Entrepreneurs into Space

Last Sunday, vying for our attention with the men’s singles finals and the European Cup, saw Richard Branson launching himself into space on Virgin Galactic.  This coming week it will be Jeff Bezos, and later on Elon Musk.  It seems to be a passion for some rich and wealthy inhabitants of Earth, but to other inhabitants it looks like a self-indulgent and wasteful pastime, and has been widely criticized.

Richard Branson

Many times I have mentioned that Richard Branson has the ultimate “Entrepreneur Archteype” pattern of Jupiter exactly trine Uranus in his birth chart.  The two planets associated with space exploration are Jupiter (ruler of Sagittarius) and Uranus (ruler of Aquarius), and together they could foster a desire for extreme travel and freedom.  Branson’s Ascendant is Leo with Pluto rising, which show a great competitiveness and desire for dominance.

The transits for his Space Trip showed Pluto opposite his natal Sun (potentially self-destructive), and Uranus at the top of his chart square his Ascendant (the ultimate desire for excitement, going into space!).

People have questioned how he has the resources to fund such a project, while asking for bail-outs from the government, and not paying taxes.

Jeff Bezos

Although the enterprise of the three billionaires is being described in the media as a Space Race, the relationship between Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Branson is more of a rivalry than that of Musk and Branson.  Bezos was hoping to be first into space of the three.

He also has his Sun virtually unaspected (widely trine Pluto, and square to the Ascendant).  With Mercury trine Uranus in addition, he possesses an inventive and original mind.  Jupiter is exactly square his Midheaven in Capricorn (ambition knowing no bounds).

The Synastry between Bezos and Branson shows Branson’s Pluto square Bezos’ Neptune (a deep rift). Bezos’ Sun/Mars conjunction in Capricorn opposes Branson’s Sun in Cancer, and his Mercury in Capricorn is opposite Branson’s Uranus in Cancer (poles apart).  Bezos’ Pluto is conjunct Branson’s Saturn (heaviness in their relationship).

The proposed date of flight 20th July on New Shephard has a transit of Mars opposeing his Venus, so it may not be a comfortable flight.  Saturn sextiles his Jupiter (the sign of something planned a while in advance), and Uranus trines his natal Pluto (that is more like it for a big, life-changing event).

He’ll be taking elderly aviator Wally Funk, who on that date will have Mars trine her Venus (enormous pleasure); Saturn will be on her Sun (there may be some physical discomfort); and she has a Uranus Return (the fulfilment of her Inner Rebel!)

Elon Musk

I have also written about Elon Musk previously; like Branson and Bezos, he has an almost unaspected Sun (the sign of great individuality).  I previously wrote about him: “We find Elon Musk’s Sun unaspected (individualism) except for a square to Uranus (invention and futurism) – his main connection with reality.”  Like Branson, for whom I wrote: “All these personal planets lacking aspects often show a destiny which easily becomes hitched to more global or impersonal projects” Musk “lacks personal aspects generally, and that may be linked with his huge aspiration for mankind (he worries about human extinction and wants us to be able to live on Mars)” (also from previous writing).  Musk has an exact sextile between Pluto and Jupiter, which enables him to build projects on a large and powerful scale.

There is now a birth time available for Elon Musk, and that reveals exciting close links with the chart of the inventor Nikola Tesla, with among others, Musk’s Midheaven/Chiron  exactly sextile Tesla’s Chiron.  That has also revealed an extra aspect with his Sun, a sextile from the Moon, which shows that his left hand does know what his right hand is doing.

Musk has set his sights further afield than space – on to Mars!  He has booked himself a flight on Branson’s flight service, and is a friend of Branson. As well as the similarity in the construction of their personal aspects, they are both Cancerians (not a particularly likely Sun sign for those wishing to travel far from home!).   In their synastry,  they have excellent interaspects for spurring each other on: Musk’s Sun is exactly trine Branson’s Jupiter, and Branson’s Uranus is exactly conjunct Musk’s Sun.  In other words, Musk’s Individuality (Sun) locks into Branson’s Inner Entrepreneur (Jupiter trine Uranus).

The relationship between Musk and Bezos is not reported to be a happy one.  Bezos’ Neptune squares Musk’s Nodal Axis, so there could be paranoia between them; and Bezos’s Saturn conjoins Musk’s Mars, which is antagonistic.

In the Observer this morning, Catherine Bennett writes about our very own “rocket man”, and the trio of billionaires, describing “a growing suspicion of men who, with the colossal means to address climate disaster, would rather burn their wealth on projects that even they occasionally admit are juvenile”.

Aspects

Tomorrow (Monday 19th) we start the week with a square between Mercury and Chiron, which may highlight a problem needing to be solved.  Attentiveness to health and healing is required, but first the question has to be aired.  The answer lies in the question, therein lies a clue.  Therein also lies a mental conundrum, but one which is not unsolvable.  It may just take a little work, or some lateral thinking.

The mind is definitely set for solutions on Tuesday (20th) with a sextile between Mercury and Uranus.  This may be an answer to Monday’s prayer, if the prayer was unanswered on the same day.  It’s a happy aspect, being helpful for mental endeavours and technology. Telepathy, intuition and the power of surprise are benefits of this aspect.  This aspect can amaze you and help you find that “wow” factor, or unusual ways of articulating your message.

Venus enters Virgo on Thursday (22nd) in the early hours (in the U.K.).  It seems early in the year for Venus to be entering Virgo, a combination usually associated with being back to school or back to work for Autumn schedules, not the beginning of the summer holidays.  But Venus can be two signs away from the Sun, which at this time is right at the end of Cancer.  So maybe you may find yourself laying the foundation for next term’s educational or working schedules now, so as to economically save time and energy later.  We may also be discriminating about the company we keep (if we subscribe to such a philosophy), and be exercising caution despite our government’s freedom day policy.  We choose the catering (in a healthful, Virgoan or Vegan way), and we tailor our practices to ecological ways.

At lunchtime the same day, be it vegan or meat-eating, we have a more lighthearted vibe with Venus opposite Jupiter.  Granted, it’s an opposition, but Venus and Jupiter are known as the lesser and greater benefic planets respectively, so they don’t tend to do too much damage to each other, and they may even have a good time.  There could be some much needed laughter for instance, hopefully at no one’s expense.  Or if at another’s expense, no harm done.  There’s the possibility of letting out some tension in light relief.

The Sun enters sunny Leo just after lunch, ushering in the month of hopeful hedonism.  Holiday plans beckon (for those who dare risk amber turning to red).  Even if you do not have definite holiday plans, you can look at the quality of life and living within your current horizons and means.  Inner enjoyment is just as important as outer enjoyment, if not more so.

Saturday (24th) raises the emotional temperature with a Full Moon At 1 degree Aquarius, in the early hours (in the U.K.).  We might be torn by looking at an issue emotionally, then from a detached perspective, then back and forth.  This may produce heightened tension, or a stand off  between the individual and the group.  But resolutions can be found.

In the afternoon, we are blessed with a congenial trine between Mercury and Neptune.  Things may fall into place spiritually, and you may be ready to talk about a sensitive subject.  This trine brings mental inspiration, transcendent wisdom, higher harmony, spiritual journeys, and insight.  A kind astrological note to end the week.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – problems for solving
• Tuesday – new mental avenues
• Thursday – work schedules; light relief; holiday plans
• Saturday – emotional high tide; mental and spiritual blessings

 

Gareth Southgate

More sport this week… I am looking at what makes Gareth Southgate such a wise and wonderful manager of the England football team, leading them to the final of the Euros today.   He not only gets results, but walks his talk as a sensible leader.  More than once I have heard people say he should be a politician in government (if not Prime Minister), for his good ethical ways.

Birth Chart

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

Life and Career

Gareth was born in Watford, and made a name for himself in football playing for Aston Villa and Middlesborough, then became captain of Crystal Palace.  He made 57 appearances in the England team.  In his time, he played in the World Cup, and the Euros.

He finished his playing career in May 2006, with interestingly three Pluto transits (signifying endings): Pluto square his Mercury, sextile his Venus, and square his natal Pluto.  He stepped in as temporary England Manager on 27th September 2016, with Mars trine his Mars (taking charge), Saturn square his Sun (taking responsibility), and Neptune opposite his Sun (uncertainty).  Two months later, he was given the job permanently.  Though he has received some criticism (there are always naysayers), the team have gone from strength to strength under his tutelage.

Walking his Talk

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

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

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

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

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

The Transits

I am not making any predictions, as I thought Ashleigh Barty wouldn’t win Wimbledon (!)

But Gareth does have a good line up for tonight’s match: Jupiter on his North Node (a karmic reward) and Pluto trine his Pluto (self-empowerment).

Pluto trines the U.K. chart, which may add import to the proceedings.

Italy

Of course, it is a big day for Italy.  News reports say that the continent largely favours them, which is not surprising.  Not only are the Italian team playing England at the football, but Matteo Berrettini of Italy plays Novak Djokovic in the men’s final at Wimbledon.

The transits for Italy shows Mars sextile their Sun (they’ll be on fire!) and Jupiter trine their Mercury (excellent coordination).  The North Node will be on Berrettini’s Venus, which is nice.

Where was I fifty five years ago when England won the World Cup?  I was camping with a schoolfriend in Bournemouth in a tent, with the match playing on the radio!  Today I will be watching the men’s final, and then listening out for the cheers from hubby in the evening.

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

~ Gareth Southgate

Aspects

Mercury goes into Cancer this evening, so you may need to attend to family matters in detail, such as documentation related to that area of your life.  The collective mind will be more able to encompass emotion when considering an argument.  For example, if you have set your mind on a belief because it seems logical, you may be presented with a situation which helps you see the need for compassion for the other side of the argument.  The rights and welfare of children, for instance, may be put under the microscope.  Mercury will be moving quickly and leaves the sign of Cancer on 28th July, so make the most of this particular opportunity.  During this time, charity begins at home.

Tomorrow evening (Monday 12th) Mercury will trine Jupiter, which will help business transactions, and expand our horizons, minds and philosophies.  This is an upbeat vibe mentally, one that takes in great wads of information, produces good ideas and may incline one to travel (if you are off to a green or amber country).  Positive thought pays off.

Venus conjoins with Mars at lunchtime on Tuesday (13th), an amorous entanglement.  Peace and harmony may break out between the sexes, but there may still be a need to respect boundaries and personal space.  Art and music may be imbued with sensuality.

More uplift is to be had on Thursday (15th) morning with a trine between the Sun and Neptune.  This is a sparkling trine, especially good for receiving creative inspiration (and writing film scores – or writing about them?).  Expand your consciousness, and allow your imagination to embellish your work, or project in hand.

Chiron is stationary that day, prior to going Retrograde. This will see us start to retrace some steps on our healing pathway.  A particular healing issue may crop up today to highlight this; perhaps you have gone as far as you can with a particular line of healing, and may need to revise or go over old ground for a while.  There may be more understanding to be achieved, for instance, about the emotional component of the healing issue.

Late on Saturday evening, take good care, for Pluto opposes the Sun, and you may have had an eventful or dramatic day, and still need to vigilant despite tiredness.  The day suits sober reflection and unearthing the deep psychological significance behind events.  Of course, there is a lot going on in our lives, both personally and globally, and our minds may go to issues which affect us more immediately.  Being an opposition, there is a requirement to balance two opposing forces, and possibly blend them or transcend the polarity.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – family details
• Tomorrow – optimism
• Tuesday – sensuality
• Thursday – inspiration; revising healing
• Saturday – caution

Wimbledon 2021 – Week 2

We watched some nailbiting performances from Andy Murray last week, and hope that he is on the road to regaining his mojo.  He says he is weighing up whether it is worthwhile, as he has put a lot of effort in training since having his last hip operation. U.K. players Dan Evans and Norrie also did well, as did 18 year old newcomer Emma Raducanu fresh from A Levels.  The competitors are getting younger all the time! Swiatek was born in 2001, and Raducanu in 2002.  Coco Gauff, who is doing well, was born in 2004.

Here are the next four ladies and men’s seeds to watch over the next week!

Women’s Seeds

No. 5 Seed: Iga Swiatek

Youngster Swiatek hails from Poland, and has an unusual Element pattern in her chart: 7 planets in Air (Intellect), 0 in Earth and 0 in Water.  With Sun in the adaptable sign of Gemini, she also has 6 planets in Mutable (adaptable) signs – and by all accounts she likes to bring variety into her game.  Her Sun is conjunct Saturn, and so she also has an element of caution and planning in her game; apparently she “constructs points carefully”.

She plays Ons Jabeur on Monday.  On that day, Swiatek has Mars exactly trine her Pluto in Sagittarius, a sign of strength.  At the end of Wimbledon, she has Chiron trine her Pluto (very positive), with an exact Mercury Return on the day and an exact trine from the North Node to her Neptune on the day, which is a good line up.

No. 21 Seed the Tunisian Ons Jabeur is known to have a formidable forehand, and on Monday will have the Nodal Axis square her Saturn (difficult), but Neptune sextile her Uranus (the ability to handle complexity) and Pluto sextile her Pluto (self-empowerment), so they could be evenly matched (which may mean a 3-setter).  At the end of Wimbledon, Jabour still has the Nodal Axis square her Saturn and Pluto sextile her Pluto, but Neptune sextile her Uranus is fading.

In their Synastry, they have a double whammy of their Suns squaring the other’s Saturn, again a sign they can cancel each other out and go to a 3-setter.  With Jabeur’s Pluto squaring Swiatek’s Uranus, Jabeur has an overall advantage in their general involvement.

This could be a tight match, but if Swiatek gets through she has good prospects coming up to the final.

No. 8 Seed: Karolina Pliskova

I wrote in 2017:

“[She] has the Sun in Aries, largely unaspected, so she is independent and free-spirited.  She has few personal aspects, so may be focussed on wider concerns in the world.  She apparently has an identical twin, which is also unusual and may complicate her psychology.  Jupiter trine closely her North Node means she has an upbeat karmic mission, and may refer to her sporting interest.  She has the complex Uranus-Neptune conjunction in Capricorn of those born in her year, 1992.”

On Monday, she plays Samsonova.  Pliskova’s transits show the Nodal Axis square her Venus, which is not very supportive; Mars opposite her Saturn, which could be harsh; Neptune trine her natal Pluto, which is supportive on a deeper level.  For the end of Wimbledon, she still has the Nodal Axis square her Venus, and Neptune trine her natal Pluto, but then has to contend with Uranus square her natal Saturn, which is very brittle.

Her opponent on Monday is the unseeded Russian Ludmilla Samsonova, who will have Saturn sextile her natal Mercury, which is steady, plus the North Node exactly trine her Uranus on the day, which could upset Karolina.  At the end of Wimbledon, Samsonova still has Saturn sextile her Mercury, and North Node trine her Uranus, but Mars will be square her natal Sun (which is dicey) so is not likely to make it to the final.  She could beat Karolina, but then peter out towards the end of the contest.

As to their Synastry, Samsonova’s Sun is sextile Pliskova’s Neptune, which favours Samsonova.  Pliskova’s Pluto is on Samsonova’s Venus, which gives Pliskova more power.  Pliskova’s Uranus/Neptune sextiles Samsonova’s Jupiter, so they could play some exciting matches.  and Pliskova’s Jupiter squares Samsonova’s Pluto, which favours Samsonova in an exchange of power.

So Samsonova could unseat Pliskova, but if so will probably not go much further in the competition.

No. 14 Seed: Barbora Krejcikova

Czech Krejcikova won the French Open this year, and is still a strong contender in Wimbledon.  She has it all going for her astrologically, in an impressive chart with the Sun exactly conjunct Jupiter in Sagittarius at the Galactic Centre sextile the North Node!  So, lucky, powerful and karmically gifted.  She also has Mercury conjunct Mars, quick mental reactions; and with Mars exactly square Chiron, could be subject to injury from time to time.

Her transits on Monday show Jupiter square her Pluto (power play), Uranus trine her Mars (an electric performance), and Pluto on her Venus (profound experience).  At the end of Wimbledon Jupiter will be exactly square Pluto on the day (a dramatic finish!), and Uranus will still be trine her Mars, plus Pluto will still be on her Venus.  She is in with a chance!

Her opponent will be the No. 1 Seed Ashleigh Barty, of whom I wrote last week:

“ At the start of Wimbledon, she has Jupiter square her Pluto, which represents exaggerated power.  She may make some unforced errors!  At the end of Wimbledon, Mars will be sextile her natal Venus (her artistry will be strong), and Jupiter will still be square her Pluto.  These do not strike me as winning transits.”

In their Synastry, Barty’s Mercury is trine Barbora’s Neptune, so they can read each other on subtle mental levels.  Barty’s Mars squares Barbora’s Neptune, so Barbora could bamboozle Barty (if that’s not too much of an alliteration!)  Barty’s Mars is on Barbora’s South Node (they could be old adversaries, from previous lives).  Barty’s Saturn trines Barbora’s  Pluto, serious interpersonal engagement.  And finally, Barty’s Neptune is conjunct Barbora’s Uranus, which gives Barty a fine edge in some ways.

Barty, and other tennis players, have managed to negotiate this last week of Wimbledon with aplomb even with the Jupiter-Pluto square in their natal chart; which leads me to believe Barbora’s Jupiter-Pluto exact square at the final to be significant, especially as Jupiter is SO her planet!

I will stick my neck out for a win for Krejcikov over Barty on Monday.

No. 18 Seed: Elena Rybakina

Rybakina, along with No. 2 Seed Aryna Sabalenka, is a 6-footer.  She has 5 planets in the Fixed signs, showing strong will.  Her Sun is exactly trine Mars, making her a Warrior (she is an “aggressive baseliner”).  With Sun sextile Jupiter she is sporting and positive, and her energy and enthusiasm are sometimes over the top due to Mars opposing Jupiter.  She has the Moon/North Node/Venus in competitive Leo and has enormous self-belief.  This triple conjunction opposes Uranus, so she can be emotionally unpredictable.  Her Uranus in Aquarius at the South Node may point to past lives in Atlantis!

Her transits for Monday show Pluto squaring her Mars, dangerous (slipping? that seems to be the thing, this Wimbledon); Saturn squaring her Saturn (the odds are against her); and the South Node on her Pluto (past life karma coming to roost).  Astrologically, that does not point to a win.  For the end of Wimbledon, Saturn opposes her Venus (a sense of disappointment), Pluto still square her Mars, and South Node still on her Pluto.  Really, no astrological back up for her.

As it happens, the other 6-footer Sabalenka (No. 2 Seed) is her opponent on Monday.  I wrote last week:

“At the end of the tournament Mars trines her Mercury (mental strength, quick mental reactions and lively nervous system) but Mars squares Chiron (possible injury).  Saturn will still be on her Uranus, but Uranus will be on her Sun (the possibility of turning things around unexpectedly).  Pluto will also still be square her Saturn.  I feel the balance of transits will make things tough for her.”

On Monday, Mars will be exactly square Sabalenka’s Sun (they could both slip), an aspect which is exact to the day.  Uranus will be on her Sun, which may provide excitement and surprise; Saturn on her Uranus and Pluto square Saturn, both very challenging, and some comfort from Chiron sextile her Uranus.

In their Synastry, they have very different mindsets with squared Mercuries.  Aryna Mars square Rybakina’s Uranus, explosive combination, with Rybakina having the power of surprise.  Plus Aryna’s Uranus squares Rybakina’s Saturn  (messy), which can make their matches uncomfortable viewing.

I would predict a win on this occasion for Aryna, but Aryna’s fortunes on the decline towards the final.

Overall, of the ladies, I like the sound of Krejcikova’s prospects, going towards the final and for the final itself.

Men’s Seeds

No. 5 Seed: Andrey Rublev

I wrote in September 2020:

“He has Sun in Libra (the tennis sign!) and Moon in Sagittarius (no birth time available).  The Sun is largely unaspected, except for a trine with Chiron, so he may be very independent, but with a soothing presence…Mercury is sextile Venus in his chart, so he may have literary skills.  Mars squares Neptune, so he has sensitive energies, and could be drained sometimes.  But Mars is also closely square Pluto, so there may be days where he finds it hard to control his energies, and they may be aggressive.  Mars exactly sextile Chiron also inclines him to healing.  Jupiter squares Saturn, so again he could be hamstrung at times in his energies, not sure which way to go.  Saturn sextile Pluto gives strength and endurance (when Neptune square Mars is not being draining!)  Uranus sextile closely with the North Node gives the power of surprise, when he is karmically permitted.  I imagine his game would vary quite a lot.”

His transits for Monday show Jupiter trine his natal Mercury, which is excellent; Chiron trine his natal Venus, good for his personal life, exact on the day; and Saturn on his Jupiter in Aquarius, not so easy.  His transits for the end of Wimbledon: Jupiter still trine his natal Mercury, and Chiron still trine his natal Venus, aspects which are very supportive throughout the coming week, but Saturn will still be on his Jupiter.

His opponent will be Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (unseeded), who will have Neptune  sextile his Mars (some artistry in his shots), and Neptune trine his Pluto (depth).  Fucsovics’ transits at the final will be Mars opposite his Sun (he may be nursing an injury), Neptune still sextile his Mars, and Neptune still trine his Pluto.  He is not likely to reach the final.

Their Synastry shows: Andrey’s Mars sextile Fucsovics’ Mercury, their matches should be briskly fought; Andrey’s Saturn sextile Fucsovics’ Mercury, good control for both; Rublev’s Saturn squares Fucsovics’ Uranus (Fucsovic capable of upsetting Andrey); Andrey’s Uranus opposite Fucsovic’s Chiron, danger of injury for Fucsovic, being caught unawares.

Rublev has the better set of transits, and should go through on Monday, and may get through to the final, though his transits are not outstanding.  I would not see him winning the tournament, though.

No. 6 Seed: Roger Federer

I wrote last week:

“ If Roger were to win Wimbledon, he would meet Djokovic in the final…At the end of Wimbledon, Uranus is still square his Mercury, but it will be sextile with his Mars, so if he gets to the final it could be electrifying. Neptune will still be square his Neptune, and Pluto will still be sextile his Uranus. These are not outstanding transits, but he could conceivably reach the final. However, I don’t think he would be able to beat Djokovic, sadly.”

Roger’s transits tomorrow show: Mars on his Sun (I think he can handle the energy of that!), Uranus square his Mercury (unpredictability), Chiron trine his Mercury (some balm for his nervous system), Uranus sextile his Mars (electrifying) exact on the day – you’ll see some sparkle!  Pluto will be sextile his Uranus (psychological strength) and Neptune square his Neptune (he is going through changes, spiritually).

His opponent will be the No 23 Seed Italian player Lorenzo Sonego, whose chart I have not looked at before.  He will have Saturn trine his Mercury and sextile his Jupiter, so playing steadily now.  Chiron will be trine his natal Jupiter, so he is well co-ordinated now, too.  Neptune will be on his Saturn, so he is not unassailable.  And Pluto is on his Neptune, which could be overwhelming.  At the end of Wimbledon, Sonego will have Saturn exactly sextile his Mercury to the day, Chiron still trine his Jupiter, Neptune still on his Saturn, and Pluto still on his Neptune.

The Synastry between him and Roger shows up the following: Sonego’s Jupiter trine Roger’s Mercury, which actually could help Roger play at his best; Sonego’s Saturn square Roger’s Neptune, which could bamboozle Sonego.  Sonego’s Saturn trine Roger’s Chiron, some mutual understanding.  Sonego’s Uranus on Roger’s South Node, some element of surprise possible from Sonego in their interaction; and Sonego’s Neptune sextile roger’s Uranus, again some complex mutual understanding).

I do not see anything too threatening towards Roger Federer from Sonego, but there may be some touching moments in their interaction.

No. 7 Seed: Matteo Berrettini

I wrote in 2019:

“He has the Sun in Aries square Jupiter in his natal chart (bags of enthusiasm) and Mars square Jupiter (enthusiasm off the scale), and Sun also square Neptune, so he may be very idealistic.  His Mercury is square Uranus, so he may be tense, but brilliant in terms of thinking outside the box.  His Venus is trine Uranus, so that could give him charisma, but Venus opposing Pluto may result in volatile feelings from time to time.  He has no water planets though, so he is not over-emotional.  His North Node conjoins Chiron, so there is healing potential.”

His transits on Monday show: North Node on his natal Venus (in Gemini), which is quite helpful; Mars trine his natal Mars, which is very dynamic; Jupiter square his natal Pluto – overexerting his power, though the transit worked for some of the players last week…(Sabalenko and Krejcikova, for example).  At the end of Wimbledon, the North Node will still be on his Venus, but other transits will be moving away.  He could do well and get through on Monday, but peter out afterwards.

His opponent will be the unseeded Ilya Ivashka from Belarus.  His transits for Monday are Uranus sextile his Venus, so may have the power of surprise; Mars will be square his natal Jupiter, so he’ll have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, but perhaps be accident prone, similarly with Uranus opposing his Jupiter; Neptune will be sextile his Neptune, so spiritually he will be at one with himself.  At the end of Wimbledon, he’ll still have Uranus sextile his Venus and opposite his Jupiter, with Neptune still sextile his Neptune.  But altogether not great.

Their Synastry: Ivashka’s Saturn squares Berrettini’s Pluto, which is more powerful for Berrettini; Ivashka’s Neptune squares Berrettini Sun, so he could confuse Berrettini, and Ivashka’s Pluto sextiles Berrettini’s Neptune, which is more powerful for Ivashka – a fairly even match, generally.

I think Berrettini can beat Ivashka.

No. 8 Seed: Roberto Bautista-Agut

It is interesting that more of the men’s top seeds stayed in than the women’s last week.  So we have No. 8 (Agut) playing No. 10 Shapovalov (who ousted Murray) on Monday.  Roberto Bautista Agut has the Sun in Aries, so warriorship comes easily to him.  His Sun is exactly sextile Chiron, so he has some ingenious ways of solving problems.  His enthusiasm and energy can sometimes be off the scale, with Jupiter square Mars in his natal chart.  And he has a powerhouse of energy with Mars square Pluto (that aspect also strengthens his Inner Warrior).

His transits for Monday are:- Jupiter sextile his Saturn (good judgement); Jupiter sextile his Uranus (good opportunities, and lucky breaks); but on the converse side, Saturn square his Pluto (could have a major upset) and Neptune square his natal Chiron (could be compromising his health).

His opponent, the Canadian Shapovalov, who brought down Andy Murray last week, will provide a good battle of the warriors as he is also Aries!  On Monday he will have:- Pluto exactly square his Sun (so he is doing well to play under that duress); plus Mars will be trine his Jupiter (he’ll have plenty of fuel in the tank!).  At the end of Wimbledon, he will have Mars (his ruling planet) on his North Node (a karmic moment for him), and Pluto will still be square his Sun.

In their Synastry, their Suns are exactly conjunct (another indication of a good battle; could be a 5-setter); Shapovalov’s Mars is opposite Agut’s Jupiter (an energetic interplay), but Shapovalov’s Saturn squares Agut’s Mars (could blunt the sharpness  of Agut’s reactions), Shapovalov’s Neptune is on Agut’s Mars (again could sap Agut of energy in their interaction) and Shapovalov’s Pluto opposes Agut’s Venus.  Generally, Shapovalov would have the upper hand, and even if Agut wins tomorrow, in future he would find matches with Shapovalov daunting.

I would still plump for Agut to win tomorrow.

Generally for the men, I still think Djokovic is unbeatable and Zverev too has a good chance, for the finals.

And before you ask, the stunning Emma Raducanu has some nice transits for the coming week:  she has Jupiter trine Venus (having the time of her life; living the dream!), Mars sextile her Mars (all the energy she needs) and the North Node trine her Neptune (a spiritual coming of age).

Aspects

Today, very early in the morning, Mars was square Uranus.  Thus we had thunderstorms here in the U.K. – people born with that square in their charts are often born under a thunderstorm I find!  Perhaps someone was exploding with tension last night, or you were disturbed by some item of world news where man is exacting inhumanity to man.  Something might have needed to be dealt with urgently, whether it was a mechanical fault or a human fault.  If you have been struggling since the Mars-Saturn opposition last Thursday, that will be because Mars and Uranus have been forming a T-square with Saturn.

The Sun also squares Chiron today, which could also throw up a problem, and health issues may be to the fore: look after yourselves, physically and mentally!  The problem may literally be how to control the explosion of energy created by Mars and Uranus.  What needs healing will be uncovered, and the answer may lie in the problem, or deep in the soul.  Time for self-mastery.

A bright new day dawns tomorrow (Monday 5th), with the Sun sextile Uranus.  In support of us and adding a sparkle of ingenuity and inventiveness, this aspect aids your efforts  to make headway with your various projects, and may be assisted with some telepathy and higher consciousness, or liaising with a constructive group.

More support is brought to the table tomorrow with Venus sextile the North Node, which is ideal for smoothing over karmic issues, resolving relationship karma and easing connections. It is more about forgiveness and laying aside grievances than exacting karmic balance.  The law of karma works automatically – you don’t need to engineer it.  Your own knowledge may not be complete enough.

Neptune squares Mercury on Tuesday (6th), and some undefinable snag may be nagging at you.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it, move on and let it go.  There could be more scandals in the news…

More to grapple with on Wednesday (7th), with Saturn opposing Venus, which could be emotionally deflating (e.g. a prominent, well-loved public figure could pass after a long and worthwhile life). It is time to value those around you, and to renew bonds of love and loyalty.

A happier resolution for relationship difficulties on Thursday (8th) with Venus trine Chiron: so healing may occur where there was difficulty on Wednesday.  The healing power of love may come to the fore.  Try to keep the heart open, and keep the faith.  There may be a real opportunity to re-group your healing energies and feel harmony within your being.  This aspect is operative early in the day, so make the most of it.

There may be another twist and turn in relationships at tea time, with Venus square Uranus.  There may be a quirky end to your relationship or money saga, slightly out of your comfort zone.  Your plans may have to be modified at the last minute.  The way through is to use your intuition, and stay one step ahead.

A New Moon at 18 degrees Cancer occurs in the early hours of Saturday (10th).  This is a conjunction of the Sun and Moon in that sign, so give your home and family special attention!  If you know where it falls in  your chart, you can fine-tune your wishes, but otherwise the areas associated with Cancer are the human emotions, family, the home and security, women and mothers, plus roots and ancestry.

Happy Independence Day to my U.S. readers!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – energetic disruptions, and healing questions
• Tomorrow – sparkle and comfort
• Tuesday – confusion
• Wednesday – flatness
• Thursday – healing, then twists and turns
• Saturday – new beginning

 

Wimbledon 2021

Well I missed blogging about Wimbledon last year, so with the year’s gap the landscape has changed a little for the seeding, but there are familiar faces among the new ones!

Women’s Seeds

No. 1 Seed: Ashleigh Barty

In my last Wimbledon blog season, Ashleigh Barty was also No. 1.  There’s no sign of Naomi Osaka (preparing for the Tokyo Olympics) or Serena Williams (now ranked Seed No. 6) up here in the top four.

I wrote about Barty in 2019: ” She has Sun in Taurus (of short stature) square exactly Uranus – making her a maverick, who thrives on the power of surprise.  She also has Mercury loosely opposite Pluto, a possible fearlessness once she overcomes her initial fears.  But the possible secret of her success is Saturn trine exactly Pluto natally, a superstrength.  With the North Node conjunct Chiron in Libra, she has a healing karmic mission, possibly for later in life.”

At the start of Wimbledon, she has Jupiter square her Pluto, which represents exaggerated power.  She may make some unforced errors!  At the end of Wimbledon, Mars will be sextile her natal Venus (her artistry will be strong), and Jupiter will still be square her Pluto.  These do not strike me as winning transits.

No. 2 Seed: Aryna Sabalenka

I have not looked at Sabalenka’s chart before, but she was born in 1998, as was another of the current top four women’s seeds.

Six foot tall, and born in Belarus, she has Sun/Mars in Taurus, which could provide stamina, drive and strong will (apparently she has an aggressive style of play).  The high powered conjunction is square to Uranus, an erratic and electrical energy which could catch out her opponents in its unpredictability, and interrupt their flow.  With Venus exactly sextile Neptune she may be very artistic or musical.  Mars sextile Jupiter brings energy allied with enthusiasm.  Mars exactly opposite Chiron forming a square with Uranus may make her prone to injury.  Pluto exactly square the Nodal Axis could bring drama in her life from time to time.  She has chosen the Tiger as her animal totem, sporting a tattoo of the animal on her left arm.

Her transits at the beginning of Wimbledon are Saturn on her Uranus and Pluto square Saturn, both very challenging, and so therefore, she may have an early upset in the tournament.  At the end of the tournament Mars trines her Mercury (mental strength, quick mental reactions and lively nervous system) but Mars squares Chiron (possible injury).  Saturn will still be on her Uranus, but Uranus will be on her Sun (the possibility of turning things around unexpectedly).  Pluto will also still be square her Saturn.  I feel the balance of transits will make things tough for her.

No. 3 Seed: Elina Svitolina

I wrote about Ukrainian Svitolina in 2019: “Elina has Sun in Capricorn conjunct Chiron, with half her planets (5) in the water element.  She has vigour (Mars sextile her Sun), emotion (Water) and sensitivity (Sun closely trine Neptune).  Mercury square Mars in her chart may make her irritable, and combined with a watery chart that may make her moody.  Venus trine her Saturn provides stability, and Mars trine Jupiter great enthusiasm.  But Mars opposite Uranus/Neptune can also be irritable, so she may have to work hard in stabilizing her moods.  There is a strong theme of healing though in her chart, with Sun conjunct Chiron, Neptune trine Chiron and the North Node sextile Chiron, so she may move towards healing of some sort later in life.”

At the beginning of Wimbledon Svitolina will have Mars square her Jupiter (high spirits and enthusiasm), Saturn trine her Mercury (steady application), Saturn square her Jupiter (some caution), Neptune sextile her Uranus (the ability to cope with complexity) and Pluto sextile her Pluto (self-empowerment).  This bodes well.  At the end of the tournament, Mars will be square her Nodal Axis (possibly injury), Saturn will still be trine Mercury and square Jupiter, and Neptune will still be sextile her Uranus, with Pluto still square her natal Pluto.  She has a good chance in this tournament, astrologically.

No 4 Seed: Sofia Kenin

As with Sabalenka, I have not looked at Kenin’s chart before, and she was born in the same year (1998).  Top female American player Kenin has the Sun in Scorpio, conjunct Chiron and Venus.  Another player with a strong healing quality (there must be an application within tennis, but I have not identified it yet).  She would be intense and passionate.  Her Sun trines Jupiter, so she is expansive, too, and trusts to luck.  Her Sun sextiles Mars, giving her plenty of energy and drive.  Mercury squares Jupiter in her chart, so at times she may spread her energies too widely or be unfocussed.  Mars opposes Jupiter, so again there may be some exaggerated moves, or unforced errors in her play.  There is a serious side to her, with planets in Scorpio, Saturn trine her North Node (a sense of responsibility) and Saturn square Neptune.  She can handle pressure, with Uranus closely sextile Pluto.

At the beginning of the tournament Neptune opposes her natal Mars, which could find her drained of energy from an unknown source.  However, Pluto sextile her natal Venus will see her put a lot of feeling into her shots.  At the end of the tournament, Neptune will still oppose her Mars, and the Pluto sextile to her Venus will be exact on the day, which could be greatly to her advantage.  That could swing things for her, but because of the Neptune opposition to Mars, I don’t think she will actually win (runner up at best!)

So of these four, I would say Svitolina has the best set of astrological transits.

Men’s Seeds

No. 1 Seed: Novak Djokovic

Djokovic beat Nadal at the French Open at Roland Garros recently, and Nadal will not be taking part in Wimbledon this year, which gives Djokovic an advantage.  He will meet Roger Federer, but only if they both reach the final.  Tumaini Carayol writing in the Observer this morning says: “Djokovic distinguishes himself in the way he suffocates his opponents.  He usually remains closer to the baseline and moves forward into the ball, stealing time from the server and forcing them to collect the second shot behind some of their best serves from their laces.”

At the beginning of Wimbledon, he will have a Mercury Return and may be on astonishing form mentally.  At the end of Wimbledon, Jupiter will be square his Sun which could work for him (knowing him!).  Mars will be trine his Jupiter (high spirits and enthusiasm), and Mars will be on his Ascendant, so he could also be at the height of his athleticism too.  He will be hard to beat, as everyone says.

No. 2 Seed: Danii Medvedev

I wrote in 2019 of Russian Medvedev: “He is a leader (Sun conjunct Mars trine his North Node).  Mercury conjunct Uranus gives him a brilliant brain, and Mercury exactly conjunct Neptune gives him the ability to channel inspiration.  Venus in his chart is exactly trine Pluto, so he has great personal magnetism.  And he has a conjunction between his Chiron and North Node in Libra (the sign I associate with tennis), so it is absolutely his game.”

At the beginning of Wimbledon, Medvedev will have Pluto on his Mercury, so may be carrying some mental strain, on or off the court.  Neptune will be on his Saturn, which may also sap at his strength.  Pluto will be on his Neptune, making life very complicated with heavy emotional or psychological issues.  And like Ashleigh Barty, Jupiter will square his Pluto  (exaggerated power; unforced errors).  At the end of the tournament, Pluto will still be on his Mercury, Neptune still on his Saturn, Pluto still on his Neptune.  Jupiter will be moving away from squaring his Pluto, however.  I personally think these transits are too challenging to overcome and win Wimbledon.

No. 3 Seed: Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas is a young Greek Lion (Leo), born in 1998 like Sabalenka and Kenin.  With four planets in the Fire Element, including Moon in Aries, he may have fiery traits!  He also has a fair deal of Water, with Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Chiron in that element.  Perhaps his water may put out his fire, sometimes.  Venus/Mars trine Jupiter makes him very sociable.

At the beginning of Wimbledon, Mars will oppose his Uranus exactly on the day (unpredictable and incident-prone), which could be explosive.  At the end of Wimbledon, his transits are very undistinguished.  This does not look like a distinguished Wimbledon for him, therefore.

No. 4 Seed: Alexander Zverev

I wrote of German Zverev in 2017: “His Sun is right at the beginning of Taurus, and he has 0 Water planets (so may not be so emotional) and half his planets in Earth so is practical.  He is sensitive, though, with Neptune exactly square his Sun, and Chiron exactly opposite his Sun.  He has Mercury conjunct Venus, which may give him writing or diplomatic abilities.  With Mercury exactly square Uranus, he is not afraid to be controversial…Neptune trines his North Node, so he has a spiritual side.  With Neptune square his Chiron he may be impossibly idealistic (as well as practical).  An intriguing young man.”

His transits at the beginning of Wimbledon show Saturn sextile his natal Saturn, a steady start.  Chiron however sits on his natal Saturn, which may cause some difficulty, e.g. a niggling injury.  The North Node will be trine his natal Uranus, so he will have the power of surprise.  At the end of Wimbledon, Jupiter will be sextile his natal Sun (a winning transit), Mars will oppose his natal Jupiter (some fiery energy), Chiron will still be on his Saturn, and the North Node still trine his Uranus.  Not a bad set of transits.

Djokovic still has the best chances of the four, with Zverev second (possibly a finalist).

May the best players win!

Aspects

It’s a very quiet week on the aspect front, which may give you extra creative space and freedom.

Venus went into Leo first thing this morning, enabling you to make hay today and certainly for the next few days.  There is an opportunity to get out and about and enjoy the fruits of summer.  You can afford to be bold in seeking entertainment today, and also polish up your performance skills.  Let your hair down.

Hopefully the other feature of the week won’t bother you until Thursday (1st July), though some of you may feel its pull slightly before then: Mars opposing Saturn.  This one is no picnic, and indeed if you are trying to picnic you may have all sorts of obstructions: rain, wind or wasps to name three possibilities.  Two forces may be pushing against each other, and this could prove uncomfortable.  This can mean a conflict in the outer world, or the inner world.  A day which spells the need for caution.

And that’s it!

The week in bullet points:

• Today – making hay
• Thursday – damage limitation management

Naftali Bennett

This week, with the awkward square between Saturn and Uranus, Israel finally threw off its long-term entrenched figurehead Benjamin Nethanyahu, and entered into a new era of uncertainty with a precarious coalition of right, left and centre, together with an Arab representation.  The arrangement is that Naftali Bennett (of the far right) will be Prime Minister for two years, followed by Yair Lapid (the centrist) for two years, if they get that far.  It would be hoped that a new government would have a new impetus for the peace process and a new policy with regard to the settlements on the West Bank, but the line up does not look promising, with Naftali Bennett being to the right of Nethanyahu.  And the balance of power is delicate, having only been approved by one vote, or one seat.  Two bright progressive spots in all this are the inclusion of the Arab contingent, and the presence of nine women in the cabinet.

Birth Chart

Naftali’s chart shows 0 planets in Water signs (low in emotion), and 5 planets in Cardinal signs (the propensity to lead).  He has the Sun in Aries, which is a hawkish sign, and he comes from a strong military background.  His Moon in Leo also likes to lead, and with Mercury closely opposite Uranus he is not afraid to be controversial.  Mercury conjunct Chiron gives an aptitude for problem-solving.  Mars conjunct Saturn is deliberate in action, while Mars trine Pluto provides a powerhouse of energy.  Mars trine the North Node gives a warrior karmic mission, and Saturn closely trine Pluto confers great strength.  With a Grand Trine in Air, he can walk the talk; and with Jupiter square to his Sun, he can exaggerate.

Life and Career

Naftali Bennett was born in Haifa to parents who came to Israel from San Francisco just after the Six Day War in 1967.  Some of his mother’s family who stayed in Poland perished in the Holocaust.  After serving in the military, and making his fortune through a software engineering business, he entered politics in 2006, working for some of his political career with Nethanyahu.  They became friends and allies, until they fell out.  He subsequently led an opposition party, Yamina.  Crucially, for those wishing for a solution to the long running conflict in the Middle East, he opposes a two-state solution for the Israelis and Palestinians, the only realistic path to peace.  Thus, we cannot hope for much on this, unless he is swayed by his coalition partners otherwise.  Can a leopard change its spots politically?  I think of some of the Irish politicians who became part of the peace process.  A straw to clutch on to, perhaps…But he champions the right of Jewish settlements, a major block to a solution.  Alon Ben-Meir, an American expert on Middle Eastern politics wrote this week: “The occupation is like cancer – the enemy from within – that poses the greatest danger to Israel.”  He emphasizes that unless the issue is addressed by the government, there can be no progress.  Bennett’s transits at this point in time are Mars sextile his natal Pluto in Libra (energy and power).  Jupiter squares his natal Saturn in Gemini (a balancing act), and Saturn sextile his natal Chiron in Aries (the opportunity to bring some healing). He is experiencing his Chiron Return, normally the emergence of the Inner Healer.  He has vowed to unite the government.

Yair Lapid

And what of Yair Lapid, with whom he will share power, and hand over in two years’ time?  The world may have been able to breathe a bit more easily had the power switch been arranged the other way round.  But is Lapid going to be the Nick Clegg to Bennett’s David Cameron?  Lapid has a triple conjunction of Sun conjunct Mercury and Neptune in Scorpio, steely strong but also sensitive.  With 5 planets in Water signs and 5 in Fixed signs, he is emotional and strong willed.

Lapid grew up in Tel Aviv and London.  His great-grandmother died at Auschwitz.  He came from a journalistic family, and made a name for himself as an author, a TV presenter and news anchor.  On 8th January 2012, around the time of his Chiron Return he  announced that he was  changing tack and going into politics.  His Chiron is in Pisces, the sign of idealistic service.

In forming his centrist party “Yesh Atid”, he was inspired by international movements such as Emmanuel Macron’s “En Marche” in France, believing that centrism is the answer to the rise of populism.  In matters of religion, he is a believer in non-Orthodox Judaism, which he has seen in the movements of Liberal and Progressive synagogues around the world (which are not so popular in Israel).  He favours working with the Arabs – in an interview last year, he spoke about the coronavirus: “all of a sudden, Israelis have noticed the fact that so many of our doctors and nurses working in our hospitals, taking care of our elderly, are Arabs—Israeli Arabs.”  He has stated that he favours a two state solution, and resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians, but remains supportive of the West Bank settlements, which would be an obstacle in negotiations.

In his Synastry with Bennett, notably his Jupiter is conjunct Bennett’s Chiron in Aries, so while Bennett is currently having his Chiron Return, Chiron close to Lapid’s Jupiter in Aries, stimulating his good will.  Yair’s natal Venus also sextiles Naftali’s Pluto and Yair’s Saturn trines Naftali’s Uranus, which for two politicians poles apart is a reasonable working relationship.  Yair Lapid’s current transits are not easy: Saturn squares his Sun/Mercury (power constrained), Uranus opposite his Sun/Mercury (a new regime); thus the Saturn-Uranus square directly impacted him.  The North Node sextile his Jupiter gives him some status and Uranus trine his natal Pluto, can enable him to be an architect for change at this time.

Israel and Palestine

The transits for Israel at this moment in time show Neptune sextile its natal Sun, a fine state of balance and sensitivity, with the North Node on its Mercury (the necessity for karmic communication; and the North Node trine its Neptune, again a fine state of balance and sensitivity, again karmic.  And Saturn opposes its Pluto – a difficult time; added to that, Uranus squares its natal Pluto, bringing unprecedented change.  Chiron also trines Pluto – an attempt at deep healing.

The Palestinians, understandably, don’t see this change of regime as particularly helpful. A spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas said: “”This is an internal Israeli affair. Our position has always been clear, what we want is a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.”  I have three charts for Palestine: the first taken at the inception of the state of Israel, which would have similar transits as the above.  The second chart is for 1988: with Jupiter square its Jupiter, Saturn square its Mercury/Pluto and Uranus opposite its Mercury/Pluto (again a casualty of the current Saturn-Uranus square), there is nothing to write home about.

The third chart is for Palestinian autonomy in Jericho and the Gaza strip in 1994: Mars trines its Midheaven, Saturn squares its Sun, Uranus transits its Sun, Neptune sextile its Neptune, Pluto transits its Uranus and Pluto sextile its Pluto – indicating, at best, mixed blessings.

Two Years’ Time

Fast forward to 27th August 2023, and some relinquishment of power for Naftali could be seen in his transits:  Mars closely trine his Mars, Pluto trine his natal Mars and Mars on his natal Pluto – it seems like a decisive time, for him.  However, for Yair Lapid to take over, with Mars sextile his Venus and Jupiter opposite his Neptune, that does not seem strong enough for such an event, or maybe he will be taking a softly softly approach.  For Nethanyahu, who, in Trump style has vowed to be back, Uranus trine his natal Jupiter at that time raises just such an opportunity, which hopefully will not come to pass!

“We will do all we can so that no-one should have to feel afraid… And I say to those who intend to celebrate tonight, don’t dance on the pain of others. We are not enemies; we are one people.”

~ Naftali Bennett

Aspects

Happy Father’s Day!  We have three planets turning this week: two retrogrades and a direct motion.  This could find us feeling we are in a state of flux.  Jupiter is stationary this afternoon, prior to turning retrograde.  You may have been working along a particular line and making steady progress, but now have to re-assess.  There is a possibility of a U-turn by someone in power, or you may make a U-turn in  your own life.

The Sun enters Cancer on the Summer Solstice in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Monday 21st).  Wring every ounce of enjoyment out of your daylight hours!  The weather may not be obliging, however, particularly in parts of the U.K.  However, we have more freedom of movement than we had this time last year, for celebration.

In the first actual aspect of this week, at lunchtime tomorrow, Venus trines Neptune.  This is a beautiful aspect socially, enabling spiritual links with people.  Artistically or musically, you can achieve inspirational heights.

For some, the highlight of the week will be Mercury stationary prior to going direct in the late evening of Tuesday (22nd), especially if you have been struggling with computers, I.T. and broadband connections, or delays in communications.  There may be some accompanying sense of relief.  You can certainly pick up momentum on some projects which involve paperwork and documentation, and make some more essential journeys.

For others, the Sun trine Jupiter on Wednesday (23rd) will be the highlight, being one of the brightest aspects of the year.  It’s a , a happy-go-lucky aspect where circumstances allow.  So whatever lights your candle today, grasp the opportunity, but seize the day early.  Good cheer, laughter, and adventure may characterize the daylight hours.

However, in the last hour of the day (in the U.K.) Pluto opposes Venus, which may end the day on a more dramatic note, especially in terms of relationships, and possibly in relation to money and the Arts.  This can can symbolize brinkmanship in relationships, such as between Britain and the E.U.  In negotiations, people may be using negative tactics such as project fear, or threats of no deal. If your struggles are in the realms of art or music, you may have to go back to the drawing board on a creative project, or fundamentally change the values behind what you are creating, taking them to a higher level or a deeper level psychologically.

Thursday (24th) brings a sextile between Saturn and Chiron, which should be constructive and healing.  It is a useful, stabilizing and healing aspect, which could help you achieve something significant. This aspect enables us to think in a balanced way about our needs and our healing, and our plans for the future.  It is good for establishing ground rules for healing and comforting habits.

However, you may sense some emotional tension building towards tea-time, when we have a Full Moon (the Strawberry Moon) at 3 degrees Capricorn.  Even if you are making headway, you may still be feeling tension.  This Moon represents the pull between authority and individual needs.  There are questions about society, such as how far can authority be accountable for an individual’s fate, and how much can the individual expect from authorities, where does the balance of responsibility lie?

We have another change in planetary motion on Friday (25th) with Neptune stationary prior to turning retrograde, representing some retracing of steps on our spiritual path.  It has been direct since December last year, so you may have been inspired at that time by a new spiritual area opening up. Now is the time to consolidate on what you have learned, put it into practice, and walk your talk.  Neptune goes direct again this December.

The week in bullet points:

• Today – a U-turn or reassessment
• Tomorrow – Summer Solstice, and spiritual links
• Tuesday – communications eased
• Wednesday – Happy Go Lucky day, stressful evening
• Thursday – constructive and healing in the day, emotional high tide at tea time
• Friday – retracing of steps on our spiritual path

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

born: 4th June 2921 at 10.40 a.m. Santa Barbara, Ca.

The new addition to the royal family, Lilibet, was born the Friday before last, but her arrival was not announced until last Sunday.  Though for her first name she has been given the Queen’s nickname, the issue has already aroused controversy.  Parents Harry and Meghan were happy for it to be known that the name choice was approved with the Queen, Buckingham Palace has denied it, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a threat of  legal action towards the BBC over their reporting of the matter.  It has also been reported that Buckingham Palace intend to be more proactive in future in publicly evaluating such statements, but we have to take all statements with a pinch of salt.  What matters here is the truth, and for some it is all unnecessary reportage.  There is no contention, however, associated with the honouring of Harry’s mother Diana, in Lilibet’s middle name.

Birth Chart

The overwhelming flavour of Lilibet’s chart is that she comes over as a communicator, with the North Node/Sun, Mercury and Part of Fortune in Gemini, all in the 10th House of Career, Reputation, Life Direction and Highest Potential.  She will be most interested in press briefings.  She has the Sun exactly trine Saturn, giving her a sense of responsibility, and her Sun is conjunct the North Node, showing her Royal karma.

She has the Ascendant at 29 degrees Leo, which is conjunct the Fixed Star Regulus. itself traditionally a sign of Royalty.

One very interesting feature of her chart is the Moon exactly conjunct Chiron in 8th House.  Prince Harry spoke recently about “genetic pain and suffering”, wishing to break the cycle, provoking an outcry to some extent (partly as sharing too much information).  Curiously enough, the Moon conjunct Chiron in the 8th House of Ancestors indicates just such a wound!  To be fair, he made the comment in the context of wanting to address it.  Also, the good news is that finding this in Lilibet’s birthchart only indicates a wound present at birth that can be worked with.  However, although Prince Harry has raised the issue in relation to his own family, the Moon’s involvement highlights a wound within the female line as much as anything, so there is work to be done on Meghan’s side, too.

Lilibet’s chart has a high proportion (no less than 10) of exact aspects – she will have well-defined opinions, and with the Moon closely sextile the Sun, she will know what she wants.  Mercury is exactly square Neptune – so for all her communicativeness there is guardedness about privacy in relation to communication; she will be schooled in keeping secrets.  Venus in Cancer is exactly trine Jupiter, showing a love of humanity.  Venus sextile the Ascendant can indicate great physical beauty.  But Mars exactly opposite exactly Pluto could be difficult, indicating some level of anger in or around her.  Saturn exactly square Uranus, in common with her peer group, shows a conflict between the old and new, duty and freedom: she could be carrying this conflict to some extent for her parents.  Pluto exactly trine her Midheaven suggests she will want to do something meaningful with her life.

Relationships

As to her close relationships, there may be some friction with her father Prince Harry when she develops the will of her Leo Rising.  They have three exact oppositions between them, and one exact square.  In addition, his Uranus lies on her South Node, so they have some sparky past-life karma between them.

She is very much in tune with her mother Meghan, and may seek to emulate her as a role model.  Meghan’s Sun is exactly trine Lilibet’s Moon, a very harmonious personal connection.  There are four exact trines altogether between them, which is a high figure.  Notably Meghan’s Uranus trines Lilibet’s Mars, so they could do some dynamic work together.  However, on the other side of the coin, Meghan’s Uranus conjoins Lilibet’s I.C. in Scorpio in 3rd House, so Meghan could keep Lilibet on her toes, and their Neptunes are exactly square, so they bring out each other’s sensitivities.

Lilibet’s relationship with her brother Archie is a mixed picture, and with his Mars on her Mercury, they could have their fair share of sibling squabbles!  There is a good social bond, with his Uranus sextile her Venus, but with his Ascendant conjunct her Uranus, she could be disruptive for him.

There is a strong bond with Queen Elizabeth II, for the Queen’s Sun trines Lilibet’s Ascendant and therefore trines Royal Regulus, emphasizing the royal connection.  Their Moons are exactly trine in Fire.  The Queen’s Pluto squares Lilibet’s Moon in Aries in 8th House, bringing a deep emotional respect, awe even, especially from Lilibet to the Queen, but it may also be mutual.

If the first week of her life is anything to go by, she and her family unit may face more ups and downs in relation to the wider family units (Meghan’s father has apparently begged to meet Lilibet, but again we have to take all statements with a pinch of salt).  With the Sun closely sextile Chiron in Lilibet’s chart, her soul does desire to bring healing, but as the Moon exactly conjunct Chiron in Aries shows, first the wound has to be aired.  “Starlight Elixirs”, by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, indicates that Regulus is about identifying and working through emotional patterns.

“Regulus is a transpersonal pattern.  It promotes a belief that things must always revolve around a centre and that kings are needed to rule the people.  This archetype is called ‘the divine right of kings’ and it is heavily infused into human history.  Humans will let go of the need for kings when each person on Earth accesses his or her own powers of self-sufficiency and creativity”.

~ Barbara Hand Clow, from “Signet of Atlantis”

Aspects

Early today Chiron squared Venus, an aspect which highlights self-nursing and relationship issues.  You may, for instance, be having to rest a knee through over-exertion in the garden, or be examining a relationship wound.  If there is an emotional crisis, then healing could be nearby – if in doubt, go within.

Luckily, another early aspect to Venus counteracts this to some extent, and that is Venus sextile Uranus.  There may be a social sparkle somewhere in your life, even if only on social media.  It’s a good day, for the most part, for socializing and meeting new people, but be aware of your own sensitivities from Chiron square to Venus.  Meetings are significant with the combination of Venus and Uranus, and sometimes they can be strange.

Much later on, nearing midnight, the Sun squares Neptune, which brings another kind of over-sensitivity.  A bedtime meditational practice could centre around the subject of Illusion, although you could overthink it!  You may be feeling a little confused, lost, or even  dizzy.  It’s a good moment to surrender to the divine.

A much more loaded aspect occurs tomorrow (Monday, 14th), which will be more difficult to ignore: that of Saturn square Uranus.  It last occurred in February, and hovers around the whole year.  This ensures that a continuing theme this year is the preservation of the age-old order (Saturn, but in Aquarius, a sign of progress) versus rebellion (Uranus liking to rock the boat, but placed in Taurus, the sign of entrenchment).  Note its appearance in Lilibet’s chart, showing the parental desire to break away from some aspects of the royal order, while clinging on to others.  In your life you may be struggling to cast off some shackles and declutter and streamline your life, while realizing you cannot throw out the baby with the bathwater, and acknowledging the role of everything in your life.  You need to know the value of something, before you throw it away.  You can see this in some of the post-Brexit dilemmas currently faced by Boris Johnson and his cabinet.

Fixed Stars:

After tomorrow, there are no more aspects this week, so it is over to the Fixed Stars to show us what they can contribute for the rest of the period.

Tuesday 15th: Alhecka, otherwise known as Zeta Tauri, at 24 degrees Gemini:

from “Starlight Elixirs” by Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld:

“The signature of this star has to do with individuals who are willing to break out of past patterns and come forward in ways in which they have not been seen before….this star can be helpful in encouraging individuals to look at their own sources, work with these levels of inner energy, and make decisions about how this is to be shared or revealed in the world.”

Thursday 19th:  Polaris – Alpha Ursa Minor, at 28 degrees Gemini:

Bernardette Brady in “The Fixed Stars” says that Ebertin linked it to a sense of guidance, and Rigor connected it with pioneering.  She equates it with a sense of mission, because it has been a guiding star.

From “Starlight Elixirs”:

“Polaris… represents at a deep level the unconscious ability of individuals to align with a common source to bring through energy that can be applied in the world. .. This shared energy will be utilized for whatever project or energies an individual wishes to put them to.  While they are utilizing such an energy, some characteristics of the collective consciousness will also come through.”

Thursday 19th:  Betelgeuse – Alpha Orionis, at 28 degrees Gemini:

Bernadette Brady says that its influence can bring unbridled success without complications.

From Starlight Elixirs:

“This star provides a substantial increase in communication with energies of a physical nature,  particularly with the Earth energies…Betelgeuse can significantly enhance the ability to perceive the difference between survival connected energies and true spiritual awareness.  As a result,  fears are lessened and insight into the source of the fears is strengthened.”

The week in bullet points:

• Today – self-nursing; exciting meetings; confusion
• Tomorrow – major tussles between the old and the new
• Tuesday – breaking out of patterns
• Thursday – unity; fears eased

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka drew attention to mental health issues this week in relation to the post-match interviews that take place in tennis tournaments.  She decided to resign from the French Open at Roland Garros, when the authorities warned that she could be suspended for refusing to take part in the interviews.  She had been fined $15,000.  She then revealed the precarious state of her mental health, and the strain the interviews involved.  The authorities have been accused of lacking empathy.

Her Birth Chart

I wrote in 2019:

“Being born on a Full Moon (the Sun opposite the Moon), she may arouse strong emotions in others.  She says of herself “I fight myself a lot”.  She has the Sun conjunct closely Mercury in Libra, but has a difficult set of aspects in her natal chart: the Sun opposite Saturn and square Neptune. Mars sextile exactly Jupiter in her chart, bringing excellent energy and enthusiasm – she has a an aggressive playing style and a powerful serve.  Jupiter conjunct Uranus loosely in Aquarius (The Entrepreneur) may be a factor in her success.

Her ex-coach Sascha Bajin said of her:

‘I thought she was a little bit more of a diva because she didn’t talk much. She doesn’t really look at someone’s eyes, but that’s just because she was always so shy … Back then I didn’t know for what reason.’ ”

Tennis Career

Naomi came to the world’s attention when she beat Serena Williams in the final of the Miami Open in 2018.  She then won the Australian Open in January 2019, earning her World No. 1 status.  Her transits for this success involved Jupiter: Jupiter was trine her natal Saturn, indicating a triumph, and Jupiter square her Nodal Axis (indicating a karmic element to success).

However, there was an element of trauma in beating her idol Serena Williams who then ranted in the post-match interview.  Apparently, she was much affected by it.

But Serena has now come out in her support, saying: “I feel for Naomi…I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like. I’ve been in these positions.”

It is not the first time Naomi has taken a stand.  In the U.S. Open in August 2020, she walked on to the court in each match wearing black masks with the names of African Americans who had been killed.  At the time I wrote:

“Pluto square her natal Sun, big challenges in her life (and asserting her integrity was part of that)

North Node trine her Mercury, karmic merit (and asserting her integrity was part of that)”.

This Week

Naomi pulled out of the French Open on Monday.  Her transits at the time were:-

Mars square her natal Sun (anger over an issue; making a stand; activism)

Uranus square her natal Jupiter (a disruption)

Pluto on her natal Neptune (deep psychological issues to work through)

The week’s events may lead to a review of the whole issue of post-match interviews.  Certainly, as a viewer, you tend to cringe at the idea of someone being interviewed who has lost and is the throes of deep disappointment.

“Whatever?  Never mind? Big wows?  Fred Perry never had to take this many questions, and maybe the players of the future won’t either.  I know we have to pretend there’s a continuum between this and actual totalitarianism, but let’s not”

~ Marina Hyde, The Guardian

Aspects

If you’ve been working hard on your aspects lately, take a well-earned rest, for the first feature of the week does not appear until Thursday (10th).  This is a Solar Eclipse and New Moon at 19 degrees Gemini: a new beginning and possible turning point, with a fresh mental focus.  There’s a fresh outlook, new learning and progress in communications.  New initiatives in the beleaguered travel industry may also be helpful.

Friday (11th) brings a conjunction between the Sun and Mercury at 20 degrees Gemini.  That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.  It is a good day to apply your mind with clarity,  concentrate and focus,  make important statements, and look to the future.  You may write or speak some memorable lines.  Look out for some telepathy, too!

The fiery planet Mars enters the fiery sign of Leo  at lunchtime that day.  This will bring energy to your self-expression, or you may observe displays of power.  The aspect favours and supports the performing arts, and the beleaguered (word of the week) theatre industry.  Mars represents football and Leo sporting interests, so it is fitting that the UEFA European cup (delayed) is beginning.  You may kick off an active project of your own.

The week in bullet points:

• Thursday – new beginning, turning point in mental focus
• Friday – concentration, sparkling minds; energetic activity and creativity

 

Bob Dylan turns 80

It was Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday this week.  In celebration, I would like to select a song for each Sun sign, and quote some lyrics.  I  hope you like them, but if you find better examples for your Sun sign, please comment below!

Aries

This Wheel’s on Fire

This wheel’s on fire

Rolling down the road

Best notify my next of kin

This wheel shall explode!

(covered by Julie Driscoll)

Taurus

She Belongs to Me

She’s got everything she needs,

She’s an artist, she don’t look back.

She can take the dark out of the night time

And paint the daytime black

Gemini

Blowing in the Wind

How many years can a mountain exist

Before it’s washed to the sea?

Yes, ‘n’ how many years can some people exist

Before they’re allowed to be free

(covered by Peter, Paul and Mary)

Cancer

It’s All Right Ma

Darkness at the break of noon

Shadows even the silver spoon

The handmade blade, the child’s balloon

Eclipses both the sun and moon

Leo

Boots of Spanish Leather

Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine

Made of silver or of golden,

Either from the mountains of Madrid

Or from the coast of Barcelona

(covered by Joan Baez)

Virgo

Subterranean Homesick Blues

Johnny’s in the basement

Mixing up the medicine

I’m on the pavement

Thinking about the government

Libra

Tomorrow is a Long Time

Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin’

Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin’,

Only if she was lyin’ by me

Then I’d lie in my bed once again

(covered by Judy Collins)

Scorpio

A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall

And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son?

And what did you hear, my darling young one?

I heard the sound of a thunder, it roared out a warnin’,

Heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole world

(covered by Joan Baez)

Sagittarius

Mr. Tambourine Man

Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship,

My senses have been stripped, my hands can’t feel to grip,

My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels

To be wanderin’.  I’m ready to go anywhere

(covered by The Byrds)

Capricorn

Love Minus Zero

My love she speaks like silence,

Without ideals or violence,

She doesn’t have to say she’s faithful

Yet she’s true, like ice, like fire

(covered by Joan Baez)

Aquarius

The Times They are A-Changin’

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is

Rapidly fadin’

Pisces

Dear Landlord

Please don’t put a price on my soul.

My burden is heavy,

My dreams are beyond control

(covered by Joan Baez)

Aspects

Early tomorrow (Monday 31st) morning Mars trines Neptune which ensures the sensitive use of energies, such as meditative activities.  Yoga, Tai Chi and Qijong all represent this vibe.  Mars represents the use of energy or anger directed (in a trine) in a constructive way, and Neptune represents empathy.

Later in the day the Sun conjoins the North Node, and this could bring a show of power by someone in your circle.  However, this show of power is firmly subject to the laws of karma. It could also heighten creativity if you are unattached to the power play of others.

On Wednesday (2nd June), the Sun is involved in a sextile with Chiron.  This can bring about healing, and the beneficial input from other worlds and planes.

At lunchtime that day, Venus will enter Cancer, which boosts family life and feelings, and applies more love and care towards other members of the family.  There could be memorable and sentimental occasions arising (Venus stays in Cancer until 27th June) such as family get togethers.  We need to be conscious about our emotional boundaries during this period.

The Sun is busy again on Thursday 3rd (let’s hope the weather stays fine…), this time in a trine with Saturn that evening.  This is a solid and productive aspect.  If you are engaged in creativity, it can help ensure that it works on a practical level.  It is also a good aspect for making plans and laying foundations.

The late evening brings one of the best aspects of the year: Venus trine Jupiter.  It may help in making good memories which may help to see you through Saturday’s most difficult line-up.  It could be party time, but there are some restrictions at least  until 21st June, so you may not be able to go all out.  Close relationships are favoured, and romance (e.g. engagements) is in the air.

Sadly, the prospects for Saturday (5th) are not so good, certainly from 7 pm onwards in the U.K.  Around that time Mercury squares Neptune, an aspect we met recently, before Mercury went Retrograde.  This aspect muddies the communication waters further:  It is a good day for sorting out your finer feelings, and extracting fact from illusion.  This aspect may contribute to misunderstandings too, so keep your communications clear.

But the real villain of the day is an aspect which comes at 7.45 p.m., one of the most difficult of the year: Mars opposite Pluto.  There could for instance be consequences to weekend demonstrations.  This may bring a confrontation of sorts, or some discharge of energy.  Tempers may flare, unexpectedly, and words may cause upset.  Keep a low profile today if you wish to avoid conflict, and  the watchword is tact.

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – sensitive action; a show of power
• Wednesday – healing, and family feeling
• Thursday – practical foundations; party time
• Saturday – mental confusion; aggravation

Lady Diana and the Martin Bashir Interview

Lady Diana’s interview which aired on 20th November 1995 had consequences this week: the Dyson report found that Martin Bashir acted deceitfully and faked documents in obtaining it, and that the BBC compounded the deceit by covering it up.  Heads have rolled (Martin Bashir’s and Tony Hall’s) and Princes William and Harry have expressed their horror and anguish over its consequences.

Martin Bashir

Are there traits in Martin Bashir’s birth chart which may point to him forging bank statements in order to ruthlessly obtain the interview?  Sadly, it seems so.  First, a disclaimer – if you have any of these features in your chart, you are not tarred with the same brush!  Martin has the Sun exactly conjunct his South Node, which means he has brought in karma around the use of power from his previous lives.  His Moon is closely conjunct Neptune, which would normally point to emotional sensitivity.  In his case, it is in Scorpio, and that may add to some deceit (the combination of the Moon/Neptune/Scorpio).  He has Venus square Jupiter, to which I often attribute inappropriate behaviour.  Venus also exactly squares Pluto (forming a T-square with Jupiter), pointing to coercive use of power.  Mars squares Neptune, which can be deceitful.  Jupiter opposes Uranus (widely) which I often describe as The Opportunist or The Chancer!  Jupiter exactly opposite Pluto can be power-hungry.  Pluto square his Ascendant on his 4th House cusp can mean he bases his life on power-mongering.  And Chiron at the top of his chart, at the beginning of his 10th House of Career and Reputation can bring wounding in that regard, especially where he has Chiron opposite Pluto, forming part of the T-square.

Synastry

What does the comparison of Diana and Martin Bashir’s charts show?  Her Saturn is exactly on his Sun, and she has ultimately proved to be his downfall.  Her Chiron squares his Ascendant, compounding his natal wounding and self-undoing.

Interview

At the time of the interview,  Mars was trine her natal Uranus, an action of empowerment for her.  Mars was sextile her Midheaven, again an act of self-assertion.  Saturn was square her Ascendant: it was at a time of great anguish for her.  Uranus was on her natal Saturn: she was pushing the boundaries in a risky manner.  Neptune was square her Midheaven – no one would really know for certain what its effects would be, but she was at a time of her life when she was seeking a different role and in a state of flux.  Lastly, but not least, Pluto was square her Nodal Axis, a dramatic turn in the narrative of her life.

For him, the transits depict his success at the time, without hinting at the ignominy which lay far ahead in the future.  Mars was trine his natal Mars (obtaining his goal); Jupiter was trine his Mars (success in his goal); Uranus on his Sun (a sudden success) and Pluto trine his North Node (a profound moment in his karma).

Earl Spencer

Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother, is regretful over the role he played in introducing Martin Bashir to Diana.  He recalls a meeting exactly two years before she died, when he met with Martin about the possibility.  On that date, Jupiter was square Earl Spencer’s Uranus, so there was something risky about the venture.  Saturn was exactly opposite Earl Spencer’s natal Moon, so it may have been a sincere attempt on his part to alleviate the suffering of a woman in his life.

Dyson Report

Thursday’s verdict in the Dyson Report shows Jupiter (justice) exactly on the South Node (past karma) of Lady Diana’s chart!  Martin Bashir has mixed transits (and is apparently unwell), but Uranus square his natal Saturn stands out (extremely unsettled).  For Earl Spencer, he had an emboldening Solar Return (he felt the event hastened her end, and their initial meeting was fateful in a detrimental way to her subsequent fate).  He also had Mars trine his Neptune (speaking out his sensitivities).

For Prince William, Mars squares his Ascendant (some passionate emotions stirred, including anger), and Saturn square his Mars (great resentment).  But he is currently confident (Jupiter sextile his Moon and trine his Jupiter) and unpredictable (Uranus square his Moon and Jupiter).  Prince Harry had Mars trine his Midheaven (a time of action; he has been speaking out about mental health in relation to his upbringing), Jupiter trine his natal Pluto (also emboldening), Jupiter square his Nodal Axis (addressing injustices), Uranus trine his Ascendant (changes in ways of being) and Neptune opposite his natal Sun (some confusion).

For Lord Hall, former Director-General of the BBC, who has felt obliged to resign from his current post, the Nodal Axis squares his Sun (a karmic obligation), and Uranus sextiles his Sun (a sudden change).  For the institution of the BBC itself, the impact on its chart shows Neptune exactly opposite its Moon (hit by a scandal) and Uranus square its Mars (a harsh controversy).  When asked, Esther Rantzen on the Andrew Marr show this morning thinks the BBC will survive this difficult patch, and Uranus is sextile its natal Pluto so it is a time when change is forced upon it, but resilience likely.

In Conclusion

Reprehensible and inexcusable though his behaviour may be, in my opinion Martin Bashir is not solely responsible for what happened next in Lady Diana’s life.  She needed to say what she said, though she may have been rushed and harassed into it.  Her troubles had been going on for some time, and the marriage was already in trouble.  Andrew Morton’s book had already revealed much about her unhappiness.  Camilla Parker Bowles had been a spectre throughout their marriage, undoubtedly the love of her husband Prince Charles’ life.  Her chief aide Paul Burrell has told that she was without security before that time.  And she met her end because the paparazzi were obsessed with her, and hounded her to her death.

Aspects

For those of a sensitive disposition, look away now!  Two planets go Retrograde this week, and we have a Lunar Eclipse, so it could be a wild ride at times!  Not only that, but we also have two squares to contend with.  One redeeming feature occurs at the end of the week, though.  I will try and bring you some antidotes in dealing with these features.

Some may have retired to bed in a state of confusion last night over not one vote given by Europe to our U.K. Eurovision entry…In the early hours of this morning, Neptune squared Mercury.  Some snag may be nagging at you.  It may even be indefinable.  If so, allow your subconscious to bring it up in its own time, but don’t shut up shop until you have identified the rum note.  Then you can deal with it and move on and let it go.  One of the top news items of the day is still the Martin Bashir scandal involving the media (Mercury) and deceit (Neptune).

Following that, Saturn was Stationary prior to turning Retrograde.  Turning inward for contemplation is one of the requirements of a retrograde period.  That entails going through a period of revision: often with Saturn, it is a lesson all about patience and timing, and one of those lessons is that you can’t rush things.

There is a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday (26th) at 5 degrees Sagittarius.  This particular emotional high tide concerns the expansive bigger picture (Sagittarius) in your life, your psyche, or the world.  If you are feeling such a maelstrom in your life, then you may need to start by going within to that still small spiritual centre, find peace, then make your responses from that place.  Eclipses can be turning points.

The second square of the week occurs on Thursday (27th), and also involves Neptune.  This time Neptune squares Venus, so the confusion or deceit involves relationship or money.  You need to look behind the illusion in each case, or both.  There could be further uncertainty highlighted in the Arts or the world of Music.  There may be paranoia in relationships, and frustrating flaws in creative works, as well as insecurity in finance. Tread softly.

BEST ASPECT OF THE WEEK *****

Saturday furnishes us with a little light relief, in the form of  Mercury conjunct Venus at 24 degrees Gemini, which is a splendid literary and cultural aspect.  If you are publishing a book, it could be a very helpful influence.  It is also a good day for negotiation (take note politicians and diplomats).  Your communications will have an artistic flair, so it’s a good time to get creative.

In the very late evening, Mercury is Stationary prior to turning Retrograde, so please employ your very best tried and tested strategies on the matter.  For a lighthearted look at things, “The Mercury Retrograde Book” by Yasmin Boland and Kim Farnell advises when Mercury is in an Air sign (in this case Gemini):

“When Mercury is retrograde in an Air sign, there’ll…be plenty of befuddled ideas and confusing chatter, so avoid too much talking that doesn’t go anywhere.  You’ve got your thinking cap on, but is it on backwards?  You might even be wearing a selection of thinking caps, each one leading your mind in a different direction.”

Wishing you Good Luck, this week…

The week in bullet points:

• Today – Mental confusion; some navel gazing required
• Wednesday – emotional high tide; trying to look at the bigger picture
• Thursday – emotional confusion, or financial disarray
• Saturday – congenial for literature and the Arts; later communication glitches

Mary Beard

This week Mary Beard announced her retirement as Professor of Classics at Cambridge University next year.  In doing so, she intends to boost diversity by leaving an £80,000 fund for students from under-represented groups.

Birth Chart

Born with the Sun in Capricorn plus the North Node, Mercury and Chiron in that sign, Mary nevertheless has half her planets in Water signs, so is very emotional.  The Sun conjunct the North Node may indicate that part of her karmic mission is to illuminate, and she teaches us about Antiquity and Archaeology (some of the provinces of Capricorn, but also shared by some other signs), in particular Roman history.  Mercury sextile Saturn in her chart gives her mental focus and academic rigour.  Venus exactly trine Jupiter describes her as a lover of humanity.  Venus loosely conjunct Saturn in Scorpio, is another sign that she likes to dig and delve, though more in the realms of psychology, than in the literal earthy Capricornian sense.  Venus exactly trine Uranus makes her shine brightly in society, but may also point to her individualistic appearance.  Jupiter is exactly conjunct Uranus in her chart, the sign of an Entrepreneur.  Mars in Pisces trines Jupiter/Uranus indicating tremendous enthusiasm and excitability, which is of course very visible in her personality.  With Venus/Saturn in Scorpio, this completes a Grand trine in Water, so she has a powerful way of moving people.

Life and Career

Mary enjoyed archaeology from an early age, spending time on digs.  At eighteen she went to Cambridge University at Newnham College, where among other things she fostered the feminist attitudes which had been encouraged within her family background. She also paid her first visit to Pompeii.  She later completed a doctoral thesis, whose subject was “The State Religion in the Late Roman Republic: A Study Based on the Works of Cicero”.  She became Professor of Classics at Cambridge in 2004, around the time of her Chiron Return in Capricorn.

When she presented a television series Meet the Romans with Mary Beard in 2012, the late critic A.A. Gill gave a harsh review, and declared her not to be presentable enough for television.  She subsequently received similar criticisms of her appearance by the “trolls” of the day (the word had not yet come into its current connotation).

She has stated:

“I used to be scared of looking like this, but now I couldn’t wish to be any different.  Never mind the masochism of Botox.  I can’t even imagine dyeing my hair.  It’s not just the boring hours it would take.  It’s that every time you did it, you’d be reminded that you were hiding something.  And how do you stop once you’ve started?”

She would respond to detractors on Twitter directly at one stage.  Shortly after the initial fuss, I saw her get into my train carriage at Cambridge, and was very tempted to approach her and tell her how much I admired her, but thought better of it, as she seemed very comfortable in her own space!

On 4 August 2013, she received a Twitter-related bomb threat, which she reported.  At the time,  Pluto (bomb) was transiting her natal Sun!

She has presented an entertaining cultural programme on BBC entitled “Front Row Late”, where she engages in discussion with various guests.  It is a good vehicle for her erudition and her personality!  She identifies as a Socialist, politically.  She is married, with two children.

Current Transits

The current transits to her chart emphasize Pluto, and so do show decisions made on endings in her life:  Pluto is sextile her natal Venus in Scorpio; and Pluto exactly opposite her Jupiter/Uranus conjunction in Cancer.  She is responding to the call for change from Pluto, and hopefully new avenues will be rebirthed eventually.  But in the meantime, she will ensure that from next year, two students will receive four years of funding, who may not have otherwise been eligible.

Aspects

The Sun trines Pluto tomorrow, so there may be the sense of an ending.  You may have to make a decision which brings about change.  It is time to construct a new psychological mindset: one which is creative but also bears in mind the changes and cycles which are transforming our lives at this time. You may have felt that you haven’t got very far with a goal, but may receive an indication in this period that you have done better than you thought, your patience is rewarded, or that a pipe dream could become a going concern.

Venus also conjoins the North Node in Gemini tomorrow.  On its own, it is helpful for expressing love in verbal or written form.  Taken together with The Sun’s trine to Pluto the interpretation and outcome may be deeper; for example, you may feel a situation is lost, then someone may remind you of the power of love.

On Tuesday, Venus in Gemini goes on to sextile Chiron, so some of the communication that day will be very healing, and may literally concern the subject of healing, especially for relationships.  It is a good day to combine the Arts with Healing, such as creativity which involves and brings about healing.

Venus is busy this week, and on Thursday (20th) she trines Saturn (in the early hours).  This trine is quite stoical and productive, and stabilizing in terms of feelings.  If you are catching up or socializing with someone you haven’t seen for some time during lockdown, it is a good opportunity to re-establish your relationship.  Those of you interested in the Fixed Stars may note that our Sun aligns with the Pleiades around this date.

In the evening, the Sun enters the sign of Gemini, and earthy preoccupations may give way to a need for Communication and lightness of heart.  ‘Tis the season of chatting to the neighbours over the garden fence.  In the month of Sun in Gemini any kind of communication goes, writing your book, dealing with your documentation.  It all aids the general connectivity and circulation, which society needs.

Friday (21st) brings a square between the Sun and Jupiter, very descriptive of the type of hype preceding the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday!  This may make things more tricky than they need to be, as that aspect exaggerates everything it comes into contact with.  It’s the square of the Clown and the Prankster, among other Archetypes. Just try not to get side-tracked.  There is also a joyful, humorous side of Sun square Jupiter, so some laughter-yoga from time to time during the day would not go amiss!

The week in bullet points:

• Tomorrow – love, and endings
• Tuesday – love, and healing
• Thursday – love, and loyalty
• Friday – laughter, at whose expense?