“I told them how I manifest things – by writing a letter to the universe at the start of every year.  In the letter, I thank the universe for helping me accomplish several specific goals, even though they hadn’t happened yet.”

~ Laura Lynne Jackson, from “The Light Between Us”

Highlights and Lowlights of 2016

Welcome to the New Year!  You may be happy that we cleared the Uranus-Pluto square last year.  In March 2015 we experienced the last of 7 squares which began in June 2012, and you may have found completion on a complex series of events throughout that time.  The Uranus-Pluto energy was shocking and violent, and with the rise of ISIS/ISIL/IS/DAESH last year we cannot claim that violence has decreased in the world, sadly.  But in November 2015 we faced a new challenge, one which engages us in this New Year, 2016.  Saturn squared Neptune, and will do so again twice this year.  This combination is not quite as powerful or acute as the Uranus-Pluto challenge, nor as long lasting.  But it brings its own lessons and in its way, it can be dampening and insidious in its energy, so we need to keep our spiritual light buoyant.  Here is what I wrote in November:

“Saturn represents the frustration of inaction and Neptune oversensitivity which can also result in paralysis.  This square has been stealing on us for a while, and so you will not be surprised by it, as you will have felt in some area or areas of your life an inability to proceed, which peaks at this time.  But there are hidden agendas which may now emerge: the factors and causes which you may not have suspected, but which have contributed to the current state of affairs, like a slow pollution which has gone unnoticed.  The good thing is that it is now coming to the surface and can be seen, so you can deal with the problem from a more enlightened viewpoint.  Such world problems which are now coming into clearer focus are the plight of the refugees (Saturn and Neptune represent borders, from the point of view of tightening and relaxing them, so two principles at loggerheads), the threat posed by the over-use of antibiotics (Neptune rules drugs), and the fear and paranoia surrounding the possibility of further terrorist attacks (Neptune represents paranoia, and here it is combined with fear from Saturn).”

Its energy is also very resonant with the severe flooding that we have seen in Northern England recently, which has affected vast numbers of homes and lives, with the insecurity of knowing it could happen again.  At the heart of that problem is the issue of climate change, which needs to be priority with our government (who cut flood defences) and world governments (who are dealing with different manifestations of climate change).

So, to summarize, this year astrologically doesn’t look as difficult as last year, and the human spirit is indomitable – we live in hope.  Austerity has bitten in Europe, but there is always the hope that karmically those responsible will be held to account and become more merciful.  Who would have thought that the House of Lords would oppose austerity cuts?  Miracles can happen.

 Dates for your Diary if planning ahead:

January

Friday 8th: Jupiter turns retrograde – progress plateaus, a need for reworking.

March

Wednesday 9th: New Moon and Eclipse at 18 degrees Pisces – a spiritual turning point, and important for the health of our oceans, sea life, and the management of water resources.

Wednesday 16th: Jupiter in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn – an opportunity for power to be used productively, in our own lives and globally.

Wednesday 23rd: Jupiter in Virgo squares Saturn in Sagittarius – a stand off in international affairs, e.g. in the Syrian crisis.  An impasse in our own lives needs careful negotiation.

Friday 25th: Saturn turns Retrograde in Sagittarius – a setback to progress.

April

Monday 18th: Pluto turns retrograde – a deeper level of setback, necessitating psychological understanding and awareness of reality.

May

Monday 9th: Jupiter goes Direct – full steam ahead.

Thursday 26th: Jupiter square Saturn – more stalling.

June

Monday 13th: Neptune goes Retrograde – spiritual backtracking, more illusions surfacing.

Saturday 18th: Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces – wading in the water.

20th/21st: Jupiter conjunct True North Node at 15/16 deg Virgo – a karmic gift on a spiritual level.

24th/25th: Jupiter conjunct Mean North Node at 16 deg Virgo – a karmic reward on a more practical level.

Sunday 26th: Jupiter in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn – large projects bear fruit.

July

Friday 29th: Uranus turns Retrograde – the excitement of progress suddenly turns flat, for a period of re-examination.

August

Saturday 13th: Saturn goes Direct – hard slog starts to pay off.

September

Thursday 1st: New Moon and Eclipse at 9 deg Virgo – turning point in environmental affairs, and in your working life.

Friday 9th: Jupiter enters Libra – an injection of fresh positive energy into your relationships, and peace negotiations.

Saturday 10th: Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces (3rd pass) – learning the lessons of illusions highlighted since last November and beginning to deal with them more effectively.

Monday 26th: Pluto goes Direct – Psychological progress, and more cohesion globally over issues that affect nations.

November

Sunday 20th: Neptune goes Direct – spiritual progress, and a boost to issues that affect sea life and water management on the planet.

Thursday 24th: Jupiter in Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn – a power stand off internationally.  Power issues prominent in personal lives, too.

December

Sunday 25th (Christmas Day): Saturn in Sagittarius trines Uranus in Aries – a very constructive time for dealing with international problems, or structural problems in society and communities, or long term projects in your own life.

Monday 26th (Boxing Day): Jupiter in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries – a time when people, and nations, will be attracted to risk (rightly or wrongly).

Thursday 29th: Uranus goes Direct – Intuition rules.  The Higher Mind is able to operate limitlessly in personal and worldwide affairs for the time being.

Manifesting Magic

Jupiter was exactly square my natal Sun on New Year’s Day, and unleashed my inner Anthony Robbins!  The resulting insight that came to me under the influence (assisted only by an inch of Shloer topped up with sparkling mineral water) might be too outlandish for some, yet elementary for others, but for what it’s worth, here it is:

Everybody at some time experiences magic in their lives.  Magic is a part of life.  It is usually something that “happens” to us.  What if we were to tap into that vein, harness it, and make it an ever-present part of the flow of our lives?  Some people do that.  Let’s increase the magic in our lives, and the magic quotient in everyone’s lives.  Let’s lift the collective experience of being on this planet.

If we were to convert the discomfort of the Saturn-Neptune square of this coming year into a trine, we would be indeed manifesting (Saturn) magic (Neptune).  Manifesting Magic, then,  is my mantra for the coming year.

On a note of personal application, I finished writing my novel “The Quiet Office” on 30th November, which had taken me 10 years.  I have always called its genre “magical realism meets kitchen sink”.  So one of my creative endeavours this coming year is to polish up the first three chapters and send them to a publisher!

Do you have a New Year project which involves magical realism (Neptune) meeting kitchen sink (Saturn)?  If so, its time may have come.

Aspects

It’s a busy busy week in terms of aspects, launched by Mars entering in Scorpio today, around late lunchtime.  Mars has been in equable Libra, so you may hear a roar as it enters Scorpio.  It can express its true nature better in a Scorpio climate.  Some may have been holding back or dithering, and may change, going full steam ahead.  Some may even go on the warpath.  Others may be wise to steer clear.  If the issue is “who’s doing the washing up?”, leave it to the most passionate.

On Tuesday (5th), Mercury squares Mars.  We encountered this aspect last Tuesday (29th) and you may have experienced harsh words.  But I have been reading the biography of David Frost this week, and he had Mercury exactly square Mars in his natal chart.  He was able to deploy this sharpness of mind and speech in incisive interviewing, and really turned this into a positive tool.  Maybe you can find someone to dialogue with in such an exciting way at Noon on Tuesday.

You’ll have to be quick, because Mercury was slowing down preparing to turn retrograde, which is why Mars caught up with him again.  At 13.05 Hrs, Mercury turns retrograde – duh duh duh!  You know what happens when Mercury turns retrograde, don’t you.  Communications can go haywire.  There’s an uproar at the moment at the cost of railway tickets in this New Year, with year after year services deteriorating.  So there may be a stand off in travel or communication on Tuesday.

The period between Tuesday (5th) and Wednesday (6th) looks most complex and intense.  First we have the “words” at Noon on Tuesday, then the blocked communications an hour later, and no doubt more words as Mercury retrogrades to the Noon position around an hour after that: so we have irate commuters, trains travelling backwards, then commuters irate about that, followed by Venus square Neptune at 14.33 Hrs (still Tuesday 5th): the confused commuters don’t know where they are; they don’t know if they are coming or going.  Venus square Neptune affects relationships, so the irritability around lunchtime could start to impinge on the general atmosphere.

That itself might calm down if it were not for a conjunction of the Sun and Pluto at 15 degrees Capricorn in the early hours of Wednesday (6th).  Our hypothetical commuter characters will have trouble sleeping with the stress of it all.  There is a sense of overwhelm which may only be alleviated by surrender to your Higher Self, Soul or the Universe.  That is possibly the high point of the tension of the week.

However, the rest of the aspects are still challenging.  Would love to soft soap the aspects, but I don’t think I would be doing anyone any favours.  Next one up on Thursday 7th is Sun square Uranus, the element of the unexpected, and sometimes the Spanner in the Works.  You may prepare by looking at possible loopholes and plugging them in, or using your Higher Intuition to survey the lie of the land (or water) and find out the optimal perspective.

Friday (8th) is a mixed bag: first Jupiter goes retrograde in the early hours of the morning.  You may have reached a plateau in your progress in a work or environmental scheme, and need to do some revision or reworking for a while.  The night’s half waking / half sleeping state may bring forth insights about this.

During the day, the Sun sextiles Chiron, which brings the possibility of healing-related activities or seeking alternative solutions to problems.  That may be the best aspect of the week, but a subtle one which some may miss if they are focussed entirely inside the box.

On Friday evening, Mercury while on its retrograde path re-enters Capricorn; it entered Aquarius on Saturday, bringing a fresh collective perspective, and now institutionalized or more conventional thinking holds sway again.  Maybe your ideas were a little outlandish or slightly before their time.  You need to make things sit well with certain people before you can go all out with your fresh 2016 outlook.  Give it till 25th January to get communications moving again, when Mercury turns direct, and then until 13th February when Mercury re-enters Aquarius and you’ll have more people on side for changes you want to make.

In the early hours of Saturday (9th) Venus conjuncts Saturn, and there may need to be some letting go in relationships.  You may feel depleted, that you have given your all.  Venus will be at 11 degrees 11 minutes of Sagittarius, exciting numerology for some, which may be significant.

There may be a feeling that this prime week of new year’s resolution has been a long haul to try and establish the principles, patterns and habits you want to live by in 2016.  But in the struggle you may have a sense of achievement, which bears fruit in the New Moon of Sunday (10th).

The week in bullet points:

• Today – intensity
• Tuesday – on edge
• Wednesday – profound
• Thursday – spanner in the works
• Friday – some healing space
• Saturday – in serious mood

A Review of 2015

Give some love, or compassion, to 2015 before you move on to the new pastures of 2016.  For the historically minded, or nostalgic among you, selections from the blog this year:

January

11th: (from the blog)

The Paris Shootings

As a million people plan to march through the streets of Paris, including 47 heads of state, in solidarity with the principle of freedom of speech, there seems only one subject for today’s blog: the  attacks by Islamic terrorists in the capital of France.  The beautiful city of Paris this week has been the site of tragic and alarming scenes.

… For me, a person’s right to believe is sacred, but violence is not justified in any way.  So a moment’s silence for those who have died in this ideological war.  In marching in solidarity today, we are showing that peaceful protest is the way to lead by example, and not violence: love, not hatred.

February

1st: (from the blog)

Greece

“I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world…”

~ Socrates

The Greek electorate made history last Sunday, by  voting in a communist leader Alexis Tsipras, head of the  Syriza Party. He has formed a surprising coalition with the far right party, in a combined anti-austerity thrust.  Conditions in Greece have become so intolerable that this outcome was inevitable, and this event has many ramifications for Greece, Europe and the world.

…Tsipras is not fuelled by faith or religion, he’s an atheist, but I think he has a powerful instinct for the common good. He has taken a huge risk in promising so much, including a vow  to renegotiate Greek debt (Pluto rules debt) but the Greeks have put their faith in him.  In history, the mould breakers and ground breakers are not always destined to carry through the work, but he is still young at 40.

March

1st: (from the blog)

Leonard Nimoy (1931 – 2015)

I am not a Trekkie, but as an Astrologer I have a natural affinity for the territory.  There is a huge worldwide affection for Leonard Nimoy, who died this week,  and his alter ego Spock the Vulcan in Star Trek, although the actor wrestled with his screen persona, and eventually surrendered.  His relationship with William Shatner, who played the Captain of the Starship Enterprise, makes an interesting study.

Spock the Vulcan

The unique character with whom Leonard Nimoy is forever associated, Spock, is dramatically depicted in his own chart, and so is in fact a part of his own psyche.  Leonard was an Aries Sunsign, so straightforward, logical and individualistic.  He had an exact conjunction between Uranus , the North Node and Mercury: a cement-like bond between his higher mind, his lower mind and his karmic mission.

April

12th: (from the blog)

Andy Murray weds Kim Sears

At last a good news story to intersperse my political blogs!  You won’t find exclusive pictures in “Hello” or “O.K.” for yesterday’s wedding, all credit to Andy Murray, who has over the years firmly embedded himself in the hearts of the nation.  I have written many times about his tennis in my Wimbledon blogs, but haven’t until now devoted the luxury indulgence of a whole blog to him…

Synastry (Comparison of Charts)

Aged 27, both Andy and Kim have their highest number of planets in Fire signs, and she has 4 Sagittarian planets, and he has 3 (which include his Moon, representing the females in his life).  There is a lovely exact trine between Andy Murray’s Jupiter and Kim’s Sun, so that increases the luck when they are together.

May

3rd: (from the blog)

Princess Charlotte

born 2nd May 2015, at 8.34 am

All eyes are on the young royal family at the moment, with a baby girl being born to Prince William and his wife Kate yesterday morning.  They have recently been given a house on the Sandringham Estate, which is in our county of Norfolk, to enable William to pursue his new job as a pilot in the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

… There are minor points of tension between her chart and her great grandmother the Queen’s chart.  Queen Elizabeth’s Moon squares her Sun, so she may challenge some of the Queen’s habits.  The Queen’s Jupiter squares her Mars, so she may find herself overruled by the Queen!  But the Queen’s Mars trines her Moon so she may bring out some warmth from the Queen.

June

7th: (from the blog)

Charles Kennedy (1959 – 2015)

Several years ago, I attended a Lib Dem rally in Cambridge (2005 election campaign), while Charles Kennedy was still leader of the Party.  Seemed like a nice chap…And so say all of us, it seems…

Niceness

 “I am a fully paid-up member of the human race”

Charles Kennedy had his Ascendant conjunct his North Node in Libra, depicting his geniality, but also the North Node in that position making him a mover and shaker in life.  Libra also very symbolic of Liberalism and the Middle Way of politics.  To add even greater charm, he had Venus in Libra in his 1^st House of personality.  He was that rare breed, a cuddly politician, untouched by the prevailing public cynicism towards his profession.

July

26th: (from the blog)

Jeremy Corbyn

I was waiting until just prior to the ballot on 14^th August to blog the Labour Leadership Contest, but Jeremy Corbyn’s rise and rise has so dominated the news this week, that he is going to get a blog all to himself.

In an extraordinary sequence of events since the election, Jeremy got himself on the ballot, by the skin of his teeth, and has since proved the most popular candidate of the four.  His candidacy is proving very controversial, with the acting leader Harriet Harman being urged to pull the plug on his runaway success on the grounds that it is too left wing and could result in a Labour defeat in the 2020.  What an incredible turn of events!

… Jeremy Corbyn was interviewed on the Andrew Marr show this morning, and I felt respectfully so (Andrew can be quite aggressive at times).  Jeremy was relaxed throughout, and that was because he was being himself, not having to tread on political eggshells.  His authenticity shone through, plus he has a sense of humour.  He has even been found to have spent the least in expenses during the scandal of 2009 – that is the sort of politician we need. He is also vegetarian and teetotal.

August

9th: (from the blog)

The Great British Bake Off

In my blog on Mary Berry two years ago there was a piece of the jigsaw missing…Paul Hollywood’s birth date!  Now that is available, and the two of them are back with the super successful Great British Bake Off, together with Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc who are enjoying a career renaissance.  In addition, Paul Hollywood is appearing in a new series of “Who Do You Think You Are?”.

Paul Hollywood

Paul is a Sun in Pisces; well he certainly has the eyes to go with it!  Part of him wishes to stay out of the limelight, which is possibly why he found success in mid-life.

He is his own man, and has 0 planets in Cardinal signs, so doesn’t have a desire to lead, but likes to do his own thing.  He has 8 of his 10 planets in Mutable signs (unusual!) so is extremely versatile and adaptable.  He is emotional, with 5 of his 10 planets in Water, and has 0 Fire planets.  Referring to his experience in “Who Do You Think You Are?” he says: There was a time when I was talking to a historian and I had to walk away, because I was crying like a baby for about half an hour.”

September

27th: (from the blog)

The Syrian Question

There is a meeting of the United Nations in New York today, aimed at reaching solutions for global poverty.  Alon Ben-Meir of New York University says: “The UNGA annual meeting, which is now in progress, offers the US, Russia, and Iran a momentous opportunity to come up with a solution, which is absolutely within reach if they only will it.”

…This week, Russia signalled its support of Bashar Al Assad of Syria, by sending reinforcements.  Though we are at war with ISIL, who are fighting in Syria against Assad and against the rebels who rose in the Syrian Spring, we are by no means in favour of Assad’s repressive regime.  David Cameron has said an agreement can only be reached if Assad steps down.

October

11th: (from the blog)

Suffragette

“I’d rather be a rebel than a slave” ~ from the film “Suffragette”

The film “Suffragette” will be released tomorrow in the U.K (23^rd October in the U.S.), and stars Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan among others.  It has been a long time in production (since April 2011) but is timely as this year, top Hollywood actresses have been highlighting sexism within the industry. Emmeline’s great granddaughter Helen Pankhurst is a lecturer in Women’s studies, and emphasizes there is much further to go for feminism.  It is the first film to gain permission to film inside parliament.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst, whose name is synonymous with female emancipation, is born under the female sign of Cancer.  The sign of Cancer is traditionally associated with female roles in life, such as the home, family, and motherhood, but since the 20^th Century is often strong in the charts of women involved with women’s liberation.

November

8th: (from the blog)

Tim Peake

British Astronaut Tim Peake was on television this week publicizing his forthcoming 6-month stint on the International Space Station, and hoping to interest young people in the science behind it.  Schoolchildren put a range of fascinating questions to him, with a zestful curiosity.   Space travel fascinates children, and many profess to want to be astronauts when they grow up, but it is still a very rare profession.  I thought I would take a look at Tim Peake’s chart, and those of a few other Astronauts.  The profession demands a wide range of skills, but are there any similarities within their charts?

… What interests me in Tim’s chart is a theme of isolation.  He can willingly separate from his family and his life on earth for months on end, and that is reflected in several ways in his chart.  First of all, Aries is self-reliant.  He has Venus conjunct Saturn which can be lonely, or alone, as a pattern or lifestyle.  Pluto is at 0 degrees Libra (relationships), an ultimate test of relating.  Uranus is closely opposite his Sun, representing breaking away.

December

13th: (from the blog)

Donald Trump

Donald Trump this week was the subject of a huge petition to keep him out of Britain on account of his racist views (last week calling for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S.).  The Guardian headline yesterday was: “Trump takes some heat – but barely misses a beat.” His words also sparked a debate in the U.K. on how far free speech can be allowed. His bid for the Republican nomination in the U.S. is still holding good, and so we need to take him seriously enough to at least look at his chart!  Fortunately, we have a birth time for him, and we see a belligerent Mars conjunct the Ascendant in Leo: power is an aphrodisiac.  His Mars is exactly trine the Galactic Centre, which may also be a power significator.  He has been very inventive lately with his Leo mane.His Sun is in Gemini conjunct the North Node (Leadership karma) and Uranus (controversy is his middle name) in the 10th House of Career, ambition, and prominence in the world.

Next Week: A look at 2016 in advance

Aspects

Here we are, on the cusp of the New Year.  I do hope that you managed to have a good time over the Christmas holiday.  We found that the Full Moon in Cancer strengthened family bonds, in the face of some difficult circumstances.

Any spiritual lessons from the Christmas season will be absorbed with grace on Tuesday (29th) with a beautiful sextile between the Sun and Neptune early lunchtime.

You will need that poise and balance, because late lunchtime brings a square between Mercury and Mars, heated words and actions, quite the antithesis of the Sun-Neptune sextile, and a test of how you are holding your spiritual poise.  You might be aware of a dichotomy between your spiritual self and your lower personality (e.g. the urge to give voice to criticism) and may need to bring them both together in wholeness.

Venus enters Sagittarius on Wednesday (30th) from an uncomfortable placing in Scorpio which nevertheless allowed you to experience some deep truths about your relationships, e.g. where you may have been taking someone for granted.  Going forward, Venus renews her social bonhomie and puts her glad rags on, getting in the mood for New Year revelries.  She may fall in love with a new philosophy or foreign culture or cuisine.  She is more adventurous in opening her heart to new experiences and feelings, and invites you to join her.   This mood may see you through the New Year period.

The week ends with Mercury entering Aquarius, on Saturday (2nd).  This is another socially orientated move, with the collective mind thinking more collectively and along humanitarian lines.  Mercury in Aquarius poses the question: “What can we do to create a fairer society, and alleviate unnecessary suffering.”  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall this morning was urging us to lobby supermarkets about the tons of food waste which could be reaching those who need it, with currently bent carrots being outlawed and only straight carrots being accepted.  That would seem a good start.

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – spiritual poise and harsh words
• Wednesday – extraversion
• Saturday – group consciousness

 

Capricorn Animal Totems and Archetypes

The Sun enters Capricorn on Tuesday 22nd December 2015 at 4.48 a.m. in the U.K.  This is the eighth in the series where I look at some of the animal totems and Archetypes for the various signs. Do you, or someone close to you, have Sun, Ascendant or Moon in Capricorn?

Goat

The Goat is the traditional animal totem for Capricorn, and for the Capricorn Inner Child the story of the three Billy Goats Gruff is perfect, though scary, incorporating the idea of overcoming fear!

The mountain climber, or social climber, as embodied by Capricorn encompasses the qualities of ambition and perseverance we associate with this sign.

Ted Andrews description of Goat in “Animal Speak” is almost word perfect for a textbook on Capricorn, emphasizing for the mountain goat surefootedness and seeking new heights. He particularly focuses on the connection between Capricorn and the skeletal system. Here is a sample:

“…Their highly flexible skeletal system is very significant.  Comprised of bones and cartilage, it is the support system for the framework of the body and assists in its movement.  If a mountain goat has shown up as a totem, ask yourself some important questions.  are you getting the support you need as you move up into new areas?  Are you giving the proper support to others as they move?  Are you being too inflexible in exploring new possibilities?  Are you feeling a lack of support or a need for support?”

…If the mountain goat has climbed into your life, this is a time to begin new climbs and new endeavours.  You will not need to rush into them.  With proper foresight, you will see what is ahead and will be able to move forward with greater surety.”

Wolf

About 20 years ago, I submitted a feature to “Kindred Spirit” magazine about Wolf totem, and its association as pathfinder and teacher with Capricorn.  The article wasn’t printed, but they wrote another article in response, and printed an accreditation with our names (it was co-written by myself and my Capricornian daughter).

Wolf is the Teacher in the sense of being an Elder, imparting wisdom born of experience.  It is this quality which links him with Capricorn.

The “lean and hungry look” of Cassius in Julius Caesar also links to Capricorn’s physicality, an attribute of wolf.

Famous Example: Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner has Sun closely conjunct Chiron in Capricorn and North Node in Capricorn, and was driven to make the film “Dances with Wolves” in which he starred as hero.  I believe he was tapping into a Native American past life, and indeed he had karma with the Native Americans even in this lifetime, as later there was a dispute over rights to land, but he also set up an educational centre in relation to the history of the bison and the Native Americans.

Gorilla

Though monkeys are associated with Gemini, Gorillas have more gravitas and would be assigned to Capricorn – witness King Kong at the top of the Skyscraper!  There is a lot of respect that goes with Gorilla.

Nicholas J. Saunders says: “Gorillas are gentle and dexterous, able to fold nettle leaves so that they may eat them without being stung”.  Capricorn is so very practical!

Famous Example: Dian Fossey

Gorilla expert Dian Fossey who wrote “Gorillas in the Mist” was a Sun sign Capricorn with Saturn its ruler exactly conjunct her Sun, and Mercury and Mars at the far ends of Capricorn.  She studied mountain gorilla groups for 18 years, working in the mountain forests of Rwanda in cold, dark and muddy conditions.

Dogs

The dog breeds I associate with Capricorn are the Alsatian (German Shepherd) and the Huskies of Alaska and Siberia.  Siberia is one of the places associated with Capricorn.

Dinosaur

It is rare to come across someone who has a dinosaur animal totem, but I would ascribe this totem to Capricorn.  I have a friend who is associated with a Capricorn family, and has Saturn rising (the ruling planet of Capricorn), and when I learned of her dinosaur totem, I turned to my good friend Sandy (who has now passed over) with whom I developed the animal totem work many years ago.  She was a shaman and a seer, and had far memory, and provided a vignette of what she saw in association with this totem:

“What I first ‘saw’ was a group…the trees and vegetation were very important.  then when I ‘tried to see’ again there was just one [dinosaur] with another smaller and younger mate or baby, I didn’t know which.  Again the Sun was shining very brightly, and somehow the plants or trees were of utmost importance.”

Intriguing.

As I wrote in a recent blog about Past Life Regression, people in regression can experience memories of dinosaurs.

Bird Totems

I have identified some common garden birds such as the blackbird and coal tit (shared with Scorpio, and in some cases Gemini) as being associated with Capricorn.

Coot

In “Birds Divine Messengers” Angela Wansbury’s attributions for Coot seem to fall squarely in Capricorn territory.  Its message is “Discipline”, a quality of Capricorn, and she ascribes the Archetype “Drill Sergeant” to this water bird:

“A coot is saying there is an area in your life where more discipline is needed.  Is it to do with a nutritional programme or an exercise programme you know you should adhere to, or is it to do with kicking a bad habit?”

 Mythological Figures

Pan

The Greek Goat God Pan has always been associated with Capricorn and country life.  According to Nicholas J. Saunders: “Originating in myths of the mountainous region of Arcadia, Pan was born with the hindlegs, horns and beard of a goat. He was a shepherd deity, the protector of flocks.”

Sea Goat

There also exists an old symbol for Capricorn consisting of a Sea Goat with a fish tail, sometimes referred to as a Goat Fish.  This mythical creature has a head and upper body of a goat, which like the centaur of Sagittarius indicates a dual nature.  In this case, the body indicates the practical nature, and the fish tail represents the soul nature.  This symbol goes right back to Babylonian astrology.

Archetypes

Politician

The Politician Archetype represents the role of Capricorn in the outside world, associated with its 10th House of Career and Capricorn’s gift for administration.  I created a Past Life Archetype for South Node in Capricorn in an article of 2010 which encapsulates much about Capricorn’s association with Politics:

Archetype:  The Politician

Place: Russia

Time: 1905

“My name is Piotr, and I whisper in the corridors of power. But even the whispering has rules. You speak only when you are spoken to by someone above your rank. You only speak that which is necessary and the bare minimum and for a serious purpose.  Every word is weighed carefully.  And information is classified, on a need-to-know basis.  Sssh!  I cannot tell you anything at the moment.  Sometimes you’d think this was an old Trappist monastery.”

Hermit

At the opposite end of the spectrum and paradoxically withdrawing from the world, the Hermit also expresses part of the Capricornian psyche.  Capricorn men in a family often play the role of the strong, silent type, which is a type of withdrawal.

This Archetype has features in common with Pisces (spiritual retreat) and Virgo (“I want to be alone”, uttered by Greta Garbo who was a Virgo).  I see the Capricorn manifestation as less of a spiritual retreat than the Piscean manifestation.  In Tarot, Saturn (Capricorn’s ruler) is often ascribed to The Hermit, because of its association with Old Father time (Chronos).

One of the variations of Hermit is the Recluse.  One whose name was synonymous with reclusivity is Howard Hughes:

Famous Example: Howard Hughes

Millionaire Howard Hughes famously took refuge in the Desert Inn, where apparently he did not open the curtains for 9 years.  He had Sun/Uranus in Capricorn in 4th House of Home.  When he began his reclusive behaviour Pluto was square his natal Venus (a major change in relating to others).

The Patriarch

The Patriarch is a Capricorn Archetype, the polar opposite being the Mother of the Cancerian Sun sign.

Under “the Father” for the Leo Archetypes, I wrote:

“Shared with the sign of Capricorn, this Archetype in its Leo manifestation brings up a feeling of Protectiveness and Guidance.  The Capricorn manifestation is more authoritarian and disciplined in nature.”

The Leo Father Archetype is closer to the Creator and is more playful, whereas the related Capricorn Archetype of the Patriarch has more gravitas.

In Caroline Myss’ book “Sacred Contracts” (and she is making no distinction between the Father and the Patriarch) she writes: “This archetype combines a talent for creating or initiating with the ability to oversee others, whether a biological family or a group of creative people”.

Crone

A word about ageing, zodiacwise: Geminis are known for looking and acting ever youthfully.  Capricorns are known for having an old head on young shoulders when young, and growing old gracefully into their old age as their prime of life.

So we have as a Capricorn Archetype the Crone, or Wise Woman.  Again quoting from Caroline Myss: “Wisdom also comes with age, and so the Crone or Wise Woman represents the ripening of natural insight and the acceptance of what is, allowing one to pass that wisdom to others.”  Again we have a hint of the qualities of patience and forbearance of Capricorn and Old Father Time Saturn, a sense of knowing that All Things Must Pass.

In her Shamanic system, Nicky Scully uses the Crone as a major player on her healing journeys: “It is this Crone, the wise, old female aspect of yourself, who opens your third eye and begins instructing you on the ways of intuition, herbs, and healing.”

Bibliography:

 “Sacred Contracts” by Caroline Myss

 “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews

“Animal Spirits” by Nicholas J. Saunders

“Birds Divine Messengers” by Andrea Wansbury

“The Golden Cauldron” by Nicky Scully

 Aspects

In this week running up to Christmas the first aspect we encounter is in the early hours of tomorrow, Monday morning, and it is a challenging square between Mercury and Uranus.  The shops are hoping it is going to be Panic Monday, for buying last minute Christmas presents, as it may well be!  So a better start to the week would be to open with a Meditation to establish a calmer basis for this week’s activities.  Or if you don’t want a frenetic week, alternatively you could sing the words of Silent Night:

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright…”.

Mercury does sextile Chiron too, which goes some way to bringing healing.  There may be a tussle between the forces of Uranus, which are disruptive, and the forces of Chiron, which are healing, so try to balance them or just observe which one is winning at any given moment.

In the early hours of Tuesday (22nd) the Winter Solstice occurs, with the entry of the Sun into Capricorn.  May I wish you a Happy Solstice and the return of the light.

Thursday (24th), Christmas Eve, blesses us with a beautiful sextile between Venus and Jupiter, a real holiday atmosphere, the embodiment of Good Will to All.  Socializing and gifts are well starred that day.

Unusually, the Moon is Full on Christmas Day (Friday 25th), in the sign of Cancer (degree 3), and at the spiritually significant time for some: 11.11 a.m. in the U.K.  This ensures a high tide of emotion at relatives reunited or absent loved ones, either way tears are likely to be shed.

But the real Christmas gift from the Universe occurs at 20.19 Hrs with Mercury trine Jupiter.  That ensures a good atmosphere, with compliments and jokes flying.  Much may be learned too about family history or philosophy.  The evening turkey or tofu sandwiches will go down well.  Mercury trine Jupiter will aid the digestion, but may induce a climate of overeating.

I cannot advise you on your television choices.  In the U.K. the main choices at 20.19 Hrs will be Call the Midwife, The Two Ronnies and Downton Abbey.  Call the Midwife reflects the Full Moon, The Two Ronnies are the comedy angle of Mercury trine Jupiter, and Downton Abbey probably leans more to the Full Moon tears than the Mercury-Jupiter comedy!  Who has the upper hand with the remote control in your gathering?  If you are spending Christmas evening alone Mercury trine Jupiter will free your mind and choices.

You may get a stirring, that evening, of the vibrations of Uranus turning, which occurs in the early hours of Saturday (26th), Boxing Day.  There may be a restlessness, a feeling that there is something afoot.  Uranus may deliver a surprise as it stations prior to turning direct.  There may be an area of mental awareness which is assisted by this turn of affairs.  The Christmas evening Mercury-Jupiter trine will open your mind to possibility and opportunity, and Uranus turning may galvanize an idea and make it attractive as a way of moving forward.

Happy Christmas to All!

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – shock and healing
• Tuesday – the return of the light
• Thursday – harmony and uplift
• Friday – emotion and jollity
• Saturday – progress

Donald Trump

Donald Trump this week was the subject of a huge petition to keep him out of Britain on account of his racist views (last week calling for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S.).  The Guardian headline yesterday was: “Trump takes some heat – but barely misses a beat.” His words also sparked a debate in the U.K. on how far free speech can be allowed. His bid for the Republican nomination in the U.S. is still holding good, and so we need to take him seriously enough to at least look at his chart!Fortunately, we have a birth time for him, and we see a belligerent Mars conjunct the Ascendant in Leo: power is an aphrodisiac.  His Mars is exactly trine the Galactic Centre, which may also be a power significator.  He has been very inventive lately with his Leo mane.His Sun is in Gemini conjunct the North Node (Leadership karma) and Uranus (controversy is his middle name) in the 10th House of Career, ambition, and prominence in the world.

Some of the coldness of his views, e.g. about women, may be down to his Venus conjunct Saturn in Cancer.  He was born on a Full Moon, which makes him a marmite character.

In matters of finance, he has a conjunction of Jupiter and Chiron in his 2nd House of Money, plus Neptune.  Perhaps more crucially, he has the Inner Entrepreneur (Jupiter trine Uranus) exact in his chart.  His Venus/Saturn conjunction sextiles his Midheaven (Careerpoint).

In his Human Design Chart, according to Chetan Parkyn, he has the money channel 21-45: “… to make money happily, you have to differentiate between times when you receive the benefit of allowing others to carry out resourceful work and times when you need to get your hands dirty.  Take US billionaire Donald Trump, who has this channel: he forever has the option of overseeing his empire or micro-managing it.”

Perhaps his disconnection from the effects of his views may be due to having 0 planets in Earth.

2016

Currently, his ego is being supported by a transit of Jupiter through his 1st House.  Astrologers seem fairly agreed that his astrological prospects don’t look good in 2016, the year of his hoped for political success.  This is partly due to transiting Pluto squaring his natal Jupiter.  This year Pluto has been squaring his natal Chiron, and though his statements have been contentious, as the Guardian reports it has hardly made a dent in his popularity in the U.S.

July

In July 2016, the Republicans hold their Conference and elect their leader.  Saturn trines Trump’s Pluto at that time, which gives him some strength, but Uranus squares his Saturn so he could receive a shock, and Pluto squares his Chiron forcing a reorientation for him if he takes the lessons on board.

November

If he survives this point politically, the prospects look better for him later in the year.  The U.S. Presidential election is due to take place on 8th November 2016, and I will be looking at the run up in greater detail, but looking at the fortunes of some of the candidates on that day:

Donald Trump: Saturn will be sextile his natal Chiron, again giving him strength.  Uranus will be trine his natal Moon, upbeat and surprising. Uranus will be sextile his natal North Node, normally rewarding favourable actions, but his utterances seem to go against the karmic grain.

Neptune will be trine his natal Mercury, so he will be learning mental subtleties and sensitivities.

Pluto will still be square his natal Chiron, a transit he has survived successfully in 2015.

Hillary Clinton: Mars sextile her natal Moon, fighting spirit; Chiron trine her natal Mercury, new ways of thinking; Pluto sextile her natal Venus, a change in personal circumstances; Saturn trine her natal Mars, a willingness to take on responsibility; Uranus trine her natal Saturn, significant change; lastly, Saturn trine her natal Pluto (and Sun ruler), great strength.  These are not spectacular transits.

Bernie Sanders: Saturn square his natal Sun, not a very hopeful sign; Pluto trine his natal Sun, power to his elbow; Uranus opposite his natal Venus, difficult changes in his personal life; Mars trine his natal Saturn, perseverance; Mars trine his natal Uranus, energy and vision.

I would not be able to discount Donald Trump’s chances at the moment, but will keep an eye on further information and analyses.

Aspects

Tomorrow the Sun squares Jupiter, setting a carefree or careless tone to the week.  In the office, you may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and go completely paperless.  There is a feeling of being tired of exactitude, and thinking “nothing else is working, I might just as well go for doing what I want to do”.  This doesn’t guarantee success, but may be liberating.

In the evening, Mercury sextiles Neptune, and some subtle information may change your perceptions and elevate your thoughts. Some fine-tuning can then take place, and spiritual communing.

On Thursday (17th) Venus is sextile Pluto, another fine aspect.  You can enjoy intense feelings and relationships, and possibly also financial benefits.  Financial partnerships may enjoy an increased depth, which at this point will be beneficial.  Later on, this may prove more demanding if partners do not grow at the same rate.

Saturday (19th) is the tricky day.  Mercury will be conjunct Pluto at 14 degrees Capricorn, and life demands that we think things through, and not leave things at face value.  We are required to face difficult issues squarely, and taking into account psychological implications and not just superficial facts.  We may encounter harsh words from those intent on speaking their truth.  If you are speaking your truth, bear in mind the psychological effect of your words.

Next Week: Capricorn Animal Totems and Archetypes

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – throwing caution to the wind; mental fine-tuning
• Thursday – getting relationships onto a sound footing
• Saturday – intense study and communication

U.K. Politics

So…Parliament voted 397 to 223 in favour of Syrian airstrikes last Wednesday, after an intense day’s debating.  Those of us who are disappointed in the result, will somehow need to divert our spiritual energies into concentrating on an overall peace and the minimization of damage to innocent civilians in Syria.

It has been an eventful week in U.K. Politics, and though I don’t usually write on a similar subject from one week to another, I now apologize for the monotony of doing so this week.  And I also apologize to my overseas readers for concentrating on the U.K. two weeks in a row.

David Cameron

David Cameron is able to celebrate his first 10 years as leader of the Conservative Party with a war.  A moment of success bestowed on him by a transit of Jupiter on his natal Uranus, and Jupiter sextile his natal Neptune, transits I wrote about last week.  His chart has many links with that of the Conservative Party, possibly accounting for his longevity in the post.  To pick just two: the Conservative Party Venus (social culture) trines his natal Jupiter (success), conjuring the upholding of the elitism integral to Conservatism, I would venture.  David Cameron’s Pluto exactly sextile the Conservative Party Sun ensures a deep and enduring connection and contribution to the Party politics.

Hilary Benn

A defining moment in the proceedings in Parliament on Wednesday was Hilary Benn’s pro-war speech, summing up the mood in Parliament.  Up to now Hilary Benn’s career has been undistinguished though steady, and his character described as quiet and low key.  He has often been contrasted with his fiesty and philosophical father, and this is the first time he had displayed any oratorial flair approaching that of his much more unconventional father.

Hilary Benn may not have displayed it before this week, but there is plenty of fire in his chart: a Leo Moon, and a Sagittarian Sun and Ascendant.  His habitual reticence may be down to Mercury (communication) and Venus (social skills) being placed in Scorpio, and that may also be the source of the sting in the tail which he delivered this week (a long quiet festering, then the revealing of his true feelings).

At the time of his “finest hour” the Saturn-Neptune square was exactly contacting his natal Mercury (speech) in Scorpio.  The Saturn-Neptune combination itself describes a long term secrecy of intention, so it is very apt that this was unveiled at that moment.  It reveals, in his anger and impassioned speech, that a great deal of resentment had been building up.

The Leader of his Party, sitting next to him, unsurprisingly looked shocked.  Some say he should re-shuffle his cabinet and remove “dissenters” such as Tony Benn.  But I feel that he should stick to his open democratic principles, and keep his enemies close!

Tony Benn

In my obituary of Hilary Benn’s father Tony, in March 2014, I observed:

“Mars bisects an exact trine between his Moon and Venus, which made him a warrior for peace, such as in C.N.D. and his presidency of the “Stop The War” coalition.”

Tony had a fiery triple trine in Fire signs, of Venus trine his Moon, the Sun trine his North Node, and Chiron trine his Neptune.  He was very proud of his son, despite the differences in their ideology.

Tony Benn’s power of oratory is to some extent due to his Mercury (speech) trine his natal Part of Fortune (philosophy of being).  But his passion is also contained in his Moon sextile Mars, an aspect which Hilary has directly inherited.  What is more, Mars was sextile Hilary’s Moon at the time of his legendary speech, returning to its natal position, firing him up.

Jeremy Corbyn

There is a karmic triangle of personalities here: Jeremy in spirit was a soul mate of Tony Benn, and now finds himself side by side on the Labour front bench with his son Hilary.  These three have travelled and interacted together before!  Within the relationship of the father and the son, there is evidence of both kinship (trined Uranuses) and clashes (Tony Benn’s Chiron square Hilary’s Uranus) and resentment (Tony Benn’s Saturn square exactly Hilary’s Moon).  The strong father-son karmic bond is shown by Hilary Benn’s Moon conjunct Tony’s North Node.

The depth of relationship between Tony Benn and Jeremy Corbyn is shown by Jeremy’s Pluto being trine Tony Benn’s Sun; the karmic connection with Hilary is shown by Hilary’s Jupiter sextile Jeremy’s North Node.  Jeremy would be wise to keep him on side, as there is potential for them to work together constructively, despite their disagreements (Jeremy’s Pluto squaring Hilary’s Mercury).

Hilary Benn’s act of defiance, which some call treachery (but democracy rules O.K.) has been compared to Geoffrey Howe’s speech denouncing Margaret Thatcher.  That took place under a trine of transiting Pluto to Geoffrey Howe’s Pluto, a moment of personal empowerment for him borne of a much more long term incubation period.

Better news for Jeremy

Jeremy was able to pick himself up and dust himself down a day or two later after the embarrassment of “losing” (actually the Greens and the SNP and the majority of his own Party voted with him, and there was much public sympathy for staying out of the war).  A by-election victory by newcomer Jim McMahon in Oldham West and Royton, restored some Labour self-esteem, and brought hope that the public have not given up on Jeremy’s new politics.

Who is this young man who has come to the aid of the Party?  Jim McMahon has a quiet humility and conscientiousness about his chart: Sun/Mercury in Cancer, Moon/Chiron in Taurus and Mars/Saturn in Virgo.  He interviewed well when pressed on the significance of his win for Jeremy Corbyn by the hounding press.  All is not lost.

Aspects

Mars, Uranus and Pluto ensure a lively week for us!  You might recognize the signs of that already, with a sextile between the Sun and Mars this morning.  You may have woken with vim and vigour, or a sense of urgency to seize the day.  You may have a gargantuan project for the day or mountain to climb, which may need all hands on deck.  Try to achieve this as early as possible.  Rally your Pantomime crew for that all important rehearsal!

This evening Mars squares Pluto and warring factions could prove intractable.  I believe last week’s shootings in San Bernardino were caused at least in part by this upcoming harsh square.  It forms part of a T-square at the moment with Uranus, which completes its work on Friday.  The early implications of our entry into the Syrian war may also be seen by this evening, e.g. accidental killings of our own allied forces could happen as well as the killing of innocent civilians, or there may be disputes between allies.  In your own personal life, do all you can to smooth down the energies or divert them constructively in any disputes.

Tuesday (8th) brings a square between Mercury and the Nodal Axis: karma of thought is in operation.  Group communication and its integrity will be called to account.  Examine your thoughts.

Wednesday (9th) is lifted by a trine between the Sun and Uranus: a new broom sweeping clean, ushering new ideas and fresh energy.  You can see higher possibilities and new ways of doing things, much needed in this challenging week.

With the Sun squaring Chiron ever new puzzles could confront you, e.g. someone may have moved the goalposts.  Don’t forget to tune into the available higher wisdom of the trine that day if you need extra inspiration.

On Thursday (10th) Mercury enters Capricorn bringing the collective mental focus to the practical and sensible, a sobering up in part from Mercury’s stay in Sagittarius.  This is reinforced by the long stay presence of Saturn in Sagittarius.  Ideas will need a solid foundation, you come to realize.

Friday (11th) is mixed: it begins in the early hours with an incident-prone Mars opposite Uranus (the other leg of the T-square), so if you were up late on Thursday, take care not to slip on your hot water bottle as you climb into bed.

There follows a trine between Venus and Neptune at 6.13 a.m., bringing sweet dreams on waking.  Begin your day with a song, or even a dance.  Yoga enthusiasts can gracefully salute the sun.

At this point, you may be able to successfully leave the physical or mental angst of the week behind, letting go of what is not needed in that respect.  Plan a constructive day, for a New Moon at 19 degrees Sagittarius occurs at 10.29 a.m.  Go for your highest aspirations!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – energy and friction
• Tuesday – karma of communication
• Wednesday – new ideas and healing crises
• Thursday – practical pathways
• Friday – mixed blessings

Epilogue

Several years passed…

Since then, Sharon had acquired two new acrylic eyes and a denture. She felt like a new woman. 20:20 vision and 20:20 teeth, her daughter said.

Every New Year when she met up with her good friend Julie, Julie would start the conversation with “so when are you going to publish ‘The Quiet Office’? You are still writing it, aren’t you…? With the accompanying board game?”

Sharon would murmur in half-hearted assent. There was rather a lot of text sitting on her computer, but it had successfully transmigrated intact when she recently changed her computer. Maybe that was a sign. On the other hand, something was still holding her back.

The time came for Denise’s retirement. To be honest, ‘The Quiet Office’ was the last thing on Sharon’s mind. She didn’t recognise half the staff at the retirement dinner in the Thai restaurant in Pimlico.

Angelica had come to the dinner, from her new job in the publishing house;  Solange was still working in the quiet office. There were some financial staff working upstairs including the very bubbly Lena.  And the new treasurer Colin Hoechst and his wife attended.

Denise greeted everyone with surprise. Apparently the guest list had been a secret. She began the proceedings by offering a cameo of everyone attending.  Angelica, she reminisced, had produced the first quiet office baby.

Sharon was prepared to be passed over. But to her great shock, Denise divulged that Sharon had written a history of the quiet office in her time.

“Not too steamy I hope” enquired Colin Hoechst.

Sharon was still reeling from 10 years of paranoia she had been shouldering, since Denise had read the opening chapters of ‘The Quiet Office’, and Sharon had detected it had been a major faux pas to write it.

“Whatever happened to that?” someone asked.

“I’m still writing it, technically” replied Sharon.

“Are you going to publish it?” asked Lena?

“Well if you google the quiet office there are a few excerpts online…” offered Sharon, emboldened.

It was time –  time to write the Epilogue, brush up the first 3 chapters and submit them to a publisher.

To Strike or Not to Strike, that is the Question

It seems likely this week that Parliament will make a decision whether to join the airstrikes in Syria, as David Cameron advocates, or whether to seek an alternative route, as Jeremy Corbyn suggests.

The situation regarding Syria is as complicated as ever, with the various vested factions at loggerheads with each other: Assad, the Rebels and Daesh fighting within the country.  Russia is at loggerheads with Turkey as a result of their plane being shot down.  Then in the region there is the involvement of Iran, and the Kurds.  Finally, the wider world including the U.S., and Europe with France at the forefront.

Moderates are urging caution about the U.K. entering the fray, often citing our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq (where we notably failed to have a plan, destroyed a country, and in the ensuing chaos Al Qaeda thrived and Daesh was born).  But we don’t even need to go back that far in time: in recent years, we toppled Gaddafi in Libya, chaos ensued, and African migrants began to flee across the Mediterranean in earnest.

It seems likely that the majority of MPs will vote with Cameron for strike action.  The Tories are canvassing disaffected Labour MPs on the matter, some of whom wish to remove Jeremy Corbyn from office.  He will debate with his Shadow Cabinet further early this week, and possibly opt for a free vote, whereby each MP can vote with their conscience, on what is a crucial and delicate matter.  If so, that would be a democratic way of doing things, in line with Jeremy Corbyn’s new approach to politics.  Many view this style of leadership as a weakness, but it can also be viewed as a strength.

So this morning, I would just like to survey the current transits to the chart of the U.K., and the charts of David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn.

David Cameron

On the surface of things, David Cameron has a peaceful birthchart.  After all, he is a double Libran, with the Sun and Ascendant in Libra, and Venus rising!  He certainly has a smooth personality befitting one so Libran.

However, it seems that every Prime Minister wants to make their mark in a foreign war, from Margaret Thatcher in the Falklands, and Tony Blair in Iraq, and now Cameron in Syria (even after the Libyan debacle).  The clue may lie in his Leo planets, for he has Mars in Leo (glory in war) plus Moon conjunct Jupiter in Leo (self-confidence).  He wants to feel proud in his country’s achievement, without regard for the consequences or the fact that it may not go to plan (if he had a plan).  He may even envy Hollande’s current standing and strategy, tragic but with a tinge of glamour.  His stated aim is protectiveness (Leo qualities, admittedly) but there may be other more subconscious drives.

Currently, Saturn sextiles his natal Venus, so he is trying to do the right thing, as he believes it.  Jupiter conjuncts his natal Uranus, which is part of a natal conjunction with Pluto which seeks excitement.  There is a mixture of excitement, anticipation and optimism about his intended action.  Jupiter sextiles his natal Neptune currently too, so there may also be a sense privately of a religious mission.

Jeremy Corbyn

The media continue to skew the values of Jeremy Corbyn’s politics, focussing on trivial and petty details while ignoring the integrity of his broad aims.  They have fostered and whipped up the divisions with his fellow Labour party members, to the point where, as the story goes, his very leadership is threatened.  He was as cool as a cucumber when being interviewed by Andrew Marr this morning on the subject.

Jeremy Corbyn does represent a new style of politics, and a new way of being in politics.  Democracy and negotiation are his guiding principles, but maybe the majority of MPs are too set in their ways to embrace it.  On the issue of airstrikes, looking at the polls this week it seemed that a high proportion of the British public were not in favour of bombing Syria, whether it is fear of reprisals or fear of entangling our military forces once again in protracted foreign wars.  However a more recent YouGov poll has seen opinion rise to 59% in favour of joining the war.

In the interests of looking at the astrological profile of the new kind of politician (one who espouses the Aquarian Age values rather than the Piscean way of doing things), I compared his chart this morning with that of America’s Bernie Sanders.  The broad similarity that I could see was that they were both Mercury-ruled (Jeremy has planets in Gemini, and Bernie has planets in Virgo).  So they are both very analytical and rational.  I think  Jeremy could explain himself more sometimes, as he can assume that people understand him.  His views are simple and straightforward, but I think people misunderstand his motives because they expect them to be more convoluted.  As Astrologer Larry Schwimmer wrote in the Huffington Post of Bernie Sanders: “there are no hidden agendas with Bernie: what you see and hear is what you get.”  I think this is also true of Jeremy Corbyn.  The other more startling comparison between their charts is that both of them have 0 planets in the Water element, so neither are swayed by emotions from their intellectual assessment of things.  I am not sure that is an altogether favourable quality, but they do both have an authenticity and shared values which are similar and desirable for improving the political culture.

Jeremy Corbyn currently has Uranus sextile his natal Mercury, so his speech needs to be extra sharp to match his thinking at the moment.  Andrew Marr was unable to trip him up this morning, if that was his intention.  Mars is also transiting his natal Neptune, so he is being challenged to fight for what he believes in spiritually (although he is an atheist, but many atheists are actually great humanitarians who are living their spirituality and do not think in those terms).

United Kingdom

Natally, we have Mars in the 9th House of Foreign Relations in Aquarius, so as a nation we like to take a lead in wars, but we also like to defend the underdog.

The current struggle in the U.K. is represented in its transits by Uranus opposing its natal Saturn.  That represents a rupture and a nation divided.  That unfortunately does not guide us to the correct course of action, would that it did.  Some transits coming up seem significant:

On New Year’s Eve,  the North Node Returns to its natal position in Virgo in 4th – a karmic reckoning, but possibly more relevant to home affairs.  The natal position indicates a natural integrity in relation to home affairs, but karma needs to stay in alignment.

On 27th February 2016 Neptune transits the natal 10th House cusp, indicating confusion over direction.  It then transits the natal Uranus in 10th House on 8th March, which may bring sudden complications arising out of confusion.  Our identity on the world stage may undergo changes at that time.

Aspects

Chiron’s turning direct yesterday brings more momentum into our healing projects at the launch of the week, though there may be a slight setback on Tuesday.

Today we are beset by a square from Neptune to the Sun…but bear with me, all is not as it seems, and there is some good news later this week.  You may harken back to Thursday’s Saturn/Neptune square, which seemed to be controversies over whether or not we should join in the war in Syria.  The Prime Minister said he would not be able to act unless he had the majority of parliamentary opinion on his side.  Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership looked  disempowered (a Saturn-Neptune word if there ever was one) if viewed from the perspective that everyone should have the same view.  Each person has an individual conscience.  This theme of hands being tied and things not being as they seem is likely to continue today and tomorrow, while the Sun is contacting the Saturn-Neptune square.

Neptune also rules drug usage, and last week I noticed that in two cases people who were advised to take drugs (Neptune) for health conditions refused to do so (Saturn), so that may be another theme.  As I pointed out last week, the current (well-founded and legitimate) panic over antibiotic resistance may also be a phenomenon of the Saturn-Neptune square.

So tomorrow brings a conjunction between Sun and Saturn (at 7 degrees Sagittarius), realities have to be faced, something has to be borne gracefully.  For me, it is a partial denture, which has been a long time in the making.  It may be a day of reckoning, in some way, or a calling to account.  There may be a closing door (preparatory to an opening of another door) – I will also be attending a retirement dinner that day.

The good news arrives on Tuesday (1st December) in the shape of Mercury trine Uranus – beneficial changes come in unexpected packages.  New ideas flourish, telepathic exchanges bring people closer together, and minds are on the ball.  If you are planning a dynamic meeting for this week, pencil in Tuesday morning or lunchtime.  This aspect occurs at 14.00 Hrs in the U.K., and milk it for all it is worth.  If ideas are flashing forth in your mind, quickly make a list, get them down so that you can work with them later.  Your Future Self may be trying to communicate with you.

Later that day, Mercury goes on to square Chiron, so there may be more mental puzzles to solve, and there could also be mental overload.  Switch to a heart-centred activity, or earth-based pursuits such as gardening, which can bypass the mind.  If you need to attend to health matters, try thinking outside the box.

On to Friday (4th), and a square between Mercury and Jupiter.  Geminis and Virgos may feel a bit frazzled between Tuesday afternoon and Friday lunchtime due to these two squares to their ruling planet.  However, the Friday square is much easier to deal with and could be an opportunity to let off steam, or bend someone’s ear.  This square allows for more mental expansion and the thought of new possibilities.  You may for instance be able to expand on some of the ideas which flashed into your mind on Tuesday morning and lunchtime.  Some new ideas could be really viable to work with in the future.  You might be able to stretch your current reality and go out on a limb.

Saturday (5th) brings a change of focus.  Venus, which has been luxuriating in her own sign of Libra, moves into Scorpio and feels under more pressure to relate more meaningfully.  Relationships could become more intimate, and those you know well could reveal more dimensions of themselves and bring about a deeper sense of connectivity.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – continuing to try to see through the illusion
• Monday – knuckling down to reality
• Tuesday – mental gymnastics
• Friday – new mental horizons
• Saturday – new emotional dimensions

Sagittarian Animal Totems and Archetypes

The Sun enters Sagittarius at 15.25 Hrs today.  This is the seventh in the series where I look at some of the animal totems and Archetypes for the various signs. Do you, or someone close to you, have Sun, Ascendant or Moon in Sagittarius?

Horses

Of course the horse is the traditional animal associated with Sagittarius, its symbol being half-man and half-horse.  In the Native American tradition, the characteristics of travel and freedom match up to the astrological qualities of this sign.

Ted Andrews writes:  “Horses are symbols of freedom – oftentimes without the proper restraints. Horse people in Chinese astrology are friendly and adventurous…Horse brings with it new journeys.  It will teach you how to ride into new directions to awaken and discover your own freedom and power”.

Jamie Sams and David Carson emphasize Power, for Horse: “In allowing all pathways to have equal validity, you will see the power and the glory of the unified family of humanity.  This is the gift of the Rainbow Warrior or Warrioress.”  Sagittarius represents the global vision and universality, and in Esoteric Astrology it rules the Earth.

Famous Example: Martin Clunes, who breeds horses and presented a TV programme “Heavy Horsepower”

Specific Breeds

Although I have been working with animal totems for many years, it is only in the last few years my researches have been trying to refine information down to actual breeds of, in this case, horses.  Martin Clunes is reported to have 12 horses, ranging from Shetlands to Clydesdales.  The programme also featured Percherons – a heavy horse of French origin.  “There is something about a heavy horse’s honesty, stoicism, size and reliability that just gets to me” Martin Clunes is quoted as saying. Certainly large horses would be most associated with Sagittarius, with this sign ruled by Jupiter and expanding all that it touches.  Recent canvassing of Sagittarian opinion also brought up the Shire Horse as a significant association, and also the Arab and Camargue breeds.

Big Dogs

Dogs generally come under the banner of Mars and Aries, but the larger dogs are associated with Sagittarius, with some exceptions such as the Rottweiler (Scorpio) and the Alsatian (Capricorn).

Jamie Sams and David Carson associate the quality of Loyalty as being uppermost with dogs:

“Reclaim the power of loyalty to self and self truths.  Become like Dog – your own best friend.”

I would also posit that Trust is an important feature and requirement in connection with dogs.  Trust in life is a Sagittarian quality.

Specific Breeds

So we have Great Danes, and Doberman Pinschers for Sagittarius.  The large fluffy variety such as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are more Piscean.

Rabbits

In the Native American tradition, Rabbit represents fear, but in my own research I would bring out other qualities.  A cheerful bounce in their gait connects them with Sagittarius, I feel.  >(;-B

Ted Andrews points out:

“The rabbit is known for its…ability to  make great leaps and hops….and individuals with this totem find that their endeavours do so as well” (sounds like Sagittarius!)

Kangaroos

Here is another jumping/bouncing animal, and the Wallaby of course is akin to the kangaroo.  Saggies tend to bounce back easily, if they are knocked down.  They are prone to exuberant comic book/cartoon expletives such as “Gadzooks!” and “Jumping Jupiter!” and onomatopoeic words and phrases.  “BOING!” is a favourite with Sagittarians.

Insect

The brightly coloured Ladybird is a favourite with Sagittarians.

Bird Totems

Robin

The Robin is a harbinger of the Christmas season and stalwart of the Christmas card – cheery red among the gloom of winter.  This may be symbolic as much as real, for it is listed as a Springtime bird.  It is also a bird that in popular lore represents ancestors coming to visit us.  In a U.K. nationwide survey early this year, the Robins came out as the most popular bird, and they are trying to institute it as the National bird.

Andrea Wansbury equates Robin with Protection and Guardianship (a Sagittarian and Jupiterian quality): “A robin is asking, do you still look to other people to protect you and look after you, just as a child looks to an adult for protection?  Or are you being overprotective towards someone?”

Ted Andrews emphasizes the spread of new growth (another expansive Sagittarian theme): “The song of the robin is a cheery, rolling trill…for anyone with this bird as its totem. It reflects a need to sing your own song forth if you wish new growth.”

Bird of Paradise

The gaudy and exotic Bird of Paradise came up recently in my surveys of Sagittarians, whereas this unusual bird did not figure with any other sign!

Nicholas J. Saunders provides some information about this bird: “It is the female that chooses which she breeds with.  By choosing the gaudiest male, she is more likely to have gaudy male offspring, which in turn will tend to be chosen by other females.  In this way she increases her chances of passing on her genes, via her male offspring.  At the same time, the species as a whole becomes more and more exotic.”  Very Sagittarian.

Mythological Figures

Centaur

In Greek mythology, the Centaurs were a group of half horse, half human beasts.

from Nicholas Saunders: “The Centaurs inhabited the wild Thessalonian countryside and were said to join the power and speed of the horse with the intelligence and emotion of humans”

Chiron

The most esteemed Centaur in astrological usage is Chiron, and is the name of an Asteroid which has come to symbolize “The Wounded Healer” because Chiron in the mythological fable had the gift of healing others, but could not heal himself.  Astrologically in the birth chart it has come to represent where we have a wound (often carried forward from past lives), and where we work towards healing and come to teach healing for those who have suffered the same wound.  It is still a matter of conjecture which zodiac sign is ruled by Chiron, some say Sagittarius, but a strong contingent say Virgo, which is a sign naturally affiliated with health, hygiene and safety issues (see “The Radical Virgo” blog, by Joyce Mason).  The method of healing is coloured by the sign in which your Chiron is placed, thus for instance if your Chiron is in Sagittarius you heal via philosophy and positive thought.

Unicorn and Pegasus

According to Diana Cooper:

“Unicorns are pure white seventh dimensional horses who have returned to Earth for the first time since Atlantis to help us with our ascension…

They have spiraling horns of light which radiate from their foreheads, through which they give healing, joy and enlightenment. The light of a unicorn is so powerful that it enters you gradually, in waves, only ever as much as you can cope with at any time.”

I personally do not have any experience of Unicorns, but know of people who have vivid dreams, visions and meditations where they appear.

Archetypes

Storyteller

According to Caroline Myss, the Storyteller “relays wisdom and foolishness, mistakes and successes, fact and fiction on a plane that’s often heightened beyond ordinary awareness, including a metaphorical level of teaching.”

I am sure that Scheherazade, spinner of “The 1001 Tales of the Arabian Nights”, was a Sagittarian!  Sagittarians like to embroider and exaggerate the truth.

Famous Examples: Jane Austen, Edna o’ Brien, Joanna Trollope

Philosopher

Famous Example: Alain de Botton

Let’s face it, to carve out a profession as a Philosopher is a rare thing, but Alain de Botton has managed to do it in this modern day.  He has followed his Soul’s path and made it his career.  His birthday is 20th December (Sun at 28 degrees Sagittarius).

Clown

Sagittarius is known for its humour, and the Clown is an old Archetype, and professes comedy but sometimes sheds a tear.  People often wonder why Sagittarians are not always jolly – often they will have some planets of their neighbouring sign Capricorn in their chart, so are no strangers to depression.  There are people who have a phobia of Clowns – this can be a past-life association or childhood trauma, and can be seen in the chart in a difficult aspect to jolly Jupiter.

Famous Examples: Miranda Hart, Christopher Biggins, Billy Connolly and Martin Clunes

New Archetype – The Spiritual Seeker

In her book “Archetypes” Caroline Myss identifies the Spiritual Seeker as one of her new Archetypes for the 21st Century.

Characteristics of the Spiritual Seeker are very Sagittarian and include:

• “trusts intuition unconditionally
• searches for the true meaning and purpose of her life”

She points out that the Spiritual Seeker is a Seeker and not a Finder.  This resonates with the esoteric seed thought for Sagittarius in the Alice Bailey teachings:

“I see the goal.  I reach that goal and then I see another.”  The Sagittarian archer needs an endless supply of arrows.

Caroline is herself a Sagittarian, with a good few planets in that sign.  In “Archetypes” she stresses that the real goal is Truth, and becoming comfortable with the Truth.

There are other aspects of the Spiritual Seeker which are more of a Piscean nature, however.

 

Bibliography:

“Medicine Cards” by Jamie Sams and David Carson

“Archetypes” and “Archetype Cards” by Caroline Myss

 “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews

“Animal Spirits” by Nicholas J. Saunders

“Birds Divine Messengers” by Andrea Wansbury

 

Strictly Come Dancing – Extra

Anita Rani

At long last Anita Rani’s birth date has appeared on the internet.  She is a strong contender in the competition Strictly Come Dancing, and has impressed me from the beginning.  Around the first week of the competition, her “Who Do you Think You Are?” was broadcast, and her emotional intelligence really struck me from that programme, much of which was filmed in India.  She has done consistently well on this series of Strictly Come Dancing, too.  Now having the luxury of looking at her birth chart, I can see what is impressive in her astrological make up.   Her Sun is in Scorpio, a sign of great depth, and her Mercury trines Jupiter giving her mental breadth to match.  But the most striking feature of her chart is an exact conjunction between her Pluto (ruler of Scorpio) and North Node (karmic mission), increasing the profound nature of her life purpose.  And then this exact conjunction is enhanced by an excellent exact sextile from the spiritual planet Neptune.  Last night she danced the Paso Doble to traditional flamenco music, with such intensity and concentration, and her sense of drama was praised to the hilt by Craig Revel Horwood. Neptune is currently creating a Grand Trine with her natal Mercury and Jupiter, bringing her sense of inspiration to a peak.  But she also has transiting Pluto squaring her natal North Node/Pluto.  Moving to the end of the contest, she has Saturn sextile her natal Venus (controlled artistry) but the Pluto square moves to being exact.  She may be facing a difficult time in her life, which may unsettle her concentration for dancing.  If she wins under that square transit, she can conquer anything in her life – she does have a very strong chart.

Partnered with Gleb Savchenko

Gleb Savchenko is the new heart throb in town, and clearly works well with Anita.  He has the Moon and Chiron conjunct his North Node, so has a poignant understanding of women.  He also has a conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune, which is about transcendence – he may or may not have explored that potential in his life.  His sensuality and appeal is shown by Venus sextile Mars.  His Mars loosely conjuncts Uranus, some electrical energy, but not too much.  He may have some mental tension, through Mercury square Chiron and Uranus opposing Chiron in his chart.  In their chemistry, they have a near perfect mental rapport with their Mercuries sextile with each other, and also Gleb’s Mercury sextile Anita’s Jupiter.  He brings out the best in her, with his Jupiter trine her natal Chiron.  His Uranus sextiles her Venus, which creates excitement, and on a more stabilizing note, his Neptune (inspiration) trines her Saturn (self-discipline).  He provides the inspiration, and she translates it into practical action.  He has mixed transits at the moment, so may not be working to his full capacity (though it is hard to see how he could be doing better).  At the time of the final his transits are still mixed, but Jupiter is close to being on his Sun (a triumph).   I intend to review all the charts again when the exact date of the final programme is announced.

Aspects

The Sun enters Sagittarius today, and the intensity of Scorpio may feel lifted.  You may feel the benefit, in terms of a lightening of mood and outlook, and a greater ability to look forward to the future.  You may have a moment today where you sense this, or something triggers it, such as a quip from your favourite comedian.

Tomorrow, Venus opposes Uranus, bringing the quality of the unusual to your social transactions.  You may meet a confrontational character, or a blast from the past, or an aspect of your future self.  You won’t miss that moment, as it should be highly arresting!

Tuesday’s (24th) aspect is Mars trine Saturn, and after having been blown about by the winds lately, both physical and metaphorical, it is time for some reconstruction, repair, and attending to the foundation of things.  Make some moves, however small, in your intended direction.  Bear in mind that your gestures may be overtaken by other events later in the week (in other words don’t expect too much), but it is still significant to make that step forward on Tuesday.  Signal to the Universe that your will is as important as any other.

There is a lot happening on Wednesday (25th), and much may still be achieved, but bear in mind that there are hidden agendas at work which may manifest on Thursday, so batten down your hatches and close any perceivable loopholes, while you work.  First Mercury conjuncts Saturn, so for some concentration and focus will work, but others may be depressed by a lack of progress, or the incessant stream of negative news in the media (you may be compelled to switch it off).  One of these manifestations is likely to be George Osborne’s Autumn Statement and spending review, setting out more austerity cuts.

The next aspect is Mercury square Neptune, focussing on the deceptive nature of news (the Saturn conjunct Mercury focusses on its economy and depressing nature).  Take nothing at face value!

There is some rallying round later, with Mercury sextile Mars, and possibly some combative words.  In politics, a backlash is certain, but in your own life, you may need to pick yourself up with a pep talk, or instill courage into someone else.

The tension builds gradually up to a Full Moon in Gemini on Wednesday night.  There may be a war of words, which it is tempting to engage with, though a meditation in advance may determine whether it is nobler to stay quiet.  The U.N. are considering united action against ISIS (now being called Daesh) in Syria, but there are still some dissenting voices trying to hold back.  This situation may reach a crucial point on Wednesday evening and on Thursday.

Wednesday may be emotionally exhausting, but Thursday is the biggest day this week, with a square between Saturn and Neptune – the most important challenge since the final Uranus-Pluto square on 17th March.  Saturn represents the frustration of inaction and Neptune oversensitivity which can also result in paralysis.  This square has been stealing on us for a while, and so you will not be surprised by it, as you will have felt in some area or areas of your life an inability to proceed, which peaks at this time.  But there are hidden agendas which may now emerge: the factors and causes which you may not have suspected, but which have contributed to the current state of affairs, like a slow pollution which has gone unnoticed.  The good thing is that it is now coming to the surface and can be seen, so you can deal with the problem from a more enlightened viewpoint.  Such world problems which are now coming into clearer focus are the plight of the refugees (Saturn and Neptune represent borders, from the point of view of tightening and relaxing them, so two principles at loggerheads), the threat posed by the over-use of antibiotics (Neptune rules drugs), and the fear and paranoia surrounding the possibility of further terrorist attacks (Neptune represents paranoia, and here it is combined with fear from Saturn).  There is a new report of Paris protecting its water supply in the wake of the attacks, and adversely aspected Neptune also represents pollution of water.

All that is thoroughly depressing, but as I have said, we have seen most of it coming, and the peak of the square exposes the worst so that we can move forward with more information and enlightenment based on the bigger picture.  Our worst enemy is our own fear, and in this regard Saturn-Neptune plays into that, but it is not as extreme as the Uranus-Pluto squares we have faced in recent times.  Concentrating on seeking out the truth and correct information, seeing through the illusions of our times, and really looking at what we are dealing with, will take us far this week.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – look to the future
• Tomorrow – social surprises
• Tuesday – construction
• Wednesday – busy and complex day
• Thursday – looking at reality

Paris Shootings – Part 2

Just when you thought it was safe to hop on the Eurostar and spend a weekend in Paris, things got a whole lot worse, and the prospect seems further away.  There can’t be many people who didn’t spend the weekend thinking about the people of Paris, and racking their brains for the solution to the worldwide problem of ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State.

For myself, I cannot imagine that this is what Mohammed had in mind as the founder of Islam. Islam, in common with Christianity and Judaism, has at its heart the Ten Commandments, notably among which lies the injunction “Thou Shalt Not Kill”.

What attracts young people to such an existence of incessently fighting?  Is it the glorification of violence in film?  Or is it because we have created such an unpalatable society which has alienated them?

And poor Paris, why them, twice in one year?  Is it because the French have banned the burka, and been proactive in the war in Syria?  In January, the magazine which was targeted had been actively provoking a reaction with their anti-Islamic cartoons.  But this latest spree of brutality does not have such a direct cause.

I am not in favour of airstrikes in Syria, but I am a pacifist.  Neither do I think there is any prospect of getting ISIS around the negotiating table.  So I am at a complete loss as to the way forward in terms of the international community’s response.

The Parisians marched in solidarity in January, but are prevented from doing so this morning, urged to stay at home safe.  But I think Francois Hollande has shown great statesmanship in what must be a heartstoppingly difficult assignment for him.

So this morning, I will just take a look at the aspects around this issue, and compare with those in January, and issues which came up in my original blog then.

The Chart of the Massacre

What stands out to me in the chart of the massacre was the conjunction of the North Node and Mars (the way of the Warrior) at the I.C. at the foot of the chart.  The I.C. (Latin: imum coelum) stands for the sense of security and groundedness of a person, or in this case humanity.  So it is a shaking of that sense of security which was brought to it by Mars conjunct the North Node.

The Transits for France

Why France?  The North Node/Mars/I.C. conjunction was by transit conjunct the French Sun, which is at 29 degrees Virgo.  The North Node was at 28 degrees Virgo, and Mars was at 0 degrees Libra, so France’s Sun was sandwiched between the two, and exactly conjunct the I.C. at 29 degrees Virgo.  Mars takes 2 years to travel around the chart, and will be in that particular position again in two years, but not in conjunction with the North Node.

Francois Hollande

We have a birth time for Francois Hollande, which is crucial because some of the pertinent transits are to his Moon, which moves significantly during the course of a day, and so its position needs to be precise when considering transits.  Uranus was in this latest event exactly square his Moon, causing great personal shock.  Chiron was sextile his Moon, causing crisis but also bringing out his Inner Healer.  Uranus squares his Jupiter, so that would take him out of any complacency if he had any.  And Chiron trines his natal Jupiter, so again his Inner Healer comes to the fore.

The Chart of ISIS

Profiting from the potential of “success” from the Jupiter-Mercury sextile on Friday evening, ISIS came out with a “win”; their plans were not discovered by intelligence services, and their three teams carried out their missions.  The Jupiter-Mercury sextile keyed into their chart exactly, with Jupiter exactly on the Sun in their chart!  Their finest hour, and one of humanity’s worst.

Comparisons with the first Paris Shootings

Here is the astrological analysis from my original blog:

“Mars squares the Mars of the French chart, while Jupiter conflagrates the whole issue of Liberty by a conjunction with its Uranus (Revolution) and an opposition to its Pluto.  A natal Uranus-Pluto opposition at the time of the French chart (the time of the Revolution) highlights the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, but in such a way as to keep them simmering and evolving.”

Note that Mars was prominent in its involvement then as well as now.  Mars is often a trigger, but there are wider forces at work in such an event, and the nearest confrontation we have in the larger planets is an approaching square of Saturn and Neptune, due to become exact on November 26th, though it has been simmering for some time.  Saturn and Neptune together bring a sense of futility and depressing paralysis, which is descriptive of the present inability to make any coherent sense of what, if anything, can be done by the international community.

While we deliberate, we have to go inwards to our vision of a world of peace and harmony, and what the world could be, and work from there.

Astrology Seminar

I attended an astrology seminar in London yesterday; a welcome distraction from the events in the outside world.  It was organized by the Centre for Psychological Astrology, and was based around the theme of our scripts in early childhood.  This is an important subject for me because a great proportion of my work is the preparation of baby charts, so I now feel I can approach this work in a more conscious way than ever before.  I know 3 babies who were born this week, and have already prepared one of their charts because the baby was on my waiting list during pregnancy.  I became acquainted too with the solar arc method, long overdue.  The lecture was given by Frank Clifford, a talented Astrologer who it seems achieved a great reputation at a young age, and has published several books.  It made a nice change for me to be in a roomful of astrological minds in dialogue, where often I am just talking to myself!  The last time I attended a workshop at the Centre of Psychological Astrology was nearly 30 years ago, in 1986, where I made a lifelong friend (you know who you are!)

Aspects

Our aspect journey begins on Tuesday (17th) with the Sun conjunct Mercury in Scorpio, which has the potential for achieving some brilliant mental focussing.  It is a day when you may be able to see into the heart of things, a talent many Scorpios possess naturally.  Whatever your plans for that day, be it academic work, ladies who lunch, or early Christmas shopping, it will end up with that satisfying glow of a job well done.

More welcome news on Wednesday (18th), when Neptune is Stationary prior to turning direct.  If you have had a sense that your spiritual path lately has been on an upward struggle, smoother times are to come.  Some of the kinks along that path may be ironed out for you to proceed with more serenity.

Friday’s (20th) news is not bad either, in that Mercury enters Sagittarius.  Something may turn your mind on to an upward swing: some good news, or just a new way of looking at things.  Mercury in Scorpio may have had you focussing on the gloom, but you may be able to look forward again now, or at least tackle the Christmas shopping list.  There may be something you have been putting off, and you have the energy to begin now.

Sadly, the upwardly mobile aspects of the week are disrupted on Saturday (21st) with a square between Venus and Pluto.  We may have been able to raise our vibration for a few days, but have to deal with the realities of heartaches that have arisen lately, such as the aftermath of the Paris bombing.  There are likely to be many burials taking place in Paris, bringing memories of beautiful people who lost their lives, and re-visiting the trauma of last Friday.  Television and social media will ensure we all share in the experience of their grief, and the continual debate of how humanity can move forward, intensify the light and dissolve the darkness.

Next week: Sagittarian Animal Totems and Archetypes

The week in bullet points:

• Tuesday – deep focus
• Wednesday – spiritual re-orientation
• Friday – optimism
• Saturday – coming to terms

Tim Peake

British Astronaut Tim Peake was on television this week publicizing his forthcoming 6-month stint on the International Space Station, and hoping to interest young people in the science behind it.  Schoolchildren put a range of fascinating questions to him, with a zestful curiosity.   Space travel fascinates children, and many profess to want to be astronauts when they grow up, but it is still a very rare profession.  I thought I would take a look at Tim Peake’s chart, and those of a few other Astronauts.  The profession demands a wide range of skills, but are there any similarities within their charts?

Tim Peake has 0 planets in Fixed signs (so he is very adaptable), and 0 planets in Water signs (so he is not over-emotional).  He has the Sun in Aries, conferring physical strength, energy and an interest in fitness, all very necessary to the task.  You can see the Aries in his ginger hair and corresponding skin type (Mars ruling).  In some of the Astronauts, you can see their background in the Sun sign, and in Tim’s case he came from a military background (Aries).

What interests me in Tim’s chart is a theme of isolation.  He can willingly separate from his family and his life on earth for months on end, and that is reflected in several ways in his chart.  First of all, Aries is self-reliant.  He has Venus conjunct Saturn which can be lonely, or alone, as a pattern or lifestyle.  Pluto is at 0 degrees Libra (relationships), an ultimate test of relating.  Uranus is closely opposite his Sun, representing breaking away.

Other features of his chart are Saturn trine his North Node (strong sense of responsibility, applied in karmic mission), Mercury sextile his Mars (quick nervous reactions) and Mercury trine exactly Neptune (a fine tuned mind, spiritually).  He also has the North Node (karmic mission) at 1 degree of the futuristic sign of Aquarius.

He is due to go into space on 15th December this year, a time when he has his Uranus opposition (mid-life rebellion).  Neptune also plays a great part in his transits of that time, squaring his natal Mars and sextile his natal Jupiter, signalling change in his perceptions of life.

Helen Sharman

On to the television breakfast sofa they also brought Helen Sharman, the first British woman to go out into space, in 1991, albeit only for eight days.  She contributed some interesting information to the discussion.  The work of an Astronaut is very demanding on the physical body, not least because of the zero gravity effect.  When asked about re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, she said that the bodily fluids suddenly rush back towards the feet, which is a lot for the body to cope with.

Although Tim Peake will be separated from family and friends, he will of course have a handful of fellow Astronauts working with him as a team.  Helen Sharman recalled that on her stint, they made an effort to have their meals together, and to all try and sit in the same orientation as if they were sitting round a table rather than floating haphazardly.

She also had a specific scientific role on the Space Station, whereas Tim Peake says that nowadays they are all trained in all aspects of the work so that they can take over each other’s roles at any time.  Helen, a Sun sign Gemini, came from a scientific background (Gemini) as a Chemist.  Mars conjunct Uranus in her chart also gives her a talent for engineering.

She has a couple of isolationist features in her chart (Sun square Pluto and Venus opposite Neptune) but it is not such a strong theme as in Tim Peake’s chart.  She did not travel away from the Earth for long, but it must be a challenge to know that you might not come back.

Her path as a scientist is highlighted further in a sextile between Mercury (Science) and the North Node (karmic mission).  Chiron exactly trines her Neptune, so she has some healing instincts.

When she went into space, she had transits of Uranus sextile her natal Neptune (embracing a greater level of complexity) and Uranus trine her natal Venus (a new social group).

One of the scientist brought on the programme to comment observed how space travel had changed since the 1960s.  It started out as a competition (or war of sorts) between East and West, but now had a more international flavour of co-operation.

Neil Armstrong

I wrote about Neil Armstrong when he died in 2012:

“ In his chart, his own Moon holds the distinction of being at the power point of the Galactic Centre.

His achievements were great, but so also was his character.  He eschewed the status of fame, and remained true to the humility of Neptune at the base of his chart.  Armstrong’s Neptune is exactly square to his Ascendant, on the cusp of his 4^th House of Home.  This accounted for the fluidity of his roots: his family moved several times in his early years.  This may have been part of the making of a man who could let go and travel out into space.  Maybe it was part of the training which his life provided.  Although Neptune is more usually associated with the ocean, it is also connected with the ethers.  He had a highly sensitive finely tuned nervous system, with Neptune conjunct exactly his Mercury and the conjunction square to his Ascendant.

The high vitality of his chart is shown by Mars in his 1^st House trine exactly the Part of Fortune in his 5^th House, then backed up by the Sun in between sextiling both, and Uranus sextile his Mars and trine his Sun in Leo, also providing the scientific abilities needed by an Astronaut.

His career path is represented by his Midheaven, which is placed in the air sign of Aquarius, and from the age of 6 he was interested in flight.  Aquarius is also the sign of technology, and futuristic endeavours.”

Neil Armstrong was the Commander of the first manned mission to the Moon in Apollo 11, his role reflecting his Sun sign of Leo.  At the time of the Moon landing on 20th July 1969 (I remember I was the only member of my family to stay up and watch it) Mars was square Neil Armstrong’s Neptune (reminiscent of Neptune square Tim Peake’s Mars when he goes into space later this year):  the Mars/Neptune squares may be symbolic of taking a step out of context in the Universe.  At the Moon landing, Mars was also on Armstrong’s Descendant, and Saturn was sextile his natal Jupiter, Mars showing the need for physical caution, and the Saturn position showing the exercise of caution.

Buzz Aldrin

The second member of the manned mission team, Buzz Aldrin, had the Sun at 0 degrees Aquarius, a crucial degree for space flight (close to Tim Peake’s North Node).  He had the North Node closely conjunct Chiron in the 11th House of teamwork.  His Gemini Ascendant was exactly opposite the Galactic Centre, and therefore Armstrong’s Moon was opposite his Ascendant (a Moon-centred relationship!).

His Neptune on the I.C point opposite his Midheaven resonates with Neil Armstrong’s Neptune position on the cusp of the 4th House at the bottom of his chart (see above).  His Mars is exactly sextile his natal Part of Fortune in the 9th House of Space Exploration.  Neil Armstrong’s North Node was exactly sextile Buzz Aldrin’s Ascendant, on the cusp of Buzz Aldrin’s 11th House of teamwork.

At the time of the Moon landing, Jupiter was exactly conjunct Uranus (Enterprise!); Jupiter (far flung travel) and Uranus (technological advance) were exactly trine Buzz Aldrin’s natal Sun.  Mars was square his natal Neptune, like Neil Armstrong, but they were born in the same year and would have their Neptunes close together.

Michael Collins

Unlike the other two members of the Moon landing team, we do not have a birth time for Michael Collins.  His role was to orbit the Moon in the Command Module while the other two actually landed on the Moon.  Fascinatingly, he reported his feelings at the time as not those of loneliness, but “awareness, anticipation, satisfaction, confidence, almost exultation”.

Collins is a Scorpio by Sun sign, with Jupiter exactly conjunct Pluto (his ruling planet) in Moon-ruled Cancer.  This is a conjunction of great power and positivity.  He was probably really feeling that conjunction in his description of his solo flight.

He had a karmic bond with Buzz Aldrin, in his Sun being exactly conjunct Aldrin’s South Node.  At the time of the Moon landing Chiron was square his natal Saturn, Saturn was exactly trine his natal Saturn and opposite his natal Sun.  There was a great emphasis therefore on control and solitariness in the role the Universe was asking of him at that time.

In those days, it seemed the adventure of conquering Space was all in front of us, but with accidents occurring to Astronauts later, and financial constraints, question marks began to appear over the whole concept of colonizing Space.  These days we have probes investigating various planets, and programmes working towards manned travel and colonization of Mars.  I recently caught an episode of the U.S. comedy series The Big Bang Theory in which scientist Sheldon Cooper had applied for a manned trip to Mars.  His girlfriend Amy was a bit miffed that he would leave her behind, and the show ended with him applying for her to go, too.  It takes all sorts to make an Astronaut.

Aspects

Venus enters Libra today, where she is more at home than in Virgo.  She is at home in Taurus and Libra, but they are slightly different homes.  Taurus is a comfy home with peachy or terracotta interiors, soft sofas and silk cushions plus a lush garden.  Libra is more like an elegant, well-designed penthouse suite in cooler colours, all light and airy with plenty of windows…just setting the scene here.

Venus in Virgo was very exacting with high standards.  Libra oils the wheels and enables a greater sense of harmony, whether through people-pleasing, diplomacy or negotiation.  Not everyone wins, but people do get to share views, and there is no dictatorship under this regime.

The Sun trines Chiron tomorrow, so there is a chance to intensify healing efforts, especially along alternative lines.

On Tuesday (10th) Mercury sextiles Pluto, which is a step towards constructive outcomes, most certainly in medicine and psychotherapy.  It is a good day to lose yourself in deep thought, adopting the pose of Rodin’s “Thinker” from time to time, as the mood takes you.

All the karmic healing and thought-filled activity pay off on Wednesday (11th) when the Sun sextiles Jupiter, bringing an opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learned, to bring everything together or expand your ideas.  A small Lotto flutter may bring dividends, if you are the gambling sort.

The Moon is also New that day, at 19 degrees Scorpio, so any innovation you make should be profound, and stands a good chance of taking root.

On Thursday (12th) Mars enters Libra.  While Jupiter and the North Node are in Virgo, and Mercury, the Sun and Moon are in Scorpio, Venus has had Libra all to herself to refurbish and re-design her home for the requirements and style of 2015.  She has had a few days to get the place as she likes it, nice and peaceful and tasteful…ah…just feel the luxury of that peace…it is just about to have a shaking up with the entry of Mars.  Mars in Libra represents the challenges of achieving peace in times of war.  Mars demands action, and cannot leave things as they are.  In the Arts (a domain of Libra) it represents the process of “Art and Harmony through Conflict” (one of the 7 Rays of Alice Bailey).  Now Venus has much of the day to prepare, so savour that beautiful space on Thursday, for the arrival of Mars at her door does not take place until 21.41 Hrs in the U.K. You’ll know when he arrives, as he will knock noisily, then barge into the Penthouse without a by your leave!  I recommend an hour’s meditation at 20.41 Hrs, just to make sure you register the difference.  Venus has some power (the power of Love) and has established her territory for the time being, but now negotiations have to begin.  Whether it is Art, or War, or the Art of War, something will be happening.

Friday (13th) may be lucky for some as Venus sextiles Saturn, a loyal and forgiving sort of aspect.  Forgiveness and letting go will prove useful and effective tools in the effort to create a positive ambience for the day.

By early evening, you may feel the benefits of Mercury sextile Jupiter, an aspect suited to commercial and academic success.  If you are contemplating new learning, widespread or global communication, the Universe will back you up on such efforts.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – art and harmony
• Monday – healing
• Tuesday – profound thought
• Wednesday – success and innovation
• Thursday – art and harmony through conflict
• Friday – lucky for some