the highest earners.  His voice has been described as: a “warm, supple voice, which soared with ease to a falsetto” (~ Caroline Sullivan, Guardian Obituary).  Perhaps Sharon Osbourne summed up the tragedy of his life in referring to the lack of psychological support for young members of boy bands:

“Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down.”

~ Sharon Osbourne

Aspects

This week’s aspects begin on Tuesday (22nd) with a breakfast-time trine between Mercury and Saturn (in the U.K.).  This 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.

At lunchtime, Pluto squares the Sun, which is a deep soul-searching aspect.  It is the sort of aspect which can be looked upon as a gamechanger, or watershed.  So if you are in integrity, you may be able to influence what side the coin lands on.  In recent years, this aspect has brought about political turmoil in the U.K., so focus may be closer to home than the Middle East.  In your own life, continue to seek positive avenues for yourself, and remove yourself from drama.

That evening, the Sun enters Scorpio.  Under the Sun in Libra, we were going for negotiation, but now we need to confront the deeper issues and find more lasting solutions which treat the causes and not just the symptoms of a situation.  For this we need more insight, resolve and conviction, qualities of this sign.  The Scorpio gig is a grittier requirement.  You may see two sides becoming more entrenched in a stand off.

Even later in the evening, Venus trines the North Node, so all the soul-searching of the day may culminate in some resolution and a mellower mood, more confidence in the right path.  This 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.

Well if you blink early in the week and miss the four astrological features, you will have missed them, for now we skip to Friday (25th) where we have a fairly exciting sextile between Mars and Uranus, which promises dynamism for the day.  Engineering especially benefits from this aspect, but that also includes social engineering.  Electricity and Astrology are other areas which can be stimulated by this combination.  Cars, mechanics, mechanical goods and household appliances may receive a boost or a renewal.

That’s it for the week, so as you can see, you can do your own thing mid-week!

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – the early bird catches the worm; indigestion at lunchtime; look at the deeper issues; harmonious karma
• Friday – sparky and dynamic

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 – Part 2

Part two of my survey of contestants for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing series.  And what a series it is turning out to be!  My pick for the last bunch, Sarah Hadland, is doing extremely well, so let’s see who is likely to be heading for the final, or even the glitterball, out of the following four.

Tasha Ghouri

I first saw Tasha Ghouri on Love Island a couple of years ago, together with her partner Andrew, and their relationship is still going strong.  Before Love Island she worked as a model and dancer.  She struck me as a sweet girl, and seeing her dance, that impression has intensified.  She was born deaf, and has a cochlear implant and mainly just hears the rhythm, so her achievement is even more amazing.  For a while, she dated Giovanni Pernice.  So far in this series, she has consistently scored highly, and proved versatile in the variety of dances.

She is an individualistic Leo (the Performing Archetype) with the Sun conjunct Mercury and square Chiron (that square from Chiron may be the deafness showing up).  We do not have a birth time for her, so I will not conjecture about her Moon.  She has the charm of a Venus conjunction with Mars, and Venus is super-sociably exactly trine Jupiter in her chart.  Mars trine Jupiter makes for energy harmoniously allied with enthusiasm, which can lift any project she is involved in.  She would probably have a strong sense of faith, with Jupiter sextile Neptune.  Saturn trines her natal North Node, which means she is able to follow her karmic mission dutifully.

She is partnered with Aljaz Škorjanec who has returned this year.  There is a tension (a creative tension?) in their synastry: his Pluto squares her Sun, her Venus opposes his Mars and her Mercury is conjunct his Uranus (some telepathy, there).  Tasha’s current transits show Neptune trine her natal Venus (inspired dancing), Uranus sextile her natal Jupiter (surprisingly good!), Neptune on her Jupiter (heightened inspiration), Pluto on her natal Neptune (stretching herself) and North Node trine her natal Pluto (psychological and karmic growth).  Last night, she scored three 10s and a 9 – she could win the contest (astrology or no astrology).  Aljaz has Mars opposite his Saturn (he is being stretched too, more physically than Tasha who is stretched psychologically), and Neptune sextiles his Saturn (he is loosening up spiritually).

At the final, where they surely will be, barring unforeseen circumstances, Tasha will have Mars trine Pluto (great power), Uranus sextile her Mars (the power to surprise), Neptune still trine her natal Venus, Neptune still on her Jupiter exact to the day (surely a winning transit for a dance competition!) and Pluto still on her natal Neptune.  Game, set and match: I may not need to blog anyone else…

Wynne Evans

Wynne Evans, Welsh opera singer and star of the Go Compare advertising campaign, is our second study of this weekend’s blog.  He is an impressive, competent dancer, as well as being talented in portraying characters (notably Mrs. Doubtfire in one of his dances).

He also has an impressively strong birth chart, as befits one with such a powerful voice.  He has Jupiter in its own sign Sagittarius at the Galactic Centre (a cosmic centre of power); he has Venus (voice and song) unaspected (strongly individualistic and free) in the sensitive and spiritual sign of Pisces; and Neptune (the planet of dance exactly sextile his North Node (born to dance and portray characters sensitively); the Sun and the North Node are closely conjunct in the futuristic and visionary sign of Aquarius, indicating a performing and karmic mission.  A strong Venus can also indicate prowess in cooking, and he also excelled in the Celebrity Masterchef kitchen, winning the 2023 series.

He was born in Carmarthen, and studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (talented in both arts!).  In August 2009 he started fronting the Go Compare advertisements, with the North Node trine his natal Saturn.  Pluto is now in the same position as the North Node was then, indicating that this is another important time for him.  At his first performance, Motsi declared he did not miss a beat, and head judge Shirley praised his ear for music (obvs musicality for an opera singer).  He has great potential.

He is partnered with the ever-innovative Katya Jones.  Their synastry is quite productive, with his Sun trine her Mercury (a basic mutual understanding), his Pluto trine her Venus (he will teach her musical depth), his Venus sextile her natal Saturn and trine her Pluto (the latter a double whammy with his Pluto trine her Venus).  I like this partnership, astrologically.  His transits now show the North Node trine his Sun (shining karma), Saturn on his Venus (learning greater artistic control), Mars square his Mars (some physical strain), Jupiter sextile his natal Mars (huge enthusiasm, and it shows!), Neptune square his Jupiter (out of his comfort zone philosophically, leading to growth), Pluto trine his Saturn (in greater power), and North Node trine his natal Neptune (a karmic pinnacle for dance).  For Katya now: Mars sextile her Sun (she is fired up), Saturn was sextile her Saturn exactly this weekend (her powers of control and discipline at a height), the Nodal Axis square her natal Uranus (enhancing surprise and shock), and Saturn trine her natal Pluto (deepening her power).

At the end of the contest, Wynne will have: Mars opposite his Sun (he needs to go easy on himself, healthwise), Saturn on his Venus (may be feeling tired), Neptune still squaring his Jupiter, and the South Node on his Pluto (some karma catching up).  Though he is dancing extremely well, he may not make it to finals week.  As for Katya at that point, Pluto will be trine her natal Venus (deep learning), the North Node sextile her Venus (high musicality learned), Saturn still sextile her natal Saturn and trine her natal Pluto.  She will be grateful for the enrichment of having been partnered with Wynne.

Sam Quek

Libran Sam Quek, hockey player, Olympic gold medallist (in 2016), and television presenter, was born in Liverpool and is half-Singaporean.  Like Wynne, she has powerful representation at the Galactic Centre, in her case an exact conjunction of Uranus and Saturn.  This represents great strength of character, which is emphasized by the North Node exactly trine her natal Pluto (meaning she is powerfully guided through life).  She does not have an easy chart, with Mars squaring her Saturn-Uranus conjunction, but has a powerful life path.  She studied Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University.  Like Wynne, she did well in Celebrity Masterchef, reaching number three in 2020.

Sam is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, a partnership which does not look super-close astrologically, but has one nice sextile between her Venus (musical sense) and his Chiron (his Inner Healer), the potential of which they can maximize.  For their current transits, she has Pluto sextile her Mars (she is in her power, physically), North Node sextile her Jupiter (opportunity and luck also on her side), but also has challenges.  These are Neptune square her Saturn (she is sensitive to her own limitations) and Neptune squares her Uranus (a complicated time for her, hard for her to take in everything).  For Nikita, Jupiter trines his Jupiter (he’s happy!), his North Node sextiles his Uranus (enhancing his ingenuity), Neptune sextile his natal Neptune (in tune with his own spirituality) and North Node trine his Pluto (karma and power working together).

For the end of Strictly, Sam has Jupiter square her natal Venus (could make exaggerated mistakes), Pluto still sextiles her natal Mars, Mars sextiles her natal Jupiter (enthusiasm, maybe for the whole experience), and the two squares still present.  I don’t think she will make the final.  For Nikita, the Nodal Axis will be square his natal Sun (creative challenge), Mars will be  opposite his Uranus (may experience physical strain) and Mars  trines his natal Pluto (at the same time, his energy levels will still be good – perhaps for those professional group dances).

Shayne Ward

I was aiming to blog the arresting Pete Wicks this weekend, but discovered that his birth date is unavailable (maybe later it will show up somewhere).  So Shayne Ward it is, and just as worthy.  He is another Libran, and has proved his versatility since the time he won the second series of X-Factor in 2005 as a singer.  Fast forward ten years to 2015 and he took a serious role in Coronation Street as the character Aidan Connor, with a series exit storyline, proving he wasn’t just a pretty voice.  Highlighted in his birth chart is a high energy close conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, meaning that he attacks all he does with a high dose of enthusiasm.  He also has Saturn unaspected, meaning that he can let go of restraint.  Mercury closely sextile Neptune gave him the mental sensitivity to portray the depressed Aidan in Corrie, combined with the depth of Mercury conjunct Pluto.

Shayne was born in Tameside, Greater Manchester.  As mentioned, he won X-Factor in 2005.  When he began portraying Aidan Connor in August 2015 Jupiter was sextile his natal Pluto (maximizing his power), and Saturn was on his natal South Node (a serious karmic role).  His last appearance in the role was on 7th May 2018, with Neptune exactly trine Saturn to the day (a fitting transit for the situation – he was highlighting the plight of male suicide).

Shayne is partnered with Nancy Xu, and she seems to have brought out the best in him:  he has been praised for his posture, for instance.  His Chiron sextiles her Sun, so he has something to teach her, too.  His Mars/Jupiter conjunction trines her natal Venus, which is a lovely partnership inter-aspect.  But his Chiron squares her Venus, making some movements awkward to teach and learn.  At this point in time, the Nodal Axis is square his Jupiter, so he may not be as precise as he would like.  Nancy has Jupiter sextile her Jupiter (so she is happy, like Nikita).  For the end of the season, Shayne’s astrological transits are lacklustre, so it does not look like he will make it to the end, though he could make a strong showing in the middle.  At the end for Nancy, she has the North Node sextile her natal Saturn, so there will be a serious gift for her, though not the glitterball.

So rather predictably, of these four, Tasha Ghouri has the most excellent chances of being in the final, let alone lifting the trophy.  As I have already predicted Sarah Hadland could also be in the final, it will be interesting in a few weeks to look at four more contestants to see who might join them :-}

Aspects

Today and tomorrow look especially busy…

At lunchtime today Pluto made a square with Mercury, an aspect to make you think!  Profound journeys may be undertaken, too.  There may be a setback or a reversal, so make sure your actions are solid if you have a conflict to resolve in your own life.  Perhaps there is a twist in the plot.  You may need extra ‘me time’ in order to separate yourself from worried pronouncements about the state of the world.  If you do engage in chatter, choose a worthwhile subject.

In the evening, Mercury enters Scorpio, bringing greater intensity, depth and rigour to our mental functioning and purpose.  The mental outlook is more forensic in nature, and looks deeper than the surface, than was characterized under Mercury in Libra.  You may have more courage to look at what really matters, and to worry less about how things appear to others.

The next aspect to appear will be Chiron square Mars, which is like trying to place a square peg in a round hole.  What may be required is the acknowledgement and acceptance of two different outlooks, and the agreement to co-exist.  Even better, an encouragement of the other’s right to exist.  However, one party may not be able to elevate their outlook, and a minor skirmish may occur. This would be a healing crisis, showing what needs to be healed.  Some things are better revealed than kept hidden, and a coming to terms can begin.

Later tonight, Chiron opposes the Sun, which could find you wrestling with conundrums.  It is good to cultivate a good relationship with your Inner Healer today, and thus find more intuitive answers to any problems.  Look more deeply into the source of the symptom or problem.

A happy prospect in the early hours tomorrow (Monday 14th), with the Sun trine Jupiter.  This is one of the brightest aspects of the year.  If you have been feeling stressed, you may experience a welcome distraction.  It’s a happy-go-lucky aspect where circumstances allow.  So whatever lights your candle today, grasp the opportunity.  Good cheer, laughter, and adventure may characterize this time.  As it occurs during sleep time in the U.K. you may be blessed with wish-fulfilment dreams!

Breakfast-time may be more fractious with Mars square to the Sun: maybe you realize the discrepancy between what you are wishing for, and the fulfilment in reality.  Try not to let your own inner tension interfere with interactions with others which have nothing to do with your inner process.  Equally, disentangle from any attempts to draw you into others’ wrangling.  The energy, fire and enthusiasm which the Sun with Mars generates can be positively harnessed if you are especially mindful.

Late evening brings an opposition between Uranus and Venus and you may wonder what is going on with relationships. Telepathy will be useful in understanding your opposite number, or even a group situation.   In fact, group consciousness may be more suited to the requirements of this capricious aspect.  It may also make for exciting encounters, or lively party atmospheres.  Don’t overdo the alcohol, though, you may just need to keep your wits about you.  An attempt to get close to someone may be frustrating, as they may be processing some complex inner feelings.

On to Wednesday now (16th) and just in the first hour of the day Venus will trine Neptune.  You may have had a sublime social encounter the night before, but even so the night could bring blissful dreams whether or not you did.  Inspiration and spirituality uplift proceedings.  Whatever your art form, it can be enhanced today (especially dance.  In relationship, there is a potential for spiritual bonding.

Late morning on Thursday (17th) brings a Full Moon at 24 degrees Aries, and you may have felt some tension building up to it.  This Moon balances your own interests with that of another,  so it may be a tussle, as it often is with a Full Moon.  This Full Moon is about Selfhood and Relationship, and bringing the two into balance.

But at lunch-time, Venus sextiles Pluto, and this aspect has the capacity to get to the root of a problem, be it Love and/or Money, both of which are represented by aspects of Venus and Pluto.  It could be a time of difficult but rewarding soul searching with loved ones.  In finance, there could be hard won but satisfying bargaining and balancing.  If you are an artist or musician, you could take a step further in your art, and deepen the value and content of the material you are working with.

The evening brings a happy sense of social fulfilment, possibly as a result of the work of the day.  Venus entering Sagittarius ushers in a good-will-to-all men and women vibe, a party mood even.  If partying alone, what elements of enjoyment can you bring to the table…? ;-}

The week in bullet points:

• Today – difficult mental digestion; greater mental intensity; clashes in approach; wrestling with conundrums
• Tomorrow – luck and optimism; sweet dreams; conflict and skirmishes; relationship distances, perhaps the licking of wounds
• Wednesday – sublime
• Thursday – emotional high tide; love and money in harmony; good will to all men and women

Kris Kristofferson (1936 – 2024)

“All I’m takin’ is your time
Help me make it through the night
I don’t care who’s right or wrong
I don’t try to understand”

~ Kris Kristofferson

Singer/Songwriter and Actor Kris Kristofferson died this week at the age of 88.  He wrote some beautiful songs, and was linked memorably with Janis Joplin, Rita Coolidge and Barbra Streisand. He collaborated with Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, and founded a new strand of American country music.  His songs were recorded by several other artists.

Birth Chart

Kris Kristofferson had the Sun in the first degree of Cancer, a sign very much in tune with the feminine side of life.  This may have given his tunes and lyrics emotional resonance.  He was accused by his second wife Rita Coolidge of being a womanizer, and he married three times.  Cancerian men can certainly have an inroads into the female psyche.  His ruler the Moon was in performing Leo, at the top of his chart and close to his Midheaven (careerpoint).  His Ascendant was Scorpio – the red hair was a clue, but Mars also conjoins the Sun in his natal chart.  His association with music is shown in his chart by a close conjunction of Venus to the Sun.  Venus conjunct Mars in a triple conjunction formation contributed to his reputation as a heartthrob.  The Moon closely trine Jupiter and exactly sextile Chiron brought self-confidence and optimism, and a successful career.

Life and Career

Kristoffer Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas.  His father was a military man (Sun conjunct Mars in Kris’ chart) who wanted him to follow in his footsteps.  But Kris wanted to be a writer, and pursued that path academically, to his father’s annoyance.  It was his goal to be a novelist, which is the branch of writing associated with the sign of Cancer.  The family moved a great deal because of his father’s profession and later settled in California, where Kris studied at College, winning prizes for his essays.  He also excelled at Rugby.  But the teacher who influenced him the most was philosophy Professor Frederick Sontag.  Kris graduated with a B.A. in Literature.

He was not just a pretty face!  In 1958 he won a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University.  It was while he was there that he began writing songs.  He also received an opportunity to record, with pop manager Larry Parnes. Musical success was to elude him for a few more years however.  He gained a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in English Literature from Merton College, after which he married a long term girlfriend Frances Beer.

He then bowed to family pressure for a while, joining the military (Sun conjunct Mars), attaining the rank of captain and becoming a helicopter pilot (four natal planets in Gemini).  While stationed in West Germany, he formed a music band.  When he left the army to pursue song writing, his family disowned him.

He moved to Nashville, but his marriage floundered and ended in divorce in 1969.  His songwriting was gaining strength at this time, and he was linked with Janis Joplin for a time.  Their synastry is interesting, including exactly trined Mercuries, and her Venus at his I.C.  She may have stimulated his songwriting ability.  Some of his best songs were recorded by other artists at this point.  Hits included “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Help Me Make it Through the Night” and “For the Good Times”.  Between 1985 and 1995 he played with the band “The Highwaymen.”

He married Rita Coolidge in 1973, having met her in 1970 at Los Angeles airport.  Together they had sung the definitive version of “Help Me Make it Through the Night”.  They had many astrological connections, not all of them easy:  a strong tie in the conjunction of her Sun to his Ascendant, for instance.  Her Mercury was well-aspected to his Moon, Jupiter and Chiron.  Her Venus was exactly conjunct that of Johnny Cash, a close friend of theirs, and trined Kris’s Moon.  Her Venus was well-aspected to his Jupiter and Chiron, so there was much harmony.  But their Marses and Jupiters were exactly square, indicating friction…(I could go on).  They divorced in 1980.

Meanwhile, he began a career as an actor, starting with “Cisco Pike” in 1972. In 1976 he gained a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in “A Star is Born” with Barbra Streisand who became a good friend.  Their synastry shows a great closeness: her Sun trines his North Node, showing a karmic connection; Her Mercury conjoins his Uranus, a telepathic connection, their Marses are exactly conjunct, and her Mars also exactly conjoins his Venus.  No wonder they made a convincing match in that film, and a beautiful musical collaboration in the song “Evergreen”.  He was regarded as a skilled actor, films over the decades including “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore ” (1974), “Heaven’s Gate” (1980) and the “Blade” trilogy (1998-2004).  He announced his retirement in January 2021.

He leaves behind eight children from his three marriages.

I suffer for my art.  This morning I have listened to seven versions of “For the Good Times”: Kris Kristofferson’s, Al Green’s, Elvis Presley’s, Bill Nash’s, Andy Williams’, Dean Martin’s, and (in my opinion, the smoothest) Perry Como’s!  Actually, I enjoyed every single one.

“Let’s just be glad
We have this time to spend together
There is no need
To watch the bridges that we’re burning”

~ Kris Kristofferson, For the Good Times

Aspects

Today we have a fractious square between Mercury and Mars which can bring can bring irritations, wars of words, and minor cuts and bruises.  So, proceed with caution.  If you are sufficiently centred, you may be quite productive, producing brisk work.  In the wider world, war situations can be exacerbated and negotiations abruptly broken off (if they have been started).  Don’t rely on peace breaking out, today.

Tuesday (8th) brings a better chance of harmony, at least in the personal sphere, with two trines (though an opposition later).  The first trine is between Venus and Mars, harmony between the sexes or within your own inner male and female, occurring in the morning.  It would be a good opportunity for sharing and balancing roles in a partnership, such as career and parenting.  Body awareness, whether it be through yoga, or massage, will bring a sense of wellbeing.

The second trine, between Mercury and Jupiter, occurs at lunchtime.  This aspect will help business transactions, and expand our horizons, minds and philosophies.  This is an upbeat vibe mentally, one that takes in great wads of information, produces good ideas and may incline one to travel.  There may be media opportunities, for those so inclined, and it could be a productive day.  A cause for optimism may be found.  It may also assist nations reaching out to each other.

There may be a challenge later in the day, with Chiron opposing Mercury.  If you are on journeys, try and return earlier than planned.  Health challenges and check ups may be disruptive.  This aspect may bring up some ingenuity in problem-solving, too.  Communications may urge and stimulate you to find solutions.

A more reflective turn occurs on Wednesday (9th) when Jupiter is Stationary prior to turning retrograde.  Sagittarians may feel the effect more than most. Though you may have been working along a particular line and making steady progress, you may now have to re-assess. Voting will take place to whittle down the prospective Tory leaders to the final two.  One of the Tory contenders for leadership may have to make a U-turn on prospective policies, seeing an adverse public reaction, though it might be too late for such an action to help them.

Finally, on Saturday (12th), another planet is Stationary prior to changing direction…Well, I still think of Pluto as a planet.  It will be another turning point, psychologically, as Pluto moves to Direct motion.  We may feel we are making headway in our transitions, or at least gaining a foothold on a more salubrious path.  Although we are still living in stressful times, we may be able to size up our tunnel, even if the light at the end may not yet be showing itself.  If you have a breakthrough on Saturday, that may be the sign you need.  This may help stabilize the changes made for Jupiter on Wednesday, and smooth the earlier transition.  This feature occurs just after midnight in the morning, so you may feel some of the vibe when you are retiring for the night on Friday evening.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Fractious
• Tuesday – progressive: harmony between the sexes; mentally expansive; then a conundrum
• Wednesday – reflective philosophies
• Saturday – progressive psychology

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) 

“Nietzsche…had a more penetrating knowledge of himself than any other man who ever lived or was likely to live”

~ Sigmund Freud

Time for the next in my zodiacal series of Philosophers, and we now come to Libra, for which I have chosen Friedrich Nietzsche, an influential thinker in modern times.   How far does a philosopher’s work reflect their Sunsign, and overall birthchart? 

Birth Chart

Nietzsche had Sun in Libra, with the Moon in the philosopher’s sign Sagittarius.  But the sign of Libra is not an inappropriate sign for a philosopher, whose science is very much about balance and opposites, e.g. light and dark.  And his Scorpio Ascendant is very much a characteristic of his work, too.  Venus, Mars and his Midheaven were all in Virgo.  So Nietzsche had strong elements of the signs either side of his Sun.  Rarely is a birth chart straightforward or simplistic. We see some of that struggle for balance, and sway of opposites in his writings which compare and contrast Apollonian and Dionysian ways of being, in his first major work “The Birth of Tragedy”.

Nietzsche had the Sun closely trine Neptune, so was very sensitive; and at the same time, he had the Sun exactly opposite Pluto, emphasizing that Scorpio Ascendant, and the contrasts between Light and Dark.  The Moon in Sagittarius contributed The Philosopher Archetype, but its square with Venus reflected his aggravated relationship with his sister (the female planets in a state of tension).  The Moon was also conjunct his North Node in Sagittarius, his karmic mission as a philosopher.

A prominent feature of his work was as a critic, and the Critic Archetype is shown in his conjunction of Mercury and Mars, and Venus in Virgo.

“And you tell me, my friends, that there is no disputing of taste and tasting? But all of life is a dispute over taste and tasting taste – that is at the same time weight and scales and weighed; and woe unto all the living that would live without disputes over weight and scales and weighted!”

~ Nietzsche, from Thus Spake Zarathustra

He was known especially as a critic of culture, and with a highly strung conjunction of Mercury and Chiron in Libra (Mercury was at the end of Virgo) he was especially keen on music (one of the provinces of Libra), even composing his own music, and he was especially keen on the music of Richard Wagner (until he fell out with him). 

Mercury exactly opposite Uranus made him controversial in his ideas, and often unpopular in his lifetime.  Michael Tanner writes about his “employment of words that shock, still, as much as he must have intended that they should”.

In addition Venus (his ruling planet) in Virgo made him very fussy, a trait which also got him into hot water.  His relationships did not tend to be successful, with in addition Venus squaring the Nodal Axis.

Life and Relationships

Friedrich Nietzsche was born in Rocken, near Leipzig.  His grandfather Gotthelf was a philosopher, his father a Luteran pastor.  He had a sister, Elisabeth.  He attended a private school, and at that time of his life was interested in Christian theology.  In his education he received a grounding in several languages.  Friedrich started out his working life as a philologist rather than a philosopher, studying and teaching language.

This was a formative time of his life, for he had spent a year of voluntary service with the Prussian artillery, and was deemed one of the finest riders.  But in March 1868 he had a riding accident which left him unable to walk for months, and he returned to his studies.   He also met Richard Wagner in that year.  Through his musical interests, he had been a fan of Richard Wagner.  Although Libra is a musical sign, in Nietzsche’s birth chart  Venus, the ruler of Libra, receives three squares, so his music may not have been harmonious. Certainly Wagner and other commentators criticized his compositions.  One of Nietzsche’s own comments about music was:  “the pleasure produced by the tragic myth has the same origin as the pleasurable perception of dissonance in music”.

At the very young age of 24, in 1868, Nietzsche took the Chair of Classical Philology at the University of Basel, and stayed in that post for a decade.

Wagner and Cosima

Nietzsche originally met Richard Wagner in Leipzig in 1868, and later met Cosima, Wagner’s wife.  They became close friends and this friendship endured for about ten years, before a falling-out.  It was said that Nietzsche was in love with Cosima.

Ree and Salome

The relationship however which did touch Nietzsche so deeply that completely broke his heart was that with Lou Salome, a psychoanalyst.  Together with Paul Ree, the trio became close friends and travelled together, planning to create an educational commune.  He asked Ree to propose to her on his behalf, and was rejected three times.  However, Ree was himself in love with Salome, and in 1882, the friendship(s) broke up.  On the rebound from this unrequited love, Nietzsche began to write “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.  He wrote about his internal tensions: “It involves a tension between opposing passions which I cannot cope with”.  In this period, he also turned away from a long term admiration of the work of philosopher Schopenhauer, known to be one of the most negative philosophers.

Nietzsche’s most productive period was roughly in the decade from 1879, when his written works included: The Gay Science (1882), Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883), Beyond Good and Evil (1886), and Ecce Homo (1888).

In 1886, his sister married an anti-semite named Bernhard Forster, and founded a Germanic colony in Paraguay.  This was a further contention between them (she had tried to break up his relationship with Ree and Salome), because he was opposed to anti-semitism and nationalism.

Tragedy

Nietzsche had suffered from ill-health most of his life, e.g. in 1879 he suffered 118 days of severe migraines.  On 3rd January 1889 he suffered an acute physical and mental breakdown, losing his mental faculties – it has been speculated that he suffered from syphilis.  His life as a practising philosopher was effectively over.   Though Jupiter was trine his natal Pluto, it seemed his whole system blew a fuse.    Uranus (sudden events) was transiting his natal Sun, and Neptune (over-sensitivity) was opposite his Ascendant.

He was initially looked after by his mother, and after her death in 1897 by his sister Elisabeth, with whom as we have seen he had always had a stormy relationship: in their synastry her Jupiter was square his Venus, and her Saturn at 0 Pisces square his natal Ascendant, on 4th House cusp of home and family.  This difficult sibling relationship may be depicted by Saturn at the beginning of his 3rd House of Siblings in his natal chart.  Elisabeth had returned to England from Paraguay in 1893 after her husband’s suicide.  She allowed him visitors, such as Rudolph Steiner.

After Nietzsche’s death in 1900 following a series of strokes, she set about organizing his works for publication, but with her own anti-semitic spin. In her chart, she also had the Critic Archetype, in the shape of Mercury exactly conjunct Mars like him. The result of this anti-semitic tone for his work was that he was misrepresented for decades, until his work was re-translated by Walter Kauffman, born in 1921, a Professor at Princeton.  Michael Tanner writes: “To widespread surprise, and only slightly less widespread agreement, Nietzsche turned out to be a reasonable man, even a rationalist… Kauffman sought to establish comprehensively his remoteness from the Nazis, from all irrationalism movements that had claimed him as their forebear”.  His work experienced a resurgence of popularity from the 1960s.

Some Philosophical Themes

“The Birth of Tragedy”

This was the first of Nietzsche’s publications, dating from 1872, and deals with the theme of tragedy as it related to musical composition principally, and was not received well by Wagner.  He treats of the opposition between the Apollonion (order) and Dionysian (chaos) ways of being, and according to Nietzsche “These two different tendencies walk side by side, usually in violent opposition to one another, inciting one another to ever more powerful births”.

In this statement and dynamic can be seen the dilemma of the Libran who is heavily influenced by the Scorpio energies. Someone with a few planets in Libra can focus more easily on the process of keeping balance. As often happens, people with Sun in Libra have a few planets in neighbouring sign Scorpio, or as in Nietzsche’s case Sun opposite Pluto, a sign of excess, which constantly tips the balance of the scales to extremes. Balance (Libra) and Transformation (Pluto and Scorpio) are in constant calibration.

God is Dead

This statement, for which Nietzsche is famous, occurs in several of his writings.  It has given rise to the equally oft-quoted quip, “Nietzsche is dead – God”.  This has led to the assumption that Nietzsche was an atheist, which some have argued against.  He has also been seen as a Nihilist, for the same reason and with the same level of contention, although he did not admit to this label until 1887.

“Beyond Good and Evil”

Nietzsche’s work of this title treats of other Libran themes:  opposites, equality, values and morals.  It is in the search for the resolution of opposites, we find a position beyond it.  So much so, that he even questions the existence of opposites:

“He moves on to a wide range of issues, the most searching of which is the metaphysician’s ‘faith in opposite values’…By contrast Nietzsche doubts: ‘whether there are any opposites at all’.  He favours the idea that each value might contain its opposite.

He looks at the development of the notions of good and evil over history, such as the perceptions of masters and slaves, and what might be bad or good in their eyes.  And he concludes: “There are no moral phenomena at all, only a moral interpretation of phenomena.”

“Ecce Homo”

Ecce Homo is an autobiography of sorts.  He states: “Hear me! For I am such and such a person. Above all, do not mistake me for someone else.”  Perhaps it is this tome which led Freud to declare him foremost in self-awareness.  Freud was also well acquainted with Salome, who became a patient of his. He further developed his critique of moral systems in this work, recommending a new more naturalistic source of value.  In this “autobiography” he writes about the experience of writing Thus Spoke Zarathustra.  Ecce Homo is one of his last works, and in it he states: “Apart from the fact that I am decadent, I am also the reverse of such a creature”.

“Will to Power”

Another concept associated with Nietzsche is the will to power, which he sees as fundamental to human existence – the expression of competing wills.  In Thus Spoke Zarathustra he wrote the following poem:

The world is deep,

Deeper than day had been aware. Deep is it’s woe;

Joy -deeper yet than agony:

Wow implores: go!

But all joy wills eternity –

Wills deep, wills deep eternity.

The will to power is the third of Zarathustra’s teachings.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

This work was written over a long period of years, 1883 to 1892.  In this story, the figure Zarathustra is a lonely figure wandering in foreign lands.  Zarathustra is a poet and oracle, but also based on Zoroaster and Nietzsche himself.  He raises many of his recurring themes in this work, including the idea of “Eternal Recurrance” which came to him in August 1881 when he was in Switzerland: “I stopped beside a mighty pyramidal block of stone. Then the idea came to me”  Pluto was exactly opposite his Ascendant at the time – very Scorpionic (birth, death and rebirth) and very transformational.  Eternal recurrence “stresses the significance of our present actions: whatever we do now will return to us, again and again” (Laurenc Gane, from the Graphic Guide).

Concluding Thoughts

“At moments of stress in his writing, he sometimes resorts to formulations which are oxymoronic or in the deepest sense sentimental, because he knows that one element in the combination is too deeply embedded in us to be withdrawn, while the other is what would redeem  it, despite its manifest incompatibility”

and

“A faithful disciple of Nietzsche, manages a nimble dialectic between lightness and heaviness, meaning or value and futility”

~ Michael Tanner

Hubby, whose downstairs library now has a sign hanging above it “Philosophy Room” argues “Nietzsche wasn’t very Libran!”  I argue that he was trying to resolve opposites, as per the Libran scales.  And his Scorpio side constantly tipped the scales over. The debate continues!  Perhaps the next philosopher will be a pure-bred Scorpio!

Bibliography:

Michael Tanner. Nietzsche, A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press 1995

Laurence Gane & Piero. Nietzsche, A Graphic Guide.  Icon Books Ltd. 2013

Aspects

The position of the Sun today, at the beginning of the week, is at the South Node in Libra, which may mean past karmic glory coming home to roost; for the most part that can be a positive gain.  The South Node in Sagittarius relates to past lives in connection with religion, pioneering, adventure, exploration, academia and publishing.  This can also refer to earlier phases in this lifetime.

Later on in the day Mercury also transits this point and we have a conjunction of Mercury to the South Node.  This favours the exercise of the mind in relation to karma.  Review the teachers and teachings of your life prior to this moment, and review how you receive and process information currently: that will help you evaluate karmic factors.  Also under scrutiny is where you may play the role of teacher and student in  your life.

Tomorrow (Monday 30th) Mars trines Saturn in the early hours of the morning, probably while you still sleep (in the U.K.).  This favours practical action, and works that are deliberately planned and executed.  Hard work can pay off.

In the evening, there is a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury at 7 degrees Libra.  More mental clarity is possible under this aspect.  That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.  It is a good day to apply your mind with concentration and focus,  make important statements, and look to the future.  You may write or speak some memorable lines.  This mental outlook can be applied successfully in relationships and dealings with others.

Wednesday (2nd October) provides us with a Solar Eclipse/New Moon at 10 degrees Libra, a renewal of relationships.  Artistic, musical and relationship issues may receive a boost, so any seeds sown in those areas may bear fruit.  Balance and harmony can emerge from your efforts.  As an eclipse, these new moon opportunities are heightened, and the consequences can prove a turning point (with effects possible up to six months).

On Friday (4th) the week’s aspects conclude on a serious but positive note: that of a trine between Venus and Saturn, which may consolidate any progress made on the New Moon in Libra.  This can bring hope, of people coming together with more commitment and loyalty.  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.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – karmic power and information
• Tomorrow – constructive practical action
• Wednesday – turning point and new beginning in relationships
• Friday – commitment and loyalty

Brazier & Sons

Jeff Brazier and his sons Bobby and Freddy have made a strong showing on our TV screens in the last couple of years.  This week he and younger son Freddy appeared in the final of the Race Across the World, a series in which they provided some of the most poignant moments.

Jeff Brazier

Jeff Brazier is a Geminian, born on 27th May 1979, and has been a television presenter since the early 2000s.  Among their many talents, Geminis are suited to a career in the media and broadcasting, because of their communication skills.  Jeff also has the Moon in Gemini, and the Moon represents the women in his life – the mother of his two boys, Jade Goody, was also a Gemini.  He has Mars square Jupiter, over-the-top energy allied with enthusiasm (useful for a presenter) but at the same time Mars closely trine Saturn, a measure of self-control in his actions.  He has Saturn conjunct his North Node (responsibility, as part of his karmic mission).

Jeff was born in Bracknell, and was fostered for a while in childhood, also spending time in a women’s refuge.  He attended a comprehensive school near Colchester.  He appeared in the third series of Shipwrecked in 2001, then started a career as a presenter.  He began seeing Jade Goody, who appeared in Big Brother in 2002, and together they took part in Celebrity Wife Swap in 2003, with Charles Ingram (the coughing Millionaire) and his wife.   Jeff has had a long and varied career in television presenting, and in real life was left to bring up his two boys (with the help of his mother) when their mother Jade died in 2009.  At that point in his life, transiting Jupiter trined his natal Pluto, and Saturn sextiled his natal Uranus, signalling changes in the power dynamic in his life.  On 1st October 2017 he became engaged to Kate Dwyer and later married her, and she played a role in bringing up the boys.  The poignancy of his role as single parent was reawakened for the public when eldest son Bobby achieved success in television as a charismatic new personality.

Jade Goody

Jade Goody, born on 5th June 1981, appeared in the third series of Big Brother in 2002, and I well remember her first day in that house, and the fact that she was immediately up for eviction, but was saved.  She spoke very quickly (Sun in Gemini) and gushingly (Moon in Cancer).  These days, many reality TV contestants reveal their ignorance, but she was probably the first to show her lack of knowledge of things like basic geography.  She had 0 planets in the Earth signs, so may have been ungrounded.  Her Sun woud be unaspected, except for a trine with Pluto.  Her Moon in Cancer was conjunct her North Node, so an important part of her karmic mission was bringing her children into the world.  Like Jeff, she had Venus square Jupiter.  Venus in her chart was opposite Neptune, bringing perhaps some delusions  in love, and she could be easily led.   Mars in Gemini showed an attraction to Gemini men, of which Jeff was one and so was her later partner.  Like Jeff, she had Mars trine Saturn.  Her Jupiter conjunct Saturn, meant she could sometimes shoot herself in the foot.  Jupiter sextile Uranus was entrepreneurial, but Jupiter square Neptune may have brought confusion around religion vs spirituality.

Jade was born in Bermondsey, her father having substance dependency and her mother being a drug addict.  Jade made a living as a dental nurse, before entering the Big Brother house.  She became a “celebrity” when she left the house, in the new vogue for this phenomenon, long before social media influencers and the like.  She split up from Jeff in 2004, after the two boys were born.  But her unravelling came in 2007 when she took part in a celebrity edition of Big Brother, together with her then boyfriend Jack Tweed.  She became part of a racist clique against the Indian actress Shilpa Shetty.  At the time, I felt that her then partner fuelled the attitudes, but other contestants also took part.  Shilpa herself was Geminian (8th June) and Jack Tweed yet another (9th June)!  Shilpa triumphed and won the series, with Jupiter on her Neptune (on the right side morally).  Whereas for Jade and Jack, it was a spiritual and karmic test (Saturn on Jade’s Neptune; Nodal Axis square Jack’s Sun).  Jade was remorseful when she realized what she had done, and in August 2008 took part in the Indian version, as karmic recompense.  However, two days into that experience she was told she had cervical cancer.  For the rest of her days, she strenuously campaigned for research into the disease and raised funds for it.  She also worked to provide enough money for her boys to have a private education, as her own had been so lacking.  Her campaign to make people aware of the condition was widely praised.

Bobby Brazier

Have you yet lost count of the number of Geminis in this blog?  I am about to introduce another one, as in the first son of Jeff and Jade, for Bobby was born on 2nd June 2003.  I often encounter whole families who have a preponderance of one sign, and Bobby is not only a Geminian like his parents, but has many similarities in his birth chart including: Mars trine Saturn, which all three have, Moon in Cancer like his mum, Mercury square Jupiter also like her,  and Venus square Jupiter like both his parents.

He began modelling at the age of 16, having been scouted in the street.  Then in 2022 he took the  role of Freddie Slater in Eastenders.  Confused?  You will be:  This week the storyline focussed on a love triangle between Freddie, Anna, and Freddie’s best friend Bobby.  With Bobby Brazier having a younger brother named Freddy, he must have been confused initially playing a role named after his younger brother addressing his best friend in the soap by his own name!

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has divulged:

“There was some of what I saw in Bobby that I thought would be perfect for Freddie. His energy, his twinkle, his spiritual side. So then we brought Bobby in to audition along with some others and he just blew us away with his performance. He is Freddie Slater.”

As Freddie, Bobby was awarded the Rising Star award at the NTAs.

I wrote about his chart when he appeared in Strictly Come Dancing last year:

“In his chart Bobby has a close sextile of Jupiter to his Sun, which gives him good opportunities in life.  His father gave him the motto “because I can”, according to his speech at the NTAs.  His Sun is also closely trine Neptune, so he is close to spirit, possibly in his connection with his mother who died young.  He plans to dedicate a dance to her in the competition.  His Moon (mother) is sparsely aspected in his chart, a reflection of the lack of her physical presence.  But his father Jeff seems to have done a good job of bringing up Bobby and his brother.  Bobby has Mercury conjunct Venus, so like his Eastenders character, he can be a smooth talker.  Mercury closely trines his Chiron, so like his character, he can think up quick solutions to any scrapes.  Mars trines Saturn, so he has the ability to work deliberately and in a disciplined way, useful in his acting career.  Jupiter opposes Neptune exactly in his chart, so he may be confused in matters of religion.  But Jupiter trine Pluto gives him an awareness of his own power.  He tells us he has “great rhythm”, and practises mindfulness”.  I added that the couple could be propelled into the final, which they were.  In Strictly, as in Eastenders, Bobby exuded a joyful persona.

Freddy Brazier

Freddy has an interesting birth chart.  First of all, he is the only one in the family who is not Geminian!  But he is, as a Virgoan, Mercury-ruled in common with the Geminians.  He has a triple conjunction in Virgo composed of Mars/Sun/Jupiter, which is sextiled by Saturn.  His father hinted frequently on Race Across the World of his potential, and I can see that astrologically.  He seemed to be more intuitive than his father in their travel dilemmas.  His Sun is exactly conjunct Mars (the red hair) and its closeness to Jupiter is a family trait – both parents have strong Mars-to-Jupiter connections (that energy-enthusiasm streak).  With the Sun trine Chiron, he has ability in problem-resolution.  With his mother, he shares Venus opposite Neptune.  He also has an exact sextile between Mars and Saturn, reminiscent of the Mars-Saturn trine of his other family members.  Uranus exactly sextile his North Node may single out his mission in life as something special (his mother had Uranus trine her North Node).

The series of Celebrity Race Across the World which has just finished, has been an absolute delight to watch.  The scenery, flora and fauna of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Argentina were outstandingly breathtaking.  But the celebrities themselves were brave to undertake such a challenging journey, and its repercussions for their relationships.

The final was televised on Wednesday, on Freddy’s 20th birthday.  It must have been a profound watch for each of them.  Also, exactly on the day Neptune was exactly opposite Freddy’s Jupiter, so he has been going through a confusing time internally, with a lot of soul-searching.  For Jeff, it may have been quite a confrontational experience, with Mars sextile his natal Mars and sextile his Saturn.  At the same time, it may have strengthened his resolve, in some ways.

In the programme, Jeff talked about bringing up the two boys, and Freddy talked about how little he remembered his mother.  They shared some very special moments.  However, recently it is reported that Freddy has left home and is currently with Jade’s mother Jackiey.  Father and son seemed close on the programme, but it is clear they still have issues to resolve.  And the Sun exactly conjunct Mars that Freddy has, is pretty fiery!  They have a deep connection, with Freddy’s Pluto exactly conjunct Jeff’s Neptune, so can trigger each other, with the need to work through and digest what comes up.  But the honesty of what they shared in the experience was very moving, for the viewer at least.

Aspects

At breakfast time this morning the Sun was trine with Pluto.  You can be sustained by the fortitude of this aspect, which is deals with the important and deep stuff of life and psychology.  You may experience and contemplate in great depth, and any creativity will have this profound quality imbued within it.  You may find that you have made more real progress than you thought, and your patience is rewarded.  There could be a revelation.

The Autumn Equinox occurred at lunchtime, when the Sun entered Libra, and it is a good time for rebalancing and recalibrating.  There may be a lift in mood, accompanying a greater appreciation of the beauty of nature, and awareness of the quality of design, whether in or out of the home.  Libra may draw you to artistic or musical pursuits, new relationships, or an interest in the law and justice.  It may be time to switch to your Autumn wardrobe:  I wore yellow last week, as my last hurrah for the summer!

This evening is not quite so mellow, however, for Pluto will square Venus and so there may be deeper issues to unravel in relationships.  Deep feeling issues may be preying on your mind.  These will require some psychological soul-searching for a true interpretation, and may spur on honest-as-you-can-be interpersonal communication.

In a similar mood of examining intimacy and also finance, Venus enters the Pluto-ruled sign of Scorpio tomorrow (Monday 23rd), so emotions and passions could be heightened.  This is a time when deep feelings can be experienced and expressed.  Her previous sojourn through Libra focussed on relationships, and on entering Scorpio the quality of relationship deepens.  You can take a relationship to the next level.  Venus will change sign again on 17th October, so make the most of the opportunity.

Mercury trines Uranus on Tuesday (24th), which can inspire high functioning minds, intuition and good ideas.   Uranus will add extra spice to your plans, and documentation.  Computers and technology should be on sparkling form and assist your expression.  You may spring pleasant surprises.  Writing projects may also flow.

The mindset is not so sharp on Wednesday (25th) with an opposition between Neptune and Mercury.  That can bring mental confusion.  There may be for instance a mental dilemma, or you may be trying to get clarification on something.  It may be difficult to focus, if you are engaged in documentation work.  Journeys may be long and complicated, and for some a connection with water could be incident-prone (such as leaks).

Different prospects again for Thursday (26th).  First Mercury trines Pluto in the early hours, which is mentally harmonious if not challenging us to dig deeper.  This aspect is conducive to psychological reflection, and earnest conversations between friends or colleagues.  It is good for in-depth consultations and negotiations, and researching past lives.  Dreams could be vivid.

Then Mercury enters Libra at breakfast time, which may be a breath of relief from all the soul-searching.  This brings a new mental focus on cultural themes, which could bring more pure enjoyment: art and music being fundamental areas for Libra, and decision-making. Mercury in Libra is slightly more relaxed than Mercury in Virgo (even though Virgo is Mercury’s home sign), and it stays  only until 13th October.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – depth; mellow fruitfulness; searching in relationships
• Tomorrow – depth in relationship
• Tuesday – sparkling minds
• Wednesday – fuzzy minds
• Thursday – profound thinking; moving on to lighter mental themes

Strictly Come Dancing 2024

Despite the controversies of the last few months, Strictly goes on.

Last night’s first show, in which the pairs are matched up, was a riot of colour and fun!

As usual, I will start with four contestants, and their professional partners…

Toyah Willcox

” I think dancing is one of the most extraordinary things about being a human being.”

Singer and actress Toyah Wilcox has over half her planets (6) in the Fixed signs, meaning that she is very strong willed.  She has the Sun in Taurus, and was born on a New Moon, which means she can always start afresh.  Her Ascendant is in Leo, giving rise to the Actress and Performer.  With Mercury square Uranus, she not afraid to be controversial.

Toyah was born in King’s Heath, Birmingham.  Her mother was a professional dancer.  She went to a private school, but suffered from dyslexia, and was a rebellious child.  At school she gained an O-level in music.  She felt at home with the burgeoning punk scene, formed a band, and also took up acting.  She then had to have corrective surgery on her feet (possibly the natal Sun/Neptune opposition).  She attended Drama School in Birmingham.  She produced two iconic musical hits in 1981: “It’s a Mystery” and “I want to be Free”, which describe her unique personality.

Toyah is partnered with Neil Jones, who is another Taurean with a triple conjunction of Mars/Mercury/Chiron in that sign.  Her Saturn is opposite his Venus, which may be problematic, but on the plus side her Uranus trines his Jupiter which could spark some enterprising performances.  Her Pluto sextiles his Saturn, which will challenge him to come up with his best work.  Her North Node sits on his Saturn, so this relatinship will be hard work, but with a strong sense of purpose.  Their Uranuses are exactly trine, so innovation will be a strong feature of their performance.  Her Pluto trines his Neptune, adding more depth.  It’s an interesting synastry.

Her current transits include Uranus on her Sun (an exciting new project), Saturn on her Mars (the requirement of a lot more self-discipline), and the North Node trine her natal Uranus (more excitement).  Neil’s current transits show Pluto square his natal Saturn (a significant challenge), North Node trine his natal Uranus (at the same time, excitement), plus Neptune square his Neptune (confusion).

At the end of the tournament, Neptune will be sextile Toyah’s Sun (she will feel at one with ballroom dancing), Jupiter will be square her natal Mars (even higher energy than normal for her), and Uranus will be square her Ascendant from the top of her chart (she will feel that it has been life-changing).  For Neil, Saturn will be sextile his Sun, he will feel a sense of achievement in a quiet way, and Pluto will still be square his natal Saturn (life will still be a challenge as much in his personal life).  This combination does not look like a winning formula, but they could go a long way, with hard work.

Chris McCausland

“I have found that the further out of my comfort zone I put myself, the more incredible the experience has been”

Comedian Chris McCausland is the first blind player to take part. He is a Geminian, with a very Geminian birth chart – he certainly has a quick wit, and interjected a great deal of humour into last night’s programme.  He is also a real individual, with no planetary aspects to his Sun, although it is trine with his North Node, so he  is living his life in tune with his karma.  Mars conjunct Chiron can mean wounding to the eyes, and this can be from a past-life cause.  He has Jupiter sextile Saturn, giving him generally balanced judgement.

He was born in West Derby Village in Liverpool, and his blindness (retinitis pigmentosa) developed gradually.  He took a degree in software engineering from Kingston University, then worked as a web developer.  His first stint as a stand-up comedian came in July 2003, with Jupiter sextile his natal North Node setting him on his path.

Chris is partnered with flame-haired Taurean Dianne Buswell.  She admits she is not sure how she will teach him!  But in their chemistry, their Marses are exactly sextile, so their energies will work well together.  Her Jupiter trines his Pluto, so she can encourage him and it will be a beneficial experience for him.  However in the inevitable complexities of their interaction, her Neptune is square to his Pluto and her Pluto is square to his Saturn.

Their transits now, as they embark on their journey together, show Jupiter trine his natal North Node (a positive experience) and Saturn squaring his natal Jupiter (some struggle).  For Dianne a Mars Return (let’s get on with the job!), Mars opposite her natal Uranus (it’s electrifying!), Uranus on her Venus (an exciting new relationship), and Neptune sextile her natal Venus (highlighting her skill as a dancer and dance teacher).

At the final, Chris will have a Jupiter Return (he will be enjoying the final!), and Jupiter will oppose his natal Neptune (he will be in a state of flux philosophically).  Dianne will have a Mercury Return (plenty to think about), Mars will be sextile her Mercury (she’ll be busy), Saturn will be sextile her Saturn (life will be steady), Saturn will be trine her natal Pluto (a big shift in her life skills), and Neptune will still be sextile her Venus.  Let’s hope Chris stays in as long as possible – he’s a great character and wit to have in the contest.

Sarah Hadland

Actress Sarah Hadland is best known as Miranda Hart’s sidekick in the comedy series “Miranda”.  Interestingly Miranda’s Mars squares Sarah Nodal Axis (an interaspect mentioned for Nick Knowles and Luba) – and there is an abrasive element in the roles played by Miranda and her sidekick.  Sarah has the Sun in Taurus closely conjunct Saturn, which may inhibit her in some aspects of dance.  She has Mars sextile Jupiter, energy allied to enthusiasm.  Jupiter exactly conjunct Neptune could help her in dance, certainly in having a good attitude. Saturn closely trine Pluto indicates a good strategist: she sniffed Vito’s shoe apparently to manifest him as a partner!

Sarah was born in Hertfordshire, and began dancing at the age of three.  At school, she was involved in amateur dramatics, then studied at an Arts College in Epsom.  She has had a variety of roles as an actress and appeared in West End musicals.  She worked in comedy with Mitchell and Webb, and starred in Waterloo Road.  She joined Miranda in November 2009, with Jupiter conjunct her natal North Node (the big opportunity).  Toyah says of Sarah: “I think Sarah Hadland is fabulous. She looks fabulous. She’s a wonderful person and great fun to be with. She’s a great mover too”.

She is partnered with Vito Coppola, last year’s winner of Strictly.  His Jupiter is conjunct her Pluto (another powerful pairing), and his Saturn sextiles her natal Chiron (a steadying mutual influence).  In last night’s pairing, he claimed they had the same energy.  This perception may be from the fact that her Mars is closely trine his natal Sun.

Sarah’s current transits show Uranus trine her Pluto, an important new project in her life energetically.  For Vito, Uranus is exactly trine his natal Jupiter to the day (he is excited at this enterprise), and Saturn is sextile his natal Neptune (he feels he can shape something from it).

For the final, Uranus will be transiting Sarah’s Sun (super-excitement), but Mars will be opposite her Mars (risk of injury).  However, the North Node will be trine her natal Jupiter /Neptune (some karmic reward).  Also worthy of note is Neptune exactly opposing her natal Pluto on the day.  She could be a dark horse, and it could be a nerve-wracking experience – perhaps she will get to the final.

Could Vito lift the glitterball two years running?  Neptune will be opposing his Jupiter, and Saturn will be sextile his natal Uranus.  These are not outstanding aspects, but last year I wrote: “Although his transits are not great, Ellie’s are very good at the time of the final, and I wonder if that can carry them through.” and of course it did.  Again he has a partner with interesting final transit, so maybe he could do it.

Nick Knowles

Television presenter Nick Knowles has the Sun, Uranus and Pluto in the constructive sign of Virgo.  Again, Nick’s Sun is also sparsely aspected, so he’s another individualistic personality.  Having Venus exactly conjunct Neptune will be a plus on the dance floor, with some musicality.  Three of his siblings are dancers.  Mars in Cancer adds rhythm, and he has played in a band.  Jupiter conjunct Chiron represents the Fixer Archetype, as in DIY SOS!  With Saturn closely conjunct South Node, may have been involved in construction in past lives, e.g. cathedrals in the Middle Ages!

Nick Knowles was born in Southall, and excelled at Rugby at school.  He began as a runner at television, then moved into presenting, and has presented a range of programmes.  He has been married twice and is currently engaged.

Nick is partnered with Luba Mushtuk.  There is a slightly abrasive side to their relationship, with her Mars square to his Nodal Axis, but her Mars works well with his Chiron.  Her Jupiter sextiles his Pluto, so there could be some powerful performances, for example for the Argentine Tango, which Nick is itching to try after sampling dance in Argentina.  Her Saturn also trines his Pluto, which is a stabilizing antidote to the earlier square mentioned.  Their Uranuses ae exactly trine too, so they could surprise or astonish us at times.  Lastly, her Neptune trines his Pluto, so there will be a deep understanding of each other at a fundamental level.

His current transits show Uranus trine his natal Sun (a shiny new prospect in his life), but Neptune opposing his Sun (there may be some self-deception).  Mars is trine his natal Jupiter (adding energy to his enthusiasm), as well.  For Luba, Saturn is trine her natal Pluto, so she will take this task seriously.

At the final, Neptune will still oppose Nick’s Sun, Saturn will trine his Venus (he will feel he has done his best), but Mars will oppose his Saturn (some frustration).  Although he seemed to dance well last night, I do not think he will reach the final.  For Luba, Uranus will be opposite her natal Mercury (disruption), and the Nodal Axis will be square her natal Uranus (more disruption), indicating that they will not reach the final.

Of these first four, Sarah Hadland looks to have the best prospects in the competition.  I will be back in a few weeks with the next instalment!

Aspects

Venus was trine Jupiter early this morning, which is one of the brightest aspects of the year.  I am starting a new health and fitness regime today, and also beginning work on Volume III of my trilogy (“The Quiet Office – Windows to the Future”), which is a happy synchronicity.  Today could be a very social time.  Your dreams may have been heavily populated (mine were)!  The day may help in creating good memories.  It could be party time, too.  Close relationships are favoured, and romance may be in the air.

We also have Mars square to the Nodal Axis, so in contrast to the first aspect, there may be group battles and skirmishes.  Prepare preparing your lines of action.  Karma may dictate that you cannot sit and lounge around, you’ll be prompted to action, whether willingly or unwillingly!

Tomorrow (Monday 16th) there is an opposition between Venus and Chiron.  This underlines the need for healing in relationships.  Minor health conditions may be caused by stress, and reducing stress may help to ease the conditions.  Music and meditation may be the way forward.  The issues may be connected with one’s inner female, or one’s relationships.  It may be an artistic conundrum.

Tension builds towards a Lunar Eclipse/Full Moon on Wednesday (18th) at 25 degrees Pisces, in the early hours of that day.  This is an especially tender, sensitive and emotional Full Moon, so tears may flow.  Issues which may come up may be the plastic in the sea, or the fishing industry.  The Pisces Full Moon reminds us that we are all One.  Eclipses can be turning points, relating to a six month effect.

On the same day Saturn opposes Mercury, adding mental stress (sorry, folks!) but at least you will know where it is coming from!  Saturn promises more frustration and delay in communication and travel.  You will be urged to think before you speak, or even to remain tight-lipped in order not to deepen an existing crisis.  Documentation may be delayed, so you may have to tell someone “It’s in the post!”.  I used to post birthday cards the day before, then two days before, and currently three days before, to ensure they reach their target.  But new arrangements in the pipeline may mean posting by second class a week early, with the price of first class stamps due to go up.

A brighter aspect pops up on Thursday (19th), that of the Sun trine Uranus.  This trine may give you the go ahead to forge ahead with innovative plans and original creativity.  This is a hopeful influence, and can also bring surprise.  If your Sunday plans didn’t quite get off the ground to the extent you would have liked, today may be the day to make headway.

Saturday (21st) brings two challenges.  The first is Neptune opposite the Sun, just after midnight.  That could bring complications to your night’s sleep, or insomnia.  Fogginess could be obscuring your aims.  Try to apply yourself to the basics and look at the detail (though that may seem impossible).  Grounding may be needed.

The second challenge, around breakfast time, is brought about by Mercury squared by Jupiter.  This will stimulate us mentally, almost to the point of too much information!  There may be travel involved or planned.  It would be a good day to be out in nature, taking a good stroll, and picking up information.  Mercury square Jupiter is a refreshing aspect, if not a little over-stretching to manage, so you may find yourself travelling a little bit further than your comfort zone.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – sociability and luck; some aggro
• Tomorrow – need for healing in relationships
• Wednesday – emotional high tide; frustration and delay
• Thursday – bright innovations
• Saturday – confusion; overstretched minds

The Tory Leadership Contest

Some of the candidates in the Tory Leadership Contest this week set out their stalls.  Priti Patel was eliminated, leaving 5 contenders.  Here is a snapshot of the candidates, starting with the front runner, Robert Jenryck.

Robert Jenryck

Robert Jenryck leads at the moment, with endorsement by 28 MPs, being 23% of the vote.  Jenryck is a Capricornian, Saturn-ruled, a sign most associated with politics and more specifically Conservatism.  The first three candidates in this contest have markedly strong Capricorn/Saturnian traits.  With half his planets (5) in the Air element, Jenryck may tend to live in his head.  But he does have half his planets in Cardinal signs, pointing to leadership being on his agenda.  He was born on a Full Moon (Sun in Capricorn opposite Moon in Cancer), which can result in a marmite character, who divides opinion.  The Sun square Saturn, emphasizes Capricorn/Saturn, possibly in a negative way.  Pluto also squaring the Sun may further add negativity.  Sun on the South Node points to a previous life as a ruler. With Mercury trine Mars, he likes to get things done.  This also implies that he likes to drive fast, and he has in fact been disqualified from driving in the past.  He has Mercury sextile Uranus, which  indicates an inventive mind.  Venus squaring Jupiter can lead to inappropriate social ideas, such as removing cartoons from the walls of the accommodation for child refugees.  At the time he had the cartoons removed, transiting Mars was sextile his natal Pluto in Libra, a heavy handed act.

Jenryck was born in Wolverhampton, and after being privately educated, read history at St. John’s College Cambridge.  He then went on to study political science at the University of Pennsylvania, after which he qualified as a solicitor.  He has held the seat of Newark since 2014.  In 2016 he opposed Brexit.  He resigned from Rishi Sunak’s cabinet on 6th December 2023 as he felt the Rwanda asylum plan did not go far enough in tackling illegal immigration.  He has worked in a range of departments, including Health, Communities, and Immigration.

On 2nd November 2024, at the time of the result of the Tory Leadership contest, his transits are very lacklustre.  His closest transit is Jupiter trine his natal Saturn, which is mildly encouraging.  Kiran Stacey in the Guardian writes:

“While Jenryck is not one of the more high-profile candidates among the public, he has won support in Westminster by pitching to the right, especially on immigration, despite his reputation as a centrist.”

while Rowena Mason, writes:

“Robert Jenryck is outgunning his Conservative leadership rivals with big donors after raking in £250,000 by the end of last month, while some other candidates are stil short of the fundraising target required to stay in the race.”

Kemi Badenoch 

Kemi Badenoch is currently second in the race, with endorsement by 22 MPs, being 18.6% of the vote.

Kemi’s birth chart bears striking resemblances to Robert Jenryck’s.  Chief among these, she was also born on a Full Moon (the same combination: Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Cancer).  With the Sun trine Mars, she is a warrior.  She has the Sun closely trine Jupiter, so is a little more upbeat and positive than Jenryck.  She is also more grounded, with half her planets (5) in the Earth element.  She has Mars conjunct Jupiter, which gives her enthusiasm allied to energy

She was born in Wimbledon, and spent much of her childhood in Nigeria, coming to England at the age of 16.  She studied Computer Systems Engineering at Sussex University, followed by taking a Masters degree in Engineering.  In 2016, she supported Brexit.  She has held the seat of North West Essex/Saffron Walden since 2017.  She has worked in a range of departments, including Business and Trade, Children and Families, the Treasury, Equalities and Faith, International Trade and Communities.

On 2nd November 2024, at the time of the result of the Tory Leadership contest, Jupiter will be opposite her natal Neptune (could she be handed a poisoned chalice?) and Neptune will oppose her natal Saturn (reinforcing that possibility).

In the Guardian, John Crace reported:

“Hard to believe, I know, but some Tories still feel the leadership of their party is a prize worth having…Mostly, Kemi just mumbled a bit.  Policy didn’t really get a look in other than in the Q & A when she took swipes at Tom Tugendhat for putting a figure on migration and Robert Jenrick for threatening to leave the European convention on human rights.”

James Cleverly

James Cleverly is currently third in the race, with endorsement by 21 MPs, being 17.8% of the vote.

He has the Sun in Virgo, but his Conservative credentials lie in having the only aspect to his Sun as a trine from Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn.  He likes to keep upbeat with an exact conjunction of Mercury with Jupiter, and talk up his party with a smooth sextile between Mercury and Venus.  Other interesting features of his chart are the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, part of a triple conjunction with Mercury, indicating the Entrepreneur Archetype, and the third component of this triple conjunction, Mercury conjunct Uranus, a mind that can turn things around easily.  Virgo is an adaptable sign, and in recent years we have seen the various Tory leaders turn to him time and time again to fill an embarrassing gap, or to justify a position in the media.  He also has Mars square Pluto, a combative aspect (“the Warrior Archetype”), which was fulfilled earlier in life by having a military career.  Mars closely square his Nodal Axis reinforces this.

He was born in Lewisham, and was privately educated.  He studied hospitality management at Ealing College of Higher Education (now the University of West London).  He became MP for Braintree in 2015, and in 2016 he voted in favour of Brexit.  He has been involved in a couple of controversies: suggesting British football fans should show “a little bit of flex and compromise” at the Qatar World cup over Qatar’s views on homosexuality.  And last year he made a joke, which fell flat, about spiking his wife’s drink with Rohypnol.  At that time, he had a Mars Return, Mars was square his Nodal Axis, and Neptune opposed his natal Pluto.  He has worked in a range of departments, including Education, Foreign Affairs, and as Home Secretary.

On 2nd November 2024, at the time of the result of the Tory Leadership contest, Jupiter will be opposite his natal Mars, and Uranus will be opposite his natal Neptune: looks like an uphill struggle for him.

John Crace has written this week:

“Jimmy Dimly took the stage to share his experience, strength and hope.  His vision. Really, he needn’t have bothered…He was going to solve the housing crisis by getting everyone to build a two-bedroom flat on top of their existing home.” 

Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat is currently fourth in the race, with endorsement by 17 MPs, being 14.4% of the vote.

Tom does not have a classic Tory birthchart, but like James Cleverly, he does have a military chart, and also pursued a military career.  His Sun in Cancer closely squares Mars (“the Warrior Archetype”) and also Pluto, with Mars opposing Pluto (Cleverly has Mars square Pluto) in a T-square.  Like Robert Jenryck, he has 5 planets in the leadership quadruplicity (Cardinal) and the Sun on the South Node pointing to a previous life as a ruler. Also like Jenryck he has Mercury trine Mars, implying likes to get things done.  And, just like Jenryck, “This also implies that he likes to drive fast, and he has in fact been disqualified from driving.”!  Perhaps an opposition leader needs a combative nature? Apart from the absence of a Saturnian streak, the other feature than marks him out from the others, is a positive Neptune, which has trines from Mercury and Mars (forming a Grand Trine in Fire).  This suggests that he may have more refinement than the other candidates.

Tugendhat was born in Westminster – was that a sign that he was born to lead a political party?   It is said that he has “never made a secret of his ambitions to be Prime Minister one day.”  He attended a private school, St. Paul’s, and studied Theology at Bristol University and Islamic Studies at Gonville and Caius at Cambridge.  He entered the Territorial Army and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He became MP for Tonbridge in 2015, and in 2016 he opposed Brexit.  Controversially, he has recently said he might be in favour of leaving the European Court of Human Rights.  He has worked in the Ministry of Security, acting as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

On 2nd November 2024, at the time of the result of the Tory Leadership contest, he has an array of strong transits, including Mars on his Mercury in Leo, Uranus sextile his natal Venus, the North Node on his Mars, and the North Node trine his natal Neptune.  He probably has the best transits for 2nd November.  Astrologically, I would tip him.

Jessica Elgot and Kiran Stacey write in the Guardian:

“Tom Tugendhat has said people will ‘never vote for a party that they’ve stopped taking seriously’, promising to lead  a ‘Conservative Revolution’…”

Mel Stride

Mel Stride is currently fourth in the race, with endorsement by 16 MPs, being 13.6% of the vote.

Stride has a more uniting sign, Sun in Libra, and is thought of as a centrist.  Though he has Jupiter conjunct Saturn in Capricorn, he is not as Capricornian/Saturnine as the first three.  But that conjunction can get hamstrung.  In the last government, he was often found to be making apologies where other politicians were nowhere to be found.  He doesn’t particularly have a chart which lends itself to leadership.  But there is potential there, perhaps for service in a future government, with a striking North Node conjunct Uranus karmic mission as a reformer.  He would be a negotiator, smoothing over relations in his party as well.

Stride was born in Ealing, and went to Grammar School in Portsmouth.  He then read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford, and became President of the Oxford Union.  He was elected MP for Central Devon in 2010, and in 2016 he was opposed to Brexit. Departments he has worked in include: Work and Pensions, Education, and the Treasury.  While acting as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, he stated his opinion that the triple lock system was not sustainable in the long term.

On 2nd November 2024, at the time of the result of the Tory Leadership contest, Mars will be square his Mars, Neptune will be sextile his natal Jupiter, Uranus will be square his natal Nodal Axis, and Pluto will be square his natal Mars.  He is least likely to reach the last stage of the contest, and his transits at the time look fractious.

So, if I had to choose a candidate, I would say Tom Tugendhat has the better set of transits at the beginning of November.

Aspects

Only four astrological features to take note of this week, beginning this morning with Saturn opposing the Sun.  Not the easiest start to the week, for this may bring be a touch of sadness to work through, a coming down to earth, a dose of reality (which could turn out to be a good thing or have a silver lining).

Tomorrow (Monday 9th) Mercury enters Virgo, and though this is a work mode, Mercury is at least at home in its own sign here, and it is a good start to the working week.  This signals a more studious change in focus and establishing the next academic term.  We will be thinking ahead, planning for our September schedules.  Students and teachers will be ready in their plans for the term ahead.  Businesses will be hoping for an extra push in efficiency for after the holiday period.  Parliamentarians will be setting out their policies, in their new roles, trying to balance out their difficult decisions, and oppositions to difficult decisions.  Mental application will be needed all round.

The aspect for Thursday (12th) is Mercury sextile Mars, 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.

Jupiter also squares the Sun on that day, an aspect which exaggerates everything it comes into contact with.  There is also a joyful, humorous side of Sun square Jupiter, so some laughter-yoga from time to time during the day would not go amiss!  It could be a fun day, but be aware of carelessness or overreaching goals.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – letting go
• Tomorrow – work mode
• Thursday – brisk action; lightheartedness

Sven-Goran Eriksson (1948 – 2024)

“I was looked upon as a distinctly average defender, but someone who rarely made mistakes”

~ Sven-Goran Eriksson

Football Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson died last Monday, aged 76.  He made his mark as the first foreign manager of England’s team, and under his regime they came tantalizingly close to victory.  He is a well-respected figure, however, in football history.

Birth Chart

Sven had an unusually high number of exact aspects in his birthchart, which will have given him the quality of precision.  His Sun was in Aquarius, a sign with the capability of leading in groups, supported by a trine with his Midheaven (Careerpoint).  There is a marked contradiction in his make-up: a coolness and caution, coming from Sun in Aquarius opposite Saturn, plus Saturn exactly square the Nodal Axis; and an enthusiasm coming from Ascendant and Moon conjunct Jupiter in Sagittarius (he was praised for being “positive”.  The Moon closely square Venus may point to contention between females in his life.  Mercury exactly opposite Mars introduces the Critic Archetype into his make-up.  Venus exactly square Jupiter and Uranus point to a controversial love life, and Jupiter exactly opposite Uranus brings up the Chancer Archetype (which contradicts the cautious side). Jupiter trine Saturn will have contributed to balanced judgement.  Neptune exactly conjunct the Midheaven, showed some hint of scandal.  And Chiron at the South Node in Scorpio may indicate a Viking past life!

Life and Career

Sven was born in Sunne, Sweden, a place known for its lakes and streams.  His father was also called Sven.  He made his football debut in a Swedish team at the age of 16, and went on to a playing career as a right-back (a defending position).  He studied Economics at Saffle, and later worked as a physical education teacher.  After playing for a variety of Swedish teams, he retired in 1975 aged 27, after a relatively short career.

In “retirement” he worked with Tord Grip who promoted the English style of play created by Bob Houghton and Roy Hodgson.  He briefly worked in the post of assistant manager of the Swedish national team.  He then went on to manage IFK Goteborg (from 1st January 1979), which was a surprise as many had not heard of him.  This element of surprise was reflected in his transits at the time, having a strong representation from Uranus, the ruler of his Sun sign Aquarius, and the planet of Surprise:

Uranus was square his natal Saturn, a groundbreaking transit, and

Uranus was transiting conjunct his natal South Node, bringing a karmic note.

In this role, he improved results, but was not popular, being criticised for putting results ahead of flair, emphasising tactical awareness and work rate, and reining in the team’s cavalier style.

Then followed a variety of roles in parts of the world, such as at Fiorentina, and Lazio.  In October 2000 he was signed to manage the English team, after Kevin Keegan resigned in an emotional meltdown (Pluto was square to Keegan’s Venus at the time).  Kevin’s Pluto was square Sven Nodal Axis in their synastry – a Plutonian interaspect is often seen when someone replaces another in a role.  Sven’s debut for England occurred on 28th February 2001, with a promising start, and several upbeat transits, which included: Uranus sextile his natal Jupiter, a Great Opportunity; and  Uranus trine his natal Uranus, creating another surprise first with transits from his ruling planet (Uranus coming through for him, again) and Pluto sextile his natal Sun exact to the day, the foundation for a new life (for him). It is no wonder, from these transits, that he forged an important relationship with our national life and society.

In the qualifying stages for the 2002 World Cup, England lost to Germany at Wembley, but when they played them in Munich on 1st September 2001, they beat them 5-1, a truly remarkable result.  They then qualified for the finals by drawing 2-2 with Greece on 6th October of that year, with a great final minute equalizer by David Beckham, with whom Sven forged a good connection. England lost to Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-finals. The Guardian obituary by Richard Williams paints a verbal picture of Sven’s appearance in those early days:

“Their new manager, a middle-aged Swede whose high forehead, rimless spectacles and reserved demeanour lent him the air of a man carrying the game’s higher calculus in his head.”

Sven improved England’s rankings in his five years as manager, and at that time was seen as its second most successful manager after Alf Ramsay.  The team again reached the quarter-finalsin the 2006 England World Cup, losing on penalties.  Sven went on to manage clubs such as Manchester City and Leicester.  Since then, he has coached in countries all over the world, and is regarded as one of the greatest football managers.

Nancy Dell’Olio

Sven was introduced to Italian-American lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio in May 1998, romance being in both their stars, in Jupiter on his natal Venus and Jupiter trine her natal Venus.  Nancy has the Sun in Virgo but with the Sun conjunct Uranus, has a fair proportion of Aquarius herself.  Her Sun conjunct the North Node in Leo may make her an agent of karma.  Her Ascendant and Mars in Libra lean towards a career in Law.  Her Moon exactly conjunct Saturn in Capricorn plus Chiron in 5th House may be factors in her childlessness.  In a 2011 interview with Cristina Odone she stated:

“I suffered five miscarriages – two with Sven. It was heartbreaking but if I am totally honest I felt a sense of relief after each one: I realized then that I was not meant to be a mother. Thank heavens, I had my wonderful spiritual support…My astrologer, Lia Aitkin… She was the most important influence in my life and predicted so much that has happened to me.”

Sven had a brief affair with Ulrika Jonsson during their relationship, but returned to Nancy, and they did not formally break up until 2007.

Nancy continued, “I would love to marry an English man, with a sense of humour, with respect for my independence but very protective. I’m a Virgo, with a Libra ascendant so I need my space, but I need to feel safe, too.”

Her synastry with Sven is fairly harmonious, and interestingly her Ascendant exactly conjuncts his Midheaven, indicating that her life became prominent through his career fame.

Nancy went on to appear in several reality TV shows, and is known as a “media personality”.

Ulrika Jonsson

Sven’s relationships with Ulrika and Faria Alam became media fodder, mild scandals at the time.  Ulrika’s Synastry with Sven reveals many strong connections, with 9 exact interaspects.  On the positive side, her Sun trines his Jupiter, and her Sun sextile his Uranus.  Two interaspects suggest an ending in separation:  her Uranus opposing his Venus and her Uranus squaring his Jupiter.  She herself has Uranus in Aquarius in her 7th House of Close Relationships, indicating such a pattern, and has been married three times.  In addition Ulrika’s Pluto trines his North Node, possibly adding a hint of karmic drama.

Ulrika shares her Swedish origins with Sven, which may have brought an affinity.  She began as a TV weathergirl, but has achieved success as a presenter in this country, presenting Gladiators for instance, and winning the reality TV show Big Brother in 2009.

His final year

In January of this year, Sven-Goran Eriksson made the sad announcement that he had at most a year to live, having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  At that time, Uranus was square his natal Saturn.  He received much love and support, and in March he was allowed to fulfil a long held dream, to manage Liverpool Legends for a charity match against Ajax at Anfield.  It was a happy occasion, “absolutely beautiful” in his words. Jupiter was square to his natal Sun, and Chiron was trine his natal Saturn.  He is survived by his current partner Yaniseth Bravo Mendoza, a former dancer from Panama, and his children.

He was known as a kind and courteous gentleman.

“Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been – passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman. I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family… Thank you Sven and in your last words to me ‘It will be ok’.”

~ David Beckham

Aspects

Uranus is Stationary prior to turning Retrograde  this afternoon.  It’s time for a real re-think, re-evaluation, reflection and revision.  Uranus of course is also the planet of rebellion and revolution.  You need to review the way you do things, and the way you think about things, and find new types of solutions suited to future working.

Tomorrow (Monday, 2nd) Pluto Retrograde re-enters Capricorn from Aquarius just after midnight.  This highlights the completing of issues in connection with its occupancy of Capricorn since January 2008, if you can think back to your life since that time.  Dot the i’s and cross the t’s.  In the wider arena, it was about the breaking down of Institutions and Authority.  When Pluto gets fully immersed into Aquarius its purpose will be to replace those outworn and broken down forms with new forms (some might say, “The New Earth”).  So we are finishing off the process while Pluto re-enters Capricorn.  If you experience a restless sleep in the night, this on some level may be what you are processing (its impact and implication on your own life)!

Another aspect occurring tomorrow will be Mercury trine Chiron, hopefully bringing some healing balm to the beginning of the week.  This aspect describes healing on a mental level (positive thinking, writing and affirmations), and helps to combine conventional and alternative or complementary healing approaches.  This is a problem-solving aspect.

Tuesday (3rd) brings another early-hours feature, a New Moon at 11 degrees Virgo.  The New Moon is always a good opportunity to start afresh.  If 11 degrees Virgo is a meaningful point in your chart that will intensify your experience.  Ecology and the environment are one of the provinces of Virgo, so benefits could accrue for the planet if enough minds are concentrated on this aspect of life. To frack, or not to frack, that is the question… Sleeping may be easier under the New Moon, though.

Neptune also squares Mars on that day: Confusion may reign, so take that time for thinking things through. Meditation and activities which combine meditation and movement, can be helpful for centring, during the day, if you sense that this aspect is operating on your consciousness.

Venus also conjuncts the South Node, and there is a focus on love and relationship in it karmic context.  For example, you may find answers to current relationship issues in looking back at relationships in your past, which includes your past lives.

Mars enters Cancer on Wednesday (4th).  This represents an energetic shift from a mental and analytical mode, to that of feeling and protectiveness.  Mars stays in Cancer until 4th November, so it is a good two-month window to nurture those you love and foster family feeling.

On the last day of the week, Saturday (7th) Mercury Direct squares Uranus.  Be prepared for glitches as you open up your devices first thing.  Back up your computer files, 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.  However, some new pathways may prove to be cul-de-sacs.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a rethink
• Tomorrow – longterm completions; healing balm
• Tuesday – new beginning; physical confusions; karmic relationships
• Wednesday – strong feelings and emotions; family emphasis
• Saturday – communication glitches (even though Mercury is Direct)

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck: “Bennifer”

Jennifer Lopez announced this week that she was divorcing Ben Affleck, after a second chance at romance failed for the couple.  They have been married only two years.  I look for clues about what went wrong twice (after going right twice).

Birth Chart for Jennifer

Three Archetypes stand out in J-Lo’s chart: The Performer and Actor (from Sun in Leo)

The Warrior Archetype (from Sun trine Mars), and

The Entrepreneur Archetype (from the Sun exactly sextile Jupiter/Uranus) – she is a businesswoman

She has a lucky Grand Fire Trine composed of Sun/Mercury, Mars, and Chiron, though she should be so lucky in love…

She has Mercury exactly trine Mars – very quick reflexes!  She was sporty and athletic at school.

Venus in Gemini may have a bearing on marrying the same person twice – I haven’t done any research stats on that phenomenon; though she didn’t actually marry Ben Affleck the first time round.  Venus squaring Pluto can mean explosive relationships.

Jen Life and Career

Jennifer famously was born in the Bronx (“Jenny from the Block” being a famous song of hers).  Her parents were born in Puerto Rico, and she has always been conscious of promoting Latino culture and rights.  She grew up with “lots of music” surrounding her, and West Side Story was an early inspiration for her. At 18 she attended the Phil Black Dance Studio in Manhattan.  She began her performing life in 1989, at the age of twenty, in a revue show which toured Europe, “Golden Musicals of Broadway”.  Her first album was made in 1999, “On the 6”, before going into acting.  Film successes included “The Wedding Planner” (2001), “Maid in Manhattan” (2002) and Monster-in-Law (2005).  But her career, like her love life, has been very up and down.  After many highs and lows, her career revived in 2011 when she appeared as a judge on American Idol.  She was paid up to $20 million per season.

Hannah Elliot of Forbes magazine wrote:

“Idol humanized her. Viewers who knew only an attention-grabbing siren met a hardworking, self-made, empathetic single mother, who got emotional when contestants did well and when they failed.”

She performed at the inauguration of Joe Biden as U.S. President in 2021.

Relationships

She has had a chequered relationship history, having been married four times, and has twin boys. Her husbands were Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, Marc Anthony (the father of her twins), and Ben Affleck.

She was also in a relationship with the rapper Sean Combs (“Puff Daddy”).  On 27th December 1999 they were both arrested and charge with criminal possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property, after an incident in a Times Square nightclub.  Neptune was opposite her natal Mercury at the time, and the Nodal Axis was square to his Mercury and Saturn.  With his Uranus opposite her Chiron it was a “crazy, tumultuous” relationship” in her words.

Jen and Ben

Jennifer’s relationship with Ben Affleck became high profile in 2003, and affected both their careers adversely through the exposure and publicity.  It was one of the reasons they broke up, both times, as Ben was not as fond of the limelight as Jen.

They are both Leos, but Jennifer at this time acquired a reputation as a Diva.  That can be an extreme Archetype for Leo, given their nature, but some of the most famous divas are not Leos: Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Maria Carey, for instance.

Looking at the Synastry between Ben and Jen, we find:

His Venus sextile her Saturn – a strong sense of commitment

His Saturn on her Venus – a strong sense of commitment

His Pluto sextile her natal Sun – high impact, psychologically

His Pluto on her Jupiter/Uranus – high impact psychologically

His Ascendant sextile her natal Saturn – a strong sense of commitment.

There is much that draws them together, and as well as their Suns both being in Leo, their charts are very similar, though three years apart.  Though they would understand each other, maybe two Leos don’t always work well, with both needing the limelight (Ben not as enamoured of it, however).

I won’t enumerate all the similarities, but here are a few:

Both have Moon in Scorpio;  both have the Warrior Archetype (Ben has the Sun loosely conjunct Mars (and they have Marses squared as an interaspect); Ben has Sun trine Jupiter (while J-Lo has Sun sextile Jupiter; both have Sun and Mercury trine Chiron; both have Venus square Pluto.

The break-up, when it came, coincided with one of the lowest points in her life and career.  But they always spoke highly of each other in public.  When Jennifer released her documentary about their relationship in the film The Greatest Love Story Never Told early this year, she revealed that Ben had kept all their love letters from 2002.  He would have liked them to remain private.

They got back together again in April 2021, and got engaged again (their first wedding was cancelled four days before it was due to take place) in April 2022.  They were married on 16th July 2022:

Mars was on her natal Saturn, and Neptune trine her natal Neptune.  It could be argued that her Neptune principle has not yet matured, such issues being illusion, romance, and self-deception.

For Ben, Mars was sextile his natal Venus (romantic) and sextile his Ascendant; Jupiter was square his Ascendant,  Uranus sextile his MC (a change in his life direction); and Neptune sextile his natal his North Node.

With Neptune being prominent for both of them, it was a sincere attempt to realize their dream of love.

They separated on 26th April 2024, and the divorce was announced this week.  For the announcement, Pluto is trine her natal Uranus (drawing a line in her life); and for Ben Pluto trines his Pluto (self-empowerment).

Ben Life and Career

Ben Affleck was born in Berkeley, California.  He and his brother were surrounded by people who worked in the Arts when they grew up (Venus on his Ascendant).  His father was an alcoholic, and his parents divorced when he was 11.  His mother regularly took the boys to theatre performances.  He met his buddy Matt Damon in childhood, and they grew up together, with similar aspirations to become actors.  Ben’s Uranus is on Matt’s Sun, stimulating creativity; Ben’s Neptune sextiles Matt Mercury (bringing inspiration).  They wrote the screenplay for the film Good Will Hunting (1997) together, and the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.  At 25, he was the youngest ever writer to win an Oscar for screenwriting.  He starred in “Shakespeare in Love” with Gwynneth Paltrow, and the two of them were in a relationship.  He was married to Jennifer Garner for 10 years, and they had three children, a divorce which he is on record as having regretted. He later moved into directing films, starting with Argo in 2012.

Who knows if their relationship would have survived without all the publicity.  For the time being, they will both need to heal from this latest wound.

Aspects

There’s a concentration of aspects involving Venus this week, so an emphasis on love and relationships.  An important week for Venus-ruled Taureans and Librans.

The aspects begin on Tuesday (27th) this week, when Venus trines Uranus.  This is a fresh and sparkling energy. The aspect may set you up with exciting meetings, or bring encounters of the illuminating kind.  In the field of the Arts, it can bring originality and surprise, e.g. to a performance of music.  Ideas for assisting the problems in our society may also crop up, such as community-based solutions.

On Wednesday (28th) however, Neptune opposes Venus, which may bring complications in love.  This may be uncomfortable in a way that you may not be able to put your finger on.  There may be some deception or illusion going on, especially in relationships or with money, so be cautious.  Don’t answer any cold calls or scam emails.  It is possible that you may be going to a social function in a context such that you don’t quite know where you stand.

The evening of the same day brings an end to communication disruptions, with Mercury Stationary prior to turning Direct.  You may feel that you can catch up on chores which had been put on the back burner.  If you have been struggling with computers, I.T. and broadband connections, or delays in communications you may feel a sense of relief.  You can certainly pick up momentum on some projects which involve paperwork and documentation, and make some more essential journeys.

Venus enters home territory in Libra on Thursday (29th) , making her graceful entrance with a sigh of satisfaction.  You may be pondering relationships or money issues.  Venus is happy and harmonious in this sign, and that may assist you in finding the sweet words to overcome any tensions.  This may dispel any discomfort from earlier on Wednesday.

As if to underline the point, Pluto trines Venus in the early afternoon of the same day, putting relationships on a deeper but firmer footing.  Some of the illusions questioned on Wednesday may be answered.  It is an aspect which is helpful for money and love.  Pluto settles your deepest feelings into a more comfortable psychological context.  This aspect helps us through changes and transformations on a human level.  It is about deep love, deep awareness of your relationship with money, and profound artistry.  [Jen and Ben take note]

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – fresh social fields
• Wednesday – complications in love; communications clearer
• Thursday – more harmony; depth of relationships

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