Jean-Marie Le Pen (1928 – 2025)

“We knew, by fighting him, what a fighter he was”

~ Francois Bayrou 

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the “Front National” in France, died this week at the age of 96.  He founded the movement in 1972, long before Nigel Farage took us into Brexit and Europe was hit by a wave of (far-right) populism and nationalism.  You could say he was ahead of his time…

Birth Chart

Jean-Marie was born on 20^th June 2028.  Whatever the natal picture of his birth chart (with a time and an Ascendant) tells us, it cannot predict the nature of a soul’s choices.  Many of us would look at his preaching of hatred and xenophobia as being wrong-headed, but he had a vast following, and one that grew when his daughter Marine took over his party.  Whatever the set of aspects etc. in the birth chart, and I have known people born around that time who did not take such a path, it is up to the individual what they make of their inherent birth chart.

Two Archetypes stand out prominently straight away when looking at the chart: The Warrior, and The Patriot, responsible for much of his mindset, attitudes and policies.

The Warrior

The evidence for this Archetype: the Sun sextile Mars, the Moon square Mars (hot-headed and quick to react emotionally), Mars in Aries, and Mars square the Midheaven (a negative form of warriorship on his career path).  In his time he was accused of assault and battery, torture, and the like.  He went to war, serving with the Foreign Legion.

The Patriot

The evidence for this Archetype: Moon in Cancer (with Mercury and Pluto also in that sign), and Moon conjunct the I.C. in Cancer.  His ideology was not only based on patriotism, but he was also a monarchist.

Other features of his chart include the Sun in Gemini, Mercury square Uranus (not afraid to be controversial – in fact, he courted controversy). He had Saturn conjunct his South Node in Sagittarius, so may have brought in a lot of bitterness (and hatred?) from past lives.  He also had Uranus closely sextile North Node, a strong Inner Rebel linked in with his Karmic Mission.  His Midheaven was in Capricorn in 9^th House, giving him a leaning towards politics and ambition in that arena.

He was talented, intelligent and charismatic, though.  His qualities included Mercury sextile Chiron (problem-solving abilities), Mars loosely conjunct Jupiter (a passionate enthusiasm), and Saturn loosely trine Uranus (a strong ability to combine the old and the new).  His Ascendant in Taurus gave him steadfastness, strength of will and perseverance.  Stephen Jessel in the Guardian Obituary credits “the brutal power of his oratory” (this shown by Mercury conjunct his Pluto).  This is far from an exhaustive analysis of his chart, but enough for now.

Life and Career

Jean was born in a small town in Brittany, later hyphenating his name to Jean-Marie.  He was an only son.  He had Neptune in the 4^th House of Home and Family, and the family lived by the sea.  His father was a fisherman, and Jean-Marie left school and began working on a transatlantic vessel at the age of 13.  Though his education was disrupted, he later caught up by studying at the Faculty of Law in Paris, where he sold a monarchist newspaper on the streets.  Subsequently, he became head of the student union in Toulouse, and president of an association of law students whose main activity was street-brawling with the communists (engaging fully with the Inner Warrior Archetype!).   On gaining his law degree, he joined the Foreign Legion, engaging in French Indochina (now Vietnam), and in 1957 went to Algeria as an intelligence office, where he was accused of the torture of Algerian prisoners.

By 1962 he was creating a company in the music industry specializing in historical recordings, among which were songs of the Popular Front and Nazi marches.  And on 5^th October 1972, he founded the Front National.  With Mars exactly conjunct Pluto on that date, it was founded on violence!

[If I might be allowed a personal digression here, the National Front in England was founded on 7^th February 1967, which was a few years before the Front National, but with a similar ethos. One of its founders was Martin Webster, who owned a bookshop in St. Albans at that time.  Sixth formers at the time would buy their books there, not knowing the sinister background.  I still have history books from his bookshop, some I bought and some gifted by a friend.  Martin Webster continued to be associated with the movement, until he was ousted in 1983.]

Jean-Marie began to run in presidential elections, starting in 1974, with varying success.  His focus was on immigration, the European Union, and unemployment, very much of his later English counterpart Nigel Farage who founded UKIP much later in 1993.  However there is a story that at school in 1981, a teacher was worried about his alleged fascist views.  Nigel, like Jean-Marie, has Mars in Aries.

Le Pen made statements downplaying the Holocaust as a detail of history, and discriminatory remarks about Muslims in France (witness his controversial Mercury square Uranus).  His peak success politically came in 2002 when he got to the second round of the French presidential election (obtaining 16.86% of the votes in the first round), but was beaten by Jacques Chirac.  The date of this event “21^st April” has apparently become a well-known phrase and saying.  Transiting Uranus was exactly trine his natal Sun at the time (a surprise success and breakthrough).  From 1984 to 2019 he served as an M.E.P.

Marine Le Pen

In 2011 he handed the presidency of the Front National to his daughter Marine, but she expelled him in 2015 for making controversial statements (including reiterating that the Holocaust was a detail in history).  At the time, Neptune (scandal) was squaring his Nodal Axis (karma).  Marine tried to “clean up” the party and its views to make it more acceptable to a wider range of the public.

I wrote in 2017:

“A Sun Sign Leo, Marine has 0 Air planets, and thus relies heavily on instinct, though she does have an analytical conjunction of the Sun with Mercury in Leo.  Her chart has many strengths, and ambition is a strong feature: the Sun/Mercury in Leo is competitive, is suited to leadership, and is placed in her 10th House of career.  The Sun strengthens her Ascendant and personality with a sextile, and the Sun also sextiles her North Node exactly, so leadership is part of her karmic mission and she has a strong sense of destiny as being born to lead.”

As of three years ago, she has renamed her “detoxified” party Rassemblement National or Rally National.  Having fallen out with his daughter, he supported his granddaughter Marion Marechal-Le Pen, a niece of Marine.  Suffering from ill-health in later years, he was placed “under legal protection” by his family in April 2024, and died from heart complications on 7^th January 2025.  There were celebrations in the streets of France at the news.

John Henley of the Guardian observed this week: “Meanwhile Jean-Marie Le Pen’s core political platform has been al but normalised, adopted by mainstream centre-right parties across Europe desperate to win back voters.”

It’s clear that his impact has been immense on history, but whether for good or ill, it depends where you stand.

“I’m not saying the gas chambers didn’t exist. I haven’t seen them myself. I haven’t particularly studied the question. But I believe it’s just a detail in the history of World War II.” 

~ Jean-Marie Le Pen, 1987

Aspects

We start the week with two trines, which is good going.  Take advantage this evening of the first one, Mars trine Neptune.  Under this aspect the peaceful spiritual warrior can flourish skilfully.  You can combine your passions with your spiritual path.  Meditation with movement is favoured, e.g. yoga, tai chi and qijong.  Peaceful demonstrations also chime well with this aspect.

Tomorrow (Monday 13^th) at breakfast-time there is a trine between the Sun and Uranus.  It’s a veritable new broom of an aspect!  This is a hopeful influence.  It may bring an unexpected go ahead to forge on with innovative plans and original creativity. It is an ideal aspect for reinforcing your New Year’s Resolutions and Affirmations for the coming year, updating them, or thinking up new ones to add to your list.  You may be in a position to spring a happy surprise on someone.

There may be a hint of tension permeating the day, for late evening brings a Full Moon at 24 degrees Cancer.  This is one of the most emotional full moons of the year…time to watch that weepie movie on TV!  The Moon in Cancer opposing the Sun in Capricorn may lead you to reflect on your work-life balance, ahead of the new working year.  If interacting with elderly relatives, take a packet of tissues!

Tuesday (14^th) brings a square, but probably the most innocuous of squares, being composed of the two benefic planets – that’s Venus square Jupiter.  This is a very social and sociable aspect, but can be gauche, awkward, or inappropriate.  Social non-conformists won’t care, but conformists may lament the lack of sticking to the rules.

Be wary of the opposition between Mars and the Sun in the early hours of Thursday (16^th).  Try not to retire the night before on an argument, and be prepared for some restlessness in the sleep hours.  The day brings a contrast to the congeniality of Tuesday…It’s more about dodging conflict, unless you are a seasoned Warrior and can take the heat (if you have strong Aries or Mars in your birth chart).  Energy will be high, so it is a good time to arrange activities which channel this energy constructively during the daytime hours.

We end the week, as we started it, on a congenial note.  The Sun will be sextile Neptune on Friday (17^th). The saying goes that you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but the Sun sextile Neptune gives you the best chance of creating beauty and inspiration in your life.  If spiritual harmony and creativity are some of the goals and aspirations you have this year, you can safely and profitably cultivate them on Friday.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – the peaceful warrior
• Tomorrow – new brooms sweep clean; emotional high tide
• Tuesday – laughter, but at whose expense?
• Thursday – the warmongerer
• Friday – spiritual harmony

2025

Welcome to the year 2025: A year of Unprecedented Change. I have never seen a year like it in terms of sign changes: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and the Nodal Axis all change, and of course Pluto has just entrenched itself in Aquarius.  The year’s changes may start slowly at first, so you have time to let go of old ways, before the sign changes fully kick in. Times quoted are for the U.K.  I have omitted the Saturn-Neptune conjunction from this schedule because it does not perfect until 2026, nevertheless its influence pervades the year in an insidious way, where you see man’s inhumanity to man across the world.

It’s more important than ever this year to create your own future and opportunities.  Even if you are someone that resists or fears change, be pro-active.  Dream and hope.  Take steps towards the changes that you want to happen, e.g. if you have been thinking about moving house.  If you feel that health deteriorates as you age, take at least baby steps towards health improvements – set yourself  goals even if you are not that way inclined naturally.  Now is not the year to drift, as that will just bring the changes which the Universe deems fit for your evolution.  That can happen anyway, but expressing your own intentions will enable you to set the flow to your advantage.  The world will change, regardless.  Some innovations may not be to your liking, e.g. Donald Trump in the White House, but you can find satisfaction on your own terms in your own life.  Overcome inertia. Seize the Year!

If you want to start working with the aspects from now, here is a guide to some of the major astrological events coming up. This calendar is packed with information, so you may want to print it out for your fridge (people do, you know!).  Your essential guide!

2025 Dates for your Diary if planning ahead:

January

Mon 6th: 10.44 a.m. – Mars enters Cancer – Deepening emotion [applies till 18 April]

Weds 29^th: 20.50 Hrs – North Node, retrograding as it does, enters Pisces.  A new era (step 1): From karmic self-interest to compassion.

Thurs 30th: 16.21 Hrs – Uranus Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Change and progress, re-igniting the more positive facets of the element of the unexpected.  Enabling progress for the New Age.

February

Tues 4^th: 9.40 a.m. – Jupiter Stationary, prior to turning Direct – The feel of progress.

Mon 24^th: 2 a.m. – Mars Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Physical and practical progress.  Energetic upgrade.

March

Sun 2^nd: 00.36 Hrs – Venus Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Re-examining of relationships.

Fri 14^th: 6.55 a.m. – Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon at 23 degrees Virgo – A turning point, and emotional high tide.

Sat 15^th:  6.46 a.m. – Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 7 April.

Thurs 20th: 9.01 a.m. – Spring Equinox – Sun enters Aries.  The beginning of the Astrological New Year.  Day and Night of equal length.

Sat 29^th:  10.58 a.m. – Solar Eclipse at 9 degrees Aries – A turning point, and new beginning.

Sun 30^th: 12 Noon – Neptune enters Aries – A new era (step 2): divesting illusion and moving towards personal emancipation.

April

Fri 4^th: 16.21 Hrs – Saturn sextile Uranus – A major rebalancing between the old and the new.

Mon 7^th: 11.08 a.m. – Mercury goes Direct [end of Retrograde period].  Communications smoother.

Sun 13^th:  1.03 a.m. -Venus Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Relationships making progress.

Fri 18^th:   4.21 a.m. – Mars enters Leo – Expressing Fire and Creativity [applies till 17 June]

Sun 27^th: 1.05 a.m. – Pluto opposes Mars – High clashing energies.  Stay out of the fray.

May

Sun 4^th: 15.25 Hrs. – Pluto Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – A level of setback, necessitating psychological understanding and awareness of reality.

Sun 25^th: 3.35 a.m. – Saturn enters Aries – A new era (step 3): A huge dose of Reality.

June

Mon 9^th: 21.02 Hrs – Jupiter enters Cancer – A new era (step 4): Turning us towards family life, or a sense of belonging in Soul groups.

Sun 15^th: 14.36 Hrs – Saturn squares Jupiter – An Impasse.  Not reliable for making decisions.

Tues 17^th: 8.35 a.m. – Mars enters Virgo – A more purposeful,  nose-to-the-grindstone shoulder to the wheel application of energy. [applies until 6 Aug]

Thurs 19^th: 3.16 a.m. – Neptune squares Jupiter – A major aspect of confusion, between spirituality and religion. The effects of A.I. likely to be prominent in questioning our reality, too.

Sat 21^st: 2.42 a.m. – Summer Solstice – Sun enters Cancer. The peak of the Light.

 July

Fri 4^th:  21.35 Hrs. – Neptune Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Some retrospection on the Spiritual path.  Retrograde period ends 11th December.

Mon 7^th: 7.45 a.m. – Uranus enters Gemini – A new era (step 5): Innovation in thought.  Initially perplexing.

Sun 13th: 13.08 Hrs – Saturn is Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde  – The need to secure foundations, and go over previous ground.  Retrograde period ends 28th November.

Fri 18^th:  4.45 a.m. – Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde  – Communications rendered more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 11^th August.

August

Weds 6^th: 23.23 Hrs. – Mars enters Libra – A need for balance, especially between opposing factions.

Mon 11th: 7.29 a.m. – Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Direct.  Communications smoother.

Tues 12^th:  3.32 a.m. – Saturn sextile Uranus – As Fri 4 Apr: A major rebalancing between the old and the new, contd.

plus

5.30 a.m. – Venus conjunct Jupiter – A celebratory day: one of the best aspects of the year.

Fri 29^th: 00.09 a.m. – Uranus sextile Neptune – A major reorganization in order to incorporate more complexity and a deeper understanding.

September

(A busy month)

Mon 1^st:  8.07 a.m.- Saturn retrogrades back into Pisces temporarily – There is unfinished work in addressing and letting go of past hurts.

Sat 6^th: 4.52 a.m. – Uranus Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Rebellion, and bids for freedom.  Retrograde period ends 30th February 2026.

Sun 7^th: 18.09 Hrs. – Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon at 15 degrees Pisces – A turning point, and emotional high tide.

Sun 21^st: 19.54 Hrs. – Solar Eclipse at 29 degrees Virgo – A turning point, and new beginning.

Mon 22^nd: 7.54 a.m. – Mars enters Scorpio – Battle mode; battle lines drawn; prepare to defend the underdog, or provide strength and support.

Plus

18.19 Hrs. – Autumn Equinox – The Sun enters Libra – A time of balance.  Day and Night of equal length.

Weds 24^th: – 11.52 a.m.  – Pluto squares Mars – High clashing energies.  Stay out of the fray.

October

14^th: 2.54 a.m. – Pluto Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Psychological journey more straightforward.  Comparable to the ascent from the Underworld.

Weds 22^nd: 9.48 a.m. – Neptune retrogrades back into Pisces temporarily – There is unfinished work in addressing and letting go of past sensitivities and honing compassion.

November

(A busy month)

Tues 4^th:  13.01 Hrs. – Mars enters Sagittarius  – A bright, adventurous note.  Stays in Sagittarius until 15 December.

Sat 8^th: 2.22 a.m. – Uranus retrogrades back into Taurus temporarily – There is unfinished work in practical innovations started in the last seven years, before new ideas can start to be put into practice in earnest.

Sun 9^th: 19.01 Hrs – Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – Communications more difficult.  Retrograde period ends 30 November.

Tues 11^th: 16.42 Hrs. – Jupiter Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde – More examination of detail needed, for hopes and dreams to be realizable.

Thurs 20^th: 14.39 Hrs. – Uranus sextile Neptune  – A major reorganization in order to incorporate more complexity and a deeper understanding.  As 29 August, contd.

Weds 26^th: 16.31 Hrs. – Venus trine Jupiter – A celebratory day: one of the best aspects of the year.

Fri 28^th: 3.51 a.m. – Saturn is Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Less struggle.

Sat 29^th: 17.39 Hrs. – Mercury Stationary, prior to turning Direct – Communications smoother.

December

Weds 10^th: 12.24 Hrs. – Neptune Stationary, prior to turning Direct. Spiritual path clearing.

Mon 15^th: 7.34 a.m. – Mars enters Capricorn – A time for responsible action.  Slow and steady wins the race. [applies till 23^rd January 2026]

Sun 21^st: 15.03 Hrs. – Winter Solstice. The Sun enters Capricorn.  The beginning of the Return of the Light.

Prominent Figures

Here I am taking a brief look at the charts of a few of those prominent figures who are affecting lives across the globe.

Donald Trump

With Jupiter on his natal North Node at election time last year, he was probably a sure fire winner.  He currently has Pluto starting its journey through his 6^th House of Health, so has some deep seated issues, and Saturn will be entering his 8^th House during the course of the year, so he may be aware of his mortality (which was highlighted in last year’s assassination attempt).  But he has some sort of triumph to look forward to around 18/19^th July when Jupiter transits his natal Mercury in Cancer in his 11^th House of Allies.

Keir Starmer

Keir’s chart is difficult to read at this moment of time, without a birth time.  He does have some uplift, perhaps an achievement, when Jupiter transits his natal Mars in Cancer around 10^th July.  Supplementing this information by looking at one of the U.K. charts (I use the 1922 chart) there are two glimmers of progress from Jupiter for this country: 18^th July (when Jupiter trines the natal Jupiter in 5^th House).  This would brighten our profile, and may tie in with a deal with the U.S. (see Donald Trump).  Also 26/7 July (when Jupiter reaches the U.K. Pluto in its natal 2^nd House of Finance), which may see the economy see a surge in growth.

Vladimir Putin

Vladimir’s chart has been under contention over the years, but I still use the one we started with before others were put forward (maybe to throw us off the scent!).  Currently he may be rattled, with a quincunx from Uranus to his natal Mercury which has lasted from 20^th December and goes on till 12^th March.  It was during this period that the fall of Assad in Syria took place, and though he has claimed otherwise, it was a crisis for him.  There is a sense of him treading water, but 3^rd/4^th September seems the best time for him this year.  Maybe he will make a settlement to end the invasion of Ukraine at that time.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Like Putin, Netanyahu has had a long term quincunx operating.  In his case it is Neptune quincunx his natal Sun in Libra since 10^th October, and going on to the beginning of February.  Cosmic Joke: Funny how these two warmongers are both born under Libra!  Anyway, perhaps this transit has confused him as to spiritual morality, and Neptune can operate from fear and paranoia.  He does not want to lose his crown – it’s all he’s got.  A bright spot for him this year is around 1^st July when Jupiter reaches his natal Uranus in Cancer in his 7^th House of Close Relationships.  Donald Trump may give him some hope.  Looking at the chart of Israel, Pluto is at the Nadir (the 4^th House cusp and then the I.C.) over this period and that is an all time low.  Pluto transits its I.C. on 22^nd/23^rd February, and then again on 19/20^th July, which is an intensification of this energy, though the exact time of this chart is in question.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr has the most interesting and possibly dynamic transits over this year, despite the fact that in the current state of play with the invasion of Ukraine things look as bleak as ever.  I don’t know where he gets his spirit from, but he is an Aquarian, and that Aquarian energy may count for some of his fighting spirit.  He has got a lot going on astrologically these next two years.  Pluto opposing his natal Mars (situated at 0 degrees Leo) has seen a brutal year.  Neptune has been squaring his natal Jupiter since 10^th October, and going on to the beginning of February (yes the same period as Netanyahu’s Neptune transit), and there may have been times he questioned his own faith.  Pluto is moving on now and squaring his natal Chiron, exact today.  He will be feeling the bruising of this last year, but has been talking about a possible settlement with Putin, and with Jupiter now in his 1^st House, he may experience some help this year.  27/28^th May seems the likeliest time for him to receive this, with a Jupiter Return taking place.

Nigel Farage

He who executed Brexit and now threatens the Conservative Party and hobnobs with Donald Trump and Elon Musk needs to be included in this brief survey.  Nigel’s signature is Pluto on the Ascendant (he deals in high stakes, and lives on the edge in some ways: witness his near death experience on Election day on 6^th May 2010.  He has had a few rebirths since.  His star does seem to be on the rise at the moment, and he has stated he would like to be Prime Minister come the next election.  On 26^th June Uranus transits his natal Venus in 9^th House, so he will be a subject of intrigue, here and abroad (presumably America) at that time.  He’ll also be high flying around 7^th/8^th July when Jupiter  transits his natal North Node in his 10^th House of Career – July seems an important month for a few of these prominent characters.  Maybe there will be some sort of Summit held.   That ties in with the above statement under the year ahead guidelines: “Mon 7^th: 7.45 a.m. – Uranus enters Gemini – A new era (step 5): Innovation in thought.  Initially perplexing.” – some sort of international meeting of minds.  The next couple of days 8^th/9^th extends his high point, and consolidates a favourable time for him with Jupiter sextile his natal Uranus in 12^th House, which partly represents his power to Surprise.

That concludes my guide and prognostications for 2025, and I really do wish you All a very Happy, Peaceful and Healthy New Year!

Aspects

Today Mars trines the North Node.  We might be galvanized to action, especially from a karmic standpoint.  You may feel there is something you must do, or right a wrong, put something straight.  Dogs, cars and men are ruled by Mars, and these may be involved in the karmic interaction or be triggers, hopefully in a constructive way.

Tomorrow, Monday 6^th, Mars Retrogrades back into the sign of Cancer in the morning.  That’s “Deepening emotion [applies till 18 April]”.  It was in Cancer broadly in September and October, so there may have been something in your Autumn schedule which got shelved or waylaid (by Christmas preparations, perhaps?) which you need to finally nail before April.  As Cancer rules the Home and Family, it may be in that area of life that you need to attend to detail, but if you know what House Cancer occupies in your chart, that will redefine with more accuracy what you need to attend to.

At lunchtime on the same day, Neptune squares Mercury.  This can bring difficult weather patterns.  Some undefinable snag may be nagging at you.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it, move on and let it go.  There could be some scandals in the news, too.  Don’t forget to operate from the optimum mindset of Neptune (compassion) rather than its underside of fear and paranoia.

Skipping to Wednesday (8^th) we find Mercury entering the sign of Capricorn.  The mental mode of Capricorn is practicality, and systematic and methodical thinking. Mercury in Capricorn favours planning (so helps with planning events for next year. Official documentation may need to be worked on, forms to fill, authorities to interview, etc.

That’s all for this week – no Fixed Stars showed up for the second half of the week, but hopefully you will have enough to digest!

Here’s to a better New Year!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – action stations!
• Monday – deepening emotion; confused minds
• Wednesday – practical minds

 

Review of the Year 2024

It’s that time again…Time for the Review of the Year!   It has been a turbulent year around the world, with some startling changes of governments, but I hope that you had some personal highlights.  Selections from the blogs, as usual, for those of you who like to review the year…As you read, sometimes the irony of hindsight strikes you!

January

14^th:

Mr Bates vs The Post Office

“When you watch a drama, you’re looking at the screen, and thinking…’Oh, poor me!  Poor me!  That could be me!”

~ Gwyneth Hughes, Scriptwriter

The programme aired at 9 pm on New Year’s Day, and ran for four consecutive days.  I cannot recall a time when a docu-drama has been so influential, and so immediately. It seemed to galvanize the whole population in outrage.  And yet, as we know, the story is decades-long.   I have a friend who left the Post Office twenty years ago, and he said it was common knowledge then, that the computer system Horizon, which caused the scandal of wrongly accused postmasters and postmistresses, was flawed.  The institution has been brought into disrepute (Pluto leaving Capricorn some Astrologers suggest, symbolic of crumbling institutions), and just yesterday a further scandal was brought to light about the Post Office underpaying taxes and overpaying bonuses.

February

18th:

Alexei Navalny (1976 – 2024)

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing”

~ Alexei Navalny

We learned on Friday of the death at the age of 47 of that bravest of men, Alexei Navalny, who dared to stand up to Vladimir Putin, in the hope of keeping democracy alive and possibly being a contender for his replacement.  He identified fear as being the stumbling block, and urged people to never give up.

On Friday evening’s Newsnight (a programme they should not be axing) an array of experts appeared, speculating on what had happened.  They ranged from a Russian arguing that the Ukrainians killed him, to another expert positing that he died of natural causes.  The widow of Alexander Litvinenko was there, who had lost her husband to poisoning.  One stated it was definitely murder.  It was pointed out that his prison, within the Arctic circle, was extremely cold.  Georgian-Russian writer Boris Akunin told us that Navalny’s relationship with his wife was a story of true love, and described Navalny as the Nelson Mandela of Russia.  Speculation yesterday included the theory that Alexei appearing the day before in jail joking, was a taunt to Putin, and may have evoked an order to kill.  There was also the timing with the Munich security conference, at which Yulia spoke with great dignity after the rumour of his death.

March

17th:

Diane Abbott

“It’s like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV and you’re just like, I hate, you just want to hate all black women because she’s there”

~ Frank Hester

A shocking statement reported this week from Frank Hester a few years ago had a wave of sympathy sent Diane Abbott’s way, and political reverberations which are still ongoing.  Diane was already the MP receiving the most abuse, but this was a dangerous attack.  I have always had a certain amount of sympathy for her, based on the loyalty of her constituents, but she has received criticism of some of her statements in the past (even this morning from Theo Paphitis on Laura Kuenssberg’s programme).  And her loyalty to Jeremy Corbyn has also marginalized her politically since the purge of anti-semitism under Keir Starmer.  One of her statements was deemed to be anti-semitic and caused her to lose the whip last year, and she is still under investigation for it.

[Personal note: I am just reading her new autobiography, “A Woman Like Me” – Lana]

April

21st:

Salman Rushdie

Less than two years ago, Salman Rushdie was stabbed 12 times on stage in New York by an attacker who thought him “disingenuous”.  It would not have been a surprising event decades ago when he was prominently facing a fatwa called for by the Ayatollah Ruhollah for writing “The Satanic Verses”, but felt out of the blue so many years later and his injuries were horrific.  Surgeons were not sure he would survive, but gradually he has recovered enough to write “Knife”, an account of his survival and recovery, published this week, and gave his first major interview, to his old friend Alan Yentob.

May

19th:

Paula Vennells

“What is it about this seemingly mild-mannered, devout woman that caused her to preside over a reign of total corporate psychopathy?”

~ Marina Hyde

Paula Vennells, former CEO of the Post Office, appears this week in front of the government’s statutory Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, over the course of three days.  I first wrote on this subject in January, after watching the incredible TV series “Mr Bates vs. the Post Office”.  Alan Bates himself has recently rejected the latest offer of government compensation, labelling it “derisory”.

June

16th:

Wes Streeting

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

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

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

On reviewing the book, Rachel Cooke of the Guardian commented that it was: “both a little bit boring and unexpectedly fascinating…But on the other hand, it’s also transfixing, albeit in a way I struggle fully to explain.”  I know exactly what she means.

July

28th:

Kamala Harris

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

~ Kamala Harris

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

August

25th:

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.

September

1st:

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!

October

20th:

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).

November

24th:

John Prescott (1938 – 2024)

“I relied on him many times: when in difficulty, under attack; and less well known when I needed someone whose gut instinct I trusted better than my own.”

~ Tony Blair

Deputy Prime Minister of the Blair years, John Prescott, died aged 86 this week, a year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  A left-wing traditional Labourite, he helped to balance the New Labour government, and was thought of as a “bridge” between the old and the new, and between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Birth Chart

John Prescott had the Sun, Mars and Chiron in Gemini, and was a communicator, though notoriously clumsy in speech (Chiron in Gemini, with his ruler Mercury conjunct Uranus).  It was said that his thoughts were too quick for his expression in speech, the way his words tumbled forth.  He was also dyslexic, at a time when that was not a household word.  His Sun was unaspected (a one-off individual), save for a loose square with Jupiter, which exaggerated certain traits, and made for a larger-than-life character.

December

1st:

Barbara Taylor Bradford (1933 – 2024)

“I understood what writing fiction was: it’s who you are, what your protagonist is. If it’s a wimpy sort of person they’re not going to get anywhere. But if it’s a driven, ambitious, go-ahead woman who’s not going to be deterred by anybody then, obviously, she’s going to be a combination of all those strong women I admire, such as Marie Curie, Catherine the Great and Elizabeth Tudor.”

~ Barbara Taylor Bradford

The hugely successful novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford died this week, aged 91.  She is most well-known for her debut novel “A Woman of Substance”, a very apt title for a lady with the Sun in Taurus, the zodiac sign of “Substance”!  She published 40 books in her lifetime, sold 90 million copies, and amassed a fortune of between £166–174 million – although Taurus is considered the zodiac sign of wealth, it does not have a monopoly on it(!).

Birth Chart

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s chart is high in the Earth element and materiality, having not only Mercury, the Sun, Venus and Chiron in Taurus but a triple conjunction of Mars/Neptune/Jupiter in another Earth sign, Virgo. That is a solid showing!  Taurus is a Fixed sign, meaning that it is strong willed, and the Fixed planets also show up strongly in her chart.  It is no wonder that her heroines are women of great strength.

Aspects

The closing aspects of the year are really quite kind, so will hopefully enable you to end the year on an upbeat note.  On Sunday 29^th, Chiron is Stationary prior to turning Direct, so it is an opportunity to get to grips with a health issue.  It’s a helpful step on your healing pathway, a boost to your healing energies, and will assist you in finding new healing avenues.

There’s a New Moon in Capricorn on Monday 30^th at 9 degrees Capricorn.  If you are operating on the optimum Capricorn energy, you could have good results today, especially if you are starting a new project connected with organization, politics, and relations with authority and the institutions of society.

The last day of the year (Tuesday 31^st) brings two helpful aspects, starting with Pluto sextile the North Node.  This can align one’s deepest psychology to your overall karmic trajectory, or more accurately to the general karma of your tribe, society, country, or world order.  There may be weighty pronouncements by heads of state, for instance.  There is a strong sense of responsibility, and especially the responsibility engendered by karma.

The second helpful aspect is Mercury trine Chiron, a problem-solving aspect with real healing potential.  This aspect is all about finding solutions, especially in health matters.  Mercury trine Chiron describes healing on a mental level (positive thinking, writing and affirmations), and helps to combine conventional and alternative or complementary healing approaches.  A good day to prepare your New Year’s resolutions.

Venus enters Pisces in the first aspect of the New Year, on Friday (3^rd January), in the early hours of the morning, bringing in a higher frequency of compassion.  You may have been looking at things in a mental or practical way, and may be able to relax a little and allow the heart greater expression.  The trend towards tenderness lasts until her entry into Aries on 4th February.  Charities can be honoured and prioritized, and the Arts can be especially inspired during this period.  Enjoy a peaceful sleep…

…because at breakfast time, Pluto opposes Mars, one of the shocker aspects in the year!  There are no shortage of horror stories on the news all the year round these days, but there may be more than usual during this day.  A Pluto-Mars opposition can bring conflict, tempers, and incident-proneness.   Keep a low profile today if you wish to avoid conflict, and  the watchword is tact.

A more benignant aspect awaits us at the end of the week, in the shape of Sun sextile Saturn on Saturday (4^th).  This aspect can take creative expression and ground it into reality.  Practical initiatives are supported by this aspect.  It is a good aspect for setting up solid foundations, for instance.  It’s a good aspect for finalizing details smoothly for your new year plans and intentions.

Next Week: Astrological Features of 2025 for your Diary – Read all about the exciting New Year!

The week in bullet points:

• Sunday – healing pathways
• Monday – new beginnings
• Tuesday – deep insight; problem-solving
• Friday – compassion; fireworks
• Saturday – grounding creativity

Blogs 2

I wrote last week about new computer, and losing my Astrology programme.  I now have a shiny new 21^st century astro-programme, Solar Fire version 9, and am in the throes of learning to use it.  Bear with me!  Next week I will write the review of the old year and the week after a review of the new year.  After that, I hope to have mastered the ins and outs of the new computer and astro-programme in order to resume my usual weekly astrological investigations.  In the meantime, I am able to continue writing the Aspects, and to keep up my private astrological work such as Year Ahead Updates and the baby charts which constitute much of my work.

Aspects

Monday 23^rd

It seems that the planetary energies will be stressed this week!  Find time for rest and recuperation among the preparations for Christmas, and for some relaxation between Christmas and New Year.

The Nodal Axis squares the Sun tomorrow, challenging us to stay on our karmic path even if group pressure tries to sway our individuality.  We have to find a way to honour our own way, while staying in integrity with society or outside pressures.  It may present as a power struggle, but can be an opportunity to find higher solutions.

On the same day, Venus sextiles Chiron, a congenial and healing influence, especially for relationships.  It is a good day to combine the Arts with Healing, such as creativity which involves and brings about healing.  Surrounded by squares, this is the best aspect of the week.

Tuesday 24^th

Tuesday is an important day, with Saturn squaring Jupiter in the evening, the main event of the week.   This represents a struggle for progress, with opposite styles vying for expression or balance. You could see a dilemma being played out, either in your own life or in society.  For example, economy (Saturn) may impede the desire for expansion (Jupiter).  These dilemmas are certainly to be seen in the “difficult decisions” the new government are having to make.

Thursday 26th

Thursday (Boxing Day) brings an opposition between Mercury and Jupiter.  You might be ambitious to get things done, but at the same time overstretch yourself.  This aspect may bring about communication and travel complexity.  You may feel you need to be in two places at once, and be summoned hither and thither.  Geminis and Virgos may need to factor in some extra relaxation time.  However, it is very mind-broadening, if not information-overloading.  But you may feel heady with new ideas.

Friday 27^th

Saturn squaring Mercury occurs around breakfast-time.  This brings up mental weariness.  So much so that you may have to put your thought processes on the back burner for a while, trying meditation or gentle exercise instead.  This may give your mind a rest and a refresh or a reset.

Saturday 28^th

Then along comes another square on Saturday (also breakfast-time). Uranus squares Venus, which may contribute to an abrasive day for meetings.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.  Relationships can be disrupted, and subject to misunderstandings.  On the other hand, on a higher level, it can open up telepathic communication between individuals.

Happy Christmas to all my readers!

This week may well represent a time of clearing, to make way for the awesome opportunities that await in 2025.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – taking stock of karma; relationship healing
• Tuesday – the main wrangle
• Thursday – mentally over-stretching
• Friday – mental weariness
• Saturday – relationship challenges

Blogs

Just the aspects this week, as I have a new computer, and have lost my Astrology programme.  Please bear with me while I am in the process of ordering a new Astro-programme and finding out how to use it.  Wish me luck!  In the meantime, I will continue to provide the Aspect service.

Congratulations to Chris Causland for winning the final of Strictly Come Dancing.  I predicted, on the astrology, that he and Sarah and Tasha would be in the final.  I hadn’t realized there would be four.

I wrote on 15^th September:

“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…”

I wrote on 17^th November:

“I pick Chris McCausland as the third finalist, with Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri.  Final answer!”

Aspects

Sunday 15^th

Breakfast-time brings a Full Moon at 23 degrees Gemini.  You may feel or see acutely the two sides of a story, e.g. some of the polarities occurring in the news and worldwide. With the Sun in opposition in Sagittarius, it is important to note that the principle of the polarity of Gemini/Sagittarius is Communication, whether in its more surface nature (Gemini) or on a deeper level (Sagittarius).  For example, with the Moon being in Gemini, you may feel you cannot handle a deep emotional approach at this moment of time.

In the evening, Mercury is Stationary prior to turning Direct, which may come as a relief to some.  There is some alleviation of recent communication glitches.  There may also be a turning point in your travel plans. Hopefully, if you have projects waiting to happen of a literary or technical nature, this may also be a go-ahead for you.  If you have been holding back on communication, you may feel the push to move forward again with it.  During this recent Retrograde period, I have been upgrading my I.T. equipment, and hope that it proves a valuable step forward in the long run.

Wednesday 18^th

The Sun squares Neptune on this day.   This aspect may bring some impractical elements to create a wobble on the day.  You may hit a snag in the implementation of your plans, or see through the illusion of a project.  Once you are through that looking glass, you may see how you can remedy things.  It may require some refining of details or technique, for instance. It is worth noting that the Sun is aligned with the Galactic Centre on that day, which increases the power of whatever is occurring.

Friday 20^th

In the early hours of Friday Venus will be trine Jupiter,  which is one of the brightest trines of the year (if not, the brightest).  Something may provide you with a richness of heart.  Venus with Jupiter is so very social, and can be romantic too.  It’s an aspect to savour and enjoy.  Proposals and engagements often occur under this combination.

Saturday 21^st

At breakfast-time the Sun enters Capricorn, which is the Winter Solstice.  For many this will be a relief (that’s two relievers in one week!), and a sense of a new dawn, especially for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.).  The Sun’s entry into Capricorn is a return to practicality, after the aspirational month of Sagittarius.  It is a time to look at the general structure and order of things, and your relationship with authority and the institutions which govern our society.  It may feel different this year, with Pluto having left Capricorn for good and a New Age being constructed under Pluto in Aquarius.  The Syrians certainly have thrown off their oppressive authority, and have a chance to start rebuilding a new country, and hopefully learning the lessons of other countries which descended into chaos, such as Iraq.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – emotional high tide; alleviated communications
• Wednesday – see through the illusion
• Friday – heartwarming socializing
• Saturday – reflective return of the light

Christmas Preparations

What’s your style when it comes to preparing for Christmas?  Are you looking for ideas for astrologically based presents?  Look no further…

Aries

Aries is an impulse buyer, but may not plan too far ahead.  So something might strike them in their path as being a perfect purchase, but otherwise they may do everything last minute.  A typical Aries Christmas Archetype would be the male who leaves all his Christmas shopping to do on Christmas Eve.  For an Aries child, a Meccano set or toy soldiers may be welcome, and for an adult male something for the car.

Taurus

Taurus looks forward to the sensuality of Christmas, roast chestnuts toasting on an open fire for instance.  A cosy jumper would make a welcome gift for a Taurean, or some fancy chocolates. A blue scarf for the throat chakra would support their well-being, and a Christmas plant such as an amaryllis, poinsettia or cyclamen would keep their green-fingered hearts alive in the winter months.

Gemini

Geminis are quite analytical about choosing gifts, and can put a lot of thought into the process.  Some are into gadgetry, and like to give and receive gadgets.  Give Geminis presents in pairs, or opposites, e.g. a black and white version of one type of gift.  They might like one better than the other, but this style of gifting will appeal to their low boredom threshold.  A magazine subscription would also be a suitable gift for a Gemini, or a book of Sudoku puzzles.  Alternatively, some gloves for their precious jazz hands.

Cancer

For the Cancerian, it’s all about home and family.  For the mother hen, to have all her family under one roof on the day is heaven.  Something for the home is a winning gift, and a Christmas spiced perfumed candle is always welcome to provide ambience.  Alternatively, a photo album of treasured family memories from the year.  Cancerians also like antiques, if you can stretch to that, or if you find a bargain on a hunt.  For a Cancerian child, a doll’s house is ideal.

Leo

Leos would like to be the centre of attention on Christmas Day, though they realize it belongs to everyone!  A personalized item, such as a named mug is self-validating, and may help the Leo to feel special.  Otherwise, a luxury item, such as leopard print slippers, may appeal to their sense of luxury.  If they are off on a winter holiday, choose something which will enhance their trip, something they would be delighted to pack in the suitcase.  Leos like to engage everyone in a board game, so that would make a contribution to family competition.

Virgo

Virgos go for quality rather than quantity, and can often nail the gift giving as a consequence: one simple direct statement trumping the excessive efforts of others, such as a small perfectly chosen perfume bottle.  They like to give ecological presents, too, and would equally love to receive something from an ecological catalogue.  Purity is the watchword, whether in giving or receiving, especially when considering beauty products.  Virgos like to give home made presents, and to receive crafts.  Another Virgo preoccupation is timekeeping, so a beautiful or functional watch would be suitable.

Libra

Librans would be inspired in the Christmas decoration of the home.  Elegance, artistry and beauty are the watchwords for Libran presents.  Jewellery would make an ideal present, but beauty products would also be welcome. Music is another important element in the life of the Libran, so a set of earphones or headphones will support that experience. Librans will smile graciously at the present-giving stage of Christmas, saving you any embarrassment!

Scorpio

Scorpios are more discerning givers and recipients when it comes to presents.  What they give and receive has to be meaningful, e.g. a self-help book or a book on popular psychology would not go amiss. A game of Cluedo might bring the family together.  For children, a Secret Spy or Detective set will feed their talent for solving mysteries.  They won’t hide their true feelings about your offering, and their opinions may be black or white.

Sagittarius

Sagittarians like to promote the Good Will to all men and women angle of Christmas.  Book tokens are always a hit with Sagittarians, or sports wear or equipment for the sportier Sagittarians.  Young Sagittarians may like something horse-related such as My Little Pony, or Barbie’s horse.  When choosing gifts, Sagittarians go for quantity over quality, e.g. they would rather buy a hundred people Poundshop presents rather than one person a £100 present!  They enjoy religious symbolism, such as a crystal Angel or Buddha.  For boozy Sagittarians, a bottle of fine wine.

Capricorn

Christmas is a serious business for a Capricorn – so serious for some that there are a lot of Bah Humbug Archetypes born under this sign.  If they are enthusiastic about Christmas, they will plan well ahead.  Go for practical presents, or something which supports them in their chosen career.  A Diary wouldn’t go amiss.  For many Capricornians, the care and feeding of their skin is of importance, so a high end skincare product could be well received.  Whatever you do, Capricorns don’t like waste so if the present is not well chosen, it will be an irksome millstone for them.

Aquarius

Aquarians would like a surprise, please!  Nothing humdrum, but anything quirky.  If it is futuristic, even better.  Artistically, it needs to have clean lines.  The latest technology is always a winner with Aquarians, and for a book choice go for futuristic science fiction.  Crystals are an option for New Age minded Aquarians.  Aquarians are already thinking about the year ahead, so for them Christmas is just a hop stop to the future, unless you can engage them with a novelty.

Pisces

Sentimental Pisceans enjoy the Christmas movies, and will remind everyone of those family members and friends loved and lost at this time.  Anything with a water-theme would be suitable for their delectation, such as swimwear.  For textures, anything soft and squishy!  Lavender or natural sleep enhancing products will enhance their night experience. And for a child, a magic set. They may appreciate a charity donation, such as sponsoring a donkey.  They themselves may be a bit woolly or hit and miss in their present-giving, such as accidentally leaving Auntie Margaret off their radar.  But their own offerings may melt your own heart.

You may quarrel with some of these suggestions and observations, but hope you will regard them with the Christmas spirit or fun in which they are intended!

Aspects

Having been choc-full of aspects last week, balance leads us to have less than a handful this week, which may make it easier to focus and concentrate…

But first, it’s interesting to hear of the taking of Damascus this morning, and the possible toppling of the Assad regime.  Yesterday’s multiple aspects may have contributed to the push.  I remember blogging about the Arab Spring in 2011.  A Syrian exile on BBC Breakfast TV this morning was telling that she could now theoretically go back to her homeland, but that the “liberators”, led by an ex-Al Qaeda member, would not necessarily be the right choice to replace the cruel Assad regime. Transits don’t look good for Assad: Jupiter squaring his natal Uranus and Pluto; plus his Second Saturn Return.  However, the transits for Syria are brighter: Mars sextile its natal Mars and Uranus (describing a coup), Uranus trine its Mercury (mentally forward-looking), and Neptune trine its Venus (a step towards spiritual healing).

Tuesday (10th) begins with Venus sextile the North Node.  A softer side is brought into our karma, if we need to luxuriate a little or justify a little indulgence.  Expressing more love too, is easier under this aspect.  It’s good for re-establishing warmth in a relationship.

Also on Tuesday, the Sun trines Chiron, so on subtle levels it is a bright and harmonious day altogether.  This aspect favours both physical and psychological healing, and a trip or leisure activity may be just the tonic you need.  You may put the world to rights, theoretically at least, over a coffee.

Thursday (12th) sees an opposition between Venus and Mars), which may add zest and verve to life.  However, Venus opposite Mars may bring tension between the sexes or a tussle between your own inner male and female.

And finally, on Friday 13th (I hope you’re not superstitious), we welcome a sextile between Mercury and Venus), a combination that aims to please.  This favours socializing and conversing, and creative forms which combine art and writing.  There is potential for negotiation in diplomatic efforts (hopefully helping peace efforts, though it is not a major aspect, so baby steps), and harmony and agreement between kindred spirits.  Ideal for cafe culture.

All  in all it seems a very sociable and convivial week – enjoy!

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – gentle karma; healing ways
• Thursday – battle of the sexes
• Friday – negotiation and good conversation

Barbara Taylor Bradford (1933 – 2024)

“I understood what writing fiction was: it’s who you are, what your protagonist is. If it’s a wimpy sort of person they’re not going to get anywhere. But if it’s a driven, ambitious, go-ahead woman who’s not going to be deterred by anybody then, obviously, she’s going to be a combination of all those strong women I admire, such as Marie Curie, Catherine the Great and Elizabeth Tudor.”

~ Barbara Taylor Bradford

The hugely successful novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford died this week, aged 91.  She is most well-known for her debut novel “A Woman of Substance”, a very apt title for a lady with the Sun in Taurus, the zodiac sign of “Substance”!  She published 40 books in her lifetime, sold 90 million copies, and amassed a fortune of between £166–174 million – although Taurus is considered the zodiac sign of wealth, it does not have a monopoly on it(!).

Birth Chart

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s chart is high in the Earth element and materiality, having not only Mercury, the Sun, Venus and Chiron in Taurus but a triple conjunction of Mars/Neptune/Jupiter in another Earth sign, Virgo. That is a solid showing!  Taurus is a Fixed sign, meaning that it is strong willed, and the Fixed planets also show up strongly in her chart.  It is no wonder that her heroines are women of great strength.  She was born close to a Full Moon, which shows great emotionality, and strong likes and dislikes.  Sun conjunct Venus implied that she was a romantic, but arguably a cut above the Mills & Boon stereotype.  The Sun trine Jupiter added success to her attributes, but the Sun square Saturn showed the accompanying struggle of her nature, and the trajectory of her heroine’s lives.  There would not have been a story, without the accompanying struggle.  Mercury trined Mars in her chart, depicting a busy writer.  She was inspired by Graham Greene’s observation that “character is plot”.  His own Mars exactly trined her Mercury, bringing her idea and thought into greater focus. Their Neptunes were also exactly trine (a spiritual affinity).  But with Mercury conjunct Uranus her thoughts were original, all her own, and indicative of a bright intelligence and intuition. Venus sextile Pluto brought drama into romance, and Venus conjunct Chiron, the pain of love.  Furthermore, Mars conjunct Neptune added poignancy to her life and art.  Mars closely conjunct the South Node in Virgo, possibly shows that she was a warrior in past lives, and had brought through a fighting spirit.

Life and Career

Barbara Taylor Bradford was born in Leeds.  [Fun Fact: In the records I am keeping of places of birth and zodiac affinities, half of those I have born in Leeds are Taureans!  They include Alan Bennett, who went to the same nursery school as Barbara Taylor Bradford.  This is probably a fluke result, but I will keep you posted].  Her mother had been the illegitimate daughter of a local landowner, and her grandmother spent time in workhouses.

An earlier sibling died of meningitis, and Barbara’s mother “put all her frustrated love into me.”  This undoubtedly shaped her, emotionally.  At a young age, encouraged by her mother, she read Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters and Thomas Hardy, and decided to be a writer at the age of 10.  She left school aged 16, much to the consternation of her parents.  Having written a number of astro-obituaries lately, it seems to me that this is a common theme among talented and successful people [Last week’s subject, John Prescott, being a case in point!].  She started her working life as a newspaper reporter, but later became fashion editor of Woman’s Own.

Later in life, she reflected on that period:

“I was in my late thirties. I thought: what if I get to 55, and I’ve never written a novel? I’m going to hate myself. I’m going to be one of those bitter, unfulfilled writers.”

But of course, her life became a story, and later her art reflected her life…Around the time of her Saturn Return at 28, she went  on a blind date, and met her future husband Robert Bradford.  She later wrote: “If it wasn’t quite love at first sight, it was a strong attraction”.  They married on Christmas Eve in 1963, and it was a turning point for Barbara, though of course that does not detract from her own achievement!  Her husband was an American film producer, and they moved to Manhattan.

She wrote her first novel in 1979, at the age of 46, and this hugely successful tome “A Woman of Substance” was turned into a TV film series by her husband in 1985, assuring her success.  A further nine novels were made into films.  Her novels tended to follow a common theme of a young woman coming from humble beginnings, working hard through the years and achieving extraordinary things ultimately.  She wrote what she knew.

Theirs was a solid marriage, which endured 56 years until his death in 2019 (when transiting Pluto was opposite her own Pluto).  One of the secrets of its success was apparently separate televisions [something that me and my hubby are always peddling].  She published her last novel only last year, “The Wonder of it All”.

Confession time:  I have not read “A Woman of Substance” (I struggle with reading fiction), but appreciate the achievement and the strong archetype of Barbara Taylor Bradford, her indomitable heroines, and her work ethic (the triple conjunction in Virgo).

“There’s a lot I don’t like about getting  older, but I don’t look my age because I take care of myself.  I go to the hairdresser twice a week, don’t smoke, never drink alone and I have a personal trainer.”

~ Barbara Taylor Bradford

Aspects

A lot of aspects to get through this week!  But first a nod to the early and unmistakeable impact of Pluto’s entry into Aquarius.  The Assisted Dying Bill, despite all its poignancy and nuance, was passed this week. A new and progressive take (Aquarius) on the experience of dying (Pluto) in the U.K., literally just days after its entry into a 20 year tenure of the sign.

Early this morning we were greeted with a New Moon at 9 degrees Sagittarius.  New Moons tend to be upbeat, and Sagittarian New Moons more upbeat than most, focussing on expansion, the planning of holidays, deep study and learning, global issues, and matters of faith.  Re-play your affirmations, with more confidence.  You can have powerful inner conversations under this New Moon.  A higher vision is possible.

Tomorrow (Monday 2nd) we have two trines, making it a dynamic day. First, Mercury trines 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.

Late lunchtime, Venus trines Uranus, which can bring exciting meetings!  The aspect may set you up with insights, or bring other encounters of the illuminating kind.  In the field of the Arts, it can bring originality and surprise, e.g. to a performance of music or a pantomime.  Ideas for assisting the problems in our society may also crop up, such as community based solutions. You may bump into an old friend.

Three aspects in one day on Wednesday (4th), two challenging and then one unifying.  Mid-morning we have Jupiter opposite Mercury, so you may find you have a balancing act to manage.  This aspect is mentally stimulating but can lead to mental resources being overstretched.  Travel news may also be quite testing, e.g. people being in long queues.  Jupiter opposite Mercury is a learning curve, and can bring out some humour, but needs some caution in the playing.

The second aspect also needs some caution in the playing, and takes place mid-afternoon.  It’s Saturn square to the Sun.  This may bring disappointing or deflating news,  delay or frustration.  There is no shortage of such material on our news programmes, certainly.  The Sun-Saturn square is an opportunity to think through what you are doing, and your strategies.  If you are making economies, are they the right ones, based on your optimum values?

The third aspect, which takes place early evening, is Venus sextile Neptune, which may to some extent smooth over the concerns from earlier in the day.  It is a most pleasant sextile, a delightful aspect – a beautiful expression of spirituality and the Arts.  New artistic avenues can flourish, ingenious ways for people to share art, music and performance can ensure the Arts are kept alive.

We come to Friday (6th), which involves the mental clarity of a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury, taking place at 14 degrees Sagittarius.  So it is a good day generally to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  and make important statements. The aspect itself takes place in the early hours of the morning, so you may suddenly wake from a dream with a sparkling insight. 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.

Make good use of that aspect, for the other end of the day sees Mars Stationary, prior to turning Retrograde, a feature which only takes place once every two years.  The upcoming retrograde period may see a slightly different manifestation of the energy in the House it occupies in your chart (currently 6 degrees Leo), perhaps some revision needed, a test of strength, or some conflict to resolve.  But hopefully, by the end of February 2025 when it turns Direct again, you will have something to show for your effort.

Five astrological features for Saturday (7th), starting in the early hours with Saturn squaring Mercury.  Sleep may be elusive or frustrating  in some way.  During the day, if there are obstacles or delays in communication, you’ll know why!  Patience may be the key here (e.g. you may have to repeat yourself), and “more haste less speed” may be a useful mantra to follow.  There may be more to be learned.

Breakfast-time sees the entry of Venus into Aquarius, a chance for her (and you!) to circulate and feel the more extravert side of your persona.  You may, for instance, become more involved with a community project.  Venus will be in Aquarius until 3rd January, so for the rest of the month and the holiday season the general tone will be more affable.  You will feel more connected to people, but not in a clingy way, more in the mode of a higher evolutionary consciousness.

Lunchtime bestows upon us Venus conjunct Pluto at 0 degrees Aquarius, and a money or relationship issue may preoccupies you.  You may feel under pressure.  What is important, is to try to get to the root of the matter in hand.  There is much to reflect on about the enormity of changes, and the impact on humanity.  You may need to do some soul-searching in order to have a handle on the depth of your feelings.  Within that frame, you may be able to strike the right note with depth and meaning.

In the evening, Jupiter opposes the Sun, and the general feeling could be optimistic, humorous and buoyant (e.g. if you are going along with the hype), but there is a balance to be observed, beyond which you could overreach yourself or overstretch your energy or someone else’s patience (for example, overdoing a joke).  Freedom beckons, but again, know your boundaries.

Late evening, and last but not least, Neptune will be Stationary prior to moving in Direct motion.  Hopefully, you will emerge firmly re-orientated on your spiritual path from this!  This event is an opportunity to fine tune relationships, art, or spiritual practices, and is a helpful and hopeful end to the week.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – new beginning
• Tomorrow – healing balm; exciting meetings
• Wednesday – mentally overstretching; caution in the playing; love and spirituality
• Friday – mental clarity; energetic disruption
• Saturday – obstacles and delays; social circulation; soul-searching in money or love; a joke maybe too far; a smooth spiritual re-orientation

John Prescott (1938 – 2024)

“I relied on him many times: when in difficulty, under attack; and less well known when I needed someone whose gut instinct I trusted better than my own.”

~ Tony Blair

Deputy Prime Minister of the Blair years, John Prescott, died aged 86 this week, a year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  A left-wing traditional Labourite, he helped to balance the New Labour government, and was thought of as a “bridge” between the old and the new, and between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Birth Chart

John Prescott had the Sun, Mars and Chiron in Gemini, and was a communicator, though notoriously clumsy in speech (Chiron in Gemini, with his ruler Mercury conjunct Uranus).  It was said that his thoughts were too quick for his expression in speech, the way his words tumbled forth.  He was also dyslexic, at a time when that was not a household word.  His Sun was unaspected (a one-off individual), save for a loose square with Jupiter, which exaggerated certain traits, and made for a larger-than-life character.  We do not have his birth time, but his Moon in Cancer conjunct Venus will have made him quite emotional, with an understanding of the female side of life.  The adjective “kind” was generously sprinkled in his tributes, both from public figures, and members of the public.  He was well thought of for his comparative transparency, and being able to call a spade a spade, distinguishing him from what has come to be thought of as a typical politician’s personality.  His conjunction between Mercury and Uranus is placed in Taurus, a sign of earthiness, while the planet Uranus conveys a lack of concern about being controversial.  That describes perfectly his communication style of blunt speech.  It also contributed to that “gut instinct” which Tony Blair valued in his tribute, as did Mercury exactly trine Neptune (a sensitive mind).  For although he got into scrapes, he did have a chip on his shoulder, and nursed sensitivities about how he was perceived by fellow politicians: though ambitious, it took him a long while to reach the role he was best known for as deputy leader.  His Venus was trine Jupiter, so he was sociable, but at the same time his Venus was square Saturn which brought some social disappointment.  His Mars (cars) was in Gemini – a literal symbolism for the epithet “Two Jags”, which stuck with him.  However, Mars trine Jupiter was a boundless enthusiasm allied with energy, and he was banned for speeding in 1991 and 2015.  He became increasingly concerned about the environment, and eventually gave up the two jags.  The strength in his chart is shown by Uranus trine Neptune (the ability to deal with complexity) and Pluto trine the North Node (being able to face the deeper challenges of life, through his karmic mission).

Life and Career

He was born in Prestatyn, Wales.  His father was a railway signalman, depicted in his chart by the Sun (the father) in Gemini (railways).  The family relocated to Yorkshire (Rotherham) when he was four years old.  He failed the 11-plus, his father withholding a promised bicycle,  and shortly afterwards the family moved to Ellesmere Port, where he attended a secondary modern school.  He left school at 16, and went into the Merchant Navy for several years, where he developed his skills as a union leader, and also as a boxer.  During that period he became a personal steward to Sir Anthony Eden, whose character inspired him – a close bond with a fellow Gemini whose Venus was exactly sextile with his Venus.

He married his wife Pauline in 1961, and in 1965 caught up with his education, studying for a diploma in economics and politics at Ruskin College in 1965.  From there, he went on to obtain a BSc in  Economics and Economic History at Hull University in 1968.  In 1970 he became M.P. for Kingston upon Hull East, a position he subsequently held for 40 years.  He was clearly ambitious, as in 1988 he began his bid to be deputy leader of the Labour party, losing out to Roy Hattersley.  In 1992 he tried again, but lost out to Margaret Beckett.  It was not his time, plus by all accounts he was held back by the emerging reformist wing of the party.  He did, however hold posts in the shadow cabinet during this period.

A turning point seems to have been a particular speech he made from the heart at the Labour Party Conference of 1993, which impressed by virtue of its passion, begging the conference not to destroy John Smith’s leadership.  As one might expect from such a career-changing speech,  Uranus (brilliance) was trine his natal Mercury-Uranus conjunction (the key component of communication in his chart).  In addition, there was a helping hand from Mars trine his natal Jupiter (a trigger for success).  And bringing out the skill of his natal Uranus-Neptune trine, Uranus and Neptune trined his natal Neptune.

His special place in history took place when Tony Blair became Prime Minister in 1997, and John Prescott became deputy leader – he was to become the longest serving deputy leader, leaving in 2007 when Tony Blair stepped down.  His role was crucial in upholding traditional labour values, amongst the reforming zeal of the government, which had brought in the shiny new spin doctors Mandelson and Campbell.  The relationship between Blair and Brown became increasingly fractious during that time, and Prescott helped to negotiate between them.  He also had jurisdiction in a new Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

[Personal note: it was during this time, that I actually visited his office, courtesy of a friend who worked as a secretary in his department! Sorry about the digression]

Two of his most successful areas were in environment, and housing.  He is credited with being one of the first ministers to take a keen interest in climate, and he notably worked to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol of 2005.  On 24th August 1999 he introduced legislation to ban chrysotile asbestos (interestingly, with Saturn transiting his natal Mercury).  He stood firm on  an increase in housebuilding, controversially advocating use of greenfield areas: “It’s a Labour achievement, and we mean to build on it”.  He made a stance against Blair over state schools when Blair wanted to increase academies, arguing that it would create a two-tier system, classwise.

On 28th May 2010, it was announced that John Prescott would become a Life Peer.  The transits for that date throw up two exact favourable connections to his planet of power, Pluto.  Jupiter was at that time trine his natal Pluto (a satisfying relationship to power) and Saturn was sextile his natal Pluto (gravitas in relation to power).

He famously quipped that on his demise, all he would be remembered for would be the left hook he bestowed upon a voter who threw an egg at him during the 2001 election campaign.  Overall, and to his surprise, the public did not judge his harshly for it.  Mars was opposite his natal Chiron in Cancer at the time (his response was instinctive).  Mars was also trine his natal Uranus (an “incident”!).  Mars in Capricorn (politics) acting as provocateur, in this case.  Tony Blair’s take on the incident: “John is John”.

“I remember with great fondness his unique and indomitable character, as well as his infectious sense of humour”

~ King Charles III

Aspects

This week’s aspects are concentrated on Tuesday (26th) and Wednesday (27th).

Tuesday 26th:

On Tuesday, Mercury goes Retrograde.  Yasmin Bolland and Kim Farnell tell us in “The Mercury Retrograde Book” that this placing in Sagittarius promises:

“Here’s your chance to look at the bigger picture of your life – …if your plans have come unstuck recently, perhaps you have been focussing too much on the details?  Upsets now can also simply be due to the fact that your timing was off.”

Depending on how you are normally affected, be clear in your communications for the next three weeks, in order to avoid misunderstandings and loopholes.  Although technology can go awry, it can be a good period to upgrade such devices.  You may have developed your own strategies, according to past experiences.

Also on Tuesday, the Sun trines the North Node.  These karmic developments (North Node) are likely to be about power and creativity.  At this time, the Universe bears a karmic gift.  This can help your actions and creations to fall in line with, and be in sync with, your own karma and the collective karma.

So for Tuesday, while watching your communications you can at the same time reap karmic rewards.

Wednesday 27th:

The next day, Wednesday, the Sun trines Mars, reviving our energies for whatever task we have in hand.  It favours the yang side of the male/female equation or balance.  Sporting interests can flourish, or any vigorous pursuits.  It’s a good evening for striking out on a new venture.  Men, dogs and cars may flourish! (John Prescott might add Jaguars and left hooks to that list of resonances).  Aries and Leo Sun sign interaction may be highlighted.

Also on Wednesday, we have a square from Chiron to Venus, which is sensitive for healing and relationship.  If there is an emotional crisis, then healing could be near at hand.  Equally, natural remedies may be readily found for minor physical ailments.  An aspect for care of the self and others.

So Wednesday has two very different strands of experience: a dynamic, forceful vibe, and a gentle, sensitive vibe.  Look out for some contrasting scenarios.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – communication glitches; karmic rewards
• Wednesday – dynamic energy; sensitive healing

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 – Part 3

I thought I must write Part 3 of Strictly 2024, before all the contestants disappear!  It’s Blackpool week, and perhaps more females have left than males, because of the four left to write about, only one is female and one doesn’t have a birth date.  So, here we go!

Montell Douglas

Montell is an Olympian and Gladiator, who excelled at athletics from a young age.  She studied Sport Science at Brunel University.  She is a tall, leggy Aquarian (the proper build for that sign!).  Her energy level comes from a close square between her Mars (energy) and Jupiter (enthusiasm), a square which can take one over the top!  She has a difficult and complex karma, with three squares to her Nodal Axis, and Pluto at the South Node.

Her transits for the final would be:

Mars opposite her natal Venus (a little forced)

Uranus opposite her natal Mars (possibility of upset)

Uranus square her natal Jupiter (again, the element of the unexpected)

Despite being a very strong contender at this point in time, the prospects for the final do not look promising.

Her compatibility with her professional partner Johannes Radebe:

These two look like a match made in heaven (both tall and leggy!)

Montell’s Pluto is opposite Johannes’ Sun, so she will make a big impact on him.

Their Venuses are exactly sextile!  Truly a match made in heaven…

Montell’s Uranus conjoins Johannes’ Saturn (she throws him a curve ball, at least initially)

Montell’s Pluto sextiles Johannes’ Neptune (a deep understanding)

His transits for the final would be:

Mars square to his Sun (danger?), but

Mars exactly trine his Venus to the day (sensuality)

Jupiter on his Mars (fun, energy and enthusiasm, a helpful transit)

Neptune square his Uranus (some confusion and complexity)

It could be a nail biter for Johannes, but if Montell’s transits are not too favourable, he may just be enjoying the group dances at that point.

Pete Wicks

Sadly I can’t write about Pete astrologically, as I do not have a birth date, let alone a time, for him!

Jamie Borthwick

Jamie plays Jay Brown in Eastenders, and was himself born in the East End (Barking).  He has played that role since 2006.  Last Christmas, he won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, but he hasn’t had such an easy ride in this season’s competition.  His performance has been a bit up and down.  Jamie has 0 Air planets, so operates instinctively, and Sun in Cancer and half (5) of his planets in the Water element gives him an emotional nature.  On top of that, he was born on a Full Moon, which adds to the emotionality.  But his Sun trines Jupiter, so he can tip that emotion on to the positive side.  He also has Mercury trine his Jupiter, so has a good brain with a wide-ranging mind.  Mercury also sextile his Chiron means that he is able to problem-solve to a high degree.  His energy (Mars) is interesting: Mars trines Uranus (electrical energy and dynamism); Mars exactly trines Neptune (the secret of his dance success – he attended Sylvia Young’s Theatre School until he was 16); and Mars opposes Pluto – there is a slight attraction to danger (he received a driving ban for speeding).  Mars is also highlighted by being exactly conjunct his South Node, bringing a Martian element through from past lives.  Hence the red hair!

His transits for the final would be:

The Nodal Axis square to his natal Sun (difficult karma)

Venus opposite his Venus (lack of flow)

Mars square to his Jupiter (awkwardness)

These do not look like winning transits, despite his win last year.

His compatibility with his professional partner newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas: (He won last year with Nancy Xu).  Michelle has the Sun in Virgo, and there are some really positive interaspects between the two of them.  Her Sun sextiles his Jupiter, and exactly conjoins his Chiron.  His Mars and Neptune sextile her Saturn, and his North Node trines her Saturn.  His Mars trines her Neptune.  A very good match.

Her transits for the final would be:

Pluto trine her natal Mercury (deeply satisfying), Neptune sextile her Uranus, and Neptune trine her natal Pluto (satisfying at a deep level).  Perhaps her positive transits and their compatibility might pull them through to the final.

J.B. Gill

J.B. Gill started out this contest dancing with Amy Dowden, but she injured her foot and his dance partner is now Lauren Oakley.  Like Jamie, he is high on instinct and emotion astrologically, for the same reasons.  He is a Sagittarian, but more disciplined than most people of that sign, by virtue of having Saturn conjunct the Sun in his chart. He rose to fame when as part of the boy band JLS he took part in X Factor in 2008.  At that time, he was studying Theology (a Sagittarian subject) at King’s College London, but life took him in another direction (not One Direction, excuse the pun).  Like Jamie, he also won the Strictly Christmas Special, but in the year 2012.  He has an independent mind (Mercury unaspected), good energy (Mars conjunct Jupiter, and Mars trine Pluto, and can be a powerhouse in that respect.

His transits for the final would be:

Jupiter opposite his Sun (exaggerated emotions)

Neptune trine his Mercury (spiritual satisfaction)

Jupiter square his Jupiter (wild exaggeration)

Saturn square his Saturn (enforced restraint!)

Two squares, an opposition, and a trine – not a great selection.

His compatibility with his professional partner newcomer Lauren Oakley:

They seemed to hit it off immediately…His Saturn squares her Mercury, focussing her teaching

His Jupiter squares her Mars – He brings enthusiasm to her energies

Her transits for the final would be:

Saturn square her natal Mars (a block)

North Node sextile her Saturn (accepting what is)

Saturn sextile her natal Uranus (a sense of balance)

Not an encouraging set of transits.  They may be out of the contest soon.

So, within these three contestants, I don’t see a finalist or winner.  So trawling back over my accounts for a third finalist, I would like to put forward:

“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.”

I pick Chris McCausland as the third finalist, with Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri.  Final answer!

Aspects

There are quite a lot of aspects to get through this week, and today’s aspect occurred in the early hours of this morning.  Uranus opposed the Sun, and it might have kept you awake for a while.  A change of orientation may be required in some way.  Insights from out of the blue, perhaps from your dreams, may lead you to understand what changes are required.  Expect the unexpected.  Be open and flexible, and use your intuition to the max.

Tomorrow (Monday, 18th) there is an opposition between Mercury and Jupiter.  You might be ambitious to get things done, but at the same time overstretch yourself.  This aspect may bring about communication and travel complexity.  You may feel you need to be in two places at once, and be summoned hither and thither.  Geminis and Virgos may need to factor in some extra relaxation time.  However, it is very mind-broadening, if not mind-stretching, if not information-overloading.  But you may feel heady with new ideas.

The most important day this week is Tuesday 19th, which has two trines, and the final ingress of Pluto to the sign of Aquarius.   The first trine, in the early hours, takes place between the Sun and Neptune (the planet of sleep).  You could be in for a sublime sleep and set of dreams.  This may give rise to a positive day for the expression of spirituality.  It promises a graceful day:   expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.

The second trine to occur that day is Mercury trine Chiron), so the day has real healing potential.  This aspect is all about finding solutions, especially in health matters.  Mercury trine Chiron describes healing on a mental level (positive thinking, writing and affirmations), and helps to combine conventional and alternative or complementary healing approaches.

The third, and most important feature of the day occurs in the evening: it’s the final ingress of Pluto into Aquarius.  We’ve had the Age of Aquarius hailed many times, but this is arguably one of the strongest entries into the coming age!  Pluto is the most powerful planet and takes about twenty years to traverse a sign; it is finally changing sign, and what a sign!  Aquarius itself.  It’s hard to argue with the importance of such an event, and undeniably presages change, but it is questionable as to how quickly things will change.  We of course have a new government in the U.K. and will soon have a new government in the U.S.  Next year, several of the big-hitting planets will be changing sign, so 2025 will be an unprecedented year of change, and Aquarius is not just any change…(to be read as in the M & S advert), it is progressive change.  Watch for symbolism in your life that a new deal is emerging.

Moving on to Thursday (21st) the Sun enters Sagittarius in the evening, which ushers in the season of celebration.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly, at least in the preparation and anticipation of Christmas.  Sagittarius also represents philosophy, working out your ethics, values and how you feel about the meaning of life, and religion.

Soon after this event, the Sun encounters Pluto in a sextile, reinforcing the messages of the Pluto and the Sun ingresses which just occurred.  So the middle of this week is significant and potent.  This sextile on its own can bring powerful help.  If you dig deep, you can find the treasure you need.  It is a profound aspect which may help to show us the direction we need to solve our collective problems, and understanding the meaning behind our dilemmas.  This sextile can bring a profound air of quiet contemplation.  Use the opportunity of this aspect to strengthen your situation…

The last aspect of the week, another sextile, involving Venus and Saturn, occurs just before lunchtime on Friday (22nd).  Relationships need consideration, and will repay the time and loyalty you give them.  It is a helpful aspect for laying the foundations of artistic or musical work.

As you can see, there is a fair share of helpful and beneficial aspects this week, as well as the core of the week taking us into an important new dimension.  Enjoy!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – expect the unexpected
• Tomorrow – heady and overstretching
• Tuesday – sublime dreams; healing potential; the New Age
• Thursday – Christmas preparations; dig for psychological treasure
• Friday – loyalty in relationship(s)

 

Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024)

“Quincy just creates a vibe in the studio: he orders up great food, makes everybody feel comfortable and happy, and that makes for a great creative experience.”

~ Steve Lukather

Multi-Grammy award winning impresario Quincy Jones died this week at the age of 91, the music world having been touched by his talent and work in so many ways.  Astrodatabank cites three different birth times, so my investigation is a bit of a quest for which birth chart I find most convincing.  There are two possible Libran Ascendant, and a Leo.  My inclination on first examining the three charts is to favour the Leo Ascendant.

Birth Chart

Quincy had the Sun in Pisces, that is certain.  But Pisces itself is the sign of uncertainty.  It is also the sign of genius, talent, compassion and sensitivity.  He had Jupiter opposite the Sun, exaggerating these strengths, but also perhaps weaknesses.  Pluto trined his natal Sun, attesting to his powerful inner nature.  The Moon’s position varies with each of the three charts, but is always in Scorpio, giving depth and intensity of emotion, and adding to his intuition.  His Mercury is unaspected, depicting an independent mind.  Venus in Pisces is conjunct the North Node: his karmic mission to develop his musical talents.  Mars conjunct Neptune denotes what can be a certain finesse in his personality.  Mars itself is at the South Node, so this is a talent brought through from past lives.  Jupiter sextile Pluto speaks to us of his power, and ability to handle power, usually in a wise manner with this type of aspect.  Jupiter also trines his Midheaven in the Leo rising/Ascendant chart, which would describe the breadth of his success.  Furthermore, Jupiter trine his natal Chiron shows an ability to find solutions for people, win-win outcomes.  He has an unrestrained Saturn, with it being unaspected, which helped him express his Jupiter to the max.  Uranus exactly squares Pluto, which is an extreme challenge he must have found a way to work with to achieve all he did.  In the Leo rising chart, Pluto exactly sextiles his Midheaven (Careerpoint), another factor in favour of this particular chart, because it point to him being a superpower in his industry.

Life and Career

Quincy was born in Chicago, from a family connected to conditions of enslavement going back only two generations.  He latched onto the musical instrument the piano at an early age.  His parents divorced and he lived with his father who remarried, the family growing, so that he had several siblings.  He attended High School in Seattle, and extended his musical repertoire, singing in a gospel quartet at the age of 12.  His father inspired a work ethic, with the words: “Once a task is just begun, never leave until it’s done. Be the labour great or small, do it well or not at all.” This may be shown by Saturn in the 6th House of Work Ethic in the Leo rising chart.  He attended music college in Boston, and began a life of performance, encouraged by Ray Charles who was an early influence for him.  At the age of 20 he took a tour in Europe with an orchestra, after which he supported a young Elvis Presley’s performances – his career spanned seventy years! By 1958 he was working with Frank Sinatra.  From there, he moved into being an arranger/conductor for Sinatra and others.

“Frank Sinatra took me to a whole new planet. I worked with him until he passed away in ’98. He left me his ring. I never take it off. Now, when I go to Sicily, I don’t need a passport. I just flash my ring.”

We may not (always) have been aware of Quincy’s work, much of it in the background for other artists, but the artists and works are so prominent, that we know his work.  He began to make music for film, a notable example being for the iconic film starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, “In the Heat of the Night” (1967).

He worked as an arranger for such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Nana Mouskouri.  But his career went into overdrive when he started working with Michael Jackson in the late 1970s, producing the latter’s hit albums “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” (one of the best selling albums in pop history) and “Bad”.  Arguably, the collaboration also saw Michael Jackson at his peak.  This magical partnership was astrologically borne of an exact conjunction of Quincy’s Mars to Michael’s Sun (a supreme stimulus), Quincy’s South Node on Michael’s Sun (a past life karmic connection), Quincy’s Pluto sextile Michael’s Mars (again, firing on all cylinders), Michael’s Mars on Quincy’s Midheaven for the Leo rising chart (a leg up for Quincy’s career), and again for the Leo rising chart Michael’s Jupiter sextile Quincy’s Ascendant (great encouragement from Michael to Quincy).  Quincy was responsible for organizing the multi-artist charity single “We Are The World”.

His career went from strength to strength in the 1990s, when he established the Quincy Jones Entertainment company with Time Warner, writing his autobiography in 2001 titled (unenigmatically) “The Autobiography of Quincy Jones”.  He also made cameo appearances in films.  He was also a social activist for various causes.

In his personal life, he married three times and had seven children.  This again is most significantly highlighted by the Leo rising chart, with having the North Node, Venus and the Sun in his 7th House of Marriage. One of his later partners was Nastassja Kinski, with whom he had a deep connection (his South Node on her Pluto).  He spoke out in favour of Astrology, and explained: “Once my dreamer Pisces side sees the end result, my practical Leo influence kicks in and says, ‘How do I get there?'”.

He was a multi-layered talent, encompassing record, film and television producing, songwriting, composition and arrangement.  That speaks of a combination of Pisces (breadth of talent) and Leo (overall creativity in a project).

Michael Caine is an astrological twin of Quincy Jones, his chart differing by virtue of a Gemini  Ascendant and a Moon in Libra, and his tribute reads:

“My celestial  twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world.  He was a wonderful and unique human being.  Lucky to have known him.”

Aspects

It’s a lack-lustre week for aspects…bit like the weather here in the U.K. at the moment.  But we had enough of the drama last week, with the U.S. election.  Of course Trump triumphed, with transiting Jupiter on his natal Sun/North Node in his 10th House of Prominence.  I was shy of broadcasting this, but this is what I actually wrote back in July:

“Jupiter on his North Node in Gemini in 10th House (would be karmic rewards, but lawlessness – the negative form of Jupiter – may actually produce karmic comeuppance, especially for convicted felons)”.

It is clear that the force is still with him.

Tomorrow, Monday 11th, brings an ingress: the entry of Venus into Capricorn.  Carefree Venus in Sagittarius gives way to a more sedate portrayal of love and affection, and the Arts.  Loyalty and stamina are more in evidence, after the more adventurous period of her sojourn in Sagittarius.  Thoughts may turn to the care of the elderly within the family circle, and may possibly focus on the issue of social care, one of the hotly debated topics of the day, which the government urgently needs to solve, in order to alleviate its impact on other hotly debated features which have been stuck.

Overnight (Monday/Tuesday), you may catch a glimpse of a meteor shower from the Northern Taurids.  The BBC News website tells us:

“These showers, known for their slow-moving, long-lasting meteors, are linked to Comet Encke… as it passes through our solar system…. To find Taurus, look for the constellation Orion and then peer to the north-east to find the red star Aldebaran, the star in the bull’s eye.”

Tuesday (12th) brings a square, that of Saturn to Mercury.  This brings up mental weariness.  So much so that you may have to put your thought processes on the back burner for a while, trying meditation or gentle exercise instead.  This may give your mind a rest and a refresh or a reset.  If  you are worried, send healing to the situation to your best level.  The stuckness may suggest a new strand to your philosophy of life, incorporating the quality of resilience.  “What is being required here?” is a useful question. More haste less speed may also be a useful mantra to follow. Travel and communications could be slow, and mirror this process.  For those with mobility problems, don’t strain to do too much today.

The middle of the week is aspect-less, but looking at Friday (15th) there is a welcome turn especially for Capricorns, with Saturn Stationary poised to turn Direct – probably the best feature of the week!  This may be experienced as a relief to some, again especially for Capricornians, and may release some of their chains or burdens.  Certain matters which have been stuck since the end of June, may slowly start to make progress again.

That evening, there is a Full Moon at 24 degrees Taurus.  Therefore, with tension building up to this and Saturn in the midst of a turn, you may not yet experience the benefits of Saturn Direct… bear with, as they say.  As for the Full Moon itself, your emotions may be stirred and you may be motivated to try to resolve in an issue you care passionately about (Taurus and the Sun in opposite sign Scorpio are Fixed signs).  If you are of an artistic bent, you can plough this feeling into your creativity.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sedate portrayal of love and the Arts
• Tuesday – mental weariness
• Friday – a release; emotional high tide